Total Syntheses of Xiamycins A,C, F,H and Oridamycin A and Preliminary Evaluation of their Anti‐Fungal Properties

Divergent and enantiospecific total syntheses of the indolosesquiterpenoids xiamycins A, C, F, H and oridamycin A have been accomplished. The syntheses, which commence from (R)‐carvone, employ a key photoinduced benzannulation sequence to forge the carbazole moiety characteristic of these natural products. Late‐stage diversification from a common intermediate enabled the first syntheses of xiamycins C and F, and an unexpected one‐pot oxidative decarboxylation, which may prove general, led to xiamycin H. All synthetic intermediates and the natural products were tested for anti‐fungal activity. Xiamycin H emerged as an inhibitor of three agriculturally relevant fungal pathogens.     

Substrate‐Controlled Asymmetric Total Syntheses of Microcladallenes A,B, and C Based on the Proposed Structures

Substrate‐controlled asymmetric total syntheses of (+)‐microcladallenes A, B, and C have been accomplished based on the proposed structures. The syntheses of microcladallenes A and B confirmed the structures and absolute configurations of both natural products. However, the synthesis of microcladallene C, which includes seven stereogenic centers and an (R)‐bromoallene in its compact C₁₅ framework, brought the realization that its proposed structure must be revised. The introduction of C12‐bromine into these natural products with retention of configuration relied on TiBr₄‐mediated nucleophile‐assisting leaving group brominations, the stereochemical outcome of which could be attributed, at least in part, to an oxonium or halonium ion formation–fragmentation sequence through intricate neighboring group participation. In addition, the pivotal β‐oriented vicinal cis‐dichloride function in microcladallene C was elaborated through a novel tandem Cl₂‐induced electrophilic cyclization/imidate chlorination process. The positive rotations of these natural products with an (R)‐bromoallene constitute exceptions to Lowe’s rule for reasons yet to be determined.     

Asymmetric Total Syntheses of Di‐ and Sesquiterpenoids by Catalytic C−C Activation of Cyclopentanones

To show the synthetic utility of the catalytic C?C activation of less strained substrates, described here are the collective and concise syntheses of the natural products (?)‐microthecaline A, (?)‐leubehanol, (+)‐pseudopteroxazole, (+)‐seco‐pseudopteroxazole, pseudopterosin A–F and G—J aglycones, and (+)‐heritonin. The key step in these syntheses involve a Rh‐catalyzed C?C/C?H activation cascade of 3‐arylcyclopentanones, which provides a rapid and enantioselective route to access the polysubstituted tetrahydronaphthalene cores presented in these natural products. Other important features include 1) the direct C?H amination of the tetralone substrate in the synthesis of (?)‐microthecaline A, 2) the use of phosphoric acid to enhance efficiency and regioselectivity for problematic cyclopentanone substrates in the C?C activation reactions, and 3) the direct conversion of serrulatane into amphilectane diterpenes by an allylic cyclodehydrogenation coupling.     

Sulfoxide‐Based Enantioselective Nazarov Cyclization: Divergent Syntheses of (+)‐Isopaucifloral F, (+)‐Quadrangularin A,and (+)‐Pallidol

The synthesis of enantiomerically pure 3‐aryl substituted indanones is developed using an enantioselective sulfoxide‐based Knoevenagel condensation/Nazarov cyclization procedure. After the reductive desulfonation of the methyl para‐tolyl sulfoxide‐containing chiral auxiliary under mild conditions, selected enantiomerically pure indanone is used for the divergent total syntheses of three resveratrol natural products (+)‐isopaucifloral F, (+)‐quadrangularin A, and (+)‐pallidol.     

Studies of a Diazo Cyclopropanation Strategy for the Total Synthesis of (−)‐Lundurine A

The bioactive Kopsia alkaloids lundurines A–D are the only natural products known to contain indolylcyclopropane. Achieving their syntheses can provide important insights into their biogenesis, as well as novel synthetic routes for complex natural products. Asymmetric total synthesis of (?)‐lundurine A has previously been achieved through a Simmons–Smith cyclopropanation strategy. Here, the total synthesis of (?)‐lundurine A was carried out using a metal‐catalyzed diazo cyclopropanation strategy. In order to avoid a carbene C?H insertion side reaction during cyclopropanation of α‐diazo‐ carboxylates or cyanides, a one‐pot, copper‐catalyzed Bamford–Stevens diazotization/diazo decomposition/cyclopropanation cascade was developed, involving hydrazone. This approach simultaneously generates the C/D/E ring system and the two chiral quaternary centers at C2 and C7.     

Palladium/Norbornene‐Catalyzed Indenone Synthesis from Simple Aryl Iodides: Concise Syntheses of Pauciflorol F and Acredinone A

To show the synthetic utility of palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis, here we report concise syntheses of indenone‐based natural products, pauciflorol F and acredinone A, which are enabled by direct annulation between aryl iodides and unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydrides. Compared to the previous indenone‐preparation approaches, this method allows simple aryl iodides to be used as substrates with complete control of the regioselectivity. The total synthesis of acredinone A features two different Pd/NBE‐catalyzed ortho acylation reactions for constructing penta‐substituted arene cores, including the development of a new ortho acylation/ipso borylation.     

Total Syntheses of (+)‐Grandilodine C and (+)‐Lapidilectine B and Determination of their Absolute Stereochemistry

Enantioselective total syntheses of the Kopsia alkaloids (+)‐grandilodine C and (+)‐lapidilectine B were accomplished. A key intermediate, spirodiketone, was synthesized in 3 steps and converted into the chiral enone by enantioselective deprotonation followed by oxidation with up to 76 % ee. Lactone formation was achieved through stereoselective vinylation followed by allylation and ozonolysis. The total synthesis of (+)‐grandilodine C was achieved by palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular allylic amination and ring‐closing metathesis to give 8‐ and 5‐membered heterocycles, respectively. Selective reduction of a lactam carbonyl gave (+)‐lapidilectine B. The absolute stereochemistry of both natural products was thereby confirmed. These syntheses enable the scalable preparation of the above alkaloids for biological studies.     

Application of a Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization/Indolization Method to Syntheses of cis‐Trikentrin A and Herbindole B

We describe herein formal syntheses of the indole alkaloids cis‐trikentrin A and herbindole B from a common meso‐hydroquinone intermediate prepared by a ruthenium‐catalyzed [2+2+1+1] cycloaddition that has not been used previously in natural product synthesis. Key steps include a sterically demanding Buchwald–Hartwig amination as well as a unique C(sp³)?H amination/indole formation. Studies toward a selective desymmetrization of the meso‐hydroquinone are also reported.     

Pentafulvene for the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products: Total Syntheses of (±)‐Pallambins A and B

The first total syntheses of pallambins A and B are enabled by the use of pentafulvene in an unprecedented Diels–Alder reaction. After elaboration of the adduct through chemoselective cyclopropanation, strategic C? H insertion affords the dense tetracyclic core of the natural products. 1,3‐Dipolar cycloaddition and palladium(II)‐catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation were leveraged for the construction of the hexacyclic scaffold en route to both natural products.     

Synthesis of Four Diastereomers of Sclerophytin F and Structural Reassignment of Several Sclerophytin Natural Products

Synthesis of the triol that has been proposed to be the marine natural product sclerophytin F has been completed along with the syntheses of three diastereomers. Comparison of the NMR spectroscopic data for all four compounds to the data reported for the natural product reveals that sclerophytin F is not the 3S diastereomer of sclerophytin A as proposed by Friedrich and Paquette. Re‐analysis of the NMR spectroscopic data for known sclerophytin natural products and synthetic analogues leads to the conclusion that sclerophytins E and F are the same compound. This finding has allowed structural reassignment of several other cladiellin natural products.     

Biomimetic Total Synthesis of Hyperjapones A–E and Hyperjaponols A and C

Hyperjapones A–E and hyperjaponols A–C are complex natural products of mixed aromatic polyketide and terpene biosynthetic origin that have recently been isolated from Hypericum japonicum. We have synthesized hyperjapones A–E using a biomimetic, oxidative hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction to couple together dearomatized acylphloroglucinol and cyclic terpene natural products. Hyperjapone A is proposed to be the biosynthetic precursor of hyperjaponol C through a sequence of: 1) epoxidation; 2) acid‐catalyzed epoxide ring‐opening; and 3) a concerted, asynchronous alkene cyclization and 1,2‐alkyl shift of a tertiary carbocation. Chemical mimicry of this proposed biosynthetic sequence allowed a concise total synthesis of hyperjaponol C to be completed in which six carbon–carbon bonds, six stereocenters, and three rings were constructed in just four steps.     

Total Syntheses of (+)‐Polygalolide A and (+)‐Polygalolide B: Elucidation of the Absolute Stereochemistry and Biogenetic Implications

The total syntheses of (+)‐polygalolide A and (+)‐polygalolide B have been completed by using a carbonyl ylide cycloaddition strategy. Three of the four stereocenters, including two consecutive tetrasubstituted carbon atoms at C2 and C8, were incorporated through internal asymmetric induction from the stereocenter at C7 by a [Rh₂(OAc)₄]‐catalyzed carbonyl ylide formation/intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition sequence. The arylmethylidene moiety of these natural products was successfully installed by a Mukaiyama aldol‐type reaction of a silyl enol ether with a dimethyl acetal, followed by elimination under basic conditions. We have also developed an alternative approach to the carbonyl ylide precursor based on a hetero‐Michael reaction. This approach requires 18 steps, and the natural products were obtained in 9.8 and 9.3 % overall yields. Comparison of specific rotations of the synthetic materials and natural products suggests that polygalolides are biosynthesized in nearly racemic forms through a [5+2] cycloaddition between a fructose‐derived oxypyrylium zwitterion with an isoprene derivative.     

A Concise and Versatile Synthesis of Alkaloids from Kopsia tenuis: Total Synthesis of (±)‐Lundurine A and B

A total synthesis of (±)‐lundurines A and B is described. These natural products have a unique hexacyclic skeleton which includes a cyclopropane‐fused indoline. A stereospecific construction of the pentasubstituted cyclopropane core was achieved, by radical cyclization using SmI₂, with perfect stereoselectivity. Cyclizations to give seven‐ and five‐membered heterocycles, under palladium and ruthenium catalysis, respectively, accomplished the total syntheses. The late‐stage construction of the F ring by ring‐closing metathesis enabled access to the title compounds from a spiroindoline intermediate which is a common structure of other kopsia alkaloids.     

Biomimetic Synthesis of Rhytidenone A and Mode of Action of Cytotoxic Rhytidenone F

The rhytidenone family comprises spirobisnaphthalene natural products isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Rhytidhysteron rufulum AS21B. The biomimetic synthesis of rhytidenone A was achieved by a Michael reaction/aldol/lactonization cascade in a single step from the proposed biosynthetic precursor rhytidenone F. Moreover, the mode of action of the highly cytotoxic rhytidenone F was investigated. The pulldown assay coupled with mass spectrometry analysis revealed the target protein PA28γ is covalently attached to rhytidenone F at the Cys92 residue. The interactions of rhytidenone F with PA28γ lead to the accumulation of p53, which is an essential tumor suppressor in humans. Consequently, the Fas‐dependent signaling pathway is activated to initiate cellular apoptosis. These studies have identified the first small‐molecule inhibitor targeting PA28γ, suggesting rhytidenone F may serve as a promising natural product lead for future anticancer drug development.     

Total Synthesis of (+)‐trans‐Trikentrin A

Several syntheses have already been reported for cis‐trikentrins and herbindoles, which are indole alkaloids unsubstituted at the C2 and C3 positions that bear a trans‐1,3‐dimethylcyclopentyl unit. Herein, we describe the first asymmetric and stereoselective synthesis of the more challenging trans‐trikentrin A as its naturally occurring isomer. Different approaches were investigated and the strategy of choice was a combination of an enzymatic kinetic resolution and a thallium(III)‐mediated ring contraction. The antiproliferative activities of the natural product and related intermediates have been tested against human tumor cell lines, leading to the discovery of new compounds with potent antitumor activity.     

Total Syntheses of the Isomeric Aglain Natural Products Foveoglin A and Perviridisin B: Selective Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton‐Transfer Photocycloaddition

Selective excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) photocycloaddition of 3‐hydroxyflavones with trans , trans ‐1,4‐diphenyl‐1,3‐butadiene is described. Using this methodology, total syntheses of the natural products (±)‐foveoglin A and (±)‐perviridisin B were accomplished. Enantioselective ESIPT photocycloaddition using TADDOLs as chiral hydrogen‐bonding additives provided access to (+)‐foveoglin A. Mechanistic studies have revealed the possibility for a photoinduced electron‐transfer (PET) pathway.     

Total Syntheses of Daphenylline,Daphnipaxianine A,and Himalenine D

We report the total syntheses of daphenylline ( 1 ), daphnipaxianine A ( 5 ), and himalenine D ( 6 ), three Daphniphyllum alkaloids from the calyciphylline A subfamily. A pentacyclic triketone was prepared by using atom‐transfer radical cyclization and the Lu [3+2] cycloaddition as key steps. Inspired by the proposed biosynthetic relationship between 1 and another calyciphylline A type alkaloid, we developed a ring‐expansion/aromatization/aldol cascade to construct the tetrasubstituted benzene moiety of 1 . The versatile triketone intermediate was also elaborated into 5 and 6 through a C=C bond migration/aldol cyclization approach.     

Total Syntheses of Daphenylline,Daphnipaxianine A,and Himalenine D

We report the total syntheses of daphenylline ( 1 ), daphnipaxianine A ( 5 ), and himalenine D ( 6 ), three Daphniphyllum alkaloids from the calyciphylline A subfamily. A pentacyclic triketone was prepared by using atom‐transfer radical cyclization and the Lu [3+2] cycloaddition as key steps. Inspired by the proposed biosynthetic relationship between 1 and another calyciphylline A type alkaloid, we developed a ring‐expansion/aromatization/aldol cascade to construct the tetrasubstituted benzene moiety of 1 . The versatile triketone intermediate was also elaborated into 5 and 6 through a C=C bond migration/aldol cyclization approach.     

Total Syntheses of Hyperforin and Papuaforins A–C,and Formal Synthesis of Nemorosone through a Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Carbocyclization

The remarkable biological activities of polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) combined with their highly decorated bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,4,9‐trione frameworks have inspired synthetic organic chemists over the last decade. The concise total syntheses of four natural products PPAPs; hyperforin and papuaforins A–C, and the formal synthesis of nemorosone are reported. Key to the realization of this strategy is the short and scalable synthesis of densely substituted PPAP scaffolds through a gold(I)‐catalyzed 6‐endo‐dig carbocyclization of cyclic enol ethers for late‐stage functionalization.     

Total Syntheses of Hyperforin and Papuaforins A–C,and Formal Synthesis of Nemorosone through a Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Carbocyclization

The remarkable biological activities of polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) combined with their highly decorated bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,4,9‐trione frameworks have inspired synthetic organic chemists over the last decade. The concise total syntheses of four natural products PPAPs; hyperforin and papuaforins A–C, and the formal synthesis of nemorosone are reported. Key to the realization of this strategy is the short and scalable synthesis of densely substituted PPAP scaffolds through a gold(I)‐catalyzed 6‐endo‐dig carbocyclization of cyclic enol ethers for late‐stage functionalization.