Racemization-Free Synthesis of (S)-(+)-Tylophorine from L-Proline by Radical Cyclization

The phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid (S)-(+)-tylophorine was synthesized from L-proline in nine linear steps including a double bromination and a free-radical cyclization of an N-aziridinylimine as the key steps. The phenanthrene moiety was prepared from homoveratric acid and veratraldehyde and permits the variation of each oxygen-substituted ring.