Nitrone cycloadditions to 2,3-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-phosphole 1-oxide. Double asymmetric induction and kinetic resolution by a chiral nitrone

The cycloadditions of nitrones with 2,3-dihydro-1-phenyl-1H-phosphole 1-oxide give a single cycloadduct deriving from a highly diastereoselective approach of the nitrone anti to the phenyl ring of phospholene oxide. When the chiral gliceraldehyde derived nitrone is used, only two diastereoisomers are produced in 1.7:1 ratio. The structural assignment based on NMR data and X-ray analysis of the major isomer established a trans C3–C4 stereochemistry (derived from endo TS with respect to nitrone) and a C3–C4′ relative stereochemistry of threo type in the major isomer and erythro in the minor one. Therefore, each enantiomer of phospholene oxide 6 gives exclusively one cycloadduct with five contiguous stereogenic centres in an established and predictable absolute configuration. The difference of reactivity of the two enantiomers allowed a partial kinetic resolution of the racemic phospholene oxide, affording (+)-(S) enantiomer with 90% enantiomeric excess.     

Semi-synthesis of a novel hybrid isoxazolidino withaferin via chemoselective and diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar nitrone cycloaddition reaction

Abstract

A facile, atom-economic synthesis of isoxazilidino withaferin, a novel hybrid of withaferin A, has been accomplished via two-step reaction of nitrone synthesis followed by nitrone 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The reaction is highly chemoselective (preferential reaction only on one of the two double bonds present on withaferin A) and diastereoselective affording exclusively the cis-fused products. The structure was determined by detailed analysis of 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectral data.     

Ligand discrimination in the reaction of nitrones with [PtCl2(PhCN)2]. Selective formation of mono-oxadiazoline and mixed bis-oxadiazoline complexes under thermal and microwave conditions

[2+3] Cycloaddition of nitrones to the nitrile ligands in the complexes cis- or trans-[PtCl2(PhCN)2] occurs under ligand differentiation and allows for selective synthesis of complexes of the type cis- or trans-[PtCl2(oxadiazoline)(PhCN)]. Microwave irradiation enhances the reaction rates of the cycloaddition considerably and further favours the selectivity towards the mono-cycloadduct with respect to thermal conditions, because the first cycloaddition is accelerated to a higher extent than the second one. Reaction of the trans-substituted mono-oxadiazoline complexes with a nitrone different from the one used for the first cycloaddition step gives access to mixed bis-oxadiazoline compounds of the composition trans-[PtCl2(oxadiazoline-a)(oxadiazoline-b)]. The corresponding cis-configured complexes, however, do not undergo further cycloaddition. All reactions described occur without isomerisation of the stereochemistry around the platinum center, independently of whether thermal or microwave heating is applied.     

A tactical approach for the synthesis of novel β-lactam-substituted,polycyclic-fused isoxazolidine derivatives via an intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction

The synthesis of functionalized β-lactam-substituted, tricyclic chromenoisoxazolidine and tetracyclic naphthopyranoisoxazolidine derivatives by intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition reaction is described. The O-allyl hydroxyaldehyde derivatives, obtained from Baylis–Hillman adducts (BHA) derived from β-lactam aldehyde underwent intramolecular cycloaddition reaction to give β-lactam-substituted, polycyclic isoxazolidine derivatives in good yield. All the products were confirmed by spectral analysis. The products with a β-lactam substituent may find good applications in biological chemistry.     

Stereoselectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of l-valine-derived nitrones with methyl acrylate

Chiral nitrones derived from l-valine react with methyl acrylate to afford the corresponding diastereomeric 3,5-disubstituted isoxazolidines. The dibenzylsubstituted nitrone gave also 3,4-disubstituted isoxazolidine in 4% yield, additionally. The stereoselectivity was dependent on the steric hindrance of the nitrone and reaction conditions. High pressure decreased the reaction time of the cycloadditions. The major products were found to have the C-3/C-6 erythro and C-3/C-5 trans relative configuration. The major cycloadduct undergoes N-O cleavage and deprotection to a chiral diaminodiol derivative.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Key Intermediates in a Novel Approach towards the Iboga‐Alkaloid Family

Significant improvements in the realm of a recently disclosed, novel synthetic concept towards the Iboga alkaloid family are presented. The key step for the construction of the bicyclic aliphatic core consists of an intramolecular nitrone? olefin 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of a 1 : 1 mixture 15 / 16 yielding the two diastereoisomeric tricyclic isoxazolidine derivatives 17 and 18 . The required nitrones were prepared from the readily available (S)‐hydroxylactone 6 in twelve steps with an overall yield of 15% (average: 83.5% per step). The relative configuration of the minor isomer was deduced unambiguously by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of the derived tricyclic carbamate 21 . As four out of five asymmetric centers in the pair 17 / 18 have opposite configuration, destruction of the one possessing the same absolute configuration transforms the original set of diastereoisomers into a pair of enantiomers. We verified this contention by oxidizing the two alcohols 20 and 22 to yield the two antipodal forms of ketone 23 . The absence of significant amounts of by‐product and the high reproducibility of the crucial cycloaddition reaction represent marked improvements over our earlier attempts. In addition, the new route, which starts from L ‐glutamate, should provide access to both naturally occurring antipodal series of the targeted alkaloid class.     

Synthesis of a branched chain aza-C-disaccharide via the cycloaddition of a chiral nitrone to an alkene, both sugar derivatives

A multistep synthesis of a protected aza-C-disaccharide derivative with a pyrrolidine ring as the azasugar component is described. The key step is a stereoselective cycloaddition reaction of a chiral nitrone derived from D-ribose and a sugar alkene derived from D-galactose. An intramolecular N-alkylation followed by a reductive cleavage of the isoxazolidine N-O bond, in one pot, gave the final product.     

Synthesis of trihydroxylated pyrrolizidine and indolizidine alkaloids based on SmI2-induced reductive coupling of chiral nitrones with methyl acrylate

Synthesis of trihydroxylated pyrrolizidines, the enantiomer of 2-epihyacinthacine A₂ and indolizidine analogues of the natural alkaloids is reported. The key step of these syntheses is the stereoselective samarium diodide-induced coupling of the chiral nitrone prepared from d-ribose with methyl acrylate. The nitrone derived from d-ribose possessing C2/C3 syn configuration reacted with methyl acrylate in the presence of samarium diiodide in excellent yield and diastereoselectivity, with only the anti-diastereomer being detected.     

Alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone-type derivatives bound to beta-cyclodextrins: syntheses, thermokinetics of self-inclusion and application to superoxide spin-trapping

alpha-Phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) derivatives bound to beta-cyclodextrin derivatives have been synthesized. Inclusion of the PBN group into the beta-cyclodextrin moiety is host- and temperature-dependent. In the case of the nitrone linked to permethylated cyclodextrin (Me3CD-PBN), the thermokinetic parameters are in favour of a slow chemical exchange between a tight and a loose complex. In contrast, 2,6-di-O-Me-beta-cyclodextrin-grafted PBN (Me2CD-PBN) exists either in a fast exchange or as a strongly self-associated complex. The covalent cyclodextrin-PBN compounds have been used to trap carbon and oxygen-centred free radicals. The self-associated forms of the beta-CD-spin-traps are compatible with effective spin-trapping, affording spin-adducts with enhanced EPR signal intensities relative to noncovalent CD-nitrone systems or the nitrone alone. This kind of cyclodextrin-bound nitrone is the first type of covalent supramolecular spin-trap and should open new possibilities for the study of biological free radicals in vivo.     

Catalyst‐Dependent Chemoselective Formal Insertion of Diazo Compounds into C−C or C−H Bonds of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds

A catalyst‐dependent chemoselective one‐carbon insertion of diazo compounds into the C?C or C?H bonds of 1,3‐dicarbonyl species is reported. In the presence of silver(I) triflate, diazo insertion into the C(=O)?C bond of the 1,3‐dicarbonyl substrate leads to a 1,4‐dicarbonyl product containing an all‐carbon α‐quaternary center. This reaction constitutes the first example of an insertion of diazo‐derived carbenoids into acyclic C?C bonds. When instead scandium(III) triflate was applied as the catalyst, the reaction pathway switched to formal C?H insertion, affording 2‐alkylated 1,3‐dicarbonyl products. Different reaction pathways are proposed to account for this powerful catalyst‐dependent chemoselectivity.     

Influence of steric parameters on the synthesis of tetramates from α-amino-β-alkoxy-esters and Ph3PCCO

α-Aminoesters react with Ph₃PCCO in a domino addition–Wittig cyclization sequence affording enantiomerically pure tetramates. In the case of β-oxo functionalized α-aminoesters, e.g., esters of serine, threonine or β-hydroxyornithine the yields of this reaction depend heavily on the bulkiness of the β-OR group and on the configuration of β-carbon atom C-3. Smaller residues and 2R/3R-configured aminoesters give better yields. The alkoxycarbonyl group of the ester moiety and the residue on the N-atom are less important. These findings can be accounted for by assuming an early puckered transition state for the intramolecular ring-closing Wittig reaction. The addition of sub-stoichiometric amounts of benzoic acid or N-hydroxysuccinimide (for acid-sensitive compounds) is advantageous in some cases as it accelerates the formation of the intermediate amide ylides.     

1,3-Addition of silyl enol ethers to nitrones catalyzed by mesoporous aluminosilicate

Mesoporous aluminosilicate (Al-MCM-41) was found to be an effective and reusable catalyst for 1,3-addition of silyl enol ethers to nitrones. The reaction proceeded under mild reaction conditions to afford the corresponding β-(siloxyamino)ketones in high yields. Furthermore, a unique chemoselectivity of a nitrone over an aldehyde and an acetal, which are more reactive toward silyl enol ether in the presence of Al-MCM-41 than a nitrone, was observed.     

Cu(II)-catalyzed enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones with α, β-unsaturated acyl phosphonates

A highly enantioselective 1, 3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrone with α, β-unsaturated acyl phosphonate was developed for the first time by using a chiral indane-bis(oxazoline)-copper(II) complex. The reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to provide isoxazolidines with multi-stereocenters in good yields with high to excellent diastereo- (>20:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). The resulting products were readily converted to multi-functional isoxazolidines or γ-amino alcohol compounds.     

A practical diastereoselective synthesis of β-hydroxy-β-trifluoromethyl imines

The asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formation reaction affording chiral β-hydroxy-β-trifluoromethyl imines is reported involving the nucleophilic addition of sulfinimine anions derived from chiral N-(tert-butanesulfinyl) ketimines to trifluoromethyl ketones. The reaction tolerates a wide range of nucleophiles, giving the condensation products in good to excellent total yields with good diastereoselectivities (up to 85:15 dr).     

Synthesis of functionalised β-lactones via silylcarbocyclisation/desilylation reactions of propargyl alcohols

Functionalised β-lactones were prepared starting from propargyl alcohols by means of an efficient rhodium-catalysed silylcarbocyclisation reaction. This process took place in high yields and complete stereoselectivity using DBU as the base, a sterically hindered alcohol and/or hydrosilane. Otherwise, a silylformylation competitive reaction occurred affording 3-hydroxy-2-[(aryldimethylsilyl)methylene]alkanals with complete regioselectivity. Indeed, while α-(aryldimethylsilylmethylene)-β-lactones were generated exclusively starting from an alkynol characterised by two alkyl groups on the propargyl carbon atom, significant amounts of the aldehydes were observed for secondary alcohols. In these cases, the use of ortho-substituted arylsilanes improved the chemoselectivity towards the α-methylene-β-lactones. Such molecules were then successfully converted into α-methylaryl-β-lactones by a fluoride-induced rearrangement of the aryl group that migrates from silicon to carbon with retention of configuration.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Oxazolines from Aminotriols via Asymmetric Desymmetrization

A copper‐catalyzed enantioselective transformation of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane‐derived aminotriols was developed to provide multisubstituted oxazolines with a tetrasubstituted carbon center. The present transformation consisted of sequential reactions involving mono‐sulfonylation of aminotriols, subsequent intramolecular cyclization to afford prochiral oxazoline diols, and sulfonylative asymmetric desymmetrization of resultant oxazoline diols. In addition, the kinetic resolution process would be involved in the sulfonylative asymmetric desymmetrization step, which would amplify the enantiopurities of the desired products. Various aminotriols were tolerated in the present reaction, affording the desired oxazolines in good to high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of the present reaction was demonstrated by the transformation of the optically active oxazoline into a chiral α‐tertiary amine motif.     

Silylation-desilylation of propargyl amides: rapid synthesis of functionalised aldehydes and β-lactams

Propargyl functionalised β-silylalkenals were easily prepared starting from suitable propargyl compounds by a silylformylation process. In particular the use of propargyl tosyl amides allowed the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes through a two-step sequence of silylformylation-desilylation reactions. TBAF was employed to induce the desilylation process that was performed under very mild experimental conditions and occurred along with an elimination step of the tosylamido moiety affording 2-methylaryl-2-alkenals with good yields and stereoselectivity. When the tosyl amides were reacted with a hydrosilane in the presence of catalytic amounts of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) α-silylmethylene-β-lactams were synthesised through a silylcarbocyclisation process. A high chemoselectivity towards the β-lactam was observed when dialkyl propargyl amides were employed. The obtained β-lactams were easily transformed into the corresponding methylaryl-β-lactams by fluoride induced aryl migration-desilylation with total retention of configuration of the migrating group and complete stereoselectivity towards the more stable β-lactam (E)-isomer.     

Stereocontrolled ring-opening of a hindered sulfamidate with nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycles: synthesis of chiral quaternary imidazole derivatives

This paper explores the role of a hindered cyclic sulfamidate derived from α-methylisoserine as an electrophile in a nucleophilic displacement reaction with nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycles. Several imidazoles and pyrazole were tested as nucleophiles in the absence of an additional base to give the corresponding ring-opening compounds. We show that the process takes place by inversion of the configuration of the quaternary electrophilic center, retaining the enantiomeric excess of the starting sulfamidate. This reaction opens the way to obtain important quaternary imidazole derivatives such as an innovative type of bis-amino acid related to histidinoalanine and a novel α,α-disubstituted β-amino acid (β(2,2)-amino acid).     

C(sp3)−H Functionalizations Promoted by the Gold Carbene Generated from Vinylidenecyclopropanes

The gold carbene generated from vinylidenecyclopropanes (VDCPs) can smoothly perform a C(sp³)?H bond insertion reaction, stereoselectively affording the intramolecular C(sp³)?H bond functionalized product, benzoxepine, with syn‐configuration in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. The KIE investigation on this bond functionalization partially revealed that the carbene insertion step might be rate‐determining. Using a chiral gold(I) catalyst, the first example on the asymmetric variant of gold carbene insertion into C(sp³)?H bond has been disclosed, giving the desired products with excellent results.     

Conferring Phosphorogenic Properties on Iridium(III)‐Based Bioorthogonal Probes through Modification with a Nitrone Unit

The use of bioorthogonal probes that display fluorogenic or phosphorogenic properties is advantageous to the labeling and imaging of biomolecules in live cells and organisms. Herein we present the design of three iridium(III) complexes containing a nitrone moiety as novel phosphorogenic bioorthogonal probes. These probes were non‐emissive owing to isomerization of the C=N group but showed significant emission enhancement upon cycloaddition reaction with strained cyclooctynes. Interestingly, the connection of the nitrone ligand to the cationic iridium(III) center led to accelerated reaction kinetics. These nitrone complexes were also identified as phosphorogenic bioorthogonal labels and imaging reagents for cyclooctyne‐modified proteins. These findings contribute to the development of phosphorogenic bioorthogonal probes and imaging reagents.