A total synthesis of NK109 (7-hydroxy-8-methoxy-5-methyl-2, 3-methylenedioxybenzo [c] phenanthridinium hydrogensulfate dihydrate), an anticancer benzo [c] phenanthridine alkaloid, is reported. The primary structure of this compound was erroneously communicated in 1973 as fagaridine (from Fagara xanthoxyloides) which is the 8-hydroxy regioisomer. NK109 has not yet been isolated from a natural source and therefore can only be obtained ...