An Iterative Acetylene–Epoxide Coupling Strategy for the Total Synthesis of Aspinolide A

The total synthesis of aspinolide A ( 1 ) was successfully achieved by an iterative acetylene? epoxide coupling strategy and a Yamaguchi lactonization as the key steps.     

A Strategy towards the Multigram Synthesis of Uncommon Hexaarylbenzenes

A novel rational synthetic pathway—the “functionalization of para‐nitroaniline” (FpNA)—provides substituted hexaarylbenzenes (HABs) with uncommon symmetries that bear up to five different substituents, fully avoiding regioisomeric product distributions during the reactions. 4‐Nitroaniline is functionalized by a cascade of electrophilic halogenations, Sandmeyer brominations, and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions, leading to 26 substitution geometries, of which 18 structures are not available by the current established techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this method is applicable to the bulk production of such systems on a multigram scale. Regarding optoelectronic properties, we demonstrate how highly functionalized HABs can show strong luminescent behavior, making these molecules very attractive to organic electronic devices.     

Synthesis of new fluorinated allyl ethers for the surface modification of thiol–ene ultraviolet‐curable formulations

Thiol–ene photocurable systems based on a trifunctional thiol [trimethylolpropane tris‐(3‐mercaptopropanoate)] and two different multifunctional allyl ethers (trimethylolpropane triallyl ether and Boltorn U2, an allyl functional dendritic polyester) were examined. To these systems, small amounts (<1 wt %) of fluorinated allyl ethers were added for the modification of their surface properties. Two new fluorinated allyl ethers, 1H,1H‐perfluoro‐1‐heptylallyl ether and 1H,1H‐perfluoro‐1‐decylallyl ether, were synthesized for this purpose by allylation of the corresponding 1H,1H‐perfluoro alcohols. The fluorinated monomers, despite their very low concentrations, caused sharp changes in the surface properties of the films and in the solvent resistance without any changes in the curing conditions and bulk properties. Completely hydrophobic surfaces were obtained (as a result of the selective enrichment of the fluorinated monomers on the film surfaces) that depended on the monomer structure and its concentration. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2583–2590, 2002     

Total Synthesis of (±)-Calanolide A

The total synthesis of (±)-Calanolide A, incorporating a ring-forming sequence different from previous procedures, is described.     

An Efficient Method for the Programmed Synthesis of Multifunctional Diketopyrrolopyrroles

A new, transformative methodology for the preparation of diketopyrrolopyrroles from aldehydes, primary amines, nitriles, and diethyl oxalacetate has been developed. It is now possible to prepare diketopyrrolopyrroles bearing an ordered arrangement of three different substituents from abundant and commercially available materials, allowing the independent regulation of all desired physicochemical properties. For the first time very electron‐rich (carbazol‐3‐yl, dimethylaminophenyl, pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrolyl), and sterically hindered substituents (naphthalen‐1‐yl, quinolin‐4‐yl, acridin‐9‐yl, imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐1‐yl, 2‐bromophenyl etc.) can be appended to the diketopyrrolopyrrole core by condensation of an appropriate nitrile with a pyrrolidin‐2‐one intermediate. Even greater synthetic possibilities are related to the fact that such demanding substituents as 4‐dimethylaminophenyl, indol‐3‐yl, and 2‐methoxyphenyl can be incorporated from aldehyde precursors, bypassing problems with the nitriles reactivity.     

A Highly Stereoselective and Flexible Strategy for the Convergent Synthesis of Long‐Chain Polydeoxypropionates: Application towards the Synthesis of the Glycolipid Membrane Components Hydroxyphthioceranic and Phthioceranic Acid

A highly stereocontrolled and flexible access to biologically relevant polydeoxypropionates in optically pure form has been developed. Taking advantage of our previously established strategy for the asymmetric and stereodivergent synthesis of trideoxypropionate building blocks, we have now been able to assemble large polydeoxypropionate chains with defined configuration in a highly convergent manner. Central steps of this approach include two Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions with subsequent highly diastereoselective hydrogenations to join three advanced synthetic intermediates in excellent yield and with full stereochemical control. We have applied this strategy successfully towards the asymmetric synthesis of glycolipid membrane components phthioceranic acid and hydroxyphthioceranic acid, the latter of which was synthesized on a half‐gram scale.     

Triple Click Reaction Strategy for Macromolecular Diversity

This Feature Article focuses on the rapidly emerging concept of the “triple click reactions” towards the design and synthesis of macromolecules with well‐defined topology and chemical composition, and also precise molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The term “triple click reaction” used in this feature article is based on the utilization of three chemically and mechanistically different click reactions for polymer–polymer conjugation and post‐modification of the polymers. Three sequential click reactions of which two are identical should not be considered to be triple click reactions. The triple click reaction strategy for polymer conjugation and post‐modification of polymers is classified in this article based on the resultant architectures: linear and non‐linear structures.     

Practical Synthesis of the Dendralene Family Reveals Alternation in Behavior

Back from obscurity : The practical synthesis of the first six members of the fundamental class of acyclic branched oligoalkenes has been achieved. The syntheses allow access to the target compounds on multigram scales in good yields. Members of the family with even numbers of double bonds are significantly more stable than those with odd numbers (see picture), and exhibit different chemical reactivities in Diels–Alder reactions.

     

An Improved Rapid Synthesis of Oligo(p‐benzamide) Block Copolymers

We describe a new synthesis that allows the preparation of oligo(p‐benzamide)s up to the heptamer on solid support without the need of semi‐temporary amide N‐protective groups. With increase in length, the solubility of oligo(p‐benzamide)s reduces dramatically. Even the tetra(p‐benzamide) is not soluble in common organic solvents. Therefore, solution syntheses of oligomers beyond the tetramer are not feasible. As will be shown in this paper, solid supported synthesis allows the preparation of even longer oligomers (up to the heptamer) in good yields. The high dilution on the solid support is most likely responsible for their pseudo‐solution‐like reactivity and the prevention of aggregation. This procedure is a significant improvement of previous syntheses and an important tool for the rapid exploration of supramolecular rod–coil copolymers based on oligoaramides.

     

Synthesis of p-Phenylene Sulfide Molecular Asterisks

“Megastars” with aromatic central cores, some of which fluoresce, were synthesized by the efficient connection of the side arms to the core by using the MacNicol reaction. Depending on the length of the side arm precursor, second-, third- (depicted), or fourth-generation molecular asterisks were obtained; a twelve-armed molecular asterisk was prepared when the benzene core was replaced by a coronene one.     

Synthesis and thiol–ene photopolymerization of allyl‐ether functionalized dendrimers

Well‐defined, allyl‐ether functional, first‐generation dendrimers have been synthesized. The convergent growth approach was utilized, using the anhydride of the allyl‐ether terminated building block. Three different core moieties were used: trimethylolpropane, trisphenol, and ditrimethylolpropane. The coupling reactions proceeded in good yields and all compounds were characterized by NMR, MALDI‐TOF, and SEC. The allyl‐terminated dendrimers were crosslinked by thiol–ene chemistry, using a multifunctional thiol, TriThiol, to give clear and smooth films. The photopolymerization was conducted in the presence of a photoinitiator, Irgacure 651, and no traces of either allyl‐ether groups or thiols were observed by FT‐Raman after cure. All crosslinked films were characterized with respect to mechanical (DMA) and thermal (DSC) properties. It was found that homogeneous networks were formed and that the core functionality and structure had little effect on the network properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1339–1348, 2008     

Double Asymmetric Synthesis and a New Strategy for Stereochemical Control in Organic Synthesis

This account examines double asymmetric induction from theoretical and practical viewpoints. In the context of four major organic reactions-the aldol, Diels-Alder, catalytic hydrogenation, and epoxidation-it is shown that a double asymmetric induction can be analyzed in terms of the single asymmetric reactions of each of the two chiral reactants. A rule which qualitatively relates the results of these single asymmetric reactions with the outcome of the double asymmetric reaction is proposed. A powerful new strategy based on this rule for the predictable creation of new chiral centers is discussed and the use of this strategy for the synthesis of sugars and macrolides is presented.     

Atom Economy—A Challenge for Organic Synthesis: Homogeneous Catalysis Leads the Way

Enhancing the efficiency of the synthesis of complex organic products constitutes one of the most exciting challenges to the synthetic chemist. Increasing the catalogue of reactions that are simple additions or that minimize waste production is the necessary first step. Transition metal complexes, which can be tunable both electronically and sterically by varying the metal and/or ligands, are a focal point for such invention. Except for catalytic hydrogenation, such methods have been rare in complex synthesis and virtually unknown for C? C bond formation until the advent of cross-coupling reactions. These complexes may orchestrate a variety of C? C bond-forming processes, important for creation of the basic skeleton of the organic structure. Their ability to insert into C? H bonds primes a number of different types of additions to relatively nonpolar π-electron systems. Besides imparting selectivity, they make feasible reactions that uncatalyzed were previously unknown. The ability of these complexes to preorganize π-electron systems serves as the basis both of simple additions usually accompanied by subsequent hydrogen shifts and of cycloadditions. The ability to generate “reactive” intermediates under mild conditions also provides prospects for new types of C? C bond-forming reactions. While the examples reveal a diverse array of successes, the opportunities for new invention are vast and largely untapped.     

An Improved Method for the Synthesis of N-Phenoxyacetylribonucleosides

N-phenoxyacetylribonucleosides were prepared efficiently from the reaction of ribonucleosides with phenoxyacetylchloride and 1,2,4-triazole(for adenosine and cytidine) or 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (for guanosine).     

Synthesis and properties of thiophene-functionalized π-extended tetrathiafulvalenes

Two molecular ensembles composed of an array of thiophene–extended tetrathiafulvalene–thiophene were synthesized using Stille coupling and Horner–Wittig reaction as the key steps. Electrochemical redox and electronic absorption properties were investigated by voltammetric and UV–vis spectroscopic analyses.     

Synthesis of a palladium complex bearing 2‐phenylbenzothiazole and its application to Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction

The palladacycle complex [L^sPdOAc]₂ bearing 2‐phenyl benzothiazole was synthesized and characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystallography. [L^sPdOAc]₂ was used as a catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reaction of 4‐bromotoluene with phenylboronic acid, which resulted in a conversion of >90% with 5 mol% of the Pd complex within 10 min at 60°C.