Synthetic studies toward the mitomycins: construction of the tetracyclic core via a reductive aminocyclization reaction

The tetracyclic core of the mitomycin family of natural products has been formed in one step from an acyclic precursor via a reductive aminocyclization reaction. Additionally, the eight-membered benzazocine can be prepared without the need for prior activation of the aniline. Construction of a mitomycin K analogue lacking the C9a methoxy moiety is also reported herein.