Synthesis of notoamide J: a potentially pivotal intermediate in the biosynthesis of several prenylated indole alkaloids.

An efficient total synthesis of notoamide J, a new prenylated indole alkaloid and potential biosynthetic precursor, is described herein. Starting from L-proline and a substituted tryptophan derivative, this synthesis also employs an oxidation and pinacol rearrangement for the formation of the oxindole in the final step.