Synthesis of (+)-casuarine

[formula: see text] The first synthesis of (+)-casuarine, a pentahydroxy pyrrolizidine alkaloid, is described. The key bond-forming events occur in a tandem [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] nitroalkene cycloaddition involving nitroalkene 6, chiral vinyl ether 7b, and vinyl silane 4. This process also creates five of the six stereocenters present in this potent glycosidase inhibitor. Completion of the synthesis required only four additional steps and delivered (+)-casuarine in 20% overall yield.     

Synthesis of (+)-casuarine

The first synthesis of (+)-casuarine ((+)-6), a pentahydroxy pyrrolizidine alkaloid of the alexine/australine subclass, is described. The key step is a tandem [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] nitroalkene cycloaddition involving nitrobenzoate 13, chiral vinyl ether 16c, and vinyl silane 10, which establishes five of the six stereocenters present in this potent glycosidase inhibitor. The completion of the synthesis requires only four additional steps to deliver the final product in 20% overall yield.     

Synthesis of (-)-7-epiaustraline and (-)-1-epicastanospermine

Highly efficient and selective syntheses of the title compounds are described. The cornerstone of the synthetic plan is the tandem inter [4 + 2]/inter [3 + 2] cycloaddition process. These syntheses differ from previous applications of this strategy in that they incorporate an alkylation in the hydrogenolysis step to close the second ring of the azabicyclic systems. Notable features of the sequence are (1) the highly regio- and stereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of nitronate 15 with siloxymethyl (Z)-beta-silylvinyl ketone (Z)-22b and (2) the highly selective reduction of the resulting ketone 24a with L-Selectride. A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of synthetic (-)-7-epiaustraline confirmed that the targeted structure was successfully synthesized. This stimulated a reexamination of the structural assignment of the natural product. (-)-1-Epicastanospermine was synthesized in four steps from the common intermediate 27a. The absolute configuration of (-)-1-epicastanospermine was assured by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of intermediate (-)-27a. Thus, the sign of the optical rotation had to be revised. The overall efficiency of these syntheses were 9 steps and 23% yield for (-)-7-epiaustraline and 10 steps and 20% yield for (-)-1-epicastanospermine     

A DFT study of the domino inter

The molecular mechanism of the domino inter [4 + 2]/intra [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of nitroalkenes with enol ethers to give nitroso acetal adducts has been characterized using density functional theory methods with the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G basis set. The presence of Lewis acid catalyst and solvent effects has been taken into account to model the experimental environment. These domino processes comprise two consecutive cycloaddition reactions: the first one is an intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of the enol ether to the nitroalkene to give a nitronate intermediate, which then affords the final nitroso acetal adduct through an intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. The intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition can be considered as a nucleophilic attack of the enol ether to the conjugated position of the nitroalkene, with concomitant ring closure and without intervention of an intermediate. For this cycloaddition process, the presence of the Lewis acid favors the delocalization of the negative charge that is being transferred from the enol ether to the nitroalkene and decreases the activation energy of the first cycloaddition. The [4 + 2] cycloaddition presents a total regioselectivity, while the endo/exo stereoselectivity depends on the bulk of the Lewis acid used as catalyst. Thus, for small Lewis acid catalyst, modeled by BH(3), the addition presents an endo selectivity. The [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions present an total exo selectivity, due to the constraints imposed by the tether. Inclusion of Lewis acid catalyst and solvent effects decrease clearly the barrier for the first [4 + 2] cycloaddition relative to the second [3 + 2] one. Calculations for the activation parameters along this domino reaction allow to validate the results obtained using the potential energy barriers.     

Synthesis of PDE IVb Inhibitors. 3. Synthesis of (+)-, (-)-, and (±)-7-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]hexahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-3-one via reductive domino transformations of 3-β-carbomethoxyethyl-substituted six-membered cyclic nitronates

Simple three-step asymmetric and racemic syntheses of GlaxoSmithKline's highly potent PDE IVb inhibitor 1 were developed. The suggested approach is based on reductive domino transformations of 3-β-carbomethoxyethyl-substituted six-membered cyclic nitronates, which are easily accessed by a stereoselective [4 + 2] cycloaddition of an appropriate nitroalkene to vinyl ethers. In vitro studies of PDE IVb inhibition by enantiomeric pyrrolizidinones (+)-1 and (-)-1 were performed.     

Tandem Inter [4+2]/Intra [3+2] Cycloadditions of Nitroalkenes. Application to the Synthesis of Aminocarbasugars

The tandem inter [4+2]/intra [3+2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes in the bridged mode was applied to the stereoselective synthesis of β‐D ‐4‐amino‐2,4‐dideoxycarbagulose, a representative aminocarbasugar. The synthesis required only five steps from known materials and delivered the protected aminocarbasugar (−)‐ 20 in excellent yield (see Scheme 9). The success of the synthetic sequence relies on 1) the ability to incorporate O‐substituents at the nitroalkene moiety, 2) the identification of a suitably modified chiral dienophile, and in particular 3) the development of specific experimental conditions and protocols that allow for the formation and isolation of the highly sensitive nitroso acetals. The reduction of the C(1) carbonyl group of (+)‐ 19 gave unexpected stereoselectivity, which could be rationalized by a conformational inversion of the substrate (see Scheme 11).     

Synthesis of PDE IVb inhibitors. 1. Asymmetric synthesis and stereochemical assignment of (+)- and (-)-7-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]hexahydro-3H-pyrrolizin-3-one

Asymmetric synthesis of GlaxoSmithKline's highly potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor 1 has been accomplished in nine steps and 16% overall yield. The original strategy suggested involves as a key step the silylation of enantiopure six-membered cyclic nitronates 4 obtained by a highly stereoselective [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of an appropriate nitroalkene 5 to trans-1-phenyl-2-(vinyloxy)cyclohexane. Functionalization of the resulting 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,2-oxazine and subsequent stereoselective reduction of 1,2-oxazine ring in intermediate 2 furnished the pyrrolizidinone framework with the recovery of chiral auxiliary alcohol.     

Asymmetric synthesis of (+)-1-epiaustraline and attempted synthesis of australine

A diastereoselective synthesis of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, (+)-1-epiaustraline has been achieved via a diastereoselective syn-dihydroxylation of a pyrrolo[1,2-c]oxazol-3-one precursor that was readily prepared by a RCM reaction. Attempts to extend this methodology to the synthesis of australine were not successful since the final pyrrolidine ring closure to produce the desired pyrrolizidine of the target molecule was not productive.     

Diastereoselective Brook rearrangement-mediated [3+4] annulation: application to a formal synthesis of (+)-laurallene

The formal synthesis of (+)-laurallene, a halogenated eight-membered ring ether, was accomplished. The synthesis involves construction of a trans alpha,alpha'-disubstituted oxocene structure 16 through a Brook rearrangement-mediated [3+4] annulation using acryloylsilane 10 and 6-oxa-2-cycloheptenone 9 and its conversion into 2, which has been transformed into (+)-laurallene by Crimmins and co-workers.     

Asymmetric synthesis of (-)-7-epiaustraline and (+)-1,7-diepiaustraline

A diastereoselective and modular approach to the synthesis of the 3-hydroxymethyl-2,3,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-1H-pyrrolizine-1,2,7-triol structure, characteristic of several natural pyrrolizidine natural products, has been developed. This approach culminated in the synthesis of (-)-7-epiaustraline and (+)-1,7-diepiaustraline. The oxazolidinone group has been found to be a useful protecting group in the RCM reaction and, as part of a pyrrolo[1,2-c]oxazol-3-one ring system, has functioned as a stereo- and regio-directing group in a key diastereoselective cis-dihydroxylation reaction and a regioselective nucleophilic ring-opening of a S,S-dioxo-dioxathiole.     

The Synthesis of 3-pyrazinyl-pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyridines from an enol ether

The synthesis of 3-(6-chloropyrazin-2-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine from an enol ether and 4-substituted 1-aminopyridinim iodides via a 3+2 cycloaddition is presented. A high throughput reaction screen was used to optimize the yield of the cycloaddition. This protocol is operationally simple, scalable, proceeds at room temperature, and the reaction profiles are very clean.     

Direct synthesis of palladium porphyrins from acyldipyrromethanes

[reaction: see text] Palladium porphyrins are valuable photosensitizers and luminescent agents in biology and materials chemistry. New methodology is described wherein a 1-acyldipyrromethane is converted into the palladium chelate of a trans-A(2)B(2) porphyrin via a one-flask reaction. The reaction entails self-condensation of the 1-acyldipyrromethane in refluxing ethanol containing KOH (5-10 mol equiv) and Pd(CH(3)CN)(2)Cl(2) (0.6 mol equiv) exposed to air. This direct route to palladium porphyrins is more expedient than the four steps of the traditional synthesis: (1) reduction of the 1-acyldipyrromethane; (2) acid-catalyzed condensation; (3) oxidation of the porphyrinogen intermediate; and (4) metal insertion. The new synthesis requires neither acid nor DDQ and formally entails only a 2e(-) + 2H(+) oxidation overall versus the traditional multistep synthesis which requires a 2e(-) + 2H(+) reduction per each 1-acyldipyrromethane (4e(-) + 4H(+) overall) followed by a 6e(-) + 6H(+) oxidation. The analogous reaction of a 1,9-diacyldipyrromethane and a dipyrromethane also gives the palladium porphyrin. Seven palladium porphyrins have been prepared in yields of 25-57%. The direct route also can be used with Cu(OAc)(2).H(2)O to give the copper porphyrin albeit in low yield. In summary, this methodology readily affords palladium porphyrins directly from acyldipyrromethanes.     

Chromenone 12-crown-4 substituted zinc phthalocyanine complexes: investigation of spectral, photophysical and photochemical properties

The synthesis of novel 6,7-[(12-crown-4)-3-[p-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]coumarin (1), 6,7-[(12-crown-4)-3-[p-(2,3-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl]coumarin (2), and their corresponding tetra-(chromenone 12-crown-4)-substituted zinc (II) phthalocyanine complexes (3 and 4) have been prepared. These new compounds have been characterized by elementel analysis, (1)H NMR (1 and 2), MALDI-TOF, IR and UV-Vis spectral data. The fluorescence intensity changes for 1 and 2 by addition of Na(+) or K(+) ions have been determined at 25°C in THF. Intensity of the binding Na(+)- and K(+)-complexes (1 and 2) have decreased. The effects of the chromenone crown ether on the phthalocyanine molecule concerning photophysical and photochemical properties are also investigated. Photodegredation, singlet oxygen, fluorescence quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetimes of zinc phthalocyanine complexes (3 and 4) are also examined in DMSO.     

General approach for the synthesis of 12-methoxy-substituted sarpagine indole alkaloids including (-)-12-methoxy-N(b)-methylvoachalotine, (+)-12-methoxy-N(a)-methylvellosimine, (+)-12-methoxyaffinisine, and (-)-fuchsiaefoline

[structures: see text] The enantiospecific synthesis of 7-methoxy-D-tryptophan ethyl ester was completed by combination of the Larock heteroannulation process with a Sch?llkopf-based chiral auxiliary in good yield. This ester was then employed in the first regiospecific, stereospecific total synthesis of (+)-12-methoxy-N(a)-methylvellosimine, (+)-12-methoxyaffinisine, (-)-fuchsiaefoline, and 12-methoxy-N(b)-methylvoachalotine in excellent overall yield. The asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction and enolate-driven palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling processes served as key steps. The quaternary center at C16 of 12-methoxy-N(b)-methylvoachalotine was established via the Tollens reaction between (+)-12-methoxy-N(a)-methylvellosimine and formaldehyde to form diol 17. The two prochiral primary alcohols in diol 17 were differentiated by the oxidative cyclization(DDQ) of the hydroxyl group at the axial position of 17 with the benzylic postion at [C6] to form a cyclic ether [C6-O17]. After oxidative formation of the alpha-ester at C16, the ether bond was reductively cleaved with TFA/Et3SiH in high yield. The DDQ-mediated oxidative cyclization and TFA/Et3SiH reductive cleavage served as protection/deprotection steps in order to provide a versatile entry into the voachalotine alkaloids.     

Tandem double intramolecular [4+2]/[3+2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes: construction of the pentacyclic core structure of daphnilactone B

An asymmetric synthesis of the ABCD ring system of daphnilactone B is described. The synthesis features a tandem, double intramolecular, [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition of a highly functionalized, enantiomerically enriched nitroalkene to generate a pentacyclic nitroso acetal. The cycloaddition establishes six contiguous stereogenic centers including the critical CD ring junction that bears two quaternary stereogenic centers. Hydrogenolysis of the nitroso acetal followed by amide reduction and cyclization provided the AB rings. The methyl substituent on the A ring was installed in the correct configuration via hydrogenation of an exocyclic olefin in the final step.     

A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-1-epiaustraline

[reaction: see text] A concise total synthesis of 1-epiaustraline 3 is described that utilizes a diastereoselective Birch reduction of an electron-deficient pyrrole and a chelation-controlled vinyl Grignard addition to an aldehyde to introduce the C7 stereocenter. The C1 and C2 stereocenters were set through an OsO(4)-catalyzed dihydroxylation.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-triptolide, (-)-triptonide, (+)-triptophenolide, and (+)-triptoquinonide

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-triptolide (1), (-)-triptonide (2), (+)-triptophenolide (3), and (+)-triptoquinonide (4) was completed. The key step involves lanthanide triflate-catalyzed oxidative radical cyclization of (+)-8-phenylmenthyl ester 30 mediated by Mn(OAc)3, providing intermediate 31 with good chemical yield (77%) and excellent diastereoselectivity (dr 38:1). (+)-Triptophenolide methyl ether (5) was then prepared in > 99% enantiomeric excess (> 99% ee), and readily converted to natural products 1-4. In addition, transition state models were proposed to explain the opposite chiral induction observed in the oxidative radical cyclization reactions of chiral beta-keto esters 17 (without an alpha-substituent) and 17a (with an alpha-chloro substituent).     

逐步法合成杯[4]芳烃关环反应的改进

对位带有3种或4种不同取代基的杯「4］芳烃一般通过逐步合成法合成．50年代后期,wS和Hllfl比rI'·'a就用［1十1十1十工］的逐步法9步合成出了杯［4］芳烃,总产率相当低·1979年B6hmer等［'·'报道用对位取代酚的线型三聚体与2,6一双溪甲基对取代酚在乙酸中进行关环反应合成杯［4」芳烃,这种［3＋l」的逐步法只需3步连续反应就能合成带有3种不同取代基的杯卜」芳烃,但最后。步关环产率仍然很低（2％、15％）［"．后来＊dhmeTD'等将关环反应改进为在TICI。／二氧六环体系中进行,产率有所提高,这种逐步法曾用于不对称杯［4」芳烃的…     

Synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and computational analysis of 1-azafenestranes

The tandem [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes has been employed in the synthesis of 1-azafenestranes, molecules of theoretical interest because of planarizing distortion of their central carbon atoms. The synthesis of c,c,c,c-[5.5.5.5]-1-azafenestrane was completed in good yield from a substituted nitrocyclopentene, and its borane adduct was analyzed through X-ray crystallography, which showed a moderate distortion from ideal tetrahedral geometry. The syntheses of two members of the [4.5.5.5] family of 1-azafenestranes are also reported, including one with a trans fusion at a bicyclic ring junction which brings about considerable planarization of one of the central angles (16.8 degrees deviation from tetrahedral geometry). While investigating the [4.5.5.5]-1-azafenestranes, a novel dyotropic rearrangement that converts nitroso acetals into tetracyclic aminals was discovered. Through conformational analysis, a means to prevent this molecular reorganization was formulated and realized experimentally with the use of a bulky vinyl ether in the key [4+2] cycloaddition reaction. Finally, DFT calculations on relative strain energy for the 1-azafenestranes, as well as their predicted central angles, are disclosed.     

An Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of (±)-Sweroside and (±)-secologanin aglucone O-methyl ethers. Preliminary communication

A seven-step stereoselective synthesis of (±)-sweroside aglucone O-methyl ether ( 16a ) was achieved in 27% overall yield from 1, 4-cyclohexadiene ( 4 ) and methyl diformylacetate ( 5 ). Secologanin aglucone O-methyl ether ( 18a ) was then formed from 16a in 90% overall yield by a straightforward process. The key step in the synthesis was a [2+2]-enone-photoannelation of 4 and 5 to form the key intermediate 6 which possessed the desired cis-fused ring configuration, and all the caron atoms needed to complete the synthesis of 16a and 18a .