An enantioselective synthesis of the bicyclic core of the marine natural product awajanomycin

A concise stereoselective synthesis of the N-benzylated bicyclic core of the marine natural product awajanomycin is described starting with naturally occurring l-alanine. Key steps in the synthesis include a ring-closing metathesis to establish a δ-lactam ring followed by a stereoselective hydroxylation to instal the quaternary centre.