Intramolecular Diels - Alder reaction of 4-(N-furfuryl)aminobut-1-enes. New approach to the synthesis of 6,8a-epoxyoctahydroisoquinoline (3-aza-11-oxatricyclo[6.2.1.0 1,6]undec-9-ene) derivatives

The intramolecular Diels - Alder reaction of readily accessible 4-substituted 4-(N-furfuryl)aminobut-1-enes was studied and a new one-step method was developed for the synthesis of 6,8a-epoxy-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,8a- octahydroisoquinoline (3-aza-11-oxatricyclo[6.2.1.0 1,6]undec-9-ene) derivatives. The [4+2]-cycloaddition proceeds stereoselectively to form exo-adducts. The influence of substituents at the nitrogen atom in 4-(N-furfuryl)aminobut-1-enes on the cycloaddition pathway was examined.