Synthesis 2017; 49(20): 4535-4561
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1589512
review
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Recent Advances for the C–C and C–N Bond Formation in the Synthesis­ of 1-Phenethyl-tetrahydroisoquinoline, Aporphine, Homoaporphine­, and β-Carboline Alkaloids

Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Parque Tecnológico Guatiguará, Km 2 Vía Refugio, Piedecuesta 681011, Colombia   Email: kouznet@uis.edu.co   Email: vkuznechnik@gmail.com
,
Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Parque Tecnológico Guatiguará, Km 2 Vía Refugio, Piedecuesta 681011, Colombia   Email: kouznet@uis.edu.co   Email: vkuznechnik@gmail.com
› Author Affiliations
We thank the Colombian Institute for Science and Research ­(COLCIENCIAS) under the project No. RC-0346-2013. CEPG acknowledges the fellowship given by the doctoral program COLCIENCIAS-Conv. 617.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 13 March 2017

Accepted after revision: 09 May 2017

Publication Date:
21 September 2017 (online)


Abstract

Among the existing methods for the synthesis of bioactive and/or complex small molecules, organic transformations such as C–C and C–N bond formation have been significantly developed and exploited for the synthesis of diverse synthetic and natural fused aza-polycycles. The abundance and biological and physical activities of 1-phenethyl-tetrahydroisoquinolines, aporphines, homoaporphines, and β-carbolines have inspired many organic chemists to seek sustainable and efficient protocols for their preparation. However, these methodologies involve multiple steps and in most cases the key reaction step is based on the formation of new C–C and/or C–N bonds, and this is usually the critical step that lowers the yields and selectivity. This review is focused on the advances made in recent years regarding the synthesis of these selected natural fused aza-polycycles, overviewing the substrate scope, limitations, regioselectivity, and chemoselectivity, as well as related control strategies of these reactions, concentrating on developments from 2010 to 2016.

1 Introduction

2 1-Phenethyl-tetrahydroisoquinolines; Dysoxylum Alkaloids

3 Aporphines, Homoaporphines, and Semisynthetic Derivatives

4 Harmala and Eudistomin Alkaloids and Their Biological Properties

5 Metal-Catalyzed C–C Bond Formation

6 Pd-Catalyzed C–C and C–N Bond Formation

7 Metal-Catalyzed C–N Bond Formation

8 [4+2] Cycloaddition in the Synthesis Of Aporphines

9 Tandem C–N/C–C Bond Formation: The Pictet–Spengler Reaction

10 Miscellaneous Methods

11 Conclusions