Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-reserpine.

ABSTRACT: A catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of (+)-reserpine is reported. The route features a highly diastereoselective, chiral catalyst-controlled formal aza-Diels-Alder reaction between a 6-methoxytryptamine-derived dihydro-β-carboline and an enantioenriched α-substituted enone to form a key tetracyclic intermediate. This approach addresses the challenge of setting the C3 stereogenic center by using catalyst control. Elaboration of the tetracycle to (+)-reserpine includes an intramolecular aldol cyclization and a highly diastereoselective hydrogenation of a sterically hindered enoate.

SUBMITTER: Rajapaksa NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3578295 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature