Enantioselective Synthesis of Quinolizidines and Indolizidines via a Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation Cascade

A catalytic enantioselective synthesis of a new class of quinolizidines and indolizidines is presented. An asymmetric Bronsted acid catalyzed hydrogenation cascade as well as a sequential Bronsted acid/metal catalyzed hydrogenation protocol of 2-substituted quinolines yields benzofused quinolizidines and indolizidines in good yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.