Synthesis of (±)-acetylnorloline via stereoselective tethered aminohydroxylation.

Loline alkaloids exhibit a strained ether-bridged pyrrolizidine skeleton and possess insecticidal and insect antifeedant properties. The synthesis of acetylnorloline, a prototypical member of the alkaloid family, is described. Central to the route is a stereoselective tethered aminohydroxylation (TA) of a homoallylic carbamate. Allylic (A1,3) strain is exploited to enforce diastereofacial selectivity during the aminohydroxylation.