Enantiodivergent total synthesis of microcarpalide from l-tartaric acid

Stereoselective approach for the synthesis of both enantiomers of bio-active decanolactone microcarpalide is described from l-tartaric acid. The synthesis of the key intermediates en route to the natural product is achieved from l-tartaric acid involving the elaboration of γ-hydroxy amide derived from tartaric acid and ring opening of an epoxide derived from tartaric acid.     

An efficient synthesis of d-ribo- and l-lyxo-phytosphingosine from d-tartaric acid

The preparations of d-ribo- and l-lyxo-phytosphingosines (1, 2) are described. Chelation-controlled addition of tetradecylmagnesium bromide to pentylidene-protected d-threitol aldehyde 6 afforded the key intermediate tetrol 7, providing the desired l-lyxo stereochemistry of phytosphingosine. Inversion at C4 of intermediate 7 provided the d-ribo stereochemistry.     

Synthesis of l,l-puromycin

l,l-Puromycin, a diastereomer of the natural peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic puromycin, has been synthesized from l-xylose in 13 steps.     

Intermolecular/interionic interactions in l-isoleucine-, l-proline-, and l-glutamine-aqueous electrolyte systems

Speed of sound and density values for ternary systems (amino acid + salt + water): l-isoleucine/l-proline/l-glutamine in aqueous solutions of 1.5 M KCl, 1 M KNO₃, and 0.5 M K₂SO₄ have been measured for several concentrations of amino acids at different temperatures (303.15, 308.15, 313.15, 318.15, and 323.15 K). Using speed of sound and density data, the thermodynamic parameters such as isentropic compressibility (κ_s), change in isentropic compressibility (Δκ_s) and relative change (Δκ_s/κ₀) in isentropic compressibility have been computed. The isentropic compressibility values decrease with increase in the amino acid concentration as well as with temperature. The decrease in κ_s values with increase in concentration of l-isoleucine/l-proline/l-glutamine in 1.5 M KCl, 1 M KNO₃, and 0.5 M K₂SO₄ has been ascribed to an increase in the number of incompressible zwitterions in solutions, and the formation of ‘zwitterions-ions’ and ‘zwitterions-water dipole’ entities in solutions. The decrease in κ_s values with increase in temperature has been attributed to the corresponding decrease of κ_relax (a relaxational part of compressibility), which is dominant over the corresponding increase of κ_∞ (an instantaneous part of compressibility). The trends of variation of Δκ_s and Δκ_s/κ₀ with variations in solute concentration and temperature have also been discussed in terms of solute-solute and solute-solvent intermolecular/interionic interactions operative in the systems.     

l-lysine-l-tartaric acid: New molecular complex with nonlinear optical properties. Structure, vibrational spectra and phase transitions

The first X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopic analysis of a novel complex between l-lysine and l-tartaric acid is reported. The structure was solved in two temperatures (320 and 260 K) showing incommensurate phase between them. Room-temperature powder infrared and Raman measurements for the l-lysine-l-tartaric acid molecular complex (1:1) were carried out. DSC measurements on powder samples indicate two phase transitions points at about 295, 300 and 293, 300 K, for heating and cooling, respectively, with noticeable temperature interval between them. Second harmonic generation efficiency d_eff=0.35 d_eff (KDP).     

Tetrahydrofuran-mediated radical processes: stereoselective synthesis of d,l-hexestrol

The highly stereoselective synthesis of d,l-hexestrol (1), an inhibitor of microtubule assembly, is developed by using, as a key step, an intermolecular coupling of Co₂(CO)₆-complexed propargyl radicals. The latter are generated by novel complementary processes involving an interaction of tetrahydrofuran with Co₂(CO)₆-complexed propargyl alcohols and cations. An isomerically pure d,l-μ-η²-[3,4-di(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,5-hexadiyne]-bis-dicobalthexacarbonyl (d,l-6) is isolated in 69-91% yield with intermolecular coupling reactions exhibiting an excellent chemo- (0.5-7%) and d,l-diastereoselectivity (90-94%). The structure of d,l-6 is determined by X-ray diffraction. The subsequent steps include BBr₃-induced demethylation of 4-methoxyaryl groups, demetalation with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate, and hydrogenation of acetylenic termini affording d,l-hexestrol (1).     

Synthesis of d-gluco-, l-ido-, d-galacto-, and l-altro-configured glycaro-1,5-lactams from tartaric acid

The d-gluco-, l-ido-, d-galacto-, and l-altro-configured glycaro-1,5-lactams 1-4 were prepared from the known tartaric anhydride 5 via the aldehyde 6. These lactams are known (1) or potential (2-4) inhibitors of β-d-glucuronidases and α-l-iduronidases. Olefination of 6 to the (E)- and (Z)-alkenes 7 or 8, followed by reagent or substrate controlled dihydroxylation, lactonization, azidation, reduction, and deprotection led in 10 steps and in overall yields of 11-20% to the title lactams.     

Synthesis of l-aminohomohistidine (l-Ahh)

A short synthesis of l-aminohomohistidine (l-Ahh), which starts from readily available δ-hydroxy-l-lysine is described. The embedding of the basic guanidino moiety in the aromatic imidazole lowers the basicity of the side chain to a pK_a of 8.3. It is proposed that l-Ahh may be employed as an arginine-mimetic in medicinal chemistry.     

Racemization behavior of l,l-lactide during heating

To control the depolymerization process of poly(l-lactic acid) into l,l-lactide for feedstock recycling, the racemization of l,l-lactide as a post-depolymerization reaction was investigated. In the absence of a catalyst, the conversion to meso-lactide increased with increase in the heating temperature and time at a higher rate than the conversion into oligomers. The resulting high composition of meso-lactide suggests that the direct racemization of l,l-lactide had occurred in addition to the known racemization mechanism that occurs on the oligomer chains. In the presence of MgO, the oligomerization rapidly proceeded to reach an equilibrium state between monomers and oligomers. The equilibrium among l,l-, meso-, and d,d-lactides was found to be a convergent composition ratio l,l-:meso-:d,d-lactides = 1:1.22:0.99 (wt/wt/wt) after 120 min at 300 °C. This composition ratio also indicates that in addition to the known racemization reaction on the oligomer chains, direct racemization among the lactides is also a frequent occurrence.     

l-Lysine-linked anthracenophane derived from thermodynamically controlled intermediates

We easily and simply synthesized l-lysine-linked anthracenophane from [2+2] macrocyclization between anthracene-9,10-dicarboxaldehyde and l-lysine methyl ester by thermodynamically controlled process. The structure was characterized by single crystal X-ray resolution and ¹H NMR. Circular dichroism spectrum showed induced-CDs including exciton-coupled CD, suggesting that intramolecular anthracene moieties exist in chiral arrangement. The resultant anthracenophane can form a 1:1 complex with a silver(I) ion in its cavity via NH-metal coordination and cation-π interaction (K_a = 2.62 × 10⁵ M⁻¹).     

A convenient synthesis of l-ribose from d-fructose

An efficient method for the stereoselective synthesis of l-ribose was accomplished starting from commercially inexpensive d-fructose. The intermediates in the process can serve as versatile precursors for the preparation of l-nucleoside analogues.     

Phase behavior of biodegradable amphiphilic poly(l,l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l,l-lactide)

This study describes the miscibility phase behavior in two series of biodegradable triblock copolymers, poly(l-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA), prepared from two di-hydroxy-terminated PEG prepolymers (M_n = 4000 or 600 g mol⁻¹) with different lengths of poly(l-lactide) segments (polymerization degree, DP = 1.2-145.6). The prepared block copolymers presented wide range of molecular weights (800-25,000 g mol⁻¹) and compositions (16-80 wt.% of PEG). The copolymer multiphases coexistance and interaction were evaluated by DSC and TGA. The copolymers presented a dual stage thermal degradation and decreased thermal stability compared to PEG homopolymers. In addition, DSC analyses allowed the observation of multiphase separation; the melting temperature, T_m, of PLLA and PEG phases depended on the relative segment lengths and the only observed glass transition temperature (T_g) in copolymers indicated miscibility in the amorphous phase.     

Intermolecular/interionic interactions in l-leucine-, l-asparagine-, and glycylglycine-aqueous electrolyte systems

Ultrasonic velocity and density values have been measured for ternary systems (amino acid/di-peptide + salt + water): l-leucine/l-asparagine/glycylglycine each in 1.5 M aqueous solutions of NaCl or NaNO₃ or KNO₃ used as solvents for several concentrations of amino acids/di-peptide at different temperatures in the range of 298.15-323.15 K. The ultrasonic velocity values have been found to increase with increase in amino acids/di-peptide concentration and temperature in all the systems. The increase in ultrasonic velocity with increase in concentration has been discussed in terms of electrostatic interactions occurring between terminal groups of zwitterions (NH₄⁺ and COO⁻) and Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ ions. The interactions of water dipoles with cations/anions and with zwitterions have also been taken into consideration. It has been observed that the ion-zwitterion and ion-dipole attractive forces are stronger than those of ion-hydrophobic repulsive forces. These interactions comprehensively introduce the cohesion into solutions under investigation. The cohesive forces are further enhanced on successive increases in solute concentration. Using ultrasonic velocity and density data, the parameters such as isentropic compressibility (κ_s), change (Δκ_s) and relative change (Δκ_s/κ₀) in isentropic compressibility, specific acoustic impedance (Z) and relative association (RA) have been computed. The isentropic compressibility values decrease with increase in the concentration of solutes as well as with temperature. The decrease in κ_s values with increase in concentration of l-leucine, l-asparagine and glycylglycine in 1.5 M aqueous solutions of NaCl, NaNO₃ and KNO₃ have been explained in terms of an increase in the number of incompressible molecules/zwitterions in solutions and the formation of compact zwitterions-water dipole and zwitterions-ions structures in solutions. The decrease in κ_s values with increase in temperature has been attributed to the corresponding decrease of κ_relax. (relaxational part of compressibility)_, which is dominant over the corresponding increase of κ_∞ (instantaneous part of compressibility). The trends of variations of Δκ_s, Δκ_s/κ₀, Z and RA with change of concentration and temperature have also been interpreted in terms of various intermolecular/interionic interactions existing in the systems.     

Large scale synthesis of the acetonides of l-glucuronolactone and of l-glucose: easy access to l-sugar chirons

1,2-O-Isopropylidene-α-l-glucurono-3,6-lactone may be synthesized on a 100-200 g scale from cheaply available d-glucoheptonolactone in an overall yield of 94% in four steps via l-glucuronolactone. Subsequent elaboration to l-glucose, diacetone-l-glucose (1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-l-glucofuranose), and monoacetone-l-glucose (1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-l-glucofuranose) allows easy access to a range of l-sugar chirons.     

Stereoselective synthesis of Boc-protected l-seleno- and tellurolanthionine, l-seleno- and tellurocystine and derivatives

Optically active seleno- and telluro amino acids can be synthesized from serine via its β-lactone with selenides and tellurides under overall retention of the serine stereochemistry. Boc-protected l-selenolanthionine, l-tellurolanthionine, l-selenocystine, l-tellurocystine and l-tellurocysteine derivatives can be obtained in good yields.     

Novel stereocontrolled approach to conformationally constrained analogues of l-glutamic acid and l-proline via stereoselective cyclopropanation of 3,4-didehydro-l-pyroglutamic ABO ester

A new stereocontrolled approach to l-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycines (l-CCGs) and 3,4-methano-l-prolines, conformationally constrained analogues of l-glutamic acid and l-proline, respectively, was developed using a 3,4-didehydro-l-pyroglutamate derivative as a common chiral template. The unsaturated l-pyroglutamate derivative employed in this work is a novel chiral synthon in which the carboxyl functionality is protected as a 2,7,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl group (ABO ester). Stereospecific cyclopropanation of the olefin using diazomethane followed by appropriate functional group interconversion gave l-CCG-III and trans-3,4-methano-l-proline with complete stereocontrol. Synthesis of other diastereomers of l-CCG and cis-3,4-methano-l-proline was accomplished by alteration of the 3,4-methanoglutamic acid framework via carboxycyclopropanation of the olefin with sulfur ylide and subsequent Barton decarboxylation reaction of the original γ-carboxyl group included in the pyroglutamate skeleton.     

Hydrolytic degradation of carbohydrate-based polyamides of the AABB type derived from l-arabinose and d-xylose

The hydrolytic degradation of a series of aregic carbohydrate-based polyamides derived from l-arabinose and d-xylose is described. These polyamides are those that are fully sugar-based (PA-SuSu), those derived from aldaric acids and polyalkylene diamines (PA-mSu), and those derived from diamine sugars and polyalkylene dicarboxylic acids (PA-Sun). Their physical properties and crystal structures depend on their constitution and the configuration of the carbohydrate-based moiety. The feasibility of the hydrolysis of these polyamides was, in general, related with such structural properties. Thus, the fully sugar-based PA-SuSu were amorphous, water-soluble materials, and were hydrolysed in water at 70 °C. PA-mSu were crystalline and more resistant to hydrolysis — they were degraded at pH 2 and 70 °C [T_g(s) 60-90 °C]. PA-Sun were amorphous and highly hygroscopic materials — they were hydrolysed in water at 37 °C [T_g(s) 25-40 °C].     

From d-xylose to a d-glycero-l-altrose derivative

A key intermediate corresponding to a rare sugar framework has been synthesized, starting from d-xylose, an inexpensive carbohydrate. This approach gave access to new elaborated sugar moieties for structure–activity relationships in the KRN research.     

A convenient approach to total synthesis of synargentolide-B from l-ascorbic acid and d-ribose

A convenient and practical approach for the total synthesis of naturally occurring lactone synargentolide-B has been accomplished in 14 steps from the commercially available l-ascorbic acid and d-ribose involving Bestmann–Ohira reaction, zinc mediated allylation, ring closing-metathesis, and cross-metathesis reactions. The highlight of our strategy describes a one-pot reaction involving stereoselective addition of allylzinc reagent and selective reduction of terminal alkyne to obtain the key advanced intermediates.     

New building blocks for peptide and depsipeptide synthesis: hexafluoroacetone protected l-homoisoserine and d,l-homoisocysteine derivatives

Efficient syntheses of l-homoisoserine and d,l-homoisocysteine derivatives starting from l-malic and d,l-thiomalic acid using hexafluoroacetone as protecting and activating agent are described. The new compounds are interesting building blocks for the preparation of non-natural peptides and depsipeptides as well as for the construction of new GABA derivatives.