A rapid,simple, and mild procedure for alkylation of phenols,alcohols, amides and acids

A general, rapid method is described for alkylation of phenols and alcohols to give ethers, for amides to give N-substituted amides, and for acids to give esters. Differences in optimum reaction times suggest that where two or more such groups as phenol, alcohol, amide, and acid occur in the same molecule, differential alkylation could be effected with suitable substrates. Alkylation with primary alkyl halides was very effective but secondary halides showed evidence for competitive dehydrohalogenation before alkylation was complete and tertiary halides were rapidly dehydrohalogenated with no formation of alkylated derivatives. The method has been applied successfully to N,O-alkylation of peptides for mass spectrometric sequence determination. C-Methylation of peptidic amino-acid residues was observed only on carbon α to a carboxylic ester.     

2-Allyloxy/propargyloxypyridines: synthesis,structure, and biological activity

The alkylation (allylation and propargylation) of 3-cyano-6-dialkylamino-2-pyridones containing a d-annulated ring occurs at the oxygen atom. The structures of the starting compounds and their alkylation products were determined by X-ray diffraction. The neurotropic and antimicrobial activity of alkylation products was examined.     

Rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of key analogues of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins

The design, synthesis, and evaluation of a predictably more potent analogue of CC-1065 entailing the substitution replacement of a single skeleton atom in the alkylation subunit are disclosed and were conducted on the basis of design principles that emerged from a fundamental parabolic relationship between chemical reactivity and cytotoxic potency. Consistent with projections, the 7-methyl-1,2,8,8a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]thieno[3,2-e]indol-4-one (MeCTI) alkylation subunit and its isomer 6-methyl-1,2,8,8a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]thieno[2,3-e]indol-4-one (iso-MeCTI) were found to be 5-6 times more stable than the MeCPI alkylation subunit found in CC-1065 and slightly more stable than even the DSA alkylation subunit found in duocarmycin SA, placing it at the point of optimally balanced stability and reactivity for this class of antitumor agents. Their incorporation into the key analogues of the natural products provided derivatives that surpassed the potency of MeCPI derivatives (3-10-fold), matching or slightly exceeding the potency of the corresponding DSA derivatives, consistent with projections made on the basis of the parabolic relationship. Notable of these, MeCTI-TMI proved to be as potent as or slightly more potent than the natural product duocarmycin SA (DSA-TMI, IC50 = 5 vs 8 pM), and MeCTI-PDE2 proved to be 3-fold more potent than the natural product CC-1065 (MeCPI-PDE2, IC50 = 7 vs 20 pM). Both exhibited efficiencies of DNA alkylation that correlate with this enhanced potency without impacting the intrinsic selectivity characteristic of this class of antitumor agents.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 1,2,8, 8a-Tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]pyrrolo[3,2-e]indol-4(5H)-one, the parent alkylation subunit of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins: impact of the alkylation subunit substituents and its implications for DNA alkylation catalysis

The synthesis of 1,2,8,8a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]pyrrolo[3, 2-e]indol-4(5H)-one (CPI), the parent CC-1065 and duocarmycin SA alkylation subunit, is detailed. The parent CPI alkylation subunit lacks the C7 methyl substituent of the CC-1065 alkylation subunit and the C6 methoxycarbonyl group of duocarmycin SA, and their examination permitted the establishment of the impact of these natural product substituents. The studies revealed a CPI stability comparable to the CC-1065 alkylation subunit but which was 6x more reactive than the (+)-duocarmycin SA alkylation subunit, and it displayed the inherent reaction regioselectivity (4:1) of the natural products. The single-crystal X-ray structure of (+)-N-BOC-CPI depicts a near identical stereoelectronic alignment of the cyclopropane accounting for the identical reaction regioselectivity and a slightly diminished vinylogous amide conjugation relative to (+)-N-BOC-DSA suggesting that the stability distinctions stem in part from this difference in the vinylogous amide as well as alterations in the electronic nature of the fused pyrrole. Establishment of the DNA binding properties revealed that the CPI-based agents retain the identical DNA alkylation selectivities of the natural products. More importantly, the C6 methoxycarbonyl group of duocarmycin SA was found to increase the rate (12-13x) and efficiency (10x) of DNA alkylation despite its intrinsic lower reactivity while the CC-1065 C7 methyl group was found to slow the DNA alkylation rate (4x) and lower the alkylation efficiency (ca. 4x). The greater DNA alkylation rate and efficiency for duocarmycin SA and related analogues containing the C6 methoxycarbonyl is proposed to be derived from the extended length that the rigid C6 methoxycarbonyl provides and the resulting increase in the DNA binding-induced conformational change which serves to deconjugate the vinylogous amide and activate the alkylation subunit for nucleophilic attack. The diminished properties resulting from the CC-1065 C7 methyl group may be attributed to the steric impediment this substituent introduces to DNA minor groove binding and alkylation. Consistent with this behavior, the duocarmycin SA C6 methoxycarbonyl group increases biological potency while the CC-1065 C7 methyl group diminishes it.     

Alkylation, aldol, and related reactions of O-alkanoyl- and 2-alkenoylTEMPOs (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl): insight into the reactivity of their anionic species in comparison with esters and amides

The lithium anionic species generated from O-alkanoylTEMPOs upon treatment with LDA were first employed as a nucleophile for alkylation, Michael addition, direct aldol reaction, and others. The alkylation occurred smoothly at the methylene carbon, and no alkylation was found in the isobutyryl analogue, while silylation was scarcely attainable. Substitutions of the heteroatom were achieved by reaction with PhSSPh and DEAD. The reactivity of these anionic species is successfully extended to aldol reactions in which moderate anti or syn selectivity was executed with propionyl derivatives. Tandem Michael addition of lithium amide followed by aldol reaction was performed on the O-crotonoylTEMPOs.     

Preparation,purification, and analysis of alkylated cyclodextrins

Methods of alkylation of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins have been optimized with regard to the parameters of reaction, degree of alkylation and yields. The analysis of the reaction mixtures and of the isolated single species has been performed by high temperature GC and HPLC. The phase systems of the preferably applied HPLC have been carefully adjusted by variation of both the stationary and mobile phases to the very different hydrophobicities of the various alkylated CD species which have been synthesized. Several partially or fully alkylated CD species were isolated from preparative scale HPLC separations in high purity.     

Catalytic alkylation of pyridine and its homologs. Preparation of 3, 5-lutidine and 3-isopropylpyridine

When the catalytic alkylation of pyridine was carried out with methanol and dimethyl ether under high-pressure conditions the main product was 3, 5-lutidine. In the alkylation of 3-picoline with methanol, the main product was 3-isopropylpyridine.     

Role of planar chirality of S,N- and P,N-ferrocene ligands in palladium-catalyzed allylic substitutions

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitutions using thioether and phosphino derivatives of ferrocenyloxazoline as ligands have been investigated with a focus on studying the role of planar chirality. In allylic alkylation, up to 98% ee and 95% ee were achieved with S,N- and P,N-ligands, respectively. In allylic amination, 97% ee was realized with P,N-ligands in the presence of TBAF. Several palladium allylic complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction and/or solution NMR. Thioether derivatives of ferrocenyloxazolines with only planar chirality showed lower enantioselectivity in the allylic alkylation except 5c because of the formation of a new chirality on sulfur atom during the coordination of sulfur with palladium. On the other hand, in the planar chiral P,N-ligands without central chirality, (Sp)-11a-c there was no such disturbance and comparatively higher enantioselectivity in both palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation and amination was provided.     

Yatakemycin: total synthesis, DNA alkylation, and biological properties

DNA-binding small molecules are an important source of anticancer therapeutics that display a diverse array of mechanisms of action. Synthetic studies on the new DNA-alkylating natural product yatakemycin, detailed in this Highlight, have served to reassign its structure, assign the absolute stereochemistry, and provide access to yatakemycin and a series of structural analogues for biological evaluation. Studies on the DNA alkylation properties of (+)-and ent-(-)-yatakemycin and related analogues have demonstrated the enhanced DNA alkylation properties of this class of agents and provided insight into their interaction with DNA.     

Synthesis,reduction, and reductive alkylation of a few tricyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones

Reduction and reductive alkylation of the tricyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones 9–12 afforded the saturated ketones 13–21 in high yields.     

Chemoselective, regioselective, and E/Z-diastereoselective synthesis of 2-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans by sequential reactions of ambident dianions and monoanions

A number of novel beta-ketoesters were prepared by regioselective alkylation reactions of simple beta-ketoester dianions. The cyclization of the dianions of these 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane afforded a variety of 2-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans with very good regioselectivity and E/Z-diastereoselectivity. These products were deprotonated to give novel ambident carbanions. The alkylation of these carbanions with alkyl halides proceeded with very good regioselectivity and E/Z-diastereoselectivity and allowed a convenient synthesis of a great variety of new 2-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans.     

C9 Fraction Alkylation Desulfurization over Amberlyst 36 Resin:The Kinetics of 2‐Ethylthiophen, 2,5‐Dimethylthiophene,and 2‐n‐Propylthiophene with Isoamylene

C₉ fraction is the by‐products of catalytic reforming and ethylene cracker; it is considered as a kind of petroleum resin raw material. Recently, it was studied for the use as a gasoline additive to enhance the economic benefits. However, C₉ fractions are getting higher in sulfur contents. As conventional hydrotreating technology leads to significant octane number loss and processing costs, the alkylation desulfurization process, which could reduce the sulfuric compounds to hydrogen sulfide by catalytic alkylation with olefins and distillation followed by, is a rather attractive way of reducing the sulfur of C₉ fraction. In this paper, different kinds of thiophenic compounds, including 2‐ethylthiophen, 2,5‐dimethylthiophene, and 2‐n‐propylthiophene, were selected as the model compounds. Thiophenic compounds were studied first by the alkylation reaction over macroporous sulfonic resin Amberlyst 36, and the octane number of C₉ fraction was measured. It was found that isoamylene and Amberlyst 36 resin had a significant effect on the alkylation desulfurization of thiophenic compounds with the conversion, reaching to above 99%. And the octane number of C₉ fraction was increased by alkylation desulfurization over Amberlyst 36 resin. Moreover, the alkylation of thiophenic sulfurs could be described as a pseudo–first–order reaction as well as the reaction rate constant, and the activation energy of alkylation reactions was calculated.     

Effects of charge separation, effective concentration, and aggregate formation on the phase transfer catalyzed alkylation of phenol

The factors that influence the rate of alkylation of phenol under phase transfer catalysis (PTC) have been investigated in detail. Six linear, symmetrical tetraalkylammonium cations, Me(4)N(+), Et(4)N(+), (n-Pr)(4)N(+), (n-Bu)(4)N(+), (n-Hex)(4)N(+), and (n-Oct)(4)N(+), were examined to compare the effects of cationic radius and lipophilicity on the rate of alkylation. Tetraalkylammonium phenoxide·phenol salts were prepared, and their intrinsic reactivity was determined from initial alkylation rates with n-butyl bromide in homogeneous solution. The catalytic activity of the same tetraalkylammonium phenoxides was determined under PTC conditions (under an extraction mechanism) employing quaternary ammonium bromide catalysts. In homogeneous solution the range in reactivity was small (6.8-fold) for Me(4)N(+) to (n-Oct)(4)N(+). In contrast, under PTC conditions a larger range in reactivity was observed (663-fold). The effective concentration of the tetraalkylammonium phenoxides in the organic phase was identified as the primary factor influencing catalyst activity. Additionally, titration of active phenoxide in the organic phase confirmed the presence of both phenol and potassium phenoxide aggregates with (n-Bu)(4)N(+), (n-Hex)(4)N(+), and (n-Oct)(4)N(+), each with a unique aggregate stoichiometry. The aggregate stoichiometry did not affect the PTC initial alkylation rates.     

Synthesis, chemical properties, and biological evaluation of CC-1065 and duocarmycin analogues incorporating the 5-methoxycarbonyl-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa

The synthesis of 5-methoxycarbonyl-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (C5-CO2Me-CBI), a substituted CBI derivative bearing a C5 methoxycarbonyl group, and its corresponding 5-hydroxymethyl derivative are described in efforts to establish substituent electronic effects on the agents' functional reactivity and the resulting effect this has on their rate of DNA alkylation. Resolution of an immediate C5-CO2Me-CBI precursor and its incorporation into both enantiomers of 16 and 17, analogues of the duocarmycins, are also detailed. A study of the solvolysis reactivity and regioselectivity of N-BOC-C5-CO2Me-CBI (12) revealed that the introduction of a C5 methyl ester modestly slowed the rate of solvolysis (1.8x, pH 3) without altering the inherent reaction regioselectivity (>20:1). The comparison of the X-ray structures of the N-CO2Me derivatives of C5-CO2Me-CBI and CBI revealed correlations with the reaction regioselectivity and the relative reactivity of the compounds. The latter correlated well with the less reactive C5-CO2Me-CBI exhibiting a shortened N2-C2a bond length (1.386 vs 1.390 A) and smaller chi1 dihedral angle (8.1 degrees vs 21.2 degrees ) indicative of greater vinylogous amide conjugation and was accompanied by a diminished (cross-conjugated) cyclopropane conjugation (shorter bond lengths). Establishment of the DNA alkyation properties revealed that C5-CO2Me-CBI-based agents retained the identical alkylation selectivity of the natural products. More importantly, the C5 methyl ester was found to decrease the rate (0.77x) of DNA alkylation relative to CBI, consistent with its inherent lower reactivity. These results indicate that the previously observed increase in the rate of DNA alkylation for C7-substituted CBI analogues including CCBI (7-cyano-CBI) is contrary to expectations based on their inherent reactivities. Unlike 17, in which the C5 methyl ester does not bind in the minor groove, the C7 substituent lies in the minor groove extending the rigid length of the agents, further enhancing the DNA binding-induced conformational change responsible for activation toward nucleophilic attack and catalysis of the DNA alkylation reaction.     

Preparation and alkylation of cyclic β-trimethylstannyl α,β-unsaturated esters. A new,general annulation sequence

The key steps of a newly developed annulation method involve (a) reaction of cyclic β-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy α,β-unsaturated esters (e.g. 14–16) with lithium (phenylthio)(trimethylstannyl)cuprate, (b) alkylation of the resultant products (e.g. 17–19) with 1,ω-dihaloalkanes, and (c) transmetalation-cyclization of suitable substrates (e.g. 25, 26, 28, 30) derived from the alkylation products (e.g. 20–24).     

Synthesis, Structure, and Alkylation of N-Methylmorpholinium 5-Thenoyl- and 5-Benzoyl-3-cyano-6-trifluoromethylpyridine-2-thiolates

By reaction of ethoxymethylene derivatives of trifluorothenoyl- and trifluorobenzoylacetone with cyanothioacetamide in the presence of excess N-methylmorpholine, we have obtained the corresponding N-methylmorpholinium 5-acyl-3-cyano-6-trifluoromethylpyridine-2-thiolates and have studied their alkylation.     

Asymmetric syntheses of (1r,3R,4S)- and (1s,3R,4S)-(3,4-difluorocyclopentyl)-alanine derivatives

By employing a sequence of epoxide opening, asymmetric alkylation, and fluorination, polyfluorinated cyclopentylamino acids with defined stereochemistries were prepared.     

Synthesis and reactivity studies of α,α-difluoromethylphosphinates

The preparation and reactivity of some α,α-difluorophosphinates are investigated. Alkylation of H-phosphinates with LiHMDS and ClCF₂H gives the corresponding α,α-difluorophosphinates in good yield. Deprotonation of these reagents with alkyllithium or LDA is then studied. Subtle electronic effects translate into significant differences in the deprotonation/alkylation of the two ‘Ciba-Geigy reagents’ (EtO)₂CRP(O)(OEt)H (R=H, Me). On the other hand, attempted methylation of difluoromethyl-octyl-phosphinic acid butyl ester resulted in the exclusive alkylation of the octyl chain. Finally, reaction with carbonyl compounds results in the formation of 1,1-difluoro-2-phosphinoyl compounds.     

Synthesis,structure, and transformations of cyclic glycerol formals

Glycerol reacts with paraformaldehyde to give a mixture of 4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane and 5-hydroxy-1,3-dioxane. Some transformations (alkylation and replacement of the OH groups with the Cl atoms) of the synthesized compounds were performed. The differences in NMR and mass spectra of the corresponding 1,3-dioxolanes and 1,3-dioxanes were revealed and discussed.     

1，3，4，6－四硫代戊搭烯－2，5－二酮制备含硫取代基的四硫富瓦烯的研究

以１，３，４，６－四硫代戊搭烯－２，５－二酮为原料，经偶联、醇解、烃化或醇解、烃化、偶联等步骤，制得四甲硫基四硫富瓦烯、四乙硫基四硫富瓦烃、二喹喔啉硫醚、４－甲硫基－５－甲氧甲酰硫基－１，３－二硫环戊烯－２－酮、四甲硫基乙烯和４，４＇－二甲硫基－５，５＇－二甲氧甲酰硫基四硫富瓦烯及它的异构体混合物．提出了１，３，４，６－四硫代戊搭烯－２，５－二酮醇解机理．讨论了未得到某些预期产物的原因．报道了３种四硫富瓦烯衍生物的循环伏安图及电化学性质．