Spliceostatins and Derivatives: Chemical Syntheses and Biological Properties of Potent Splicing Inhibitors

Spliceostatins and thailanstatins are intriguing natural products due to their structural features as well as their biological significance. This family of natural products has been the subject of immense synthetic interest because they exhibit very potent cytotoxicity in representative human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic properties of these natural products are related to their ability to inhibit spliceosomes. FR901564 and spliceostatins have been shown to inhibit spliceosomes by binding to their SF3B component. Structurally, these natural products contain two highly functionalized tetrahydropyran rings with multiple stereogenic centers joined by a diene moiety and an acyclic side chain linked with an amide bond. Total syntheses of this family of natural products led to the development of useful synthetic strategies, which enabled the synthesis of potent derivatives. The spliceosome modulating properties of spliceostatins and synthetic derivatives opened the door for understanding the underlying spliceosome mechanism as well as the development of new therapies based upon small-molecule splicing modulators. This review outlines the total synthesis of spliceostatins, synthetic studies of structural derivatives, and their bioactivity.

Evolution of Anion Relay Chemistry: Construction of Architecturally Complex Natural Products

Multicomponent union tactics in which three or more fragments are rapidly connected are highly prized in the construction of architecturally complex natural products. Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC), a multicomponent union tactic, has just such potential to elaborate structurally diverse scaffolds in a single operation with excellent stereochemical control. Conceptually, the ARC tactic can be divided into two main classes: "Through-Bond," by the relay of negative charge through the bonding system of a molecule; and "Through-Space," by the migration of negative charge across space by a transfer agent. "Through-Space" Anion Relay Chemistry, the focus of this Account, can be further subdivided into two types: Type I ARC, originated from the Tietze-Schaumann-Smith coupling reaction, which for the first time permits controllable Brook rearrangements to construct unsymmetrical adducts, and as such has been successfully employed in the total syntheses of diverse natural products, including the mycoticins, bryostatin 1, spongistatins, rimocidin, indolizidine alkaloids, and enigmazole A; and Type II ARC, central to which is the design of novel bifunctional linchpins that enable rapid assembly of linear and cyclic fragments with diverse architectural features, ranging from polyols, spiroketals, and polyenes to polypropionate scaffolds. Recently, the Type II ARC tactic has been exploited as the key construction tactic in the total syntheses of the spirastrellolides, the cryptocarya acetates, secu'amamine A, mandelalide A, and nahuoic acid C_i (B_ii). This Account will present the evolution of both the Type I and Type II Anion Relay tactics, in conjunction with some prominent applications.

Design and 22-step synthesis of highly potent D-ring modified and linker-equipped analogs of spongistatin 1

Spongistatin 1 is among the most potent anti-proliferative agents ever discovered rendering it an attractive candidate for development as a payload for antibody-drug conjugates and other targeted delivery approaches. Unfortunately, it is unavailable from natural sources and its size and complex stereostructure render chemical synthesis highly time- and resource-intensive. As a result, the design and synthesis of more acid-stable and linker functional group-equipped analogs that retain the low picomolar potency of the parent natural product requires more efficient and step-economical synthetic access. Using uniquely enabling direct complex fragment coupling crotyl- and alkallylsilylation reactions, we report a 22-step synthesis of a rationally designed D-ring modified analog of spongistatin 1 that is characterized by GI50 values in the low picomolar range, and a proof-of-concept result that the C(15) acetate may be replaced with linker functional group-bearing esters with only minimal reductions in potency.

Synthetic Access to the Mandelalide Family of Macrolides: Development of an Anion Relay Chemistry Strategy

The mandelalides comprise a family of structurally complex marine macrolides that display significant cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines. Presented here is a full account on the development of an Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC) strategy for the total synthesis of (-)-mandelalides A and L, the two most potent members of the mandelalide family. The design and implementation of a three-component type II ARC/cross-coupling protocol and a four-component type I ARC union permits rapid access respectively to the key tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran structural motifs of these natural products. Other highlights of the synthesis include an osmium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of an allylic 1,3-diol, a mild Yamaguchi esterification to unite the northern and southern hemispheres, and a late-stage Heck macrocyclization. Synthetic mandelalides A and L displayed potent cytotoxicity against human HeLa cervical cancer cells (EC50, 1.3 and 3.1 nM, respectively). This synthetic approach also provides access to several highly potent non-natural mandelalide analogs, including a biotin-tagged mandelalide probe for future biological investigation.

α-Silyl Amides: Effective Bifunctional Lynchpins for Type I Anion Relay Chemistry

Lynchpins comprising α-silyl amides have been validated for type I anion relay chemistry (ARC) to permit ready access to γ-ketoamides. Importantly, the ARC protocol can be run at ambient temperature without the need of additional reagents to trigger the [1,4] Brook rearrangement.

Synthetic approaches to the C11-C27 fragments of bryostatins

The modified Julia reaction and acyl carbanion chemistry, especially reactions of 2-lithiated dithianes, have been investigated for the synthesis of intermediates that are the synthetic equivalents of the C11-C27 fragments of bryostatins. The modified Julia reaction using 2-benzothiazolylsulfones was found to be more useful for the formation of the C16-C17 double-bond than the classical Julia reaction using phenylsulfones, and bulky sulfones gave very good (E)-stereoselectivity. The alkylation of a dithiane monoxide that corresponded to a C19-acyl carbanion using (E)-1-bromobut-2-ene was efficient but the use of a more complex allylic bromide corresponding to the C20-C27 fragment of the bryostatins was unsuccessful, possibly due to competing elimination reactions. This meant that the use of C19 dithianes for the synthesis of 20-deoxybryostatins would have to involve the stepwise assembly of the C20-C27 fragment from simpler precursors. However, lithiated C19 dithianes gave good yields of adducts with aldehydes and conditions were developed for the stereoselective conversion of the major adducts into methoxyacetals that corresponded to the C17-C27 fragment of 20-oxygenated bryostatins. A convergent synthesis of the C11-C27 fragment of a 20-deoxybryostatin was subsequently achieved using a 2-benzothiazolylsulfone corresponding to the intact C17-C27 fragment.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Mandelalide A Exploiting Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC): Identification of a Type II ARC/CuCN Cross-Coupling Protocol

Anion relay chemistry (ARC), an effective, multicomponent union tactic, was successfully employed for the total synthesis of the highly cytotoxic marine macrolide (-)-mandelalide A (1). The northern hemisphere was constructed via a new type II ARC/CuCN cross-coupling tactic, while the southern hemisphere was secured via a highly efficient four-component type I ARC union. Importantly, the synthesis of 1 showcases ARC as a rapid, scalable coupling strategy for the union of simple readily available building blocks to access diverse complex molecular fragments with excellent stereochemical control.

Synthesis and Structural Reassignment of Plakinidone

In connection with its first synthesis, plakinidone was structurally revised to a five-membered lactone. The key evidence for the previous assignment of this natural product as a perlactone was proven to be a misinterpretation of the MS data because of unawareness of a facile air oxidation. The synthetic samples also allowed for detection of differences in (13)C NMR for diastereomers of remote stereogenic centers, along with the influence of the air oxidation on the optical rotation.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Secu'amamine A Exploiting Type II Anion Relay Chemistry

A total synthesis of (-)-secu'amamine A has been achieved exploiting Type II Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC) to provide the full linear carbon and nitrogen skeleton in a single flask with the requisite stereochemistry and functionality. A mechanistic rationale is also proposed to account for the stereochemical outcome of the key aldol reaction leading to the advanced aza tricyclic core.

Conformation-activity relationships of polyketide natural products

Polyketides represent an important class of secondary metabolites that interact with biological targets connected to a variety of disease-associated pathways. Remarkably, nature's assembly lines, polyketide synthases, manufacture these privileged structures through a combinatorial mixture of just a few structural units. This review highlights the role of these structural elements in shaping a polyketide's conformational preferences, the use of computer-based molecular modeling and solution NMR studies in the identification of low-energy conformers, and the importance of conformational analogues in probing the bound conformation. In particular, this review covers several examples wherein conformational analysis complements classic structure-activity relationships in the design of biologically active natural product analogues.

Hydroxyl-directed stereoselective diboration of alkenes

An alkoxide-catalyzed directed diboration of alkenyl alcohols is described. This reaction occurs in a stereoselective fashion and is demonstrated with cyclic and acyclic homoallylic and bishomoallylic alcohol substrates. After oxidation, the reaction generates 1,2-diols such that the process represents a method for the stereoselective directed dihydroxylation of alkenes.

Enantioselective total syntheses of FR901464 and spliceostatin A and evaluation of splicing activity of key derivatives

FR901464 (1) and spliceostatin A (2) are potent inhibitors of spliceosomes. These compounds have shown remarkable anticancer activity against multiple human cancer cell lines. Herein, we describe efficient, enantioselective syntheses of FR901464, spliceostatin A, six corresponding diastereomers and an evaluation of their splicing activity. Syntheses of spliceostatin A and FR901464 were carried out in the longest linear sequence of 9 and 10 steps, respectively. To construct the highly functionalized tetrahydropyran A-ring, we utilized CBS reduction, Achmatowicz rearrangement, Michael addition, and reductive amination as key steps. The remarkable diastereoselectivity of the Michael addition was specifically demonstrated with different substrates under various reaction conditions. The side chain B was prepared from an optically active alcohol, followed by acetylation and hydrogenation over Lindlar’s catalyst. The other densely functionalized tetrahydropyran C-ring was derived from readily available (R)-isopropylidene glyceraldehyde through a route featuring 1,2-addition, cyclic ketalization, and regioselective epoxidation. These fragments were coupled together at a late stage through amidation and cross-metathesis in a convergent manner. Six key diastereomers were then synthesized to probe the importance of specific stereochemical features of FR901464 and spliceostatin A, with respect to their in vitro splicing activity.

Through-bond/through-space anion relay chemistry exploiting vinylepoxides as bifunctional linchpins

The development of new bifunctional linchpins that permit the union of diverse building blocks is essential for the synthetic utility of anion relay chemistry (ARC). The design, synthesis, and validation of three vinylepoxide linchpins for through-bond/through-space ARC are now reported. For negative charge migration, this class of bifunctional linchpins employs initial through-bond ARC by an SN 2' reaction, followed by through-space ARC exploiting a 1,4-Brook rearrangement. The trans-disubstituted vinylepoxide linchpin yields a mixture of E/Z isomers, whereas the cis-disubstituted and the trans-trisubstituted vinylepoxide linchpins proceed to deliver three-component adducts with excellent E selectivity.

Exploiting pseudo C2-symmetry for an efficient synthesis of the F-ring of the spongistatins

A concise and efficient synthesis of the F-ring fragment of the potent antimitotic marine macrolide spongistatin 1 has been developed. The key sequence involves double cross-metathesis/Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions to establish four stereocenters in a pseudo C2-symmetric array, followed by a selective protection reaction that breaks the pseudosymmetry, establishes a fifth stereocenter, and effectively differentiates the ester termini. Overall, the six contiguous stereocenters in the C(37)-C(45) F-ring fragment are established in just seven steps.

Enantioselective syntheses of FR901464 and spliceostatin A: potent inhibitors of spliceosome

Enantioselective syntheses of FR901464 and spliceostatin A, potent spliceosome inhibitors, are described. The synthesis of FR901464 has been accomplished in a convergent manner in 10 linear steps (20 total steps). The A-tetrahydropyran ring was constructed from (R)-isopropylidene glyceraldehyde. The functionalized tetrahydropyran B-ring was synthesized utilizing a Corey-Bakshi-Shibata reduction, an Achmatowicz reaction, and a stereoselective Michael addition as the key steps. Coupling of A- and B-ring fragments was accomplished via cross-metathesis.

Toward a more step-economical and scalable synthesis of spongistatin 1 to facilitate cancer drug development efforts

An efficient, step-economical, and scalable synthesis of a diene-bearing AB spiroketal fragment of spongistatin 1, and a demonstration of its efficient coupling to an aldehyde derived from silylformylation of a homopropargyl alcohol to produce the entire complex C(13)-C(17) linker region are described. The scalability of the synthesis of the AB spiroketal fragment was demonstrated by the preparation of 34.5 grams by one chemist in ~60 workdays, and more than 40 grams overall. With this material in hand and having established a method for its efficient coupling to the CD fragment, we have set the stage for the rapid synthesis and evaluation of a series of analogs of the CD spiroketal.

Complex fragment coupling by crotylation: A powerful tool for polyketide natural product synthesis

The first examples of the use of crotylation as a stereocontrolled complex fragment coupling strategy are described. Asymmetric aldehyde isoprenylation provides access to 2-substituted-1,3-butadienes that may be subjected to highly regio- and stereoselective 1,4 hydrosilylation with trichlorosilane. After complexation with a chiral diamine, the 2-sub-stituted-cis-crotylsilanes may be employed in highly diastereoselective Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed aldehdye crotylation reactions.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of diminutive forms of (+)-spongistatin 1: lessons learned

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of two diminutive forms of (+)-spongistatin 1, in conjunction with the development of a potentially general design strategy to simplify highly flexible macrocyclic molecules while maintaining biological activity, have been achieved. Examination of the solution conformations of (+)-spongistatin 1 revealed a common conformational preference along the western perimeter comprising the ABEF rings. Exploiting the hypothesis that the small-molecule recognition/binding domains are likely to comprise the conformationally less mobile portions of a ligand led to the design of analogues, incorporating tethers (blue) in place of the CD and the ABCD components of the (+)-spongistatin 1 macrolide, such that the conformation of the retained (+)-spongistatin 1 skeleton would mimic the assigned solution conformations of the natural product. The observed nanomolar cytotoxicity and microtubule destabilizing activity of the ABEF analogue provide support for both the assigned solution conformation of (+)-spongistatin 1 and the validity of the design strategy.

Diversity-oriented synthesis of 2,4,6-trisubstituted piperidines via type II anion relay chemistry

An effective, general protocol for the Diversity-Oriented Synthesis (DOS) of 2,4,6-trisubstituted piperidine congeners has been designed and validated. The successful strategy entails a modular approach to all possible stereoisomers of the selected piperidine scaffold, exploiting Type II Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC), followed in turn by intramolecular S(N)2 cyclization, chemoselective removal of the dithiane moieties and carbonyl reductions.

Short diastereoselective synthesis of the C1-C13 (AB spiroacetal) and C17-C28 fragments (CD spiroacetal) of spongistatin 1 and 2 through double chain-elongation reactions

A unique and practical synthetic sequence for rapid access to polyketides and to further the spiroacetals derived from them, which utilizes a bidirectional Hosomi-Sakurai allylation approach around key allylsilanes in the synthesis of the AB and CD ring systems of spongistatin 1 and 2, is reported. The synthesis of the AB spiroacetal 9 requires 13 steps, with a longest linear sequence of seven steps in an overall yield of 27%. The synthesis of the CD spiroacetal 13 requires 15 steps, with a longest linear sequence of 11 steps in an overall yield of 30%. Both syntheses start from but-3-enol.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of EF- and ABEF- analogues of (+)-spongistatin 1

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of two potential (+)-spongistatin 1 analogues have been achieved. The analogues, incorporating tethers (red) in place of the ABCD and the CD components of the (+)-spongistatin 1 macrolide, were designed such that the conformations of the retained skeleton (blue) would mimic the assigned major solution conformation of the natural product The nanomolar cytotoxicity observed for the ABEF analogue provides strong support for the assigned solution conformation.

Benzyl and phenylthiomethyl silanes: a new class of bifunctional linchpins for type II anion relay chemistry (ARC)

A new class of bifunctional linchpins bearing electrophilic sites beta or gamma to a silyl group have been designed, synthesized, and demonstrated to be competent in tricomponent unions exploiting Type II Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC). High diastereoselectivities were observed when a phenyl moiety (R(2)) served as an anion-stabilizing group (ASG) adjacent to a methyl susbtituent (R(1)), while diastereomeric mixtures were obtained when a phenylthiol moiety served as the ASG, irrespective of alpha-substitution.

Spongipyran Synthetic Studies. Evolution of a Scalable Total Synthesis of (+)-Spongistatin 1

Three syntheses of the architecturally complex, cytotoxic marine macrolide (+)-spongistatin 1 (1) are reported. Highlights of the first-generation synthesis include: use of a dithiane multicomponent linchpin coupling tactic for construction of the AB and CD spiroketals, and their union via a highly selective Evans boron-mediated aldol reaction en route to an ABCD aldehyde; introduction of the C(44)-C(51) side chain via a Lewis acid-mediated ring opening of a glucal epoxide with an allylstannane to assemble the EF subunit; and final fragment union via Wittig coupling of the ABCD and EF subunits to form the C(28)-C(29) olefin, followed by regioselective Yamaguchi macrolactonization and global deprotection. The second- and third- generation syntheses, designed with the goal of accessing one gram of (+)-spongistatin 1 (1), maintain both the first-generation strategy for the ABCD aldehyde and final fragment union, while incorporating two more efficient approaches for construction of the EF Wittig salt. The latter combine the original chelation-controlled dithiane union of the E- and F-ring progenitors with application of a highly efficient cyanohydrin alkylation to append the F-ring side chain, in conjunction with two independent tactics to access the F-ring pyran. The first F-ring synthesis showcases a Petasis-Ferrier union/rearrangement protocol to access tetrahydropyrans, permitting the preparation of 750 mgs of the EF Wittig salt, which in turn was converted to 80 mg of (+)-spongistatin 1, while the second F-ring strategy, incorporates an organocatalytic aldol reaction as the key construct, permitting completion of 1.009 g of totally synthetic (+)-spongistatin 1 (1). A brief analysis of the three syntheses alongside our earlier synthesis of (+)-spongistatin 2 is also presented.

Spongipyran Synthetic Studies. Total Synthesis of (+)-Spongistatin 2

Evolution of a convergent synthetic strategy to access (+)-spongistatin 2 (2), a potent cytotoxic marine macrolide, is described. Highlights of the synthesis include: development of a multicomponent dithiane-mediated linchpin union tactic, devised and implemented specifically for construction of the spongistatin AB and CD spiro ring systems; application of a Ca(II) ion controlled acid promoted equilibration to set the thermodynamically less stable axial-equitorial stereogenicity in the CD spiroketal; use of sulfone addition/Julia methylenation sequences to unite the AB and CD fragments and introduce the C(44)-C(51) side chain; and fragment union and final elaboration to (+)-spongistatin 2 (2) exploiting Wittig olefination to unite the advanced ABCD and EF fragments, followed by regioselective Yamaguchi macrolactonization and global deprotection. Correction of the CD spiro ring stereogenicity was subsequently achieved via acid equilibration in the presence of Ca(II) ion to furnish (+)-spongistatin 2 (2). The synthesis proceeded with a longest linear sequence of 41 steps.

Evolution of multi-component anion relay chemistry (ARC): construction of architecturally complex natural and unnatural products

Efficient construction of architecturally complex natural and unnatural products is the hallmark of organic chemistry. Anion relay chemistry (ARC)-a multi-component coupling protocol-has the potential to provide the chemist with a powerful synthetic tactic, enabling efficient, rapid elaboration of structurally complex scaffolds in a single operation with precise stereochemical control. The ARC tactic can be subdivided into two main classes, comprising the relay of negative charge either through bonds or through space, the latter with aid of a transfer agent. This review will present the current state of through-space anion relay, in conjunction with examples of natural and unnatural product syntheses that illustrate the utility of this synthetic method.

Gram-scale synthesis of (+)-spongistatin 1: development of an improved, scalable synthesis of the F-ring subunit, fragment union, and final elaboration

In a quest to develop an effective, scalable synthesis of (+)-spongistatin 1 ( 1), we devised a concise, third-generation scalable synthesis of (+)- 7, the requisite F-ring tetrahydropyran aldehyde, employing a proline-catalyzed cross-aldol reaction. Subsequent elaboration to (+)-EF Wittig salt (+)- 3, followed by union with advanced ABCD aldehyde (-)- 4, macrolactonization and global deprotection permitted access to >1.0 g of totally synthetic (+)-spongistatin 1 ( 1).

Ortho-TMS benzaldehyde: an effective linchpin for type II anion relay chemistry (ARC)

Ortho -TMS benzaldehyde, an effective bifunctional linchpin for Type II Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC), permits efficient multi-component union of a variety of nucleophiles and electrophiles, including the first example of a Pd-mediated ARC Type II process. To demonstrate the utility of the Type II ARC protocol, a “proof of concept” synthetic sequence was designed and implemented for construction of a focused library of “natural product-like” compounds.

Anion Relay Chemistry Extended. Synthesis of a Gorgonian Sesquiterpene

Extension of anion relay chemistry (ARC) beyond the area of dithianes has been achieved by the design of two effective ARC linchpins capable of three- and four-component couplings. To showcase the ARC tactic in natural product synthesis, a cytotoxic gorgonian linear sesquiterpene was constructed, and the absolute configuration assigned via the Kakisawa/Mosher method. The synthesis proceeded in five steps with an overall yield of 22%.

A modular approach to marine macrolide construction. 4. Assembly of C36-C51 and C29-C44 building blocks and evaluation of key coupling reactions targeting spongistatin 1 (altohyrtin A)

Routes have been developed for the stereocontrolled elaboration of two highly functionalized sectors of spongistatin 1. The approach to ring F takes advantage of B-alkyl Suzuki-Miyaura coupling to install the C44-C45 bond. The E-ring pyran moiety was generated by acylation of an alpha-sulfonyl carbanion, the stereogenic centers of which were incorporated by sequential asymmetric aldol reactions. [structure: see text].

Enantio- and Diastereoselective Allylmetalations: An Easy and Efficient Access to the AB Spiroketal of Spongistatin

[reaction: see text] A unique combination of highly enantio- and diastereoselective allylmetalations and a one-pot "desacetalization/spiroketalization" have been employed to synthesize the AB spiroketal fragment (C1-C13) of spongistatin in 15 steps and in excellent diastereoselectivity.

Lithium Carbenoids−Ultra-Reactive Yet Selective Reagents for Methylenation and Halomethylenation of Sulfones1

The first efficient, one-pot method for methylenation of p-toluyl sulfones (i.e., the transformation of p-MePhSO2CHR2 into R2CCH2) is described. Methods for effecting that transformation involving alkylation of sulfones with reagents of the general formula MCH2X, where M = SiMe3, SnR3, and MgCl (the Julia method) have been previously described. However, the silicon reagent is completely unreactive toward many sulfones, the tin reagent typically affords only moderate yields, and the magnesium reagent typically gives incomplete reaction (9-40% starting material). This article reports that excellent yields are obtained by alkylating the sulfone with the more ionic lithium methylene carbenoids (LiCH2X, where X = Cl, Br, and I). For example, treatment of sulfone 1 with 3 equiv of n-BuLi (THF, -100 degrees C) followed by 2 equiv of CH2Br2 affords olefin 2 in 96% yield. Although the carbenoid is generated in the presence of a 1:2 mixture of alpha-lithio-sulfone and n-BuLi, it reacts selectively with the alpha-lithio-sulfone (Krel = 9.6 +/- 0.8 with LiCH2Br). The chlorocarbenoid LiCH2Cl reacts somewhat less selectively (Krel = 3.5). The alkyl-substituted carbenoid n-BuCHBrLi reacts > or = 40 times more slowly than LiCH2Br, suggesting that olefination occurs by the SN2 mechanism rather than by metal-assisted ionization (MAI), the mechanism by which cyclopropyl and vinylidene carbenoids react with nucleophiles. Finally, sulfones can be transformed into vinyl halides by treatment with 3 equiv of n-BuLi (THF, -78 degrees C), followed by >2 equiv of diisopropylamine, followed by 3 equiv of dihalomethane (CH2X2, where X2 = Cl2, BrCl, Br2, or I2). All products are formed in high yield and purity.

Diversity-oriented synthesis of polyketide natural products via iterative chemo- and stereoselective functionalization of polyenoates: development of a unified approach for the C(1-19) segments of lituarines A-C

A unified, stereocontrolled synthesis of the C(1-19) segments of the lituarines A-C (1-3) has been achieved, highlighted by application of an iterative chemo- and stereoselective trienoate functionalization protocol, a strategy that holds considerable promise for the diversity oriented synthesis of polyketides.

A General, Convergent Strategy for the Construction of Indolizidine Alkaloids: Total Syntheses of (−)-Indolizidine 223AB and Alkaloid (−)-205B

N-Toluenesulfonyl aziridines comprise effective second electrophiles in the solvent controlled three-component linchpin union of silyl dithianes for the stereocontrolled convergent elaboration of protected 1,5-amino alcohols. This tactic, in conjunction with a one-flask sequential cyclization, constitutes an effective general strategy for the construction of indolizidine and related alkaloids, illustrated here with the total syntheses of (-)-indolizidine 223AB (1) and alkaloid (-)-205B (2).