Total synthesis of (S)-(-)-stepholidine using (S)-tert-butanesulfinylimine

Article abstract of DOI:10.3987/COM-10-12056

A new synthetic strategy of (S)-(-)-stepholidine, a promising antipsychotic drug candidate, is described. Nucleophilic addition of a laterally lithiated nitrile to a (S)-tert-butanesulfinylimine was used as the key step, which was complished in 94 % de and the main isomer was isolated in 52% yield. (S)-(-)-Stepholidine was prepared after another 5 steps, with an overall yield of 18.3% and > 98% ee. The Japan Institute of Heterocyclic Chemistry.