Synthetic studies toward the zoanthamine alkaloids: synthesis of the fully functionalized BC ring motif

A synthetic approach toward lactone 20, representing the fully functionalized BC ring motif of the zoanthamine alkaloids, has been developed and is presented herein. The challenging C9 quaternary center of 20 was installed by a Wilkinson hydrogenation of enone 17 followed by construction of an α-bromo acetal and intramolecular cyclization exclusively from the α face of the BC ring system.     

Synthetic studies on isoschizogamine: construction of [3.3.1] bicyclic aminal core by using oxidative skeletal rearrangement

The tetracyclic core structure of isoschizogamine containing aminal functionality was constructed by oxidative skeletal rearrangement of a 1,2-diaminoethene derivative. The 1,2-diaminoethane was prepared by palladium-catalyzed allylation at the 4a position of a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline derivative and subsequent lactam formation. After the oxidative skeletal rearrangement using dimethyldioxirane, the allyl group was removed by a three-step sequence to provide the tetracyclic core skeleton of isoschizogamine with aminal functionality.     

Synthetic studies on altemicidin: stereocontrolled construction of the core framework

The stereoselective synthesis of the key intermediate for altemicidin has been accomplished. The synthesis commenced with a bicyclo[3.3.0] framework, which was readily obtained via an intramolecular C-H insertion reaction. A Curtius rearrangement was employed as a key step to stereoselectively construct the beta-hydroxyl alpha-disubstituted-alpha-amino acid structure. Synthesis of vinylogous urea was achieved using hydrolysis of nitrile intermediate.     

Synthetic studies on macroviracin A: a rapid construction of C(42) macrocyclic dilactone corresponding to the core

The C(2)-symmetric macrodiolide core 2 of an antiviral agent, macroviracin A (1), was constructed in a single step by the intermolecular macrodimerization of C(22)-hydroxy carboxylic acid 3 with 2-chloro-1,3-dimethylimidazolinium chloride and DMAP in the presence of sodium hydride (NaH). The use of potassium hydride instead of NaH caused the intramolecular cyclization, predominantly providing the corresponding monomer 26. The acid 3 was synthesized through a series of reactions such as the coupling reaction of acetylene 5 and oxirane 6, stereoselective glycosidation with the trichloroacetimidate method, and Jones oxidation.     

Synthetic studies on azadirachtin: stereoselective construction of the ABCE ring system

A new method for constructing the ABCE ring system of azadirachtin in a stereoselective manner was developed. The synthesis of the model compound features (1) stereoselective construction of the highly hindered C8 quaternary center by an intermolecular addition reaction of an allylborane with an aldehyde and (2) construction of the E ring moiety by the Pd-catalyzed Nazarov cyclization.     

Synthetic studies on chartelline C: stereoselective construction of the core skeleton

What a core-ker! The title synthesis was achieved using a route featuring an intramolecular Mitsunobu reaction of a nosyl amide, stereoselective construction of the β-lactam, and formation of an enamide moiety by selenoxide elimination. The stereochemistry of the alkylation for the formation of the β-lactam was controlled by a secondary hydroxy group on the ten-membered ring. SEM=2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl; TBS=tert-butyldimethylsilyl.     

Synthetic studies on (-)-FR182877: construction of the ABCD ring system via the intramolecular cycloadditions (1)

Construction of the ABCD ring system of (-)-FR182877 via the highly diastereoselective intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction is described. The IMDA reaction of the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde generated in situ from the corresponding acetal successfully provided the desired product 14 possessing the AB ring system as the single diastereomer. The CD ring system was constructed by the subsequent IMHDA reaction and the additional experiment suggested that the diastereoselectivity of the IMHDA reaction could be related to the E/Z geometry of alkene 17, which was generated in situ from 16.     

Synthetic studies toward the mitomycins: construction of the tetracyclic core via a reductive aminocyclization reaction

The tetracyclic core of the mitomycin family of natural products has been formed in one step from an acyclic precursor via a reductive aminocyclization reaction. Additionally, the eight-membered benzazocine can be prepared without the need for prior activation of the aniline. Construction of a mitomycin K analogue lacking the C9a methoxy moiety is also reported herein.     

Synthetic studies on lycopodine: construction of hexahydrojulolidine core by intramolecular Mannich reaction

The tricyclic core skeleton of lycopodine was constructed by the intramolecular Mannich reaction of a 12-membered cyclic amine. The concise assembly of the macrocyclic intermediate was executed by the sequential inter- and intramolecular N-alkylation of a linear diol using Ns-amide. The fully functionalized diol was prepared via Michael reaction of enone and malonate. The key Mannich reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of silica gel to provide the tricyclic core skeleton of lycopodine.     

Synthesis of the zoanthamine ABC ring system: some surprises from intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions

[reaction: see text] In connection with the total synthesis of the marine alkaloids zoanthamine and norzoanthamine, an elaborate model study was conducted starting from (-)-carvone. In nine steps alkenyl iodides corresponding to the C11-C24 fragment of zoanthamine were obtained. The alkenyl iodides were coupled to various stannanes (C6-C10 fragment) via the Corey modification of the Stille reaction, affording a variety of Diels-Alder precursors. An interesting and highly unexpected cascade reaction sequence was observed during the screening of an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction, generating a novel tetracyclic framework. A slight modification in the Diels-Alder precursor allowed the desired cycloaddition to take place, giving the cycloadduct in 87% yield.     

Synthetic studies toward macrocidins: an RCM approach for the construction of the central cyclic core

The central macrocyclic core of the macrocidins was constructed using RCM as the key reaction. A preliminary investigation dealing with the key reactions, that is, the Dieckmann cyclization and the RCM, revealed that RCM of the β-ketoamide is better than RCM of the corresponding acyltetramic acid.     

Synthetic studies on (−)-FR182877: construction of the ABCD ring system via the intramolecular cycloadditions (2)

Construction of the ABCD ring system of (−)-FR182877 via the intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction and the highly diastereoselective intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder (IMHDA) reaction is described. The IMHDA reactions of the substrates incorporating the oxabutadiene with the E- or Z-alkene were examined, revealing that the sole product was obtained from both substrates and the E-alkene geometry was found to be crucial to obtaining the desired product.     

Synthetic studies towards the novel neurotrophic diterpenoids neovibsanins A and B: construction of the ABC core

A concise, general approach to the tricyclic furo-furan-based core structure present in the bioactive natural products neovibsanins A and B, from readily available Baylis-Hillman adducts, is delineated.     

A valuable heterocyclic ring transformation: from isoxazolin-5(2H)-ones to quinolines

A new synthesis of quinoline derivatives was achieved by catalytic hydrogenation of 3,4-disubstituted 2-(2-formylphenyl)-isoxazolin-5(2H)-ones. In the same way, 2,3-disubstituted [1,8]naphthyridine was obtained.     

Synthetic studies toward neovibsanins A and B: construction of the neovibsanin core utilizing palladium(0)-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization with carbon monoxide

The core A-ring of neovibsanins A (1) and B (2), which are potent neurotrophic agents isolated from the leaves of Viburnum awabuki, have been effectively constructed by the intramolecular palladium(0)-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of alkenyl iodide with carbon monoxide.     

Synthetic study of yonarolide: stereoselective construction of the tricyclic core

Stereoselective construction of the tricyclic core of yonarolide (1), a marine norditerpenoid, was achieved. This synthetic route includes a Diels-Alder reaction and an intramolecular aldol condensation. It also involves efficient epimerization through a retro-Michael reaction-Michael addition and will be applicable to the total synthesis of 1.     

Stereoselective synthesis of (E)-beta-tributylstannyl-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones: construction of a key intermediate for the total synthesis of zoanthamine

(E)-beta-Trialkylstannyl-alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones are readily available from secondary propargylic alcohols via a two-step sequence involving highly regio- and stereoselective Pd(0)-catalyzed hydrostannation followed by mild oxidation (TPAP). The methodology has been applied to the synthesis of enantiomerically pure enone 12 which is a key intermediate for the total synthesis of zoanthamine, a structurally complex marine natural product.     

Synthetic studies on the phorboxazoles: a short synthesis of an epi-C23 tetrahydropyran core

Studies on the synthesis of the anticancer natural products, the phorboxazoles have led to the synthesis of the C21-C32 penta-substituted tetrahydropyran core which is epimeric to the natural product at C23. The synthesis was achieved in only seven linear steps. The key steps were the use of a Masamune-Abiko anti-aldol reaction, the formation of a dihydropyran precursor molecule by the use of a new ‘Maitland-Japp-like’ cyclisation, and a highly diastereoselective reductive alkylation of the dihydropyran double bond, to generate the corresponding tetrahydropyran ring in an excellent yield.     

Synthetic studies directed towards asmarines; construction of the tetrahydrodiazepinopurine moiety by ring closing metathesis

Asmarines are tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[1,2,3-g,h]purine derivatives isolated from marine sponges (Raspailia sp). They possess profound cytotoxic activity towards cancer cell lines, and are thus attractive synthetic targets. The tetrahydrodiazepinopurine ring skeleton has been prepared employing the RCM reaction on Boc-protected 6-allylamino-7-(propen-1-yl)purine as the key step for the construction of the seven-membered ring. 7-(Propen-1-yl)purines were formed by a novel rearrangement of 7-allylpurines under basic conditions. Boc-protected N⁶,7-diallylpurine also participated in RCM to give the eight-membered ring analog of the diazepinopurine.     

Intramolecular Diels-Alder cyclizations of (E)-1-Nitro-1,7,9-decatrienes: synthesis of the AB ring system of norzoanthamine

[formula: see text] Cyclizations of substituted (E)-1-nitro-1,7,9-decatrienes under thermal and Lewis acid conditions have led to the formation of decalin ring systems with excellent endo selectivity. This strategy has been applied to the synthesis of the AB ring system of norzoanthamine.