1-Alkyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones as glycine templates. Synthesis of Fiscalin B

An excess of base allows the regio- and diastereoselective alkylation at C(4) of the glycine templates 1-methyl(isopropyl)-2,4-dihydro-1H-pyrazino2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones 9a and 9b without the need for N(2)-protecting groups. While the alkylation of 9a gave exclusively the 1,4-anti-isomers, the isopropyl derivative 9b required much longer reaction times and occurred with lower diastereoselectivity. Fiscalin B 3 was obtained by alkylation of 9b with N-Boc-3-indolylmethyl bromide followed by indole deprotection.