Abstract

The development of robust and efficient strategies to access structurally diverse drug-like compound collections remains an important challenge for small molecule probe development and drug discovery. Following a build/couple/pair strategy we have established bidirectional approach to unprecedented benzoxazepines by employing a Pictet-Spengler/aza-Michael addition cascade and Schiff base/aza-Michael addition/reduction protocols, respectively. The corresponding β-carboline-fused benzoxazepines and peripherally substituted benzoxazepines are isolated in high diastereoselectivity, good to excellent yields and have, to the best of our knowledge, never been reported.