Transition metal-catalyzed pentannulation of propargyl acetates via styrylcarbene intermediates

The indene formation from phenyl-substituted sec- and tert-propargyl esters (terminal alkynes) was achieved by platinum or ruthenium catalysis via E-vinylcarbenoid intermediate. Considering the competitive reactions of pentannulation versus cyclopropanation, the equilibrium ratios of E and Z vinylcarbenoid intermediates from sec- and tert-propargyl esters are estimated at ca. 10:90 and 40:60, respectively. Two reaction pathways, Nazarov-type cyclization and/or metallacycle from styrylcarbenoid species, are proposed by considering ratios of products in the control experiment.     

Enzymatic resolution of sec-butylamine

Resolution of (±)-sec-butylamine by Candida antarctica lipase provided a very low enantiomeric excess of the residual amine when either ethyl or vinyl butyrate was used as the acylating agent. The enantiomeric excess was increased by using ethyl esters of long chain fatty acids. The rate of the reaction was increased by using methyl t-butyl ether as a solvent. (S)-sec-Butylamine of very high enantiomeric excess was obtained by C. antarctica lipase catalyzed acylation with ethyl decanoate in methyl t-butyl ether.     

Synthesis, thermal stability, electronic features, and antimicrobial activity of phenolic azo dyes and their Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

Four water soluble azo dyes, 4-(isopropyl)-2-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L ¹), 4-(isopropyl)-2-[(E)-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L²), 4-(sec-butyl)-2-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl) diazenyl]phenol (L ³), 4-(sec-butyl)-2-[(E)-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl]phenol (L ⁴), and their Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. Examination of their thermal stability revealed similar decomposition temperature of approximately 260–300°C and that they were more thermally stable than their metal complexes. Ni(II) complexes of ligands L² and L⁴ were more stable than the other coordination compounds. Among the synthesized ligands, L² and the complexes Cu(L³)₂ and Ni(L⁴)₂ showed both antimicrobial and antifungal activity. However, the other ligands and the complexes were poorly active against selected microorganisms.     

Kinetic resolution of P-stereogenic phosphine boranes via deprotonation using s-butyllithium/(−)-sparteine

The attempted kinetic resolution of racemic secondary phosphine boranes [t-BuPhP(BH₃)H and t-BuMeP(BH₃)H] by P–H deprotonation using 0.5 equiv of s-BuLi and (?)-sparteine was unsuccessful and generated racemic benzyl bromide-trapped adducts in 42–49% yield. In contrast, an efficient kinetic resolution was observed with racemic tertiary phosphine boranes [t-BuPhP(BH₃)Me and t-BuEtP(BH₃)Me] by C–H deprotonation on the P–Me group using 0.5 or 0.6 equiv of s-BuLi and (?)-sparteine. For example, the use of 0.6 equiv of s-BuLi/(?)-sparteine with t-BuEtP(BH₃)Me and trapping with DMF gave the (R)-aldehyde adduct in 37% yield and 83:17 er together with recovered (R)-t-BuEtP(BH₃)Me in 44% yield and 74:26 er. These are the first examples of kinetic resolution of P-stereogenic phosphine boranes via deprotonation using s-BuLi/(?)-sparteine.     

A diastereoselective synthesis 1-trimethylsilyl-(E)-1,3-alkenynes and a simple synthesis of alkyl trimethylsilylethynyl ketones via organoboranes

A convenient, novel diastereoselective synthesis of 1-trimethylsilyl-(E)-1,3-alkenynes and a convenient synthesis of alkyl trimethylsilylethynyl ketones based on Z-1-bromo-1-alkenylboronate esters are developed. α-Bromo-(Z)-1-alkenylboronate esters readily available using literature procedures smoothly undergo a reaction with trimethylsilylethynyllithium (derived from the deprotonation of trimethylsilylethyne with n-butyllithium) in tetrahydrofuran to provide the corresponding ‘ate’ complexes. These ‘ate’ complexes undergo intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reactions to afford the corresponding (E)-1-alkenylboronate esters containing trimethylsilylethynyl moiety which upon protonolysis with acetic acid provide the corresponding 1-trimethylsilyl-(E)-1,3-alkenynes in good yields (70-82%) and in high stereochemical purities (>98%). These intermediates upon oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and sodium acetate afford the corresponding alkyl trimethylsilylethynyl ketones in good yields (66-78%).     

Novel diastereoselective synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-allylsilanes via organoboranes

A simple, novel diastereoselective synthesis of both (E)- and (Z)-allylsilanes via organoboranes is developed. (E)-1-Alkenylboronate esters easily prepared from the corresponding terminal alkynes via hydroboration with dibromoborane-methyl sulfide complex followed by treatment with 1,3-propane diol readily react with trimethylsilylmethyllithium at −78 °C in methanol followed by reaction with iodine in methanol to produce the corresponding (Z)-allylsilanes in high yields (72-80%) and in high stereochemical purities (98% as evidenced by CMR spectral data). Similarly, the (Z)-1-alkenylboronate esters react with trimethylsilylmethyllithium at −78 °C in methanol followed by treatment with iodine in methanol to produce the corresponding (E)-allylsilanes in moderate yields (57-65%) in high stereochemical purities (>98% as revealed by CMR spectral data).     

Efficient syntheses of C20-carotene and crocetin (descrocetin) esters promoted by an acidic ionic liquid

Efficient syntheses of C₂₀-carotene and crocetin or descrocetin esters from fumaraldehyde bis-dimethylacetal are described. The key steps of these syntheses are the reactions of fumaraldehyde and (2E,4E,6E)-octa-2,4,6-trienedial bis-dimethylacetals with alkyl vinyl or alkyl propenyl ethers promoted by the acidic ionic liquid, [emim][HSO₄].     

Novel and practical asymmetric synthesis of β2,3-amino esters using asymmetric Michael addition of chiral amine

A practical method for the synthesis of chiral β^2,3-amino esters having various substituents was developed, which is characterized by an asymmetric Michael addition reaction of a chiral lithium amide with trisubstituted (E)-α,β-unsaturated esters. We found that a highly face-selective protonation occurred by the quick addition of water to the enolate intermediate derived from the Michael addition reaction to afford N-protected β^2,3-amino esters in moderate to excellent yields. This finding was made possible by the facile preparation of geometrically pure trisubstituted (E)-α,β-unsaturated esters, which was established recently by our group. The subsequent deprotection of the amino group in the Michael adduct by using N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) efficiently provided β^2,3-amino esters having various substituents.     

TiCl4-mediated olefination of aldehydes with acetic acid and alkyl acetates: a stereoselective approach to (E)-α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and esters

A new method has been developed for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and corresponding esters with (E)-stereoselectivity via the TiCl₄-mediated olefination of aldehydes. The method, which uses readily available acetic acid or its alkyl esters as active methylene partners, is more flexible and complementary to conventional routes in the preparation of (E)-cinnamic acid derivatives.     

(2-Formyl-1-phenylcyclopropyl)phosphonates as building blocks for (2-aminomethyl-cyclopropyl)phosphonates

A diastereomeric mixture of dimethyl (2-formyl-2-methyl-1-phenylcyclopropyl)phosphonate ((Z)-6, (E)-6) was obtained by thermally induced cyclopropanation of α-methylacrolein with α-diazobenzylphosphonate 5. Application of proline or proline-derived organocatalysts accelerated the reaction, but had a minor effect on the Z/E ratio of 6. By reaction with benzylamine or methyl esters of glycine, (S)-alanine, and (S)-phenylalanine, the Z/E-mixture of 6 was converted into cyclopropylaldimines, which after reduction gave the corresponding N-substituted (2-aminomethyl-cyclopropyl)phosphonates.     

A concise synthesis of diethyl 1-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)-1-alkenylphosphonates

An efficient completely diastereoselective synthesis of (Z)- and (E)- N-Boc 1-aminoalkenylphosphonic acid diethyl esters from easily available 5-substituted (2-thioxo-oxazolidin-4-yl)phosphonic acid diethyl esters has been developed.     

Conformational analysis of some (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-thienyl)- and -(2-furyl_acrylic acids

NMR spectral data of some (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-thienyl) acrylic acids indicate that these compounds exist in the preferred s-trans conformation. In the case of (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-furyl)acrylic acids and their methyl esters the presence of only s-cis rotamer has been established.     

Switched enantiopreference of Humicola lipase for 2-phenoxyalkanoic acid ester homologs can be rationalized by different substrate binding modes

Humicola lanuginosa lipase was used for enantioselective hydrolyses of a series of homologous 2-phenoxyalkanoic acid ethyl esters. The enantioselectivity (E-value) of the enzyme changed from an (R)-enantiomer preference for the smallest substrate, 2-phenoxypropanoic acid ester, to an (S)-enantiomer preference for the homologous esters with longer acyl moieties. The E-values span the range from E=13 (R) to E=56 (S). A molecular modeling study identified two different substrate-binding modes for each enantiomer. We found that the enantiomers favored different modes. This discovery provided a model that offered a rational explanation for the observed switch in enantioselectivity.     

Electrochemical synthesis of α,β-(E)-unsaturated esters in undivided cell (Horner–Emmons reaction)

The known electrochemical synthesis of α,β-(E)-unsaturated esters (Horner–Emmons reaction) was modified in order to achieve the electrolysis in an undivided cell using magnesium as the sacrificial anode. The undivided cell procedure showed advantages over the traditional two-compartment cell methodology. The best yield using undivided cell methodology for the synthesis of aliphatic α,β-(E)-unsaturated esters was 85–86%, which is almost the yield obtained by means of the homogenous chemical reaction. This electrochemical methodology presented some limitations when aromatic aldehydes or base sensitive products were used.     

Efficient resolution of profen ethyl ester racemates by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica Lip2p lipase

Enzyme-catalyzed enantiomer discrimination is still a great challenge for the development of industrial pharmaceutical processes. For the resolution of ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen racemates, three major anti-inflammatory drugs, only lipases from Candida rugosa present a high selectivity if solvent and surfactant use is discarded. However, their catalytic activities are too low. In the present work, we demonstrate that the lipase Lip2p from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has a higher catalytic activity than C. rugosa lipases to hydrolyze the ethyl esters of ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen, but its selectivity is not sufficient [E = 52 (S); 11 (S) and 1.5 (R) respectively]. The enantioselectivity was further improved by site-directed mutagenesis, targeted at the substrate binding site and guided by molecular modelling studies. By investigating the binding modes of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers in the active site, two amino acid residues located in the hydrophobic substrate binding site of the lipase, namely residues 232 and 235, were identified as crucial for enantiomer discrimination and enzyme activity. The (S) enantioselectivity of Lip2p towards ethyl ibuprofen esters was rendered infinite (E ? 300) by replacing V232 by an A or C residue. Substitution of V235 by C, M, S, or T amino acids led to a great increase in the (S)-enantioselectivity (E ? 300) towards naproxen ethyl ester. Finally, the variant V232F enabled the efficient kinetic resolution of ethyl ketoprofen ester enantiomers [(R)-enantiopreference; E ? 300]. In addition to the increase in selectivity, a remarkable increase in velocity by 2.6, 2.7 and 2.5 times, respectively, was found for ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen ethyl esters.     

Lipase activity of Lecitase® Ultra: characterization and applications in enantioselective reactions

The general properties of Lecitase® Ultra, a phospholipase manufactured and marketed by Novozymes, Denmark, have been studied after purification by ultrafiltration. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 35 KD, pH-optimum of 8.5, and appears to possess a single active site which exhibits both the lipase and phospholipase activities that increase in the presence of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions. The enzyme is inhibited by heavy metal ions and surfactants, and does not accept p-nitrophenyl acetate and glycerol triacetate. Substrates, such as glycerol tributyrate and p-nitrophenyl palmitate, esters of N-acetyl-α-amino acids and α-hydroxy acids are readily accepted. Amino acids with aliphatic residues, such as alanine, isoleucine, and methionine, are hydrolyzed with high enantioselectivity for the l-enantiomer (E >100), but amino acids with aromatic residues such as phenylalanine and phenylglycine, and esters of α-hydroxy acids are hydrolyzed with low enantioselectivity (E = 1–5). Immobilization of the enzyme in a gelatin matrix (gelozyme) leads to a marginal improvement in the enantioselectivity for these substrates. However, a dramatic improvement in enantioselectivity is observed for ethyl 2-hydroxy-4-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate (E value increases from 4.5 to 19.5 with S-selectivity). Similarly, glycidate esters, such as ethyl trans-(±)-3-phenyl glycidate and methyl trans-(±)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl) glycidate, are selectively hydrolyzed with a remarkable selectivity towards the (2S,3R)-enantiomer providing unreacted (2R,3S)-glycidate esters (ee >99%, conversion 52–55%) by the immobilized enzyme.     

A Stereospecific Synthesis of (E,Z)-α, β-γ, δ-Diunsaturated Aldehydes,Ketones, and Esters Using the Benary Reaction

The reaction between (Z)-1-alkenyllithium and (E)-β-(N, N-dialkylamino)-α, β-alkenals, (E)-β-(N, N-dialkylamino)-α, β-alkenones or (E)-β-(N, N-dialkylamino)-α, β-alkenoic esters yields mainly (E, Z)-α, β-γ, δ-diunsaturated aldehydes, ketones, or esters and is therefore highly stereospecific.     

The 1B1u ← 1A1g 0—0 transition in crystal benzene

The transition linewidth ΔE in crystal C₆H₆, C₆D₆ and sym-C₆H₃D₃ has been measured as a function of temperature T from 4.2 to 135°K, and it extrapolates to a common value of ΔE_o = 50 cm^? at O°K. In C₆H₆ ΔE = (50 + 7T^{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) cm^?1, indicative of strong exciton—phonon coupling, and there is a line shift of +40 cm^?1 per substituent deuteron. Fluorescence excitation spectral data are used to separate the ¹B_1u(= S₂) decay rate k_H = 9.4 × 10¹² sec^?1, derived from ΔE₀, into S₂S₁ internal conversion (rate ≈ 6.6 × 10¹² sec^?1) and S₂S_x (channel 3) internal conversion (rate ≈ 2.8 × 10¹² sec^?1. A similar value of k_H = 9.9 × 10¹² sec^?1 is obtained from the S₂S_o fluorescence quantum yield of liquid benzene.     

A study of 1,5-hydrogen shift and cyclization reactions of an alkali isomerized methyl linolenoate

Heating a mixture formed by alkali isomerization of methyl linolenoate (1) produces a complex mixture with the bicyclic hexahydroindenoic esters 4β-(7-methoxycarbonylheptyl)-5α-methyl-2,3,3aα,4,5,7aαhexahydroindene (CL5) and 4β-ethyl-5α-(6-methoxycarbonylhexyl)-2,3,3aα,4,5,7aα-hexahydroindene (CL6) as main components. Similar isomerization reactions of three synthetic model compounds, methyl 9Z,13E,15Z-octadecatrienoate (2), 9Z,14E,16E-octadecatrienoate (4) and 9Z,11E,15Z-octadecatrienoate (5) corroborated the results obtained with alkali isomerized methyl linolenoate.     

A novel and simple method to prepare γ-hydroxy-α,β-(E)-alkenoic esters from γ-keto-alkynoic esters

A method to convert γ-keto-alkynoic esters to γ-hydroxy-α,β-(E)-alkenoic esters is described. This functional group transformation was accomplished in one step by means of NaBH₄ reduction in methanol.