Synthesis of (+)-Ipalbidine Based on 6-exo-trig Radical Cyclization of a β-Amino Radical.

N-Boc (S)-proline was converted into (2S)-2-[(phenylselanyl)methyl]pyrrolidine, which was alkylated on nitrogen with 2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one. Reaction with vinyllithium, 6-exo-trig radical cyclization (Bu3SnH, AIBN, PhMe, 110 °C), dehydration (P2O5, H3PO4), and demethylation (BBr3) gave (+)-ipalbidine with ee >99%.