Mannich reaction-aldol condensation, intramolecular

Strategies based on two consecutive specific reactions or the so-called "tandem methodologies" very useful for the synthesis of polycyclic compounds. Classical examples of such a strategy are the "Robinson annulation" which involves the "tandem Michael/aldol condensation" [32] and the "tandem cyclobutene electrocyclic opening/Diels-Alder addition" [33] so useful in the synthesis of steroids. To cite a few new methodologies developed more recently we may refer to the stereoselective "tandem Mannich/Michael reaction" for the synthesis of piperidine alkaloids [34], the "tandem cycloaddition/radical cyclisation" [35] which allows a quick assembly of a variety of ring systems in a completely intramolecular manner or the "tandem anionic cyclisation approach" of polycarbocyclic compounds [36]. 

Earlier syntheses of arylquinolizidine alkaloids mainly utilized the pelletierine condensation to construct the basic skeleton, 4-aryl-2-quinolizidinone (11) (Scheme 1). Two mechanistic pathways, involving (a) initial aldol condensation of pelletierine (8) with an aromatic aldehyde followed by intramolecular Michael-type addition of the resulting enone 9 (6, 7) and (b) a Mannich-type reaction through 10 (8, 9), were proposed without any experimental evidence. Preparation and cyclization studies of the intermediate 9, however, gave conclusive evidence to show that the pelletierine condensation proceeded through pathway a (10). 

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