Expeditious, large scale preparation of ethyl (R)-5-methyl-3-oxo octanoate via a cross Claisen reaction between N-acyl oxazolidinone derivatives and the magnesium enolate of potassium ethyl malonate

A new and efficient method for the direct conversion of N-acyl oxazolidinones to a β-keto ester is disclosed. The one-pot transformation is effected by the utilization of an excess of Lewis acid along with base and potassium ethyl malonate. This methodology has been applied to the large scale preparation of ethyl (R)-5-methyl-3-oxooctanoate.     

A novel method for asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of α-substituted carboxylic acid derivatives from optically active 1-chlorovinyl p-tolyl sulfoxides and lithium ester enolates with 1,4-chiral induction from the sulfur chiral center

Treatment of optically active 1-chlorovinyl p-tolyl sulfoxides, which were synthesized from symmetrical ketones and (R)-(−)-chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide in three steps, with lithium enolate of carboxylic acid tert-butyl esters gave optically active adducts having a substituent at the α-position with high 1,4-chiral induction from the sulfur chiral center in high yields. The adducts were converted to optically active esters and carboxylic acids having a chiral center at the α-position. When this addition reaction was carried out with the ester enolate generated from excess carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester with LDA in the presence of HMPA, the diastereomer of the adduct was obtained. By using the two reaction conditions for the generation of the ester enolates, a new method for asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of carboxylic acid derivatives having a substituent at the α-position from the one chiral source, (R)-(−)-chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide, was realized.     

Stereoselective synthesis of β-glycosyl esters of cis-cinnamic acid and its derivatives using unprotected glycosyl donors

The β-glycosyl esters of cis-cinnamic acid were synthesized directly using Hannesian’s unprotected glycosyl donor and the carboxylic acid in toluene. This protocol does not require protecting groups on the glycosyl donors, and high stereoselectivity was achieved. The first synthesis of a potent allelochemical, 1-O-cis-cinnamoyl-β-d-glucopyranose, is also described.     

Nitrobenzylation of α-carbonyl ester derivatives using TDAE approach

A series of 2-hydroxy-propionic acid ethyl ester derivatives was prepared in good yields by reaction of o- and p-nitrobenzyl chlorides (1, 8) with various α-carbonyl esters in presence of tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE). This reaction was generalized to α-ketolactam and α-ketomalonate.     

Antifungal activities of amino acid ester functional pyrazolyl compounds against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast

Series of functional multidendate ligands based on pyrazole and amino acid derivatives were prepared in good and excellent yields (75–5%) by condensation of one equivalent of amino acid ester hydrochloride substrates with two equivalents of (3,5-dimethyl-1H–pyrazol-1-yl)methanol. These tridentate functionalized compounds and their starting materials were screened for their antifungal activities against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis and the yeast of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Considerable activities were recorded with respect to the two studied microorganisms.     

Diapolycopenedioic acid xylosyl ester, a novel glyco-C30-carotenoic acid produced by a new marine bacterium Rubritalea squalenifaciens

A novel acyl glyco-carotenoic acid, diapolycopenedioic acid xylosyl ester, was isolated from a marine bacterium Rubritalea squalenifaciens belonging to subdivision 1 of Verrucomicrobia as the major red pigment by using chromatographic methods. The structure of diapolycopenedioic acid xylosyl ester was determined to be 4-[2-O-(12-methyltridecanoyl)-β-xylopyranosyl] hydrogen 4,4′-diapo-ψ,ψ-carotene-4,4′-dioate by analysis of the MS and NMR data for this acid and for the diacetyl diapolycopenedioic acid xylosyl ester. The diapolycopenedioic acid xylosyl ester showed potent antioxidative activity against a lipid peroxidation model.     

Structures of new phenylphenalene-related compounds from Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth)

Two new compounds identified as methyl derivatives of phenyl naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and phenyl naphthalenecarboxylic acid linked to a phenylphenalene unit were isolated from the extract of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). The structures have been determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, mainly using 2D NMR techniques.     

Aldehyde-based racemization in the dynamic kinetic resolution of N-heterocyclic α-amino esters using Candida antarctica lipase A

The present research introduces approaches for the dynamic kinetic resolution of the methyl esters of proline and pipecolic acid. As the result, a method was developed which is based on the acylation of the secondary amino group of the amino esters with vinyl butanoate by Candida antarctica lipase A. In the optimized method, acetaldehyde as a racemizing agent is released in situ from vinyl butanoate in the presence of triethylamine, allowing ca. 90% of the racemic proline and 70% of the pipecolic acid methyl esters to be acylated in the forms of highly enantiopure (ee=97%) butanamides with the S-absolute configurations.     

Fatty Acid Analysis,Chemical Constituents,Biological Activity and Pesticide Residues Screening in Jordanian Propolis

Propolis is a resinous natural product collected by honeybees (Apis mellifera and others) from tree exudates that has been widely used in folk medicine. The present study was carried out to investigate the fatty acid composition, chemical constituents, antioxidant, and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity of Jordanian propolis, collected from Al-Ghour, Jordan. The hexane extract of Jordanian propolis contained different fatty acids, which are reported for the first time by using GC-FID. The HPLC was carried out to identify important chemical constituents such as fatty acids, polyphenols and α-tocopherol. The antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities were also monitored. The major fatty acid identified were palmitic acid (44.6%), oleic acid (18:1∆⁹cis, 24.6%), arachidic acid (7.4%), stearic acid (5.4%), linoleic acid (18:2∆^9–12cis, 3.1%), caprylic acid (2.9%), lignoceric acid (2.6%), cis-11,14-eicosaldienoic acid (20:2∆^11–14cis, 2.4%), palmitoleic acid (1.5%), cis-11-eicosenoic acid (1.2%), α–linolenic acid (18:3∆^9–12–15cis, 1.1%), cis-13,16-docosadienoic acid (22:2∆^13–16cis, 1.0%), along with other fatty acids. The major chemical constituents identified using gradient HPLC-PDA analysis were pinocembrin (2.82%), chrysin (1.83%), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (1.23%), caffeic acid (1.12%), caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, 0.79%), apigenin (0.54%), galangin (0.46%), and luteolin (0.30%); while the minor constituents were hesperidin, quercetin, rutin, and vanillic acid. The percentage of α-tocopherol was 2.01 µg/g of the lipid fraction of propolis. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were determined via DPPH radical scavenging. The DPPH radical scavenging activities (IC₅₀) of different extracts ranged from 6.13 to 60.5 µg/mL compared to ascorbic acid (1.21 µg/mL). The xanthine oxidase inhibition (IC₅₀) ranged from 75.11 to 250.74 µg/mL compared to allopurinol (0.38 µg/mL). The results indicate that the various flavonoids, phenolic compounds, α-tocopherol, and other constituents which are present in propolis are responsible for the antioxidant and xanthine oxidation inhibition activity. To evaluate the safety studies of propolis, the pesticide residues were also monitored by LC-MS-MS 4500 Q-Trap. Trace amounts of pesticide residue (ng/mL) were detected in the samples, which are far below the permissible limit as per international guidelines.     

Sulfur-containing sesquiterpenes from Thapsia villosa

Three new sesquiterpenoids bearing sulfurated ester groups have been isolated from the roots of Thapsia villosa L. Their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic means. This is the first time that a methylthiopropionic acid ester is isolated from natural sources.     

Total synthesis of lycoperdic acid and its C4-epimer

Efficient stereodivergent syntheses of (+)-lycoperdic acid (LPA) and 4-epi-LPA have been achieved based on asymmetric hydrogenation (H₂, Rh/(R,S)-MeBoPhoz) of racemic enamide as a key step.     

Phase-transfer catalyzed asymmetric arylacetate alkylation

Phenethyl arylacetates are alkylated under phase-transfer conditions with cinchona catalysts with alkyl halides in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity (84-99% ee) following recrystallization. Cinchonidine (CD) derived catalyst gave the (R)-product and cinchonine (CN) catalyst produced the (S)-product. The phenethyl (PE) ester group is removed, using ammonium formate and catalytic Pd/C, to give alkylated carboxylic acid products in high selectivity. The utility of the approach is demonstrated by a direct synthesis of (S)-naproxen^™.     

A stereoselective synthesis of 3-substituted (S)-pyroglutamic and glutamic acids via OBO ester derivatives

(S)-Pyroglutamic acid is transformed to the Cbz-protected 4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2] octane (OBO) ester. This ortho ester functionality is employed as a bulky steering group for stereoselective introduction of alkyl and aryl groups via 1,4-cuprate addition to 3,4-unsaturated pyroglutamates. After deprotection and ringopening, 3-substituted glutamic acids are obtained.     

A mixed anhydride approach to the preparation of sulfinate esters and allylic sulfones: Trimethylacetic p-toluenesulfinic anhydride

A reagent combination of toluenesulfinic acid and trimethylacetyl chloride affords a putative trimethylacetic p-toluenesulfinic anhydride. This reagent has been used to prepare a series of sulfinate esters from primary and secondary alcohols. In addition, the reagent was used to convert Baylis-Hillman substrates into allylic sulfones. Attempts to use the reagent to convert amines to sulfinamides were unsuccessful. In contrast, the use of 2-pyrrolidinone afforded N-p-toluenesulfinyl pyrrolidinone in 64% yield. The use of a chiral 4-benzyl-1,3-oxazolidinone or 4-benzyl-1,3-oxazolidine-2-thione led to the isolation of S-p-tolyl p-toluenethiosulfonate.     

Stereoselective hydrolysis of sec-mono-alkyl sulfate esters with retention of configuration

An optimised method for the stereoselective hydrolysis of sec-alkylsulfate monoesters with absolute retention of configuration was developed. Under optimised conditions, clean hydrolysis of (R)-2-octyl sulfate was achieved in aqueous t-butyl methyl ether (3:97) using 0.6 equiv of p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst and 0.33 equiv of dioxane as mediator to give (R)-2-octanol as the sole product in the absence of side reactions, such as racemisation or elimination.     

Three novel 3,4-seco-podocarpane trinorditerpenoids from Aleurites moluccana

Three novel 3,4-seco-podocarpane-type trinorditerpenoids, moluccanic acid (1), moluccanic acid methyl ester (2), and 6,7-dehydromoluccanic acid (3), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Aleurites moluccana. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR analysis. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-3 was evaluated.     

Conformational studies of (−)-epicatechin-Mosher ester

An in depth ab initio investigation into the factors governing the conformational behaviour of α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethyl-α-phenylacetic acid (MTPA) esters, extensively utilized to determine the absolute stereochemistry of secondary alcohols and amides, discloses the hyperconjugative interactions responsible for the important syn- and anti-periplanar conformational rigidity and the predominance of the former over the latter. The first flavonoid-Mosher ester crystal structure is reported.     

Synthesis and chiroptical properties of amino acid-derived poly(methylpropargyl ester)s

Chiral methylpropargyl ester monomers containing amino acid moieties, N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-l-alanine (R)-1-methylpropargyl ester (1), N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-l-valine (R)-1-methylpropargyl ester (2), and N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-l-O-cyclohexyl-l-glutamic acid (R)-1-methylpropargyl ester (3) were synthesized and polymerized with (nbd)Rh⁺[η⁶-C₆H₅B⁻(C₆H₅)₃] to give the corresponding polymers with number-average molecular weights ranging from 32 700 to 64 100 in 84-85% yields. The polymers were soluble in toluene, CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, THF, DMF, and DMSO, but insoluble in hexane, diethyl ether, and MeOH. The specific rotation and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic studies revealed that poly(1)-poly(3) took predominantly one-handed helical structures in the solvents, wherein the degree of one-handedness and tightness of the helix depended on the solvent. The helical structure of the polymers was stable to the addition of MeOH and heat.     

Novel stereocontrolled approach to conformationally constrained analogues of l-glutamic acid and l-proline via stereoselective cyclopropanation of 3,4-didehydro-l-pyroglutamic ABO ester

A new stereocontrolled approach to l-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycines (l-CCGs) and 3,4-methano-l-prolines, conformationally constrained analogues of l-glutamic acid and l-proline, respectively, was developed using a 3,4-didehydro-l-pyroglutamate derivative as a common chiral template. The unsaturated l-pyroglutamate derivative employed in this work is a novel chiral synthon in which the carboxyl functionality is protected as a 2,7,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl group (ABO ester). Stereospecific cyclopropanation of the olefin using diazomethane followed by appropriate functional group interconversion gave l-CCG-III and trans-3,4-methano-l-proline with complete stereocontrol. Synthesis of other diastereomers of l-CCG and cis-3,4-methano-l-proline was accomplished by alteration of the 3,4-methanoglutamic acid framework via carboxycyclopropanation of the olefin with sulfur ylide and subsequent Barton decarboxylation reaction of the original γ-carboxyl group included in the pyroglutamate skeleton.     

Synthesis, spectral and X-ray structural studies of Ni(II) complexes of N′-acylhydrazine carbodithioic acid esters containing ethylenediamine or o-phenanthroline as coligands

The new complexes [Ni(Hbstbh)₂(en)] (1) and [Ni(Hpchce)(o-phen)₂]Cl·CH₃OH·H₂O (2) with N′-benzoyl hydrazine carbodithioic acid benzyl ester (H₂bstbh) and [N′-(pyridine-4-carbonyl)-hydrazine]-carbodithioic acid ethyl ester (H₂pchce) have been synthesized, containing ethylenediamine (en) or o-phenanthroline (o-phen) as coligands. The ligands and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, magnetic susceptibility and single crystal X-ray data. [Ni(Hbstbh)₂(en)] (1) and [Ni(Hpchce)(o-phen)₂]Cl·CH₃OH·H₂O (2) crystallized in the monoclinic and triclinic systems, space group C2/c and P-1, respectively. The (N, O) donor sites of the bidentate ligands chelate the Ni(II) center and form a five-membered CN₂ONi ring. The resulting complexes are paramagnetic and have a distorted octahedral geometry.