Synthesis of Polycyclic Alkaloid-Type Compounds by an N-Acyliminium ­Pictet-Spengler/Diels-Alder Sequence

Abstract

A range of structurally diverse penta- and hexacyclic alkaloid-type compounds have been prepared in a two-step procedure from readily available starting materials. A flexible N-acyliminium Pictet-Spengler reaction employing electron-rich β-arylethyl-amines, cinnamaldehyde derivatives, and alkynoyl chlorides sets the stage for an intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The complex and diverse polycyclic alkaloid-like compounds are easily obtained in reasonable to excellent yield in a reliable and efficient reaction sequence.