Rh-Catalyzed Hydroformylation-Initiated Bicyclization: Construction of Azabicyclic Systems

Here, we describe the recent progress toward construction of 1-azabicyclic structures using a domino hydroformylation double cyclization strategy of an amide bearing the trisubstituted alkene functionality. The method provides a rapid and atom-economic access to alkaloid structures under mild conditions, especially for quinolizidine and pyrrolidine-fused azepane skeletons with yields up to 82% and good diastereoselectivity. Subsequent oxidative cleavage conditions are developed for the synthesis of Dendrobatid alkaloid epi-epiquinamide.