Giving substance to the Losanitsch series

A series of oligoparaxylene model compounds with two to six paraxylene units was synthesised and the resulting mixtures of atropisomers with one to five axes of chirality were analysed by dynamic (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The number of atropisomers was found to constitute part of the Losanitsch series.     

Further Biphenyl Lignans with a Tetrahydrofuran Moiety from Gymnotheca chinensis

Four new biphenyl lignans, 1 – 4 , with a tetrahydrofuran moiety were isolated from the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Gymnotheca chinensis. Their chemical structures were established by means of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and comparison with previously reported data. Compounds 1 – 4 occur as mixtures of atropisomers as revealed by variable‐temperature NMR experiments.     

Structure, conformation, stereodynamics, and absolute configuration of the atropisomers of fluorenylidene derivatives

The barrier for the interconversion of the conformational atropisomers of an aryl fluorenylidene derivative was determined by variable-temperature NMR technique. In the case of a more hindered compound the two atropisomers were isolated and the structure determined by X-ray diffraction. The absolute configuration was assigned by theoretical interpretation of the Electronic Circular Dichroism spectrum (ECD).     

Stereostructure and thermodynamic stability of atropisomers of ortho-substituted 2,2′-diaryl-1,1′-binaphthalenes

A series of ortho-substituted 2,2′-aryl-1,1′-binaphthalenes were prepared via Negishi arylation of 2,2′-diiodo-1,1′-binaphthalene in good to high yields (65–95%) as an equilibrium mixtures of up to three atropisomers (unlike,unlike, like,unlike, and like,like). Thermodynamic stability parameters of the atropisomers were evaluated from VT NMR spectra by regression analysis. The DFT parameters calculated using CAM-B3LYP functional comprising solvent permittivity were, apart from the toluene solution, which was expected to interact with the aromatic solute, in qualitative agreement with the experimental values. In the case of the ditolyl derivative, the population of the atropisomers was confirmed by CD spectroscopy via comparison with the population-weighted averaged spectrum computed using the M06 functional. X-ray structure analyses of particular atropisomers of the dianisyl, dianilinyl, and dinaphthyl derivatives are also presented and discussed.     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 89. Stereomutation and cryogenic enantioseparation of conformational antipodes of hindered aryl oximes

Aryl benzyl oximes having the configuration Z give rise to stereolabile atropisomers when a halogen atom is present in the ortho position of the aryl moiety, as a consequence of the restricted aryl-CN bond rotation. By means of dynamic (1)H NMR spectroscopy it has been possible to determine the corresponding rotation barrier, hence the lifetime of the atropisomers that, in the case of the iodine derivative, was found sufficiently long as to allow a physical separation to be achieved on an appropriately cooled enantioselective HPLC column. Comparison of the barriers determined by dynamic NMR and dynamic HPLC proved the equivalence of the two techniques. When the iodine atom was substituted by an alpha-naphthyl group, two dynamic processes were observed. That with the lower barrier could be determined by NMR and that with the higher barrier by HPLC, thus outlining the complementarity of these two techniques.     

Atropisomers of hindered triarylisocyanurates: structure, conformation, stereodynamics, and absolute configuration

The syn and anti diastereoisomers of some 1,3,5-triarylisocyanurate derivatives were isolated and their configuration assigned by NOE experiments and by X-ray diffraction. The kinetics of the syn/anti interconversion were determined, and the experimental activation energies matched satisfactorily the values predicted by DFT computations. Low-temperature NMR spectra were employed to determine the rotation barrier of N-bonded unhindered aryl substituents: these barriers, too, are satisfactorily reproduced by DFT computations. In the case of racemic diastereoisomers, the two expected enantiomers (atropisomers) were isolated by enantioselective HPLC and the absolute configuration established by DFT simulation of the electronic and vibrational circular dichroism spectra.     

Structure, conformation, stereodynamics, dimer formation, and absolute configuration of axially chiral atropisomers of hindered biphenyl carbinols

NMR spectra of biphenyl derivatives bearing a single CR2OH substituent in the ortho position indicate that they exist as sp (more stable) and ap (less stable) conformers, due to the restricted rotation about the Ar-CR2OH bond. When R = Et (compound 2) the corresponding rotation barrier was determined (7.5 kcal mol-1) by line shape simulation of the low-temperature NMR spectra. Introduction of the prochiral i-Pr group in the position 3' of a biphenyl with the CMe2OH substituent in the position 2 (4) allowed the determination of the enantiomerization barrier (due to the Ar-Ar bond rotation) for the stereolabile axially chiral atropisomers (13.95 kcal mol(-1)). DFT computations of these barriers were all in agreement with the experiments. Biphenyls bearing two CR2OH groups in the 2,2' positions were found to exist as configurationally stable atropisomers: when R = Me (7) they were separated by enantioselective HPLC and the absolute configuration assigned on the basis of the corresponding CD spectra. In solution, compounds 6 (R = H) and 7 (R = Me) were found to originate a dimer, due to H-bond interactions between two enantiomers. In the case of 7, the free energy of activation (9.5 kcal mol-1) for the exchange of the monomer with the dimer could be measured, for the first time, by dynamic NMR. The conformational preferences, predicted by computations for the biphenyls with two CR2OH substituents in the 2,2' positions, were confirmed by X-ray diffraction in the case of R = H (6), R = Me (7), and R = i-Pr (9).     

Stereolabile and configurationally stable atropisomers of hindered aryl carbinols

Carbinols of the Ar-C(OH)R(2) type, Ar being o-isopropylphenyl, exist as stereolabile syn-clinal (sc) and anti-periplanar (ap) atropisomers when R = Me, Et, i-Pr. In the latter compound, the major atropisomer also comprises two enantiomeric forms that interchange with a barrier of 6.4 kcal mol(-1). X-ray diffraction, NOE experiments, and ab initio calculations indicate that the sc-atropisomer is the more stable form when R = Me, i-Pr, t-Bu but is the less stable one when R = Et. NMR spectra at variable temperature allowed the determination of the barriers for the interconversion of the sc- into the ap-atropisomers (DeltaG++ = 7.6, 8.8, and 13.5 kcal mol(-1) for Me, Et, i-Pr, respectively). When R is a tert-butyl group, the two atropisomers are configurationally stable: the ap-atropisomer is obtained as the kinetic controlled compound, which can be transformed into the thermodynamically more stable sc-atropisomer with a free energy of activation of 29.3 kcal mol(-1). Both atropisomers exhibit restricted rotation of the tert-butyl moiety, the corresponding DeltaG++ values being 9.4 and 8.8 kcal mol(-1) for the sc- and ap-atropisomer, respectively.     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 100. Enantiomerization process of stereolabile atropisomers in pyridine-substituted adamantane derivatives

The barriers for interconverting the conformational enantiomers (stereolabile atropisomers) of pyridine-substituted adamantane derivatives have been determined by dynamic 13C NMR spectroscopy. The trend of these values parallels that anticipated by MM calculations. In at least one case, the computed structure was found to agree with that obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, it has been possible to achieve a physical separation of a pair of these stereolabile atropisomers at -60 degrees C by means of the enantioselective cryogenic HPLC technique.     

Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,3-Diamines. II: Diastereoselective reduction of atropisomeric N-tert-butanesulfinylketimines

Chiral, nonracemic o-aminobenzylamines were prepared in a highly diastereoselective reduction of atropisomeric N-tert-butanesulfinylketimines. The ortho-substituent ensures the distinct reactivity of atropisomers 4d-f. The free energy of activation for atropisomerization of sulfinylimines 4d-f in THF-d(8) was determined by NMR methods to range from 70.8 to 97.9 kJ/mol.     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 84.(1) structure, conformation, and stereodynamics of the atropisomers of N-aryl-tetrahydropyrimidines

The existence of stereolabile atropisomers for a number of N-aryl-tetrahydropyrimidines in solution has been deduced from the observation of the anisochronous NMR signals of prochiral methylene groups. The interconversion barriers for these atropisomers have been measured by line shape analysis of dynamic NMR spectra at various temperatures: a Molecular Mechanics modeling resulted in good agreement with these values. In an appropriate case, distinct NMR signals for the two enantiomeric forms could be observed at ambient temperature in a chiral environment. Evidence was also obtained for an exchange process occurring between two conformers experiencing a very biased equilibrium. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of one such compound yielded a molecular structure in good agreement with the results obtained by ab initio calculations.     

Ligands rock & roll: stepwise twisting of two cis-coordinated lopsided N-heterocycles in an octahedral bis(2-phenylazopyridine)-ruthenium(II) complex with seven atropisomers

1H NMR data of alpha-[Ru(azpy)2(MeBim)2](PF6)2 (azpy=2-phenylazopyridine, MeBim=1-methylbenzimidazole), 2, revealed the presence of a total of seven atropisomers at -95 degrees C: three head-to-tail, HT, isomers (A, C, and D), and four head-to-head, HH, isomers which, due to the presence of an intrinsic C2 axis in the alpha-[Ru(azpy)2] moiety, are two sets of identical pairs (B/B and E/E). The NMR data of 2 represent a unique example of a coordination compound that shows a variable temperature (VT) behavior with more, well-defined steps of slow-to-fast exchange of its atropisomers. At 65 degrees C, all atropisomers are in fast exchange; on lowering the temperature the sharp signals first broaden (at room temperature) and consecutively split up into two sets of relatively sharp signals, in slow exchange, at about 0 degrees C (D, 40 %, and the coalesced signals of ABBCEE, 60 %). Upon further cooling, the set of peaks belonging to D remain sharp until the lowest recording temperatures. The signals of the other set of resonances, on the other hand, first broaden again and then separate into two sets of broad peaks (C/E/E and A) and one set of sharp peaks (B and B in fast exchange); on lowering the temperature even more, these signals broaden once again and finally, at -95 degrees C, are split up into a total of four sets of signal (A, B/B, C, and E/E). At low temperatures, ROESY experiments revealed that atropisomerization occurs through the synchronous rotation of both MeBim ligands in the interconversion of the two "identical" HH atropisomers B and B, as well as in the interconversion between C and E/E. The HH rotamers B/B furthermore exhibit a slow-to-fast exchange atropisomerization behavior that is observed independently from the other dynamic processes in this compound. The versatile cis bifunctional binding of the DNA model bases (MeBim ligands) in 2 parallels the observation of alpha-[Ru(azpy)2Cl2] which shows extraordinarly high cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines.     

Elucidating Atropisomerism in Nonplanar Porphyrins with Tunable Supramolecular Complexes

Atropisomerism is a fundamental feature of substituted biaryls resulting from rotation around the biaryl axis. Different stereoisomers are formed due to restricted rotation about the single bond, a situation often found in substituted porphyrins. Previously NMR determination of porphyrin atropisomers proved difficult, if not almost impossible to accomplish, due to low resolution or unresolvable resonance signals that predominantly overlapped. Here, we shed some light on this fundamental issue found in porphyrinoid stereochemistry. Using benzenesulfonic acid (BSA) for host-guest interactions and performing 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, we were able to characterize all four rotamers of the nonplanar 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2-aminophenyl)-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyirin as restricted H-bonding complexes. Additionally, X-ray structural analysis was used to investigate aspects of the weak host–guest interactions. A detailed assignment of the chemical signals suggests charge-assisted complexation as a key to unravel the atropisomeric enigma. From a method development perspective, symmetry operations unique to porphyrin atropisomers offer an essential handle to accurately identify the rotamers using NMR techniques only.     

Translational isomerism and dynamics in multi-hydroquinone derived porphyrin [2]- and [3]-catenanes

A series of porphyrins strapped with polyether chains containing two or three 1,4-dioxybenzene units has been synthesised with a view to the production of porphyrin-containing [2] and [3]catenanes, where the porphyrin is strapped between ortho-positions of 5,15-(meso)-diaryl groups, and is interlinked with the bipyridinium macrocycle cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene). The porphyrins were isolated as mixtures of atropisomers, where the linking strap spans across the face of the porphyrin (alpha,alpha-isomer), or 'twisted' around its side (alpha,beta-isomer). Their structures were determined by detailed 1H NMR spectroscopy. The bis-1,4-dioxybenzene-strapped derivatives were shown to undergo atropisomerisation on heating, to produce an equilibrium mixture. Catenation under high pressure conditions of the mixture, or of the individual isomers, produced only a single catenane, that of the alpha,alpha-isomer. Its structure was determined by mass spectral and dynamic NMR measurements. Rates were determined for: (i) translational motion or 'shuttling' between 1,4-dioxybenzenes; (ii) 'rotation' of the macrocycle around the 1,4-dioxybenzene axis; and (iii) 'rocking' of the 1,4-dioxybenzene within the macrocycle. The atropisomers of the strapped derivatives containing three 1,4-dioxybenzene units were also separated, and subjected to catenation. Both [2]- and [3]catenanes were isolated, and were shown to be stable to further atropisomerisation. Their solution structures were probed in detail by dynamic 1H NMR measurements. The rates for shuttling and rotation were obtained in certain cases, although the complexity of the spectra of the [3]catenanes prevented a more detailed investigation.     

Arylbiphenylene atropisomers: structure, conformation, stereodynamics, and absolute configuration

Anti and syn conformers, due to restricted sp(2)-sp(2) bond rotation, were detected in hindered 1,8-diarylbiphenylenes, the aryl moieties being phenyl groups bearing 0micron-alkyl substituents such as Me, Et, i-Pr, and t-Bu. By means of low-temperature NOE experiments, the corresponding structures were assigned and were found to be in agreement with the results of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The interconversion barriers of these conformers were determined by line-shape simulation of the variable-temperature NMR spectra and the experimental values were reproduced satisfactorily by DFT calculations. In the case of the bulkiest aryl substituent investigated (i.e., 2-methylnaphthalene), the syn and anti atropisomers were stable enough as to be separated at ambient temperature. The two enantiomers (M,M and P,P) of the isomer anti were also isolated by enantioselective HPLC, and the theoretical interpretation of the corresponding CD spectrum allowed the absolute configuration to be assigned.     

Conformational consequences of the dynamic processes in the stereolabile atropisomers of acyl-substituted m-terphenyl derivatives

By means of low-temperature NMR spectroscopy, conformers (stereolabile atropisomers) due to the restricted rotation about the Ar-Ar and Ar-C(O)R bonds were detected in a number of acylphenyl derivatives, substituted in positions 2 and 6 by the 3-isopropylphenyl moiety (compounds 1-3, R=H, Me, and t-Bu, respectively). The conformational assignment was accomplished on the basis of the symmetry of the low-temperature 13C NMR spectra with the added support of ab initio calculations. The interconversion barriers were also determined by complete line shape simulation of the NMR spectra, and the experimental values were satisfactorily reproduced by ab initio calculations. In the case of the asymmetric derivative 4, two enantiomers, generated by the restricted t-BuC(O)-Ar rotation, were found sufficiently stable to allow their separation by means of the enantioselective HPLC technique at ambient temperature and to obtain the corresponding CD spectra.     

Non-biaryl atropisomers derived from carbohydrates. Part 4: Absolute stereochemistry of carbohydrate-based imidazolidine-2-ones and 2-thiones with axial and central chirality

NMR spectroscopy has proven to be an enabling methodology in elucidating the axial chirality of a series of non-biaryl atropisomers attached to a carbohydrate moiety, based on deshielding effects caused by the aromatic ring.     

Atropisomerism of a monosubstituted perfluoro[2.2]paracyclophane. A combined synthetic, kinetic, spectroscopic and computational study

The product of S(N)Ar addition of the enolate of ethyl acetoacetate to perfluoro[2.2]para-cyclophane exists entirely as its enol tautomer 5. This enol exhibits two NMR signals for its enolic proton, and these signals were shown to derive from the presence of two, equal energy conformations that were observable as distinct, stable conformations at room temperature, but which when heated, interconverted with an energy barrier of 23.5 kcal mol(-1). These atropisomers were characterized by NMR, with details of this analysis being provided. Computational work corroborated the NMR conclusions, and provided additional insight into all structural, thermodynamic and kinetic results. Enol product 5 was cyclized, under basic conditions, to form a benzofuran product 6. Its structure was confirmed by NMR, with further structural and mechanistic insights being provided by calculations.     

Conformational Studies and Atropisomerism Kinetics of the ALK Clinical Candidate Lorlatinib (PF‐06463922) and Desmethyl Congeners

Lorlatinib (PF‐06463922) is an ALK/ROS1 inhibitor and is in clinical trials for the treatment of ALK positive or ROS1 positive NSCLC (i.e. specific subsets of NSCLC). One of the laboratory objectives for this molecule indicated that it would be desirable to advance a molecule which was CNS penetrant in order to treat brain metastases. From this perspective, a macrocyclic template was attractive for a number of reasons. In particular, this template reduces the number of rotatable bonds, provides the potential to shield polar surface area and reinforces binding through a restricted conformation. All of these features led to better permeability for the molecules of interest and thus increased the chance for better blood brain barrier penetration. With a CNS penetrant molecule, kinase selectivity is a key consideration particularly with regard to proteins such as TrkB, which are believed to influence cognitive function. Removal of the chiral benzylic methyl substituent from lorlatinib was perceived as not only a means to simplify synthetic complexity, but also as a strategy to further truncate the molecule of interest. Examination of the NMR of the desmethyl analogues revealed that the compound existed as a mixture of atropisomers, which proved separable by chiral SFC. The individual atropisomers were evaluated through a series of in vitro assays, and shown to have a favorable selectivity profile when compared to lorlatinib. The challenge to develop such a molecule lies in the rate at which the atropisomers interchange dictated by the energy barrier required to do this. Here, we describe the synthesis of the desmethyl macrocycles, conformational studies on the atropisomers, and the kinetics of the interconversion. In addition, the corresponding conformational studies on lorlatinib are reported providing a hypothesis for why a single diastereomer is observed when the chiral benzylic methyl group is introduced.     

Synthesis and separation of the atropisomers of 2-(5-benzo[b]fluorenyl)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl and related compounds

Several syn and anti atropisomers of 2-(5-benzo[b]fluorenyl)-2′-hydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl and related compounds were synthesized from 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diol (BINOL). It was possible to separate the syn and anti atropisomers by silica gel column chromatography. The syn atropisomers are potential hetero-bidentate ligands for complex formation with metals. By starting from enantiomerically pure (R)-(+)-BINOL and (S)-(−)-BINOL, four optically active syn atropisomers and two anti atropisomers with high enantiomeric purity were obtained. The structures of two syn atropisomers and one anti atropisomer were established by X-ray structure analyses.