I. Moldvai et al., Synthesis of vinca alkaloids and related compounds. Part 97.(1) epimerization with the aid of iodine, HETEROCYCLE, 55(11), 2001, pp. 2147-2155
(-)-15 beta -Hydroxy-14,15-dihydroeburnamenine (6) has been epimerized at t
he C(3) position with the aid of iodine. Octahydroindoloquinolizine derivat
ives containing hydroxyl group (11, 14, 17) gave the appropriate epimeric a
lcohols (13,16, 19) via pentacyclic intermediates (12, 15, 18).