Formal synthesis of schulzeines B and C: A new route to Gurjar's lactams

Abstract

AbstractDescribed is a formal synthesis of racemic schulzeines B and C that intercepts intermediates developed by Gurjar and co‐workers. The synthetic sequence features an annulative coupling of a ketimine and acrylic acid enabling the construction of the benzoquinolizidine nucleus in a highly convergent manner. We also examined a continuous‐flow version of the thermal aza‐annulation, which proved less practical as compared to the batch processes.