Synthesis of the tricyclic core of the marine alkaloid lepadiformine

A stereoselective synthesis of the tricyclic core in racemic form of the marine alkaloid Lepadiformine is described from 4-methoxy-3-pyrrolin-2-one (methyl tetramate). Key steps involve 5,5-dialkylation of the tetramate, metathesis closure to an A/C 1-azaspirocycle and stereoselective hydrogenation for the trans A/B 1-azadecalin system.