Abstract We describe the efficient iron-mediated total synthesis of clausine O, clausine H (clauszoline-C) and anti-HIV active 7-methoxy-O-methylmukonal and clausine K (clauszoline-J). Consecutive C–C and C–N bond formations between 3-methoxy-4- methylaniline and a cyclohexadienyliumiron complex salt afforded 2, 7-dimethoxy-3- methylcarbazole, which served as common intermediate en route to the four alkaloids.