Synthesis of Heterocycles through a Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Tandem Ring‐Closing Metathesis/Isomerization/N‐Acyliminium Cyclization Sequence

Tandem bicycle: In the title reaction double bonds created during ring-closing metathesis isomerize to generate reactive iminium intermediates that undergo intramolecular cyclization reactions with tethered heteroatom and carbon nucleophiles. In this way, a series of biologically interesting heterocyclic compounds can be made, including a known precursor for the total synthesis of the antiparasitic natural product harmicine.