Organocatalytic Michael cycloisomerization : studies toward the total synthesis of morphine

The organocatalytic Michael cycloisomerization has been utilized in both methodological and synthetic chemistry by our research group. This paper investigates the extension of this methodology to other electron deficient alkenes, i.e. nitroalkenes, and their utility in the total synthesis of the classical organic target morphine. The problems and successes encountered en route to the synthetic target as well as the chemistry involved is discussed in detail herein.