Expedited Synthesis of Matrine Analogues through an Oxidative Cascade Addition/Double-Cyclization Radical Process.

The addition of a nicotinate-xanthate derivative to N-allylindoles and N-allylpyrroles resulted in polycyclic heterocycle-fused pyridonaphthyridines through a tandem radical intermolecular/intramolecular oxidative addition reaction sequence that created three new C-C bonds and two new rings in a single event. Such polyheterocycles showcase the matrine alkaloid framework and are similar to indole-monoterpenoid natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]