A synthesis of lactam 2, which constitutes a formal total synthesis of (-)-slaframine 1, is described with key steps being (a) intramolecular aldol reaction of ketoaldehyde 4 to establish the indolizidine framework and (b) diastereoselective reduction of enone 5 using the Corey oxazaborolidine 7.
A synthesis of lactam 2, which constitutes a formal total synthesis of (-)-slaframine 1, is described with key steps being (a) intramolecular aldol reaction of ketoaldehyde 4 to establish the indolizidine framework and (b) diastereoselective reduction of enone 5 using the Corey oxazaborolidine 7.