Conjugate additions of sulfur-stabilized anions to unsaturated lactams. Synthesis of polyfunctionalized benzo[a]quinolizinone systems.

Conjugate addition reactions of sulfur-stabilized nucleophiles to the delta-lactam unit of tetrahydrobenzo[a]benzoquinolizines have been studied. The stereochemical outcome of the conjugate addition reaction depends on the nature of the substituent at the angular position, thus 2,11b-cis or 2,11b-trans diastereomers could be obtained selectively. The tandem conjugate addition-alkylation also takes place in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The polyfunctionalized hexahydrobenzo[a]quinolizinone systems obtained could be further elaborated toward emetine-like structures.