Stereoselective synthesis of (−)-bulgecinine hydrochloride and its C-2 epimer from l-ascorbic acid

An efficient strategy for the stereocontrolled synthesis of (−)-bulgecinine hydrochloride 1 was accomplished by utilizing a Wittig Horner olefination, stereoselective reduction of the double bond and intramolecular N-alkylation to furnish the target.