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Updated: May 15, 2026

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-reserpine
Naomi S Rajapaksa1, Meredeth A McGowan, Matthew Rienzo
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Abstract:
A catalytic, enantioselective synthesis of (+)-reserpine is reported. The route features a highly diastereoselective, chiral catalyst-controlled formal aza-Diels-Alder reaction between a 6-methoxytryptamine-derived dihydro-β-carboline and an enantioenriched α-substituted enone to form a key tetracyclic intermediate. This approach addresses the challenge of setting the C3 stereogenic center by using catalyst control. Elaboration of the tetracycle to (+)-reserpine includes an intramolecular aldol cyclization and a highly diastereoselective hydrogenation of a sterically hindered enoate.
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