Asymmetric synthesis of (R)-reticuline. A new strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of isoquinolines via enantioselective epoxidation or dihydroxylation

Abstract A new strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines7 − 9 has been developed. The route involves introduction of asymmetry via enantioselective epoxidation or dihydroxylafion of corresponding stilbene precursors followed by aminolysis and Pomeranz-Fritsch cyclization. The strategy has been successfully applied to the asymmetric synthesis of (R)-reticuline (9), the key-intermediate in the synthesis of morphine alkaloids on the biomimetic route.