Stereo‐Inversion in the (4R)‐γ‐Decanolactone Synthesis by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: (2E,4S)‐4‐Hydroxydec‐2‐enoic Acid Acts as a Key Intermediate

Methyl (2E,4R)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoate, methyl (2E,4S)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoate, and ethyl (±)‐(2E)‐4‐hydroxy[4‐²H]dec‐2‐enoate were chemically synthesized and incubated in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Initial C‐chain elongation of these substrates to C₁₂ and, to a lesser extent, C₁₄ fatty acids was observed, followed by γ‐decanolactone formation. Metabolic conversion of methyl (2E,4R)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoate and methyl (2E,4S)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoate both led to (4R)‐γ‐decanolactone with >99% ee and 80% ee, respectively. Biotransformation of ethyl (±)‐(2E)‐4‐hydroxy(4‐²H)dec‐2‐enoate yielded (4R)‐γ‐[²H]decanolactone with 61% of the ²H label maintained and in 90% ee indicating a stereoinversion pathway. Electron‐impact mass spectrometry analysis (Fig. 4) of 4‐hydroxydecanoic acid indicated a partial C(4)→C(2) ²H shift. The formation of erythro‐3,4‐dihydroxydecanoic acid and erythro‐3‐hydroxy‐γ‐decanolactone from methyl (2E,4S)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoate supports a net inversion to (4R)‐γ‐decanolactone via 4‐oxodecanoic acid. As postulated in a previous work, (2E,4S)‐4‐hydroxydec‐2‐enoic acid was shown to be a key intermediate during (4R)‐γ‐decanolactone formation via degradation of (3S,4S)‐dihydroxy fatty acids and precursors by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.     

Intriguing Influence of the Solvent on the Regioselectivity of Sulfoxide Thermolysis in β‐Amino‐α‐sulfinyl Esters

The sulfoxide thermolysis of the diastereoisomeric methyl (3R,4aS,10aR)‐6‐methoxy‐1‐methyl‐3‐(phenylsulfinyl)‐1,2,3,4,4a,5,10,10a‐octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline‐3‐carboxylates 3a and 3′b in toluene yields, by loss of benzenesulfenic acid, an almost 1 : 1 mixture of the vinylogous urethane 2b and the isomeric α‐aminomethyl enoate 2a . When this elimination is performed in acetic acid, the enoate 2a is formed rather selectively. The same solvent effects on the regioselectivity of the elimination of benzenesulfenic acid are observed with a simple sulfoxide of ethyl piperidine‐3‐carboxylate ( 7 ).     

Rhodium(II)‐Catalyzed Inter‐ and Intramolecular Cyclopropanations with Diazo Compounds and Phenyliodonium Ylides: Synthesis and Chiral Analysis

Different classes of cyclopropanes derived from Meldrum's acid (=2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione; 4 ), dimethyl malonate ( 5 ), 2‐diazo‐3‐(silyloxy)but‐3‐enoate 16 , 2‐diazo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropanoate 18 , diazo(triethylsilyl)acetate 24a , and diazo(dimethylphenylsilyl)acetate 24b were prepared via dirhodium(II)‐catalyzed intermolecular cyclopropanation of a set of olefins 3 (Schemes 1 and 4–6). The reactions proceeded with either diazo‐free phenyliodonium ylides or diazo compounds affording the desired cyclopropane derivatives in either racemic or enantiomer‐enriched forms. The intramolecular cyclopropanation of allyl diazo(triethylsilyl)acetates 28, 30 , and 33 were carried out in the presence of the chiral dirhodium(II) catalyst [Rh₂{(S)‐nttl)₄}] ( 9 ) in toluene to afford the corresponding cyclopropane derivatives 29, 31 and 34 with up to 37% ee (Scheme 7). An efficient enantioselective chiral separation method based on enantioselective GC and HPLC was developed. The method provides information about the chemical yields of the cyclopropane derivatives, enantioselectivity, substrate specifity, and catalytic activity of the chiral catalysts used in the inter‐ and intramolecular cyclopropanation reactions and avoids time‐consuming workup procedures.     

The Synthesis of (4E)‐N‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐substituted‐2‐diazo‐3‐oxopent‐4‐enoic Acid Amides

The (4E)‐N‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐(3‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐diazo‐3‐oxopent‐4‐enoic acid amides 5a˜j were synthesized with N‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2‐diazo‐3‐oxobutyramide 4 from p‐chloroaniline and various arylaldehydes. The yielded products 5a˜j were investigated with NMR, MS, IR, and X‐ray crystallographic techniques.     

Regioselective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of (1Z)‐1‐(Arylmethylidene)‐5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxopyrazolidin‐1‐ium‐2‐ide Azomethine Imines to Acetylenic Dipolarophiles

The 5,5‐dimethylpyrazolidin‐3‐one ( 4 ), prepared from ethyl 3‐methylbut‐2‐enoate ( 3 ) and hydrazine hydrate, was treated with various substituted benzaldehydes 5a – i to give the corresponding (1Z)‐1‐(arylmethylidene)‐5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐oxopyrazolidin‐1‐ium‐2‐ide azomethine imines 6a – i . The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine imines 6a – h with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (=dimethyl but‐2‐ynedioate; 7 ) afforded the corresponding dimethyl pyrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrazoledicarboxylates 8a – h , while by cycloaddition of 6 with methyl propiolate (=methyl prop‐2‐ynoate; 9 ), regioisomeric methyl pyrazolo[1,2‐a]pyrazolemonocarboxylates 10 and 11 were obtained. The regioselectivity of cycloadditions of azomethine imines 6a – i with methyl propiolate ( 9 ) was influenced by the substituents on the aryl residue. Thus, azomethine imines 6a – e derived from benzaldehydes 5a – e with a single substituent or without a substituent at the ortho‐positions in the aryl residue, led to mixtures of regioisomers 10a – e and 11a – e . Azomethine imines 6f – i derived from 2,6‐disubstituted benzaldehydes 5f – i gave single regioisomers 10f – i .     

Reactions of α,β‐Unsaturated Thioamides with Diazo Compounds

Several reactions of the α,β‐unsaturated thioamide 8 with diazo compounds 1a – 1d were investigated. The reactions with CH₂N₂ ( 1a ), diazocyclohexane ( 1b ), and phenyldiazomethane ( 1c ) proceeded via a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of the diazo dipole at the C?C bond to give the corresponding 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carbothioamides 12a – 12c , i.e., the regioisomer which arose from the bond formation between the N‐terminus of the diazo compound and the C(α)‐atom of 8 . In the reaction of 1a with 8 , the initially formed cycloadduct, the 4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazole‐3‐carbothioamide 11a , was obtained after a short reaction time. In the case of 1c , two tautomers 12c and 12c ′ were formed, which, by derivatization with 2‐chlorobenzoyl chloride 14 , led to the crystalline products 15 and 15 ′. Their structures were established by X‐ray crystallography. From the reaction of 8 and ethyl diazoacetate ( 1d ), the opposite regioisomer 13 was formed. The monosubstituted thioamide 16 reacted with 1a to give the unstable 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carbothioamide 17 .     

Z‐bpy,a New C2‐Symmetric Bipyridine Ligand and Its Application in Enantioselective Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Cyclopropanation of Olefins

A rigid C₂‐symmetric chiral bipyridine ligand Z‐bpy with a triptycene‐like backbone was designed and synthesized from simple chemicals in a scalable route. Using this new ligand, copper(I) catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrenes with commercial ethyl diazoacetate produced various corresponding cyclopropanes in high yields, diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity up to 97% ee.     

Lewis Acid‐Mediated Addition of Amino Acid‐Substituted α‐Allylsilanes to Aromatic Acetals

Unnatural amino acids extend the pharmacological formulator's toolkit. Strategies to prepare unnatural amino acid derivatives using Lewis acid‐activated allylsilane reactions are few. In this regard, we examined the utility of allylsilanes bearing an amino acid substituent in the reaction. Diastereoselective addition of methyl 2‐(N‐PG‐amino)‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)pent‐4‐enoate and methyl (E)‐2‐(N‐PG‐amino)‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)hex‐4‐enoate (PG=protecting group), 2 and 13 , respectively, to aromatic acetals in the presence of Lewis acids is described. Of those examined, TiCl₄ was found to be the most effective Lewis acid for promoting the addition. At least 1 equiv. of TiCl₄ was required to achieve high yields, whereas 2 equiv. of BF₃?OEt₂ were required for comparable outcomes. Excellent selectivity (>99% syn/anti) and high yield (up to 89%) were obtained with halo‐substituted aromatic acetals, while more electron‐rich electrophiles led to both lower yields and diastereoselectivities.     

3‐(Arylamino)quinolin‐2(1H)‐ and ‐4(1H)‐ones: Reinvestigation of the Reaction between Ethyl 2‐Chloro‐3‐(phenylamino)but‐2‐enoate and Arylamines

The reaction between ethyl 2‐chloro‐3‐(phenylamino)but‐2‐enoate ( 5 ) and aniline gave 4‐methyl‐3‐(phenylamino)quinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 6 ) and not, as reported earlier in the literature, the isomeric 2‐methyl‐3‐(phenylamino)quinolin‐4(1H)‐one ( 1 ). The latter could be prepared by an alternative procedure. The structures of both isomers were established by extensive NMR spectroscopy including 1D‐NOE, 2D‐HSQC, and HMBC experiments. Consequently, the reinvestigation of the title reaction revealed an unexpected simple access to novel 4‐alkyl‐substituted 3‐(arylamino)quinolin‐2(1H)‐ones.     

Selenium‐Containing Heterocycles from Isoselenocyanates: Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Selenadiazole Derivatives

The reaction of aroyl chlorides 1 with KSeCN and ethyl diazoacetate ( 6 ) in acetone at room temperature yields ethyl 2‐aroyl‐5‐(aroylimino)‐2,5‐dihydro‐1,2,3‐selenadiazole‐4‐carboxylates 7 (Scheme 3). A reaction mechanism via the initial formation of the corresponding aroyl isoselenocyanates 2 followed by a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of the diazo compound with the C=Se bond to give ethyl 5‐(aroylimino)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,3‐selenadiazole‐4‐carboxylates of type D is proposed. Acylation of the latter at N(2) leads to the final products 7 . Deacetylation of 7 to give ethyl 5‐(aroylimino)‐1,2,3‐selenadiazole‐4‐carboxylates 10 is achieved by treatment of 7 with morpholine (Scheme 5). The intermediate isoselenocyanates 2 partially oligomerize to give two different oligomers. The symmetrical one reacts with morpholine to yield selenourea derivatives 12 (Scheme 6).     

Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Novel N‐(2‐Fluoro‐5(3‐methyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐pyrimidin‐1(6H)‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐phenoxyacetamide Derivatives

Thirteen novel N‐(2‐fluoro‐5‐(3‐methyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐1(6H)‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐phenoxy)acetamides were designed and synthesized utilizing 4‐fluoro‐aniline and ethyl 3‐amino‐4,4,4‐trifluoro‐but‐2‐enoate as starting materials. The chemical structures of all compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR, IR, mass spectrum and elemental analyses. Subsequently, the herbicidal activities of the as‐prepared compounds were evaluated in the greenhouse. Bioassay results indicated that most of compounds had better herbicidal activities against dicotyledonous weeds. Among all the tested compounds, compounds 4a – 4i showed good herbicidal activities at both pre‐emergence and post‐emergence treatment against two or three kinds of dicotyledonous weeds, such as Abutilon theophrasti Medic, Amaranthus ascendens L, and Chenopodium album L at the dosage of 75 g ai/ha.     

Reactions of 3‐methylamino‐5‐phenylthiophene with α,β‐unsaturated esters and α,β‐unsaturated nitriles

Treatment of 3‐methylamino‐5‐phenylthiophene with α,β‐unsaturated esters, i.e., methyl acrylate, (E)‐methyl crotonate, diethyl fumarate, diethyl maleate and ethyl propiolate, in tetrahydrofuran for several days at reflux gave 1‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydrothieno[2,3‐e]pyridin‐2‐ones 4 and/or 1‐methylthieno[2,3‐e]pyridin‐2‐ones 5 , depending on the structure of the esters. On the other hand, the same reactions with α,β‐unsaturated nitriles such as acrylonitrile and tetracyanoethene, gave the corresponding thiophenes 7 and 10 bearing 2‐cyanoethyl and 1,2,2‐tricyanoethenyl groups at C‐2, respectively. The reaction with (Z)‐1,2‐dicyanoethene under the same conditions produced the corresponding thiophene 9 bearing the 1,2‐dicyanoethenyl group and 1,2‐dicyano‐5‐methylaminobiphenyl.     

Reactions of Methyl Diazoacetate with (E)‐ and (Z)‐1,2‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)ethene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile: Novel and Unanticipated Pathways

The cycloadditions of methyl diazoacetate to 2,3‐bis(trifluoromethyl)fumaronitrile ((E)‐ BTE ) and 2,3‐bis(trifluoromethyl)maleonitrile ((Z)‐ BTE ) furnish the 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazoles 13 . The retention of dipolarophile configuration proceeds for (E)‐ BTE with > 99.93% and for (Z)‐ BTE with > 99.8% (CDCl₃, 25°), suggesting concertedness. Base catalysis (1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), proton sponge) converts the cycloadducts, trans‐ 13 and cis‐ 13 , to a 94 : 6 equilibrium mixture (CDCl₃, r.t.); the first step is N‐deprotonation, since reaction with methyl fluorosulfonate affords the 4,5‐dihydro‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazoles. Competing with the cis/trans isomerization of 13 is the formation of a bis(dehydrofluoro) dimer (two diastereoisomers), the structure of which was elucidated by IR, ¹⁹F‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. The reaction slows when DABCO is bound by HF, but F^? as base keeps the conversion to 22 going and binds HF. The diazo group in 22 suggests a common intermediate for cis/trans isomerization of 13 and conversion to 22 : reversible ring opening of N‐deprotonated 13 provides 18 , a derivative of methyl diazoacetate with a carbanionic substituent. Mechanistic comparison with the reaction of diazomethane and dimethyl 2,3‐dicyanofumarate, a related tetra‐acceptor‐ethylene, brings to light unanticipated divergencies.     

Synthesis of Some New Heterocycles Derived from Ethyl 7‐Amino‐3‐(3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl)‐5‐aryl‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate of Biological Importance

Ethyl 7‐amino‐3‐(3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐4‐yl)‐5‐aryl‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate was synthesized by the reaction of 4‐(2‐aminothiazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazoline with arylidene ethyl cyanoacetate and it transformed to related fused heterocyclic systems via reaction with various reagents. The biological activities of these compounds were evaluated.     

The formation of 3‐ferrocenylpyrazole‐4‐carboxylates and alkylhydrazine insertion products from α‐ferrocenylmethylidene‐β‐oxocarboxylates

The reactions of α‐ferrocenylmethylidene‐β‐oxocarboxylates ( 1 , 2 , 3a , and 3b ) with N‐methyl‐ and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)hydrazines ( 5a , 5b ) afford ethyl 1‐alkyl‐5‐aryl(methyl)‐3‐ferrocenylpyrazole‐4‐carboxylates ( 6a , 6b , 6c , 6d , 6e ) (～50%) and N‐alkylhydrazine insertion products, viz., ethyl (N′‐acyl‐N′‐alkylhydrazino)‐3‐ferrocenylpropanoates ( 7a , 7b , 7c , 7d , 7e ) (～20%) and 1‐acyl‐2‐(N′‐alkyl‐N′‐ethoxycarbonylhydrazino)‐2‐ferrocenylethanes ( 8a , 8b , 8c , 8d , 8e ) (～10%). The structures of the compounds obtained were established based on the spectroscopic data and X‐ray diffraction analysis (for pyrazoles 6a and 6b ). J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

Two‐step Synthesis of New γ‐Lactones via Cyclization of 7‐Chloro‐2‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4‐6‐dimethylocta‐(2E,4E,6E)‐trienoic acid

A new rapid synthesis of γ‐lactones, cis fused with a cyclopentenic ring by thermal cyclization of 7‐chloro‐2‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐4‐6‐dimethylocta‐7‐phenyl (or methyl) (2E,4E,6E)‐trienoic acids was reported. The key step implicates an intramolecular cyclization to a cyclopentenyl cation, according to an electrocyclic π_2s + π_2a conrotatory process, published in a recent paper (from the corresponding diacids). We have investigated the thermal behavior of the corresponding half‐esters since; if the cyclization obeys to the proposed mechanism, the diacids, half‐esters must also cyclize in a similar manner. Saponification of these led to γ‐dilactones via intermediary cyclopropanes. Mechanistic pathways were investigated.     

Synthesis and Antiplatelet‐Activity Evaluation of α‐Methylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones Bearing 3,4‐Dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one Moieties

In continuation of our search for potent antiplatelet agents, we have synthesized and evaluated several α‐methylidene‐γ‐butyrolactones bearing 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one moieties. O‐Alkylation of 3,4‐dihydro‐8‐hydroxyquinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 1 ) with chloroacetone under basic conditions afforded 3,4‐dihydro‐8‐(2‐oxopropoxy)quinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 2a ) and tricyclic 2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐5H‐pyrido[1,2,3‐de][1,4]benzoxazin‐5‐one ( 3a ) in a ratio of 1 : 2.84. Their Reformatsky‐type condensation with ethyl 2‐(bromomethyl)prop‐2‐enoate furnished 3,4‐dihydro‐8‐[(2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐2‐methyl‐4‐methylidene‐5‐oxofuran‐2‐yl)methoxy]quinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 4a ), which shows antiplatelet activity, in 70% yield. Its 2′‐Ph derivatives, and 6‐ and 7‐substituted analogs were also obtained from the corresponding 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐ones via alkylation and the Reformatsky‐type condensation. Of these compounds, 3,4‐dihydro‐7‐[(2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐4‐methylidene‐5‐oxo‐2‐phenylfuran‐2‐yl)methoxy]quinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 10b ) was the most active against arachidonic acid (AA) induced platelet aggregation with an IC₅₀ of 0.23 μM . For the inhibition of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) induced aggregation, 6‐{[2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐4‐methylidene‐5‐oxofuran‐2‐yl]methoxy}‐3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one ( 9c ) was the most potent with an IC₅₀ value of 1.83 μM .     

Preparation of 1‐substituted‐5‐[(2‐oxo‐2‐phenyl)ethyl]imidazoles

New high yield preparation methods were developed for the pharmaceutically interesting compounds, 1‐benzyl‐, 1‐methyl‐, and 1H‐5‐[(2‐oxo‐2‐phenyl)ethyl]imidazoles 1a‐c , respectively. The title compounds were synthesized by four different methods using various starting materials. Two of the methods involved transformation reactions of the key intermediates, 1‐substituted‐5‐[(2‐nitro‐2‐phenyl)ethenyl]imidazoles 2a‐c and 1‐substituted‐5‐[(2‐nitro‐2‐phenyl)ethyl]imidazoles 3a‐c , while the other two utilized the oxidation of 1‐substituted‐5‐[(2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenyl)ethyl]imidazoles 4a‐c , with chromic oxide, and the umpolung reaction of benzaldehyde followed by a condensation reaction of the umpolung intermediate with imidazolecarboxaldehydes 6a‐c.     

An Unexpected and Green Synthetic Protocol for Ethyl 1‐Aroyl/Aroylmethyl‐5‐methyl‐3‐methylthiopyrazole‐4‐carboxylates: High Regioselectivity in Alkylation and Acylation Reactions between N‐1 and N‐2 of a Pyrazole Ring

Two series, totaling twelve, of new compounds, ethyl 1‐aroyl/(aroylmethyl)‐5‐methyl‐3‐methylthiopyrazole‐4‐carboxylates ( 5 / 6 ), have been synthesized via highly regioselectively acylation and alkylation reactions of ethyl 3‐methyl‐5‐methylthio‐1 H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylate ( 2a ) with aroyl chloride ( 3 ) and eco‐friendly reagents alpha‐tosyloxysubstituted acetophenones ( 4 ), respectively, and a green protocol has been developed. The acylation reactions were carried out under ultrasound irradiation, and the alkylation reactions were under microwave irradiation and ultrasound irradiation, respectively. Conventional reaction conditions, as well as the use of alpha‐bromosubstituted acetophenone ( 4 ′) have also been applied in the synthesis of some randomly selected compounds in both series and have generated identical compounds correspondingly. Unexpected structures of compounds were unambiguously determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis.     

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of alkyl 1‐heteroaryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxylates

A series of alkyl l‐heteroaryl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxylates 6a‐u were synthesised in four steps from methyl (Z)‐2‐benzyloxycarbonylarmino‐3‐(dimethylamino)prop‐2‐enoate ( 1 ) and heterocyclic amines 2a‐s. Triazoles 6a‐o were tested against antimycobacterial activity. For the most active compound, n‐pentyl 1‐(6‐phenylpyridazin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxylate ( 6n ), minimum inhibitory concentration 3.13 μg/ml was determined.