N-Propargyl derivatives of the alkaloid anabazine with carbonyl, ester, and cyano groups in the side chain were obtained by three-component condensation of anabazine hydrochloride with paraformaldehyde and appropriate terminal alkynes. Decyanoethylation and hydration of the isopropylidene double bond resulted in mono-and dihydroxy derivatives of N-propargyl-anabazines, respectively.
The palladium-catalyzed vicinal carbonylation of the 1-substituted-3-methoxycarbonyl-2-propynyl methyl carbonates 6 proceeds at room temperature under atmospheric pressure of CO to give the triesters 7 in good yields.