Stereoselective synthesis of 1-O-β-feruloyl and 1-O-β-sinapoyl glucopyranoses

1-O-β-Feruloyl and 1-O-β-sinapoyl glucopyranoses are two common substrates for serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases and serve as acyl donors in the biosynthesis of numerous secondary metabolites. In addition, they are involved in plant cell wall cross-linking and are also ideal substrates for studying the kinetics of lignification involving hydroxycinnamates. We report the first chemical (and multi-gram scale) synthesis of 1-O-β-feruloyl and 1-O-β-sinapoyl glucopyranoses.     

New asymmetrical per-substituted cyclodextrins (2-O-methyl-3-O-ethyl- and 2-O-ethyl-3-O-methyl-6-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-β-derivatives) as chiral selectors for enantioselective gas chromatography in the flavour and fragrance field

Asymmetrically substituted 6^I-VII-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl(TBDMS)-3^I-VII-O-ethyl-2^I-VII-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MeEt-CD) and 6^I-VII-O-TBDMS-2^I-VII-O-ethyl-3^I-VII-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (EtMe-CD) were synthesised to evaluate the role of the substitution pattern in positions 2 and 3 on the enantioselectivity, in particular in view of their application to routine analysis in fast enantioselective gas chromatography (Es-GC). The chromatographic properties and enantioselectivities of the new derivatives were tested by separating the enantiomers of a series of medium-to-high volatility racemates in the flavour and fragrance field, and compared to those of the corresponding symmetrically substituted 6^I-VII-O-TBDMS-2^I-VII,3^I-VII-O-methyl-β-CD (MeMe-CD) and 6^I-VII-O-TBDMS-2^I-VII,3^I-VII-O-ethyl-β-CD (EtEt-CD), and were then applied to analysis of real-world essential oil (e.o.) samples. A new synthetic process including the sonochemical approach to obtain synthetic reproducibility and significant yields of the per-substituted derivatives with acceptable reaction times was developed. The results show that asymmetrically substituted methyl/ethyl CDs compared to the methyl or ethyl symmetrical derivatives in general provide better enantioselectivity in terms of both enantiomer resolution and number of separated chiral compounds, and show how the substitution pattern in positions 2 and 3 of the CD ring can influence the separation. Moreover, these new CD derivatives with better enantioselectivity are also shown to be very useful in routine analysis for the exhaustive control of samples containing several chiral characterizing markers in a single run.     

Flavonol 3-O-robinobiosides and 3-O-(2″-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl)-robinobiosides from Sesuvium portulacastrum

Six new flavonol 3-O-robinobiosides and 3-O-(2″-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-robinobiosides, sesuviosides A-F, were isolated from the aerial portion of Sesuvium portulacastrum together with ecdysterone, adenosine, 2′-O-methyladenosine, and l-tryptophan. The structure elucidations were based on analyses of chemical and spectroscopic data including 1D and 2D-NMR. Sesuviosides A-F and their aglycones exhibited radical scavenging activity using DPPH and ORAC assays.     

Stereoselective synthesis of 2-O-MEM-2,3-unsaturated-β-O-glycosides and elaboration to useful synthetic tools

The glycosylation of alcohols by the new 2-O-MEM-substituted d-galactal-derived allyl epoxide affords the corresponding alkyl 2-O-MEM-3-deoxy-β-d-threo-hex-2-enopyranosides through a completely 1,4-regio- and a highly to completely substrate-dependent stereoselective glycosylation processes. The glycosides obtained can be regioselectively transformed into corresponding 3-deoxy-β-O-glycosides, 3-deoxy-β-d-threo-hexopyranosid-2-uloses, and 3,4-dideoxy-β-d-glycero-hex-3-enopyranosid-2-uloses, which are useful synthetic tools for further transformations.     

An expeditious synthesis of quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide from rutin

We report the synthesis of the major human metabolite of quercetin, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide, from rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside), which is commercially available at low cost. This straightforward synthesis is based on the key intermediate 3′,4′,5,7-tetra-O-benzyl-quercetin which is obtained in only two steps by the total benzylation of rutin followed by acid hydrolysis of the rutinoside residue. Glycosylation of the free 3 hydroxyl group by 1-bromo-3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-d-glucopyranoside yields the protected glucoside. TEMPO-mediated oxidation of primary alcohol on the deprotected glucoside gives access to the benzylated glucuronide. Removal of the benzyl groups which protect the quercetin hydroxyl groups by H₂ (10% Pd/C) yields quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucuronide.     

A novel stereoselective synthesis of (−)-β-conhydrine from (R)-2,3-O-cyclohexylidine glyceraldehyde

A novel stereoselective synthesis of (−)-β-conhydrine is achieved. Stereoselective Grignard reaction of (R)-2,3-O-cyclohexylidine glyceraldehyde with ethyl magnesium bromide, chelation controlled stereoselective Grignard reaction of allyl imine derivative with allyl magnesium bromide, and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of the diallyl product provides (−)-β-conhydrine in high yield.     

Synthetic studies on pterin glycosides: the first synthesis of 2′-O-(α-d-glucopyranosyl)biopterin

l-Rhamnose was led, in a 14-step-sequence, to N²-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-1′-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]biopterin (23), an appropriately protected precursor for 2′-O-glycosylation, while 4,6-di-O-acetyl-2,3-di-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-α-d-glucopyranosyl bromide (32), a novel glycosyl donor, was efficiently prepared from d-glucose in 8 steps. The first synthesis of 2′-O-(α-d-glucopyranosyl)biopterin (2a) was achieved by treatment of the key intermediate 23 with 32 in the presence of silver triflate and tetramethylurea, followed by successive removal of the protecting groups.     

Two efficient ways to 2-O- and 5-O-feruloylated 4-nitrophenyl α-l-arabinofuranosides as substrates for differentiation of feruloyl esterases

4-Nitrophenyl 2-O-(E)-feruloyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside 1 and 4-nitrophenyl 5-O-(E)-feruloyl-α-l-arabinofuranoside 2 have been synthesized by two different routes. Monoferuloylation was accomplished by a chemoenzymatic sequence employing a regioselective transesterification catalyzed by lipases. The feruloyl group was introduced to enzymatically prepared 2,3- and 3,5-diacetates of 4-nitrophenyl α-l-arabinofuranoside by reaction with 4-O-acetylferuloyl chloride. Removal of the protecting acetyl groups yielded 1 and 2. An alternative chemical synthesis suitable for preparation of larger quantities of 1 and 2 also is presented. The new substrates represent convenient tools to differentiate feruloyl esterases on the basis of their substrate specificity.     

Synthesis of pelargonidin 3-O-6″-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, an acylated anthocyanin, via the corresponding kaempferol glucoside

The first total synthesis of pelargonidin 3-O-6″-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside, an acylated anthocyanin of magenta-colored Verbena flowers, was successfully carried out. The key intermediate, protected kaemferol 3-O-glucoside, was constructed by the Baker-Venkataraman rearrangement from a glucosyloxyacetophenone followed by Zn-Hg reduction to the corresponding acylated anthocyanin.     

Self-sacrificing acetylation observed during attempted desilylation of 1-[4-benzenesulfonyl-3-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2-deoxy-5-O-methanesulfonyl-α-l-threo-pentofuranosyl]thymine

Desilylation of 1-[4-benzenesulfonyl-3-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2-deoxy-5-O-methanesulfonyl-α-l-threo-pentofuranosyl]thymine (4) with Bu₄NF/THF, when carried out at room temperature, gave four products. Among these, there were 1-[3-O-acetyl-4-benzenesulfonyl-2-deoxy-5-O-methanesulfonyl-α-l-threo-pentofuranosyl]thymine (7) and thymine. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed, which suggests the origin of 3′-O-acetyl group of 7 and thymine as well as structures of the other two products (9a and 9b).     

Asymmetric synthesis of erythro-β-hydroxyasparagine

erythro-Hydroxyasparagine (eHyAsn, 1) occurs in a number of naturally occurring peptides and proteins. Previous syntheses have relied on enzyme-catalyzed reactions to produce relevant, optically active intermediates. We report herein a completely chemical synthesis that intercepts Boger’s synthesis of the diastereomer (tHyAsn, 4), utilizing a Sharpless asymmetric aminohydroxylation reaction to introduce the two stereocenters. Boc-HyAsn(OTBS)-OH (10) was coupled effectively with phenylalanine methyl ester using EDC/HOBt.     

RCAI-61, the 6′-O-methylated analog of KRN7000: its synthesis and potent bioactivity for mouse lymphocytes to produce interferon-γ in vivo

RCAI-61, the 6′-O-methylated analog of KRN7000, and six other analogs with modified 6′-position of the galactose moiety of KRN7000 were synthesized to examine their bioactivity for mouse lymphocytes. Methyl α-d-galactopyranoside was the starting material for RCAI-58, 61, 64, 83, 85, and 86, while RCAI-87 was prepared from methyl β-l-arabinopyranoside. Bioassay showed RCAI-61 to be a much more potent stimulant of mouse lymphocytes than KRN7000 and RCAI-56 to induce the production of a large amount of IFN-γ in vivo.     

Electrophilic glycosidation employing 3,5-O-(di-tert-butylsilylene)-erythro-furanoid glycal leads to exclusive formation of the β-anomer: synthesis of 2′-deoxynucleosides and its 1′-branched analogues

Stereoselectivity in N-iodosuccimide (NIS)-mediated electrophilic glycosidation was examined by employing 2,4-bis-O-(trimethylsilyl)thymine and three different silyl-protected erythro-furanoid glycals 12, 16, and 18. As a result, it was found that 3,5-O-(di-t-butylsilylene)-protected 18 gave only the β-anomer (21). The remarkable stereoselectivity observed by employing 18 is discussed on the basis of its X-ray crystallographic analysis. 1-Substituted glycals gave the corresponding β-anomer, again exclusively, to provide access to 1′-branched 2′-deoxynucleosides.     

Deoxygenation of 5-O-benzoyl-1,2-isopropylidene-3-O-imidazolylthiocarbonyl-α-d-xylofuranose using dimethyl phosphite: an efficient alternate method towards a 3′-deoxynucleoside glycosyl donor

An efficient radical deoxygenation reaction of thiocarbonylimidazolyl activated glycoside analogue using dimethyl phosphite as hydrogen source and radical chain carrier was performed as a key step in a multi step synthesis towards a common 3-deoxy glycosyl donor for 3′-deoxynucleosides. This method has safety and cost advantages compared to the generally used radical reduction reagents.     

Synthesis of d-fructopyranosides with 2-O-acyl-β-d-fructopyranosides

Glycosylation of 2-O-acyl fructopyranosides was investigated, which were shown to be effective glycosyl donors for d-fructopyranoside synthesis with good β-selectivity and yields. For bulky acceptor 4e, α-anomer 5e was obtained with α/β = 65:23. Unexpected ring-opening was observed during acetylation of 9, indicating the sensitivity of the fructopyranosyl ring.     

Synthesis of methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-2,3-dideoxy-5-thio-β-dl-threo-hex-2-enopyranoside via hetero-Diels-Alder reaction and unusual stabilities of 1,5-anhydro-4,6-O-benzylidene 2,3-dideoxy-5-thio-dl-threo-hex-2-enitol

The title compound was prepared via hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of 1-acetoxy-1,3-butadiene and thioaldehyde, followed by Pummerer rearrangement. Different from the corresponding sugar and 5a-carba sugar, C-inside isomer of 1,5-anhydro-4,6-O-benzylidene-2,3-dideoxy-5-thio-dl-thero-hex-2-enitol was found to be thermodynamically more stable than the corresponding O-inside one and these thermodynamic stabilities were corroborated by ab initio calculations.     

Controlled synthesis of graphene oxide/alumina nanocomposites using a new dry sol–gel method of synthesis

The present paper gives new insight into the problem of controlling the morphology of reduced graphene oxide/alumina (RGO/Al₂O₃) nanocomposites. The dry and simplified sol–gel methods of RGO/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite synthesis were compared and the influence of six key synthesis parameters on the morphology of the resulting nanocomposite powders was investigated to optimize the morphology of RGO/Al₂O₃ nanocomposites in terms of reducing the undesired agglomeration of RGO/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite flakes to a significant minority and obtaining the uniform coverage of RGO surface with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. Our investigations indicate that, despite the high excess of Al₂O₃ used (95 wt%), the lowest RGO/Al₂O₃ flake agglomeration and the formation of a uniform layer composed of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with the average size of 58 nm occurred only when 5 wt% of graphene oxide was used as a substrate for the deposition of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles together with triethyl aluminium as an Al₂O₃ precursor and dry hexane as the reaction environment. The resulting organic precursor was thermally decomposed at 280 °C for 3 h in air atmosphere (R4 reaction pathway). This was confirmed by the high BET-specific surface area (242.4 m²/g) and the high open porosity (0.7 cm³/g) of the obtained RGO(5 wt%)/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite. This is also the first study with a detailed discussion of the reactions expected to occur during the synthesis of an RGO/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite.     

Quantum chemical studies on the partial hydrogenolysis of methyl 2,3-O-diphenylmethylene-α-l-rhamnopyranoside

The potential energy surface for dioxolane ring-opening and hydride donation for the title compound has been mapped. The transition state (TS) was determined at various levels of theories and it has been proven by intrinsic reaction coordinate calculations that it connects the reactant to the product. The breaking of the O3-C_acetal bond and formation of the new H-C bond seems to occur in one (rate limiting) elementary step, which is, however, rather asynchronous.     

Synthesis of analogues of naturally occurring 3-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl)-fagomine

Stereoselective synthesis of 3-α-C-glucosides of d- and l-fagomine from the corresponding C-disaccharides is reported. The ethyl glycoside of perbenzylated C-disaccharide 8 was converted via the corresponding thioglycoside 10 and reducing C-disaccharide 11, into substituted alditol 12 which, upon oxidation and double reductive amination stereoselectively afforded pure perbenzylated d-fagomine C-glucoside 14. In the same manner, the ethyl glycoside of perbenzylated C-disaccharide 9 was stereoselectively converted into perbenzylated l-fagomine C-glucoside 15.