Enantioselective cyanosilylation of aldehydes catalysed by a diastereomeric mixture of atropisomeric thioureas

New bifunctional atropisomeric thioureas 1 were synthesised and tested as both a mixture of diastereomers (aR/aS)-(R,R)-1 and as single diastereomers (aR)-(R,R)-1 and (aR)-(S,S)-1, in the organocatalysed, enantioselective, cyanosilylation of a range of aldehydes (aromatic and aliphatic). Moderate enantiomeric excesses (up to 69% ee) and quantitative yields were obtained. The best results were achieved using a mixture of thiourea diastereomers (aR/aS)-(R,R)-1 instead of the single diastereomers alone.     

Reversed diastereoselectivity in the ring-opening reaction of (S)-TFPO with a chiral aminoacetonitrile Schiff base

Diastereoselective ring opening of (S)-2,3-epoxy-1,1,1-trifluoropropane [(S)-TFPO: 75% ee] with an aminoacetonitrile Schiff base bearing the (R,R,R)-hydroxypinanone chiral auxiliary [(R)-Schiff base] are described. The reaction of (S)-TFPO with the (R)-Schiff base selectively gave one diastereomer out of the four possible, while that with the (S)-Schiff base gave a complex mixture of all four possible diastereomers. The stereochemistry of the reaction products was greatly dependent on the base used for abstracting a proton from the (R)-Schiff base; utilization of LDA and KO^tBu resulted in production of (R,R,R,S,S)- and (R,R,R,R,S)-isomers as the major diastereomers, respectively.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis and HPLC analysis of the stereoisomers of miyakosyne A [(4E,24E)-14-methyloctacosa-4,24-diene-1,27-diyne-3,26-diol], a cytotoxic metabolite of a marine sponge Petrosia sp., to determine the absolute configuration of its major component as 3R,14R,26R

Six samples [(3R,14R,26R)-, (3R,14S,26R)-, (3S,14R,26S)-, and (3S,14S,26S)-1, a mixture of (3R,14R,26S)- and (3S,14R,26R)-1, and a mixture of (3R,14S,26S)- and (3S,14S,26R)-1] of miyakosyne A [1, (4E,24E)-14-methyloctacosa-4,24-diene-1,27-diyne-3,26-diol] were synthesized starting from the enantiomers of citronellal (2), employing olefin cross metathesis and R-selective asymmetric acetylation of a stereoisomeric mixture of acetylenic alcohols with vinyl acetate and lipase PS as key reactions. Separation of the eight stereoisomer of 1 by reversed phase HPLC at −56 °C was achieved after their esterification with (1R,2R)-2-(anthracene-2,3-dicarboximido)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (16), and the natural miyakosyne A was found to be a mixture of 95.7% of (3R,14R,26R)-1 and 4.3% of (3R,14S,26R)-1. This is different from the (3R,14S,26R)-configuration of 1 as tentatively assigned by X-ray analysis.     

Synthesis of all the stereoisomers of 6-methyl-2-octadecanone, 6,14-dimethyl-2-octadecanone, and 14-methyl-2-octadecanone, the components of the female-produced sex pheromone of a moth, Lyclene dharma dharma

All of the stereoisomers of the components of the female-produced sex pheromone of a moth, Lyclene dharma dharma, were synthesized. They are (R)- and (S)-6-methyl-2-octadecanone, (6R,14R)-, (6R,14S)-, (6S,14R)-, and (6S,14S)-6,14-dimethyl-2-octadecanone, and (R)- and (S)-14-methyl-2-octadecanone. Enantiomers of citronellal and methyl (S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoate were the starting materials, and olefin cross metathesis was employed as the key reaction.     

Synthesis of novel optical isomers of α-methylpolyamines

Earlier unknown (R)- and (S)-α-methylspermidine, (R)- and (S)-α-methylspermine, (R,R)-, (S,S)-, and (R,S)-α,ω-dimethylspermine were synthesized in gram scale from readily available (R)- and (S)-2-aminopropanols in high overall yields.     

Raman optical activity of tartaric acid and related molecules

The Raman optical activity spectra of (2R, 3R) (+)- and (2S,3S) (?)-tartaric acid, (2R, 3R) (+)-dimethyl tartrate, (2R,3R) (?)-2,3-butanediol and (2S, 3S) (+)-dibenzoyl tartaric acid are presented. A large couplet at about 500cm^?1 in the first three molecules, which probably originates in deformations of a chiral structural unit, might serve as an indicator of conformation and absolute configuration.     

Novel chiral hexaazamacrocycles for the enantiodiscrimination of carboxylic acids

New enantiopure amines (R,R)-1 and (S,S)-1 were obtained from (R)- or (S)-2,2′-diamino-1,1′-binaphthyl and 2,6-diformylpyridine in a synthesis templated by lead(II) or lanthanide(III) ions, reduction with NaBH₄ and subsequent demetallation. Similarly new amines (R,R,R,R)-2 and (S,S,S,S)-2 were obtained from (1R, 2R)- or (1S, 2S)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine. The X-ray crystal structure of the Pb(II) complex with macrocyclic Schiff base precursor of (R,R)-1 indicates helical twisted conformation of this macrocycle, while the ROESY spectrum of R,R-1 suggests less twisted conformation. (R,R)-1 and (R,R,R,R)-2 were tested as chiral shift reagents (chiral solvating agents) for various α-substituted carboxylic acids, including non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Enantiodiscrimination of carboxylate ¹H NMR signals was observed with ΔΔδ values up to 0.1 ppm.     

High asymmetric induction using a diastereomeric mixture of axially dissymmetric ligands

We have reported that our new axially dissymmetric ligand with two chiral centers, (R_a)-2,2′-bis[(R)-1H-1-hydroxyperfluorooctyl]biphenyl ((R_a)-(R)₂-1c, or tentatively called as (R_a)-(R)₂-PFCAB-7), worked as a good asymmetric inducer for the reaction of benzaldehyde with diethylzinc. Now, a mixture of (R_a)-(R)₂- and (S_a)-(R)₂-PFCAB-7 even in 1:4 ratio (−60% de) was found to give nearly the same asymmetric induction as pure (R_a)-(R)₂-PFCAB-7 of the corresponding molar percents. This result suggests that both isomers do not form complex and that (R_a)-(R)₂-PFCAB-7 accelerates the reaction and induces high asymmetry, while (S_a)-(R)₂-1c does not accelerate the reaction significantly and does not induce asymmetry at all. This ligand of low ee, (R_a)-(R)₂-PFCAB-7 of 20% ee, did not show appreciable asymmetric amplification, suggesting no formation of heterochiral complex.     

Acylative kinetic resolution of racemic aromatic β-hydroxy esters catalyzed by chiral nucleophilic N-(1-arylethyl)benzoguanidines

An efficient acylative kinetic resolution of racemic aromatic β-hydroxy esters with cyclohexanecarboxylic anhydride was achieved using newly designed (R)-N-methylbenzoguanidine ((R)-NMBG) derivatives. A series of (R)-NMBG derivatives was synthesized by modifying the original (R)-NMBG catalyst with the introduction of branched N-substituents containing a stereogenic center, and their catalytic performance was evaluated. (R,R)-N-(1-(β-1-Naphthyl)ethyl)benzoguanidine [(R,R)-NβNpEtBG] was found to function as an efficient acyl transfer catalyst for the reaction of a broad variety of substrates, regardless of the substituent type and substitution pattern.     

Measurement and Identification of (R)- and (S)-6-O-Desmethylnaproxen Enantiomers as Diastereomeric O-Ethoxycarbonyl/(R)-(+)-1-Phenylethylamides in Urine by GC and GC-MS

Enantioseparations of (R)- and (S)-6-O-desmethylnaproxens as O-ethoxycarbonyl/(R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamides and (R)- and (S)-naproxens as (R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamides were achieved by achiral gas chromatography in a single run within 11 min. The characteristic mass spectral patterns facilitated easier peak identification. The method for determinations of (R)-naproxen (1.0 to 50 ng) and (S)-naproxen (100 to 2000 ng) was linear with acceptable repeatability and accuracy. The enantiomeric composition ratios between (R)- and (S)-6-O-desmethylnaproxens and between (R)- and (S)-naproxens in urine sample collected six hours after oral administration of (S)-naproxen tablets were measured to be 2.2 (± 0.2):97.8 (± 0.2) and 2.1 (± 0.1):97.9 (± 0.1), respectively.     

Two chiral mononuclear and one-dimensional cadmium(II) complexes constructed by (1R,2R)-N1,N2-bis(pyridinylmethyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine derivatives: Effect of positional isomerism

Reactions of (1R,2R)-N¹,N²-bis(pyridinylmethyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine derivatives, (1R,2R)-2-bpcd and (1R,2R)-3-bpcd [(1R,2R)-2-bpcd = (1R,2R)-N¹,N²-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine, (1R,2R)-3-bpcd = (1R,2R)-N¹,N²-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine], with CdI₂ in an analogous way led to the formation of a chiral discrete mononuclear complex and a chiral one-dimensional polymeric chain, respectively, which may be attributed to the positional isomerism of the ligands. The chiral organic ligands and complexes display luminescent properties indicating that they may have a potential application as optical materials. Powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency measurement shows that the SHG efficiency of the complexes is approximately 0.3 and 0.45 times that of KDP, respectively.     

Racemization of (S)-(+)-10,11-dimethoxyaporphine and (S)-(+)-aporphine: efficient preparations of (R)-(−)-apomorphine and (R)-(−)-aporphine via a recycle process of resolution

Efficient preparations of (R)-(−)-apomorphine (R)-1 and (R)-(−)-aporphine (R)-2 based on a recycle process of resolution are described. In this recycle process of resolution, (RS)-(±)-10,11-dimethoxyaporphine 3 as the precursor of 1, and (RS)-(±)-aporphine 2 were successfully resolved into both enantiomers with (+)-dibenzoyltartaric acid (DBTA). The desired (R)-3 and (R)-2 were obtained and then, respectively, transformed to compound (R)-1, the hydrochloride salt of (R)-1, diacetate compound 4 and the hydrochloride salt of (R)-2; while the undesired (S)-3 and (S)-2 were racemized to obtain a racemate, which was suitable for further resolution. A method for the racemization of the undesired (S)-3 and (S)-2 was extensively studied, in order to obtain high-yielding racemization conditions. A plausible mechanism for the racemization of (S)-3 and (S)-2 was also proposed.     

Synthesis of (1R,cis,αS)-cypermethrine via lipase catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic m-phenoxybenzaldehyde cyanohydrin acetate

A technical scale preparation of optically active (1R,cis,αS)-cypermethrine 4 from racemic m-phenoxybenzaldehyde cyanohydrin acetate (RS)-1 and (1R,cis)-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid chloride (1R,cis)-3 is described. Key steps of the new procedure are a lipase catalyzed enantioselective transesterification of (RS)-1 with n-butanol and direct acylation of the mixture of (R)-1 and (S)-cyanohydrin (S)-2 with (1R,cis)-3 to give enantiomerically pure (1R,cis,αS)-4. The unchanged (R)-1 is removed from (1R,cis,αS)-4 by distillation, and is racemized with triethylamine to give (RS)-1 which is returned to the process. The total yield of (1R,cis,αS)-4 referred to (RS)-1 is 80%.     

Monomeric and polymeric structures of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with Schiff base ligands derived from (R,R)-2,4-pentanediamine: Synthesis and crystal structure

New tetradentate Schiff base–oxovanadium(IV) complexes which have electron donating or withdrawing groups at the 5-position of the salicylaldehyde moieties, [VO{Xsal-(R,R)-2,4-ptn}] (H₂{Xsal-(R,R)-2,4-ptn}: N,N′-di-Xsalicylidene-(R,R)-2,4-pentanediamine; X=5-MeO (methoxy), 5-Br, and 5-NO₂) were prepared. The structures and redox potentials for the V(V)/V(IV) couple of the complexes were compared with those of other [VO{Xsal-(R,R)-2,4-ptn}] (X=3-EtO (ethoxy), 3-MeO, and H). The 5-MeO substituted complex which has electron donating groups at the 5-position of the salicylaldehyde moieties forms a monomeric structure in the solid state. The 3-EtO substituted complex has both monomeric and polymeric structures. On the other hand, the other [VO{Xsal-(R,R)-2,4-ptn}] (X=H, 3-MeO, 5-Br, 5-NO₂) complexes have only polymeric structures. X-ray crystal structure analysis of [VO{5-MeOsal-(R,R)-2,4-ptn}]⋅CH₃OH (1) was carried out. Complex 1 has a monomeric five-coordinate square–pyramidal structure. The six-membered N–N chelate ring forms a distorted flattened boat form with two methyl groups in the axial positions.     

Resolution of 1-phenyl-2-(p-tolyl)ethylamine via diastereomeric salt formation

(S)-1-Phenyl-2-(p-tolyl)ethylamine (S)-1, used for the industrial scale resolution of chrysanthemic acids, was obtained via resolution of the racemate with the hemiphthalate of (S)-isopropylidene glycerol (R)-2. The maximum experimental efficiency [69% yield and >99% e.e. of (S)-1] was achieved by a simple precipitation of (S)-1·(R)-2 from the solution of the 1:1 diastereomeric salt mixture in 93/7 isopropanol/water at saturation of the more soluble (R)-1·(R)-2 salt. Such an experimental efficiency was consistent with 0.79 maximum theoretical resolvability, derived from the solubilities of the two diastereomeric salts, and with DSC data, which indicated that the (S)-1·(R)-2/(R)-1·(R)-2 system is a binary mixture exhibiting an eutectic with composition approximately corresponding to a 0.2 molar ratio of (S)-1·(R)-2.     

Stereocontrolled chemoenzymatic synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted piperidines

(R,R)-2,3-Disubstituted piperidines were readily synthesized starting from (R)-(+)-5-bromo-2-hydroxypentanenitrile (R)-2. An enantioselective (R)-oxynitrilase-catalyzed transcyanation was used to prepare the starting cyanohydrin (R)-2.     

Synthesis and isolation of a monoamine having a thermodynamically stabilized pseudo-chirotopic nitrogen

We have synthesized a tricyclic monoamine, (1S,4R)-(E)-7,3′-heptenylene-2,3:5,6-dibenzo-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (1), by applying a ring-closing metathesis reaction in the key step of the synthetic route and by using preparative chiral HPLC for the separation. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of its salt with (1R)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid showed that the geometry and absolute configuration are (E) and (1S,4R), respectively. The theoretical calculations revealed that the inversion of the nitrogen atom at the 7-position of (1S,4R)-(E)-1 thus isolated takes place through a very slow process and that the configuration of the N(7) is highly biased to (R), indicating that (1S,4R)-(E)-1 is a thermodynamically controlled N-pseudo-chirotopic compound ((1S,4R,7R): (1S,4R,7S) = 99.68:0.32 at 120 °C).     

Synthesis and odor of optically active trans-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketones and their related compounds

The synthesis characterized by cationic olefin cyclizations accomplished using ketone enol esters and odor of novel (1R,6S)- and (1S,6R)-2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl methyl ketones (5) are described. The stereoselective syntheses of (E)-(1R,6S)- and (E)-(1S,6R)-1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)-2-buten-1-one (6) and (1R,6S)-ethyl 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexylcarboxylate (7), useful raw materials for flavor and fragrance, starting from the (1R,6S)- and (1S,6R)-5 are also described.     

Preparation of a new 1,2,3-trithiolane, trans-9,10,11-trithiabicyclo[6.3.0]undecane, and its oxidation reactions

The reaction of trans-cyclooctene with S₈O yielded a novel bicyclic 1,2,3-trithiolane and trans-9,10,11-trithiabicyclo[6.3.0]undecane (7). Oxidation of the trithiolane with dimethyldioxirane yielded three monoxides, which are assigned to two isomeric 9-oxides, rel-(1R,8R,9S)-9-oxide (15) and rel-(1R,8R,9R)-9-oxide (16), and 10-oxide (17). Further oxidation of rel-(1R,8R,9S)-9-oxide (15) provided rel-(1R,8R,9S,11S)-9,11-dioxide (18) and rel-(1R,8R,9R,11S)-9,11-dioxide (19), while that of rel-(1R,8R,9R)-9-oxide (16) gave rel-(1R,8R,9R,11S)-9,11-dioxide (19) and rel-(1R,8R,9R,11R)-9,11-dioxide (20). The structures of 18 and 19 were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structures of other oxides were elucidated by the spectroscopic data and results of further chemical transformations. Two isomers, 15 and 16, isomerized to one another. A 9,11-dioxide 20 isomerized to 19, which is in equilibrium with 18, where 18 is thermodynamically the most stable isomer.     

Synthesis of four enantiomers of 2,3-di(N-Boc-amino)-1-hydroxypropylphosphonates

Enantiomerically pure diethyl (1S,2R)-, (1S,2S)-, (1R,2R)- and (1R,2S)-2,3-di(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino-1-hydroxypropylphosphonates were synthesised from diethyl (1S,2R,1′S)-, (1S,2S,1′R)-, (1R,2R,1′S)- and (1R,2S,1′R)-[N-(1-phenylethyl)]-2,3-epimino-1-hydroxypropylphosphonates, respectively, via aziridine ring opening with neat TMSN₃ followed by hydrogenolysis in the presence of Boc₂O. A plausible mechanism for the aziridine ring opening in 2,3-epimino-1-hydroxypropylphosphonates involving the intermediate aziridinium ions was proposed. Significant differences in the rates of the aziridine ring opening between diastereoisomeric phosphonates (1S,2R,1′S) and (1S,2S,1′R) were rationalised taking into account different conformations of the 1-phenylethyl group in both diastereoisomers.