Asymmetric Allylation/Ring Closing Metathesis: One-Pot Synthesis of Benzo-fused Cyclic Homoallylic Amines. Application to the Formal Synthesis of Sertraline Derivatives

A one-pot asymmetric allylation/ring closing metathesis (RCM) sequence for the synthesis of cyclic homoallylic amines has been developed. A library of six- and seven-membered benzo-fused products has been synthesized in good yields and complete diastereoselectivity. The new methodology has been applied to the formal syntheses of the antidepressant Sertraline and the epimeric Norsertraline. The methodology is amenable for the synthesis of analogs.