Total Synthesis of (±)-Impatien A via Aza-Heck Cyclization

The first total synthesis of the natural product impatien A is described. This concise synthesis features an aza-Heck cyclization to construct the complex spirocyclic ring system and provides a rare example of the use of aza-Heck cyclizations in complex molecule synthesis. To enable this key cyclization of an electrophilic nitrogen atom with a tetrasubstituted alkene, we utilized high-throughput experimentation to identify a new ligand and ultimately deliver impatien A in seven steps from known compounds.

Automated summary

The synthesis of the natural product impatien A was achieved using an aza-Heck cyclization to construct the complex spirocyclic ring system, showcasing an efficient synthetic method. Through high-throughput experimentation, a new ligand was identified to enable the key cyclization reaction, ultimately allowing impatien A to be synthesized in seven steps from known compounds.