Abstract (-)-(R)-Pyrrolam A was prepared in five steps, 95% ee and 25% yield, from (R)- benzyl prolinate. Closure of the pyrrolidine ring was effected by a domino addition-Wittig alkenation reaction with ylide Ph 3 PCCO, immobilized on a polystyrene resin. An indolizidinone was obtained likewise from (R)-benzyl pipecolate. The reduction of 1- ketopyrrolizidinones and 1-ketoindolizidinones is described.
