Strategic convergent synthesis en route to Veratrum steroidal alkaloids

Veratrum steroidal alkaloids are highly intricate alkaloids with a C-nor-D-homo steroid skeleton linked to a piperidine ring. These alkaloids have fascinated researchers due to their structural complexity and biological properties. The first synthesis of cyclopamine was accomplished in 2009 via a semi-synthetic approach. More recently, the synthesis of Veratrum steroidal alkaloids has made significant progress, employing a convergent approach. In this Highlight, we discuss the synthetic strategy that yields the highly functionalized, complex molecular architecture of Veratrum steroidal alkaloids, emphasizing key reactions involved. We also explore the current state of the synthesis of Veratrum steroidal alkaloids and discuss future directions and opportunities for the convergent synthetic approach in complex natural product synthesis.