Functionalized 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes. IV. synthesis of the indolo[3,2-f]morphan system.

Abstract A short route to the 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-7-one system is described. Condensation of 4-piperidones with diethyl 2-oxopropylphosphonate, followed by catalytic hydrogenation furnished the corresponding piperidylpropanones 6 which were cyclized with mercuric acetate in acetic acid to the target target bicyclic ketones 1 . The Fischer indole synthesis from 1 a afforded regioselectively the indole [3,2-f]morphan 2 , a new heteromorphan type.