A Raney Cobalt Mediated Reductive Cyclization Route to the Uleine Alkaloid Gilbertine

Reductive cyclization of the 2,4,5-trisubstituted cyclohexenone 16 using dihydogen in the presence of Raney cobalt afforded compound 17 (60%) that could be elaborated over a further five steps, including one involving a cationic cyclization process, into the racemic modification of the unusual uleine alkaloid gilbertine. Single-crystal X-ray analyses of compounds (±)-1, 16, and a derivative of 17 are reported.