Synthesis of aromatic bisabolene natural products via palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings of organozinc reagents

Aromatic bisabolene derivatives were prepared by two methods involving cross-coupling of organozinc reagents. The first synthesis of (+/-)-glandulone A (10), as well as syntheses of (+/-)-curcuhydroquinone (8) and (+/-)-curcuquinone (9), were accomplished via coupling of a secondary alkyl zinc reagent (1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenylzinc halide, 18) to protected bromohydroquinones using Pd(dppf)Cl(2) as catalyst. Coupling of arylzinc halides with alkenyl triflate 16 using Pd(PPh(3))(4) catalyst provided a number of bisabolene derivatives and led to syntheses of dehydro-alpha-curcumene (2), (+/-)-curcuphenol (3), and (+/-)-elvirol (13). A high-yield synthesis of the (+/-)-heliannuol D precursor 29 is also reported using this method.     

The first example of a nitrile hydratase model complex that reversibly binds nitriles

Nitrile hydratase (NHase) is an iron-containing metalloenzyme that converts nitriles to amides. The mechanism by which this biochemical reaction occurs is unknown. One mechanism that has been proposed involves nucleophilic attack of an Fe-bound nitrile by water (or hydroxide). Reported herein is a five-coordinate model compound ([Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+)) containing Fe(III) in an environment resembling that of NHase, which reversibly binds a variety of nitriles, alcohols, amines, and thiocyanate. XAS shows that five-coordinate [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) reacts with both methanol and acetonitrile to afford a six-coordinate solvent-bound complex. Competitive binding studies demonstrate that MeCN preferentially binds over ROH, suggesting that nitriles would be capable of displacing the H(2)O coordinated to the iron site of NHase. Thermodynamic parameters were determined for acetonitrile (DeltaH = -6.2(+/-0.2) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -29.4(+/-0.8) eu), benzonitrile (-4.2(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -18(+/-3) eu), and pyridine (DeltaH = -8(+/-1) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -41(+/-6) eu) binding to [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) using variable-temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy. Ligand exchange kinetics were examined for acetonitrile, iso-propylnitrile, benzonitrile, and 4-tert-butylpyridine using (13)C NMR line-broadening analysis, at a variety of temperatures. Activation parameters for ligand exchange were determined to be DeltaH(+ +) = 7.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -10(+/-1) eu (acetonitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 5.4(+/-0.6) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -17(+/-2) eu (iso-propionitrile), DeltaH(+ +) = 4.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -20(+/-3) eu (benzonitrile), and DeltaH(+ +) = 4.7(+/-1.4) kcal/mol DeltaS(+ +) = -18(+/-2) eu (4-tert-butylpyridine). The thermodynamic parameters for pyridine binding to a related complex, [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) (DeltaH = -5.9(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS = -24(+/-3) eu), are also reported, as well as kinetic parameters for 4-tert-butylpyridine exchange (DeltaH(+ +) = 3.1(+/-0.8) kcal/mol, DeltaS(+ +) = -25(+/-3) eu). These data show for the first time that, when it is contained in a ligand environment similar to that of NHase, Fe(III) is capable of forming a stable complex with nitriles. Also, the rates of ligand exchange demonstrate that low-spin Fe(III) in this ligand environment is more labile than expected. Furthermore, comparison of [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Et,Pr))](+) and [Fe(III)(S(2)(Me2)N(3)(Pr,Pr))](+) demonstrates how minor distortions induced by ligand constraints can dramatically alter the reactivity of a metal complex.     

General route to 4a-methylhydrofluorene diterpenoids: total syntheses of (+/-)-taiwaniaquinones d and h, (+/-)-taiwaniaquinol B, (+/-)-dichroanal B, and (+/-)-dichroanone

A general and convergent route for the synthesis of the 4a-methylhydrofluorene diterpenoids has been established through a common hexahydrofluorenone intermediate (10) obtained via Pd(0)-catalyzed reductive cyclization of a substituted 2-(2-bromobenzyl) methylene cyclohexane (13). The strategy has been successfully utilized for the synthesis of (+/-)-taiwaniaquinones D (3) and H (5), (+/-)-taiwaniaquinol B (1), (+/-)-dichroanal B (7), and (+/-)-dichroanone (8).     

Synthesis of myo-inositol derivatives required for the total synthesis of surugatoxin, prosurugatoxin, and neosurugatoxin

Two myo-inositol derivatives (4) and (5), required for the total synthesis of surugatoxin, prosurugatoxin, and neosurugatoxin, were prepared. Synthesis of (+/-)-2,3-O-cyclohexylidene-4,5-O-isopropylidene-1-O-methoxymethyl-myo-i nositol (4) was achieved from (+/-)-1-O-benzoyl-2,3-O-cyclohexylidene-4,5-O-isopropylidene-myo-inosito l (6) in 4 steps, and (-)-2,3-O-cyclohexylidene-1,4-di-O-methoxymethyl-5-O-[2',3',4'-tri-O-ace tyl- beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-myo-inositol (5) was synthesized from (+/-)-1-O-benzoyl-2,3-O-cyclohexylidene-5,6-O-isopropylidene-myo-inosito l (12) in 7 steps.     

Water exchange in fluoroaluminate complexes in aqueous solution: a variable temperature multinuclear NMR study

An 17O, 19F, and 27Al NMR study of fluoroaluminate complexes (AlFn(H2O)6-n((3-n)+), n = 0, 1, and 2) in aqueous solution supports the idea that for each substitution of a bound water molecule by a fluoride anion, the exchange rate of bound water with free water increases by about 2 orders of magnitude. New rate coefficients for exchange of inner-sphere water molecules in AlF(H2O)5(2+) are kex(298) = 230(+/-20) s(-1), DeltaH(dagger) = 65(+/-3) kJ mol(-1), and DeltaS(dagger) = 19(+/-10) J mol(-1) K(-1). The corresponding new values for the AlF2(H2O)4(+) complex are: kex(298) = 17 100(+/-500) s(-1), DeltaH(dagger) = 66(+/-2) kJ mol(-1), and DeltaS(dagger) = 57(+/-8) J mol(-1) K(-1). When these new results are combined with those of our previous study,(4) we find no dependence of the solvent exchange rate, in either AlF(H2O)5(2+) or AlF2(H2O)4(+), on the concentration of fluoride or protons over the range of SigmaF = 0.06-0.50 M and [H(+)] = 0.01-0.44 M. A paramagnetic shift of 27Al resonances results from addition of Mn(II) to the aqueous solution as a relaxation agent for bulk waters. This shift allows resolution of the AlFn(H2O)6-n((3-n)+) species in 27Al NMR spectra and comparison of the speciation determined via thermodynamic calculations with that determined by 27Al, 19F, and 17O NMR.     

Carbocyclic analogues of nucleosides from bis-(Hydroxymethyl)-cyclopentane: synthesis,antiviral and cytostatic activities of adenosine,inosine and uridine analogues

Six new carbocyclic nucleosides were prepared by constructing a purine base (in compounds 9-11) or pyrimidine base (in 6-8) on the amino groups of (+/-)-(1 beta,2 alpha,4 beta)-4-amino-1,2-cyclopentanedimethanol (4) and (+/-)-(1 beta,3 alpha,4 beta)-4-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedimethanol (5), and their activities against a variety of viruses and tumour cell lines were determined.     

Total syntheses of five indole alkaloids from the marine bryozoan Flustra foliacea

A general, efficient, and conceptually new approach to the total syntheses of marine-derived indole alkaloids, including (+/-)-flustramines A (1) and B (2), (+/-)-flustramides A (3) and B (4), and (+/-)-debromoflustramine B (5), is outlined. The key step in the syntheses involves the conjugated addition of an organomagnesium species derived from prenyl bromide to 2-hydroxyindolenines. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 have been synthesized in five steps with 23%, 17%, and 16% overall yield, respectively, whereas flustramides 3 and 4 have been synthesized in only four steps with 24% and 18% overall yield, respectively, on the basis of 2-hydroxyindolenines.     

Asymmetric synthesis of 4-deoxyverrucarol via two types of ring expansion reactions

Asymmetric synthesis of a trichothecane analogue, 4-deoxyverrucarol (2), was carried out through two types of ring expansion reactions. First, synthesis of the racemate of 2 was investigated. Thus, 1-[1-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-ethyl]-1-methoxycarbonyl-2-hexen-4-on e (10), prepared by Diels-Alder reaction, was converted into the cyclopropylidene 15. The cyclobutanone (+/-)-18 was obtained from 15 via dihydroxylation, followed by successive treatments with SO(2)Cl(2) in the presence of imidazole and Florisil. After transformation of (+/-)-18 into the vinylcyclobutanol (+/-)-19, the second ring expansion reaction was performed with Pd(OAc)(2) to provide the cyclopentanone (+/-)-20. The product was converted into the racemate of 4-deoxyverrucarol (2) through the cyclohexenone (+/-)-22, but the diastereoselectivity during the introduction of the double bond was unsatisfactory. The selectivity was improved in the case of the asymmetric synthesis. The optically active cyclobutanone (+)-18 was prepared via AD reaction of 15 with 73% ee. After the transformation of (+)-18 into the cyclohexanone (-)-30 through the palladium-mediated ring expansion reaction, (-)-30 was subjected to the diastereoselective deprotonation reaction using the chiral amide. The key synthetic intermediate (-)-25 of 4-deoxyverrucarol (2) was synthesized in an optically pure form by taking advantage of a kind of kinetic resolution that occurred during the deprotonation step.     

Disinfection of drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts under natural sunlight and using the photocatalyst TiO2

The results of a batch-process solar disinfection (SODIS) and solar photocatalytic disinfection (SPCDIS) on drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium are reported. Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst suspensions were exposed to natural sunlight in Southern Spain and the oocyst viability was evaluated using two vital dyes [4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI)]. SODIS exposures (strong sunlight) of 8 and 12h reduced oocyst viability from 98% (+/-1.3%) to 11.7% (+/-0.9%) and 0.3% (+/-0.33%), respectively. SODIS reactors fitted with flexible plastic inserts coated with TiO2 powder (SPCDIS) were found to be more effective than those which were not. After 8 and 16 h of overcast and cloudy solar irradiance conditions, SPCDIS reduced oocyst viability from 98.3% (+/-0.3%) to 37.7% (+/-2.6%) and 11.7% (+/-0.7%), respectively, versus to that achieved using SODIS of 81.3% (+/-1.6%) and 36.0% (+/-1.0%), respectively. These results confirm that solar disinfection of drinking water can be an effective household intervention against Cryptosporidium contamination.     

Synthesis of 2-O-(4-coumaroyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid, an important intermediate of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis.

A simple method to synthesize (+/-)-2-O-(4-coumaroyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid (1), a key intermediate in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in higher plant cells, was established by condensation of protected 4-coumaric acid and (+/-)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactic acid followed by deprotection. A stable supply of 1 thus attained will lead to biochemical and molecular biological characterization of later steps of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis.     

Synthesis of phosphorylated and sulfated glycosyl serines in the linkage region of the glycosaminoglycans

We synthesized novel acidic glycans having acidic groups located in the linkage region of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The targeted compounds, beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (1), beta-D-Gal(+/-6S)-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (3 and 2), beta-D-Gal(+/-6S)-(1-->3)-beta-D-Gal-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (5 and 4), and beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-Gal(6S)-(1-->4)-beta-D-Xyl(2P)-Ser (6) contain phosphate and/or sulfate at the specified positions. Some of them (3, 5, and 6) are the first synthesized examples of natural-type glycoconjugates that simultaneously possess phosphate and sulfate as well as carboxylic acid.     

Proton exchange kinetics from the bound waters on the oxo-centered rhodium(III) trimer [Rh3(mu3-O)(mu-O2CCH3)6(OH2)3]+: a variable pH and temperature 1H NMR study

Proton exchange from the bound to the bulk waters on the oxo-centered rhodium(III) trimer, [Rh(3)(micro(3)-O)(micro-O(2)CCH(3))(6)(OH(2))(3)](+)(abbreviated as Rh(3)(+)), was investigated over the temperature range of 219.1-313.9 K using a (1)H NMR line-broadening technique. By solving the modified Bloch equations for a two-site chemical exchange, lifetimes (tau) for proton transfer at pH = 2.7, 3.6, and 7.0 ([Rh(3)(+)]= 26 mM, T= 298 K) were determined to be 0.3 (+/-.08) ms, 2 (+/-0.3) ms, and 0.2 (+/-0.2) ms, respectively. From the temperature dependence of the rate, the activation parameters were determined to be DeltaH(++)= 16.2 (+/-0.5) kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(++)=- 123 (+/-2) J mol(-1) K(-1), DeltaH(++)= 14.9 (+/-0.5) kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(++)=- 141 (+/-2) J mol(-1) K(-1), and DeltaH(++)= 45 (+/-2) kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS(++)=- 22 (+/-5) J mol(-1) K(-1) for pH = 2.7, 3.6 and 7.0, respectively. All results are reported for a mixed solvent system [acetone : 250 mM NaClO(4)(aq)(3:1)], which was necessary to depress the freezing point of the solution so that the (1)H NMR signal due to bound water could be observed. The pK(a) of Rh(3)(+) was measured to be 8.9 (+/-0.2) in the mixed solvent, which is near the pK(a) for an aqueous solution (8.3 (+/-0.2)). Surprisingly, the lifetimes for protons on Rh(3)(+) are close to those observed for the Rh(OH(2))(6)(3+) ion, in spite of the considerable difference in structure, Br?nsted acidity of the bound waters and average charge on the metal ion.     

Microwave-assisted concise total syntheses of quinazolinobenzodiazepine alkaloids

[reactions: see text] One-pot total syntheses of the quinazolinobenzodiazepine alkaloids sclerotigenin (1), (+/-)-circumdatin F (2), and (+/-)-asperlicin C (3) via novel microwave-assisted domino reactions were achieved in 55%, 32%, and 20% yields, respectively, from commercially available starting materials. A two-step total synthesis of (+/-)-benzomalvin A (4) was accomplished with an overall yield of 16%. Additionally, analogues of circumdatin E were synthesized via the three-component one-pot sequential reactions promoted by microwave irradiation. Finally, a two-step formal total synthesis of (+/-)-asperlicin E (5) was also realized by using this microwave-assisted protocol.     

Total synthesis of (+/-)-culmorin and (+/-)-longiborneol: an efficient construction of Tricyclo[6.3.0.0(3,9)]undecan-10-one by intramolecular double Michael addition

The treatment of 4-[(5E)-6-methoxycarbonyl-5-hexenyl]-3, 4-dimethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (5) with LHMDS, TMSI-HMDS, Bu(2)OTf-HMDS, or TMSCl-NEt(3)-ZnCl(2) caused the intramolecular double Michael addition to afford tricyclo[6.3.0.0(3, 9)]undecan-10-one 12 in high yields with perfect stereoselectivity. The methodology was further elaborated to achieve efficient total syntheses of (+/-)-culmorin (1) and (+/-)-longiborneol (2). The common precursor 13 of them was obtained from 14 in 94% yield as a single isomer by the treatment with LHMDS. After the conversion of 13 into the corresponding acid 24 by hydrolysis, oxidative decarboxylation using S-(1-oxido-2-pyridinyl)-1,1,3, 3-tetramethylthiouronium hexafluorophosphate (HOTT, 27), followed by the Birch reduction, stereoselectively afforded (+/-)-culmorin (1). (+/-)-Longiborneol (2) was synthesized from 24 by the standard transformation. Additionally, the treatment of 24 with Pb(OAc)(4) led to 28 via uncommon migration. Its structure was determined by X-ray analysis after the transformation into the diketone 29.     

Total synthesis of (+/-)-flustramines A and C, (+/-)-flustramide A, and (-)- and (+)-debromoflustramines A

Here we describe the efficient total synthesis of the three title hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole alkaloids and debromo derivative from readily available indolin-3-ones using key domino reactions, olefination-isomerization-Claisen rearrangement (OIC), and reductive cyclization (RC). (+/-)-Flustramine C (5) was synthesized in five steps from 6-bromoindolin-3-one 9 via a key intermediate 13a. (+/-)-Flustramine A (1) has been obtained by reduction of flustramide A (6), which has been prepared in five steps from 13a. (+/-)-Debromoflustramine A (19) was provided in a similar manner from 13b. The (-)- and (+)-enantiomers of 19 were synthesized through optical resolution of (+/-)-carboxylic acid 17b using (R)-4-phenyloxazolidin-2-one.     

Kinetic investigation of the reactions of S-4-nitrophenyl 4-substituted thiobenzoates with secondary alicyclic amines in aqueous ethanol

The reactions of S-4-nitrophenyl 4-X-substituted thiobenzoates (X = H, Cl, and NO(2): 1, 2, and 3, respectively) with a series of secondary alicyclic amines (SAA) were subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt % ethanol-water, at 25.0 degrees C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M (KCl). The reactions were followed spectrophotometrically by monitoring the release of 4-nitrobenzenethiolate anion at 420-425 nm. Under excess amine, pseudo-first-order rate constants (k(obsd)) are obtained for all reactions. The plots of k(obsd) vs [SAA] at constant pH are linear with the slope (k(N)) independent of pH. The statistically corrected Br?nsted-type plots (log k(N)/q vs pK(a) + log p/q) for the reactions of 1 and 2 are nonlinear with slopes at high pK(a), beta(1) = 0.27 and 0.10, respectively, and slopes at low pK(a), beta(2) = 0.86 and 0.84, respectively. The Br?nsted curvature is centered at pK(a) (pK(a)(0)) 10.0 and 10.4, respectively. The reactions of SAA with 3 exhibit a linear Br?nsted-type plot of slope 0.81. These results are consistent with a stepwise mechanism, through a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T(+/-)). For the reactions of 1 and 2, there is a change in rate-determining step with amine basicity, from T(+/-) breakdown to products at low pK(a), to T(+/-) formation at high pK(a). For the reactions of 3, breakdown to products of T(+/-) is rate limiting for all the SAA series (pK(a)(0) > 11). The increasing pK(a)(0) value as the substituent in the acyl group becomes more electron withdrawing is attributed to an increasing nucleofugality of SAA from T(+/-). The greater pK(a)(0) value for the reactions of SAA with 1, relative to that found in the pyridinolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl benzoate (pK(a)(0) = 9.5), is explained by the greater nucleofugality from T(+/-) of the former amines, compared to isobasic pyridines, and the greater leaving ability from T(+/-) of 2,4-dinitrophenoxide relative to 4-nitrobenzenethiolate.     

Conformational analysis of Na,K-ATPase in drug-protein complexes

This review reports the effects of several drugs such as AZT (anti-AIDS), cis-Pt (antitumor), aspirin (anti-inflammatory) and vitamin C (antioxidant) on the stability and conformation of Na,K-ATPase in vitro. Drug-enzyme binding was found to be via H-bonding to the polypeptide CO and C-N groups with two binding constants K(1(AZT))=5.30 (+/-2.1)x10(5)M(-1) and K(2(AZT))=9.80 (+/-2.9)x10(3)M(-1) for AZT and one binding constant K(cis)(-Pt)=1.93 (+/-1.2)x10(4)M(-1) for cis-Pt, K(aspirin)=6.45 (+/-2.5)x10(3)M(-1) and K(ascorbate)=1.04 (+/-0.5)x10(4)M(-1) for aspirin and ascorbic acid. The enzyme secondary structure was altered with major increase of alpha-helix from 19.9% (free protein) to 22-26% and reduction of beta-sheet from 25.6% (free protein) to 17-23% upon drug complexation indicating a partial stabilization of protein conformation. The order of induced stability is AZT>cis-Pt>ascorbate>aspirin.     

Self-sorting molecular clips

We report the synthesis and characterization of 12 C-shaped methylene-bridged glycoluril dimers (1-12) bearing H-bonding groups on their aromatic rings. Compounds 1, 2, (+/-)-4a, (+/-)-5, (+/-)-7, and 8 form tightly associated homodimers in CDCl3, due to the combined driving force of pi-pi and H-bonding interactions. Compounds 2, (+/-)-5, and 8, having disparate spatial distribution of their H-bonding groups, display the ability to efficiently distinguish between self and nonself even within three-component mixtures in CDCl3. When the spatial distributions of the H-bonding groups of the molecular clips are similar (e.g., 1 and 2), a mixture of homodimers and heterodimers is formed. The effect of various structural modifications (e.g., chirality, side chain steric bulk, number and pattern of H-bonds) on the strength of self-assembly and the fidelity of self-sorting are presented. On the basis of these results we prepared self-sorting systems comprising three (e.g., 1, (+/-)-5, and (+/-)-7) and even four ( 2, (+/-)-5, 9, and 10) components. The potential of molecular clips 1-12 as robust, functionalizable, self-sorting modules to control the noncovalent interaction network in systems chemistry studies is described.     

Reactivity of cyclooligophosphanes: synthesis and structural characterisation of cyclo-1,4-(BH3)2(P4Ph4CH2) and cyclo-1,2-(BH3)2(P5Ph5)

The borane complexes cyclo-1,4-(BH3)2(P4Ph4CH2) (3) and cyclo-1,2-(BH3)2(P5Ph5) (4) were prepared by reaction of cyclo-(P4Ph4CH2) and cyclo-(P5Ph5) with BH3(SMe2). Only the 2:1 complexes 3 and 4 were isolated, even when an excess of the borane source was used. In solution, 3 exists as a mixture of the two diastereomers (R(P)*,S(P)*,S(P)*,R(P)*)-(+/-)-3 and (R(P)*,R(P)*,R(P)*,R(P)*)-(+/-)-3. However, in the solid state the (R(P)*,S(P)*,S(P)*,R(P)*)-(+/-) diastereomer is the major stereoisomer. Similarly, while only one isomer of 4 is observed in its X-ray structure, NMR spectroscopic investigations reveal that it forms a complex mixture of isomers in solution. 3 may be deprotonated with tBuLi to give the lithium salt cyclo-1,4-(BH3)2(P4Ph4CHLi) (3 x Li), though this could not be isolated in pure form.     

Evaluation of the enantiomeric resolution of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]-pyrene and its 6-fluoro and 6-bromo derivatives on polysaccharide-derived stationary phases

The enantiomeric resolution and the elution order of (+/-)-trans-7,8-dihydrodiols of benzo[a]pyrene and its 6-fluoro and 6-bromo derivatives were analyzed on three polysaccharide-based columns: Daicel Chiralcel CA-I (cellulose triacetate), OF, and OG [cellulose tris(4-chloro- and 4-methylphenylcarbamate)]. For comparison, the separation of (+/-)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol was evaluated on the OG and OF columns. Possibly similar interactions of (S)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol and (7S,8S)-isomers of 6-halo-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene with the chiral sorbent are suggested.