This paper describes synthetic studies on a discorhabdin alkaloid with C2-N18 bond comprising the A–F hexa-cyclic framework. This specific bond was formed at the early stage of the synthesis by Mitsunobu reaction, and then a tryptamine derivative with E ring was converted to a tricyclic o-quinone intermediate via an aerobic oxidative cascade cyclization. Later in the synthesis, the D/E/F ring system incorporating E/D aza-spirocycle with C6 quaternary carbon center and the F/E aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane systems were constructed via an intramolecular Heck cyclization of the halogenated tricyclic o-quinone. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd