Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Meptazinol.

The first enantioselective synthesis of (S)-meptazinol in 14 steps from commercially available ethyl 4-oxo-3,4-dihydropyridine-1(2H)-carboxylate, being widely used in racemic form for pain treatment, and, en route, the formal synthesis of two anti-Alzheimer's agents are reported. A novel ring expansion of 2-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes, readily available via the stereoselective cyclopropanation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine-4-ols, provides an effective entry to 3,3-disubstituted azepanes that represent the core for a variety of approved drugs.

Functionalization of Piperidine Derivatives for the Site-Selective and Stereoselective Synthesis of Positional Analogues of Methylphenidate.

Rhodium-catalyzed C-H insertions and cyclopropanations of donor/acceptor carbenes have been used for the synthesis of positional analogues of methylphenidate. The site selectivity is controlled by the catalyst and the amine protecting group. C-H functionalization of N-Boc-piperidine using Rh2 (R-TCPTAD)4 , or N-brosyl-piperidine using Rh2 (R-TPPTTL)4 generated 2-substitited analogues. In contrast, when N-α-oxoarylacetyl-piperidines were used in combination with Rh2 (S-2-Cl-5-BrTPCP)4 , the C-H functionalization produced 4-susbstiuted analogues. Finally, the 3-substituted analogues were prepared indirectly by cyclopropanation of N-Boc-tetrahydropyridine followed by reductive regio- and stereoselective ring-opening of the cyclopropanes.