Humulene derivatives from Saharian Asteriscus graveolens

Three new sesquiterpene-humulenes, (?)- asteriscunolides I (1), J (2) and (?)-(2Z,6E,9Z)-8-oxo-1α-acetoxy-2,6,9-humulatrien-12-oic acid (3) were isolated from the leaves-flowers of the Saharan medicinal plant Asteriscus graveolens along with six known compounds. The structures of the compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic mono and bidimensional NMR, mass spectrometry and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–3 were evaluated for cytotoxic assay, no significant activity was detected.     

Salvihispin A and its glycoside,two neo-clerodane diterpenoids with neurotrophic activities from Salvia hispanica L.

A neo-clerodane diterpenoid, salvihispin A (1), as well as its glycoside, salvihispin A-2-O-β-d-3-keto-glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia hispanica. Compound 2 possessed an unusual 3-keto-glucopyranoside moiety. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Salvihispin A (1) and its glycoside (2) enhanced the neurite outgrowth of NGF-mediated PC12 cells at a concentration of 10?μM.     

Synthesis and stereochemistry of ceramide B, (2S,3R,4E,6R)-N-(30-hydroxytriacontanoyl)-6-hydroxy-4-sphingenine, a new ceramide in human epidermis

(2S,3R,4E,6R)-N-(30-Hydroxytriacontanoyl)-6-hydroxy-4-sphingenine (1) and its (6S)-isomer (1′) were synthesized by starting from pentadecan-15-olide, the enantiomers of 1-pentadecyn-3-ol, and (S)-Garner's aldehyde. Comparison of the ¹H NMR spectra of the tetraacetyl derivatives of 1 and 1′ with that of ceramide B, a new protein-bound ceramide in human stratum corneum, revealed it to be (2S,3R,4E,6R)-1.     

Synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)- and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin

A convergent synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)-rollicosin (1) and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin (2) was accomplished. Hydroxy lactone 6a and/or 6b were synthesized from 4-pentyn-1-ol, and α,β-unsaturated lactone 7 was synthesized from γ-lactone 8 and 5-hexen-1-ol. Inhibitory activity of these compounds was examined with bovine heart mitochondrial complex I.     

Enantioselective synthesis of (1S,2S)-1,2-di-tert-butyl and (1R,2R)-1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamines

An enantioselective synthesis of sterically congested 1,2-di-tert-butyl and 1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamines has been developed. Thus, diastereomerically pure trans-1-apocamphanecarbonyl-4,5-dimethoxy-2-imidazolidinones 6 and 7 were successfully prepared by optical resolution of (±)-trans-4,5-dimethoxy-2-imidazolidinone using apocamphanecarbonyl chloride (MAC-Cl) followed by stereospecific and stepwise substitution of the dimethoxyl groups using tert-butyl or 1-adamantyl cuprates to provide (4S,5S)-4,5-di-tert-butyl and (4R,5R)-4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 15, respectively. Furthermore, N-acetyl 4,5-di-tert-butyl and 4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 16a,b were enantioselectively deacetylated using a catalytic oxazaborolidine system to provide enantiopure 1-p-tolylsulfonyl-4,5-di-tert-butyl-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 19 and 1-p-tolylsulfonyl-4,5-di-(1-adamantyl)-2-imidazolidinones 18 and 20, respectively. Finally, N-p-tolylsulfonyl-2-imidazolidinones 12 and 15 were treated with 30 equiv of Ba(OH)₂·8H₂O to achieve ring cleavage and to provide (1S,2S)-1,2-di-tert-butylethylenediamine 3 and (1R,2R)-1,2-di-(1-adamantyl)ethylenediamine 4.     

Synthesis of E and Z 1-amino-2-aryl(alkyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids via meldrum derivatives

The reaction of 5-arylidene(alkylidene)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-diones (1) (Meldrum's acid derivatives) with dimethylsulfoxonium methylide gave 1- aryl(alkyl) - 6,6 - dimethyl - 4,8 - dioxo - 5,7 -dioxaspiro [2.5] octanes (2) which, on treatment with sodium methoxide or ammonium hydroxide, gave exclusively E-1-methoxy-carboyl-2-aryl-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids (4) or Z-1-carbamoyl-2-aryl(alkyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids (7), respectively. Compounds, 4, under conditions of Curtius-type reactions, yielded Z-methyl 1-isocyanate-2-aryl-cyclopropanecarboxylates (5), while derivatives 7 were treated with hypobromite, leading to E-1-methoxy-carbonylamino-2-aryl(alkyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids (8).Reaction of compounds 5 and 8 with hydrochloric acid produced the corresponding Z and E 1-amino-2-aryl (alkyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids hydrochlorides (6). The ¹H-NMR spectral data were analyzed to deduce the stereochemistry of the compounds obtained.     

Synthesis of (S)-, (R)-, and (rac)-2-amino-3,3-bis(4-fluorophenyl)propanoic acids and an evaluation of the DPP IV inhibitory activity of Denagliptin diastereomers

The non-proteinogenic amino acid (2S)-2-amino-3,3-bis(4-fluorophenyl)propanoic acid [(S)-1] is a key intermediate required for the synthesis of Denagliptin (2a). Denagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibitor that is being developed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus. A diastereoselective, cost-efficient synthetic procedure for (S)-1 was developed by alkylating a Ni(II) glycine equivalent derived from (S)-2-[(N-benzylprolyl) amino] benzophenone [(S)-BPB]. The alkylated product was then decomposed to isolate the target amino acid (S)-1 (ee >99%) and ligand (S)-BPB, which can be reused in subsequent reactions. The enantiomer (R)-1 and racemate (rac)-1 were synthesized from their corresponding Ni(II) glycine equivalents. Denagliptin diastereomers (2), derived from the key intermediates (S)-1, (R)-1, and (rac)-1 were synthesized, and their dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory activities were investigated. These findings are important in the design and synthesis of DPP IV inhibitors.     

Synthesis and absolute configuration of two diastereoisomeric (1R,2S,3R)-and (1S,2S,3R)-2-amino-1-(2-furyl)-1,3-butandiols

The synthesis of (1R, 2S, 3R) and (1S, 2S, 3R)-2-(N-benzoylamino)-1-(2-furyl)-1, 3-butandiols (15) and (16) from D-threonine is described. The assignment of absolute configuration of the newly formed asymmetric center at C-1 was based on the ¹H-NMR spectra of O-isopropylidene derivatives 17 and 18.     

Synthesis of naturally occurring diene and trienes by Te/Li exchange on (1Z,3Z)-butyltelluro-4-methoxy-1,3-butadiene

(1Z,3Z)-Butyltelluro-4-methoxy-1,3-butadiene 2 was obtained by the hydrotelluration of (Z)-1-methoxy-but-1-en-3-ynes 1. The butadienyllithium 3 obtained by the Te/Li exchange reaction in the (1Z,3Z)-1-butyltelluro-4-methoxy-1,3-butadiene 2 reacted with aldehydes to form the corresponding alcohols 4a-d with total retention of configuration. The alcohols formed undergo hydrolysis, resulting in the α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated aldehydes of (E,E) configuration, which are precursors of trienes obtained from natural sources. The products of this reaction were employed in the synthesis of methyl-(2E,4E)-decadienoate 7, which is a component of the flavor principles of ripe Bartlett pears. Performing the Wittig reaction of the methyl triphenylphosphorane with the deca-(2E,4E)-dienal 5a, we were able to synthesize the undeca-(1,3E,5E)-triene 6a. This compound is a sex-pheromone component of the marine brown algae Fucus serratus, Dictyopteris plagiograma, and Dictyopteris australis. Performing the Wittig reaction of methyl triphenylphosphorane with the octa-(2E,4E)-dienal 5c, the nona-(1,3E,5E)-triene 6b was synthesized. The compound obtained is a sex-pheromone component of the marine brown alga Sargassum horneri. The octa-(1,3E,5E)-triene 6c was easily obtained from hepta-(2E,4E)-dienal 5d by the Wittig reaction with methyl triphenylphophorane. This compound is a sex-pheromone component of the marine brown alga Fucus serratus.     

New borrelidin derivatives from an endophytic Streptomyces sp.

Three new borrelidin-type macrolactones, designated as borrelidins J?L (4–6), together with borrelidin A (1), borrelidin E (2), and 12-desnitrile-12-carboxyl-borrelidin (3) were isolated from a plant endophytic Streptomyces sp. NA06554. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR data. The antibacterial activities for compounds 1–6 were examined. Borrelidins A (1) and L (6) showed potent and moderate antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus, respectively, whereas other derivatives (2–5) are almost inactive, which allows us to propose a plausible structure-activity relationship.     

Two new polyketides from Hawaiian endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. FT172

Two new polyketides, pestalotiotones A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the cultured broth of Pestalotiopsis sp. FT172. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by analysis of HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compound 1 were assigned by Mosher reaction, J-based configuration analysis, and DP4 NMR calculations. Both compounds were tested against cancer cell lines, pathogenic fungi and bacteria.     

Phloroglucinol derivatives and a chromone glucoside from the leaves of Myrtus communis

Seven new phloroglucinol derivatives, myrtucommunins A–D (1–4), 6-methylisomyrtucommulone B (5), 4-methylmyrtucommulone B (6), and 2-isobutyryl-4-methylphloroglucinol 1-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), and one new chromone derivative, undulatoside A 6′-O-gallate (8), were isolated from the leaves of Myrtus communis (Myrtaceae). Myrtucommunins A–D (1–4) were conjugates of polymethylated acylphloroglucinol and flavonol rhamnoside. The absolute configurations of the rhamnosyl moieties for 1–4 were confirmed to be l in each case by HPLC analyses, while those of the aglycones were assigned by comparisons of the experimental and TDDFT calculated ECD spectra. 6-Methylisomyrtucommulone B (5) and 4-methylmyrtucommulone B (6) were assigned as 6/6/6 tricyclic acylphloroglucinol derivatives with a racemic nature. Antimicrobial activities of 1–8 and related known compounds were evaluated.     

Synthesis of d-gluco-, l-ido-, d-galacto-, and l-altro-configured glycaro-1,5-lactams from tartaric acid

The d-gluco-, l-ido-, d-galacto-, and l-altro-configured glycaro-1,5-lactams 1-4 were prepared from the known tartaric anhydride 5 via the aldehyde 6. These lactams are known (1) or potential (2-4) inhibitors of β-d-glucuronidases and α-l-iduronidases. Olefination of 6 to the (E)- and (Z)-alkenes 7 or 8, followed by reagent or substrate controlled dihydroxylation, lactonization, azidation, reduction, and deprotection led in 10 steps and in overall yields of 11-20% to the title lactams.     

Hyperterpenoids A and B: Two pairs of unprecedented 6/6/4/6/6 polycyclic cyclobutane meroterpenoids with potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities from Hypericum beanii

Hyperterpenoid A (1) and B (2), two pairs of enantiomers, with an unprecedented 6/6/4/6/6 polycyclic skeleton, along with one known compoud hypermonone A (3) were isolated from Hypericum beanii. The racemate (±)-1 and (±)-2 were successfully separated into the two optically pure enantiomers (ee ≥ 99%) using a preparative HPLC system. Their absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The related plausible biogenetic pathways were presented. Compound 1-3 showed significant neuroprotective activity and potential anti-inflammatory activity. The result that (+)-2 and (-)-2 presented different anti-inflammatory properties, may lead us to new discovery of structure activity relationship between racemates, enantiomers, and diastereomers, as well as further research regarding the binding of drugs to target proteins.     

Lyconadins C and F, new Lycopodium alkaloids from Lycopodium complanatum

New Lycopodium alkaloids, lyconadins C (1) and F (2), were isolated from the club moss Lycopodium complanatum. Lyconadin C (1) is a new C₁₆N₂-type Lycopodium alkaloid possessing unique fused-tetracyclic ring system consisting of a cycloheptene ring fused to a decahydroquinoline and pyridone rings. Lyconadin F (2) possesses a primary amide moiety in its molecular, which is the first example of Lycopodium alkaloids. Biogenetically, lyconadins C (1) and F (2) might be related to lyconadins A (4) and B (5). The structures and relative stereochemistry of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The absolute stereochemistry of 2 was elucidated by chemical correlations with lyconadin B (5) through hemiaminal form of lyconadin F (3).     

Lycogladines A-H,fawcettimine-type Lycopodium alkaloids from Lycopodium complanatum var. glaucum Ching

Five new fawcettimine-type alkaloids (1–5) and three new natural products (6–8), along with four known analogues, fawcettimine (9), fewcettidine (10), lycopoclavamine B (11), and lycopladine B (12), were isolated from the whole plant of Lycopodium complanatum var. glaucum Ching. The structures of lycogladines A-H (1–8) were determined based on HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 possesses a new ring system that is formed through the linkage of C-13-OC-2, which is rarely present in Lycopodium alkaloids (LAs). Compounds 1–8 were tested for their β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities.     

Rhodauricanol A,an analgesic diterpenoid with an unprecedented 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic system featuring a unique 16-oxa-tetracyclo[11.2.1.01,5.07,13]hexadecane core from Rhododendron dauricum

A novel diterpenoid with an unprecedented 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic system, rhodauricanol A (1), five new grayanane-derived diterpenoids, dauricanols A?E (2?6), and five known ones (7?11) were isolated from the flowers of Rhododendron dauricum. Rhodauricanol A (1) possesses a unique 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic ring system featuring a 16-oxa-tetracyclo[11.2.1.0^1,5.0^7,13]hexadecane core. Dauricanols A?C (2?4) are the first 1,3-dioxolane conjugates of grayanane diterpenoids and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and vanillin, respectively, and dauricanols D (5) and E (6) represent the first examples of 6-deoxy-1,5-seco-grayanane diterpenoids. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculation including ¹³C NMR-DP4+ analysis and ECD calculation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1?4 were proposed. All the isolates showed significant analgesic activities, and dauricanols B (3) and C (4) showed more potent analgesic activities than the positive control, morphine.     

Phenanthrenes from Juncus atratus with antiproliferative activity

The present study has focused on the isolation and structure determination of phenanthrenes from Juncus atratus Krock. Nine compounds, among them five phenanthrenes, have been isolated from the methanol extract of the plant. Two compounds [juncatrins A (1) and B (2)] are new natural products, three phenanthrenes [juncuenin B (3), effusol (4), and dehydroeffusol (5)], the flavones apigenin (7) and luteolin (8), the diterpene phytol and 13(R)-hydroxy-octadeca-(9Z,11E,15Z)-trien-oic acid (9) were isolated for the first time from the plant. Juncatrin A (1) is substitued with an acetyl group, while in case of juncatrin B (2), an unprecedented acetylene group is connected to the phenanthrene skeleton. The isolated phenanthrenes were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against HeLa, SiHa and MDA-MB-231 human tumor cell lines. Four phenanthrenes (2, 3, 4 and 5) were more effective [IC₅₀s 3.48?μM (2), 2.91 (3), 3.68 (4), and 7.75?μM (5)] than cisplatin (IC₅₀ 12.43?μM) on HeLa cells.     

A facile synthesis of novel 3-(aryl/alkyl-2-ylmethyl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones using microwave heating

(Z)-5-(2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-oxoethylidene)-3-(aryl/alkyl-2-ylmethyl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones (7a–w) have been synthesized by the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of 3-(aryl/alkyl-2-ylmethyl)-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones (3a–d) with suitably substituted 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)2-oxoacetaldehydes (6a–g) under microwave conditions. The thioxothiazolidin-4-ones were prepared from the corresponding aryl/alkyl amines (1a–d) and di-(carboxymethyl)-trithiocarbonyl (2). The aldehydes (6a–g) were synthesized from the corresponding acid chlorides (5a–g) using HsnBu₃.     

Stereochemical studies of 2-hydroxychromanones by 1H NMR spectroscopy

2-Hydroxychromanones (2a–2f) were synthesized by ring closing of 2-hydroxyacetophenones (1a, b) and 2-hyroxypropiophenones (1c–1f). In the case of 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-chromanones (2c–2f) a mixture of cis and trans isomers was obtained. The trans isomers are conformalionally homogeneous, the cis isomers exist in a conformational equilibrium. At room temperature the isomers are transformed into each other via opening of the heteroring. This process becomes faster in alkaline medium and the β-diketo form 4 can also be observed.