Abstract: During the course of synthetic study on ecteinascidin 743 (1), key intermediate 5 was prepared. Stereocontrolled synthesis of 5 from D-glucose was accomplished using incorporation of two nitrogen atoms and stereoselective addition of a phenol to an imine as key steps. Key words: ecteinascidin 743, D-glucose, bicyclo [3.3. 1] system, imine