The cycloaddition of (Z) and (E)-vinyl sulfoxides with cyclic nitrones
1 and 2 is reported. Best diastereoselection is achieved with (Z)-vin
yl sulfoxides 7a-d as dipolarophiles. This methodology allows the high
ly stereoselective synthesis of (+)-sedridine 9a, (-)-hygroline 10 and
(-)-(2S)-N-carbomethoxypelletierine 11a. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science L
td. All rights reserved.