A new approach to (S)-4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone and its 3-substituted analogues

Successive treatment of a phenyl thioether derived from (S)-malic acid with n-BuLi, lithium naphthalenide (LN), and electrophiles led to 4-hydroxy-3-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones in one-pot and in high regio- and diastereoselectivity at C-3. N-Debenzylation of 1-benzyl-4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone using LN afforded naturally occurring (−)-(S)-4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone. (−)-(3S,4S)-4-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, the lactam form of the γ-amino acid residue found in marine natural products, bistramides, was prepared by the same method.     

A new enantiodivergent synthesis of the Geissman-Waiss lactone

Intramolecular Michael reaction of methyl (R)-6-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)oxy-4-hydroxy-2-hexenoate, in turn obtained from tert-butyl (R)-3-hydroxy-4-pentenoate, paved the way to the synthesis of both enantiomers of 2-oxa-6-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one (the Geissman-Waiss lactone), a precursor for necine bases. Key intermediates in this approach were represented by enantiomeric bicyclic lactones incorporating a [1,2]-oxazinane nucleus, which has been conveniently used to install the pyrrolidine framework of the target compounds through a synthetic scheme featuring the reduction of the nitrogen-oxygen bond and an intramolecular S_N2 reaction.     

Cross-metathesis approach to a (2E,4E)-dienoic acid intermediate for the synthesis of elaiolide

A (2E,4E)-7-hydroxy-2,4-dienoic acid, previously employed as a key intermediate for the total synthesis of the macrodiolide antibiotic elaiolide, was prepared stereoselectively and concisely from (S)-2-methyl-3-trityloxypropanal by a three-step sequence consisting of Brown’s asymmetric crotylboration, olefin cross-metathesis, and alkaline treatment. Ethyl 3-pivaloyloxy-4-pentenoate was used as a masked dienoate in the cross-metathesis step.     

Trading N and O: asymmetric syntheses of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids via α-hydroxy-β-amino esters

Both diastereoisomers of 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 2-amino-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid have been prepared from enantiopure α-hydroxy-β-amino esters via the intermediacy of the corresponding cis- and trans-aziridines. Aminohydroxylation of two α,β-unsaturated esters produced enantiopure 2,3-anti-α-hydroxy-β-amino esters in >99:1 dr. Subsequent epimerisation at the C(2)-position via a sequential oxidation/diastereoselective reduction protocol gave the corresponding enantiopure 2,3-syn-α-hydroxy-β-amino esters in >99:1 dr. These syn- and anti-substrates were then converted into the corresponding N-Boc protected cis- and trans-aziridines, respectively, via a three step reaction sequence: (i) hydrogenolysis and in situ N-Boc protection; (ii) OH-activation; and (iii) aziridine formation. Subsequent regioselective ring-opening of the C(3)-methyl-aziridines with Cl₃CCO₂H proceeded with inversion of configuration to give the corresponding 2-amino-3-trichloroacetate esters, whereas the analogous reaction with the C(3)-phenyl-aziridines resulted in rearrangement to the corresponding oxazolidin-2-ones with retention of configuration. In each case, hydrolysis of the products from these ring-opening reactions produced the corresponding enantiopure β-hydroxy-α-amino acids as single diastereoisomers.     

Novel and enantioselective syntheses of (R)- and (S)-3-hydroxy-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid: a synthon for sitagliptin and its derivatives

A new synthetic strategy for (R)- and (S)-3-hydroxy-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid, a building block in the preparation of sitagliptin and its derivatives, was developed. Pd(OAc)₂ catalyzed coupling of 2,4,5-trifluoro-1-iodobenzene with allyl alcohol gave 3-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)propanal in a yield of 95%. l-Proline catalyzed reaction of the 3-phenylpropanal (in only 1.2 molar equiv) with nitrosobenzene followed by reduction with NaBH₄ and Pd/C catalyzed hydrogenation gave (R)-3-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)propane-1,2-diol with >99% ee and 65% yield. Selective tosylation of primary hydroxyl group of the 1,2-propandiol unit followed by cyanide displacement afforded (R)-3-hydroxy-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanenitrile (80%). The nitrile was converted to the title β-hydroxy acid under basic hydrolysis in a yield of 90%. Thus, (R)-3-hydroxy-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid was prepared enantioselectively from the starting material in four steps and 45% overall yield. The reaction sequence was repeated with d-proline as the catalyst to give (S)-3-hydroxy-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid in 45% overall yield and >99% enantiomeric excess.     

Efficient synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-pyridazine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters

A general procedure is described for the preparation of 6-substituted-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-pyridazine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters (6-substituted-5-hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters). These compounds are shown to undergo selective alkylation at the 2-position in moderate to good yields (19-77%) to afford 2,6-disubstituted-5-hydroxy-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-pyridazine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters (2,6-disubstituted-5-hydroxy-3(2H)-pyridazinone-4-carboxylic acid ethyl esters).     

Syntheses on the basis of 2H-chromen-2-one and 2H-chromene-2-thione

4-Hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one and 4-hydroxy-2H-chromene-2-thione reacted with allyl bromide, 1,1,3-trichloroprop-1-ene, and 1,3-dichlorobut-2-ene to give the corresponding ethers, which were oxidized to (2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yloxy)acetic acid with potassium permanganate, and various derivatives of that acid were obtained. 3-(3,3-Dichloroprop-2-enyl)-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one and 3-(3,3-dichloroprop-2-enyl)-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromene-2-thione were synthesized, and some their transformations were studied.     

Synthesis and stereochemical determination of an antifeeding bisabolanoid from Japanese cedar

The first enantioselective synthesis of (1S,3R,6R)-1-hydroxy-7(14),10-bisaboladien-4-one, a potent antifeedant isolated from the Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, was achieved starting from methyl (R)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate via a stereoselective carbonyl ene cyclization reaction as the key step. Comparison of the spectral data and specific rotation of the synthetic material with those of the natural product led to unambiguous stereochemical assignment of the antifeedant as 1S, 3R, and 6R.     

Efficient chemoenzymatic synthesis of (2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-3-methylproline,a key fragment in polyoxypeptin A and FR225659

We report an efficient synthesis of protected (2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-3-methylproline that proceeds in three steps with complete stereoselectivity. This route represents a significant improvement over previous approaches to this noncanonical amino acid. Key to this success is the development of a one-pot chemoenzymatic procedure for the preparation of (2S,3S)-3-methylproline from l-isoleucine. This work lays the foundation for future chemoenzymatic syntheses of polyoxypeptin A and FR225659.     

Asymmetric synthesis of d-fagomine and its diastereoisomers

A divergent strategy for the asymmetric syntheses of d-fagomine and three of its diastereoisomers has been developed. The diastereoselective conjugate addition of an enantiopure lithium amide to an α,β-unsaturated ester was used as the key step to install the correct configuration required for the C(5)-stereogenic centre within the targets. In situ enolate oxidation generated the corresponding anti-α-hydroxy-β-amino ester, which possessed the correct configuration required for the C(4)-stereogenic centre within both d-fagomine and d-3-epi-fagomine. Subsequent epimerisation of this key anti-α-hydroxy-β-amino ester upon oxidation and diastereoselective reduction gave the corresponding syn-α-hydroxy-β-amino ester, which possessed the correct configuration required for the C(4)-stereogenic centre within both d-4-epi-fagomine and d-5-epi-fagomine. Elaboration of both α-hydroxy-β-amino esters upon reduction to the corresponding aldehydes followed by aldol reaction generated the requisite C(3)-stereogenic centres within the target compounds, then cyclisation and deprotection gave the enantiopure iminosugars in good overall yields, as single diastereoisomers (>99:1 dr).     

A novel three-component method for the synthesis of spiro[chromeno [4′,3′:4,5] pyrimido[1,2-b] indazole-7,3′-indoline]-2′,6(9H)-dione

A green, efficient, and rapid procedure for the synthesis of novel spiro[chromeno[4′,3′:4,5] pyrimido[1,2-b]indazole-7,3′-indoline]-2′,6(9 H)-dione derivatives has been developed by one-pot condensation of 4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one, isatin, and 1H-indazole-3-amine, in the presence of acetic acid in EtOH. This method has the advantages of operational simplicity, and high yield of products via a simple experimental and work-up procedure as compared to the conventional methods. The reaction mechanism and substrate scope of this novel reaction is briefly discussed.     

Iodolactonization of 3-amino-4-pentenoic acid: a stereoselective synthesis of syn-γ-hydroxy-β-amino acids

The reaction of (S)-3-N-Cbz-4-pentenoic acid with iodine in acetonitrile in the presence of AgOTf gave the cis-iodo-lactone 6 in excellent yield and in a highly diastereoselective manner. The substitutions of the iodine in 6 by different Grignard reagents in the presence of CuI and the subsequent conversions into the functionalized syn-γ-hydroxy-β-amino acids have been investigated. By the above reaction sequence, (3S,4S)-3-amino-4-hydroxy-5-cyclohexyl pentanoic acid was synthesized with high enantioselectivity.     

Solid-phase synthesis of 4H-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-1-one

An effective solid-phase preparation of the pharmaceutically interesting 4H-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-1-one system from an anchored bisarylacetylene is described.     

Synthesis of methyl (E)-2-[(3S,4S)-4-hydroxy-3-(pent-3-yloxy)-pyrrolidin-2-ylidene]propanoate and its unusual recyclization

Methyl (2E,4S,5S)-5-hydroxy-6-mesyloxy-2-methyl-4-(pent-3-yloxy)hex-2-enoate was synthesized from l-tartaric acid. Attempted substitution of the mesyloxy group by the reaction with NaN₃ directly led to methyl (E)-2-[(3S,4S)-4-hydroxy-3-(pent-3-yloxy)pyrrolidin-2-ylidene]propanoate. The latter on treatment with CF₃COOH and then NaOH gave methyl (2E)-2-methyl-4-[(S)-oxiran-2-yl]-4-(pent-3-yloxy)but-2-enoate.     

Multi-component condensation of 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1H-pyridin-2-one with carbonyl compounds and Meldrum’s acid

A convenient method for the synthesis of earlier unknown substituted derivatives of 4-aryl-7-methyl-4,6-dihydro-3H-pyrano[3,2-c]pyridine-2,5-dione and ethyl 3-(4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl)-3-arylpropionate was developed based on the multi-component condensation of 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-1H-pyridin-2-one, Meldrum’s acid, and carbonyl compounds.     

Total synthesis of 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and its derivatives

We report the first total synthesis of 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid and its derivatives, 3,5-O-diferuloylquinic acid and 3,5-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamyl)quinic acid, in a nine-step sequence. The key step involves Knoevenagel condensations between vanillin, 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde or 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and the dimalonate ester of quinic acid.     

Asymmetric synthesis of conformationally constrained 4-hydroxyprolines and their applications to the formal synthesis of (+)-epibatidine

This report describes the synthesis of enantiomerically pure (1S,3S,4R)- and (1S,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-carboxylic acids, two new conformationally constrained 4-hydroxyprolines, using a straightforward synthetic route and starting from (−)-8-phenylmenthyl 2-acetamidoacrylate. The easy transformation of the pure (1S,3S,4R)-3-hydroxy-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-1-carboxylic acid into (1R,4S)-N-Boc-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one constitutes a new formal synthesis of (+)-epibatidine.     

Gomadalactones A, B, and C: novel 3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane compounds in the contact sex pheromone of the white-spotted longicorn beetle, Anoplophora malasiaca

The ether extract of the females of white-spotted longicorn beetle Anoplophora malasiaca showed activity as contact sex pheromone to males. The extract was fractionated, and a pheromonal activity was revealed only when three fractions; n-hexane, n-hexane/EtOAc 9:1, and EtOAc were blended. The relative structures of gomadalactone A, B, and C, three active components isolated from the EtOAc fraction, were determined by spectroscopic studies to be (1S^∗,4R^∗,5S^∗)-5-hydroxy-4-[(E)-7-hydroxy-4-methylhept-3-enyl]-4,8-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-7-en-2,6-dione, (1R^∗,4R^∗,5R^∗)-5-hydroxy-4-[(E)-7-hydroxy-4-methylhept-3-enyl]-4,8-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-7-en-2,6-dione, and (1S^∗,4R^∗,5S^∗,8S^∗)-5-hydroxy-4-[(E)-7-hydroxy-4-methylhept-3-enyl]-4,8-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-2,6-dione, respectively.     

Synthetic routes to l-carnitine and l-gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid from (S)-3-hydroxybutyrolactone by functional group priority switching

(R)-3-Hydroxy-4-trimethylaminobutyric acid (l-carnitine) and (R)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) are two compounds with a very high level of medical significance. They can be prepared from (R)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone which is not readily available in significant quantities. The corresponding (S)-lactone is available in large quantities but attempts at inverting the stereochemistry of the hydroxyl group lead to elimination to give the furanone. Here we describe a straightforward route to these two compounds, starting from (S)-3-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone by adding a highly oxidized carbon at one end whilst removing one carbon from the other, thus switching the functional group priorities. In this method, the lactone is transformed to an (R)-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid ester which is then converted to an acyl hydrazide by treatment with hydrazine. This stable, crystalline hydrazide has not been described before. It is readily converted to (R)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyronitrile, a precursor of l-carnitine and GABOB, by Curtius rearrangement under conditions that do not result in deamination.     

Four new ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba

Four new compounds, 2-hydroxy-6-(12′-hydroxyheptadec-13′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (1), 2-hydroxy-6-(13′-hydroxyheptadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (2), 2-hydroxy-6-(10′-hydroxypentadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (3), and 2-hydroxy-6-(11′-hydroxypentadec-9′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (4) were isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba and the structures of new ginkgolic acids were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical means. Compounds 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 examined as an inseparable mixture of hydroxyl and double bond positional isomers, were ultimately defined by total synthesis. Compounds 1–4 showed moderate lipid droplets accumulation inhibitory activity on mouse pre-adipocyte cell line, MC3T3-G2/PA6.