Regio- and Stereospecific Uncatalyzed Reactions of Electron-Rich Arenes and Olefins at Organomolybdenum Enantiomeric Scaffolds

A novel uncatalyzed reaction between
TpMo­(CO)2(5-trifluoroacetoxy-η3-5,6-dihydropyranyl/dihydropyridinyl)
complexes and electron-rich arenes/olefins is reported. The reaction
proceeds under mild reaction conditions so that a variety of functional
groups are tolerated. Combined with a stereospecific annulative demetalation,
the new reaction provides a rapid access to polycyclic alkaloid structures.
The sequential protocol was used to prepare analogues of the antimalarial
agent isofebrifugine.