10.1002/chem.201002054
The research focuses on the development of a versatile one-pot reductive alkylation method for the transformation of lactams and amides into α-substituted amines, which are key structural features in many bioactive alkaloids and pharmaceutically relevant molecules. The study aimed to improve the efficiency of organic synthesis by utilizing a triflic anhydride (Tf2O)/2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP) combination as the amide activating system, Grignard reagents as alkylating agents, and lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) or sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as reducing agents. The methodology was demonstrated through the concise syntheses of bioactive alkaloids (-)-bgugaine, (-)-coniine, (+)-preussin, and (-)-cassine, showcasing the method's diastereoselectivity and versatility. The successful syntheses of these alkaloids not only highlight the efficiency of the developed method but also its potential for further application in the total synthesis of other alkaloids.