Chiral thiophosphoramide catalyzed asymmetric aryl transfer reactions for the synthesis of functional diarylmethanols

In this investigation, chiral thiophosphoramide 3d was easily prepared from chiral (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine and then applied as an efficient chiral ligand in the catalytic asymmetric arylation reactions of various aromatic aldehydes. The corresponding diarylmethanol products were produced with good to excellent yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivities (up to 94%). The recovery of chiral ligand 3d could be as high as 96%.     

Dual chiral silver catalyst in the synthetic approach to the core of hepatitis C virus inhibitor GSK 625433 using enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and electrophilic alkenes

The asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an imino ester 5 with tert-butyl acrylate is catalyzed by a dual chiral silver(I) complex formed from a chiral phosphoramidite 14 and the chiral silver(I) binolphosphate (R)-17. This reaction is selected to achieve the synthesis of enantiomerically enriched key structures to access the third generation of GSK HCV inhibitors. The scope of this dual chiral catalytic system is analyzed by employing different imino esters and dipolarophiles, and also compared with the same cycloaddition reactions performed with the chiral phosphoramidite 14·AgClO₄ complex.     

Catalytic asymmetric syntheses of (−)-oudemanisin A and its diastereomer

The first asymmetric catalytic synthesis of (?)-oudemanisin A 1a and its diastereomer 1b has been achieved. The key steps of our strategy involved the asymmetric alkynylation of an unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde catalyzed by Trost’s ProPhenol ligand, chemoselective oxidation of the olefinic diol, base-induced ring opening of the lactone, and acylation–alkylation of the ester.     

A class of α-amino acids-derived multifunctional amidophosphane precatalysts: application to the highly enantio- and diastereoselective silver(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction

A class of multifunctional amidophosphanes derived from chiral α-amino acids have been developed with two amide bonds, a tertiary amine and a phosphine. In combination with Ag(I) salts, these amidophosphanes have been demonstrated as highly efficient multifunctional catalysts in the asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides as well as the three-component reaction of the α-iminoesters in situ generated. Under optimal conditions, highly functionalized endo-8 pyrrolidines were obtained with good to excellent yields (up to 99% yield) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).     

Formal asymmetric synthesis of (+)-tofacitinib

Tofacitinib is an efficient and selective Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) inhibitor, and is used as an immunosuppressant drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and transplant patients. Herein we report a concise formal asymmetric synthesis of tofacitinib from homochiral 1,3-dioxolanone 10b, which was elaborated through a highly stereoselective Michael addition followed by solvent-free removal of the chiral auxiliary and ring cyclization to furnish chiral imide 8. The preparation of tofacitinib’s precursor 16 could be obtained after reduction of 8 followed by sequential oxidation, reductive amination and S_NAr reactions.     

Synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane-based bidentate oxazoline–carbene ligands for the asymmetric 1,2-silylation of N-tosylaldimines

A series of novel oxazoline-substituted imidazolium salts with planar and central chirality has been successfully synthesized and applied to copper-catalyzed enantioselective 1,2-silylation of N-tosylaldimines. The oxazoline–carbene copper complex generated in situ by the reaction of the oxazoline-substituted imidazolium and Cu₂O demonstrated an exceptionally high catalytic activity in the asymmetric 1,2-silylation of N-tosylaldimines, affording chiral α-amino silanes with excellent yields and enantioselectivities.     

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.     

An improved synthesis of (20S)-camptothecin and its analogue via an asymmetric α-hydroxylation with a chiral organocatalyst

An efficient and stereocontrolled synthesis of (20S)-camptothecin and an analogue has been developed. The key feature of this synthesis is the organocatalyzed asymmetric α-hydroxylation of the lactone precursor 4 to construct its stereocenter, providing tricyclic hydroxylactone 2 in 90% yield and with 88% enantioselectivity. The precursor 4 was efficiently synthesized from the known pyridine 5 in three steps.     

Stereoselective synthesis and anticancer activity of broussonetine analogues

The stereoselective synthesis of two broussonetine analogues 14·HCl and ent-14·HCl with differing stereochemistry of the polyhydroxylated pyrrolidine core and a simple C₁₃ alkyl fragment has been achieved. For their construction, the known oxazolidinones 15 and 16 were chosen as appropriate advanced scaffolds. The common hydrophobic side chain was incorporated at an early stage of the synthesis through Grubbs’ cross metathesis chemistry. The required pyrrolidine skeleton was then formed by the cyclization of open chain intermediates 17 and 18. Four synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity against six cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Compounds 14·HCl (HeLa and A-549) and ent-14·HCl (Caco-2 and Jurkat) showed comparable or higher potency than conventional anticancer agent cisplatin on at least two evaluated cancer cells, respectively.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and absolute configuration of the enantiomers of chiral drug xibenolol hydrochloride

Based on the features of its crystallization, racemic 3-(2,3-dimethylphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol 2, the synthetic precursor of the chiral drug xibenolol 1, was resolved into pure enantiomers by the direct method of entrainment. The enantiomers of diol 2 through a Mitsunobu reaction were converted into the nonracemic 1,2-epoxy-3-(2,3-dimethylphenoxy)propanes (S)- and (R)-3, and then into the xibenolol enantiomers. Single crystals of (+)- and (?)-1·HCl were studied by X-ray diffraction. On the basis of the Flack parameter, the absolute (R)- and (S)-configurations were assigned to these compounds and to the other intermediate chiral substances.     

Chemoenzymatic route to optically active dihydroxy cyclopenta[b]naphthalenones; precursors for decalin-based bioactive natural products

The development of an efficient chemoenzymatic route for the synthesis of optically active dihydroxy cyclopenta[b]naphthalenones; (+)-1,4a-dihydroxy-4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-2(4H)-one (+)-10 and (+)-1,8a-dihydroxy-4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-2(4H)-one (+)-11 is described. Different lipases and esterases were tested in the enzymatic hydrolysis of the corresponding acetates (±)-4a-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-yl acetate (±)-8, (±)-8a-hydroxy-2-oxo-2,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9,9a-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-1-yl acetate (±)-9, CRL (Candida Rugosa Lipase) and PLE (Pig Liver Esterase) were found to be the most effectual enzymes; for (?)-8 by 47% ee with the corresponding dihydroxy; (+)-10 by 98% ee in the presence of CRL; whereas, (?)-8 was obtained with 40% ee with the corresponding dihydroxy, (+)-10 with 58% ee in the PLE hydrolysis. It was concluded that CRL was the best biocatalyst for the substrate (±)-8. Moreover, enzymatic resolution in the presence of CRL yields, (?)-9 with 46% ee with the corresponding dihydroxy derivative; (+)-11 with 98% ee; however, in the presence of PLE, yields (?)-9 with 36% ee as well as the related dihydroxy derivative; (+)-11 with 49% ee respectively. The study concluded that CRL is the best biocatalyst for compounds (±)-8 and (±)-9.     

Solvent-induced chirality switching in the enantioseparation of regioisomeric hydroxyphenylpropionic acids via diastereomeric salt formation with (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol

The enantioseparation of three hydroxyphenylpropionic acid isomers via diastereomeric salt formation with (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol has been demonstrated. The racemates of all three acid isomers were successfully separated with high efficiency (0.56–0.84) after single crystallization. For 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acid 4, the configuration of the less-soluble salt was controlled by the crystallization solvent: the (R)-4 salt was crystallized from water, while 2-propanol afforded the (S)-4 salt. The chiral recognition mechanism of the three acids was discussed based on the crystal structures of the diastereomeric salts.     

Synthesis of the enantiomers of (3Z,9Z)-cis-6,7-epoxy-3,9-octadecadiene,one of the major components of the sex pheromone of Ectropis oblique Prout

Both enantiomers of (3Z,9Z)-cis-6,7-epoxy-3,9-octadecadiene, one of which is the major component of the sex pheromone of Ectropis oblique Prout, were synthesized in 23% overall yield for the (?)-(6S,7R)-enantiomer and 18% yield for the (+)-(6R,7S)-isomer. This protocol uses a sequential regioselective ring-opening strategy and provides a convenient and reliable access to other structurally related insect sex pheromones. Preliminary biological studies revealed that (?)-(6S,7R)-2a was roughly as active as the natural pheromone, while racemic (±)-2 was less bioactive and (+)-2b was much less bioactive.     

Asymmetric synthesis of tert-butyl ((1R,4aR,8R,8aR)-1-hydroxyoctahydro-1H-isochromen-8-yl)carbamate

The asymmetric synthesis of methyl (E)-4-((1R,2S,3R)-3-amino-2-((E)-2-methoxycarbonyl-eten-1-yl)cyclohexyl)but-2-enoate 14 has been achieved from dimethyl (2E,7E)-nona-2,7-dienedioate 2. A key step is the asymmetric synthesis of 1-hydroxyoctahydro-1H-isochromene derivative 5 whose X-ray analysis corroborated the stereochemistry of the new stereocenters. The asymmetric synthesis of the isochromenyl acetate derivative 11 shows the potential of this methodology for fused cyclohexanic system heterocyclic synthesis.     

Amidation of carboxylic acids via the mixed carbonic carboxylic anhydrides and its application to synthesis of antidepressant (1S,2R)-tranylcypromine

Primary amidations of carboxylic acids 1 or 3 with NH₄Cl in the presence of ClCO₂Et and Et₃N were developed to afford the corresponding primary amides in 22% to quantitative yields. Additionally, we have applied the amidation to the preparation of various amides containing hydroxamic acids and achieved the synthesis of (1S,2R)-tranylcypromine as an antidepressant medicine via Lossen rearrangement.     

Resolution,absolute configuration and antifilarial activity of coumarinyl amino alcohols

The resolution of racemic coumarinyl amino alcohols 5–10 was achieved by using the inexpensive and readily accessible chiral resolving agent N-carbethoxy-l-proline (S)-11. Direct esterification of rac-5–10 with (S)-11 furnished diastereomeric esters, which were easily separated by column chromatography. The obtained diastereomers yielded the desired enantiopure coumarinyl amino alcohols (S)-(+)-5–10 and (R)-(?)-5–10 in good yields with high enantiomeric excess on saponification. The absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystal analysis and/or by comparison of the specific rotations. Furthermore, in in vitro antifilarial motility inhibition assays, enantiopure coumarins (S)-(+)-9, (R)-(?)-9 and (S)-(+)-10, (R)-(?)-10 were found to be less efficient in affecting the viability of macrofilariae of Brugia malayi than their racemic forms 9 and 10, respectively, indicating the synergistic effect of the enantiomers in evoking antifilarial action.     

Asymmetric biosynthesis of intermediates of anti-HIV drugs

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the fifth most common cause of death and many new HIV infections occur every year. The prevalence of HIV also seriously affects the quality of a patient’s life. More than forty anti-HIV drugs have been put into clinical uses, many of which are chiral molecules with multiple stereogenic centers, for example abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine, stavudine, tenofovir, atazanavir. However, the chemical synthesis of these chiral intermediates have the disadvantages of low enantiomeric purity and complex synthetic steps. The benefits of asymmetric biosynthesis of chiral drugs include high enantiomeric excess (e.e.), good product selectivity, mild reaction conditions, and less side effects. The biosynthesis of the chiral intermediates of these anti-HIV drugs is thus particularly important. Herein, we review the different sources of enzymes and microbial cells for the asymmetric biosynthesis of the above chiral anti-HIV drug intermediates. We also review recent biotechnology progress in engineering these enzymes and microbial cells with improved biocatalytic activities, including enzyme and cell immobilization, surface display of enzymes, and directed evolution of enzymes. These biotechnology processes enable the efficient biosynthesis of these chiral intermediates, facilitating the industrial production of anti-HIV drugs with reduced costs.     

Efficient lipase-catalysed route for the kinetic resolution of salsolidine and its ß-carboline analogue

Racemic 1-methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline 1 and 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-ß-carboline 3 were resolved through lipase-catalysed asymmetric acylation on the secondary amino group. High enantioselectivities (E?>200) were observed when the acylation of racemic 1 was performed with phenyl allyl carbonate in the presence of Candida rugosa lipase in toluene at 40?°C or with Candida antarctica lipase B in tert-butyl methyl ether at 50?°C. Excellent enantioselectivity (E?>200) characterised the CAL-B-catalysed acylation of racemic 3 with phenyl allyl carbonate in the presence of triethylamine in tert-butyl methyl ether at 50?°C. The product (R)-carbamates (ee?>97%) were hydrolysed into the corresponding (R)-enantiomers of the free amines 1 and 3 (ee?=?99%) with the use of Pd₂(dba)₃·CHCl₃ catalyst.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a chiral lactam and three amino alcohols as potential protein tyrosine phosphates 1B inhibitors

Chiral lactam 2 and three chiral β-amino alcohols 3–5 have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Regioselective ring opening reaction of chiral styrene oxide by an amine nucleophile was confirmed by X-ray diffraction data. Ligand 2–4 crystallizes in the tetragonal, orthorhombic and tetragonal crystal lattice system respectively. Ligands 2–6 have been used as potential inhibitors for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B enzyme (PTP1B). The potential inhibitor effect of these molecules to the target protein was investigated by Dock and molecular dynamics calculations. Dock score analysis and Lipinski parameters suggested that ligands 1, 2, 4–6 are potential inhibitors towards PTP1B, thus indicating that the residues Arg24, Arg254 and Met258, Asp29 in the second active site of PTP1B are essential for the high selectivity of inhibitors. The results indicate that the polar hydrogen bonding interacts with Asp29, Gln102, and the amino acid residues of PTP1B are responsible for governing inhibitory potency of ligands 1–6.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of (S)-pindolol

Racemic 3-(4-indolyloxy)-1,2-propanediol 2 has been effectively resolved into (S)- and (R)-enantiomers by a preferential crystallization procedure. Non-racemic (S)-2 was converted into (S)-4-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-1H-indole (S)-4 via a Mitsunobu reaction and then into (S)-pindolol (S)-1. The crystalline (S)-1 was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A large number of symmetry independent molecules (Z′ = 6) led to a weakening of the system of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which combined with a loose packing (PI = 64.6%), may be the cause of the abnormally low melting point of (S)-1 as compared with rac-1.