Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the morphine skeleton via radical cyclization and a C10-C11 closure

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)01867-9

A short synthesis of a morphinan skeleton has been accomplished. The key steps involve enzymatic dihydroxylation of β-bromoethyl benzene, vinyl and aryl radical cyclizations, and Friedel-Crafts closure of an aziridinium ion or an acid-catalyzed closure of an aldehyde to form the C₁₀-C₁₁ bond.