A new synthesis of the benzo[c]phenanthridines nornitidine, noravicine, and isodecarine, based on a microwave-assisted electrocyclic reaction of the aza 6π-electron system

A new and versatile synthetic route to a benzophenanthridine alkaloid was developed by a bond formation between C4b and N5 on the benzo[c]phenanthridine nucleus, using a microwave-assisted electrocyclic reaction of the aza 6 pi-electron system. This strategy was successfully used to synthesize nornitidine (1b), noravicine (1d), and isodecaline (1f). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.