Enantiospecific synthesis of annulated nicotine analogues from D-glutamic acid. 7-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptano[2.3-c]pyridines

The conformationally restricted nicotinoid (1S,4S)-7-methyl-7-azabicyclo2.2.1]heptano2,3-c]pyridine dihydrochloride has been prepared enantiospecifically from D-glutamic acid. The method involved a lithium cis-2,6-dimethylpiperidide-mediated intramolecular anionic cyclization of (2S,5R)-N-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-5-3-(4-N-chloropyridinyl]proline methyl ester in tandem with a standard decarboxylation sequence. Reductive amination afforded the desired N-methylated 2.2.1]bicyclonicotinoid. Cyclization of the corresponding iodopyridinylproline methyl ester, obtained via ultrasound-facilitated chloro-iodo exchange, was also effected.