Tetrahydro-1,4-epoxynaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid: a chiral derivatizing agent for the determination of the absolute configuration of secondary alcohols

A new chiral derivatizing agent, tetrahydro-1,4-epoxynaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (THENA), with a represented syn-periplanar disposition of O-C_α-CO as a part of the bicyclic system to lock the aromatic residue conformation and the availability of an internal reference proton for ¹H NMR spectral alignment, is introduced. In the determination of the absolute configuration of chiral secondary alcohols, THENA offered good uniformity of Δδ with high reliability, resulting in unambiguous assignment of the absolute configuration.     

Asymmetric synthesis of new chiral long chain alcohols

Sixteen new chiral alcohols with alkyl (C₁₁–C₁₉) and aryl, substituted aryl, hetero aryl and biaryl groups 2a–2t were synthesized by three different asymmetric reduction methods from their corresponding ketones 1a–1t. Chiral NaBH₄ (method A), chiral BH₃ (method B) and chiral AIP (method C) were used as asymmetric reduction catalysts. Chiral NaBH₄ was modified by four different ligands 3a–3d, chiral BH₃ and chiral AIP by four different ligands 4a–4d. Ligand 4c was synthesized for the first time in this work. Chiral NaBH₄ generated chiral alcohols of (R)-configuration and chiral BH₃ and chiral AIP of (S)-configuration with high enantiomeric excesses, were analysed by chiral HPLC. In order to determine the ee values by chiral HPLC, sixteen corresponding racemic alcohols, synthesized by reducing their corresponding ketones via NaBH₄, were used for chiral resolution on a Daicel OD HPLC column. The sixteen starting ketones were synthesized in this study by Friedel–Craft acylation. The new chiral alcohols were characterized by IR, NMR, (¹H and ¹³C), MS, elemental analyses and specific rotation. The reduction methods A, B and C were applied to these ketones for the first time in this study and were compared with each other. The relationship between the structure of the ketone and the yield and the enantiomeric excess was discussed.     

Chiral solvating properties of (S)-1-benzyl-6-methylpiperazine-2,5-dione

In CDCl₃ solution, enantiopure (S)-1-benzyl-6-methylpiperazine-2,5-dione (S)-1a formed diastereomeric CO⋯H–N hydrogen-bonded associates with racemic (RS,Z)-1-benzyl-3-[(dimethylamino)methylidene]piperazine-2,5-diones 2a and 2b, (RS)-tert-butyl pyroglutamate (RS)-2c and (RS)-N-benzoylalanine methyl ester (RS)-2d. This resulted in splitting (doubling) of the characteristic signals in the ¹H NMR and ¹³C spectra of racemic compounds 2a–d in the presence of 1 equiv of (S)-1a. The formation of hydrogen-bonded dimers in CDCl₃ solution was studied by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and 2D NMR and confirmed by the intermolecular NOE observed between the hydrogen-bonded amide protons from each of the monomeric units, (S)-1a and 2a–c. On the other hand, a slightly different binding mode was proposed for association of (S)-1a with alaninamide (RS)-2d. Enantiomer compositions of known (weighed) mixtures of both enantiomers of tert-butyl pyroglutamate 2c were re-determined by ¹H NMR in the presence of (S)-1a in CDCl₃. The experimental values were in good agreement with the theoretical values, thus indicating the potential applicability of (S)-1a and related diketopiperazines as chiral solvating agents in NMR spectroscopy.     

Preparation of a metal–ligand fluorescent chemosensor and enantioselective recognition of carboxylate anions in aqueous solution

Two chiral fluorescent chemosensors 1 and 2 were synthesized, and the structure characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MS spectra and elemental analysis. Their recognition ability was studied in aqueous solution (Tris–HCl buffer pH 7.4, MeOH/H₂O = 1:1) through fluorescence spectra. Receptors 1 and 2 showed a good binding ability to the copper ion. The host 1-Cu²⁺ complex showed a chiral recognition ability to mandelate anions with a preferable binding to l-mandelate than d-mandelate anions. The host 1-Cu²⁺ complex and l- or d-mandelate anions formed 1:1 stoichiometric complex. The binding constant for l-mandelate is 576 M⁻¹, whereas that for d-mandelate is only 38 M⁻¹, which can be distinguished by the different change of fluorescence intensity.     

Novel C2-symmetric chiral 18-crown-6 derivatives with two aromatic sidearms as chiral NMR discriminating agents

Novel C₂-symmetric chiral 18-crown-6 derivatives with two aromatic sidearms 2-4 were prepared, and their enantiomeric recognition abilities as chiral NMR discriminating agents towards primary ammonium salts were examined. Among these chiral crown ethers, the most effective enantiomeric discrimination of racemic ammonium salts in the ¹H NMR spectra was attained by the derivative with two pyrenylmethyl sidearms.     

Stereocontrolled synthesis of enantiomerically pure unsaturated analogues of 2,6-DAP. Part 5

An efficient new stereocontrolled synthesis of (2R,6R)-(+)- and (2S,6S)-(−)-2,6-diamino-4-methylene-1,7-heptanedioic acid 8a and 9a, respectively, has been accomplished starting from the glycine-derived chiral synthon 1. The enantiomerically pure α-alkyl derivatives 8b–d and 9b–d have also been synthesized. The absolute configuration of the new stereocenters was assigned on the basis of ¹H NMR spectra.     

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.     

Highly diastereoselective alkylation,acylation and aldol condensation of cis- and trans-(N-acyloyl)hexahydrobenzoxazolidin-2-ones

The potential of hexahydrobenzoxazolidinones 1a–d as chiral auxiliaries was explored. N-Acylation of 1a–d, 2a–d and 3a–d was followed by methylation and benzylation via the corresponding sodium enolates generated by treatment with NaHMDS. Diastereoselectivities of 98% or higher were observed. The absolute configuration of the newly created stereogenic center was established by chemical correlation with 2-benzyl-1-propanol. The stereochemical results are congruent with addition to the electrophile from the less hindered face of a (Z)-configured enolate, the sodium cation being coordinated by both carbonyl oxygens of the substrate. cis- and trans-N-Propionyl derivatives 2a–d were treated with Bu₂BOTf/Et₃N to give dialkylboron enolates 6a–d, which were then reacted with acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde. ¹H and ¹³C NMR analyses showed the formation of a single diastereomeric aldol addition product, whose relative configuration was ascertained as syn from the measurement of the ³J_{H(2′)/H(3′)} coupling constants, and whose absolute configuration was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The results are rationalized in terms of a Zimmerman–Traxler transition state, with a (Z)-configured enolate where boron is coordinated to the aldehyde carbonyl rather than the oxazolidinone carbonyl. Substrate 2a was also reacted with acyl chlorides via the sodium enolate (NaHMDS). The effect of reaction conditions on O- versus C-acylation, as well as the influence of solvent and additives on diastereoselectivity, are discussed.     

Synthesis of 1-fluoroindan-1-carboxylic acid (FICA) and its properties as a chiral derivatizing agent

1-Fluoroindan-1-carboxylic acid (FICA) (1) was designed and synthesized as its methyl ester (FICA Me ester) (4) in order to develop an efficient chiral derivatizing agent (CDA) which excels α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid (MTPA) in capability. FICA Me ester (4) was prepared by fluorination of methyl 1-hydroxyindan-1-carboxylate (3) with (diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride (DAST) and derived to the esters of racemic secondary alcohols by ester exchange reaction. The resulting Δδ_F value was large in the case of 2-butyl ester of FICA (5a), whereas not detectable in the case of the corresponding MTPA ester (6a). The magnitude of the Δδ_H values was similar to that of MTPA esters. The diastereomers of (R)-(−)-8-phenylmenthyl ester of FICA (5i) was separated and their ¹H NMR analyses revealed that the concept of the modified Mosher's method was successfully applied to 5i.     

Chiroptical and conformational properties of (R)-1-phenylethylamine derivatives of persubstituted benzene

Chiral derivatives of 2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1,3-dicyanobenzene 1 with one, two and three (R)-1-phenylethylamino ((R)-PEA) units 2–4 are prepared and their chiroptical and conformational properties discussed on the bases of the UV/CD, NMR and MM2 data. High polarity of the persubstituted benzene ring leads to peculiar UV and IR spectra of achiral model compounds 5–7, whereas relatively rigid conformations of the chiral analogues 2–4 are reflected in the CD spectra. Strong exciton coupling (EC) appears in the CD spectrum of pseudo-C₃-symmetric 4; this type of interaction seems not to be present in the C₁-symmetric 2 and C₂-symmetric 3. The absence of a molecular cleft in the chiral structures 2–4 could explain their inability to recognise the enantiomers of some racemates in the NMR experiment.     

Fluorescent sensors for amino acid anions based on calix[4]arenes bearing two dansyl groups

Two novel types of chiral calix[4]arenes containing hydrazide and dansyl groups were synthesized and examined for their enantioselective recognition abilities by the fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectra in CHCl₃. The results indicate that both 4a and 4b have excellent enantioselectivities to the N-protected alanine or phenylalanine anions.     

Solvophobically driven self-association of a butadiyne-bridged pyridine macrocycle

A butadiyne-bridged square-shaped pyridinophane 2b having ester groups derived from triethylene glycol monomethyl ether was prepared and its self-assembling properties were investigated to assess the repulsive dipole-dipole interaction in less polar solvent and solvophobic driving force in polar solvents. Concentration-dependent ¹H NMR spectra showed that whereas 2b did not self-assemble in chloroform-d, it did in polar solvents consisting of chloroform-d and methanol-d₄ (4:6 to 6:4) with increasing association constants with the increasing methanol-d₄ composition. Comparison of the free energies of association with those of the previously reported benzene macrocycle 1b indicates that solvophobically induced self-association of 2b is more promoted than 1b. The reasons for this difference are discussed from both enthalpy and entropy points of view.     

Synthesis and chiral recognition of novel chiral fluorescence receptors bearing 9-anthryl moieties

Two chiral fluorescence receptors 1 and 2 have been synthesized, and their structures characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, MS spectra and elemental analysis. The chiral recognition of the receptors was studied by ¹H NMR and fluorescence spectra. The results demonstrate that the receptors and tetrabutylammonium mandelate formed a 1:1 complex. Two receptors exhibit good chiral recognition abilities towards the enantiomers of tetrabutylammonium mandelate.     

Enantiomerically pure cyclopalladated diazaphospholidine

Enantiomerically pure (S)-2-(anilinomethyl)pyrrolidine (S)-2 was obtained from (S)-proline using a modified four-step procedure in a total yield of 56%. Diamine (S)-2 was converted to diazaphospholidine (S)-1 using ^oTolP(NMe₂)₂. The enantiomeric purity of ligand (S)-1 and diamine (S)-2 was determined by ³¹P and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, respectively, using a CN-palladacycle for their chiral derivatization. Direct cyclopalladation of (S)-1, using Pd(OAc)₂ in toluene under mild conditions regioselectively afforded the cyclopalladated complex with the (sp²)C–Pd bond. The aromatic C–H bond activation was confirmed by NMR spectral data and X-ray diffraction study of the PPh₃ derivative of the new P¹,C¹,N¹-chiral phosphapalladacycle.     

Synthesis and enantioselective recognition of an (S)-BINOL-based colorimetric chemosensor for mandelate anions

New chiral receptors 1 and 2 based on (S)-BINOL and thiourea units were synthesized. The chiral recognition of receptors for chiral anions were studied by fluorescence, UV–vis, and ¹H NMR spectra. The results of the non-linear curve fitting indicated that the receptors and guest anions formed a 1:1 stoichiometric complex. The obvious color change of receptor 2 can be observed by the naked eye when the enantiomers of mandelate anions were added, which demonstrates that receptor 2 may be used as a colorimetric sensor for mandelate anions.     

Diamagnetic lanthanide tris β-diketonate complexes with aryl-containing ligands as chiral NMR discriminating agents

Diamagnetic lanthanum(III) and lutetium(III) tris β-diketonate complexes with the aryl-containing ligands 3-benzoyl-(+)-camphor and 3-(2-naphthoyl)-(+)-camphor are effective organic-soluble chiral NMR discriminating agents for oxygen- and nitrogen-containing compounds. Enantiomeric discrimination of sufficient magnitude to determine the enantiomeric purity is observed in the ¹H NMR spectra of compounds with hydroxyl, carbonyl, oxazolidinone, amine, and sulfoxide groups. Diamagnetic lanthanide complexes with the aryl-containing β-diketonate ligands are almost always more effective than those with 3-trifluoroacetyl-(+)-camphor, 3-heptafluorobutyryl-(+)-camphor, and d,d-dicampholylmethane that have been previously reported. Many hydrogen atoms of the substrates are significantly shielded in the presence of the lanthanide chelates with the aryl-containing ligands, which likely enhances the extent of enantiomeric discrimination in the NMR spectra. No combination of metal and ligand is most effective for all substrates. Larger enantiomeric discrimination is usually observed in benzene-d₆ or cyclohexane-d₁₂ than in chloroform-d. Diamagnetic lanthanide tris β-diketonates with the aryl-containing ligands provide an alternative to paramagnetic chelates that often cause too much broadening in the ¹H NMR spectrum.     

The investigation of stereogenic properties of cyclotriphosphazene derivatives with two different chiral centres

Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene N₃P₃Cl₆ and gem-disubstituted cyclotriphosphazene derivatives N₃P₃Cl₄X₂ (X = Ph, PhS, PhNH) were reacted with N-methyl-1,3-propanediamine and 3-amino-1-propanol to give compounds (9a-12a, 9b-12b) which exist as cis and trans geometric isomers and are two different racemic isomers, respectively to describe the stereogenic properties of a series of chiral cyclotriphosphazene compounds with two different centres of chirality. The geometric isomers were separated by column chromatography on silica gel and analysed by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and ³¹P and ¹H NMR spectroscopies, and also the geometric forms (cis or trans) of 9b, 10a, 11a, 11b and 12a have been determined by the X-ray crystallography. The enantiomers of all racemic compounds have been analysed by the changes in ³¹P NMR spectra on addition of a Chiral Solvating Agent (CSA), (R)-(+)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9′-anthryl)ethanol. On the other hand, the racemic forms of chiral cyclotriphosphazene derivatives have been confirmed by contribution of chiral HPLC methods which have been developed for this study.     

Resolution of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes with AABB and CDCD substitution patterns on the upper and lower rims,respectively

Proximal di-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (5,11-di-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-25,26,27,28-tetrol) 1b, obtained by direct partial removal of tert-butyl groups from p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, gave high yields of inherently chiral derivatives upon ‘symmetry breaking’ by syn-distal di-O-alkylation or di-O-acylation in the presence of K₂CO₃. The chirality of these compounds was proven by the splitting of ¹H NMR signals in the presence of Pirkle's reagent and in some cases by HPLC enantiomeric resolution using chiral stationary phases and corroborated by mirror-image CD spectra.     

Copper(I) and silver(I) complexes of 1,5-methylene- and diethylmethylene-bridged bis(oxazoline) ligands. In situ Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation of methylene bridge

Silver(I) and copper(I) complexes of C₂-symmetric bis(oxazoline) ligands were studied by UV, NMR, IR, EPR and ES-MS spectroscopies. The stability constants of the Ag-1a and Ag-1b complexes with 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries in acetonitrile were determined by NMR spectrometric titrations. The evidence of tetrahedral coordination for complex (Ag(1a)₂(⁺ was obtained from the complexation induced shifts (CIS) and NOEs. Mass spectra revealed the Cu(II) mediated oxidation of methylene bridge in copper complexes of 1a and 1b, which was in accordance with the UV, NMR, IR and EPR findings. The efficiency of Cu(I) complexes of methylene-bridged 1,5-bis(oxazoline)s 1 as chiral catalysts in stereoselective cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate, was compared to that of the dialkylmethylene-bridged 1,5-bis(oxazoline)s 2.     

Unconventional nucleotide analogues: Reaction of carbenes with uracil and uridine derivatives

Carbenes 2a-d (:CCl₂, :CBr₂, :CFC1, :CHCOOC₂H₅) add to the 5,6-double bond of uracil derivatives la-e to give adducts in modest to good yields The unsymmetrically substituted carbenes :CFC1 2c and CHCOOC₂H₅, 2d lead, as expected, to the formation of mixtures of endo and exo-isomers 3c-n which were separated and identified via their ¹H NMR spectra. Reaction of 2d with pyrimidine derivatives 5a,b resulted in products which can be rationalized in terms of addition at either the 5,6 or the 3,4 double bond. Addition of carbenes 2a-c to uridine derivatives gave diastereomeric adducts 12-16 which were isolated and identified. The two diastereomeric series, referred to as A and B, have been correlated and assigned the configurations 5S, 6S and 5R, 6R, respectively, on the basis of X-ray structure analysis of 12B The adducts of 2a,c and the uridine derivatives 11a,b have been deprotected to give 7,7-dihalocyclothymidines.