A direct synthesis of multi-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines via palladium(II)-catalyzed C(sp)–C(sp2) cascade coupling and intramolecular cyclization in the presence of ligand was developed. This reaction originates from phenylboronic acids and readily synthesized 2-carbonyl- or 2-formylpyrroloacetonitriles, and affords products in good to excellent yields for a diversity of substrates. Additionally, a possible mechanism for the transformation is proposed.
<div><div><div><p>The first synthesis of GB22 was accomplished by a con- cise, modular route. Two building blocks converged in a novel sp3-sp2 attached-ring coupling that used Ir/Ni dual-catalysis to reverse the regioselectivity of siloxycy- clopropane arylation. This cross-coupling proved general to access β-substituted tetralones via ring-expansion of indanone-derived siloxycyclopropanes. The congested, bridging rings of the GB alkaloids were completed using an aluminum-HFIP complex that effected intramolecular cyclization of an acid-labile substrate.</p></div></div></div>
