Efficient Syntheses of (±)-Cherylline and Latifine Dimethyl Ether

Abstract

A concise route for the syntheses of (±)-cherylline and latifine dimethyl ether is reported. The key steps involved are Michael addition of veratrole with p-methoxy nitrostyrene (for cherylline), anisole with 2,3-dimethoxy nitrostyrene (for latifine), and reduction of nitro intermediate, followed by Pictet–Spengler cyclization.

Keywords:

• Michael reaction
• Pictet–Spengler cyclization
• reduction
• tetrahydroisoquinolines

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to SVNIT, Surat, and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, for supporting this work.