A Synthetic Approach to Nootkatin

Abstract

In the course of the research discussed, diethyl α-cyano-β-isopropylglutarate has been prepared, and some of its reactions have been investigated. Some new compounds, including α-(aminomethyl)-β-isopropylglutaric acid monohydrochloride, a delta lactam, 2-oxo-4-isopropylpiperidine-5-carboxylic acid and its ethyl ester, 2-oxo-4-isopropyl-5-ethoxycarbonylpiperidine, have been prepared . These should prove useful in a proposed synthesis of the naturally occurring tropolone, Nootkatin. Several steps remain to be accomplished before the total synthesis of Nootkatin is achieved.