Three-step synthesis of (±)-preussin from decanal

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo5011558

A straightforward and stereoselective synthesis of the alkaloid preussin is described starting from decanal and diethyl 3-diazo-2-oxopropylphosphonate. The key steps are an aza-Michael reaction from an α,β-unsaturated diazoketone followed by a highly stereoselective Cu-catalyzed ylide formation and then a [1,2]-Stevens rearrangement. This strategy is feasible for extension to preussin analogues, demonstrating its utility for the rapid construction of all-cis-substituted pyrrolidines.