Synthetic studies of kampanols, novel p21 farnesyltransferase inhibitors: an efficient synthesis of the tetracyclic ABCD ring system of kampanols

An enantioselective synthesis of the tetracyclic ABCD ring system (4) of kampanols, novel Ras farnesyltransferase inhibitors from a microorganism, was efficiently achieved for the first time starting from the known trans-decalone derivative 9. The synthetic method involves the following two key steps: (i) a conjugate addition reaction between the α-methylene ketone 6 and the Grignard reagent (7) of the ortho-disubstituted bromobenzene derivative 8 to deliver the coupling product 21 with stereoselectivity at the C9 position and (ii) a phenylselenium-mediated cyclization reaction of the phenol derivative 5 to stereoselectively construct the requisite tetracyclic intermediate 25 possessing the cis-fused connectivity of the B/C rings.     

Biomimetically inspired total synthesis of (12S)-12-hydroxymonocerin and (12R)-12-hydroxymonocerin

A concise asymmetric total synthesis of (12S)-12-hydroxymonocerin (1) and (12R)-12-hydroxymonocerin (2) were efficiently achieved from the known 4-bromo-2,6-dimethoxyphenol. The synthetic approach was inspired by our biomimetic synthesis of (+)-monocerin (3) and 7-O-demethylmonocerin (4). The cis-fused furobenzopyranones of 1 and 2 was efficiently constructed via an intramolecular nucleophilic trapping of a quinonemethide intermediate, which was obtained by benzylic oxidation of compound 10 using 2,3-Dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ).     

Photobehaviour of 2- and 3-heteroaryl substituted o-divinylbenzenes; formation of fused 2,3- and 3,2-heteroareno-benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes and 3-heteroaryl benzobicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes

New β-3-thienyl (8) and β-3-furyl derivatives of o-divinylbenzene (9) have been synthesised and their photochemical behaviour compared with 2-thienyl (7) and 2-furyl derivatives (2). Whereas the β-(2-heteroaryl) substituted o-divinylbenzenes (7 or 2) give only bicyclo[3.2.1]octadiene structure (14 or 1) by 1,6-ring closure of the biradical intermediate, β-(3-heteroaryl) substituted o-divinylbenzenes (8 or 9) give bicyclo[3.2.1]octadiene structure (23 or 24) and bicyclo[2.1.1]hexene structure (25 or 26) by 1,6- and 1,4-ring closure, respectively. This photochemical approach provides a simple method to 2,3- and 3,2-fused thiophene and furan polycyclic compounds.     

Substitution, dimerization, metalation, and ring-opening reactions of N-fused porphyrins

A variety of reactions such as substitution, dimerization, rhenium(I) metalation, and ring-opening reactions of N-fused porphyrin (NFP) and optical properties of the products are presented. Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions under Suzuki or Stille conditions afford aryl and arylethynyl-substituted NFPs (12, 14) and an ethynyl-bridged dimer (15) from 3-bromo-substituted NFP (3b) in 40-98% yields. Treatment of NFP with silver(I) trifluoroacetate in CHCl₃ affords a dimer (22) linked at both C21-positions of the fused rings and its bis-Re(I) metal complex (24) is synthesized. X-ray structures of the 3-trifluoromethyl and 3-phenyl NFP derivatives (9e and 12a) reveal the three-center hydrogen bondings in the core. All the new NFP derivatives display unique absorption spectra, and particularly, ethyne-bridged NFP-dimer (15) shows a remarkable bathochromic shift into a near-infrared region showing an absorption band at 1020 nm with tailing up to 1100 nm. Moreover, alkoxide nucleophiles convert NFP into NCP derivatives by the cleavage of C-N bond in the fused ring, which is useful for the preparation of various C3-substituted NCPs and C21,C21′-linked NCP dimers from NFPs.     

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene-based molecular spacers. Construction of U-shaped syn-facial etheno-bridged polyhydrononacenyl frameworks

Based on the methodology of repetitive Diels-Alder reactions, the rack- and U-shaped polycyclic compounds 15b, 17b, 19, 20, and 21 were constructed utilizing 1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-5,5-dimethoxycyclopentadiene (TDCp), p-benzoquinone, and norbornadiene as starting materials. These spacer molecules are composed of nine linearly syn-fused polyhydrobenzene rings (i.e., polyhydrononacene), in which all the etheno-bridge double bonds are arranged on the same side of the carbon skeletons. Upon irradiation with an ordinary tungsten lamp, 17b and 21 underwent [2+2]photocyclization to form quadruple- and double-caged compounds 18 and 22, respectively. The structure of 20 was analyzed by X-ray crystallography and found to have U-shaped framework.     

Dynamic NMR study on the trans-fused eight-membered ether ring model representing G ring of brevetoxin A

Conformational analysis of the trans-fused eight-membered ether ring model (2) representing G ring of brevetoxin A (1) was carried out by dynamic NMR study in combination with molecular mechanics calculations.     

A convenient enantioselective synthesis of 3-asymmetrically substituted oxindoles as progesterone receptor antagonists

A convenient enantioselective synthesis of 3-asymmetrically substituted oxindoles is reported. Compound (2) prepared by radical cyclisation of (1) was used for the synthesis of racemic and enantiomerically pure 3-asymmetrically substituted oxindoles. Desulfurisation of (2) using Raney Ni yielded the racemate (5). Addition of (S)-1-phenylethanol to compound (2) yielded the diastereoisomer (21) the structure of which was determined using X-ray crystallography. Using a sequence of steps (21) was converted to the enantiomer (8). The enantiomer (9) was similarly prepared from (2) using (R)-1-phenylethanol.     

Radical cyclization of exo-methylene furanose derivatives: an expedient approach to the synthesis of chiral tricyclic nucleosides and benzannulated oxepine derivatives

Tributyltin radical mediated cyclization of the glucose derived exo-methylene furanose derivatives 5a-c led to the highly functionalized cis-fused bicyclic ethers 6a-c. The product could subsequently be transformed to the optically active tricyclic nucleoside analogue 8 or oxepine derivative 9.     

Structural properties of new spiro-1,3-propanediaminocyclotriphosphazene derivatives

New 1,3-propanediaminocyclotriphosphazene derivatives (7-17) were synthesized from the reactions of spiro-1,3-propanediaminocyclotriphosphazene, N₃P₃Cl₄[NH(CH₂)₃NH] (1) with the cyclopropanemethylamine (2), cyclohexylamine (3), pyrrolidine (4) cyclohexanol (5), cyclopropylmethanol (6). The structures of the novel compounds (7-17) were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of 8, 12 and 13 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structures of all these three compounds are in the monoclinic crystal system; compounds 8 and 12 have the P21/c space group while compound 13 has the P21/n space group. The ring conformation of the cyclotriphosphazene and other external rings were investigated based on the X-ray crystal structures.     

Efficient synthesis of novel cytotoxic cis-fused α-methylene γ-lactones from 7,14-dihydroxy-ent-kaurenes by transformation under Mitsunobu reaction conditions

Facile transformation of 7,14-dihydroxy-ent-kaurenes such as excisanin A (8), kamebanin (9), and kamebakaurin (10), which are abundant in plants of the genus Rabdosia species (Labiatae), to ent-abietanes was accomplished under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions. The δ, ε-unsaturated cis-fused α-methylene γ-lactones (17, 18, and 25) thus prepared showed a moderate cytotoxic activity on P388 murine leukemia cells.     

Cyclopalladation of enantiopure oxazolines having the prochiral CMe2 moiety at position 2 of the heterocycle

(R)-4-Ethyl-2-(1,1-dimethylpropyl)-2-oxazoline (1) and (S)-4-tert-butyl-2-(1,1-dimethylbutyl)-2-oxazoline (2) were synthesized in two steps from the corresponding enantiopure amino alcohols and acid chlorides in a total yield of 95% and 72%, respectively. (S)-2-(1-Adamantyl-1-methylethyl)-4-isobutyl-2-oxazoline (3) was obtained from adamantyl bromide and l-leucinol in five steps in a total yield of 82%. Reactions of oxazolines 1–3 with Pd(OAc)₂ in AcOH or CH₂Cl₂ followed by treatment with LiCl afforded the corresponding μ-Cl dimeric cyclopalladated complexes 15, 17, and 20 in good yield. Compounds 15, 17, and 20 reacted with PPh₃ to furnish the corresponding mononuclear complexes 16, 19, and 21. The ³¹P NMR spectra of trans(N,P) adducts 16, 19, and 21 contained signals of two diastereomers in a ratio of ca. 1.3:1.     

Synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)- and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin

A convergent synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)-rollicosin (1) and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin (2) was accomplished. Hydroxy lactone 6a and/or 6b were synthesized from 4-pentyn-1-ol, and α,β-unsaturated lactone 7 was synthesized from γ-lactone 8 and 5-hexen-1-ol. Inhibitory activity of these compounds was examined with bovine heart mitochondrial complex I.     

Novel formation of 1,2-dithiolane-3-thione from β-dithiolactone. Isolation of dithiolato-palladium and -platinum complexes

Sulfurization of β-dithiolactone (4) gave corresponding 1,2-dithiolane-3-thione (2a) via an ionic intermediate. Oxidation of β-dithiolactone 4 by m-CPBA afforded corresponding S-oxide (11), while dioxide (12) was obtained when 3 equiv of m-CPBA was used. Dithiolane-3-thione 2a reacted with ethylenebis(triphenylphosphine)platinum or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium to afford the corresponding dithiolato-platinum (20) and dithiolato-palladium (21) complexes in good yields.     

One-pot photochemical synthesis of novel thienobis[1]benzothiophene with an angularly-fused structure that promotes unique intermolecular S⋯S contacts in the crystalline state

4,8-Di(thien-3-yl)thieno[2,3-g:5,4-g′]bis[1]benzothiophene (8a), a member of a new class of angularly-fused thienobis[1]benzothiophenes (TBBTs), was synthesized by using a one-pot photocyclization–dehydrogenation reaction of 2,5-bis[2,2-di(thien-3-yl)ethenyl]thiophene (7a). The results of absorption and emission spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry studies suggest that the effective conjugation length of 8a is shorter than that of 7a. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the core TBBT framework of 8a is slightly twisted. In the crystalline state, molecules of 8a are arranged in stacked columns that interact with the adjacent stacked columns via S?S contacts. Moreover, a 1:1 charge-transfer complex between 8a and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) forms crystals that have an alternating stacked columnar structure with both 8a and TCNQ being aligned in individual ribbon-like motifs. The crystal properties of these substances suggest that the angularly-fused TBBT framework might be a useful platform for the construction of electrically interesting materials.     

Durumolides A-E, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial cembranolides from the soft coral Lobophytum durum

Chemical investigations on the acetone extract of the soft coral Lobophytum durum have afforded five new cembranoids with a trans-fused α-methylene-γ-lactone, durumolides A-E (1, 6, and 8-10), and five previously characterized cembrane-based diterpenoids (2-5 and 7). The structures of the isolated metabolites were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, while the relative stereochemistry of 4 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analyses. Moreover, the absolute configurations of 3-5 and 8 were established by application of modified Mosher's method. The anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial activities, and inhibition assay of HCMV (Human cytomegalovirus) endonuclease activity of these isolated metabolites 1-10 were evaluated in vitro.     

Synthesis of substituted (S)-2-aminotetralins via ring-opening of aziridines prepared from l-aspartic acid β-tert-butyl ester

This paper describes the total synthesis of the hydrochloride salts of (2S)-2-amino-7-methoxytetralin (21-HCl) and (2S)-2-amino-6-fluoro-7-methoxytetralin (ST1214), from a common enantiomerically pure aziridine 4b, which was available from l-aspartic acid β-tert-butyl ester. The synthesis of 21-HCl and ST1214 proceeded in nine steps and 5 and 6% overall yields, respectively. Key steps are the regioselective ring-opening of 4b with ArMgBr/CuBr·SMe₂ and the intramolecular Friedel-Crafts cyclisation providing α-tetralone. Substituted naphthalenes were formed as side products in the latter reaction.     

Synthesis of the novel conjugated ω,ω′-diaryl/heteroaryl hexatriene system with the central double bond in a heteroaromatic ring: photochemical transformations of 2,3-divinylfuran derivatives

New β,β′-aryl/heteroaryl 2,3-divinylfuran derivatives (9a-d) in which a hexatriene system is a part of heteroaromatic ring have been synthesized and their photochemical properties were investigated. The primary process observed was the isomerization to trans,trans-isomers 9a-d followed by photochemical rearrangement of the furan ring giving the phototransposition products (I-IV). Stilbenes (20, 21) and phenanthrenes (22, 25, and 26), formed as secondary products from the competitive intermolecular cycloadditions, were also observed.     

Alkaloids from alkaloids: total synthesis of (±)-7a-epi-hyacinthacine A1 from Z-protected tropenone via Baeyer-Villiger oxidation

Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of several tropane derivatives have been investigated. Whereas tropenones 15a-c underwent exclusive epoxidation to 21a-c, the corresponding 6-oxotropane derivative 28 yielded the desired lactone 29. Baeyer-Villiger oxidation was also possible for the O-isopropylidene-protected diols 32a,b. The resulting lactones 33a,b were employed in the total synthesis of (±)-7a-epi-hyacinthacine A₁ (7a-epi-7) via an intramolecular nucleophilic alkyllithium addition to a carbamate as the key lactamization step. The target compound was prepared from tropenone 15b in 10 steps and 14% overall yield. Enzymatic resolution of pyrrolidine (±)-36 provided a formal total synthesis to both enantiomers of 7.     

Investigations on synthesis of indole based constrained mimetic scaffolds through 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of the C-(3-indolyl)-N-phenylnitrone with a variety of olefinic and allenic dipolarophiles under microwave irradiation

Monomode microwave assisted regio- and stereo-selective 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of C-(3-indolyl)-N-phenylnitrone (19) with a number of olefinic dipolarophiles (20a-f) afford isoxazolidines (21-26) in high yields, which are conformationally constrained mimetics of indole-3-propionic acid of biological significance. Similar cycloadducts derived from addition of nitrone (19) to allenic esters (27a-c) undergo domino reorganization to afford potentially biologically active bis-indole derivatives (28, 29). The observed regio- and stereo-selectivities are analysed, inter alia, in terms of HOMO-dipole-LUMO-dipolarophile and involved secondary orbital/steric interactions in the transition states intervening these cycloadditions.     

Combined biotransformations of 4(20),11-taxadienes

Taxuyunnanine C (1) and its analogs (2 and 3), the C-14 oxygenated 4(20), 11-taxadienes from callus cultures of Taxus sp., were regio- and stereo-selectively hydroxylated at the 7β position by a fungus, Abisidia coerulea IFO 4011, and it was interesting that the longer the alkyl chain of the acyloxyl group at C-14 became, the higher the yield of 7β-hydroxylated product was. Besides the three 7β-hydroxylated products (5, 9, 17), other nine new products (7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 21) and six known products (4, 6, 8, 10, 13 and 19) were obtained. Subsequently, the acetylated derivatives (24 and 27) of 7β-and 9α-hydroxylated products of 1 were regio- and stereo-specifically hydroxylated at the 9α position by Ginkgo cells and 7β position by A. coerulea, respectively. Thus, the two specific oxidations have been combined. These bioconversions would provide not only valuable intermediates for the semi-synthesis of paclitaxel or other bioactive taxoids from 1 and its analogs, but also some useful hints for the biosynthetic pathway of taxoid in the natural Taxus plant.