An Efficient Synthesis of (±)-Narwedine and (±)-Galanthamine by an Improved Phenolic Oxidative Coupling

Abstract

Old problems, new ideas! The biomimetic phenol coupling of norbelladine derivatives such as 1 (Bn = benzyl) to form galanthamine (2), a drug used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, has been greatly improved by the use of the hypervalent-iodine oxidation reagent phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA).