Stereocontrolled synthesis of iminocyclitols with an ether bridge

Nor-tropane related bicyclic (6+5) iminocyclitols with an ether bridge and different substituents (hydroxymethyl, aminomethyl, and aminoethyl) on C-1 are prepared starting from a β-d-psicofuranosyl cyanide. The method involves an internal nucleophilic attack of a stabilized amide ion on a 5-mesyloxy derivative. The intermediate N-acetyl O-protected iminocyclitols present atropoisomerism due to restricted rotation of the N-CO amido bond. Conformational aspects of the prepared compounds are discussed.