Synthetic strategies directed to the antitumour alkaloids sesbanimide A and manzamine A

Synthons derived from nature's chiral pool have been utilized in developing strategies aimed at the syntheses of the alkaloids sesbanimide A and manzamine A. The route designed for sesbanimide A has provided the naturally occurring alkaloid and a facile access to several analogues for structure‐activity relationship studies. The approach to the synthesis of manzamine A has led to a strategically functionalized chiral tricyclic intermediate possessing the absolute stereochemistry of the natural product. Recent results on the synthesis of sesbanimide analogues and the progress towards the total synthesis of manzamine A is described.