10.1016/S0040-4039(01)01340-5
The research focuses on the stereoselective synthesis of the azabicyclic core structure found in batzelladine A and D, which are biologically important polyguanidinium alkaloids with potential anti-HIV properties. The researchers utilized free radical cyclization to achieve this synthesis, starting from alkyl bromide 13. Key reactants included 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil derivatives, tris(trimethylsilyl)silane, and triethylborane, along with air, to produce azacycles with high diastereoselectivity. The study also involved the preparation of prerequisite alkyl bromides and acyl selenides, and the cyclization reactions were analyzed using techniques such as NMR and HPLC to determine the ratios of diastereoisomers and to confirm the stereochemistry of the synthesized compounds. The successful synthesis of the azabicyclic core and the understanding of its diastereoselective formation could have significant implications for the development of new therapeutic agents targeting HIV.