Total synthesis of piericidin A1 and B1 and key analogues

Full details of the total synthesis of piericidin A1 and B1 and its extension to the preparation of a series of key analogues are described including ent-piericidin A1 (ent-1), 4'-deshydroxypiericidin A1 (58), 5'-desmethylpiericidin A1 (73), 4'-deshydroxy-5'-desmethylpiericidin A1 (75), and the corresponding analogues 51, 59, 76, and 77 bearing a simplified farnesyl side chain. The evaluation of these key analogues, along with those derived from their further functionalizations, permitted a scan of the key structural features providing new insights into the role of the substituents found in both the pyridyl core as well as the side chain. A strategic late stage heterobenzylic Stille cross-coupling reaction of the pyridyl core with the fully elaborated side chain permitted ready access to the analogues in which each half of the molecule could be systematically and divergently modified. The pyridyl cores were assembled enlisting inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions of N-sulfonyl-1-azabutadienes, while key elements of side chain syntheses include an anti selective asymmetric aldol to install the C9 and C10 relative and absolute stereochemistry (for natural and ent-1) and a modified Julia olefination for formation of the C5-C6 trans double bond with convergent assemblage of the side chains.     

Total synthesis of (-)-fumiquinazolines A,B, C,E, H,and I. Approaches to the synthesis of fiscalin A

The first syntheses of (-)-fumiquinazolines A, B, and I, which proceed in 14 steps from protected tryptophan, anthranilic acid, leucine, and alanine in 7% overall yield, are described. Tricycle 30 was formed by a palladium-catalyzed cyclization. Oxidation of 30a with saccharine-derived oxaziridine 21 for fumiquinazolines A and B and oxidation of 30b with dimethyldioxirane for fumiquinazoline I selectively formed the appropriate imidazoindolone stereoisomers. Application of the Ganesan-Mazurkiewicz cyclization completed the syntheses. Efficient 14-step syntheses of (-)-fumiquinazolines C (7) and E (3) and a 15-step synthesis of (-)-fumiquinazoline H (8) using FmocNHCH(CH2SePh)CO2H as a dehydroalanine precursor that spontaneously eliminated benzeneselenol without oxidation under the cyclization conditions are also reported. Model 86 for fiscalins A with the H and OH anti to each other has been prepared, but the procedure that worked for the model failed with the fully functionalized side chain.     

Total synthesis of two naturally occurring polyacetylenic glucosides (−)-bidensyneoside A1 and B,and an analogue of (−)-bidensyneoside C

The total syntheses of two novel polyacetylenic natural products bidensyneoside A1 and B, as well as an analogue of bidensyneoside C are described. These syntheses are based on our recently developed strategy. A new preparation of the required starting material (E)-3-penten-1-yne was developed. The preparation of the analogue of (−)-bidensyneoside C further confirms the side chain configuration of the natural product as (R).     

A copper-carbodiimide approach to the phomopsin tripeptide side chain

A one-step copper-carbodimide elimination was used to provide the (E)-dehydroisoleucine moiety in the phomopsin side chain stereoselectively. An efficient approach to the phomopsin tripeptide side chain was developed to be used in the total syntheses of phomopsins A and B.     

Total synthesis of piericidin A1 and B1

The first total syntheses of piericidin A1 and B1 are disclosed and unambiguously establish the relative and absolute stereochemistry of the natural products by an approach that will facilitate the synthesis of a series of analogues. Central to the approach is an inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction of a N-sulfonyl-1-aza-1,3-butadiene with tetramethoxyethene followed by Lewis acid-promoted aromatization used to assemble the functionalized pyridine core. Additional key elements in the convergent approach include the use of an anti-aldol reaction to install the C9 and C10 relative and absolute stereochemistry, a modified Julia olefination for formation of the C5-C6 trans double bond with convergent assemblage of the side chain, and a penultimate heterobenzylic Stille cross-coupling reaction of the pyridyl core with the fully elaborated side chain.     

Diastereoselective Total Syntheses of (±)‐Caseabalansin A and (±)‐18‐Epicaseabalansin A via Intramolecular Robinson‐type Annulation

Highly diastereoselective total syntheses of (±)‐caseabalansin A ( 1 ) and (±)‐18‐epicaseabalansin A ( 2 ) are described in this paper. We revealed that the intramolecular Robinson‐type annulation of an alkynone was effective in the stereocontrolled construction of the bicyclic skeleton of 1 and 2 . Further transformation of the resulting enone, including diastereoselective reduction by LiAlH(OtBu)₃, hydroxy‐group‐directed hydrogenation, cyclization to form the cyclic acetal moiety, and introduction of a side chain by a C(sp³)?C(sp³) Stille coupling reaction, resulted in the total syntheses of (±)‐ 1 and (±)‐ 2 .     

Total syntheses of furaquinocin A, B, and E

A modular approach to the total synthesis of furaquinocins culminated in the total syntheses of furaquinocin A, B, and E. A Pd-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DYKAT) on carbonates derived from Baylis-Hillman adducts, followed by a reductive Heck cyclization allows the enantio- and diastereoselective construction of dihydrobenzofuran 32. Introduction of a double unsatured side chain via Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction and assembly of the naphthoquinone with squaric acid based methodology leads to furaquinocin E. The use of differentially substituted squaric acid derivatives allows the synthesis of three analogues of furaquinocin E. The additional stereocenters in furaquinocin A and B can be introduced with a diastereoselective Sakurai allylation. The stereoselective elongation of the side chain is possible using cross metathesis or ring closing metathesis. The obtained late-stage intermediates were successfully transformed to furaquinocin A and B.     

Two new phenolic amides from the seeds of Pharbitis nil

Two new phenolic amides, pharnilatins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the seeds of Pharbitis nil. These new compounds possess a p-coumaroyl unit with a structurally unique side chain, (2S,3S)-2,3-dihydroxyputrescine. The chemical structures and absolute stereochemistries of the new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and chemical reactions. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15 human tumor cells. However, none of the compounds inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia cells.     

Total synthesis of cystothiazoles A and B

[structure: see text] Convergent enantioselective syntheses of the antifungal agents cystothiazoles A and B are described. The routes feature an asymmetric crotylation using a propargylic dicobalt hexacarbonyl complex, which provided enhanced diastereoselectivity over the uncomplexed propargylic acetal. The bisthiazole fragment was united with the side chain through a Stille cross-coupling of a terminal (E)-vinylstannane with a 4-trifloyl-substituted thiazole.     

Micranoic acids A and B: two new octanortriterpenoids from Schisandra micrantha

Two novel octanortriterpenoids, micranoic acids A (1) and B (2), along with three known compounds, kadsuric acid (3), 3beta-hydroxy-lanost-9(11),24(25)-dien-26-oic acid (4) and schizandronic acid (5), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Schisandra micrantha. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Micranoic acids A and B represent a new group of triterpenes in which the entire C-17 side chain has lost. This is the first report of octanortriterpenoids isolated from the family Schisandraceae.     

Acutaxylines A and B, two novel triterpenes from Dysoxylum acutangulum

Two novel triterpenes, acutaxylines A (1) and B (2) consisting of a cyclopentenone side chain at C-17 and an oxepan-2-ol, were isolated from the leaves of Dysoxylum acutangulum. The relative stereochemistry of 1 and 2 was determined by NOESY correlations. Acutaxyline B showed moderate cytotoxicity against human blood premyelocytic leukemia cells.     

Enantioselective total syntheses of nankakurines A and B: confirmation of structure and establishment of absolute configuration

Total syntheses of (+)-nankakurine A (2) and (+)-nankakurine B (3) were accomplished by a sequence that employs an intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition of an azomethine imine intermediate to form the azatricyclic moiety and establish the relative configuration of the spiropiperidine ring. These syntheses, together with the synthesis of the originally purported structure 1 of nankakurine A, rigorously establish the relative and absolute configuration of these structurally unusual Lycopodium alkaloids. The syntheses are sufficiently concise that gram quantities of (+)-nankakurine A (2) and (+)-nankakurine B (3) will be available for further biological studies.     

Microwave-mediated Claisen rearrangement followed by phenol oxidation: a simple route to naturally occurring 1,4-benzoquinones. The first syntheses of verapliquinones A and B and panicein A

The naturally occurring 1,4-benzoquinones 2-methoxy-6-propyl-1,4-benzoquinone (1), 2-methoxy-6-pentyl-1,4-benzoquinone (primin 2), 2-methoxy-6-pentadecyl-1,4-benzoquinone (3), 2-methoxy-6-heptadecyl-1,4-benzoquinone (dihydroirisquinone, pallasone B; 4) were synthesized by a simple protocol involving microwave accelerated Claisen rearrangement of allyl ethers 10, followed by hydrogenation of the side chain alkene, and oxidation to the quinone. The Claisen-based methodology was extended to the first synthesis of the marine benzoquinones verapliquinones A and B (5 and 6), and panicein A (7). Isoarnebifuranone (9) was also synthesized by a similar strategy.     

Isolation, biological significance, synthesis, and cytotoxic evaluation of new natural parathiosteroids A-C and analogues from the soft coral Paragorgia sp

Three unusual new steroid thioesters, parathiosteroids A-C (1a-3a), were isolated from the 2-propanol extract of the soft coral Paragorgia sp. collected in Madagascar. Their structures, determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, were confirmed by synthesis and represent the first isolation of natural steroids bearing a C22 thioester in their side chain. These compounds displayed cytotoxicity against a panel of three human tumor cell lines at the micromolar level. The preparation of several analogues revealed structure/activity relationships in this type of steroids, for example, that the XCH2CH2NHCOCH3 moiety (X = S, O, NH) in the side chain is essential for the antiproliferative activity, and a low degree of oxidation in the A-ring results in higher bioactivity. These natural products could be biosynthetic intermediates in the steroid side chain degradation pathway involving activation with CoA and beta-oxidations.     

Enantioselective total syntheses of (+)-arborescidine A, (-)-arborescidine B, and (-)-arborescidine C

Described are the first enantioselective total syntheses of (+)-arborescidine A ((+)-1), (-)-arborescidine B ((-)-2), and (-)-arborescidine C ((-)-3), via routes that proceeded in five steps and 50% overall yield, eight steps and 61% overall yield, and nine steps and 51% overall yield, respectively, from 6-bromotryptamine (7). The syntheses feature the use of the Noyori catalytic asymmetric hydrogen-transfer reaction to introduce chirality in dihydro-beta-carbolines 6 and 8. On the basis of an ample precedent from Noyori's work, the reduction produces dihydro-beta-carbolines, and ultimately the natural products, possessing the R absolute configuration. The synthetic arborescidines displayed optical rotations that were opposite in sign those of the natural products, thereby supporting the S configuration for natural arborescidines A (1) and B (2) and the (3S,17S) configuration for natural arborescidine C (3). Our results are in agreement with the initial stereochemical assignment by Pa?s and co-workers, and are counter to their recently revised assignment.     

Total synthesis of the calphostins: application of fischer carbene complexes and thermodynamic control of atropisomers

The total syntheses of the potent protein kinase C inhibitors calphostins A, B, C, and D as well as a variety of structural analogues are reported. An aminobenzannulation reaction of an enantiopure chromium Fischer carbene complex is utilized to prepare a pentasubstituted naphthylamine. After optimization of side-chain substituents, conversion of the naphthylamine to an o-naphthoquinone was followed by biomimetic oxidative dimerization using trifluoroacetic acid and air yielding a 1:2 P/M mixture of atropisomeric perylenequinones. Thermal equilibration to a 3:1 P:M atropisomeric ratio and separation of the perylenequinones followed by side chain desymmetrization and functionalization led to the total synthesis of enantio- and diastereomerically pure calphostin C in only twelve steps from commercially available starting materials. In addition, calphostins A, B, D, and several structural analogues were prepared to evaluate biological activities.     

A novel approach for the synthesis of lophocladines A, B and C1 analogues

A novel approach for the syntheses of lophocladines A and B has been developed. These compounds were prepared in 4-6 steps with moderate to excellent overall yields. The key step involved the nucleophilic substitution of 4-chloronicotinic acid with the carbanion generated from phenylacetonitrile. Subsequent reduction of the cyano group, lactamization and oxidation furnished lophocladine A in 50% yield over 4 steps. Further amination with various amines led to lophocladine B and its C1 analogues in good yields. In addition, the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against leukaemia cells.     

Total syntheses of (+)- and (-)-cacospongionolide B, cacospongionolide e, and related analogues. Preliminary study of structural features required for phospholipase a2 inhibition

The total syntheses of the antiinflammatory marine sponge metabolites (+)-cacospongionolide B and E are described. The pivotal steps in the synthetic route include a three-step sequence that couples the two main regions of the natural product, as well as generates the side chain dihydropyran ring. The activity of the synthetic analogues against bee venom phospholipase A2 suggests that the cacospongionolides have enantiospecific interactions with the enzyme that may be independent of the gamma-hydroxybutenolide moiety.     

Epicoccarines A, B and epipyridone: tetramic acids and pyridone alkaloids from an Epicoccum sp. associated with the tree fungus Pholiota squarrosa

Investigation of the metabolic profile of a fungus (Epicoccum sp.) isolated from the fruiting body of the tree fungus Pholiota squarrosa led to the discovery of two novel tetramic acid derivatives, epicoccarine A (2) and B (3), as well as a new pyridone alkaloid, epipyridone (1), with an unusually cyclized side chain. It appears that 1 is biogenetically derived from the ring expansion of 2 followed by a proposed hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. 2 shows selective antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria, in particular Mycobacterium vaccae.