Studies on the asymmetric Birch reductive alkylation to access spiroimines

The asymmetric Birch reductive alkylation has been investigated to synthesize spiroimine analogs of the neurophycotoxin (?)-gymnodimine A 1. Two types of chiral aromatic substrates, an acyclic benzamide 2 and a benzoxazepinone 3 were studied. We found that the chiral auxiliary of benzoxazepinone could be easily removed in a three step procedure to afford β-ketoester 14 that was converted into spiroimines 23–24 possessing antagonist effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).     

Chemo-enzymatic preparation of optically active thiiranes

A simple method for the preparation of optically active 2-(arylsulfanylmethyl)thiiranes and 2-(aryloxymethyl)thiiranes from the corresponding 3-thiocyanatopropan-2-ols and their acetates was developed. The starting enantiomerically enriched β-thiocyanatoalcohols and the acetates were obtained by a lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the appropriate racemic acetates.     

An efficient synthesis of β-ketoesters via transesterification and its application in Biginelli reaction under solvent-free,catalyst-free conditions

A simple and efficient transesterification process for the synthesis of β-ketoester derivatives has been achieved by the reaction of methyl β-ketoester with higher alcohols at 110 °C under solvent-free, catalyst-free conditions and its application in synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones C-5 ester derivatives via Biginelli reaction has been described.     

An efficient approach to chiral nonracemic trans- and cis-decalin scaffolds for drimane and labdane synthesis

Optically active trans- and cis-ring junction decalinic intermediates, which represent useful precursors for the synthesis of more complex natural targets, have been conveniently prepared starting from the β-ketoester 2 obtained by standard chemistry from β-ionone and dimethyl carbonate. The chiral auxiliary (−)-menthol, easily attached to 2 through DMAP-catalyzed transesterification, allowed a clean separation of the diastereomers obtained in the key electrocyclization step, which were further elaborated to chiral intermediates already taken to drimane and labdane sesquiterpenes.     

Synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-ones (DHPMs) using mesoporous aluminosilicate (AlKIT-5) catalyst with cage type pore structure

Here we demonstrate on the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-ones (DHPMs) and their derivatives through a three-component condensation reactions of aldehyde, β-ketoester and urea or thiourea using mesoporous aluminosilicate (AlKIT-5) nanocage as catalyst and acetonitrile as solvent under reflux conditions. The catalyst was found to be highly active and selective, affording a high yield of DHPMs. Compared to the classical Biginelli reaction conditions, this new approach consistently has the advantage of excellent yields (80-96%) and short reaction times, 3.0-4.0 h. The effect of the acidity and the concentration of the catalyst on the above process was investigated. We also demonstrate the synthesis of various multifunctional Biginelli compounds using the highly active AlKIT-5 catalysts.     

Generation of candidate ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors via in situ click chemistry with a soluble acetylcholine binding protein template

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are responsible for mediating key physiological functions, are ubiquitous in the central and peripheral nervous systems. As members of the Cys loop ligand-gated ion channel family, neuronal nAChRs are pentameric, composed of various permutations of α (α2 to α10) and β (β2 to β4) subunits forming functional heteromeric or homomeric receptors. Diversity in nAChR subunit composition complicates the development of selective ligands for specific subtypes, since the five binding sites reside at the subunit interfaces. The acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP), a soluble extracellular domain homologue secreted by mollusks, serves as a general structural surrogate for the nAChRs. In this work, homomeric AChBPs from Lymnaea and Aplysia snails were used as in situ templates for the generation of novel and potent ligands that selectively bind to these proteins. The cycloaddition reaction between building-block azides and alkynes to form stable 1,2,3-triazoles was used to generate the leads. The extent of triazole formation on the AChBP template correlated with the affinity of the triazole product for the nicotinic ligand binding site. Instead of the in situ protein-templated azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction occurring at a localized, sequestered enzyme active center as previously shown, we demonstrate that the in situ reaction can take place at the subunit interfaces of an oligomeric protein and can thus be used as a tool for identifying novel candidate nAChR ligands. The crystal structure of one of the in situ-formed triazole-AChBP complexes shows binding poses and molecular determinants of interactions predicted from structures of known agonists and antagonists. Hence, the click chemistry approach with an in situ template of a receptor provides a novel synthetic avenue for generating candidate agonists and antagonists for ligand-gated ion channels.     

1,2-Acyl group migration in the oxidative free radical reaction of 2-substituted-1,4-quinones

Oxidative free radical reactions of 2-substituted-1,4-quinone derivatives are described. Electrophilic carbon-centered radical produced by the manganese(III) acetate oxidation of α-chloro-β-ketoester undergoes efficient addition to the C-C double bond of 5,6-dimethyl-2-(methylamino)-1,4-benzoquinone, and this reaction provides a novel method for the synthesis of spirolactam 3 and indole-2,4,7-trione 4. It shows high chemoselectivity depending on the migratory aptitude of the substituent on α-chloro-β-ketoester. Imine radical can be generated from the oxidation of β-enamino carbonyl compound with Mn(III) or Ce(IV) salt. With 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, spirolactam 6 was prepared from β-enamino carbonyl compound effectively. TBACN/CHCl₃ is the most effective reaction condition for the formation of 6.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. I. Synthesis of crystalline DL-poly-β-hydroxybutyrate from DL-β-butyrolactone

The polymerization of β-butyrolactone was investigated as a possible monomer for a proposed synthesis of the naturally occurring polyester, D -poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (D -PHB). The racemic DL -monomer was used in this initial study to determine the best conditions and catalyst system for use in a subsequent study of the polymerization of optically active β-butyrolactone. In so doing it was found that certain organometallic catalysts (Et₂Zn and Et₃Al) plus a cocatalyst of water produced highly crystalline samples of polyester from the racemic monomer. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of the racemic polymer obtained using these catalyst systems, and compares the results obtained with certain other catalysts that were also investigated for this purpose. Examination of the DL -PHB by infrared, NMR, x-ray, and electron microscopy shows that it is possible to synthesize a crystalline racemic polymer that is virtually identical (excepting optical activity) to the naturally occurring polymer, D -PHB.     

Iron-catalyzed hydroxylation of β-ketoesters with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant

The hydroxylation of β-ketoesters was studied using simple iron catalysts and 30 wt % hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant. The highest activity and yield were achieved in the presence of iron(III) chloride. Cyclic β-ketoesters could be smoothly hydroxylated in 75-90% yield. For linear β-ketoester and β-ketoamide, the chloro-substituted products were obtained.     

Indium (III) mediated Markovnikov addition of malonates and β-ketoesters to terminal alkynes and the formation of Knoevenagel condensation products

The indium(III) triflate mediated addition of active methylene compounds to terminal alkynes has been expanded to use malonates and low boiling terminal alkynes to form the Markovnikov addition products. Indium(III) chloride and indium(III) bromide were also found to be efficient catalysts. Knoevenagel condensation products were isolated when reactions involved a simple malonate or β-ketoester.     

Indole esters as heterocyclic synthons. II. Preparation of 1,3-oxazino[5,6-b]indoles and 3-substituted-pyrano[3,2-b]indoles

A number of novel 1,3-oxazino[5,6-b]indoles and 2-oxo- or 4-oxopyrano[3,2-b]indoles containing #3-position substituents were prepared. Starting materials were 3-hydroxy-indole-2-carboxylic acid esters in which the #2-position ester function is converted to carboxamide, β-ketoester, or β-ketosulfone.     

Stereoelective cationic polymerization of propenyl ether by asymmetric catalysts

In order to elucidate the possibility of stereoelective cationic polymerization (asymmetric selective polymerization) of olefinic monomers, racemic cis- and trans-1-methylpropyl propenyl ether and racemic 1-methylpropyl vinyl ether were polymerized by asymmetric alkoxyaluminum dichlorides. In the polymerization of racemic cis-1-methylpropyl propenyl ether with (?)-menthoxyaluminum dichloride in toluene at ?78°C, the polymer obtained showed a positive optical activity, and the residual monomers were converted by BF₃OEt₂ into a polymer having a negative optical activity. Thus, the stereoelective polymerization of racemic cis-1-methylpropyl propenyl ether was beyond any doubt attained in homogeneous cationic polymerization. In the polymerization of the trans isomer by the same catalyst, an optically active polymer was hardly formed. In the polymerization of racemic 1-methylpropyl vinyl ether which has no β-methyl group, stereoelectivity was not observed at all. The cis-1-methylpropyl propenyl ether did not produce an optical active polymer in the polymerization catalyzed by (S)-1-methylpropoxyaluminum dichloride or (S)-2-methylbutoxyaluminum dichloride under the same polymerization conditions.     

Total synthesis of the spirocyclic imine marine toxin (-)-gymnodimine and an unnatural C4-epimer

The first total synthesis of the marine toxin (-)-gymnodimine (1) has been accomplished in a convergent manner. A highly diastereo- and enantioselective exo-Diels-Alder reaction catalyzed by a bis-oxazoline Cu(II) catalyst enabled rapid assembly of the spirocyclic core of gymnodimine. The preparation of the tetrahydrofuran fragment utilized a chiral auxiliary based anti-aldol reaction. Two major fragments, spirolactam 56 and tetrahydrofuran 55, were then coupled through an efficient Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi reaction. An unconventional, ambient temperature t-BuLi-initiated intramolecular Barbier reaction of alkyl iodide 64 was employed to form the macrocycle. A late stage vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol addition of a silyloxyfuran to a complex cyclohexanone 83 appended the butenolide, and a few additional steps provided (-)-gymnodimine (1). A diastereomer of the natural product was also synthesized, C4-epi-gymnodimine (90), derived from the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol addition.     

Novozym 435-catalyzed kinetic resolution of β-allenols. A facile route for the preparation of optically active β-allenols or allenyl acetates

A variety of optically active β-allenols and β-allenyl acetates were synthesized via the Novozym 435-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic β-allenols. A dramatic solvent effect was observed for the stereoselectivity. The scope of the substrates and the effect of the concentration and temperature on the reaction were also investigated.     

New pyrrole-based amino acids for the synthesis of peptidomimetic constrained scaffolds

A new family of pyrrole-based amino acids have been prepared through the microwave assisted Paal-Knorr reaction of 1-4 ketoesters derived from the corresponding β-ketoester with a functional homologation. The carboxylic group is located in position 3 of the pyrrole, whereas the amino group, protected with the Cbz moiety, is present on the side chain in positions 1 or 2. These compounds were used to prepare constrained oligopeptides.     

Direct Thin – Layer Chromatographic Separation of Enantiomers of Six selected Amino Acids Using 2-O-[(R)-2-Hydroxypropyl]-β-CD as a Mobile Phase Additive

Abstract

Compared with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), 2-O-[_(R)-2-hydroxypropyl]-β-CD (A) is more sensitive for chiral recognition. When (A) was used as the chiral mobile phase additive, some racemic amino acids were directly separated on silica gel TLC for the first time.     

A general organocatalyzed Michael-Michael cascade reaction generates functionalized cyclohexenes

Although β-dicarbonyl compounds are regularly employed as Michael donors, intermediates arising from the Michael addition of unsaturated β-ketoesters to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes are susceptible to multiple subsequent reaction pathways. We designed cyclic unsaturated β-ketoester substrates that enabled the development of the first diphenyl prolinol silyl ether catalyzed Michael-Michael cascade reaction initiated by a β-dicarbonyl Michael donor to form cyclohexene products. The reaction conditions we developed for this Michael-Michael cascade reaction were also amenable to a variety of linear unsaturated β-ketoester substrates, including some of the same linear unsaturated β-ketoester substrates that were previously ineffective in Michael-Michael cascade reactions. These studies thus revealed that a change in simple reaction conditions, such as solvent and additives, enables the same substrate to undergo different cascade reactions, thereby accessing different molecular scaffolds. These studies also culminated in the development of a general organocatalyzed Michael-Michael cascade reaction that generates highly functionalized cyclohexenes with up to four stereocenters, in up to 97% yield, 32:1 dr, and 99% ee, in a single step from a variety of unsaturated β-ketoesters.     

A Convenient Procedure for the Synthesis of 4,6-Disubstituted 2-OXO-2H-Pyran-5-carboxylic Esters.

A simple procedure for the synthesis of 2H-pyran-2-ones 2a is described: The initial Michael addition product of β-ketoester anions with acetylenic esters readily cyclizes under the basic reaction conditions to give the α-pyrones 2a (Scheme 2).     

Highly stereoselective construction of tetrahydroquinolines via cascade aza-Michael-Michael reaction: Formal [4+2] cycloaddition of β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters with 2-aminochalcones

An efficient cascade aza-Michael-Michael sequence for the preparation of tetrahydroquinolines has been established. Three contiguous stereogenic centers are created with high levels of enantioselectivities (79–99% ee) and exclusive diastereoselectivities in the presence of a bifunctional squaramide. This approach is compatible with a broad range of β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters and 2-aminochalcones. Our protocol indicated that β-site of β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoester is an available pro-nucleophilic site.     

Gold(I)-catalysed intramolecular hydroamination of α-quaternary alkynes: synthetic studies towards spiroimine marine toxins

Cyclic spiroimines form an essential component of the bioactive pharmacophore in a number of potent fast-acting marine biotoxins, including the pinnatoxins, gymnodimine and the spirolides. These present a significant challenge for the total synthesis of this class of natural products. A novel approach to these cyclic spiroimines based on metal-catalysed hydroamination of spiroaminoalkyne precursors is reported herein. Au(PPh₃)SbF₆ was found to effect the formation of bench-stable 5,6- and 6,6-spiroimine systems in high yields, although the 7,6-analogue remained elusive. To the best of our knowledge these are the first reported examples of α-quaternary cyclic imines formed via alkyne hydroamination.