Cascade Cyclization, Dipolar Cycloaddition to Bridged Tricyclic Amines Related to the <i>Daphniphyllum</i> Alkaloids

A tandem one-pot reaction of an aldehyde with a primary amine involving condensation and then cyclization (N-alkylation), followed by intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition of the resulting nitrone or azomethine ylide, provides a synthesis of bridged tricyclic amines. The reaction was most successful using hydroxylamine, and when the dipolarophile was an unsaturated ester, subsequent reduction of the N−O bond and cyclization to the lactam provided the core ring system of the yuzurimine, daphnilactone B, and bukittinggine type Daphniphyllum alkaloids.