A Novel Reductive Cyclization of Imides

Abstract

Imides have been frequently employed as intermediates in the synthesis of bridgehead heterocyclics⁴. Particularly in the synthesis of alkaloids⁵, but also in the preparation of heterocyclic steroids⁶ numerous examples are known. While in general the preparation of an imide is a facile procedure, its cyclization often involves considerable difficulties, notably in case of the substituted sucinimides⁷.