As early researchers have noted, the strychnine molecular structure, with its specific array of rings, stereocenters, and nitrogen functional groups is a complex synthetic target, and has stimulated interest for that reason and for interest in the structure-activity relationships underlying its pharmacologic activities [REF].
The first total synthesis of strychnine was reported by the research group of R. B. Woodward in 1954, and is considered a classic in this field [REF].