Diastereoselective hydroformylation of Δ4-steroids with rhodium–phosphite catalysts

The hydroformylation of two steroidal substrates, namely 17β-acetoxyandrost-4-ene 1 and 3β,17β-diacetoxyandrost-4-ene 2, with a rhodium tris(O-tert-butylphenyl)phosphite catalyst was investigated. In both cases, the major reaction product was 4β-formyl-17β-acetoxy-5β-androstane 3, which was isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction and NMR techniques. This reaction is the first example of catalytic carbonylation to the β face of a steroid backbone. The effect of reaction temperature, the pressure at which the reaction was completed and the ligand:Rh ratio on the regio- and stereoselectivity of the reaction is also discussed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-Chloro-<Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-unsaturated carbonyls as convenient precursors of highly substituted benzenes

The Diels–Alder reactions of three β-chloro-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds 1–3 with different dienes were carried out to afford highly functionalized cyclohexenes 4–9, bearing quaternary centers, in good yields. These cycloadducts (CAs) undergo dehydrochlorination with subsequent aromatization in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene DBU to produce new substituted benzenes 11–14. Compound 10 is the product of lactonization and removal of an HCl molecule from compound 7. All products were characterized by NMR, IR, elementary analysis and some of them by MS. Structure assignments of isomers were carried out on the basis of NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants using 1D, 2D and heteronOe NMR techniques.     

Sesquiterpenoids and norsesquiterpenoids from three liverworts

Six new sesquiterpenoids and two new norsesquiterpenoids were isolated from the essential oils of three liverworts. The isolated compounds include (+)-eudesma-4,11-dien-8α-ol from the liverwort Diplophyllum albicans, (−)-4β,5β-diacetoxygymnomitr-3(15)-ene, (+)-5β-acetoxygymnomitr-3(15)-ene, (−)-15-acetoxygymnomitr-3-ene, (−)-3β,15β-epoxy-4β-acetoxygymnomitrane, and (−)-3α,15α-epoxy-4β-acetoxygymnomitrane from Marsupella emarginata, and (+)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1,4-dimethylazulene and (−)-2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1,4-dimethylazulen-4-ol from Barbilophozia floerkei. These compounds were isolated by a combination of different chromatographic techniques, and their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic studies (MS, ¹H, ¹³C, and 2D NMR) and chemical transformations using enantioselective GC.     

A synthesis of 11-homo-aldosterone

A synthesis of 11-homo-aldosterone acetate (1a) is described. 3β-Acetoxy-11-methylene-5α,25D-spirostan (3) was converted in 4 steps into 3β-acetoxy-11β-acetoxymethyl-5α-pregnan-20-one (9, Chart I), which was photocyclized to 20a, saponified regioselectively, and oxidized to 3-oxo-11β-acetoxymethyl-18,20-cyclopregnan-20α-ol-3-one (22, Chart II). Introduction of the 1,4-diene in 22 followed by a selective reduction of the 1-ene afforded 11β-acetoxymethyl-18,20-cyclopregn-4-en-20α-ol-3-one (26). Finally, the 18,20-cyclo ring of 26 was manipulated through 30, 31, 32, 33 to produce 1a. The bulky 11β-acetoxymethyl group distorted the steroid molecule to such an extent that the routine photochemical functionalization of the angular Me-18 via a nitrite or a hypoiodite became inoperative, and routine procedures for introduction of a 4-ene into 5α-3-one via a 1,4-dien-3-one were unsuccessful. Two new methods for the introduction of a 4-ene into steroidal 5α-3-ones were investigated using 5α-cholestanone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone as models. The first route, which was applicable to the synthesis of 1a, was the stepwise introduction of a 1-ene and a 4-ene utilizing Sharpless's acidic phenylselenyl chloride procedure, followed by a selective reduction of the 1-ene. The second route, which appeared equally promising, was protection of the C-2 site with N-methylanilinomethylene followed by introduction of the 4-ene and subsequent deprotection of the C-2.     

Pseudapenes A–C,sesquiterpenoids from the marine-derived fungus Pseudallescheria apiosperma F52-1

Three sesquiterpenoids pseudapenes A–C (1–3) were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Pseudallescheria apiosperma F52-1. Pseudapene A (1) has an unprecedented 2-methyl-5-methylene-3-(2-methylbut-2-ene)-dicyclo(3, 3, 0)-octane carbon skeleton and pseudapenes B (2) and C (3) possess an unique 2-methyl-4-methylene-2-(2-methylpent-2-ene)-dicyclo(3, 2, 0)-heptane chemical scaffold. Their structures were determined by use of MS and NMR spectroscopic data, and ECD, optical rotation and ¹³C NMR calculations.     

A new eudesmane sesquiterpene glycoside from Parepigynum funingense

A new eudesmane sesquiterpene glycoside,1α,6β-dihydroxy-5,10-bis-epi-eudesm-4(15)-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(2), together with a known analogue compound,1α,6β-dihydroxy-5,10-bis-epi-eudesm-3-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),were isolated from the roots of Parepigynumfuningense.The structure of 2 was determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.Compound 1 was isolated from this plant for the first time.     

Orbital control of stereochemistry in acid-catalysed addition reactions of endo -tricyclo[3.2.1.02,4]0ct-6-ene

The reaction of endo-tricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,4]oct-6-ene 1 with methanol in the presence of catalytic amounts of toluene-p-sulphonic acid has been shown to give 2-exo- and endo-methoxybicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ene (2c) and (2d) and 2-endo-methoxybicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-ene (13). The formation of 2-exo- methoxybicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ene (2c), the major product of reaction, has been probed by deuterium labelling experiments and a series of 6-exo-7-exo- dideuterobicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-enes synthesised for ²H, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral analysis in order unambiguously to determine the stereochemistry of proton attack on endo-tricyclo[3.2.1 0^2,4]oct-6-ene (1). The formation of 2-exo-methoxybicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ene (2c) has been determined to involve corner protonation of the cyclopropyl moiety and skeletal rearrangement to an allylic cation with a small but measurable memory effect     

Antibacterial activity of flavonoids and triterpenoids isolated from the stem bark and sap of Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae)

The chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of the stem bark of Staudtia kamerunensis and sap led to the isolation of six compounds which included three isoflavonoids: biochanin A (1), formononetin (2) and 3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-5,6,7-trimethoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (3), one flavonoid: (-) epicatechin (4) and two pentacyclic triterpenoids (oleanan-12-ene-2α,3β -diol (5) and 2α,3β-dihydroxylup-20-ene (6). They were characterized by HREIMS (High Resolution Electron Ionisation Mass Spectrometry), NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D) and comparison with existing data in literature. The crude extract and isolates were tested against twelve bacterial strains namely; Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumonia. Streptomycin, nalidixic acid and ampicillin were used as standard antibacterial drugs. The results revealed significant antibacterial activity for both the ethyl acetate partition and for the tested compounds, with the lowest MIC value being 15.625 μg/mL. A synergistic activity of the isolated triterpenoids was evaluated with interesting results. On a general note, the antibacterial activity of compound 5 was doubled specifically against Gram-negative bacterial strains. This could be a therapeutic antimicrobial pathway in face of the rising bacterial resistance. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that flavonoids and triterpenoids are isolated from this genus and species. It is also the first report of antibacterial studies on this species.     

Two new diterpenoids from Isodon serra

From the aerial part of Isodon serra,two new ent-6,7-seco-kaurane-type diterpenoids,15α,20β-dihydroxy-6β-methoxy-6,7- seco-6,20-epoxy-1,7-olide-ent-kaur-16-ene (1) and 6α,15α-dilaydroxy-20-aldehyde-6,7-seco-6,11α-epoxy-1,7-olide-ent-kaur-16- ene (2) were isolated.Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means.     

Two new isoflavonoids from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis

Two new isoflavonoids, 6-methoxy-5,7,8,4'-tetrahydryoxyisoflavone (1) and 4'-methoxy -5,6-dihydroxyisoflavone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), were isolated from the rhizomes of Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic evidence including ID NMR, 2D NMR, MS and IR spectra.     

Tetracyclic triterpenoids isolated from semi-mangrove plant Hibiscus tiliaceus

A continuing phytochemical study on the semi-mangrove plant Hibiscus tiliaceus yielded two new tetracyclic triterpenoids （3β,24S）-19（10→9）-abeo-8α,9β,10α-eupha-5,25（26）-dien-3,24-diol （tiliacol A, 1 ）, and （3β,23Z）-19（10→9）-abeo-8α,9β,10α-tircalla-5,23-dien-3,25-diol （tiliacol B, 3）, together with one known analog （2）. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectral analyses （MS, IR, 1D NMR and 2D NMR） and comparison with literature compounds. Compound 2 showed potent cytotoxicity against both P388 and HeLa cells with ICon values of 11.2 μmol/L and 11.5 μmol/L, resoectively.     

Chemical studies of marine invertebrates—XXVIII: Diterpenes from clavularia inflata (coelenterata,octocorallia, stolonifera)

The presence of terpenoids in the order Stolonifera has been established by the isolation of three novel diterpenes, 1α,4β-dihydroxyclavular-17-ene (1), 4β-hydroxyclavulara-1(15),17-diene (2) and 3α.4β-dihydroxyclavulara-1(15), 17-diene (3) from Clavularia infiata. The structure of 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and those of 2 and 3 by chemical intercorrelation with 1.     

Four new norlignan glycoside isomers from the twigs of Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast.

Four novel isomers of norlignan glycoside were isolated from Cephalotaxus oliveri Mast.. Their structures were elucidated as 3S-4″-O-β-d-glucopyranosylnyasol 1, 3S-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranosylnyasol 2, 3S-4″-O-β-d-glucopyranosylhinokiresinol 3, 3S-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranosylhinokiresinol 4 by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR experiments (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT, ¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) along with HR-ESIMS and comparison to literature data. Their absolute configurations were elucidated through CD spectra coupled with the quantum chemical CD calculations.     

Four new eremophilendiolides from Ligularia atroviolacea

From Ligularia atroviolacea, four new eremophilendiolides, 81$-hydroxy-eremophil-3,7 （11）-dien-12,8α（14,6α）-diolide （1）, 8β-methoxy-eremophil-3,7（11）-dien-12,8α（14,6α）-diolide （2）, 8α-hydroxy-eremophil-3,7（11）-dien-12,8lβ（14,6α）-diolide （3） and eremophil-3,7（11）,8-trien-12,8 （14,6α）-diolide （4）, as well as a known diolide （5） were isolated. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as ESI-MS spectral data.     

Three New Myrsinol Diterpenes from <em>Euphorbia prolifera</em> and Their Neuroprotective Activities

Three new myrsinol diterpenes were isolated from the roots of Euphorbia prolifera. Their structures were elucidated as 2α-O-isobutyryl-3β,5α,7β,10,15β-penta-O-acetyl-14α-O-benzoyl-10,18-dihydromyrsinol (1), 2α-O-isobutyryl-3β-O-propion-yl-5α,7β,10,15β-tetra-O-acetyl-10,18-dihydromyrsinol (2), and 2α,14α-di-O-benzoyl-3β,5α,7β,10,15β-penta-O-acetyl-10,18-dihydromyrsinol (3) on the basis of spectroscopic data analyses (IR, ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, and 1D and 2D NMR). Their neuroprotective activities were evaluated and compounds 1 and 2 showed neuroprotective effects against MPP⁺-induced neuronal cell death in SH-SY5Y cells.     

Constituents from Bupleurum montanum (Coss. & Dur.) (Apiaceae)

A chemical investigation of the aerial parts of Bupleurum montanum (Coss. & Dur.) (Apiaceae) afforded five compounds, quercitin 1, tamarexetin 2, isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside 3, kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside 4, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Protocatechuic acid) 5. The structural elucidation was performed mainly by MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectrum data.     

Two New Daucane Sesquiterpenoids from <em>Daphne aurantiaca</em>

Two new daucane sesquiterpenoids 1β,2β-epoxy-10(H)α-dauca-11(12)-ene-7α,14-diol (1) and 1α,2α-epoxy-10(H)α-dauca-11(12)-ene-7α,14-diol (2) were isolated from the plateau medicinal plant Daphne aurantiaca Diels. (Thymelaeceae). Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as HR-ESI-MS data.     

A new isoflavane from processed Astragalus membranaceus

A new isoflavane named astraganoside,together with five known compounds had been isolated from the processed Astragralus membranaceus.The structure of the novel compound was elucidated as(3R,4R)-3-(2-hydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)chroman- 4,7-diol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1)based on spectroscopic methods including UV,IR,ESI-MS,1D NMR and 2D NMR techniques.     

Synthesis of optically active seven-membered 1,5-anhydrocarbasugars and 1,4,5-tribenzoyloxy-2-ethoxy cycloheptanes via [5+2] cycloaddition

[5+2] Cycloaddition followed by asymmetric dihydroxylation procedure have been utilized to prepare novel cyclitols. Accordingly, rac-2α-hydroxy-6α-ethoxy-1,5-anhydro cyclohept-3-ene, 10 derived from [5+2] cycloaddition of 3-oxidopyrylium ylide and vinyl ether has been recognized as a seven-membered carbasugar equivalent and elaborated to 1,4,5-tribenzoyloxy-2-ethoxy cycloheptanes through a flexible, regio- and stereoselective strategy involving Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation conditions to resolve the compounds obtained. The structures and relative configurations of newly synthesized (+)-2α-acetoxy-6α-ethoxy-3β,4β-dihydroxy-1,5-anhydro cycloheptane ((+)-12)); (−)-1β,4β,5β-tribenzoyloxy-6α-ethoxy cycloheptane ((−)-17) and (+)-1α,4α,5α-tribenzoyloxy-6β-ethoxy cycloheptane ((+)-17) are unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray analysis and duly supported by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy data.     

Solanopubamine,a rare steroidal alkaloid from Solanum schimperianum: Synthesis of some new alkyl and acyl derivatives,their anticancer and antimicrobial evaluation

Solanopubamine (3β-amino-5α, 22αH, 25βH-solanidan-23β-ol), a steroidal alkaloid was isolated from the alkaloidal fraction of Solanum schimperianum in significant yield. Its structure was established by IR, positive ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. The presence of -3β-NH₂ and -23β-OH groups was achieved through methylation, acetylation or coupling with octadecanoic and undec-11-enoic acids to produce six derivatives (2–7). Their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses. Solanopubamine and semi-synthetic analogs are investigated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer cell lines and anti-microbial activity. Solanopubamine showed good antifungal activity only against Candida albicans and C. tenuis with MIC of 12.5 μg/mL. Semi-synthesized compounds (2–7) have failed to show anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities.