An efficient and straightforward method for the synthesis of polycyclic ring systems with a central 2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane unit is developed. The process is based on [4+2]-cycloaddition reactions that are performed with N-protonated 2-azabutadiene intermediates as heterodienes, generated from 4,4-disubstituted N-silyl 1,4-dihydropyridines. As dienophiles, cyclopentadiene for the intermolecular cycloaddition and an allyl moiety already attached to the 4,4-disubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridines for the intramolecular variant, are used.
Key words
hetero-Diels–Alder reaction - 1,4-dihydropyridines - heterocycles - polycycles - imines