Synthesis of alkaloids from aminol derivatives by β-fragmentation of primary alkoxyl radicals

The fragmentation of primary alkoxyl radicals, often described as low yielding and plagued by side reactions, proceeded in good to excellent yields when aminol derivatives were used as substrates. Remarkably, no side reactions such as hydrogen abstraction or oxidation were observed. The fragmentation can be coupled with an alkylation reaction to give 2-substituted pyrrolidine and piperidine rings such as alkaloid analogues and functionalized, chiral nitrogen heterocycles.