Transition metals in organic synthesis. Part 101: Convergent total synthesis of 1,6-dioxygenated carbazole alkaloids

Using a palladium(II)-catalysed oxidative cyclisation as key step, we describe a highly efficient total synthesis of a series of naturally occurring 1,6-dioxygenated carbazole alkaloids: clausenine, 6-methoxymurrayanine, clausenol, clausine G, clausine I, clausine Z and methyl 1,6-dihydroxy-9H-carbazole-3-carboxylate.