Preparation and double Michael addition reactions of a synthetic equivalent of the Nazarov reagent.

A synthetic equivalent of the Nazarov reagent, the silyl derivative 2, able to undergo base-catalyzed double Michael addition reactions with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds has been developed. The new reagent satisfactorily reacts with unsaturated indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine lactams to give pentacyclic yohimbinone-type derivatives.