A chemistry cascade: from physical organic studies of alkoxy radicals to alkaloid synthesis.

In this Perspective, I present a personal account of a succession of chemical projects that I was involved with, each of which triggered or initiated my next research undertaking. It started with my early work in the field of physical organic photochemistry, which, in turn, guided me to my current research dealing with the synthesis of biologically active alkaloids. The article highlights some of the dominant themes of my research program over the past 48 years. Subject matter that is discussed includes the generation of reactive intermediates by photoexcitation, [1,3]-dipolar cycloaddition chemistry, rhodium(II)-catalyzed domino reactions of alpha-diazo carbonyl compounds, intramolecular [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of 2-amidofurans, and the utilization of various thio fragments for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles.