Covering: 2005 to 2013 This review focuses on recent applications of the aza-Michael reaction in alkaloids total synthesis with a special emphasis on stereoselectivity. The report highlights achievements and challenges over the past five years and describes stereoselective intra- and inter-molecular conjugate addition of nitrogen-containing nucleophiles, including tandem and cascade processes. Total asymmetric syntheses of natural scaffolds, such as pyrrolidine, piperidine and “izidine” families, are depicted. Multi-step syntheses of highly challenging natural products are further detailed, assessing the scope of the stereocontrolled aza-Michael reaction as a powerful tool in alkaloid chemistry.

Novel 2,5-meso-pyrrolidines have been straightforwardly synthesized from readily available symmetrical double Michael acceptors. The key step rested on an aza-Michael addition of primary alkylamines to bis-enones. Competitive Rauhut–Currier and aza-Michael reactions have been highlighted in protic solvent. Ultrasound activation associated with solvent-free conditions led to the expected pyrrolidines in quantitative yields and excellent stereoselectivities. The optimized conditions have been extended to the sonochemical synthesis of pyrrolidine Lobelia alkaloids analogues in short sequences.

The step-economical synthesis of lobelanine involving a ring closing double aza-Michael (RCDAM) reaction is revisited and successfully extended to the synthesis of various configurationally more stable analogues.