Functionalized 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes. IV. synthesis of the indolo[3,2-f]morphan system.

A short route to the 2-azabicyclo3.3.1]nonan-7-one system is described. Condensation of 4-piperidones with diethyl 2-oxopropylphosphonate, followed by catalytic hydrogenation furnished the corresponding piperidylpropanones $\text{6}$ which were cyclized with mercuric acetate in acetic acid to the target target bicyclic ketones $\text{1}$. The Fischer indole synthesis from $\text{1}$$\text{a}$ afforded regioselectively the indole 3,2-f]morphan $\text{2}$, a new heteromorphan type.