Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.131, No.10, 3472-3472, 2009
Efficient Access to the Core of the Strychnos, Aspidosperma and Iboga Alkaloids. A Short Synthesis of Norfluorocurarine
An efficient anionic bicyclization of tryptamine-derived Zincke aldehydes forms the basis for a three-step route to the tetracyclic ABCE core of many Strychnos, Aspidosperma, and Iboga alkaloids. This powerful reaction is showcased in a five-step synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid norfluorocurarine from tryptamine and pyridine.