Abstract: A new synthesis of the pyrrolo [4, 3, 2-de] quinoline system characteristic of a class of marine alkaloids which includes the prianosins, discorhabdins, and other antineoplastic agents has been developed. The approach is exemplified in a total synthesis of makaluvamine D, a topoisomerase I1 inhibitor isolated from the sponge Zyzzya cf. marsailis. The route begins with a Fischer indole synthesis employing (2, 3-dimethoxyphenyl) ...