Microwave-enhanced synthesis of N-shifted buflavine analogues via a Suzuki-ring-closing metathesis protocol

[reaction: see text] A novel, microwave-enhanced six-step synthesis was devised for the synthesis of N-shifted buflavine analogues. Microwave-enhanced Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and ring-closing metathesis reactions were used as the key steps. Microwave irradiation was found to enhance the ring-closing metathesis reaction to generate the otherwise difficultly obtainable medium-sized ring system of the target molecules.