Alkaloid Synthesis Using Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling

Alkaloids are groups of naturally occurring compounds containing basic nitrogen atoms. They are produced by a variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Alkaloids have pharmacological properties and are often used as medications, local anesthetics, antibacterial and anticancer agents. We demonstrate a palladium-catalyzed reaction of a vinyl iodide and N-tosylhydrazones that generate pyrrolidine ring systems similar to those found in alkaloid natural product. This new cross-coupling method allows direct access too many alkaloids