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Abstract: Cinchona alkaloid-derived thiourea catalysts promote nucleophilic additions to acyl imines for the asymmetric synthesis of secondary amine adducts. The hydroquinine-derived thiourea catalyst efficiently promotes the aza-Henry reaction of nitroalkane with acyl imines, affording β-nitroamines in good yields with enantioselectivities of 90–98% ee and diastereoselectivities up to 97%. The scope of the reaction also includes dimethyl malonate as a nucleophile to access β-amino esters in high enantiopurity. Under the optimized reaction conditions, secondary amine adducts of high enantiopurity are generated based on various aromatic and α,β-unsaturated acyl imines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dibenzylideneacetone (8) reacts with in situ-generated allylindium halide reagents to yield the product of a homoallyl-cyclopropanation reaction: 2-(3″-butenyl)-1,1-bis[(E)-2′-phenylethenyl]cyclopropane (9), which proceeds via step-wise cleavage of the Cd delivery of two allyl fragments from the reagent. A range of enantiomerically enriched ligands have been tested as stoichiometric asymmetric modifiers for this process. Enantiopure compounds such as cinchona alkaloids, ephedra, aminoalcohols and tartaric acid derivatives, which have proven of utility as asymmetric modifiers for the indium-mediated allylation of aldehydes and ketones, were very inefficient in the process 8→9. However, mandelic acid derivatives, in particular mandelates, were found to be of significant potential. The absolute stereochemistry of the cyclopropane 9 has been determined by degradation to 1,1-dicarboxymethyl-2-butylcyclopropane, converging with an independent enantioselective synthesis starting from hexene. Under optimised conditions, viz. using allylindium iodide reagents and working-up with aqueous Na2SO3 to avoid iodine-mediated polymerisation, (S)-9 can be generated in 86% yield and with (S)-methyl mandelate as modifier useful enantiopurity (94/6 er) was observed. The cyclopropane product ((S)-9) undergoes RCM using standard conditions to afford a norcarene unit ((1S,6S)-1-(E)-2′-(phenylethenyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-ene) without loss of enantiopurity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly enantioselective cyanocarbonation of dialkyl ketones catalyzed by commercially available and easily recyclable cinchona alkaloid derivatives has been developed. The reaction provides a useful approach for the enantioselective construction of tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters. Mechanistic studies have been carried out to shed light on the origin of the catalytic activity of the cinchona alkaloid and the asymmetric induction step. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This report describes the synthesis and an application of a new planar-chiral Lewis acid based on a 1,2-azaborolyl framework. The enantiopure complex is generated through an intriguing kinetic resolution by a chiral nucleophile. Imines bind in excellent yield to the planar-chiral 1,2-azaborolyl, furnishing crystallographically characterizable adducts that adopt the conformation that had been anticipated on the basis of steric considerations. Nucleophiles add with high stereoselectivity to these complexes, with the predicted sense of asymmetric induction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reactions of chiral imines obtained from optically active amino acids with nitrile oxides afforded 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives in moderate to good yields with good stereoselectivity. Investigation on the effect of bases suggested that triethylamine was prone to afford better stereoselectivity, while NaHCO3 was prone to increase the reaction rates and yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two sequential palladium-catalyzed reactions, an intermolecular Stille cross-coupling followed by a recently developed palladium-catalyzed reductive N-heteroannulation, have been employed as the key synthetic steps toward six tetrahydrocarbazolones. The products are advanced intermediates toward a number of naturally occurring carbazole alkaloids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The exocyclic analogue of the indole alkaloid isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria melanodocia has been prepared via olefination of a phosphonoester derived from 3-(2-bromoacyl)indole. The formation of an unexpected indolylazepine is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of the 3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane system found in the naphthyridinomycin, dnacin, and tetrazomine families of alkaloids is described. The key transformation involves an intramolecular palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation. The cyclization proceeds smoothly under mild conditions (20mol% Pd2dba3, 1.5equiv DBU, 65°C, THF, 20min) to afford 3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes in excellent yields (94–98%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A range of room temperature 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of imines of 2-amino-γ-lactone and thiolactone, catalysed by a combination of AgOAc or Ag2O with NEt3 or DBU, are described. The spiro lactones/thiolactones are formed regio- and stereoselectively as single cycloadducts in good yield via the syn dipoles and an endo-transition states. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 5-Substituted dipyrromethanes were synthesized by the reaction of N-tosyl imines with excess pyrrole in the presence of metal triflates. Tripyrromethane and other oligomeric side products were not observed. High yields of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes were obtained for electron donating and withdrawing substituents by performing the reaction at two different temperatures. The new reaction procedure is simple and anhydrous conditions are not required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A general strategy for synthesizing the crinine-type Amaryllidaceae alkaloids was developed. And total syntheses of four representative crinine-type Amaryllidaceae alkaloids: (±)-haemanthidine, (±)-pretazettine, (±)-tazettine, and (±)-crinamine, were accomplished via a common intermediate 17. This crucial precursor was achieved on the basis of the NBS-promoted semipinacol rearrangement recently developed by our group and an intramolecular Michael addition, which efficiently constructed the sterically congested quaternary carbon center and the hydroindole skeleton of the crinine-type alkaloids, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diastereoselective synthesis of α-aminophosphinates was achieved by alkylation of imines with a 1,1-diethoxyethylphosphinyl group. These products were readily converted into α-amino-H-phosphinates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neutral hydroxylamine extracts of wheat contained a product that was colourless at pH<5 (λ max 340nm) and yellow at pH>9 (λ max 400nm). ESI-MS showed a major ion m/z 184.0 and a possible parent ion m/z 367.2 (MH+) suggesting that the product resulted from the reaction of 2,6-dimethoxy-p-quinone with hydroxylamine. However, mass spectral and other spectroscopic data indicated that the compound was neither of the 2,6-dimethoxy-p-quinone oximes. A product with identical absorbance, mass spectrum, electrophoretic mobility and HPLC retention time as the pigment from hydroxylamine extracts of flour was observed amongst the reaction products of hydroxylamine and 1,4-dihydroxy-2,6-dimethoxybenzene. The structure of this product was identified by NMR, 2D NMR and IR as 4,4′-dihydroxy-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethoxyazodioxybenzene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Birch reduction of homotyramines with a syn-β-amino alcohol unit followed by acid treatment of formed dihydroanisole derivatives gives polysubstituted enantiopure cis-decahydroquinolines. The stereoselectivity of the process differs if the hydroxyl group is free or protected. The procedure allows the synthesis of 7-oxodecahydroquinolines embodying four stereogenic centres with the same relative configuration as that of lepadins F and G. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cyclizations of a bicyclic amine via an intramolecular Heck reaction followed by an oxidation reaction generated a tetracyclic spirocyclohexadione. From this useful intermediate, different crinine alkaloids such as crinine, buphanisine, flexinine, and augustine could be synthesized. Dienol/benzene or dienone/phenol rearrangement of this tetracyclic spirodienone afforded apogalanthamine analogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In our continuing program to identify bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates, the MeOH/EtOAc (1:1) extract of three collections of the Madagascar sponge, Biemna laboutei, was found to be cytotoxic to a series of human tumor cells. From the two sponges, seven new guanidine alkaloids, designated netamines A–G (1–7), have been isolated and their structures elucidated. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to be cytotoxic against three tumor cells with GI50 values in the micromolar range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: N-Alkyl acryloylamides derived from o-aminobenzaldehyde derivatives react with N-alkyl glycine derivatives to provide cis-fused pyrrole[3,2-c]quinolones in moderate yield and high diastereoselectivity. These same substrates engage in a tandem Michael–Mannich pathway on treatment with a secondary amine, providing corresponding quinolone derivatives. The elaboration of a pyrroloquinolone derivative via addition of an in situ generated functionalized copper acetylide to an in situ generated iminium ion provided the C2-substituted derivative. Global deprotection and reduction of the alkyne afford the tricyclic triamine core (as the HCl salt) found in martinellic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Facile and one-pot synthetic route of poly-substituted pyrroles and 4-oxo-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindoles is established, which consists of three steps: (1) palladium-catalyzed oxidation of hydroxy-enamines by using tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium and mesityl bromide oxidation system, (2) intramolecular cyclization, and (3) dehydration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies directed on the synthesis of the pyrrole containing marine natural products Rigidin and Rigidin E via vinylogous iminium salts are described. The successful strategy relies on the formation of a 2,4-disubstituted pyrrole from a vinamidinium salt followed by acylation at the 5-position of pyrrole. Halogenation and aminocarbonylation at the 3-position of pyrrole followed by hydrolysis of the ester group at C-2 and subsequent Curtius rearrangement generates the pyrrolopyrimidine skeleton. A final deprotection step completes the synthesis of Rigidin and Rigidin E. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The reaction of diazomethylphosphonates with aromatic thioketones at −65°C to room temperature yields 2,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-phosphonates, which eliminates N2 to give phosphonylated thiocarbonyl ylides as reactive intermediates. These sulfur-centered 1,3-dipoles undergo typical reactions of thiocarbonyl ylides, i.e., 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, cyclodimerization, and electrocyclic ring closure, depending on the involved thioketone and, therefore, on the reaction conditions. In the case of the most reactive thiofluorenone, the phsophonylated thiocarbonyl methanide can be intercepted with thiobenzophenone, a phosphonodithioformate, and tetracyanoethylene. In the absence of such reactive dipolarophiles, cyclodimerization occurs to give the corresponding 1,4-dithiane. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Highly diastereoselective, substrate-controlled, halogenation/ring contraction sequences delivered the naturally occurring chlorinated and unnatural brominated and iodinated axinellamine core structure. An unexpected azide displacement of the chlorinated cyclopentane, which proceeded with retention of stereochemistry, suggested a modification of the Scheuer/Kinnel proposal that may account for the related natural product massadine. Two unsuccessful routes to access the stereochemistry proposed for palau''amine were SN2 displacement of the bromo- and iodocyclopentane with excess chloride anion and an intramolecular directed chlorination pathway. Finally, an unexpected chlorination during our phakellstatin synthesis proceeded with retention of stereochemistry during tosylation possibly resulting from neighboring group participation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Full details for the total synthesis of (±)-nominine, a hetisine-type aconite alkaloid, are presented in three parts. Here (part 1), we describe the preparation of the key tetracyclic intermediate 6. Our palladium-catalyzed intramolecular α-arylation was adopted for preparation of the intermediate 4 with an angular formyl group. An acetal–ene reaction was then employed for C14–C20 bond formation to secure 6 from 5. The reaction mechanism of the acetal–ene reaction is discussed, and a method for removal of the 2-hydroxyethyl group from 6 is developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A hexacyclic compound 1, having almost the full hetisine-type aconite alkaloid framework lacking only the C-ring with an exo-methylene group, was synthesized from the intermediate 3 reported in the preceding paper. The synthesis involved the following key reactions the crucial conversion of 3 to 4, a stereoselective hydrocyanation reaction to obtain 5 from 4, and construction of the azabicyclic ring system (5→1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Completion of the total synthesis of (±)-nominine (1) is described in detail. Based on the results of the preceding two papers, total synthesis of (±)-nominine was accomplished diverging from the intermediate 7. Thus, following pyrrolidine ring formation through transformation from 7 to 8, the C-ring was constructed by radical cyclization to form 10 from the enyne precursor 9. Subsequent elaboration of the C-ring, followed by formation of the azabicyclic ring system, completed a total synthesis of (±)-1. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of (±)-1 unambiguously confirmed its molecular structure and racemic crystal structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The one-step construction of N-substituted carbazoles by way of the Pd-catalyzed double N-arylation reaction of primary amines with 2,2′-dibromobiphenyl is described. Aryl and aliphatic amines including tert-butylamine and a protected glucopyranosylamine were effectively transformed into the corresponding N-substituted carbazoles. The first total synthesis of murrastifoline-A, a biscarbazole alkaloid, based on this methodology is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Treatment of the 2,4-dinitrophenyl ethers of some indole-7-ketoximes with base results in a cyclisation reaction to yield pyrrolo[3,2,1-hi]indazoles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-step synthesis of indoloquinoline alkaloids is described. The reaction of 2,3 and 4-substituted haloquinolines with anilines afforded the respective anilinoquinolines, which upon photocyclization gave the indoloquinolines. By regioselective methylation on quinoline nitrogen, furnished the alkaloids cryptotackieine, cryptosanguinolentine, cryptolepine, and the synthetic isomer isoneocryptolepine. Their methyl derivatives were also synthesized in search of new antiplasmodial drugs and DNA intercalating agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Enantioenriched pipecolic esters were prepared in good yields in the decarboxylation, at room temperature, of N-protected piperidinohemimalonates catalyzed by cinchona alkaloids. Enantiomeric excesses as high as 72% were obtained when using 9-epi-cinchonine and the N-benzoyl substituted piperidinohemimalonate. A detailed study of the different reaction parameters revealed that the selectivity of this noncovalent organocatalyzed reaction is strongly dependent on the solvent, toluene or carbon tetrachloride being the best ones. The whole process based on the malonic acid synthesis was successfully tested on a 10mmolar scale and established a practical alternative to the asymmetric protonation of lithium enolates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A small library of 2-oxo-5-(hetero)arylpyrroles was prepared starting from 2,3-dioxo-5-(hetero)arylpyrrolidines. The large synthetic possibilities of these 2-oxopyrroles were investigated. The 2-oxopyrroles offer a large number of possible derivatizations including reactions with electrophiles. The chloroformylation of 2-oxo-5-(hetero)arylpyrroles provides pyrrole carbaldehydes. Some pyrrole carbaldehydes were used to synthesize polycyclic compounds like pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazinones, a thienopyrrole, a pyrrolobenz[1,4]oxazepine, a pyrrolobenzo[1,4]thiazepine, and a pyrrolobenzo[1,4]diazepine. Hereby we showed through a short exploration that the oxopyrroles and analogues are interesting and versatile synthetic building blocks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The four-component reaction of ethyl 4-chloroacetoacetate with aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate in a 1:2:1 molar ratio provided a simple and rapid access to highly functionalised pyrrolidines, ethyl 1-acetyl-4-hydroxy-5-[hydroxy(aryl)methyl]-2-aryl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylates stereoselectively. This transformation presumably occurs via a tandem Mannich-substitution-acetylation-aldol sequence of reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Ugi three-component reaction with 2-substituted five-, six-, and seven-membered cyclic imines was investigated. The reaction opens a new route to substituted proline and homoproline derivatives. It was shown that the method is efficient for the one-step preparation of seminatural dipeptides containing natural amino acid residues, and fragments of substituted proline or pipecolinic acid. The scope and limitation of the approach are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reactions of diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate with salicyl N-tosylimines or salicylaldehydes proceeded smoothly in the presence of DABCO or dimethylphenylphosphine under mild conditions to give the corresponding chromenes in excellent yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A convenient synthesis of the phytotoxin porritoxin is described. Central to the approach employed is the formation of the isoindolinone template obtained via a directed lithiation/Parham cyclization process enabling the concomitant connection of an acetal appendage. Further conversion into the requisite hydroxyalkyl chain, selective deprotection, and O-prenylation complete the synthesis of the title compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An in-depth experimental and theoretical analysis of the reactions of simple acyclic imines with nitrosoalkenes is reported. The effect of the substituents on nitrogen as well as carbon atom of imines on the cycloaddition pathways followed is systematically explored. The reactions of various functionalized imines with nitrosoalkenes leading to the formation of imidazoles and imidazole-N-oxides have also been explored. The plausible mechanisms leading to various heterocycles have been proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Schiff bases of azoles containing the amino group as part of a partial amidine structure undergo mercaptoacetylative expeditious annulation with 2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-oxathiolan-5-one to yield highly substituted 6,7-dihydro-6-mercapto-5H-thiazolo/1,3,4-oxa(thia)diazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones stereoselectively. The annulation is effected via an isolable intermediate under solvent-free microwave irradiation conditions in a one-pot procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The hetero-Diels–Alder reaction between 1-aza-3-siloxy-1,3-butadienes and electron deficient acetylenes is described. The reactivity of a range of α,β-unsaturated oximes and hydrazones is assessed in the synthesis of tri- and tetra-substituted pyridines bearing an oxygen functionality at C-3. Microwave irradiation has been employed to decrease the extended reaction times and increase the poor yields often associated with this reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Details of the evolution of a synthetic strategy toward the spirocyclic chlorocyclopentane core of oroidin-derived alkaloids, including the axinellamines and potentially adaptable to palau''amine, are described. A proposed refinement of the Kinnel–Scheuer biosynthetic proposal for palau''amine is posited. Studies undertaken to improve the regioselectivity and efficiency of a key Diels–Alder reaction utilizing a novel protecting group strategy, microwave chemistry, and other strategies are described. Further insights regarding the suitability of different protecting groups during the epoxidation/chlorination/ring contraction sequence are disclosed. Several interesting by-products from this reaction sequence are reported. These studies have led to a unified synthetic strategy to the axinellamines and palau''amine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The acid promoted diastereoselective dimerization of myrmicarin 215B is described. The reactivity of these sensitive alkaloids, structural assignment, and a possible mechanism for the observed dimerization is discussed. These finding raise the intriguing possibility of the synthesis of the highly sensitive myrmicarin alkaloids based on a strategy involving the direct dimerization of functional tricyclic myrmicarin derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A comparison is made between the calycanthaceous alkaloids, nomofungin, and the communesins using structural and biosynthetic information from studies of the former to shed light on the structural ambiguity of the two latter species. Also, a novel biosynthetic approach for the communesins is presented that involves coupling of tryptamine with the ergot alkaloid aurantioclavine that is suitable for synthetic emulation. Preliminary synthetic studies and intermediates are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A single biomimetic cascade sequence featuring intermolecular followed by intramolecular cyclizations allowed the biomimetic synthesis of nitraramine and the formation of an interesting original cage-like structure from simple C5 lysine-derived metabolites. In the course of the study, the structure and spectral data of 1-epinitraramine were also revisited. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Daphtenidines A–D ( 1–4 ), four new alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum teijsmannii, and the structures including relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Daphtenidines A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were possessing daphnilactone A-type skeleton. This is the second isolation of daphnilactone A-type alkaloids from natural sources. Daphtenidine C ( 3 ) was 4-acetoxy form of daphmanidin A, while daphtenidine D ( 4 ) was 14-dehydro form of yuzurimine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition has efficiently constructed the A-ring portions of the cylindrospermopsin alkaloids. A nitro-aldol addition of an elaborated nitroalkane to a pyrimidine aldehyde followed by an intramolecular reductive guanidinylation has enabled the syntheses of all three alkaloids in this family in 18–19 steps. We report the first asymmetric synthesis of cylindrospermopsin, unambiguously assigning its absolute configuration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The d-glucose derived α,β-unsaturated ester 5 on 1,2-acetonide deprotection, oxidative diol cleavage followed by treatment with N-benzylamine in the presence of NaBH3CN undergoes reductive amination and a concomitant intramolecular conjugate addition reaction leading to the formation of dihydroxypyrrolidine-ester 6a and monohydroxypyrrolidine-γ-lactone 6b . Intermediates 6a and 6b were efficiently converted to (−)-lentiginosine 3a , its 8a-epimer 3b , and pyrrolizidine azasugar 4 in good overall yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2-(2-Cyano-1-ethylthioethenyl)pyrroles easy exchange their ethylthio group for hydroxyl (NaOH, H2O–methanol, 40–45°C, 1h) to give 2-(2-cyano-1-hydroxyethenyl)pyrroles, a new family of stable enols, in 50–94% yields. The vinylic nucleophilic substitution proceeds at the double bond of both the starting pyrroles and their cyclic isomers, 3-iminopyrrolizines. X-ray structure analysis and NMR spectra show the enols to be stabilized by exceptionally strong intramolecular H-bonding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Povarov reaction, between an aromatic imine derived from cinnamaldehyde and a cyclic enamide, was employed to rapidly construct the tricyclic core of the alkaloids martinelline and martinellic acid. The cycloaddition was completely regioselective though the exo/endo selectivity was poor. The diastereoisomers were readily separated by flash chromatography and the relative stereochemistry of the exo-isomer confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography. This intermediate was converted to the central core of the aforementioned alkaloids in five additional synthetic operations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A highly regio- and stereoselective Brønsted acid-catalyzed coupling of ynamides and aromatic heterocycles, such as pyrroles, furans, and indoles is described. This process is the equivalent of hydroarylation of ynamides, and leads to the efficient syntheses of an array of vinylheterocycles. Diels–Alder reaction between the vinylindoles and DMAD afforded carbazole derivatives in good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aza-Darzens (‘ADZ’) reactions of N-diphenylphosphinyl (‘N-Dpp’) imines with chiral enolates derived from oxazolidinones and camphorsultam have been studied. Whilst oxazolidinone enolates reacted poorly in terms of aziridination, the use of the chiral enolate derived from both antipodes of N-bromoacetyl 2,10-camphorsultam, 2R-(5) and 2S-(5), with N-diphenylphosphinyl aryl and tert-butylimines proceeded in generally good yield to give, respectively, (2′R,3′R)- or (2′S,3′S)-cis-N-diphenylphosphinyl aziridinoyl sultams of high de. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several formyl-substituted 1-alkyl(aryl)-2-(2′-thienyl)pyrroles 3–7 were synthesized by functionalization of the pyrrole or thiophene ring of thienylpyrroles 2 using different methods: Vilsmeier formylation or metalation followed by reaction with DMF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A general synthetic approach to the polycyclic carbon skeleton of biogenetically related trachylobane, beyerane, atisane, and kaurane diterpenes from carvone is described. The skeleton of these diterpenes is prepared from a common intermediate, that is, 25 , readily prepared from carvone using an IMDA reaction and an intramolecular diazo ketone cyclopropanation of an unsaturated ketone as key steps. The tetracyclic diterpene ring systems are obtained from this key trachylobane-type intermediate through the regioselective reductive cleavage of the cyclopropane ring, after adequate modification of the functionalization around the tricyclo[3.2.1.02,7]octane moiety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The NaI/TMSCl/Et3N-mediated condensation between 2-(pyrrol-1-yl)benzaldehydes and secondary amine hydrochlorides followed by intramolecular trapping of the resulting iminium carbon by the 2-position of the pyrrole ring afforded corresponding 9-dialkylamino-9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles generally in good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]