Abstract
The Aristotelia alkaloids are a family of monoterpene indole alkaloids possessing a characteristic
azabicyclononane scaffold, which has been assembled by several synthetic methods.
Herein we review those approaches that have adopted a biomimetic approach to unite
heterocyclic synthons with chiral-pool monoterpenes. Throughout this discussion, the
tendency of monoterpenes like α-pinene and limonene to undergo racemization is highlighted,
revealing the challenges in developing stereospecific syntheses of these alkaloids.
Finally, we provide a brief discussion of how these synthetic efforts have enabled
the structural confirmation and elucidation of the Aristotelia alkaloids’ absolute configurations, including our own recent efforts to employ bioactivity
data to deduce the naturally occurring configuration of the quinoline alkaloid aristoquinoline.
1 Introduction
2 Mercury-Mediated Ritter-Like Reactions
3 Brønsted Acid Mediated Ritter-Like Reactions
4 Synthesis of Aristoquinoline: Ritter-Like Reaction Approach
5 Aza-Prins-Type Reaction in the Synthesis of Aristotelia Alkaloids
6 Determination of Naturally Occurring Absolute Stereochemistry
7 Conclusions
Key words
alkaloids - chiral pool - Ritter reaction - aza-Prins reaction - biomimetic synthesis
