Enantiodivergent preparation of optically active oxindoles having a stereogenic quaternary carbon center at the C3 position via the lipase-catalyzed desymmetrization protocol: effective use of 2-furoates for either enzymatic esterification or hydrolysis

Both enantiomers of oxindoles 2a-h, having a stereogenic quaternary carbon center at the C3 position and a different N-protective group, were readily prepared by the lipase-catalyzed desymmetrization protocol. Thus, the transesterification of the prochiral diols 3a-h with 1-ethoxyvinyl 2-furoate 5 was catalyzed by Candida rugosa lipase to give (R)-(+)-2a-h (68-99% ee), in which the use of a mixed solvent, (i)Pr(2)O (diisopropyl ether)-THF, was crucial. The same lipase also effected the enantioselective hydrolysis of the difuroates 4a-h in a mixture of (i)Pr(2)O, THF, and H(2)O to provide the enantiomers (S)-(-)-2a-h (82-99% ee). The products 2 obtained by both methods were stable against racemization. These enzymatic desymmetrization reactions were also applicable for other typical symmetrical difuroates 12b and 15b to provide the racemization-resistant products 13b and 16b.     

Asymmetric desymmetrization of 2,2',6,6'-tetrahydroxybiphenyl through annulation with enantiomerically pure bis(mesylate)

[formula: see text] 2,2',6,6'-Tetrahydroxybiphenyl undergoes a facile annulation reaction with bis(mesylate) derived from (S)-1,2-propanediol in the presence of Cs2CO3 to give the corresponding asymmetric desymmetrization product of S axial chirality with exclusive diastereoselectivity. The desymmetrization product can be utilized as a versatile chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral 6,6'-disubstituted 2,2'-biphenyldiols.     

Enantioselective formation of tert-alkylamines by desymmetrization of 2-substituted serinols

Novel enantioselective desymmetrization of 2-substituted 2-amino-1,3-propanediols has been established to generate asymmetric quaternary carbon centers comprising an amino group. Enantioselective as well as chemical conversion proved to be greatly dependent on the protecting group of the amino group in the substrate, desymmetrizing reagent, base, solvent, and naturally, catalyst. The highly effective desymmetrization has been implemented by using N-benzoylated substrates with benzoyl chloride and triethylamine in the presence of tetraphenylbisoxazoline (24)-CuCl(2) complex in THF at ambient temperature. An extensive survey of catalysts revealed that dimethylmalonate-bridged bisoxazoline-CuCl(2) complexes were superior. Among them, the tetraphenylbisoxazoline (24)-CuCl(2) complex turned out to work most efficiently with a wide array of the substrates. All the examined substrates, with the exception of 2-phenylserinol 36, were desymmetrized in the presence of 24-CuCl(2) complex to give high enantioselectivities ranging from 85 to 95 % ee. Complementary use of the diisopropylbisoxazoline (22)-CuCl(2) complex has remedied the mediocre desymmetrization of 36 to give a significantly improved enantioselectivity from 63 to 83 % ee.     

Rapid Assembly of Oligosaccharides: Total Synthesis of a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor of Trypanosoma brucei

Six building blocks, six reaction steps : The recently developed innovative methodology facilitated the convergent synthesis of the complex oligosaccharide core 1 (shown here with protecting groups) for the total synthesis of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The key factors are the tuning of the reactivity of the building blocks by using 1,2-diacetal protecting groups and the desymmetrization of glycerol and myo-inositol with a chiral bis(dihydropyran).     

A novel C(2)-symmetric 2,6-diallylpiperidine carboxylic acid methyl ester as a promising chiral building block for piperidine-related alkaloids

C(2)-symmetric 2,6-diallylpiperidine 1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (5) was examined via the double asymmetric allylboration of glutaraldehyde followed by aminocyclization and carbamation as a promising chiral building block for piperidine-related alkaloids, which were synthesized by the desymmetrization of 5 using intramolecular iodocarbamation as a key step. [reaction: see text]     

Stereocontrol of All‐Carbon Quaternary Centers through Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Meso Primary Diols by Organocatalyzed Acyl Transfer

The symmetry breaking of meso primary diols bearing a tetrahydropyran ring was employed, using catalytic asymmetric acyl transfer, to control all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters. The planar chiral Fu DMAP catalyst was used in this reaction to reach a high degree of enantioselectivity (up to 97:3 e.r.) through a synergic effect combining a desymmetrization step and a kinetic resolution. Moreover, a beneficial effect was exhibited by C₆F₆ solvent, yielding the first example of an organocatalyzed asymmetric acyl transfer. The desymmetrized monoesters were then used to obtain, after a straightforward ring opening sequence, complex polyketide building blocks bearing all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters.     

Multivalent activation in temporary phosphate tethers: a new tether for small molecule synthesis

[reaction: see text]. A new tether for small molecule synthesis is reported. This functionally active tether mediates the desymmetrization of a pseudo-C(2)-symmetric tris-allylic phosphate triester to generate a P-chiral bicyclo[4.3.1]phosphate containing ample steric and stereoelectronic differentiation for investigating chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective transformations. Overall, the method reported herein demonstrates a fundamentally new role of phosphates in synthesis and provides differentiated polyol building blocks for use in natural product synthesis.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Arylative Desymmetrization of Prochiral Cyclopentenes with Diaryliodonium Salts

A copper‐catalyzed enantioselective arylative desymmetrization of prochiral cyclopentenes with diaryliodonium salts was developed. In the presence of a catalytic amount of a chiral copper–bisoxazoline complex, which was generated in situ, the reaction of 4‐substituted or 4,4‐disubstituted cyclopent‐1‐enes with diaryliodonium hexafluoroarsenates afforded the chiral arylated products in good yields with excellent enantioselectivity. A cyclohexyl‐containing Box ligand was essential for the high enantioselectivity. Transformation of the enantiomerically enriched adducts into other chiral building blocks is also documented.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed carbonylative ring opening of diazabicycles with acyl anion equivalents

A catalytic desymmetrization of strained alkenes by ring-opening of meso-diazabicycles with acyl anion nucleophiles is reported. Densely functionalized trans-1,2-hydrazinoacyl cyclopentene building blocks are obtained stereoselectively. The acyl anion equivalent is generated in situ under very mild conditions from readily available organoboron precursors.     

Desymmetrization of metallated cyclohexadienes with chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines

This communication describes the desymmetrization of various achiral metallated cyclohexadienes with a series of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines. Depending on the metal used, either the symmetrical diene (dicyclohexadienyl-zinc) or the desymmetrized diene (cyclohexadienyl-MgCl) is obtained in a good regioselectivity with excellent diastereoselectivity. The products formed should be useful building blocks for natural product synthesis. The symmetrical 1,4-dienes are readily oxidized to the corresponding diarylmethylamine derivatives.     

Total synthesis of an antitumor agent,mucocin, based on the "chiron approach"

The total synthesis of a powerful antitumor acetogenin, mucocin (1), was achieved through a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of the THP-THF fragment 2 and a terminal butenolide 3. The key process for construction of the fragment 2 was chelation-controlled addition of ethynylmagnesium chloride to disilyl aldehyde 23a and condensation of the alkyllithium prepared therefrom with THP aldehyde 4 in the presence of CeCl(3). Synthesis of the lactone 3 relied on a novel approach by taking advantage of a radical cyclization of acyclic selenocarbonate 6. The three building blocks 4, 5a, and 6 were prepared stereoselectivly from D-galactose (7), 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (8), and L-rhamnose (9), respectively. A new and efficient method for desymmetrization of the C(2)-symmetrical compound 8 is also described.     

Stereodivergent Desymmetrization of Simple Dicarboxylates via Branch-Selective Pd/Cu Catalyzed Allylic Substitution

Asymmetric desymmetrization has been demonstrated to be a powerful strategy for building stereocenters in asymmetric synthesis. Herein, a Pd/Cu catalyzed asymmetric desymmetrization reaction with a simple geminal dicarboxylate is reported. A wide scope of imino esters bearing an aryl or heteroaromatic group were compatible with this bimetallic catalytic system. The reactions proceeded smoothly, giving the desired products in good yields with high to excellent regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity (up to 20 : 1 branched:linear, >20 : 1 dr, >99 % ee). Notably, the reaction favored branched selectivity, which is unusual for the Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylation reaction. In addition, the standard product could be easily transformed to other valuable molecules such as chiral allylic alcohols, carbamates, and organic boron compounds. Furthermore, DFT calculations were conducted to explain the origin of the branched selectivity.     

Desymmetrization of 1,4-cyclohexadienyltriisopropoxysilane using copper catalysis

The first catalytic desymmetrization in the field of allylsilane chemistry is presented. Desymmetrization of cyclohexadienyltriisopropoxysilane is achieved using coppper catalysis. High diastereo- and enantioselectivities are obtained, and the product dienes are highly valuable building blocks for natural product synthesis.     

The first synthesis of the ABC-ring system of 'upenamide

The first synthetic route to the spirooxaquinolizidinone core (ABC core) of the macrocyclic marine alkaloid 'upenamide (1) has been developed. All five stereocenters were introduced with complete stereocontrol. The hydroxyl group at C-11 was introduced by a regio- and stereoselective SeO(2)-mediated allylic oxidation. The spirocyclic skeleton was formed by a stannous chloride induced deacetalization-bicyclization procedure. Further stereocenters were introduced by an enzymatic desymmetrization and by incorporation of an (S)-malic acid derived building block.     

Modular asymmetric synthesis of P-chirogenic beta-amino phosphine boranes

A short concise route to beta-aminophosphine boranes is presented via the desymmetrization of prochiral phosphine boranes, forming P-chirogenic aldehydes that are rapidly transformed to the target compounds employing reductive amination under microwave irradiation. This sequence provides a modular route to P-chirogenic P,N ligands, and in addition, the intermediate aldehydes are versatile P-chiral building blocks for ligand design in general. An alternative pathway via the corresponding alpha-carboxyphosphines is also described. The ligands were subsequently evalutated in the asymmetric conjugate addition of diethylzinc to trans-beta-nitrostyrene.     

Asymmetric desymmetrization based on an intramolecular haloetherification: a highly effective and recyclable chiral nonracemic auxiliary, 2-exo-methyl-3-endo-phenyl-5-norbornene-2-carboxaldehyde, for meso-1,3- and meso-1,4-diols

A new chiral auxiliary, a 3-endo-phenyl norbornene aldehyde derivative, which is a crystalline, very stable, and easily handled, was developed for the desymmetrization of meso-1,3- and meso-1,4-diols. The key step of the method, an intramolecular bromoetherification, proceeded in a highly diastereoselective manner. A four-step sequence, 1) acetalization, 2) intramolecular bromoetherification followed by acid hydrolysis, 3) protection of the alcohol, and 4) retrobromoetherification, transformed the meso-diols into optically active derivatives. The 3-endo-phenyl norbornene aldehyde derivative was simultaneously reformed and could be used repeatedly. This is the first chemical example of a single auxiliary that is applicable for highly enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-1,3- and meso-1,4-diols; to the best of our knowledge, this is the best chemical method available for the desymmetrization of meso-1,4-diols.     

Recent topics in the desymmetrization of meso-diols

The desymmetrization of meso compounds is one of the most effective strategies for asymmetric synthesis. This digest focuses on recent progress in the desymmetrization of meso-diols and their derivatives. The topics discussed here include methods for the enzymatic acylation of meso-diols and the hydrolysis of meso-diesters, acylation, related reactions of meso-diols with organocatalysts and metal catalysts, the oxidation of meso-diols by enzymes, organocatalysts, and metal catalysts, and the desymmetrization of meso-dicarbamates with metal catalysts. The desymmetrization of meso-diols using tandem reactions is also discussed.     

Desymmetrization of meso 1,3- and 1,4-diols with a dinuclear zinc asymmetric catalyst

A dinuclear asymmetric zinc catalyst generated by mixing a 2:1 ratio of diethylzinc and 2,6-bis[5-2-diarylhydroxy methyl-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-methylphenol has been contrasted with enzymes for the desymmetrization of some meso diols. The best ligand has a p-biphenylyl group as the aromatic substituent defining the chiral space. A series of 2-substituted propanediols were examined. The best acyl transfer agent proved to be vinyl benzoate. Diacylation normally did not occur. The phenyl substituted substrate gave 91-95% ee which compares favorably with the best ee of 92% reported for an enzymatic desymmetrization. The methyl substituted substrate gave significantly better results with the dinuclear zinc catalyst (89% yield, 82% ee) as compared to the best enzymatic esterification (70% yield, 60% ee). One case of a 1,4-diol, cis-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) cyclohexane, also gave much better results with the dinuclear zinc catalysts (93% yield, 91% ee) as compared to the reported enzymatic process (44% yield, 7% ee). A model to rationalize the results is presented.     

Chiral polycyclic ketones via desymmetrization of dihaloolefins

3-Chloronorbornenone (R)-1a (98% ee) was obtained from trichloronorbornene 5 in two steps by the in situ generation of dichloronorbornadiene 2a with t-BuOK and desymmetrization with (-)-ephedrine, followed by hydrolysis with PPTS. The generality of this desymmetrization with (-)-ephedrine was tested with dibromonorbornadiene 2c and other substituted dichloronorbornadienes.     

Efficient, scalable asymmetric synthesis of an epoxy quinol via Noyori desymmetrization of a meso diketone

Epoxy quinol 1a was prepared on a multi-gram scale by Noyori transfer hydrogenative desymmetrization of the readily available meso epoxy diketone 4. Although the intrinsic enantioselectivity for the desymmetrization was modest (82:18 er at 4% conversion), a highly enantiopure product (99.6:0.4 er) could be obtained in one operation in 44% yield via kinetic resolution of the minor enantiomer with long reaction times (48 h), or in 73% yield by combination with an enzymatic resolution of a 93:7 er mixture.