Total Syntheses of the Elusive Welwitindolinones with Bicyclo[4.3.1] Cores

The welwitindolinones with bicyclo[4.3.1] cores are a class of natural products that have attracted tremendous interest from the synthetic community because of their fascinating structures and promising biological profiles. More than 15 research groups worldwide have reported progress toward these elusive natural products. This Minireview describes contemporary studies aimed at the total synthesis of these challenging targets, in addition to the two recently completed syntheses of welwitindolinones with bicyclo[4.3.1] cores reported by Rawal and Garg in 2011. Both of the completed efforts rely on C4C11 bond constructions to access the congested bicyclic framework of these elusive natural products. 17 years in the making: The welwitindolinones with bicyclo[4.3.1] cores are a class of natural products that have attracted tremendous interest from the synthetic community. Contemporary studies aimed at the total synthesis of these challenging targets are described, including two recently completed syntheses (see one example).