A domino N-amidoacylation/aldol-type condensation approach to the synthesis of the topo-I inhibitor Rosettacin and derivatives.

The pot, atom, and step-economic synthesis of Rosettacin topo-I poison and its derivatives has been achieved using a novel domino N-amidoacylation/aldol-type condensation, followed by decarboxylation of the ester function. The key domino procedure simply involves mixing HOBt ester as new reagent with lactam and NaH together in THF or THF/ DMF. The reaction seems to be general and led to suitable N-heterocyclic products in moderate to good yields.