Abstract

The Diels-Alder reaction is believed to be a key step in the biosynthesis of prenylated indole alkaloids containing a bicycle[2.2.2]diazaoctane moiety. Many chemical syntheses of bicyclic structures by Diels-Alder reactions have been reported, but the reaction mechanism remains underexplored. We have carried out DFT calculations on both acid- and base-promoted Diels-Alder reactions in these syntheses and reveal that the reactions occur through an inverse-electron demand mechanism. We hope that the new mechanism is helpful for the mechanistic understanding of the biosynthesis of this class of important natural products.

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