An approach to total synthesis of the cylindricine B pyridoquinoline subclass of tricyclic marine ascidian alkaloids

Employing an intramolecular N-acylketiminium ion/olefin hetero Diels–Alder reaction, and a ring closing metathesis of a vinyl chloride as pivotal steps, it is possible to directly access the pyridoquinoline tricyclic ring system of the marine alkaloids cylindrines B and J.