Studies on the total synthesis of bisindole alkaloids in the vinblastine-vincristine series.

A series of investigations involving the total syntheses of a variety of indole and dihydroindole alkaloids in the Aspidosperma, Iboga and Vinca families are discussed. In this lecture particular emphasis is placed on studies relating to the synthesis of the clinically important bisindole or "dimeric" alkaloids of the vinblastine-vincristine family. Apart from the activity demonstrated by the natural alkaloids, it is shown that closely related synthetic derivatives can possess interesting anti-tumor activity as well.