Conformational chirality and chiral crystallization of N-sulfonylpyrimidine derivatives

New N-sulfonylpyrimidine derivatives 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)uracil (1), 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)thymine (2), 5-bromo-1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)uracil (3), 1-(methanesulfonyl)uracil (4), 1-(1-naphthylsulfonyl)uracil (5), and 1-(1-naphthylsulfonyl)thymine (6) were prepared by the condensation reaction of silylated pyrimidine derivatives with selected sulfonyl chlorides in acetonitrile. Some members of the series showed unexpected crystal properties as a consequence of their conformational chirality in the solid state. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited chiral crystallization, which was, in the case of 1, accompanied by the formation of racemically twinned crystals regardless of the solvent used, while 5 gave a conglomerate of enantiomorphous crystals. For 2, 3, and 6, substituents at the C-5 position of the pyrimidine ring prevented chiral crystallization by influencing the crystal packing. Analysis of the crystal structures of 1, 4, and 5, reveals the influence of the arylsulfonyl group on the occurrence or absence of chiral crystallization.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and chirality of divalent lanthanide reagents containing tri- and tetraglyme

Six new divalent lanthanide complexes using triglyme (trigly) and tetraglyme (tetgly) as achiral ligands have been prepared, using a facile synthetic method, in search for enantioselective solid-state reagents. The crystal structures of cis-[SmI₂(trigly)thf] (1), trans-[YbI₂(trigly)thf] (2), trans-[SmI₂(trigly)dme] (3), trans-[YbI₂(tetgly)] (4), trans-[EuI₂(tetgly)thf] (5), and [Sm(tetgly)₂][SmI₃(tetgly)]I (6) have been determined. All complexes, except 5, are chiral. The 10-coordinate cation in 6 displays a helical chirality since the two tetraglyme ligands are wrapped around the samarium ion. Since trans-[YbI₂(tetgly)] (4), which has a chiral arrangement of terminal methyl groups, crystallizes as a conglomerate, preferential crystallization and consequent enantioselective reduction of acetophenone was attempted, but resulted in racemic products, possibly on account of racemic twinning in 4.     

Change in conformation upon complexation of double-armed terephthalamide hosts: dynamic molecular recognition of ditopic guests with strong CD signaling

Conformation of novel terephthalamide hosts 1 changes from anti to syn upon complexation with a bidentate guest (2 or 3). Chiral sense in the helical syn-form of the double-armed host molecules 1 is biased by the asymmetric centers on the chiral guest [(R,R)/(S,S)-2a], which can be detected by the drastic change in circular dichroism (CD) spectrum thanks to the exciton coupling of two chromophores (‘arms’) linked to the amide nitrogens. Asymmetric centers on the host molecule also exhibit preference for the twisting direction upon change in geometry from the anti- to syn-form. Thus, the achiral guests (2b or 3) can also be detected by modulation of CD spectrum upon complexation with the chiral host [(R,R)-1a].     

Stereogenic properties of spiranes combined with one or two equivalent conventional centres of chirality

Derivatives of the tri-spirane pentaerythritoxy-cyclophosphazene compound 1 have been used to investigate the stereogenic properties of spiranes combined with either one or two conventional centres of chirality. In compound 1, the two inner rings are carbocyclic and symmetrical and the two outer rings are cyclotriphosphazenes substituted in different positions to provide the conventional centres of chirality. Reaction of 1 in a 1:1 molar ratio with the unsymmetrical dinucleophilic reagent, 1,3-aminopropanol, gave the mono-spiro substituted derivative 2, which was shown to exist as a racemate by X-ray crystallography and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy on addition of a chiral solvating agent (CSA). Reaction of 1 with 1,3-aminopropanol in a 1:2 molar ratio gave three diastereoisomeric di-mono-spiro products 3a-3c, which were all shown to be racemates using a combination of X-ray crystallography (3a, 3c) and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy on addition of a CSA (3b), thus proving the case of the stereogenic properties of spirane molecules combined with two equivalent conventional centres of chirality. It is also shown by quantitative ³¹P NMR spectroscopy of the reaction mixture and by isolation of reaction products that the proportions of the diastereoisomers 3a:3b:3c are in approximate ratios of 1:2:1, respectively, and these results have been rationalised by analysis of the stereogenic properties of the series of reactions 1 → 2 → 3.     

Operationally convenient asymmetric synthesis of (S)-2-amino-3,3-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)propanoic acid

This study demonstrated that alkylation of chiral glycine Schiff base 3 with chloride 4 can be efficiently conducted in acetonitrile as a solvent using commercial-grade potassium tert-butoxide as a base. High reaction rate (1 h) chemical (>90%) and stereochemical (>95% de) outcomes of the alkylation step render this procedure reliable and operationally convenient for multi-gram synthesis of enantiomerically pure amino acid 1. Due to the simplicity of experimental procedures and commercial availability all reagents involved, this procedure can be easily reproduced in regular biochemistry laboratories allowing for systematic biological studies and medicinal applications of compound 1.     

[4+2]-Annulations leading to configurationally homogeneous bicyclo[4.4.0]decanediones with five new stereocenters

Bicyclo[4.4.0]decanediones 16 and 21 were prepared in 3-step sequences and their congener 23 as well as bicyclo[4.4.0]decanetrione 24 by subsequent modification. In step 1 the cesium enolate of γ,δ-unsaturated β-ketoester 13 was annulated to the ester-substituted cyclohexenones 6 (achiral; simple diastereoselectivity observed) and 18 (chiral; simple and induced diastereoselectivity observed). In step 2, Pd-catalyzed fragmentation provided bicyclo[4.4.0]decanediones 15 and 20, respectively. De(methoxycarbonylation) of the latter in step 3 furnished compounds 16 and 21.     

The stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydrothiopyrano[2,3-b]indole skeletons via tandem reaction of indoline-2-thiones to Baylis–Hillman adduct acetates

Indoline-2-thiones (5) were applied as 1,3-dinucleophiles in a tandem reaction with Baylis–Hillman adduct acetates (4) to give novel tetrahydrothiopyrano[2,3-b]indole skeletons (6). The effect of different solvents, bases, and catalysts on the yields and stereochemical outcome was studied in detail. The results indicated that acetonitrile as solvent and K₂CO₃ as base, under reflux conditions, were the optimum conditions. Products 6a–6l were obtained in high diastereoselectivity and yield (up to 94%).     

Regio- and stereochemical aspects in synthesis of 2-allyl derivatives of glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids and their iodocyclisations to 3-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrofuran-2(5H)-ones

Glyoxalic, phenylglyoxalic and pyruvic acids 1a-c undergo regio- and diastereoselective indium mediated allylations with allyl and cinnamyl bromides and ethyl 4-bromocrotonate to provide respective 2-allyl-, 2-(1-phenylallyl)- and 2-[(1-ethoxycarbonyl)allyl]- derivatives of glycolic, mandelic and lactic acids 3-11. The reactions follow Cram's chelation model for allylation and give syn addition products as the major or the only products. Diastereoselective iodocyclisations of 3-8 and 10 provide 3-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrofuran-2(5H)-ones (15-21), the stereochemical outcome, of which depends on the nature and position of the substituents on the substrate, choice of solvent and base. The relative stereochemistries have been ascertained by X-ray structure and NOE experiments and coupling constants in the ¹H NMR spectra.     

Rhodium complexes with chiral counterions: achiral catalysts in chiral matrices

The neutral complexes [Rh(I)(NBD)((1S)-10-camphorsulfonate)] (2) and [Rh(I)((R)-N-acetylphenylalanate)] (4) reacted with bis-(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) to form the cationic Rh(I)(NBD)(dppe) complexes, 5 and 6, respectively, accompanied by their corresponding chiral counteranions. Analogously, 4 reacted with 4,4^′-dimethylbipyridine to yield complex 7. Complexes 5 and 6 disproportionated in aprotic solvents to form the corresponding bis-diphosphine complexes 8 and 9, respectively. 8 was characterized by an X-ray crystal structure analysis. In order to form achiral Rh(I) complexes bearing chiral countercations new sulfonated monophosphines 13-16 with chiral ammonium cations were synthesized. Tris-triphenylphosphinosulfonic acid (H₃TPPS, 11) was used to protonate chiral amines to yield chiral ammonium phosphines 14-16. Thallium-tris-triphenylphosphinosulfonate (Tl₃TPPS, 12) underwent metathesis with a chiral quartenary ammonium iodide to yield the proton free chiral ammonium phosphine 13. Phosphines 15 and 16 reacted with [Rh(NBD)₂]BF₄ to afford the highly charged chiral zwitterionic complexes [Rh(NBD)(TPPS)₂][(R)-N,N-dimethyl-1-(naphtyl)ethylammonium]₅ (17) and [Rh(NBD)(TPPS)₂][BF₄][(R)-N,N-dimethyl-phenethylammonium]₆ (18), respectively. Complexes 5, 6, and 18 were tested as precatalysts for the hydrogenation of de-hydro-N-acetylphenylalanine (19) and methyl-(Z)-(α)-acetoamidocinnamate (MAC, 20) under homogeneous and heterogeneous (silica-supported and self-supported) conditions. None of the reactions was enantioselective.     

An unusual stereochemical outcome of radical cyclization: synthesis of (+)-biotin

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-biotin 1 starting from naturally available cysteine is described. The key steps are the unusual stereochemical outcome of radical cyclization of compound 10 to prepare 5,5-fused system 11, and the introduction of C4-sidechain at C₆ in 13 via a Grignard reaction.     

Asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis of homo- and heterochiral quaternary ammonium salts: development and application of conformationally flexible chiral phase-transfer catalysts

Inspired by the considerable difference of catalytic activity and stereocontrolling ability between the conformationally rigid, homo- and heterochiral quaternary ammonium bromides 1, conformationally flexible, N-spiro chiral quaternary ammonium bromides of type 4 have been designed and synthesized. Reliable procedures for the preparation of the appropriately substituted biphenyl subunits have been established by the repeated use of ortho magnesiation-halogenation as a key synthetic tool. The relationship between the structure of achiral biphenyl moiety and the reactivity and selectivity of 4 has been evaluated in the asymmetric alkylation of glycinate Schiff base 2 under typical phase-transfer conditions, leading to the identification of 4l as an optimal catalyst structure to exhibit an excellent enantiocontrol in the reactions with various alkyl halides. The molecular structure of 4l was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis and its unique behavior in solution was examined by a variable-temperature ¹H NMR study. These investigations uncovered that the observed high chiral efficiency originated from the efficient asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis of homochiral-4l, which rapidly equilibrated with heterochiral-4l of low catalytic activity and stereoselectivity.     

Selenocyclisations of homoallylic sulfonamides: stereoselective methods for the elaboration of substituted pyrrolidines, pyrrolines and derivatives

Selenocyclisations of the homoallylic sulfonamides [e.g., 26, 28 and 30] using phenylselanyl halides lead exclusively to β-selanyl-pyrrolidines [e.g., 27, 29 and 31] by an overall 5-endo-trig pathway, but with considerable variations in the stereochemical outcome, depending upon the substituents and the precise conditions used. Subsequent oxidative eliminations lead smoothly to the corresponding 3-pyrrolines and thence to poly-hydroxylated pyrrolidines.     

Synthesis and photochromic properties of quinoxalino[e]-annelated dimethyldihydropyrene with planar chirality

9,10-Diacetyl-2,7-di-tert-butyl-trans-10b,10c-dimethyl-10b,10c-dihydropyrene annelated with a quinoxaline unit (q-DM-DHP, 3) was prepared from 5,13-di-tert-butyl-8,16-dimethyl[2.2]metacyclophane-1,2,9,10-tetraoxide (2) and o-phenylenediamine in two steps. The photochromic isomers of q-DM-DHP 3, closed form 3a and open form 3b, were separated by reverse-phase HPLC, and their isolated UV–visible spectra were estimated. The chiral HPLC analyses of q-DM-DHP 3 indicated their planar chirality, and their CD spectra were measured. The photochromic properties and thermodynamic properties of 3 were also discussed based on their UV–visible, ¹H NMR, CD, and fluorescence spectra.     

Enantioselective protonation of prochiral enolates in the asymmetric synthesis of (S)-naproxen

Racemic methyl, iso-propyl, and tert-butyl ester derivatives of naproxen were treated with achiral LDA base to give the corresponding prochiral enolates 2-Li, 3-Li, and 4-Li. Protonation of these enolates with novel chiral proton sources (S)-10 and (S,S)-11, containing the α-phenylethylamino group, proceeded in a highly enantioselective manner. Saponification of enantioenriched ester derivatives 2-4 afforded naproxen, (S)-1, with no loss of enantiopurity.     

Amphiphilic chiral receptor as efficient chiral solvating agent for both lipophilic and hydrophilic carboxylic acids

Two amphiphilic chiral receptors 2a and 2b were designed and synthesized. Both are efficient chiral solvating agents for chiral carboxylic acids. In particular, 2a is an excellent CSA not only for lipophilic guests, but also for some hydrophilic guests. It is the first CSA for the direct determination of the enantiomeric composition of hydrophilic chiral hydroxylated acid in protic polar solvent.     

Maleimide cycloadditions by sulfinyldienes: is the sulfur configuration the only controller of the diastereofacial selectivity?

Cyclohexylsulfinyl-3-methyl-1,3-butadienes 5, 6, and 1-[1-(cyclohexylsulfinyl)ethenyl]cyclohexene (7), easily prepared from cyclohexanethiol (1) via transient cyclohexanesulfenic acid (4), were reacted with N-phenylmaleimide under different conditions, at normal and high pressure. The stereochemical outcome of these cycloadditions contributes a better understanding of the relationships among different factors controlling facial diastereoselection.     

Stereochemical evaluation of sesquiterpene quinones from two sponges of the genus Dactylospongia and the implication for enantioselective processes in marine terpene biosynthesis

Silver nitrate flash chromatography of the organic extract from the sponge Dactylospongia elegans has led to the isolation of three new sesquiterpene quinones isohyatellaquinone (7), 7,8-dehydrocyclospongiaquinone-2 (8) and 9-epi-7,8-dehydrocyclospongiaquinone-2 (9) together with the known quinones dictyoceratidaquinone (6), mamanuthaquinone (10), ilimaquinone (11), hyatellaquinone (12) and the sesterterpene furospinosulin (22). The relative stereochemistry of dictyoceratidaquinone (6) is assigned on the basis of NOESY analysis. A second species of Dactylospongia, thought to be new to science, was found to contain ent-(7) together with the new quinone neomamanuthaquinone (13). The isolation of antipodal sesquiterpenes from closely related species has implications for the stereochemical evaluation of terpene metabolites. The biosynthetic processes in these marine sponges may involve terpene synthases that do not discriminate chiral substrates or may result from the presence of multiple terpene synthases, each with differing enantioselectivity.     

A concise and general methodology for the complete asymmetric synthesis of the orthogonally protected 2-amino-1,3,4-butanetriols (ABTs)

A complete asymmetric synthesis of the orthogonally protected 2-amino-1,3,4-butanetriols I (ABTs: versatile four carbon chiral synthons) was accomplished via the regioselective asymmetric aminohydroxylation (AA) reaction and oxazoline chemistry in four to six steps from the starting olefin 1. The syn-vicinal amino alcohol functionality of I was installed by the regioselective AA reaction of the achiral olefin 1 in a single step, and the anti-vicinal amino alcohol functionality of I was derived from the syn-amino alcohol 2 by inverting the C2 hydroxy group stereochemistry through the formation and hydrolysis of the oxazoline 7. Thus, the present strategy represents the most efficient and general asymmetric synthesis of ABTs so far.     

Tubular structures bearing channels in organic crystals composed of adamantane-based macrocycles

Five macrocyclic molecules (1–5) were efficiently synthesized from the dimerization and trimerization of di-substituted adamantane derivatives, which were composed of three different aromatic units and two different linker groups. Three single-crystals were obtained from these macrocyclic molecules, including a set of pseudopolymorphs (3a and 3b) of macrocycle 3 and another macrocycle 5 (5a). Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that the three monocyclic compounds were rectangular or square in shape with solvent molecules in the cavity. Macrocycle 3 in 3a formed stacks to produce tubular structures with channels that assembled into three-dimensional networks through CH/π interactions.     

Reactions of ethyl triphenylphosphoranylideneacetate with fluorinated β-ketoaldehyde derivatives

The reactions of fluorinated β-ketoaldehyde derivatives: β-alkoxyvinyl polyfluoroalkyl ketones 1 and fluorinated β-ketoacetals 2 with ethyl triphenylphosphoranylideneacetate 3 are described. In the case of ketones 1 the result of the reaction is a mixture of products: fluorinated alkoxydienes 5 (Wittig reaction product) and polyfluoroacyl vinyl ylides 7 (Michael addition product). The reaction with fluorinated β-ketoacetals 2 leads to a mixture of E- and Z-isomers of polyfluoroalkyl acrylates 8 and 9, respectively. The influence of the nature of fluorinated substituent and solvent or other factors on the outcome of the reactions are discussed.