A One-Pot Reaction to Quinolizidine Derivatives

Significance

The authors report an enantio­selective C-C bond-forming reaction of activated amides and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to give optically active indolo[2,3α]quinolizidine and ­benzo[a]quinolizidine derivatives. The reaction ­sequence involves a conjugate addition and subsequent acid-catalyzed cyclization via acyliminium ion. Several electron-withdrawing and electron-donating α,β-unsaturated aldehydes gave the annulation products with high enantioselectivities and moderate diastereoselectivities.