Divergent Two-Step Total Synthesis of Sclerotioloid A and B

A two-step divergent total synthesis of the structurally unique N-propargylated alkaloids sclerotioloid A and sclerotioloid B has been achieved. The synthesis relies on a robust aldol-propargylation domino reaction yielding the key divergent intermediate. Single crystal x-ray structure studies of the natural product sclerotioloid A shows that it exists as a helically chiral racemate in the solid state.