Conversion of ergolines to hexahydro- and octahydrobenzo[f]quinolines (depyrroloergolines)

Abstract
A general method was developed for removal of the pyrrole ring from the ergolines. Oxidation of various ergolines at the 2,3 double bond gave formamido ketones, which afforded the amino ketones. These were deaminated to give the ketones, from which the carbonyl group was removed by reduction. The depyrroloergolines have little or no dopamine agonist activity in 2 tests [rat serum prolactin levels and turning behavior].