Stereoselective total synthesis of (S)- and (R)-nuciferine using benzyne chemistry

Total syntheses of (S)- and (R)-nuciferine were accomplished through approach involving diastereoselective reaction between a chiral dihydroisoquinoline enamide and 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate promoted by CsF, affording a separable mixture of diastereoisomers, which provided (S)- and (R)-nuciferine via simple and efficient transformations. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.