The Saframycins are naturally occurring antibiotics with an interesting bisquinone structure. The first and only synthesis of saframycin B is described herein. The interesting aspects of this synthesis are the convergent approach and the method of stereochemical control. Studies directed towards adapting the saframycin B synthesis to the synthesis of saframycins A and S are also described. These studies have resulted in the synthesis of a compound structurally related to the saframycins but so far unreported in the literature. (DIAGRAM, TABLE OR GRAPHIC OMITTED...PLEASE SEE DAI)