[Asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen-containing biologically active compounds utilizing intramolecular aminocyclization...

The progress of the asymmetric syntheses of nitrogen-containing biologically active compounds such as pyrrolidine, pyrrolizidine, indolizidine alkaloids, and unusual amino acids has been reviewed. Our recent advances in taking advantage of stereoselective aminocyclization of homochiral N-alkenyl urethanes and thioimitates containing allylic hydroxyl group have provided an attractive entry into the functionalized pyrrolidine skeletons as chiral building blocks. A promising approach to a number of biologically active compounds such as alkaloids has emerged.