Original Mitsunobu-Triggered Sequence Involved in a One-Pot Domino Process toward Tetracyclic Systems Bearing a Bis‑N,O‑acetal Junction

Herein is reported an efficient, one-pot domino process through a 1,6-aza-Michael addition-triggered sequence and an original Mitsunobu-type concerted sequence for the synthesis of tetracyclic systems containing a bis-N,O-acetal junction. This methodology led to the construction of four new bonds, the cleavage of three C–O bonds, and the generation of an asymmetric center. Mitsunobu activation afforded final ring closure involving the creation of two bonds, which remains unprecedented among reported Mitsunobu-type sequences. The latter occurred in a regioselective fashion at the challenging C6-position of 2-pyridone intermediates. In the case of adequately substituted enantiopure amino alcohols, up to 95:5 of diastereoisomeric excess was achieved. Computational studies allowed the discrimination of a favored pathway for Mitsunobu sequence and supported the regioselectivity as well as the diastereoselectivity observed for this step.