Cooperative Activation Modes for Catalysis-Based Total Synthesis

Indole and isoquinoline nuclei bearing homoallylic amine cores are abundant in several prominent alkaloids, including strychnine. A recent study by Snaddon et al. reports a modular, cooperative catalysis platform to access linear and branched homoallylic amines, thereby streamlining enantioselective access to stereochemically complex Strychnos and Chelidonium alkaloids.