Synthesis of 4-aza analog of ramelteon: a novel tricyclic 1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-cyclopenta[d]furo[2,3-b]pyridine derivative as melatonin receptor ligand

The 4-aza analog of ramelteon (−)-1, a novel tricyclic 1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-cyclopenta[d]furo[2,3-b]pyridine derivative, was synthesized via the intramolecular inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction followed by fluoride-induced desilylation–cyclization.