10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00187-7
The study presents a total synthesis of the non-opiate analgesic alkaloid epibatidine, starting from 1,3-cyclohexadiene and achieving the final product in 13 steps with a 13% overall yield. Key chemicals involved include a-iodocyclohexenone (7), which is crucial for the Stille coupling reaction with pyridylstannane (11) to introduce the pyridyl subunit onto the central six-carbon skeleton. The synthesis involves generating an in situ nitroso reagent that undergoes cycloaddition with 1,3-cyclohexadiene to form an intermediate, which is then reduced and oxidized to obtain the enone. The pyridylstannane is prepared through a series of transformations starting from 2-methoxypyridine. The Stille coupling reaction, catalyzed by Pd[(o-tolyl)3P]2Cl2, is a pivotal step yielding the functionalized enone (12) in excellent yield. Subsequent steps involve hydrogenation, protection, and cyclization to ultimately obtain epibatidine. The study highlights the utility of transition-metal catalyzed coupling strategies in the synthesis of complex natural products.