Evidence for the intermediacy of arylbenzylnitrenium ions in the thermal rearrangement of isoxazolidines derived from C,N-diarylnitrones and 2-morpholin-4-yl-acrylonitrile.

In contrast to the diaryl, dialkyl, alkylaryl, and parent series, nothing is known about the generation and chemical behavior of arylbenzylnitrenium ions. Herein, we report that these species can be generated by a process involving an unprecedented thermal rearrangement of isoxazolidines derived from C,N-diarylnitrones and 2-morpholin-4-yl-acrylonitrile. The products from these reactions are dramatically dependent upon the nature of the nitrone. Most of the observed chemistry originates from the singlet state.

A Short Synthesis of (±)-Matrine.

Three different radical reactions were used in a short total synthesis of (±)-matrine (1). Two of the four six-membered rings and four new bonds were created in one radical cascade involving intermolecular addition followed by two successive cyclizations and transfer of a xanthate group.