Total synthesis of (±)-desoxycodeine-d: a novel route to the morphine skeleton

A novel approach towards the construction of the morphine skeleton was demonstrated by a total synthesis of (±)-desoxycodeine-D (11) from 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinoline and isovanillin. The key steps are two consecutive Pd-catalyzed cyclizations and a Stevens rearrangement for the formation of ring B.