Toward the synthesis of xestocyclamine A: investigation of double Michael reaction and direct aza Diels–Alder reaction

An efficient synthesis of the isoquinuclidone core of xestocyclamine A is described. The key step is a direct aza Diels–Alder reaction of enone 14 and p-anisidine to assemble the isoquinuclidone core of xestocyclamine A.