Synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine antibiotics via azido reductive cyclization with HMDST
A new facile synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) ring system has been achieved by reductive cyclization of the azide employing hexamethyldisilathiane (HMDST). The parent unsubstituted PBD and the natural product DC-81 have also been prepared in good overall yields.