The pentacyclic alkaloid calothrixin B (1) has been synthesized in 5 steps from murrayaquinone A (9). The key step involved the union of boryl aniline 31 with brominated murrayaquinone A (26). In this transformation, alkylquinone 26 undergoes tautomerization to a quinone methide, which is intercepted by boryl aniline 31 to forge a new C–N bond. An intramolecular Suzuki coupling, followed by dehydrogenative aromatization, completed the synthesis of calothrixin B. Subsequent N-oxidation of calothrixin B delivered calothrixin A. The successful synthesis of these alkaloids and the challenges that led to the development of the final synthesis plan are reported herein.

A new method for amino acid homologation by way of formal C–C bond functionalization is reported. This method utilizes a 2-step/1-pot protocol to convert α-amino acids to their corresponding N-protected β-amino esters through quinone-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation/in situ Mukaiyama–Mannich addition. The scope and limitations of this chemistry are presented. This methodology provides an alternative to the classical Arndt–Eistert homologation for accessing β-amino acid derivatives. The resulting N-protected amine products can be easily deprotected to afford the corresponding free amines.

A general protocol for the synthesis of benzylic amines via side-chain amination of alkylquinones is reported. The reactions are initiated by the tautomerization of an alkylquinone to the corresponding quinone methide, which is subsequently trapped in situ by an amine nucleophile. This process is promoted by tertiary amines in protic solvents under mild conditions and is compatible with many functional groups. 1,2- and 1,4-benzoquinones, as well as naphthoquinones, participate in this reaction using a wide range of primary and secondary amines/anilines. The synthetic utility of this transformation is also explored.

A new method for amino acid homologation by way of formal C–C bond functionalization is reported. This method utilizes a 2-step/1-pot protocol to convert α-amino acids to their corresponding N-protected β-amino esters through quinone-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation/in situ Mukaiyama–Mannich addition. The scope and limitations of this chemistry are presented. This methodology provides an alternative to the classical Arndt–Eistert homologation for accessing β-amino acid derivatives. The resulting N-protected amine products can be easily deprotected to afford the corresponding free amines.