A Straightforward Synthetic Entry to Cleavamine-Type Indole Alkaloids by a Ring-Closing Metathesis−Vinyl Halide Heck Cyclization Strategy

An indole-templated ring-closing metathesis has been used to create the central nine-membered ring of the cleavamine-type alkaloids. A subsequent intramolecular vinyl halide Heck reaction upon the resulting azacyclononene ring completes the assembly of the strained 1-azabicyclo[6.3.1]dodecane framework of the alkaloids. The usefulness of the approach is illustrated with the synthesis of (±)-cleavamine and (±)-dihydrocleavamine.