A tandem Diels–Alder/Mannich approach to the synthesis of AE and ABE ring analogues of Delphinium alkaloids

The one-pot TiCl4 catalysed Diels–Alder/Mannich reaction of α-cyanoaminoacrylates with 2-silyloxy-1,4-butadienes gives 6-keto-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-1-carboxylates. Reduction of the ketone and alkylation of the resultant alcohol gives 6-alkoxy-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes mimicking the AE rings of a number of Delphinium and Aconitum alkaloids, with the same stereochemistry as the natural products.