Asymmetric synthesis of the azabicyclic core of the Stemona alkaloids.

A general strategy for the construction of the 1-azabicyclo[5.3.0]decane core of Stemona alkaloids is developed. Our diversity-oriented approach exploits 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of five-membered cyclic nitrones to C(6) olefins, followed by N-O reductive cleavage and azepine closure. The use of various enantiopure pyrroline N-oxides allows for a practical, stereoselective preparation of several putative precursors of different Stemona alkaloids.