A Novel Reductive Cyclization of Imides

Abstract
Imides have been frequently employed as intermediates in the synthesis of bridgehead heterocyclics4. Particularly in the synthesis of alkaloids5, but also in the preparation of heterocyclic steroids6 numerous examples are known. While in general the preparation of an imide is a facile procedure, its cyclization often involves considerable difficulties, notably in case of the substituted sucinimides7.