Total synthesis of (±)-lycorine from the endo-cycloadduct of 3,5-dibromo-2-pyrone and (E)-β-borylstyrene.

A new synthetic route to (±)-lycorine, starting from the endo-cycloadduct of 3,5-dibromo-2-pyrone and (E)-β-borylstyrene, is reported. Boronate oxidation and a set of reactions including face-selective epoxidation provided the pivotal C1-OH group and C3/C3a double bond.