Total synthesis of vitamin B12 developed by Robert B. Woodward (Harvard University) and Albert Eschenmoser (ETH Zürich) completed by more than 100 of postdoctorals during ~ 13 years. To control the stereochemistry is quit difficult task. I suggest you look at the CLASSICS IN TOTAL SYNTHESIS I, II and III written by Nicolaou and coworkers. So far total preparation of B12 have not been completed by anybody else.