First total synthesis of fumaridine

The first total synthesis of the alkaloid fumaridine is reported. The key step is the assemblage of the arylmethylene isoindolinone (E) by Horner reaction between the phosphorylated isoindolinone and the suitably substituted benzaldehyde . N-Lactam deprotection and concomitant E→Z isomerization complete the synthesis of the title compound.