An Asymmetric Organocatalysis Approach to the Prenylated Alkaloid Family

Michael addition of a proline-derived triketopiperazine (TKP) to β-substituted enones and acrylamides, mediated by a cinchona alkaloid catalyst, delivers products possessing a bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane structure in high yield and enantiomeric ratio (er). Further modification of the amide products toward polycyclic scaffolds resembling members of the prenylated alkaloid family is also demonstrated.