Organocatalytic synthesis of densely functionalized oxa-bridged 2,6-epoxybenzo[: B] [1,5]oxazocine heterocycles

Metal-free addition of salicylhydrazones to electron deficient internal alkynes catalyzed by 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) to yield oxa-bridged 2,6-epoxybenzo[b][1,5]oxazocine heterocycles was achieved. The demonstrated protocol proceeds through an o-quinone methide formation, aza-Michael addition, stereoselective protonation, enamine promoted aromatization, O,O-acetalization and O,N-aminalization sequence to provide privileged heterocycles in good yields with high diastereoselectivities.