A novel entry into 1-methyl- and 1-aryl-octahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrroles and their N-1–C-2 fused derivatives: stereoselective synthesis via an intramolecular azomethine ylide cycloaddition reaction

Synthesis of some novel pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole derivatives has been accomplished in good yields by the intramolecular azomethine ylide cycloaddition reaction of a strategically situated unactivated alkenyl aldehyde with various secondary amino acids. A cis fused cycloadduct was formed in all cases.