Construction of a pentacyclic ring system of isoryanodane diterpenoids by SmI2-mediated transannular cyclization

Isoryanodane diterpenoids possess a densely oxygenated and intricately fused pentacycle (ABCDE-ring), although its unique ring system has not yet been assembled chemically. The 6/5/7-membered BCD-rings of isoryanodanes differ from the 5/6/6-membered rings of the structurally-related ryanodanes. We previously achieved the total synthesis of ryanodine and five other ryanodane diterpenoids by employing the common ABDE-tetracyclic intermediate 1. Herein, we report a new strategy for constructing isoryanodane ABCDE-ring structure 3 from 1 via a combination of the oxy-Cope rearrangement and SmI₂-mediated transannular cyclization.     

The preparation of some cyclic phosphonates and their use in olefin synthesis

The preparation and the use in olefin synthesis of two 5-membered cyclic phosphonates, 2-carbethoxy-methyl 4,5-dimethyle-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (4b) and 2-cyanomethyl-4,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-diox-aphospholane (4c) and the 6-membered phosphonates, 2-carbalkoxymethyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-diox-aphosphorinanes (5a and 5b) and 2-cyanomethyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinane (5c) are described. Reactions of 4b with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes lead to preferential formation of cis-olefins. Reactions of the other cyclic phosphonates with aldehydes lead to various mixtures of cis and trans olefins.     

Design, synthesis, and cytotoxicity of 4-sulfonamide substituted benzamidobenzimidazolones and an acyl benzimidazolone

4-Sulfonamide substituted benzamidobenzimidazolones were designed and docked into the active site model of CDK2, using an oxindole inhibitor as the template. Compounds 6a-6i were then prepared from the reaction of the sulfonyl chloride 1 with different amines to give the corresponding acids (2a-2i), which were converted to their corresponding acyl chlorides (3a-3i). Reaction of 3a-3i with o-nitrophenylhydrazine afforded the respective nitro derivatives (4a-4i). The nitro groups were then reduced to give the corresponding amines (5a-5i), which, upon reaction with ethyl chloroformate, the target compounds (6a-6i) were produced. Target benzimidazolone derivatives (9a-9e) were also prepared from the reaction of isopropenyl benzimidazolone (8) with different sulfonyl or acyl chlorides. The target compounds were then tested by a modified 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against the cancer cell lines, Hep G2, HT-29, CL1-5 and AGS. Despite similar binding properties of the flexible benzamidobenzimidazolones and rigid cytotoxic oxindole inhibitors at the active site of CDK2, biological screening results indicated that benzamidobenzimidazolones did not exhibit significant cell growth inhibition in vitro. Their analogue, 3-acyl benzimidazolone (12), however, revealed cytotoxicity similar to that of the reference oxindole inhibitor.     

Synthesis of carbo- and heterocyclic compounds by radical-initiated cyclizations of propargylsilanes

Propargylic silanes of type 2,4,9,11, and 13 undergo smooth cyclization in refluxing benzene and in the presence of AIBN and tributyltin hydride. Ring closure of carbocycles and also of 5- and 6-membered O-heterocyclic rings is achieved in high chemical yields.     

The 4-penten-4-olide group: A novel,multidirectional participant in cationic olefin cyclization

The alkenyl-substituted 4-penten-4-olide 1 on treatment with various acids is selectively converted to 5-, 6-, or 7-membered carbocyclic loctones or keto acids.     

Addition of selenium dibromide to divinyl sulfide: spontaneous rearrangement of 2,6-dibromo-1,4-thiaselenane to 5-bromo-2-bromomethyl-1,3-thiaselenolane

Synthesis of the novel selenium heterocycles 1, 2, and 3 based on the addition reaction of selenium dibromide to divinyl sulfide is described. The reaction proceeded in CCl₄ at room temperature to give the thiaselenane 1. Even at low temperature in chloroform solution, the 6-membered thiaselenane 1 underwent spontaneous rearrangement to the 5-membered thiaselenolane 2. In turn, the thiaselenolane 2 underwent spontaneous dehydrobromination to the thiaselenole 3 in chloroform.     

Reaction of 5,5-diphenyl-2-thiohydantoin with 1,3-dibromopropane : Crystal and molecular structure of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-6,6-diphenylimidazo [2, 1-b]-thiazine-7 (6H)-one

The reaction between the potassium salt of 5,5-diphenyl-2-thiohydantoin (1) and 1,3-dibromopropane carried out in DME under anhydrous conditions has been found to give two isomeric diphenylimidazothiazines 2 and 3. When the reaction of 1 with 1,3-dibromopropane was performed in protic solvents (EtOH, HOH, NaOH) 2 and 3-(3-mercaptopropyl) - 5,5 - diphenylthiohydantoin (4) were formed. The latter is the product of hydrolysis of 3 taking place under the reaction conditions. 2,3,4,5 - Tetrahydro - 6,6 - diphenylimidazo [2,1-b] - thiazine - 7 (6H) - one (2) crystallises in space group P2₁/n with a =10.812(3), b =14.905(7), c =9.885(4) Å, β = 104.91(2)°. The 5-membered ring in 2 is planar whereas the 6-membered thiazine ring adopts the sofa conformation.     

Ring contraction mechanisms in substituted cyclohexylium cations

The effect of an electron donating or withdrawing group on the ring contraction mechanism of a cyclohexylium (cyclohexane-derived) cation has been studied using density functional theory. The barrier to rearrangement of the parent cyclohexane cation (1) was previously calculated to be 7.7 kcal/mol using PBE/6-311++G(2d, 2p). We show in this work that addition of an electron withdrawing group (CF₃) lowers the average barrier to ring contraction, while an electron donating group (CH₃) increases the average barrier, relative to the parent, unsubstituted, cyclohexane cation. Calculated barrier heights for going from a 6-membered to 5-membered ring range from 4.3 to 23.3 kcal/mol for methyl-cyclohexylium (2), but only from 0.6 to 14.0 kcal/mol for trifluoromethyl-cyclohexylium (3). The lower barriers for 3 can be explained by (a) the starting structures involved, and (b) the use of dative bonding as a catalyst in stabilizing intermediates and transition states. For 1 and 3 the reaction involves starting from secondary cations and going downhill in energy through secondary intermediates to a tertiary product. However, 2 does not benefit from such favorable energetics since it more likely starts from a tertiary cation and has to first rearrange to secondary intermediates to derive the tertiary methyl-cyclopentane-type product.     

A study of the claisen rearrangement of 7-cinnamyloxy benzo-γ-pyrones

The Claisen rearrangement of 7-O-cinnamyl noreugenin (2) yields 4′,5′ - dihydro - 5 - hydroxy - 2,4′ - dimethyl - 5′ - phenyl - furo (2′,3′: 7,8) chromone (6) as established by its NMR spectrum, whereas that of 7-cinnamyloxyflavone (10a) and 5 - hydroxy - 7 - cinnamyloxy - 2 - methylisoflavone (10b) afford the corresponding furo derivatives (12a and 12b respectively). All these rearrangements are symmetry-allowed but are accompanied by further reactions of thermal cyclisation via 3-membered cyclic intermediate (5) and/or dehydrogenation.     

Synthesis,spectral properties and conformational preferences of macrocyclic compounds containing 2,5-dithio-1,3,4-thiadiazole subunits

The syntheses of macrocyles 1–6, containing 2,5 - dithio - 1,3,4 - thiadiazole subunits connected by 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-bis(methylene)benzenes, as well as of the appropriate open-chain model compounds 7–12 are described. Structure proofs were afforded by their mass and ¹H NMR spectra. Different decompostion processes upon electron-impact are ascertained for compounds 1–12, depending on the position of the bridges and ortho substitution; therefore, the mass spectra can provide a sensitive diagnostic tool for structure elucidation of positional isomers. The NMR spectral data of macroycyles 1–6, coupled with those of the corresponding open-chain derivatives 7–12, indicate that the preferred conformations are determined primarily by the size and shape of their ring systems. Furthermore, variable-temperature NMR studies on intraannularly methyl substituted macrocyles 3 and 6 provide evidence that the 20-membered mesityl derivative 3 adopt the saddle-shape conformation (IV) (the energy barrier for the restricted rotation of methylene bridges if found to be ΔG^≠= 13.8 kcal/mole at + 5°), while the duryl groups in the 22-membered macrocycle 6 are free rotating even at ?60°.     

One-pot synthesis of macrocyclic compounds possessing two cyclobutane rings by sequential inter- and intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions

Sensitized photocycloaddition reactions of 6,6′-dimethyl-4,4′-[1,3-bis(methylenoxy)phenylene]-di-2-pyrone (1) with electron-poor α,ω-diolefins such as ethylene diacrylate (2a) and polyoxyethylene dimethacrylates (2b-d) afforded site- and stereoselective macrocyclic dioxatetralactones (3a-d) and (4b) having 18- to 25-membered rings across the C5-C6 and C5′-C6′ double bonds, or C5-C6 and C3′-C4′ double bonds in 1, respectively. Similar photoreactions of 1 with electron-rich α,ω-diolefins such as poly(ethylene glycol)divinyl ether (2e and 2f) afforded crown ether-type macrocyclic compounds (5e and 5f) having 18- and 21-membered rings across the C3-C4 and C3′-C4′ double bonds in 1, respectively. The stereochemical features of 3b, 5e-xx, and 5e-nn were determined by the X-ray crystal analysis. The reaction mechanism was inferred by MO methods.     

The synthesis of substituted [1]benzothieno[2,3-c]quinolines and their N-methyl quaternary salts

Four substituted [1]benzothieno[2,3-c]quinolines 14a-14d were prepared by photocyclization of the appropriate carboxamides 8a-8d to the corresponding [1]benzothieno[2,3-c]quinolin-6(5H)-ones 12a-12d followed by chlorination to 6-chloro[1]benzothieno[2,3-c]quinolines 13a-13d and dechlorination resulting in the title compounds. Treatment of 14a-14d with iodomethane furnished the corresponding N-methyl quaternary salts 5a-5d .     

First total synthesis of modiolide A, based on the whole-cell yeast-catalyzed asymmetric reduction of a propargyl ketone

While the first total synthesis of modiolide A (1a), a 10-membered ring lactone with a marine-origin was achieved, an important chiral building block for constructing the chirality at C-4 in 1a, (S)-6-[(4-methoxybenzyl)oxy]-1-trimethylsilyl-1-hexyn-3-ol (3a) was obtained in as high as 96.1% ee. Asymmetric reduction of a silylated propargyl ketone (5) mediated by whole-cell of Pichia minuta IAM 12215 was established. This yeast-mediated reduction was also applicable to provide stereochemically pure (3S,5R)-5-[(4-methoxybenzyl)oxy]-1-trimethylsilyl-1-hexyn-3-ol (15), a synthetic intermediate for the related 10-membered lactone, tuckolide (16).     

Jump rope rotation in trans-cycloalkenes

A series of 1,2-bis-methylenecycloalkane monoepoxides(2a-e)was prepared from the related 12-to 16-membered cyclic ketones. Reduction with lithium in ammonia afforded the corresponding trans-and cis-2-methylcycloalkenylmethanols (3a/4a-3e/4e) in ratios of 92:8-78:22. Sharpless epoxidation of these allylic alcohols with 0.6 equivalents of the reagent prepared from titanium isopropoxlde, (+)-diisopropyl tartrate, and t-butylhydroperoxide gave rise to a mixture of the epoxy alcohols 6a-e and recovered allylic alcohols. In the case of the 12- to 14-membered cycloalkenes the recovered alcohols 3a-c were optically active. The 15- and 16-membered cases 3d and e were racemic. Barriers to jump rope rotation were calculated by means of the Still Macro Model program.     

Anion binding with some 22- and 28-membered selenaaza macrocycles: Structural aspects and Se NMR studies

A series of macrocyclic adducts of the 22- and 28-membered selenaaza macrocycles (1 and 2, respectively) with different counter anions such as halides, sulfate, perchlorate, phosphate, trifluoroacetate and nitrate has been prepared. The adducts have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, ⁷⁷Se NMR and ESI-MS analysis. The ⁷⁷Se NMR spectrum of the adduct (7) shows an upfield shift compared to the parent macrocycle. The bromo (5), iodo (6), sulfate (7), trifluroacetate (10) adducts of the 22-membered selenaaza macrocycle and perchlorate (16), trifluroacetate (18) adducts of the 28-membered selenaaza macrocycle have been structurally characterized. The crystal structures show extensive hydrogen bonding networks. The molecular structures of all the compounds show the macrocycle to be fully protonated except the trifluroacetate adduct of the 22-membered macrocycle (10), which is only diprotonated. The binding constants of the neutral 22-membered selenaaza macrocycle towards, fluoride, bromide, iodide and sulfate ion have been determined by the NMR titration method.     

A structural study of dimethylaluminum carboxylato and hydrazonato complexes

The reaction of trimethylaluminum with 2,4,6-triphenylbenzoic acid and the isoelectronic fluoren-9-one phenylhydrazone results in the formation of the dialkylaluminum complexes [(CH₃)₂Al{μ-O₂CPh(Ph₃)}]₂ (4) and [Me₂AlN(C₆H₅)NC₁₃H₈]₂ (5). The synthesis of these complexes, as well as their spectroscopic and structural characterization are reported. X-ray crystallographic studies show that the carboxylato complex 4 adopts a dimeric structure containing an 8-membered O-Al-O-C core whereas the hydrazonato complex 5 likewise is dimeric in the solid state, but exhibits a 6-membered N-Al-N heterocyclic ring.     

Photoinduced Electron Transfer Oxygenations of 4-Arylmethylene-1,3(2H,4H)-isoquinolinediones via their anion radical intermediates

Photoinduced Electron Transfer Oxygenations of 4-Arylmethylene-1,3(2H,4H)-isoquinolinediones afforded oxiranes (5a-5c, 6a-6c, 7) and 1, 3, 4-isoquinolinetriones (8 and 9) as major products in high yields in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). These oxygenation reactions are initiated by single electron transfer between photoexcited 4-Arylmethylene-1,3(2H,4H)-isoquinolinediones and TEA, and proceeded via the anion radicals of the substrates.     

Fluorine in pheromones: Synthesis of fluorinated 12-dodecanolides as emerald ash borer pheromone mimetics

A series of five 12-dodecanolides have been synthesised containing CF₂ groups at C5, C6, C7, C8 and in one case, a double substitution at C5 & C8, as a strategy to bias the conformational space accessed by these macrocycles, and to assess if the analogues may act as mimetics of 13-membered macrolide pheromones associated with the emerald ash borer. Accordingly individual syntheses of 5,5-difluoro- 5, 6,6-difluoro- 6, 7,7-difluoro- 7, 8,8-difluoro- 8 and 5,5,8,8-tetrafluoro- 9, 12-dodecanolides are outlined, and X-ray structural data were obtained for three (5, 8 and 9) of these compounds. The structures show clearly that the CF₂ groups occupy ‘corner’ locations in the macrocycle consistent with their ability to bias accessible conformations. The fluorine containing 12-dodecanolides all generated an electro-antennogram response in female beetles.     

NH4I-catalyzed chalcogen(S/Se)-functionalization of 5-membered N-heteroaryls under metal-free conditions

Herein, we described the NH₄I-catalyzed CH bond chalcogenation of N-heteroaryls in the presence of a minimum amount of DMSO/H₂O/acetic acid as additives (2.5/2.5/1?M equiv., respectively), under metal-free conditions. Under optimized conditions, a wide variety of sulfenyl/selenyl imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines were prepared in very good yields. Moreover, the present approach was also highly efficient for the chalcogenation of different 5-membered N-heteroaryls, e.g., indole, imidazothiazole, indazole and imidazopyrimidine derivatives.     

Enantioselective synthesis of 2-allyl and 2-(3-trimethylsilylpropargyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexanone using osmium-catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation

The catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation of (1-cyclohexenyl) or (1-cyclopentenyl) acetonitrile 5 and 15 with AD-mix-β occurred with good enantiofacial selectivity (87 to 94.7% ee after recrystallization) giving (R,R)-diols in agreement with the mnemonic device. The 6-membered ring diol nitrile was easily transformed, via standard functional group manipulations, to 2-allyl and 2-(3-trimethylsilylprop-2-ynyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexanone in about 35% overall yield.