Synthesis of diversely functionalized indolizidinones and related bicyclic lactams using intramolecular Grubbs olefin metathesis and Dieckmann condensation.

Bicyclic 1-aza-2-oxo ring systems with versatile functionality were synthesized from the Grubbs olefin metathesis of appropriate olefinic precursors, starting with l-pyroglutamic acid. The carbocyclization products were further functionalized utilizing the double bond or by enolate chemistry of the corresponding beta,gamma-unsaturated bicyclic lactam. In an alternative strategy, indolizidinones were synthesized by application of an intramolecular Dieckmann cyclization.