Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of a Pyrrolizidine–Alkaloid-Inspired Compound Collection with Antiplasmodial Activity

A novel enantioselective
approach to the synthesis of a compound
collection inspired by natural pyrrolizidine alkaloids was developed,
employing an enantioselectively catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
as the key step. The cycloadducts were obtained with excellent enantio-
and diastereoselectivity. Biological evaluation of the resulting compound
collection revealed that the compound class has multiple bioactivities,
including activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7
and inhibition of Hedgehog signaling.