NMR of enaminones. Part 7 1H-, 13C-, and 17O-NMR and X-ray structure determinations of 1,2-disubstituted conjugated 3-[(tert-Butyl)amino]enones

¹H-, ¹³C-, and ¹⁷O-NMR spectra for the 2-substituted enaminones MeC(O)C(Me)?CHNH(t-Bu) ( 1 ), EtC(O)C(Me)?CHNH(t-Bu) ( 2 ), PhC(O)C(Me)?CHNH(t-Bu) ( 3 ), and MeC(O)C(Me)?CHNH(t-Bu) ( 4 ) are reported. These data show that 3 exists mainly in the (E)-form, 4 in (Z)-form, and 1 and 2 as mixtures of both forms. Polar solvents favour the (E)-form. The (Z)- and (E)-forms exist in the 1,2-syn,3,N-anti and 1,2-anti,1,N-anti conformations A and B , respectively. The structures of the (E)- and (Z)-form are confirmed by X-ray crystal-structure determinations of 3 and 4. The shielding of the carbonyl O-atom in the ¹⁷O-NMR spectrum by intramolecular H-bonding (Δλ_HB) ranging from ?28 to ?41 ppm, depends on the substituents at C(l) and C(2). Crystals of 3 at 90 K are monoclinic. with a = 9.618(2) Å, b = 15.792(3) Å, c = 16.705(3) Å, and β = 94.44(3)°, and the space group is P2₁/c with Z = 8 (refinement to R = 0.0701 on 3387 independent reflections). Crystals of 4 at 101 K are monoclinic, with a = 16.625(8) Å, b = 8.637(6) Å, c = 11.024(7) Å, and β = 101.60(5)°, and the space group is Cc with Z = 4 (refinement to R = 0.0595 on 2106 independent reflections).     

Stereocontrolled synthesis of (3Z,5E)-6-aryl-3-methylhexa-3,5-dien-1-ols,intermediates in the synthesis of strobilurin antibiotics

(2E,4E)-5-Aryl-2-(2-benzyloxyethyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-als (aryl is phenyl and 4-methox-yphenyl) were reduced with NaBH₄ quantitatively and stereospecifically to the corresponding penta-2(E),4(E)-dien-1-ols. The hydroxymethyl group in the latter was transformed into a methyl one with a stereoselectivity of 92–97%. Debenzylation of the resulting (1E,3Z)-1-aryl-6-benzyloxy-4-methylhexa-1,3-dienes with AlCl₃ in the presence of PhNMe₂ afforded the target (3Z,5E)-6-aryl-3-methylhexa-3,5-dien-1-ols; the configuration of the C=C bonds in the conjugated aryl diene systems was retained at 95%.     

Photochemical reactions. 152nd Communication. Photochemistry of acylsilanes; photolysis and thermolysis of cyclopropyl silyl ketones

The photolysis and thermolysis of the Cyclopropyl silyl ketones 3, 4 , and 5 are described. On n,π* excitation, the silyl ketones 3 and 4 undergo a Norrish-type-II reaction involving γ-H abstraction, cyclopropyl ring cleavage followed by retro-enolization to the acylsilanes 6 and (E/Z)- 12 , respectively. As a common product of 3 and 4 , the dihydrofuran 7 is formed via the alternative C(α)-C(β) cleavage of the cyclopropyl moiety. Compounds 6 , 7 , and (E/Z)- 12 are new types of acylsilane photoproducts. The irradiation of acylsilane 5 gave the analogous dihydrofuran 15 as the only product. On photolysis of 3 and 4 , products 8A + B and 13A + B , derived from a siloxy carbene intermediate, were found as well. On thermolysis of 3 and 4 , the acylsilanes 6 (80%), and (E)- 12 (33%) and (Z)- 12 (34%), respectively, are formed as the only products. Their formation may occur via a [1, 5] sigmatropic H-shift. The thermolysis of 5 gave the diene 16 whose formation can be explained by insertion of a siloxycarbene into the neighboring cyclopropane leading to the cyclobutene 28 as thermally unstable intermediate.     

Neue Zugänge zu einigen aromatischen Retinoiden

New Approaches to Some Aromatic Retinoids Starting from 2,3,5-trimethylphenol ( 2 ), two pathways to ethyl (all-E)-9-(4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)-3,7-dimethylnona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoate ( 1 ) and to some of its (Z)-isomers have been developed. The first one is based on a Pd(O)-catalyzed arylation of (Z)-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-l-ol ( 6 ) with 4-bromo-2,3,5-trimethylanisol ( 5 ). The acetylenic C₁₅?alcohol 9 was transformed into the corresponding acetylenic phosphonium salt 10 , which was catalytically hydrogenated to the olefinic Wittig salt. Wittig olefination led, then, to the (6Z, 8Z)- and (4Z, 6Z, 8Z)-isomers, 7 and 8 , respectively. In a second approach, Friedel-Crafts reaction of 3-methylpent-l-en-4-yn-3-ol with the 2,3,5-trimethylanisol gave a C₁₅-intermediate with a terminal C?C bond in the side chain. After deprotonation and reaction with a C₅ aldehyd, the corresponding C₂₀-intermediate could be isolated in high yield. Finally, further conversion led predominantly to the (all-E)-retinoid, accompanied by its (9Z)- and (13Z)-isomers.     

The stereoselective synthesis of (E)-octafluoro-1,3,5-hexatriene and (3E,5E,7E)-dodecafluoro-1,3,5,7,9-decapentaene

(E)-(1,2-Difluoro-1,2-ethenediyl)bis[tributylstannane], 3, readily undergoes a Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with iodotrifluoroethene to yield (E)-octafluoro-1,3,5-hexatriene, 4, in high isomeric purity. (1Z,3E,5Z)-(1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexafluoro-1,3,5-hexenetriyl)bis[tributylstannane], 7, was sequentially prepared from (1Z,3E,5Z)-(1,2,3,4,5,6-hexafluoro-1,3,5-hexenetriyl)bis[triethylsilane], 5, which was prepared via a Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 3 with (E)-1,2-difluoro-1-iodo-2-triethylsilylethene, 6. Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI cross-coupling of 7 with iodotrifluoroethene gave (3E,5E,7E)-dodecafluoro-1,3,5,7,9-decapentaene, 8.     

Synthese von enantiomerenreinem Mimulaxanthin und seiner (9Z,9′Z)- und (15Z)-Isomeren

Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Mimulaxanthin and of Its (9Z,9′Z)- and (15Z)Isomers We present the details of a synthesis of optically active, enantiomerically pure stereoisomers of mimulaxanthin (=(3s,5R,6R,3′S,5′R,6′R)-6,7,6′,7′-tetradehydro-5,6,5′,6′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotin-3,5,3′,5′-tetrol) either as free alcohols 1a and 24a or as their crystalline (t-Bu)Me₂Si ethers 1b and 24b . Grasshopper ketone 2a , a presumed synthon, unexpectedly showed a very sluggish reaction with Wittig-Horner reagents. Upon heating with the ylide of ester phosphonates, an addition across the allenic bond occurred. On the contrary, a slow but normal 1,2-addition took place with the ylide from (cyanomethyl)phosphonate but, unexpectedly, with concomitant inversion at the chiral axis. So a mixture of(6R,6S,9E,9Z)-isomers 6 – 9 was produced {(Scheme 1). However, a fast and very clean 1,2-addition occurred with the ethynyl ketone 12 to yield the esters 13 and 14 (Scheme 2). DIBAH reduction of the separated stereoisomers gave the allenic alcohols 15 and 16 in high yield. Mild oxidation to the aldehydes 17 and 18 followed by their condensation with the acetylenic C₁₀-bis-ylide 19 led to the stereoisomeric 15,15′-didehydromimulaxanthins 20 and 22 , respectively (Schemes 3 and 4). Mimulaxanthins 1 and 24 were prepared by partial hydrogenation of 20 and 22 followed by a thermal (Z/E)-isomerization. As expected, the mimulaxanthins exhibit very weak CD curves, obviously caused by the allenic bond that insulates the chiral centers in the end group from the chromophor. On the contrary, some of the C₁₅-allenic synthons showed not only fairly strong CD effects but also a split CD curve which, in our interpretation, results from an exciton coupling between the allene and the C(9)?C(10) bond. We postulate a rotation around the C(8)? C(9) bond, presumably caused by an intramolecular H-bond in 16 or by a dipol interaction between the polarized double bonds in 6 , 7 , 8 , and 17 .     

Azimine IV. Kinetik und Mechanismus der thermischen Stereoisomerisierung von 2,3-Diaryl-1-phthalimido-aziminen

Azimines IV. Kinetics and Mechanism of the Thermal Stereoisomerization of 2,3-Diaryl-1-phthalimido-azimines¹) Mixtures of (1E, 2Z)- and (1Z, 2E)-2-phenyl-1-phthalimido-3-p-tolyl-azimine ( 3a and 3b , resp.) and (1E, 2Z)- and (1Z, 2E)-3-phenyl-1-phthalimido-2-p-tolylazimine ( 4a and 4b , resp.) were obtained by the addition of oxidatively generated phthalimido-nitrene (6) to (E)- and (Z)-4-methyl-azobenzene ( 7a and 7b , resp.). Whereas complete separation of the 4 isomers 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b was not possible, partial separation by chromatography and crystallization led to 5 differently composed mixtures of azimine isomers. The spectroscopic properties of these mixtures (UV., ¹H-NMR.) were used to determine the ratios of isomers in the mixtures, and served as a tool for the assignment of constitution and configuration to those isomers which were dominant in each of these mixtures, respectively. Investigation of the isomerization of the azimines 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b within the 5 mixtures at various concentrations by ¹H-NMR.-spectroscopy at room temperature revealed that only stereoisomers are interconverted ( 3a ? 3b; 4a ? 4b) and that the (1E, 2Z) ? (1Z, 2E) stereoisomerization is a unimolecular reaction. These observations exclude an isomerization mechanism via an intermediate 1-phthalimido-triaziridine (2) or via dimerization of 1-phthalimido-azimines (1) , respectively. The 3-p-tolyl substituted stereoisomers 3a and 3b isomerized slightly slower than the 3-phenyl substituted ones 4a and 4b , an effect which is consistent with the assumption that the rate determining step of the interconversion of (1E, 2Z)- and (1Z, 2E)-1-phthalimido-azimines (1a ? 1b) is the stereoisomerization of the stereogenic center at N(2), N(3), either by inversion of N(3) or by rotation around the N(2), N(3) bond. The total isomerization process is assumed to occur via the thermodynamically less stable (1Z, 2Z)- and (1E, 2E)-isomers 1c and 1d , respectively, as intermediates in undetectably low concentrations which stay in rapidly established equilibria with the observed, thermodynamically more stable (1E, 2Z)- and (1Z, 2E)-isomers 1a and 1b , respectively. At higher temperatures, the azimines 3 and 4 are transformed into N-phenyl-N,N′-phthaloyl-N′-p-tolyl-hydrazine (8) with loss of nitrogen.     

Formal synthesis of strobilurins A and X

Known synthetic precursors of strobilurins A and X, i.e., methyl (3Z,5E)-6-aryl-3-methylhexa-3,5-dienoates (aryl is phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl), were synthesized by highly stereospecific reactions from 2-(2-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyethyl)- and 2-[2-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)-ethyl]-5-arylpenta-2E,4E-dien-1-ols. These dienols were efficiently dehydroxylated to (1E,3Z)-4-methyl-6-(4-methoxybenzyloxy)hexa-1,3-dienylarenes with their subsequent demethoxyben-zylation to (3Z,5E)-6-aryl-3-methylhexa-3,5-dien-1-ols. The latter through the step of corresponding aryldienals and aryldienoic acids were transformed to the target methyl (3Z,5E)-6-aryl-3-methylhexa-3,5-dienoates, which completes a formal synthesis of strobilurins A and X. Configuration of the C=C bonds of the conjugated aryldiene system is preserved in the considered transformations by 95–97%.     

Sterospecific Syntheses and Spectroscopic Properties of Isomeric 2,4,6,8-Undecatetraenes. New Hydrocarbons from the Marine Brown Alga Giffordia mitchellae. Part IV.

Giffordene (=(2Z,4Z,6E,8Z)-2,4,6,8-undecatetraene; 9f ) and five steroisomers are new C₁₁H₁₆ hydrocarbons from the marine brown alga Giffordia mitchellae. Their synthesis is based on non-stereoselective Wittig reactions of (E)-2-alkenals with appropriate acetylenic phosphoranes and subsequent chromatographic separation of the resulting (E/Z)-pairs. The uniform enynes (>98% purity) are then stereospecifically reduced to (Z)-alkenes with Zn(Cu/Ag) in aq. MeOH at r.t. ¹³C- and ¹ H-NMR data of the new tetraenes are presented. Biosynthetically, giffordene ( 9f ) originates from dodeca-3,6,9-trienoic acid via an unstable (3Z,5Z,8Z)-1,3,5,8,-undecatetraene followed by a thermally allowed antarafacial 1,7-sigmatropic hydrogen shift to the (2Z,4Z,6E,8Z)-isomer 9f .     

The Photoisomerization Behavior of the (4-Hydroxycinnamoyl)-spermidines

The photoisomerization behavior of three mono[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 1, 2 , and 3 , and three bis[(E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]spermidines, 4, 5 , and 6 , are investigated. The synthetic product (E)- 1 could be almost quantitatively (> 96%) converted into its isomer (Z)- 1 under UV light irradiation. In the cases of (E)- 2 and (E)- 3 , a mixture of (E)/(Z) ca. 1:2 was obtained, when the same conditions were applied. The comparison of their UV spectra provides the possible explanation for these different behaviors. Furthermore, it was noticed that the (Z) → (E) isomerization of the C?C bond took place during the purification by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and the (E)/(Z)-mixture is thus inseparable. The same feature could be observed during the isolation of the (Z,Z)-N,N′-bis[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]-spermidines, (Z,Z)- 4 , (Z,Z)- 5 , and (Z,Z)- 6 . Nevertheless, the fractions of (Z,Z)- 5 and (Z,Z)- 6 were in almost pure state collected, and their ¹-NMR spectra are presented.     

Photochemical reactions. 144th Communication. Photochemistry of 5,6-epoxy-1,3-dienes in the ionone series: Influence of a methoxy group in position 7

On triplet excitation (λ > 280 nm, acetone), the epoxydiene (E)- 5 undergoes initial cleavage of the C(5)? O bond of the oxirane and subsequent cleavage of the C(6)? C(7) bond leading to the diradical intermediate e which reacts by recombination furnishing the cyclic compounds (E/Z)- 6 , (E/Z)- 7,8 , and 9 . Alternatively, a H -shift leads to the aliphatic methyl-enol ether 10 which undergoes a photochemical [2+2]-cycloaddition to compounds 12 and 13 , the main products on triplet excitation of (E)- 5 . On singlet excitation (λ = 254 nm, MeCN), (E)- 5 undergoes cleavage to the carbene intermediates f and g . The vinyl carbene f reacts with the adjacent double bond furnishing the cyclopropene 14 as the main product. From the carbene intermediate g , the methyl-enol ether 15 arises by carbene insertion into the neighboring C? H bond. Furthermore, the diastereomer of the starting material, the epoxydiene (E)- 16 , and compounds 17A+B are formed via the ylide intermediate h . Finally, the cyclobutene 18 is the product of an electrocyclic reaction of the diene side chain.     

6‐(Diazomethyl)‐1,3‐bis(methoxymethyl)uracil,Synthesis and Transformation into Annulated Pyrimidinediones

6‐(Diazomethyl)‐1,3‐bis(methoxymethyl)uracil ( 5 ) was prepared from the known aldehyde 3 by hydrazone formation and oxidation. Thermolysis of 5 and deprotection gave the pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine‐5,7‐diones 7a and 7b . Rh₂(OAc)₄ catalyzed the transformation of 5 into to a 2 : 1 (Z)/(E) mixture of 1,2‐diuracilylethenes 9 (67%). Heating (Z)‐ 9 in 12n HCl at 95° led to electrocyclisation, oxidation, and deprotection to afford 73% of the pyrimido[5,4‐f]quinazolinetetraone 12 . The Rh₂(OAc)₄‐catalyzed reaction of 5 with 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran and 2,3‐dihydrofuran gave endo/exo‐mixtures of the 2‐oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane 13 (78%) and the 2‐oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane 15 (86%), Their treatment with AlCl₃ or Me₂AlCl promoted a vinylcyclopropane–cyclopentene rearrangement, leading to the pyrano‐ and furanocyclopenta[1,2‐d]pyrimidinediones 14 (88%) and 16 (51%), respectively. Similarly, the addition product of 5 to 2‐methoxypropene was transformed into the 5‐methylcyclopenta‐pyrimidinedione 18 (55%). The Rh₂(OAc)₄‐catalyzed reaction of 5 with thiophene gave the exo‐configured 2‐thiabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane 19 (69%). The analoguous reaction with furan led to 8‐oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐2‐ene 20 (73%), and the reaction with (E)‐2‐styrylfuran yielded a diastereoisomeric mixture of hepta‐1,4,6‐trien‐3‐ones 21 (75%) that was transformed into the (1E,4E,6E)‐configured hepta‐1,4,6‐trien‐3‐one 21 (60%) at ambient temperature.     

Photochemische Reaktionen. 112. Mitteilung [1] Zur Photochemie α, β-ungesättigter γ, δ-Epoxyester. III. Ergänzende Untersuchungen zur Triplettreaktivität

On triplet sensitization (E)- 5 gives (Z)- 5 and isomerizes via C(δ), O-bond cleavage to the cyclobutanone 6 and the conjugated γ-ketoester 7 . - On singulet excitation 6 undergoes decarbonylation and yields the bicyclo [4.1.0]heptane 8 . However, on triplet sensitization 6 is converted to the isomeric tricyclononane 9 by a stereospecific oxa-di-π-methane rearrangement. The structure of 9 is determined by X-ray analysis of the p-nitrobenzoate 15: a = 10.573, b = 14.707, c = 13.494 Å, β = 112.40°, P2₁/n, Z, = 4.     

1,3‐Oxathiolanes from the Reaction of Aromatic and Enolized Thioketones with Monosubstituted Oxiranes

The reactions of 4,4′‐dimethoxythiobenzophenone ( 1 ) with (S)‐2‐methyloxirane ((S)‐ 2 ) and (R)‐2‐phenyloxirane ((R)‐ 6 ) in the presence of a Lewis acid such as BF₃?Et₂O, ZnCl₂, or SiO₂ in dry CH₂Cl₂ led to the corresponding 1 : 1 adducts, i.e., 1,3‐oxathiolanes (S)‐ 3 with Me at C(5), and (S)‐ 7 and (R)‐ 8 with Ph at C(4) and C(5), respectively. A 1 : 2 adduct, 1,3,6‐dioxathiocane (4S,8S)‐ 4 and 1,3‐dioxolane (S)‐ 9 , respectively, were formed as minor products (Schemes 3 and 5, Tables 1 and 2). Treatment of the 1 : 1 adduct (S)‐ 3 with (S)‐ 2 and BF₃?Et₂O gave the 1 : 2 adduct (4S,8S)‐ 4 (Scheme 4). In the case of the enolized thioketone 1,3‐diphenylprop‐1‐ene‐2‐thiol ( 10 ) with (S)‐ 2 and (R)‐ 6 in the presence of SiO₂, the enesulfanyl alcohols (1′Z,2S)‐ 11 and (1′E,2S)‐ 11 , and (1′Z,2S)‐ 13 , (1′E,2S)‐ 13 , (1′Z,1R)‐ 15 , and (1′E,1R)‐ 15 , respectively, as well as a 1,3‐oxathiolane (S)‐ 14 were formed (Schemes 6 and 8). In the presence of HCl, the enesulfanyl alcohols (1′Z,2S)‐ 11 , (1′Z,2S)‐ 13 , (1′E,2S)‐ 13 , (1′Z,1R)‐ 15 , and (1′E,1R)‐ 15 cyclize to give the corresponding 1,3‐oxathiolanes (S)‐ 12 , (S)‐ 14 , and (R)‐ 16 , respectively (Schemes 7, 9, and 10). The structures of (1′E,2S)‐ 11 , (S)‐ 12 , and (S)‐ 14 were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography (Figs. 1–3). These results show that 1,3‐oxathiolanes can be prepared directly via the Lewis acid‐catalyzed reactions of oxiranes with non‐enolizable thioketones, and also in two steps with enolized thioketones. The nucleophilic attack of the thiocarbonyl or enesulfanyl S‐atom at the Lewis acid‐complexed oxirane ring proceeds with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity via an S_n 2‐type mechanism.     

Isolation of Toxic and Potentially Toxic Sesqui- and Monoterpenes from the Tropical Green Seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia Which Has Invaded the Region of Cap Martin and Monaco

The green seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (VAHL ) C. AGARDH (Caulerpales), which, after its recent accidental introduction, is growing in the region of Cap Martin much more vigorously than in the tropics, is shown to contain the known sesquiterpenic toxins caulerpenyne ( 1 ) – in larger amounts than in tropical Caulerpales – and oxytoxin 1 ( 2 ). Novel, potentially toxic products isolated in small amounts from this seaweed include the sesquiterpenes taxifolial A ( = (5E)-6,10-dimethyl-2-[(E)2-oxoethylidene]undeca-5,9-dien-7- yne-1,3-diyl diacetate; 3 ), taxifolial B (= (1E,6E,10E)-3-[( Z )-acetoxymethylidene]-7, 11-dimethyl-12-oxododeca-1,6,10-trien-8-yne-1,4-diyl diacetate; 4 ), 10,11-epoxycaulerpenyne ( = (1E,6E)-3-[(Z)-acetoxymethylidene]-10,11-epoxy-7, 11-dimethyldodeca-1,6-dien-8-yne-1,4-diyl diacetate; 1:1 diastereoisomer mixture; 5 ), and taxifolial C ( = (2Z,6E)-3-formyl-7,11-dimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-8-yne-1,1, 4-triyl triacetate; 6 ), besides, as the first example of a monoterpene from the Caulerpales, taxifolial D ( = (2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2, 6-dien-4-ynal; 7 ).     

Raspailynes,Novel Long-Chain Acetylenic Enol Ethers of Glycerol from the Marine Sponges Raspailia pumila and Raspailia ramosa

The sponges Raspailia pumila and ramosa (Demospongiae, Tetractinomorpha, Axinellida) from the North-East Atlantic are shown to contain a series of novel long-chain enol ethers of glycerol where the enol ether C?C bond is conjugated, in sequence, to both an acetylenic and an olefinic bond. Polar extracts give raspailynes hydroxylated at their (1Z5Z)-1,5-alkadien-3-ynyl chain, like raspailyne Al ( = (+)-(S)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-16-hydroxy-hexadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; (+ 2 ) and isoraspailyne A ( = (+)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-17-hydroxyocta-deca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-[propanediol; (+)- 3 ). Less polar extracts give 3 different types of raspailynes not hydroxylated at the chain. Raspailynes of the first type have either the (1Z,5Z)-configuration in a linear chain such as raspailyne B2 (( = (?)-(s)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-trideca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; (?)-4), raspailyne Bl ( = (?)-3-[((1Z,5Z)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol;(?)- 5 ), and raspailyne B ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-pentadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 6 ) or the (1Z,5Z)-pentadeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 6 )or the (1Z,5Z)-configuration in a chain ending with an isopropyl group, like isoraspailyne Bl ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-12-methyltrideca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 7 ) and isoraspailyne B ( = 3-[((1Z,5Z)-13-methyltetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 8 ). Raspailynes of the second type have the (1Z,5E)-configuration, like isoraspailyne Bla ( =3-[((1Z,5E)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 9 ) and isoraspailyne Ba ( = 3-[((1Z,5E)-13-methyltetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; 10 ). Raspailynes of the third type have the (1E,5Z)-configuration, like isoraspailyne Blb ( = 3-[((1E,5Z)-tetradeca-1,5-dien-3-ynyl)oxy]-1,2,-propanediol; 11 ). The (S)-configuration for (+)- 1 ,((+)- 2 , and (?)- 4 is derived from chemical correlations.     

Experimente zum kompetitiven Einbau der Stereoisomeren des Farnesols in Cantharidin. 6. Mitteilung zur Biosynthese des Cantharidins

Experiments on the competitive incorporation of farnesol-stereoisomers into cantharidin Farnesol ( 2 ) has been demonstrated to be an efficient precursor for cantharidin ( 1 ), into which it is transformed by elimination of C(1), C(5), C(6), C(7) and C(7′) [1]. The following incorporation experiments with doubly labelled (³H and ¹⁴C) stereoisomers of farnesol present strong evidence that (E,E)- farnesol ((E,E)- 2 ) in fact is the precursor for cantharidin, whereas (2E, 6Z)- 2 and (Z,Z)- 2 are not utilized for the biosynthesis of cantharidin. A possible mechanism for the incorporation of (2Z,6E)-farnesol ((2Z,6E)- 2 ) to an extent of 56,8% relative to (E,E)- 2 is discussed.     

Photochemical reactions. 132nd communication. Photochemistry of 5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-7-methyl-β-ionine: Influence of a methyl group at the enone side chain on the oxirane cleavage

¹n, π*-Excitation of the γ,δ-epoxy-enone (E)- 3 leads exclusively to the conformers (Z)- 3A + B . On ¹π, π*-excitation of (E)- 3 , in addition to (Z)- 3A + B , products 6–9 arising from a carbene intermediate e are formed. However, products of an isomerization via C(γ), O-bond cleavage of the oxirane were not formed on either mode of excitation. On thermolysis, at 80° the conformer (Z)- 3A is transformed into (Z)- 3B , which on photolysis returns to (Z)- 3A and (E) -3 . At 160°, however, (Z) -3B rearranges to the isomers 6, 10 and 11 .     

The Isotopomeric (Z)- and (E)-2,3-Dimethyl(1,1,1,4,4,4-2H6)but-2-enes: Mechanistic Probes for Stereospecific Epoxidation

By unambiguous methods, (Z)- and (E)-2, 3-dimethyl(1, 1, 1, 4, 4, 4-²H₆)but-2-enes ( 3 ) were synthesized and transformed to the epoxides 4 with 3-chloroperbenzoic acids. Both the isotopomeric olefins and the epoxides are detected separately by ¹H-NMR at 400 MHz. Epoxidation of (Z)- 3 with [Rh^ICl(PPh₃)₃]/cumene hydroperoxide resulted in a 1: 1 mixture of (Z)- and (E)- 4 , while reaction of (Z)- 3 with [Fe^III(tpp)]Cl/PhIO gave only (Z)- 4 (tpp = tetraphenylporphyrin).     

Singlet-Oxygen Ene Reactions of (E)-4-Propyl[1,1,-2H3]oct-4-ene. Short Communication

Rose bengal-sensitized photooxygenation of 4-propyl-4-octene ( 1 ) in MeOH/Me₂CHOH 1:1 (v/v) and MeOH/H₂O 95:5 followed by reduction gave (E)-4-propyl-5-octen-4-ol ( 4 ), its (Z)-isomer 5 , (E)-5-propyl-5-octen-4-ol ( 6 ), and its (Z)-isomer 7 . Analogously, (E)-4-propyl[1,1,1-²H₃]oct-4-ene ( 2 ) gave (E)-4-propyl[1,1,1-²H₃]oct-5-en-4-ol ( 14 ), its (Z)-isomer 15 , (E)-5-[3′,3′,3′-²H₃]propyl-5-octen-4-ol ( 16 ), its (Z)-isomer 17 , and the corresponding [8,8,8-²H₃]-isomers 18 and 19 (see Scheme 1). The proportions of 4–7 were carefully determined by GC between 10% and 85% conversion of 1 and were constant within this range. The labeled substrate 2 was photooxygenated in two high-conversion experiments, and after reduction, the ratios 16/18 and 17/19 were determined by NMR. Isotope effects in 2 were neglected and the proportions of corresponding products from 1 and 2 assumed to be similar (% 4 ≈? % 14 ; % 5 ≈? % 15 ; % 6 ≈? % ( 16 + 18 ): % 7 ≈? % ( 17 + 19 )). Combination of these proportions with the ratios 16/18 and 17/19 led to an estimate of the proportions of hydroperoxides formed from 2 . Accordingly, singlet oxygen ene additions at the disubstituted side of 2 are preferred (ca. 90%). The previously studied trisubstituted olefins 20–25 exhibited the same preference, but had both CH₃ and higher alkyl substituents on the double bond. In these substrates, CH₃ groups syn to the lone alkyl or CH₃ group appear to be more reactive than CH₂ groups at that site beyond a statistical bias.