Cyclization involving Brook rearrangement

The reaction of 5-silyl-y,5-epoxypentanenitrile derivatives with a base and an alkylating agent gives (Z) - 3 - s i I o x y- y, 3 -u n saturated pentanenitrile derivatives via a tandem process that involves the formation of a cyclopropane derivative by epoxy nitrile cyclization followed by Brook rearrangement and an anion-induced cleavage of the cyclopropane ring (Scheme 105).152... 

Radical cyclization reactions have proven to be a very efficient approach for polycyclic natural product synthesis. In many cases, the last step involves a reduction of a cyclic radical with formation of a new stereogenic center. Very good stereochemical control has been achieved with such polycyclic radicals. For example, Beckwith has reported a highly stereoselective formation of a quinolizidine ring (Scheme 19, Eq. 19.1) [41b]. This process is the key reaction in a four-step synthesis of epilupinine and the stereochemical outcome results from a stereoselective axial reduction by tin hydride of a bicyclic radical. In a related process, Tsai has prepared silylated hydroxyquinolizidine by radical cyclization to an acylsilane followed by a radical-Brook rearrangement (Scheme 19, Eq. 19.2) [42]. 

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