2-Bromoleptoclinidinone, a pentacyclic aromatic alkaloid, C18H8N3OBr, possessing a new skeleton, was isolated from an ascidian, and its structure was determined by making extensive use of long-range proton-carbon couplings. The new alkaloid is toxic in cell culture to lymphocytic leukemia cells (PS). © 1987, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.