A Tandem Horner-Emmons Olefination-Conjugate Addition Approach to the Synthesis of 1,5-Disubstituted-6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes Based on the AE Ring Structure of the Norditerpenoid Alkaloid Methyllycaconitine

A novel Horner-Emmons olefination conjugate addition reaction of N-acetylamides to form 1,5-disubstituted-6-azabicyclo3.2.1]octanes with two bridgehead quarternary carbon centers is reported. This reaction is a key step in an approach to the synthesis of small ring analogues based on the AE ring structure of the Delphinium norditerpenoid, methyllycaconitine (MLA) (1). Initially, 3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (10) was selected as the starting material to these structures, but its generation proved inefficient. In contrast, the synthesis of 3-(phenylthio)methyl]cyclohex-2-en-1-one (6) and 3-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (11) proceeded in good yield. Subsequent hydrocyanation, ketalization, reduction, acetylation, deprotection of the acetal, and Horner-Emmons olefination-conjugate addition reaction to form 1-(phenylthio)methyl]-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl]-6-acetamido-6-azabicyclo3.2.1]octane (28), 1-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-5-(ethoxycarbonyl)methyl]-6-acetyl-6-azabicyclo3.2.1]octane (29), respectively, are reported, as well as for readily available 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (12). Studies on the Pummerer rearrangement of 28 and subsequent desulfurization and reduction to form an hydroxymethyl-substituted azabicyclo3.2.1.]octane (40) and then selective protection to form a protected hydroxyethyl N-ethyl (hydroxymethyl)azabicyclo3.2.1]octane (3) are also described.