Total synthesis of (-)-kaitocephalin based on a Rh-catalyzed C-H amination.

A total synthesis of (-)-kaitocephalin, an ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, is accomplished in highly stereocontrolled manner via Overman rearrangement, rhodium-catalyzed benzylic C-H amination, pyrrolidine formation involving nucleophilic opening of a cyclic sulfamate, and rhodium-catalyzed allylic C-H amination as key steps.