In connection with our recent development of an efficient asymmetric total synthesis of irinotecan (CPT-11, 1), an analogue of the natural product camptothecin, approved by the FDA for treatment of refractory colorectal cancer, 1, 2 2-amino-5-hydroxypropiophenone (2) was required as a key intermediate for the construction of the AB ring with (4 S)-tricyclic hydroxylactone 3, another known intermediate bearing CDE ring skeleton for the ...