Isolation of (E)-9,10-dihydroxy-2-decenoic acid from royal jelly and determination of the absolute configuration by chemical synthesis

(E)-9,10-Dihydroxy-2-decenoic acid 1 was isolated as a new compound from royal jelly. The planar structure was deduced by spectroscopic analyses, whereas the absolute configuration was established by chemical synthesis of both enantiomers of 1. The natural product was revealed to be ca. 3.5:1 mixture of (R)- and (S)-acids by comparison of 1 with authentic samples.     

Structural elucidation of daphniacetal A, a new oxa-cage compound isolated from Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq.

A new oxa-cage natural product daphniacetal A (1) was isolated from Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq. Its structure and relative configuration were established based on spectroscopic data and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography. Compound 1 was also synthesized for determination of its absolute configuration and evaluation of antioxidant effects.     

Synthesis and absolute configuration of (S)-(+)-chichimol ketone: the defensive secretion of walking stick Agathemera elegans

The first enantioselective synthesis of chichimol ketone (4-methyl-1-hepten-3-one) is described and the absolute configuration of the main semiochemical compound is determined as having an (S)-configuration. The synthesis features the use of a ruthenium catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation reaction to introduce chirality into acid 2. The synthetic chichimol ketone (S)-1 displayed a specific rotation that was in accordance with that of the natural product, thereby supporting the (S) configuration for natural chichimol ketone. To assure the correct stereochemical assignment, (S)-1 was converted in the known ketone (S)-5: the main alarm pheromone of the ant Atta texana that is 400 times more active than its (R)-enantiomers.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of (S)-(−)-quinolactacin B

The enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-quinolactacin B (−)-1 was performed in seven steps and 33% overall yield from tryptamine. The synthesis features the use of ruthenium catalytic asymmetric hydrogen reaction to introduce the chirality in dihydro-β-carboline 2. Based on Noyori’s work, the hydrogenation using the (R,R)-TsDPEN-Ru complex produces dihydro-β-carbolines possessing the (S) absolute configuration, the corrected asymmetric center of the natural product. The synthetic quinolactacin B displayed optical rotations that was in accordance with that of the natural product, thereby supporting the (S) configuration for natural quinolactacin B. The final product’s stereochemical assignment is in agreement with that proposed by Nakagawa and co-workers.     

Nukiangendines A and B,two novel 13,14-seco-abietanes from Abies nukiangensis

From Abies nukiangensis, two novel 13,14-seco-abietane diterpenes, nukiangendines A (1) and B (2) were isolated. Their relative structures were determined by extensive NMR and HRMS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by ECD calculations. Compound 1 showed significant anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) effects.     

Convolutamydine A: the first authenticated absolute configuration and enantioselective synthesis

The absolute configuration of (+)-convolutamydine A 1 isolated from Amathia convoluta has been unambiguously established as (R) by enantioselective synthesis, based on chiral auxiliary-directed π-face discrimination in an allyl metal addition to (1R,2S,5R)-8-phenylmenthyl ester 7. For an independent and unequivocal proof, the absolute stereochemistry of synthetic precursor 11 en route to 1 was determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Deconvolution of E/Z tetrahydroisoquinoline amide rotamers and conformers from a marine-derived Streptomyces strain

A collaborative program to discover new specialized metabolites from aquatic environments of Iceland led to the deconvolution of tetrahydroisoquinoline amide E/Z rotamers [(E/Z)-N-acetyl-MY336-a; 1] and conformers produced by a Streptomyces sp. All structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analysis, and interpretation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. ECD and optical rotation (OR) simulations permitted the unequivocal assignment of the absolute configuration of compound 1 and provided an important example of delineating the spectroscopic contributions of equilibrating rotamers and boat/chair conformers of a common natural product scaffold.     

Studies on the chemical constituents of rutaceous plants—XLI : Absolute configuration of rutaretin methyl ether

The absolute configuration of rutaretin methylether(1) has been established by transformation of it into methyl hexahydrorutaretin methyl ether (5) which was independently derived from S-marmesin (2) via photo-Fries reaction as a key step.     

First total synthesis of (−)-aplyolide A

The first total synthesis of (−)-aplyolide A², (16S)-methyloxacyclohexadeca-(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-tetraen-2-one, 1 is reported. The synthesis is based on three consecutive couplings of terminal alkynes with propargylic halides and proves the absolute configuration of the stereogenic center of the natural product.     

Structure elucidation and stereoselective total synthesis of pavettamine, the causal agent of gousiekte

The structure elucidation of a novel natural product pavettamine (1), the causal agent of the plant toxicosis gousiekte, is reported. The structure was defined by analysis of NMR and MS data and the relative configuration followed from the ¹³C NMR data of the acetonide derivative. The absolute stereochemistry was established by total synthesis from (2S)-malic acid using chiral sulfoxide methodology as (2S,4R,8R,10S)-1,11-diamino-6-aza-undecane-2,4,8,10-tetraol.     

Aphanalides A–H,ring A-seco limonoids from the fruits of Aphanamixis polystachya

Eight new ring A-seco limonoids, aphanalides A–H (1–8) were isolated from the fruits of Aphanamixis polystachya. Aphanalides A–C (1–3) are the first examples of ring A-seco limonoids with an unusual oxetane ring between C-7 and C-14. The structures of aphanalide A (1) and aphanalide C (3) were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray studies. Their structures including absolute stereochemistry were established on the basis of extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, by comparison of experimental and calculated electron circular dichroism (ECD) and by X-ray diffraction, representing the first report of assignment of absolute configuration of such type ring A-seco limonoids. The biogenetic origin of aphanalides A–D (1–4) from aphanalides E–H (5–8) was also postulated.     

A fluorescent bicyclic calix[4]arene–oxacyclophane with planar chirality: resolution,chiroptical properties,and absolute configuration

A new inherently chiral calix[4]arene ICC 1 has been disclosed. The dissymmetry of 1 is generated from a chirality plane in the quinol moiety of a 1,3-bridged bicyclic calix[4]arene. ICC 1 has been resolved by enantioselective HPLC, and the chiroptical properties of both isolated antipodes (pS)-1 and (pR)-1 confirm their enantiomeric nature. The absolute configuration of the (pS)-1/(pR)-1 enantiomeric pair was established through time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra.     

Synthesis of two possible diastereomers of reticulatain-1

A convergent synthesis of two possible diastereomers of reticulatain-1 (1a and 1b) was accomplished. Comparison of the specific optical rotations of 1a and 1b did not allow for the strict determination of the absolute configuration. However, bis-(R)-MTPA esters of 1a and 1b showed a clear difference in chemical shifts in the ¹H NMR spectra. If the bis-(R)-MTPA ester of natural reticulatain-1 (1) is available, the absolute configuration of 1 will be determined. Inhibitory action of these compounds was examined with bovine heart mitochondrial complex I. Both compounds showed almost the same activity.     

Absolute configuration assignment of caffeic acid ester derivatives from Tithonia diversifolia by vibrational circular dichroism: the pitfalls of deuteration

Recently, it was observed that infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) calculations including deuterated hydroxyl groups in phenolic and saccharide moieties improved significantly the agreement with experimental data obtained in methanol-d₄. In the present study, the relative and absolute configurations of three methanol-soluble caffeic acid ester derivatives 1–3, isolated from Tithonia diversifolia, were established by a combined use of experimental and calculated ¹³C NMR chemical shifts, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and VCD spectroscopies. Interestingly, the attempt to reproduce the deuteration pattern arising from possible isotopic exchange in methanol-d₄ solution led to nearly mirror image calculated VCD spectra for 1 when compared to the non-deuterated molecule with the same absolute configuration. This latter fact can potentially lead to absolute configuration misassignments. A closer inspection of the vibrational chiroptical properties of 1 revealed that the deuteration status of the tertiary hydroxyl group at C-2 is critical for the correct reproduction of experimental VCD data in protic solvents. Therefore, in the case of stereochemical analysis of polar chiral natural product molecules, a combination of VCD and ECD is recommended.     

Synthesis of (−)-okundoperoxide and determination of the absolute configuration of natural (+)-okundoperoxide

The first enantioselective synthesis of (3S,4aR,8aR)-1 (the enantiomer of natural okundoperoxide) has been accomplished. The synthesis features: 1) stereoselective installation of the peroxy functionality (16 → 17); 2) ring opening of peroxyacetal and subsequent intramolecular reaction between the hydroperoxide and the vinyl epoxide to form the peroxy six-membered ring (5 → 1). The absolute configuration of okundoperoxide was determined to be 3R,4aS,8aS by comparing specific rotations of the synthetic sample and the natural product.     

Salvifarinin A,a neo-clerodane diterpenoid with a 6/5/7 tricyclic skeleton from Salvia farinacea

Salvifarinin A (1), a rearrangement product of Languidulane-type clerodane diterpenoids with a 6/5/7 tricyclic ring skeleton fused with γ-lactone ring and furan ring, and two new biogenetically related diterpernoids, salvifarinins B (2) and C (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia farinacea. The absolute configuration of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and bio-inspired semisynthesis. The plausible biogenetic pathway was also proposed. Compound 2 displayed a potent effect on reducing hepatic steatosis.     

Two novel iridoids with an unusual δ-lactone-containing skeleton from Triosteum himalayanum

Two novel iridoids triohimas A (1) and C (3) with an unusual δ-lactone-containing skeleton were isolated from Triosteum himalayanum Wall. Their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopic analyses and X-ray crystallography. The absolute configuration was established by computational methods. They were also tested for the in vitro cytotoxicity against L1210 cell line.     

Myrioneurinol: a novel alkaloid skeleton from Myrioneuron nutans

A new alkaloid, myrioneurinol (1), was isolated from the leaves of Myrioneuron nutans and its structure determined from spectral analysis, including mass spectrometry and 2D NMR. Myrioneurinol (1) presented an unprecedented fused tetracyclic skeleton. The absolute configuration was established by the modified Mosher's method, using (R)- and (S)-9-anthrylmethoxyacetic acid (9-AMAA). A plausible biosynthetic pathway starting from l-lysine via Δ-piperideine was proposed for 1 in comparison with nitraramine biosynthesis and related alkaloids.     

Diastereomeric process-based chiral resolution of helical quinone derivatives using (−)-menthyl chloroformate

Diastereomeric resolution of helically distorted polycondensed bisphenols (1,1′-bibenzo[c]phenanthrene-2,2′-diols: HEBPOLs) 2a–b was conducted utilizing (1R)-(?)-menthyl chloroformate as a chiral resolving agent. Subsequent manipulation produced highly optically pure [>99% enantiomeric excess (ee)] quinone derivatives (P) and (M)-1a–b in very good yields. The absolute configuration of each product was confirmed based on circular dichroism (CD) spectra and X-ray crystal structure analysis.     

The structure of spirolaurenone,a halogenated sesquiterpenoid from the red alga laurencia glandulifera kützing

The structure of spirolaurenone (1), a halogenated metabolite isolated from the red alga Laurencia glandulifera Kützing, was determined on the basis of the chemical and spectroscopic evidence. The absolute configuration of spirolaurenone (1) was established as shown in formula 1 by the chemical correlation with glanduliferol (18), a halo-chamigrene derivative isolated from the same alga.