An advanced intermediate 2 for the synthesis of antitumor antibiotic (±)-Fredericamycin A, 1, has been prepared. The synthetic route features a novel palladium(0)-mediated intramolecular spiroarylation of 3. This methodology allows access to the unusual spirocyclic ring skeleton characteristic of Fredericamycin A from more readily accessible precursors, isoquinoline 4 and naphthalide 5. The syntheses of 4 and 5 are discussed. Preliminary model studies established an efficient pathway to structures related to 3. These initial studies also disclosed a means by which to generate spirocyclic ring systems of the type found in Fredericamycin A. (DIAGRAM, TABLE OR GRAPHIC OMITTED...PLEASE SEE DAI)