Alkaloid synthesis using 2nd generation palladium-catalyzed cycloalkenylation. Diastereoselective total synthesis of α-skytanthine

An efficient approach to the synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes and 3-azabicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes by 2nd generation palladium-catalyzed cycloalkenylation is described. Additionally, this reaction is used for the diastereoselective total synthesis of (±)-α-skytanthine.