Substrate scope in the direct imine acylation of ortho-substituted benzoic acid derivatives: the total synthesis (±)-cavidine

The direct imine acylation (DIA) and subsequent cyclisation of a range of imines with ortho-substituted benzoic acid derivatives is described. Variation in the coupling reagents, imine and benzoic acid were all examined. The DIA procedure was also applied in the total synthesis of (±)-cavidine.