Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and terminal alkynes: application to the total synthesis of (+)-lasubine II

The use of TADDOL-based phosphoramidite ligands on rhodium allows for the incorporation of terminal alkynes in the 2+2+2] cycloaddition with alkenyl isocyanates. Terminal aliphatic alkynes provide bicyclic lactams, while the use of aryl alkynes provides complementary access to vinylogous amides. Product selectivity seems to be governed by a combination of electronics and sterics, with smaller and/or more electron-deficient substituents favoring lactam formation. The use of homologous alkenyl isocyanates leads to an expedient asymmetric total synthesis of the alkaloid lasubine II.