A highly efficient one-pot, two-step sequential process consisting of modified Jones oxidation of aqueous cyclovirobuxine D acetate followed by Ruschig degradation after pH regulation with saturated aqueous NaOH, provided cyclobuxophyllinine M in high yield and in a single geometrical isomeric form.
Keywords: Jones oxidation, Ruschig degradation, cyclobuxophyllinine M, cyclovirobuxine D, aqueous media