Studies on the Daphniphyllum alkaloids : strategies towards the synthesis of daphnicyclidin alkaloids

Herein describes our approaches to the Daphniphyllum alkaloids. Specifically targeted are the recently isolated daphnicyclidins. The first chapter describes the structural diversity and biological properties of this class of alkaloids. Chapter 2 discusses some exploratory chemistry towards the daphnicyclidin fused tricycle. Chapter 3 describes the use of cyclopropanes in synthesis and their use in our ring expansion strategy. Preliminary results on the key cyclopropane ring expansion and the stereoselective quaternary center formation are also discussed. The chemistry concerning the diasteroselective cyclopropanation of a key intermediate and further details concerning the cyclopropane ring expansion are delineated. Chapter 4 contains the experimental details and characterization data for all new reported compounds.