Biosynthesis of Indole Diterpene Lolitrems: Radical-Induced Cyclization of an Epoxyalcohol Affording a Characteristic Lolitremane Skeleton

Lolitrems are tremorgenic indole diterpenes that exhibit a unique 5/6 bicyclic system of the indole moiety. Although genetic analysis has indicated that the prenyltransferase LtmE and the cytochrome P450 LtmJ are involved in the construction of this unique structure, the detailed mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway for lolitrems employing a recently established genome-editing technique for the expression host Aspergillus oryzae. Heterologous expression and bioconversion of the various intermediates revealed that LtmJ catalyzes multistep oxidation to furnish the lolitrem core. We also isolated the key reaction intermediate with an epoxyalcohol moiety. This observation allowed us to establish the mechanism of radical-induced cyclization, which was firmly supported by density functional theory calculations and a model experiment with a synthetic analogue.     

Vinylation of Nitro‐Substituted Indoles,Quinolinones, and Anilides with Grignard Reagents

The reaction of vinyl Grignard reagents with o‐methoxynitroarenes containing an electron‐releasing substituent para to the nitro group proceeds through a pathway that is different from the initially expected Bartoli indole synthesis. Thus, instead of giving fused indole derivatives, these reactions provide a very mild and efficient new procedure for the synthesis of synthetically relevant aromatic systems containing an o‐nitrovinyl moiety, such as 5‐nitro‐4‐vinylindoles, 6‐nitro‐7‐vinylindoles, 6‐nitro‐5‐vinyl‐2(1H)quinolinones, and 4‐nitro‐3‐vinylanilines.     

Guanitrypmycin Biosynthetic Pathways Imply Cytochrome P450 Mediated Regio‐ and Stereospecific Guaninyl‐Transfer Reactions

Mining microbial genomes including those of Streptomyces reveals the presence of a large number of biosynthetic gene clusters. Unraveling this genetic potential has proved to be a useful approach for novel compound discovery. Here, we report the heterologous expression of two similar P450‐associated cyclodipeptide synthase‐containing gene clusters in Streptomyces coelicolor and identification of eight rare and novel natural products, the C3‐guaninyl indole alkaloids guanitrypmycins. Expression of different gene combinations proved that the cyclodipeptide synthases assemble cyclo‐l ‐Trp‐l ‐Phe and cyclo‐l ‐Trp‐l ‐Tyr, which are consecutively and regiospecifically modified by cyclodipeptide oxidases, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and N‐methyltransferases. In vivo and in vitro results proved that the P450 enzymes function as key biocatalysts and catalyze the regio‐ and stereospecific 3α‐guaninylation at the indole ring of the tryptophanyl moiety. Isotope‐exchange experiments provided evidence for the non‐enzymatic epimerization of the biosynthetic pathway products via keto–enol tautomerism. This post‐pathway modification during cultivation further increases the structural diversity of guanitrypmycins.     

Synthesis of Polycyclic Tertiary Carbinamines by Samarium Diiodide Mediated Cyclizations of Indolyl Sulfinyl Imines

Samarium diiodide mediated cyclizations of N‐acylated indole derivatives bearing sulfinyl imine moieties afforded polycyclic tertiary carbinamines with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities. Lithium bromide and water turned out to be the best additives to achieve these transformations in good yields. Using enantiopure sulfinyl imines the outcome strongly depends on the reactivity of the indole moiety. Whereas with unactivated indole derivatives desulfinylation and formation of racemic products was observed, indoles bearing electron‐withdrawing substituents at C‐3 afforded the polycyclic products with intact N‐sulfinyl groups and with excellent diastereoselectivity, finally allowing the preparation of enantiopure tertiary carbinamines. The mechanisms of these processes are discussed.     

Enantioselective Phosphine‐Catalyzed Formal [4+4] Annulation of α,β‐Unsaturated Imines and Allene Ketones: Construction of Eight‐Membered Rings

The first highly enantioselective phosphine‐catalyzed formal [4+4] annulation has been developed. In the presence of amino‐acid‐derived phosphines, the unprecedented [4+4] annulations between benzofuran/indole‐derived α,β‐unsaturated imines and allene ketones proceeded smoothly, thus affording azocines, bearing either a benzofuran or an indole moiety, in excellent yields and with nearly perfect enantioselectivities (≥98 % ee in most cases). This work marks the first efficient asymmetric construction of optically enriched eight‐membered rings by phosphine catalysis.     

Application of a Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization/Indolization Method to Syntheses of cis‐Trikentrin A and Herbindole B

We describe herein formal syntheses of the indole alkaloids cis‐trikentrin A and herbindole B from a common meso‐hydroquinone intermediate prepared by a ruthenium‐catalyzed [2+2+1+1] cycloaddition that has not been used previously in natural product synthesis. Key steps include a sterically demanding Buchwald–Hartwig amination as well as a unique C(sp³)?H amination/indole formation. Studies toward a selective desymmetrization of the meso‐hydroquinone are also reported.     

Improved Synthesis and Reaction of 11‐Chloroneocryptolepines,Strategic Scaffold for Antimalaria Agent,and Their 6‐Methyl Congener from Indole‐3‐carboxylate

Various 11‐chloro‐5‐methyl‐5H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinolines (neocryptolepines) with different substituents on the quinoline ring, key intermediates for antimalaria agents, are prepared from the substituted N‐methylanilines, easily accessible by the N‐methylation of anilines, and indole‐3‐carboxylate as a counterpart. This protocol is benign in terms of the reduced number of steps to reach the target, compared with the known method using anilines, and easy product purification. Alternatively, their 6‐methyl congener is prepared by N‐methylation of the indole moiety of 2‐arylaminoindole‐3‐carboxylate followed by successive cyclization and chlorination. 11‐Chloroneocryptolepines are found more reactive than their 6‐methyl congener in the nucleophilic substitution at the C11 position.     

UPLC‐HR‐MS/MS‐based determination study on the metabolism of four synthetic cannabinoids,ADB‐FUBICA,AB‐FUBICA,AB‐BICA and ADB‐BICA,by human liver microsomes

Since 2012, several cannabimimetic indazole and indole derivatives with valine amino acid amide residue have emerged in the illicit drug market, and have gradually replaced the old generations of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) with naphthyl or adamantine groups. Among them, ADB‐FUBICA [N‐(1‐amino‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H–indole‐3‐carboxamide], AB‐FUBICA [N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐fluorobenzyl)‐1H–indole‐3‐carboxamide], AB‐BICA [N‐(1‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐benzyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide] and ADB‐BICA [N‐(1‐amino‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐oxobutan‐2‐yl)‐1‐benzyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide] were detected in China recently, but unfortunately no information about their in vitro human metabolism is available. Therefore, biomonitoring studies to screen their consumption lack any information about the potential biomarkers (e.g. metabolites) to target. To bridge this gap, we investigated their phase I metabolism by incubating with human liver microsomes, and the metabolites were identified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–high resolution–tandem mass spectrometry. Metabolites generated by N‐dealkylation and hydroxylation on the 1‐amino‐alkyl moiety were found to be predominant for all these four substances, and others which underwent hydroxylation, amide hydrolysis and dehydrogenation were also observed in our investigation. Based on our research, we recommend that the N‐dealkylation and hydroxylation metabolites are suitable and appropriate analytical markers for monitoring their intake.     

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Indole Alkaloids Containing an Indoline Spiroaminal Framework

The total synthesis of the indole alkaloids, neoxaline, oxaline and meleagrin A, all containing a unique indoline spiroaminal framework, was accomplished through the stereoselective introduction of a reverse prenyl group to the congested benzylic carbon of furoindoline, a two‐pot transformation of indoline (containing three nitrogen atoms at appropriate positions) to the featured indoline spiroaminal framework, and elimination of carbonate assisted by the adjacent imidazole moiety to construct the (E)‐dehydrohistidine. The absolute stereochemistry of neoxaline was elucidated through our total synthesis. In addition, we evaluated the bioactivity, especially the anti‐infectious properties, of neoxaline and oxaline, and of some synthetic intermediates.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Domino CH/NH Functionalization: An Efficient Approach to Nitrogen‐Bridged Heteroacenes

Palladium‐catalyzed domino C?H/N?H functionalization for the synthesis of novel nitrogen‐bridged thienoacenes and 10H‐benzo[4,5]thieno[3,2‐b]indole derivatives from dihaloarene is reported. This domino sequence consists of initial C?H functionalization of the benzo[b]thiophene moiety, followed by Buchwald–Hartwig coupling. This transformation is also useful for the synthesis of highly π‐extended compounds.     

Ferrocene‐substituted 3,3′‐diindolylmethanes with improved anticancer activity

A series of ferrocene‐substituted derivatives ( 2a , 2b , 2c , 2d , 2e , 2f , 2g ) of the known drug 3,3′‐diindolylmethane ( DIM ) were prepared and tested for their in vitro antitumor activity. The derivatives 2a (featuring indole moiety), 2b (featuring 2‐methylindole moiety) and 2f (featuring 5‐nitroindole moiety) were growth‐inhibiting in vitro at lower concentrations than DIM in various tumor cells including pancreas cancer (BcPC‐3), three DIM‐resistant cancer cell lines (518 A2, KB‐V1/Vbl, HT‐29), triple‐negative breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231) and prostate cancer (PC‐3). Derivatives 2a , 2b and 2f were the most active compounds of this series, qualifying as drug candidates for various cancer diseases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seven New Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans

Seven new indole alkaloids were isolated from the roots of Gelsemium elegans Benth. and their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformation from known alkaloids. Kounaminal ( 1 ) is a new koumine‐type alkaloid that contains an unusual aminal moiety. Humantenoxenine ( 2 ) and 15‐hydroxyhumantenoxenine ( 3 ) are humantenine‐type alkaloids that contain a novel β‐amino‐α,β‐unsaturated ketone residue. The other four novel alkaloids are two gelsedilam‐related and two gelsenicine‐related alkaloids.     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Acyloxy Migration/[3+2] Cycloaddition of 1,6‐Diynes with an Ynamide Propargyl Ester Moiety: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclopenta[b]indoles

A gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6‐diynes containing an ynamide propargyl ester or carbonate moiety has been developed that provides an attractive route to a diverse‐substituted 3‐acyloxy‐1,4‐dihydrocyclopenta[b]indoles. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction likely proceeds through a competitive 1,2‐OAc migration followed by [3+2] cycloaddition of the vinyl gold–carbenoid intermediate with the pendant triple bond. The synthetic utility of the obtained cyclopenta[b]indole products was demonstrated by their efficient transformations by deprotection or double‐bond isomerization reactions.     

Synthesis of 1,3‐thiazole and 1,2,4‐oxadiazole substituted spiro[3H‐indole‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′(1H)‐diones

Some new derivatives of spiro[3H‐indole‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′(1H)‐dione with the heterocyclic ring such as substituted thiazole and 1,2,4‐oxadiazole attached to the indolinone ring via CH₂ linkage has been synthesized in moderate yields. The synthesis have been carried out by making use of the reactivity of the NH group of the indolinone moiety present in spiro[3H‐indole‐3,2′‐thiazolidine]‐2,4′(1H)‐dione.     

Benzo[c,d]indole‐Containing Aza‐BODIPY Dyes: Asymmetrization‐Induced Solid‐State Emission and Aggregation‐Induced Emission Enhancement as New Properties of a Well‐Known Chromophore

A series of symmetric and asymmetric benzo[c,d]indole‐containing aza boron dipyrromethene (aza‐BODIPY) compounds was synthesized by a titanium tetrachloride‐mediated Schiff‐base formation reaction of commercially available benzo[c,d]indole‐2(1H)‐one and heteroaromatic amines. These aza‐BODIPY analogues show different electronic structures from those of regular aza‐BODIPYs, with hypsochromic shifts of the main absorption compared to their BODIPY counterparts. In addition to the intense fluorescence in solution, asymmetric compounds exhibited solid‐state fluorescence due to significant contribution of the vibronic bands to both absorption and fluorescence as well as reduced fluorescence quenching in the aggregates. Finally, aggregation‐induced emission enhancement, which is rare in BODIPY chromophores, was achieved by introducing a nonconjugated moiety into the core structure.     

Identification of the major urinary metabolites in man of seven synthetic cannabinoids of the aminoalkylindole type present as adulterants in ‘herbal mixtures’ using LC‐MS/MS techniques

Herbal mixtures, such as ‘Spice’, containing cannabimimetic compounds are easily available on the Internet and have become increasingly popular among people having to undergo urine drug testing, as these compounds are not detected by current immunochemical tests. For analysis of urine samples, knowledge of the main metabolites is necessary as the unchanged compounds are usually not found in urine after consumption. In this paper, the identification of the major metabolites of the currently most common seven synthetic cannabinoids is presented. Urine samples from patients of psychiatric facilities known to have consumed synthetic cannabinoids were screened by LC‐MS/MS and HR‐MS/MS techniques, and the major metabolites for each of the following synthetic cannabinoids were identified by their enhanced product ion spectra and accurate mass measurement: JWH‐018, JWH‐073, JWH‐081, JWH‐122, JWH‐210, JWH‐250 and RCS‐4. The major metabolic pathway is monohydroxylation either at the N‐alkyl side chain, the naphthyl moiety or the indole moiety. In addition, metabolites with carboxylated alkyl chains were identified for some of the compounds. These results facilitate the design of urine screening methods for detecting consumption of synthetic cannabinoids. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An Unprecedented Cyclization Mechanism in the Biosynthesis of Carbazole Alkaloids in Streptomyces

Carquinostatin A (CQS), a potent neuroprotective substance, is a unique carbazole alkaloid with both an ortho‐quinone function and an isoprenoid moiety. We identified the entire gene cluster responsible for CQS biosynthesis in Streptomyces exfoliatus through heterologous production of CQS and gene deletion. Biochemical characterization of seven CQS biosynthetic gene products (CqsB1–7) established the total biosynthetic pathway of CQS. Reconstitution of CqsB1 and CqsB2 showed that the synthesis of the carbazole skeleton involves CqsB1‐catalyzed decarboxylative condensation of an α‐hydroxyl‐β‐keto acid intermediate with 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐ACP followed by CqsB2‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization. Based on crystal structures and mutagenesis‐based biochemical assays, a detailed mechanism for the unique deprotonation‐initiated cyclization catalyzed by CqsB2 is proposed. Finally, analysis of the substrate specificity of the biosynthetic enzymes led to the production of novel carbazoles.     

Siamese‐Twin Porphyrin Origami: Oxidative Fusing and Folding

Oxidation of a nonaromatic Siamese‐twin porphyrin, a pyrazole‐containing expanded porphyrin with two porphyrinlike binding pockets, with a stoichiometric amount of the two‐electron, two‐proton oxidizing agent 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzochinone led to the formation of a single N^pz‐C^o‐Ph linkage between the pyrazole unit with a neighboring meso‐phenyl group, forming a pyrazolo‐ [1,5‐a]indole moiety. Repeated treatment with a second equivalent of the oxidant yielded a doubly N‐fused species, involving the second pyrazole moiety. The conversion products were characterized by variable‐temperature and multinuclear 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The fusions strongly alter the conformation of the macrocycles, as shown by X‐ray diffraction analyses of all three compounds, eventually leading to a folded structure. UV/Vis and NMR‐spectroscopic investigations indicated the presence of highly delocalized but nonmacrocycle‐aromatic π systems. This behavior of the Siamese‐twin porphyrin in response to oxidation is in contrast to the behavior of related all‐pyrrole‐based expanded macrocycles that switch, by redox processes and protonation, between Hückel and Möbius aromatic states.     

Conformation and Atropisomeric Properties of Indometacin Derivatives

The stereochemistry around the N‐benzoylated indole moiety of indometacin was studied by restricting the rotation about the N? C7′ and/or C7′? C1′ bond. In the 2′,6′‐disubstituted ones, an atropisomeric property was found and the atropoisomers were separated and isolated as stable forms. Their biological abilities to inhibit cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) were examined. Only the aR‐isomer showed specific inhibition of COX‐1, and COX‐2 was not inhibited by either atropisomer. Conformational analysis in NMR studies and X‐ray crystallography, and CD spectra in combination with calculations were utilized to elucidate the bioactive conformations.     

Sulfinate and Carbene Co‐catalyzed Rauhut–Currier Reaction for Enantioselective Access to Azepino[1,2‐a]indoles

A carbene and sulfinate co‐catalyzed intermolecular Rauhut–Currier reaction between enals and nitrovinyl indoles is disclosed. The carbene catalyst activates the enal and the sulfinate co‐catalyst activates the nitrovinyl indole. Both activation processes are realized via the formation of covalent bonds between the catalysts and substrates to generate catalyst‐bound intermediates. The dual catalytic reaction affords azepino[1,2‐a]indole products with excellent stereoselectivity. Our study demonstrates the unique involvement of sulfinate as an effective nucleophilic catalyst in activating electron‐deficient alkenes for asymmetric reactions. This dual catalytic approach should also encourage future explorations of both sulfinate and carbene catalysts for new reactions.