Enantioselective biotransformations of racemic α-substituted phenylacetonitriles and phenylacetamides using Rhodococcus sp. AJ270

Rhodococcus sp. AJ270 is an efficient whole-cell system able to catalyze the stereoselective conversions of racemic α-substituted phenylacetonitriles and amides under very mild conditions into enantiopure carboxylic acids and derivatives. The nitrile hydratase involved generally has a broad substrate spectrum against phenylacetonitriles irrespective of the electronic nature of the α-substituent while the amidase is very sensitive to both the electronic and steric factors of the substituent of amides. The overall enantioselectivity of nitrile hydrolysis is mainly determined by the combination of selectivities of nitrile hydratase and of amidase, with the latter being a major contributor. The amidase has high S-enantiocontrol against amides while the nitrile hydratase exhibits low R-selectivity against nitriles. The scope and limitations of this enantioselective biotransformation process are discussed.     

Asymmetric synthesis of new beta,beta-difluorinated cyclic quaternary alpha-amino acid derivatives

The synthesis of new beta,beta-difluorinated cyclic quaternary alpha-amino acid derivatives 1 in which a ring-closing metathesis reaction (RCM) constitutes the key step is described. The approach employs imidoyl chlorides 3 as fluorinated building blocks, and the overall process involves the stereoselective creation of a quaternary stereocenter. Complete selectivity was achieved when (R)-phenylglycinol methyl ether was used as chiral auxiliary, allowing for the preparation of new six-membered cyclic fluorinated alpha-amino acids as single enantiomers.     

Design and synthesis of DPP-4 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

<正>An efficient stereoselective synthesis of the rigid aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane scaffold has been developed to provide 2-cyano-pyrrolidine alpha-amino amide 1 as DPP-4 inhibitor.     

Enantioselective synthesis of non-natural aromatic alpha-amino acids

We present two complementary methods for the stereoselective synthesis of non-natural alpha-amino acids with aromatic or heteroaromatic side chains. One approach is based on the chemical transformation of methionine, whereas the other applies the stereoselective Myers alkylation of glycine. The resulting product types differ in the linker length between glycine and the aromatic substituent. Since methionine and pseudoephedrine are available in both absolute configurations, R- or S-configured enantiopure amino acids with either C(2) or C(3) linkers can be obtained on gram scales. In each case the key step of the synthesis is hydroboration of the unsaturated building blocks 9 and 17, followed by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling with aryl halides. Attention must in certain cases be paid to the stereochemical integrity when basic Suzuki conditions are applied. Our initial difficulties are reported as well as the final "racemization-proof" procedures. The protecting groups chosen for the alpha-amino acids should be compatible with solid-phase peptide synthesis. This was confirmed by the successful synthesis of a series of tripeptides.     

Chiral tricyclic iminolactone derived from (1R)-(+)-camphor as a glycine equivalent for the asymmetric synthesis of alpha-amino acids

The development of a highly efficient and stereoselective methodology for the preparation of alpha-amino acids is described. The chiral template, tricyclic iminolactone 7, was synthesized from (1R)-(+)-camphor in five steps in 50% overall yield. Alkylation of iminolactone 7 afforded the alpha-monosubstituted products in good yields (74-96%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (>98%). Hydrolysis of the alkylated iminolactones furnished the desired alpha-amino acids in good yields and enantioselectivities with nearly quantitative recovery of the chiral auxiliary 4.     

Intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions of iminoacetonitriles: a new class of azadienophiles for hetero Diels-Alder reactions

Iminoacetonitriles participate as reactive dienophiles in stereoselective intramolecular hetero Diels-Alder reactions which afford substituted quinolizidines. The cycloadduct with exo-oriented cyano group is obtained as the major or exclusive product of the reaction as a consequence of the alpha-amino nitrile anomeric effect The alpha-amino nitrile moieties incorporated in the cycloadducts constitute latent iminium ions, which upon exposure to mild protic or Lewis acids are unmasked, setting the stage for further useful synthetic transformations. For example, reductive decyanation with NaBH3CN excises the cyano group, while Bruylants reaction with Grignard reagents and acetylides lead to alpha-substituted amines. The substrates for these [4 + 2] cycloadditions are prepared from readily available alcohols via a Mitsunobu coupling reaction with the previously unknown, easily prepared reagent HN(Tf)CH2CN followed by cesium carbonate promoted elimination of trifluoromethanesulfinate.     

alpha-Aminoallylation of aldehydes with ammonia: stereoselective synthesis of homoallylic primary amines

Three-component reactions of aldehydes, ammonia, and allylboronates were found to provide homoallylic primary amines in high yields with high chemo- and stereoselectivities. A two-step, one-pot, stereoselective synthesis of an uncommon alpha-amino acid, alloisoleucine, was achieved utilizing this reaction.     

Synthesis of indole alkaloid analogues: novel domino stereoselective electrophile addition--cyclizations of tryptophan-derived alpha-amino nitriles

The synthesis of new indole alkaloid analogues, containing a 1,2,4,5,10b,10c-hexahydropyrrolo[1',2',3':1,9a,9]imidazo[1,2-a]indole skeleton, via highly stereoselective novel domino cyclative halogenation or prenylation reactions of tryptophan-derived alpha-amino nitriles, is described.     

Enantioselective synthesis of fluorinated alpha-amino acids and derivatives in combination with ring-closing metathesis: intramolecular pi-stacking interactions as a source of stereocontrol

[reaction: see text]. Hydride reduction of C=N bonds stereocontrolled by intramolecular pi-stacking interactions of 1-naphthylsulfinyl and N-aryl groups, nonoxidative Pummerer rearrangement, and ring-closing metathesis are efficiently combined in a highly stereoselective entry to enantiomerically pure cyclic and acyclic fluorinated beta-amino alcohols and alpha-amino acid derivatives, respectively.     

The role of fluorine in the stereoselective tandem aza-Michael addition to acrylamide acceptors: an experimental and theoretical mechanistic study

Aza-Michael additions of alpha-amino esters to fluorinated acceptors take place in a highly stereoselective manner, to give partially modified Psi[NHCH2]retropeptides incorporating a hydrolytically stable trifluoroalanine mimic. The reaction mechanism has been investigated experimentally and theoretically, in order to explain the effect of the trifluoromethyl group on the reactivity and the origins of the experimentally observed stereocontrol. The reaction is a two-step process, involving a tandem aza-Michael addition followed by a stereoselective hydrogen transfer. Both steps are base-catalyzed. The high level of stereocontrol is the result of a combination of electrostatic interactions and steric effects.     

A novel highly selective chiral auxiliary for the asymmetric synthesis of L- and D-alpha-amino acid derivatives via a multicomponent Ugi reaction

This paper describes the synthesis of a bicyclic beta-amino acid scaffold in both pure enantiomeric forms and its application as chiral auxiliary in an intramolecular version of the Ugi multicomponent reaction (U-5C-4CR) to prepare alpha-amino acid derivatives of both D- and L-series in a straightforward and very stereoselective manner. The mild conditions required for the Ugi condensation and for the removal of the chiral auxiliary make this method very attractive to prepare a wide range of differently structured N-alkylated and unalkylated amino acid derivatives.     

A novel synthetic route to chiral gamma-lactams from alpha-amino acids via Rh-catalyzed intramolecular C-H insertion

Highly functionalized gamma-lactams are key intermediates for the synthesis of numerous biologically significant natural products. We herein described the synthesis of various chiral gamma-lactams via intramolecular C-H insertion of alpha-diazo-alpha-(phenylsulfonyl)acetamides derived from alpha-amino acids, which possess various functional groups. The cyclizations were highly regio- and stereoselective to afford chiral gamma-lactam motifs in high yields.     

Stereoselective synthesis of C-glycosides from carboxylic acids: the tandem Tebbe-Claisen approach

A variety of beta- or alpha-C-glycosides may be readily accessed in an entirely stereoselective fashion from esters derived from the reaction of carboxylic acids and 3-hydroxy glycals, by way of a tandem reaction sequence of Tebbe methylenation and Claisen rearrangement. Though of wide scope, for example allowing the synthesis of 1-6 linked C-disaccharides, the methodology does not currently allow the synthesis of C-glycosyl alpha-amino acids.     

Stereoselective synthesis of pyridinones: application to the synthesis of (-)-barrenazines

[reaction: see text] The stereoselective synthesis of pyridinones was accomplished by the nucleophilic addition of Grignard reagents to a chiral pyridinium salt derived from 4-methoxypyridine. This methodology was applied to an expedient synthesis of (-)-barrenazine A and B. After N-functionalization and 1,4-reduction of the pyridinone system, the corresponding alpha-amino piperidinones readily undergo dimerization to give the hexahydrodipyridinopyrazine skeleton of the barrenazine alkaloids.     

Potassium carbonate-promoted stereospecific 5-endo-trig cyclization of unactivated allenes in the absence of any transition metals

[STRUCTURE: SEE TEXT] Formation of 3-pyrrolines from simple unactivated allenes bearing a protected amino group under basic conditions is described. Treatment of alpha-amino allenes with potassium carbonate in DMF under reflux in the absence of any transition-metal catalysts gave the corresponding 3-pyrrolines in good to excellent yields, by 5-endo-trig mode cycloisomerization. The reaction of internal allenes with an axial chirality afforded the corresponding 3-pyrrolines in a stereoselective manner.     

Stereoselective synthesis of beta-benzyl-alpha-alkyl-beta-amino acids from L-aspartic acid

A stereoselective synthesis of beta-benzyl-alpha-alkyl-beta-amino acids 1 and 2 from L-aspartic acid 3 has been developed. Methyl 5-phenyloxazolidin-2-one-4-acetate 4 was prepared from L-aspartic acid 3 through the acylation of benzene or phenyllithium with alpha-amino carboxyl group of L-aspartic acid skeleton. Alkylation of a dianion of 4 with alkyl halides and subsequent hydrogenation afforded anti-disubstituted beta-amino acids 1b and 1c in high stereoselectivities. Complete reversal of the stereoselection was realized by the alkylation of 4-phenyl-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-4-butanolide 6 which was obtained in a single step from 4. The 2,3,4-trisubstituted amino lactone 7 thus obtained was hydrogenated to give a syn-disubstituted beta-amino acid 2a. The syn-products 2b, 2c, and 2dwere alternatively prepared via aldol condensation of 6 with aromatic or aliphatic aldehydes followed by stereoselective reduction of the double bond with nickel chloride-sodium borohydride.     

Organocatalytic entry to chiral bicyclo[3.n.1]alkanones via direct asymmetric intramolecular aldolization

[reaction: see text] The facile stereoselective syntheses of endo-8-hydroxybicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-2-one and endo-7-hydroxybicyclo[3.2.1]octan-2-one, featuring an alpha-amino acid catalyzed intramolecular aldolization of sigma-symmetric substrates, are described. A high enantioselectivity and a high catalytic efficiency have been exhibited by (4R,2S)-tetrabutylammonium 4-TBDPSoxy-prolinate in the aldolization of 3-(4-oxocyclohexyl)propionaldehyde to give highly enantiomerically enriched (1S,5R,8R)-8-hydroxybicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-2-one.     

Epoxyalcohol route to hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres. Stereodivergent synthesis of the diamino alcohol core of ritonavir and its C-2 epimer

A stereoselective synthesis of hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres based on the 1,4-diamino-2-hydroxybutane structure is described. Horner-Emmons olefination of phosphonates derived from alpha-amino acids, stereoselective reduction of the resulting enones to allylic alcohols, and syn epoxidation of the latter lead to enantiomerically pure 1-amino-2-hydroxy-3,4-epoxybutanes, key intermediates in the synthesis. Reductive cleavage of the epoxy alcohols with Red-Al proceeds in a highly regioselective way, giving 1-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanes, from which diamino alcohol hydroxyethylene isosteres are obtained by selective protection of the secondary 2-hydroxy group, via cyclization to 1,3-oxazolidinone, and further elaboration of the 4-hydroxy. Both C-2 epimers of 1,4-diamino-2-hydroxybutanes are accessible by appropriate choice of the conditions for cyclization. The approach is demonstrated by the synthesis of a series of six hydroxyethylene dipeptide isosteres, including the diamino alcohol core of potent HIV-protease inhibitor ritonavir 18 and its C-2 epimer 11a.     

Divergent routes to chiral cyclobutane synthons from (-)-alpha-pinene and their use in the stereoselective synthesis of dehydro amino acids

Several polyfunctionalized cyclobutane derivatives have been synthesized using commercial (-)-alpha-pinene and (-)-verbenone as chiral precursors. Thus, oxidative cleavage of these compounds by using ruthenium trichloride afforded quantitatively (-)-cis-pinonic and (-)-cis-pinononic acids, respectively, without epimerization. These products were converted into several types of aldehydes, which are the key intermediates in the synthesis of cyclobutane dehydro amino acids via Wittig-Horner condensations with suitable phosphonates. These reactions are highly stereoselective, affording exclusively (Z) isomers, stereochemistry being assessed by NMR experiments. The obtained dehydro amino acids are polyfunctionalized molecules useful for the synthesis of other alpha-amino acids, with additional chiral centers, whose configuration must be induced by the chirality of the terpene employed as a precursor.     

Stereoselective total synthesis of cis- and trans-3-hydroxypipecolic acid

[reaction: see text] 3-Hydroxypipecolic acid, a nonproteinogenic cyclic alpha-amino acid, is a common structural moiety found in a large number of natural and synthetic compounds of medicinal significance. Utilizing D-serine as a chiral template, the present research describes efficient and straightforward routes to cis- and trans-3-hydroxypipecolic acids in enantiopure form. The key steps in the syntheses involve chelation-controlled addition of a homoallyl Grignard reagent to a protected serinal derivative toward stereoselective formation of the corresponding syn-amino alcohol adduct 3. On the other hand, zinc borohydride-mediated chelation-controlled reduction of a serine-derived alpha-aminoketone precursor leads to the formation of the corresponding anti-amino alcohol adduct 4 with high stereoselectivity. Following an efficient sequence of reactions, the above amino alcohol derivatives were subsequently transformed to the corresponding cis- and trans- title compounds, respectively.