The synthesis of pancratistatin, 7-deoxypancratistatin, and its analogs have attracted the interest of synthetic chemists due to both their structural complexity as well as interesting biological activity. Although previous syntheses have been reported, a general and efficient route to produce multigram quantities of these compounds has remained elusive. Herein is described a general approach to this class of compounds. The optimized route is reported. All work towards effecting and understanding the key allylic arylation reaction is described.