Total Synthesis of Echinopines A and B

Echinopines A and B [(+)-1 and (+)-2], two naturally occurring compounds characterized with a unique [3.5.5.7] carbon framework, have been synthesized in both enantiomeric and racemic forms. Their total synthesis involves a novel intramolecular rhodium-catalyzed cyclopropanation (4 --> 16) and a samarium diiodide-mediated ring closure (3 --> 37).