Synthesis of 2,5-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes by Dieckmann Analogous Cyclization

Abstract

Starting with (S)-aspartate, methyl (S)-2-[1-allyl-4-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3,6-dioxopiperazin-2-yl]acetate 10 was synthesized in a four-step synthesis. Deprotonation of 10 and subsequent trapping of the first cyclization product led to the bicyclic mixed acetal 13 in 15% yield. The low yield of 13, compared with the yield of the corresponding glutamate derivatives, is explained by the higher energy (strain) of the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane system and the lower conformational flexibility of the shorter acetate side chain. The formation of a six-membered Na+-chelate 12 as intermediate is responsible for the high diastereoselectivity of the cyclization step.