The synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane scaffolds from brefeldin A

•Large scale fermentations of Penicillium camberti generated multi-kg quantities of brefeldin.•A triazoline derived from brefeldin serves as a useful building block for di-and tri-cyclic scaffolds.•New brefeldin derivatives were generated facilitated by microwave induced N2 expulsion and ring expansion.