A [3+3] cyclization strategy for asymmetric synthesis of alkyl substituted piperidine-2-ones using 1,2-cyclic sulfamidates: a formal synthesis of (S)-coniine from l-norvaline

Regioselective ring-opening reactions of a set of representative 1,2-cyclic sulfamidates with lithium triethylorthopropiolate proceeded efficiently to deliver the corresponding δ-amino-α,β-unsaturated esters after acidic hydrolysis. Hydrogenation of the unsaturated esters and subsequent thermal cyclization afforded the related alkyl substituted piperidine-2-ones. This approach represents a novel [3+3] cyclization strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of alkyl substituted piperidin-2-ones. Efficiency of the cyclization process is illustrated by a formal asymmetric synthesis of (S)-coniine from l-norvaline.