Absolute configuration of gomadalactones A, B and C, the components of the contact sex pheromone of Anoplophora malasiaca

Absolute configuration of gomadalactones A (1), B (2) and C (3), the pheromone components of the white-spotted longicorn beetle (Anoplophora malasiaca) was assigned as (1S,4R,5S)-1, (1R,4R,5R)-2 and (1S,4R,5S,8S)-3 by comparing their published CD spectra with those of (1R,5R)-(+)-4,4,8-trimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-7-ene-2,6-dione (4) and (1S,5R,8S)-(+)-4,4,8-trimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-2,6-dione (5) prepared from (R)-(−)-carvone (6).     

Complanadine B, obscurumines A and B, new alkaloids from two species of Lycopodium

A new dimer of C₁₆N₂ type alkaloid, complanadine B (1), and two new C₁₆N type alkaloids, obscurumines A (2) and B (3), have been isolated from the club moss Lycopodium complanatum and L. obscurum, respectively. The structures and stereochemistry of 1-3 were elucidated by combination of 2D NMR spectra and chemical transformation. Complanadine A (4) isolated together with 1 induced secretion of neurotrophic factors from human astrocytoma cells.     

The first total synthesis and determination of the absolute configuration of chapecoderin A, B and C

The seco- and rearranged-labdanes, chapecoderins A 1, B 2, and C 3 have been synthesized for the first time starting from (S)-(+)-Wieland-Miescher ketone analogue 11. Their absolute configurations have been determined as depicted in the structures 1, 2 and 3.     

Aplyronine A, a potent antitumor macrolide of marine origin, and the congeners aplyronines B and C: isolation, structures, and bioactivities

Aplyronine A (2), a potent antitumor macrolide was isolated from the sea hare Aplysia kurodai together with the congeners aplyronines B (3) and C (4). The absolute stereostructure of aplyronine A (2) was determined by the instrumental analysis (mainly NMR and MS) and the enantioselective synthesis of the fragments obtained from chemical degradation of aplyronine A (2). The structures of aplyronines B (3) and C (4) were also elucidated. Cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of aplyronine A (2) were evaluated.     

The first total synthesis of (±)-zenkequinone B

The first total synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[a]anthraquinone natural product (±)-zenkequinone B (1) is reported. The key step involves the TiCl₄-promoted intramolecular cyclization of 4-aryl-2-hydroxybutanal diethyl acetal 4 to give compound 3. The total synthesis of (±)-zenekequinone B (1) has been accomplished in five steps from readily available 2-(chloromethyl)-9,10-dimethoxyanthracene (5) in 40.3% overall yield.     

Novel alkaloids, paxdaphnines A and B with unprecedented skeletons from the seeds of Daphniphyllum paxianum

Two novel Daphniphyllum alkaloids with unprecedented skeletons, namely paxdaphnines A (1) and B (2), have been isolated from the seeds of Daphniphyllum paxianum. Paxdaphnine A (1) is a 19-nor-Daphniphyllum alkaloid with highly caged skeleton, and paxdaphnine B (2) is the first 1,19-bisnor-Daphniphyllum alkaloid. The relative structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectral methods, and their unique biosynthetic pathway postulated. The absolute structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction of the iodide derivative (1a) of 1, and the absolute stereochemistry of 2 was proposed by correlation with the biosynthetic pathway for 1.     

Tulearins A, B, and C; structures and absolute configurations

The relative configuration of tulearin A (1) is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis of a cyclic carbonate derivative 2 and the absolute configuration (2R,3R,5S,8S,9S,15R,17S) from the 9-MTPA-esters 1R and 1S is determined using the modified Mosher’s method. A mechanism for the unexpected formation of carbonate 2 is suggested. Two N-phenyltriazolinedione derivatives 3 and 4 are also prepared. Two additional tulearins, B and C (5 and 6) are isolated in very small amounts and their structures are elucidated by spectroscopic means.     

Stereoselective synthesis of (−)-diospongins A and B and their stereoisomers at C-5

Antiosteoporotic diarylheptanoids (−)-diospongins A (1) and B (2) were synthesized stereoselectively. The key steps in the synthesis include a stereospecific Pd^II-catalyzed cyclization of chiral 1,5,7-trihydroxy-2-heptenes, 6a and 6b, to form cis and trans tetrahydropyran rings and a regioselective Wacker oxidation of β-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)styrenes, 5a and 5b. Their C-5 epimers 3 and 4 were also synthesized.     

Two novel tetracycles,cassibiphenols A and B from the flowers of Cassia siamea

Chemical investigation of the flowers of Cassia siamea (Leguminosae), resulted in the isolation of two novel tetracycles connecting 5-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzene-1,3-diol, cassibiphenols A (1) and B (2). The structures were elucidated by analysis of the 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. Synthesis of a tetracyclic core of 1 and 2 led to determine the absolute configuration of 1 and C-12 of 2.     

A synthetic strategy using Witkop's pyrroloindole for (−)-debromoflustramine B, (+)-ent-debromoflustramine B and (+)-ent-debromoflustramide B

While prenylation of (−)-Witkop's pyrroloindole (2), secured from l-tryptophan under standard N-alkylation conditions, led to a ca. 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture of two C^3a-alkylated indolenines 3 and 4, use of phase-transfer conditions altered this to ca. 1:2. Reduction followed by N-prenylation of the resulting secondary amines gave C,N-dialkylated products. The derived separable diastereoisomeric (−)- and (+)-Barton esters 19a and 19b were then converted into (−)-debromoflustramine B and (+)-ent-debromoflustramine B, respectively. A novel reaction involving oxygen and the carbanion derived from Barton ester 19b led to (+)-ent-debromoflustramide B. Treatment of N⁸-prenylated Witkop's pyrroloindole 5 with Lewis acid (BF₃·Et₂O) uncovered a new clean intramolecular cyclisation involving the prenyl unit.     

Arabidopsides A and B, two new oxylipins from Arabidopsis thaliana

Two new oxylipins, arabidopsides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the aerial parts of Arabidopsis thaliana, and their structures and absolute stereochemistries were elucidated by spectroscopic data and chemical means. Arabidopsides A (1) and B (2) were rare monogalactosyl diacylglycerides containing 12-oxophytodienoic acid and/or dinor-oxophytodienoic acid.     

Synthesis and characterization of (N→B) phenyl[N-alkyl-N-(2-alkyl)aminodiacetate-O,O′,N]boranes and phenyl[N-alkyl-N-(2-alkyl) aminodiacetate-O,O′,N]boranes

The reaction of boron heterocycles 1 and 2 with n-butyl lithium and alkyl halides led to (N→B) phenyl[N-alky-N-(2-alkyl)aminodiacetate-O,O′,N]boranes 3–6(a–b), 7(b) and 9(b), where alkyl can be in exo and/or endo position, and phenyl[N-alkyl-N-(2-alkyl)aminodiacetate-O,O′,N]boranes 7(c) and 8(c) isomers, which do not display the intramolecular N→B coordination bond. The existence of steric interactions between N-benzyl and the alkyl group at 2 position was indicated by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, while, the δ(¹¹B) values confirm the tetrahedral and trigonal environment of the ¹¹B nucleus in these compounds. Moreover, the compounds were characterized by COSY, HETCOR and homonuclear proton decoupling experiment. The study of the intramolecular N→B coordination by dynamic NMR afforded a ΔG‡ value of 81.09 kJ/mol for compound 6(b).     

Three new diterpenoids, tricalysiolide H and tricalysiones A and B, from Tricalysia dubia

Three new diterpenoids, tricalysiolide H (1) and tricalysiones A (2) and B (3), with novel structural features were isolated from the wood of Tricalysia dubia, together with a known compound, cafestol (4). The structures of 1-3 were elucidated on the basis of 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Saccharonol B,a new cytotoxic methylated isocoumarin from Saccharomonospora azurea

From an antimicrobial gram-positive actinomycete strain of Saccharomonospora azurea (MTCC11714) isolated from high altitude soil of Kargil (J&K, India), a new isocoumarin saccharonol B (2) along with two known compounds viz. saccharonol A (1) and piericidin A₃ (3) was isolated and characterized. The structure of the new compound was established based on extensive 2D-NMR data. Saccharonol B (2) exhibited mild antimicrobial activity against a standard panel of microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Candida albicans ATCC 90028, and Aspergillus fumigatus MTCC 1811 with MIC values in the range of 128–248 μg/mL. Saccharonol B (2) and piericidin A₃ (3) showed selective cytotoxic activity against human pancreatic carcinoma cell line (MIAPaCa-2) with IC₅₀ values of 9 and 8 μM, respectively. Mechanistic studies indicated that saccharonol B (2) arrests S-phase of the cell cycle and causes dose-dependent loss of mitochondrial potential in MIAPaCa-2 cells.     

Daphcalycinosidines A and B, new iridoid-alkaloids from Daphniphyllum calycinum

Three new alkaloids, daphcalycinosidines A (1) and B (2) and daphcalycic acid (3) have been isolated from the seeds of Daphniphyllum calycinum. The structures and relative stereochemistries were determined on the basis of spectral studies including 2D NMR, mass spectrometry and chemical transformations. Structures 1 and 2 are characterized by an iridoid glucoside moiety linked to new Daphniphyllum alkaloid moieties.     

A common approach to the total synthesis of l-arabino-, l-ribo-C18-phytosphingosines, ent-2-epi-jaspine B and 3-epi-jaspine B from d-mannose

A common strategy for the total syntheses of the protected l-arabino- and l-ribo-C₁₈-phytosphingosine (8 and 9, respectively), HCl salts of ent-2-epi-jaspine B (ent-6) and 3-epi-jaspine B (7) with efficient use of both flexible building blocks 26 and 27 was achieved. The key step of this approach was [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of allylic trichloroacetimidate 21 and thiocyanate 22, which were derived from the known 2,3:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-d-mannofuranose 18 as the source of chirality. The side chain functionality was installed utilizing a Wittig reaction.     

Mekongenines A and B, two new alkaloids from Bousigonia mekongensis

Mekongenine A (1) possessing an unprecedented structure constituted from the union of a rare 2,7-seco eburnamine half and an aspidospermine alkaloid, together with a new bisindole alkaloid, mekongenine B (2), consisting of an eburnamine-aspidospermine type skeleton, was isolated from Bousigonia mekongensis. Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods and those of 2 were further confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by comparison of quantum chemical TDDFT calculated and experimental ECD spectra. Mekongenines A (1) and B (2) exhibited cell growth inhibitory activities against various human cancer cell lines.     

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.     

Karatungiols A and B, two novel antimicrobial polyol compounds, from the symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp.

Karatungiols A (1) and B (2), two novel antimicrobial polyol compounds, were isolated from the cultivated symbiotic marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis and degradation reactions. Karatungiols A (1) and B (2) consisted of a C69-linear chain with a ketone moiety, 24 or 25 hydroxyl groups, and two tetrahydropyran rings. Karatungiol A (1) exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger at 12 μg/disc and antiprotozoan activity against Trichomonas foetus at 1 μg/ml.     

Ecionines A and B, two new cytotoxic pyridoacridine alkaloids from the Australian marine sponge, Ecionemia geodides

Chemical investigations of the Australian marine sponge Ecionemia geodides resulted in the isolation of two new pyridoacridine alkaloids, ecionines A (1) and B (2), along with the previously isolated marine natural products, biemnadin (3) and meridine (4). Compounds 1 and 2 both contain an imine moiety, which is rare for the pyridoacridine structure class. The chemical structures of 1 and 2 were determined by extensive 1D and 2D NMR and MS data analyses. All compounds were tested against a panel of human bladder cancer cell lines, the increasingly metastatic TSU-Pr1 series (TSU-Pr1, TSU-Pr1-B1 and TSU-Pr1-B2) and the superficial bladder cancer cell line 5637. Ecionine A (1) displayed cytotoxicity against all cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 3 to 7 μM. This is the first report of chemistry from the sponge genus Ecionemia.