A common and general access to berberine and benzo [c] phenanthridine alkaloids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80496-8

The S(RN)1 reactions between o-iodobenzamides and the enolate anion from 2-acetyl homoveratric acid lead to key tricyclic compounds which are easily converted to either berberine or benzo [c] phenanthridine ring systems providing thus a highly-yielding and versatile access to both classes of alkaloids.