A new reaction motif: "homo-S(N)2'-like" direct nucleophilic addition to neutral eta(3)-allylmolybdenum complexes. total synthesis of the antimalarial (+)-isofebrifugine.

Charge neutral TpMo(CO)(2)(5-acyloxy-eta(3)-pyranyl) and TpMo(CO)(2)(5-acyloxy-eta(3)-pyridinyl) scaffolds undergo a novel intermolecular "homo-S(N)2'-like" reaction with a variety of carbon nucleophiles. Combined with an annulative demetalation, the homo-S(N)2'-like substitution/annulative demetalation sequence rapidly generates 2,7-dioxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane and 2-aza-7-oxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane frameworks in good to excellent yields with high enantiopurity. An enantiocontrolled total synthesis of the antimalarial alkaloid (+)-isofebrifugine was achieved utilizing this reaction cascade.