Stereoselective total synthesis of almorexant

A highly stereoselective synthesis of almorexant has been achieved using (R)-tert-butanesulfinamide as a chiral source. The chiral tetrahydroisoquinoline core was constructed through allylation of chiral N-sulfinyl imine followed by ring closure of the secondary amide with a tethered halide. The chiral α-phenyl amide was introduced by means of S_N2 substitution of (S)-methyl 2-phenyl-2-(tosyloxy)acetate with chiral tetrahydroisoquinoline.     

A synthesis of levetiracetam based on (S)-N-phenylpantolactam as a chiral auxiliary

The synthesis of levetiracetam and its enantiomer by deracemization of (±)-2-bromobutyric acid using either (S)- or (R)-N-phenylpantolactam as chiral auxiliaries, followed by S_N2 substitution of the bromine atom by a 2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl group and amidation of the carboxylic acid, is described.     

Imidazolium-based chiral ionic liquids: synthesis and application

Synthesis of chiral ionic liquids containing an imidazole nucleus and chiral centers on N-substituents is reported. [(2S,3S)-2,3-Dihydroxybutane-1,4-bis(3-butylimidazolium)]-[bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide]₂ and [(4S,5S)-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-bis(1-methylimidazolium)]-[bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide]₂ induced enantioselectivity in the Michael addition of malonic esters to chalcones.     

Synthesis of the C6–C18 bis-tetrahydrofuran fragment of the proposed structure of iriomoteolide-2a via stepwise double SN2 cyclization reactions

The C6–C18 bis-tetrahydrofuran (bis-THF) fragment of the proposed structure of iriomoteolide-2a has been synthesized via stepwise double intramolecular S_N2-type etherifications. The C11 and C16 stereogenic centers could be secured in the forms of propargyl alcohols by asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of the corresponding propargyl ketones. The C9–C12 THF ring was first constructed via a tandem asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD)–S_N2 sequence while the C13–C16 THF ring was later installed via an intramolecular S_N2 reaction of a chiral propargyl mesylate. During the latter THF ring formation, epimerization at the propargylic carbon was not observed. Since the initially proposed (9R,11S,12R) configuration of iriomoteolide-2a has recently been revised to (9S,11R,12S), the established synthesis of the C6–C18 bis-THF fragment could be easily amended by using the opposite enantiomers of the chiral ligands for AD and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation.     

Synthesis of chiral β-3-amino-2-hydroxyalkanoates and 3-alkyl-3-hydroxy-β-lactams by double asymmetric induction

Reactions of chiral (2S)-enolates of dioxolan-4-ones, derived from lactic, mandelic, and phenyllactic acids, with aliphatic (S_S)- and (S_R)-tert-butylsulfinyl aldimines afforded conformationally restrained C2-disubstituted N,O-orthogonally protected 3-amino-2-hydroxyalkanoates in the form of N-sulfinyl protected 1′-aminodioxolan-4-ones. The product distribution showed that there is significant kinetic selectivity, due to the presence of ‘matched’ and ‘mismatched’ components, between the (S)- or (R)-tert-butylsulfinyl aldimines and the (2S)-enolates of the 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones. Selective methoxide-induced removal of the acetal group of the N-sulfinyl-1′-aminodioxolanones yielded the corresponding N-sulfinyl protected methyl alkanoates. In addition, the selective acid-induced removal of the sulfinyl group of the N-sulfinyl-1′-aminodioxolanones provided the corresponding N-unprotected 1′-aminodioxolanones, whose base-induced cyclization afforded the corresponding β-lactams.     

Efficient stereospecific synthesis of (S,S)-3-methoxy-4-methylaminopyrrolidine

Efficient stereospecific synthesis of (S,S)-3-methoxy-4-methylaminopyrrolidine, an important intermediate for a novel quinolone antitumor agent AG-7352 is presented. Starting from either d- or l-tartaric acid, a stereospecific synthesis of the chiral pyrrolidine was achieved via two S_N2 displacement reactions. From the results of this synthetic study, the absolute structure of AG-7352 was chemically determined.     

Novel enantiopure non-C2-symmetric NCN-pincer palladium complexes with l-proline chiral auxiliaries: mer η3-N,C,N versus square planar η4-N,C,N,O coordination

New chiral NCN-pincer palladium complexes containing proline ester moieties as chiral auxiliaries have been synthesized. The parent ligands 2,6-bis{[(S)-2-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl}-1-bromobenzene L^Me and 2,6-bis{[(S)-2-(benzoxycarbonyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]methyl}-1-bromobenzene L^Bn were prepared in a single synthetic step and were obtained enantiomerically pure. Neutral arylpalladium bromide complexes 1a and 1b, formed upon treatment of the respective ligands L^Me and L^Bn with [Pd₂(dba)₃]·CHCl₃, were isolated as mixtures of three stereoisomers (S_NS_NS_CS_C, R_NS_NS_CS_C and R_NR_NS_CS_C). The ratio of stereoisomers is approximately 1:1:0.6 in the case of methyl ester derivative 1a, whereas the bulkier benzyl ester derivative 1b predominantly forms the (S_NS_NS_CS_C)-stereoisomer. Upon abstraction of the bromide ion from unresolved mixtures of 1a and 1b, cationic complexes 2 and 3, respectively, form as single diastereoisomers in which one of the ester prolinate carbonyl groups is coordinated to palladium according to X-ray crystal structure determination. This coordination of a carbonyl group to the metal has a substantial influence on the stereochemistry and results in the formation of a single diastereoisomer, having the (R_NR_NS_CS_C)-configuration, regardless of the stereochemistry or ratio of stereoisomers of the starting bromide compound. The structures of compounds 2 and 3 were somewhat unexpected since formation of the corresponding cationic [Pd(NCN)(OH₂)]⁺ complexes was anticipated. In preliminary tests of these cationic complexes as catalysts in the enantioselective aldol condensation of benzaldehyde with methyl isocyanoacetate, modest selectivities were observed.     

Catalytic asymmetric Michael reactions of dibenzyl malonate to α,β-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles using a La(O-iPr)3/Ph-linked-BINOL complex

Catalytic asymmetric Michael reactions of a malonate to acyclic α,β-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles as ester equivalent acceptors are described. A La(O-iPr)₃/(S,S)-linked-BINOL complex, which is suitable for Michael addition to cyclic enones, is not suitable for acyclic α,β-unsaturated N-acylpyrroles. A new (S,S)-Ph-linked-BINOL chiral ligand was developed to improve enantioselectivity, and a La(O-iPr)₃/(S,S)-Ph-linked-BINOL complex with the addition of HFIP afforded Michael adducts in good yield and enantioselectivity (up to 96% ee).     

Regio- and diastereoselective SN2′ or SN2″ reactions on chiral acetals of cyclic aldehydes promoted by PhCu,BF3

The regio- and diastereoselectivity of the addition of PhCu, BF₃ reagent on chiral acetals derived from several mono or dienic aldehydes was studied. It was found that monoethylenic acetals react regio- and diastereoselectively via an overall anti S_N2′ reaction. The regioselectivity observed with the dienic acetals seems to be strongly dependent on the nature of the acetal. In all cases the S_N2″reaction was the result of an anti process.     

Proximal heteroalkylation of monoalkoxycalix[4]arenes in synthesis of inherently chiral molecules

Proximal heteroalkylation of monoalkyl ethers of calix[4]arenes or p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes in NaH/CH₃CN or NaOH/DMSO, respectively, was applied for synthesis of inherently chiral calixarenes with ABHH substitution pattern. The introduction by the method of (R)- or (S)-N-(α-phenylethyl)acetamide chiral auxiliary group gives mixtures of diastereomeric derivatives of inherently chiral calixarenes, which were separated by column chromatography. The chiral calixarenes were thoroughly characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, and X-ray diffraction methods.     

Chiral sulfoxide ligands bearing nitrogen atoms as stereocontrollable coordinating elements in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylations

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylations were studied by using chiral sulfoxide ligands bearing nitrogen atoms as coordinating elements, such as chiral α-sulfinylacetamides, β or γ-amino sulfoxides, and β-sulfinyl sulfonamides. The effects of the chiral sulfinyl functions on the asymmetric induction were demonstrated. Use of (S)-2-pyrrolidinophenyl p-tolyl sulfoxide or (S)-2-(N-butyl-N-methylaminomethyl)phenyl p-tolyl sulfoxide as chiral ligands in the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylations provided the highest enantioselectivity (50 or 58% e.e., respectively) among chiral sulfoxide ligands examined by us. The participation of the sulfinyl groups in these catalytic asymmetric reactions is rationalized, and the mechanism for the asymmetric induction is proposed on the basis of the stereochemical outcome obtained.     

Highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation with atropos phosphoramidites bearing a D2-symmetric biphenyl backbone

A novel class of atropos dibridged biphenyl phosphoramidites bearing a D₂-symmetric biphenyl backbone was prepared and applied as chiral ligands in the copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation with Grignard reagent. The alkylation products were obtained in quantitative yields with high regioselectivities up to 94:6 of S_N2′/S_N2 ratio and enantiomeric excesses up to 91.1% for S_N2′ products. The unique D₂-symmetric backbone ligands have the advantages of easy preparation and sufficient reusability of their key intermediates from the undesired isomers.     

A general method for the asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of 1-substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines employing pyroglutamic acid derivatives as chiral auxiliaries

9-(S)-Pyroglutaminyl-β-carbolines were allowed to react with a nucleophile (allyltributyltin or a silyl enol ether) in the presence of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl chloroformate to give 1,2-addition products in good yields and high diastereoselectivity. The chiral auxiliary at N-9 was readily removed by a mild hydrolysis. The same chiral source afforded both enantiomers by simply altering a protecting group of the amide nitrogen. That is, (S)-pyroglutaminyl groups which had an N-alkyl group afforded the (S) isomer, whereas the ones having an N-acyl group produced the (R) isomer of the addition products.     

Catalytic asymmetric S-oxidation of N-benzoyl-1,5-benzothiazepines

An efficient catalytic asymmetric oxidation reaction of N-benzoyl-1,5-benzothiazepines using a chiral titanium complex formed in situ from Ti(O-iPr)₄, (R, R)-diethyl tartrate was developed. This reaction is helpful for the synthesis of the active form of (E, aS, 1S)-sulfoxide of N-benzoyl-1,5-benzothiazepines which should be recognized by vasopressin receptors. Furthermore, a prospective dynamic kinetic resolution utilizing this system was achieved.     

Synthesis of polylactide using a zinc complex containing (S)-N-ethyl-N-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinemethanamine

The reaction between ZnCl₂ and (S)-N-ethyl-N-phenyl-2-pyrrolidinemethanamine (S-EPP) as a chiral ligand affords [ZnCl₂(S-EPP)], whose structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. [ZnEt₂(S-EPP)] has demonstrated high activity toward the polymerization of rac-lactide with a maximum turnover frequency (TOF) of 121. Despite the intended stereocontrol by employing a chiral ligand, however, the observed heterotacticity was limited to under 0.6. The MWDs of the PLAs were found to be modulated by changing the solvent or controlling the concentration of the monomer in the solution. The glass transition temperature (T_g) was critically dependent on the MW within the narrow MWD regime, but the dependence became significantly shallow when the MWD was broadened.     

The first synthesis of N,O-protected β-isoserines bearing two adjacent quaternary stereogenic centers and their corresponding β-lactams

The reaction of chiral (2S)-enolates of dioxolan-4-ones, derived from lactic and mandelic acids, with (S_R)-tert-butyl sulfinyl ketimines, derived from butan-2-one, pentan-2-one, and decan-2-one, afforded conformationally restrained β^2,2,3,3-isoserines bearing two adjacent quaternary stereogenic centers in the form of N-sulfinyl protected 1′-amino-dioxolan-4-ones. The selective acid-induced removal of the sulfinyl protecting group provided the corresponding 1′-aminodioxolanones, whose base-induced cyclization afforded the corresponding chiral tetra-substituted 3-hydroxy-β-lactams. The synthesis of a dipeptide by reaction coupling between the 1′-aminodioxolanone (2S,5R,1′R)-19 and N,N-dimethylglycine was successfully achieved.     

Acylative kinetic resolution of racemic amines using N-phthaloyl-(S)-amino acyl chlorides

A comparative study of the kinetic resolution of racemic 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline and 2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-4H-1,4-benzoxazine using N-phthaloyl-(S)-amino acyl chlorides as chiral acylating agents is described. Temperature and solvent effects on the stereochemical features have been examined. It has been found that N-phthaloyl-(S)-phenylalanyl and N-phthaloyl-(S)-2-phenylglycyl chlorides bearing aromatic substituents close to the stereogenic centre are more stereoselective acylating agents than N-phthaloyl-(S)-alanyl chloride. For the preparative kinetic resolution of racemic amines N-phthaloyl-(S)-phenylalanyl chloride proved to be the most appropriate chiral acylating agent.     

Characterization of Inherently Chiral Electrosynthesized Oligomeric Films by Voltammetry and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)

A voltammetric and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) investigation was performed on an inherently chiral oligomer-coated gold electrode to establish its general properties (i.e., conductivity and topography), as well as its ability to discriminate chiral electroactive probe molecules. The electroactive monomer (S)-2,2′-bis(2,2′-bithiophene-5-yl)-3,3′-bibenzothiophene ((S)-BT₂T₄) was employed as reagent to electrodeposit, by cyclic voltammetry, the inherently chiral oligomer film of (S)-BT₂T₄ (oligo-(S)-BT₂T₄) onto the Au electrode surface (resulting in oligo-(S)-BT₂T₄-Au). SECM measurements, performed in either feedback or competition mode, using the redox mediators [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻ and [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ in aqueous solutions, and ferrocene (Fc), (S)-FcEA, (R)-FcEA and rac-FcEA (FcEA is N,N-dimethyl-1-ferrocenylethylamine) in CH₃CN solutions, indicated that the oligomer film, as produced, was uncharged. The use of [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻ allowed establishing that the oligomer film behaved as a porous insulating membrane, presenting a rather rough surface. This was inferred from both the approach curves and linear and bidimensional SECM scans, which displayed negative feedback effects. The oligomer film acquired semiconducting or fully conducting properties when the Au electrode was biased at potential more positive than 0.6 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl. Under the latter conditions, the approach curves displayed positive feedback effects. SECM measurements, performed in competition mode, allowed verifying the discriminating ability of the oligo-(S)-BT₂T₄ film towards the (S)-FcEA and (R)-FcEA redox mediators, which confirmed the results obtained by cyclic voltammetry. SECM linear scans indicated that the enantiomeric discriminating ability of the oligo-(S)-BT₂T₄ was even across its entire surface.     

Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-4-hydroxyisophorone by ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketoisophorone

The first synthesis of (R)- and (S)-4-hydroxyisophorone by catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ketoisophorone is reported. Ruthenium catalysts containing commercially available chiral amino alcohols afforded 4-hydroxyisophorone in up to 97% selectivity and 97% ee. (R)- or (S)-4-Hydroxyisophorones with >99% ee were isolated by crystallization. The catalyst precursors [RuCl₂((S,R)-ADPE)(η⁶-p-cymene)] ((S,R)-ADPE=(1S,2R)-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol-N) and (R_Ru)-[RuCl((S,R)-ADPE⁻¹)(η⁶-p-cymene)] (ADPE⁻¹=amino-1,2-diphenylethanolato-N,O) were isolated for the first time and the X-ray crystal structure of the latter determined.     

Synthesis of novel chiral NiII complexes of dehydroalanine Schiff bases and their reactivity in asymmetric nucleophilic addition reactions. Novel synthesis of (S)-2-carboxypiperazine

New chiral Ni^II complexes of Schiff bases of dehydroalanine with modified chiral auxiliaries (S)-2-N-[N′-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)prolyl]aminobenzophenone (3,4-DCBPB), (S)-2-N-[N′-(3,4-dimethylbenzyl)prolyl]aminobenzophenone (3,4-DMBPB), (S)-2-N-[N′-(2-chlorobenzyl)prolyl]aminobenzophenone (2-CBPB), and (S)-2-N-[N′-(2-fluorobenzyl)prolyl]-aminobenzophenone (2-FBPB) have been synthesized. Asymmetric Michael addition reactions of primary and secondary amines and thiols to the dehydroalanine moieties of the complexes were studied. (S)-2-FBPB was found to be the best chiral auxiliary in terms of both selectivity of the reactions (de ～92–96%) and reactivity of the complexes. A novel synthetic route toward (S)-2-carboxypiperazine was developed based on the auxiliary.