Construction of the azacyclic core of tabernaemontanine-related alkaloids via tandem reformatsky aza-claisen rearrangement

Abstract

A divergent synthetic methodology for a tabernaemontanine-related alkaloid was developed. The synthetic route features practical improvements in the Pictet-Spengler cyclization for the tetrahydro-fi-carboline intermediate and an unprecedented tandem Reformatsky aza-Claisen rearrangement to create the core carbon skeleton and stereochemistries of tabernaemontanine-related alkaloids.