Benzoquinone-derived sulfinyl imines as versatile intermediates for alkaloid synthesis: Total synthesis of (–)-3-demethoxyerythratidinone

The preparation and synthetic applications of benzoquinone monoketal-derived N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines is described. These synthetically versatile intermediates undergo highly diastereoselective 1,2-addition reactions with organometallic reagents to provide 4-aminocyclohexadienones in good yields. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated in a six-step enantioselective synthesis of (–)-3-demethoxyerythratidinone.