Catalytic,Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,2‐anti‐Diols by Asymmetric Ring‐Opening/Cross‐Metathesis

An enantioselective method for the synthesis of 1,2‐anti‐diols has been developed. A cyclometalated chiral‐at‐ruthenium complex catalyzes the asymmetric ring‐opening/cross‐metathesis of dioxygenated cyclobutenes, thus resulting in functionally rich synthetic building blocks. Syntheses of the insect pheromone (+)‐endo‐brevicomin and monosaccharide ribose demonstrate the synthetic utility of the 1,2‐anti‐diol fragments generated in the title reaction.     

Catalytic,Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,2‐anti‐Diols by Asymmetric Ring‐Opening/Cross‐Metathesis

An enantioselective method for the synthesis of 1,2‐anti‐diols has been developed. A cyclometalated chiral‐at‐ruthenium complex catalyzes the asymmetric ring‐opening/cross‐metathesis of dioxygenated cyclobutenes, thus resulting in functionally rich synthetic building blocks. Syntheses of the insect pheromone (+)‐endo‐brevicomin and monosaccharide ribose demonstrate the synthetic utility of the 1,2‐anti‐diol fragments generated in the title reaction.     

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)‐Deoxoapodine

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (−)‐deoxoapodine is described. Our synthesis of this hexacyclic aspidosperma alkaloid includes an efficient molybdenum‐catalyzed enantioselective ring‐closing metathesis reaction for the desymmetrization of an advanced intermediate that introduces the C5‐quaternary stereocenter. After C21‐oxygenation, the pentacyclic core was accessed by electrophilic C19‐amide activation and transannular spirocyclization. A biogenetically inspired dehydrative C6‐etherification reaction proved highly effective to secure the F‐ring and the fourth contiguous stereocenter of (−)‐deoxoapodine with complete stereochemical control.     

Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Mangiferaelactone using D‐Mannose as a Chiral Pool

A convergent total synthesis of mangiferaelactone has been accomplished in a highly stereoselective manner from readily available D ‐mannose. The following methods like organocatalytic enantioselective epoxidation, ring‐closing metathesis, and Steglich esterification have been employed as key steps, which make this approach more attractive.     

Studies on Electronic Effects in O‐, N‐ and S‐Chelated Ruthenium Olefin‐Metathesis Catalysts

A short overview on the structural design of the Hoveyda–Grubbs‐type ruthenium initiators chelated through oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms is presented. Our aim was to compare and contrast O‐, N‐ and S‐chelated ruthenium complexes to better understand the impact of electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating substituents on the geometry and activity of the ruthenium complexes and to gain further insight into the trans–cis isomerisation process of the S‐chelated complexes. To evaluate the different effects of chelating heteroatoms and to probe electronic effects on sulfur‐ and nitrogen‐chelated latent catalysts, we synthesised a series of novel complexes. These catalysts were compared against two well‐known oxygen‐chelated initiators and a sulfoxide‐chelated complex. The structures of the new complexes have been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and analysed to search for correlations between the structural features and activity. The replacement of the oxygen‐chelating atom by a sulfur or nitrogen atom resulted in catalysts that were inert at room temperature for typical ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) and cross‐metathesis reactions and showed catalytic activity only at higher temperatures. Furthermore, one nitrogen‐chelated initiator demonstrated thermo‐switchable behaviour in RCM reactions, similar to its sulfur‐chelated counterparts.     

Phosphate‐Tether‐Mediated Ring‐Closing Metathesis for the Preparation of Complex 1,3‐anti‐Diol‐Containing Subunits

An array of examples of diastereoselective, phosphate‐tether‐mediated ring‐closing metathesis reactions, which highlight the importance of product ring size and substrate stereochemical compatibility, as well as complexity, is reported. Studies focus primarily on the formation of bicyclo[n.3.1]phosphates, involving the coupling of C₂‐symmetric dienediol subunits with a variety of simple, as well as complex, alcohol partners.     

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Terreumols A and C from the Mushroom Tricholoma terreum

The cytotoxic meroterpenoids terreumol A and C from the grey knight mushroom Tricholoma terreum were synthesized for the first time. The key step of the enantioselective total synthesis of terreumol C is a ring‐closing metathesis to form a trisubstituted Z double bond embedded in the 10‐membered ring of the [8.4.0] bicycle. Interestingly, the presence of a free hydroxy group in the metathesis precursor prevents cyclization and favors cross metathesis. (?)‐Terreumol C was converted into (?)‐terreumol A by diastereoselective epoxidation. Starting from 2‐bromo‐3,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde, 14 steps with an overall yield of 23 % are needed for the synthesis of (?)‐terreumol A. X‐ray analysis of the benzoquinone analogue of terreumol A provides independent proof of the absolute configuration.     

Synthetic Transformations of Sulfur‐Substituted 4‐Quinolizidinones

Sulfur‐substituted 4‐quinolizidinones, previously prepared by aza‐Diels‐Alder reactions and ring‐closing metathesis, are now subjected to further synthetic transformations. Formal synthesis of cermizine C and 5‐epi‐cermizine C, and some other useful reactions have been achieved.     

Efficient and Selective Formation of Macrocyclic Disubstituted Z Alkenes by Ring‐Closing Metathesis (RCM) Reactions Catalyzed by Mo‐ or W‐Based Monoaryloxide Pyrrolide (MAP) Complexes: Applications to Total Syntheses of Epilachnene,Yuzu Lactone,Ambrettolide, Epothilone C,and Nakadomarin A

The first broadly applicable set of protocols for efficient Z‐selective formation of macrocyclic disubstituted alkenes through catalytic ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) is described. Cyclizations are performed with 1.2–7.5 mol % of a Mo‐ or W‐based monoaryloxide pyrrolide (MAP) complex at 22 °C and proceed to complete conversion typically within two hours. Utility is demonstrated by synthesis of representative macrocyclic alkenes, such as natural products yuzu lactone (13‐membered ring: 73 % Z) epilachnene (15‐membered ring: 91 % Z), ambrettolide (17‐membered ring: 91 % Z), an advanced precursor to epothilones C and A (16‐membered ring: up to 97 % Z), and nakadomarin A (15‐membered ring: up to 97 % Z). We show that catalytic Z‐selective cyclizations can be performed efficiently on gram‐scale with complex molecule starting materials and catalysts that can be handled in air. We elucidate several critical principles of the catalytic protocol: 1) The complementary nature of the Mo catalysts, which deliver high activity but can be more prone towards engendering post‐RCM stereoisomerization, versus W variants, which furnish lower activity but are less inclined to cause loss of kinetic Z selectivity. 2) Reaction time is critical to retaining kinetic Z selectivity not only with MAP species but with the widely used Mo bis(hexafluoro‐tert‐butoxide) complex as well. 3) Polycyclic structures can be accessed without significant isomerization at the existing Z alkenes within the molecule.     

Highly Efficient Route to Functionalized Tetrahydrocarbazoles Using a Tandem Cross‐Metathesis/Intramolecular‐Hydroarylation Sequence

The scope of the novel ruthenium‐catalyzed tandem cross‐metathesis/intramolecular‐hydroarylation sequence is described. This methodology offers a practical and efficient synthesis of structurally diverse and complex tetrahydrocarbazoles in good to excellent yields (up to 98 %). Moreover, preliminary efforts towards the development of an enantioselective version of the current process by sequential catalysis with ruthenium complex and chiral amine are presented, with high yields and enantioselectivities (up to 88 % yield and 91 % ee).     

An Enantioselective Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Imino Diels–Alder Reaction

The imino Diels–Alder reaction is an efficient method for the synthesis of aza‐heterocycles. While different stereo‐ and enantioselective inverse‐electron‐demand imino Diels–Alder (IEDIDA) reactions have been reported before, IEDIDA reactions including electron‐deficient dienes are unprecedented. The first enantioselective IEDIDA reaction between electron‐poor chromone dienes and cyclic imines, catalyzed by zinc/binol complexes is described. The novel reaction provides a facile entry to a natural product inspired collection of ring‐fused quinolizines including a potent modulator of mitosis.     

Synthesis and Catalytic Study of Ruthenium Carbene Catalyst Containing a Zn‐Porphyrin Ligand

A ruthenium carbene complex containing a Zn‐porphyrin ligand has been developed. The complex was characterized by ¹H NMR, IR, HRMS and elemental analysis. The catalytic activity of the ruthenium carbene complex for olefin metathesis reactions was also investigated. The complex exhibited excellent performance for both ring‐closing and cross metathesis reactions at 35°C.     

Synthesis of N‐Tosylhomosphinganine and N‐Tosylsedridine

A straightforward synthesis of N‐tosylhomosphinganine and N‐tosylsedridine has been achieved from trans‐4‐hydroxyproline by Grignard addition, regioselective Baeyer‐Villiger reaction, cross or ring‐closing metathesis and hydrogenation as the key steps.     

Z‐Selective Cross Metathesis with Ruthenium Catalysts: Synthetic Applications and Mechanistic Implications

Olefin cross metathesis is a particularly powerful transformation that has been exploited extensively for the formation of complex products. Until recently, however, constructing Z‐olefins using this methodology was not possible. With the discovery and development of three families of ruthenium‐based Z‐selective catalysts, the formation of Z‐olefins using metathesis is now not only possible but becoming increasingly prevalent in the literature. In particular, ruthenium complexes containing cyclometalated NHC architectures developed in our group have been shown to catalyze various cross metathesis reactions with high activity and, in most cases, near perfect selectivity for the Z‐isomer. The types of cross metathesis reactions investigated thus far are presented here and explored in depth.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Macrocyclic Heterobiaryl Derivatives of Molecular Asymmetry by Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring‐Closing Metathesis

Winding vine‐shaped molecular asymmetry is induced by enantioselective ring‐closing metathesis with a chiral molybdenum catalyst. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions through an E‐selective ring‐closing metathesis leading to macrocyclic bisazoles with enantioselectivities of up to 96 % ee.     

Carbohydrate‐Based Studies Toward the Synthesis of Hamigeromycin E: A Stereoselective Total Synthesis of an Isomer of Zeaenol

A stereoselective synthesis of 14‐membered macrolide hamigeromycin E ( 6 ) has been studied by employing ortho‐lithiated formylation, Barbier allylation, Julia–Kocienski olefination, Mitsunobu esterification, and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions. The final RCM reaction did not provide the target molecule. This study has prompted us to synthesize a stereoisomer of zeaenol and accomplish the total synthesis with the above protocols.     

Total Synthesis of the Protected Aglycon of Fidaxomicin (Tiacumicin B,Lipiarmycin A3)

Fidaxomicin, also known as tiacumicin B or lipiarmycin A3, is a novel macrocyclic antibiotic that is used in hospitals for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections. This natural product has also been shown to have excellent bactericidal activity against multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In spite of its attractive biological activity, no total synthesis has been reported to date. The enantioselective synthesis of the central 18‐membered macrolactone is reported herein. The key reactions include ring‐closing metathesis between a terminal olefin and a dienoate moiety for macrocyclization, a vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, and a Stille coupling reaction of sterically demanding substrates. The retrosynthesis involves three medium‐sized fragments, thus leading to a flexible yet convergent synthetic route.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Ruthenium 2‐Alkyl‐6‐mercaptophenolate Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis

A series of ruthenium carbene catalysts containing 2‐sulfidophenolate bidentate ligand with an ortho‐substituent next to the oxygen atom were synthesized. The molecular structure of ruthenium carbene complex containing 2‐isopropyl‐6‐sulfidophenolate ligand was confirmed through single crystal X‐ray diffraction. An oxygen atom can be found in the opposite position of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) based on the steric hindrance and strong trans‐effects of the NHC ligand. The ruthenium carbene catalyst can catalyze ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reaction of norbornene with high activity and Z‐selectivity and cross metathesis (CM) reactions of terminal alkenes with (Z)‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diol to give Z‐olefin products (Z/E ratios, 70:30–89:11) in low yields (13%–38%). When AlCl₃ was added into the CM reactions, yields (51%–88%) were considerably improved and process becomes highly selective for E‐olefin products (E/Z ratios, 79:21–96:4). Similar to other ruthenium carbene catalysts, these new complexes can tolerate different functional groups.     

Concise enantioselective synthesis of (−)-lasubine II

An enantioselective synthesis of the quinolizidine alkaloid (−)-lasubine II 1 is reported. Two different pathways to the key intermediate 2 are described. The first case involving a sequence of ring rearrangement metathesis (RRM), simple functional group interconversion operations, followed by a stereoselective cross metathesis (CM) and in the second case a domino ring opening-/ring closing-/cross metathesis step is involved. In both cases, following the metathesis reactions, exclusively the E-isomer was obtained. The final cyclisation towards the quinolizidine skeleton is achieved by an intramolecular Michael reaction. This concept represents the first example of a highly stereoselective RRM-CM combination in the synthesis of a natural product.     

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)‐Cladospolide B

An enantioselective total synthesis of (?)‐cladospolide B was described. The key steps in this synthesis include(a) a Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation to elaborate syn diol at C‐4 and C‐5 positions; (b) a Mitsunobu esterification to reverse the configuration at C‐11 from (S) to (R); and (c) a ring‐closing metathesis to access the 12‐membered macrocyclic ring.