Details of the evolution of a synthetic strategy toward the spirocyclic chlorocyclopentane core of oroidin-derived alkaloids, including the axinellamines and potentially adaptable to palau'amine, are described. A proposed refinement of the Kinnel–Scheuer biosynthetic proposal for palau'amine is posited. Studies undertaken to improve the regioselectivity and efficiency of a key Diels–Alder reaction utilizing a novel protecting group strategy, ...
