An efficient synthesis of sterically hindered arylboronic acids

Boronic acids are important intermediates and molecular recognition moieties in a wide variety of applications. In our research, we have found that the synthesis of ortho-substituted arylboronic acids is problematic with the commonly used bis(pinacolato)diboron in palladium-mediated borylation reactions. As a substitute, we have found that bis(neopentyl glycolato)diboron is a much more efficient borylation agent for the synthesis of sterically hindered ortho-substituted arylboronic acids.     

Asymmetric total synthesis of 11-deoxytetrodotoxin,a naturally occurring congener

Tetrodotoxin, a toxic principle of puffer fish poisoning, is a specific blocker of sodium channel. Despite many synthetic efforts since the structure elucidation in 1964, the only total synthesis of the racemic tetrodotoxin has been reported by Kishi and co-workers. In the course of our studies directed toward the total synthesis to analyze biologically interesting issues associated with tetrodotoxin, we accomplished a highly stereocontrolled synthesis of (-)-5,11-dideoxytetrodotoxin in 1999. Based on the synthesis, we describe herein the first total synthesis of 11-deoxytetrodotoxin, a naturally occurring analogue. The synthesis started from an allylic alcohol, the same intermediate for the synthesis of 5,11-dideoxytetrodotoxin. Epoxidation of the allylic alcohol was followed by isomerization with Ti(i-PrO)(4) to give an alpha-hydroxy allylic alcohol, in which the configurations of the two hydroxyl groups were inverted by oxidation and then a 2-step reduction. Further epoxidation of the allylic alcohol and ozonolysis of the remaining vinyl group gave an aldehyde, which reacted with magnesium acetylide to give a propargyl alcohol in a stereoselective manner. Oxidative cleavage of the acetylenic moiety with RuO(4) afforded a fully functionalized lactone for 11-deoxytetrodotoxin. Crucial guanidinylation was achieved from trichloroacetamide according to our own method to give acetyldibenzylguanidine. Finally, deprotection of benzyl groups, acetates, and acetal furnished 11-deoxytetrodotoxin.     

Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide from Hydrogen and Oxygen Using Tailored Pd Nanocatalysts: A Review of Recent Findings

Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen is being actively studied as an alternative to the current manufacturing process. The direct synthesis route has not reached the point of commercialization because of low yields, but significant effort is being spent on enhancing the productivity. With advances in computational capacity, simulation studies based on DFT calculations now offer directions for catalyst improvement, but such modifications can only be realized through the application of nanoparticle synthesis techniques that allow for nanocrystal morphology and size control and unique immobilization. To date, there have only been a small number of studies on such nanoparticles with size and crystallographic homogeneity for the direct hydrogen peroxide synthesis. According to our knowledge no other group has systematically investigated application of nanoparticles in direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, and thus included in this review are primarily previous studies conducted by our group. In this review, we discuss the utilization of nanotechnology for the synthesis of Pd catalysts and its effect on the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide, and we suggest a direction for future studies.     

Reagent‐Based DOS: Developing a Diastereoselective Methodology to Access Spirocyclic‐ and Fused Heterocyclic Ring Systems

Herein, we report a diversity‐oriented‐synthesis (DOS) approach for the synthesis of biologically relevant molecular scaffolds. Our methodology enables the facile synthesis of fused N‐heterocycles, spirooxoindolones, tetrahydroquinolines, and fused N‐heterocycles. The two‐step sequence starts with a chiral‐bicyclic‐lactam‐directed enolate‐addition/substitution step. This step is followed by a ring‐closure onto the built‐in scaffold electrophile, thereby leading to stereoselective carbocycle‐ and spirocycle‐formation. We used in silico tools to calibrate our compounds with respect to chemical diversity and selected drug‐like properties. We evaluated the biological significance of our scaffolds by screening them in two cancer cell‐lines. In summary, our DOS methodology affords new, diverse scaffolds, thereby resulting in compounds that may have significance in medicinal chemistry.     

One-dimensional inorganic nanostructures: synthesis, field-emission and photodetection

One-dimensional inorganic nanostructures have drawn prime attention due to their potential for understanding fundamental physical concepts and constructing nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. This critical review mainly focuses on our recent research progresses in 1D inorganic nanostructures, including their rational synthesis and potential applications, with an emphasis on field-emitter and photodetector applications. Firstly, we will discuss the rational design of synthetic strategies and the synthesis of 1D nanostructures via a vapour phase approach. Secondly, we will present our recent progresses with respect to several kinds of important inorganic nanostructures and their field-emission and photoconductivity characteristics. Finally, we conclude this review with some perspectives/outlook and future research in these fields (212 references).     

Dearomatization of Biaryls through Polarity Mismatched Radical Spirocyclization

Dearomatization reactions involving radical cyclizations can facilitate the synthesis of complex polycyclic systems that find applications in medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis. Here we employ redox-neutral photocatalysis to affect a radical spirocyclization that transforms biaryls into spirocyclic cyclohexadienones under mild reaction conditions. In a departure from previously reported methods, our work demonstrates the polarity mismatched addition of a nucleophilic radical to an electron rich arene, and allows the regioselective synthesis of 2,4- or 2,5-cyclohexadienones with broad functional group tolerance. By transforming biaryls into spirocycles, our methodology accesses underexplored three-dimensional chemical space, and provides an efficient means of creating quaternary spirocenters that we apply to the first synthesis of the cytotoxic plant metabolite denobilone A.     

Design and Synthesis of 56 Shape-Diverse 3D Fragments

Fragment-based drug discovery is now widely adopted for lead generation in the pharmaceutical industry. However, fragment screening collections are often predominantly populated with flat, 2D molecules. Herein, we describe a workflow for the design and synthesis of 56 3D disubstituted pyrrolidine and piperidine fragments that occupy under-represented areas of fragment space (as demonstrated by a principal moments of inertia (PMI) analysis). A key, and unique, underpinning design feature of this fragment collection is that assessment of fragment shape and conformational diversity (by considering conformations up to 1.5 kcal mol⁻¹ above the energy of the global minimum energy conformer) is carried out prior to synthesis and is also used to select targets for synthesis. The 3D fragments were designed to contain suitable synthetic handles for future fragment elaboration. Finally, by comparing our 3D fragments with six commercial libraries, it is clear that our collection has high three-dimensionality and shape diversity.     

Polytetrahydrofuran cross-linked polystyrene resins for solid-phase organic synthesis

Currently, divinylbenzene cross-linked polystyrene (DVB-PS) is the polymer of choice for use in solid-phase organic synthesis (SPOS). While much research has been directed toward the optimization of linker groups for the attachment of compounds to the polymer, the development of new polymers themselves has been relatively neglected. In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of DVB-PS and to develop new polymers with optimum properties for use in organic synthesis, we have prepared a series of polystyrene polymers that incorporate flexible polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) based cross-linkers. The objective of incorporating PTHF into the polymers was to slightly increase the overall polarity of the polymer and thus render the resins more organic solvent-like. Since the degree to which a resin swells in and absorbs a particular solvent correlates to how well substrates attached to the polymer are solvated, we compared the swelling of our new resins to commercially available DVB-PS resins. In all cases, we found that our resins swelled to a much greater extent than do DVB-PS resins, and their use should therefore allow for SPOS reaction conditions that more closely mimic homogeneous solution-phase conditions. It was also found that the PTHF chain length of the cross-linker does not affect the level of swelling since all of our cross-linkers afford resins with comparable levels of increased swelling. Furthermore, we have examined the utility of our resins in directed ortho-metalation reactions and found that the increased swelling of our resins allows for isolation of reaction products in yields comparable to what is achieved using standard solution-phase conditions.     

Total synthesis of (-)-4,8,10-tridesmethyl telithromycin

Novel sources of antibiotics are required to address the serious problem of antibiotic resistance. Telithromycin (2) is a third-generation macrolide antibiotic prepared from erythromycin (1) and used clinically since 2004. Herein we report the details of our efforts that ultimately led to the total synthesis of (-)-4,8,10-tridesmethyl telithromycin (3) wherein methyl groups have been replaced with hydrogens. The synthesis of desmethyl macrolides has emerged as a novel strategy for preparing bioactive antibiotics.     

Total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5 as a potent nematode complex II inhibitor

It is clear that atpenins and their analogs are useful chemical tools for elucidation of complex II functionality and that they could act as lead compounds for the development of novel helminth complex II-specific inhibitors. Recently, we discovered 4-epi-atpenin A5 as a potent nematode complex II inhibitor during our SAR studies of atpenin A5. This result led us to embark on a concise total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5. In this study, we describe the total synthesis of 4-epi-atpenin A5. Importantly, this was more concise and practical synthesis than our previous total synthesis of atpenin A5.     

Diversity-orientated synthesis of 3,5-bis(arylamino)pyrazoles

The synthesis of differentially-substituted 3,5-bis(arylamino)pyrazoles has not yet been documented. During our investigation, we managed to develop a novel, entirely combinatorial synthesis of 3,5-bis(arylamino)pyrazoles relying on a simple one-pot two-step operation.     

Enantioselective formal total synthesis of the antitumor macrolide bryostatin 7

A new enantioselective synthesis of Masamune's AB fragment (1) for bryostatin 7 is described. Key steps in the new route include a Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction to set the O(7) stereocenter and an alkylative union between the dithiane 6 and iodide 5 to construct the C(9)-C(10) bond. Because we have previously published a synthesis of Masamune's C-ring phenyl sulfone 2, our new route to 1 constitutes a formal total synthesis of bryostatin 7; it also corrects the previously reported spectral data for 1 in CDCl3.     

Computer modeling of synthesis of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHAp)

In our previous papers (Mackevi?ius et al. in Cent Eur J Chem 10(2):380–385, 2012, J Math Chem 50(8):2291–2302, 2012), we presented a method for estimation of the diffusion and reaction rates of synthesis at high temperatures using limited information, such as synthesis time and dimensions of reactants, from real laboratory experiments. The method was limited to the two-reactant case. In order to extend the method to the three-reactant case, the form and distribution of particles of three reactants must satisfy requirements of periodicity and symmetry. In our model, we achieve this by taking rhombic particles and a triangular synthesis space. Solving in the latter an inverse modeling problem, we obtain explicit formulas for the diffusion coefficient and reaction rate as functions of temperature by calculating the activation energies and other parameters of CHAp synthesis.     

The total synthesis of (-)-callystatin A

Callystatin A is a prominent member of a class of natural products which display promising growth inhibition of cancer cells in their biological profile. The challenging structure and the interesting biological activity of (-)-callystatin A fueled our interest in the synthesis of this marine natural product. We achieved the total synthesis using a highly convergent approach joining four subunits together with a Wittig olefination, a selective Heck reaction and an aldol reaction as the pivotal steps. The aldol reaction as one of the final transformations during the synthesis opens fast access to a variety of structural analogues and circumvents tedious protecting group manipulations. Here we report an improved synthesis utilizing a modified vinyl iodide which shortens the synthesis by two steps. Additionally, first biological results will be reported.     

Changing Perspectives on the Strategic Use of Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis

This Personal Account describes collaborative investigations into apocryphal microwave effects in organic chemistry. Focused research on microwave‐assisted organic synthesis has been fraught with confusion, controversy, and misinformation. Microwave heating is an undoubtedly useful tactic for organic synthesis, but whether or not it can offer strategic advantages remains an open question in the minds of many people. (Ironically, those who do not consider it an open question are split as to whether it has been resolved affirmatively or negatively.) Our research in this area is guided by the hypothesis that microwave heating can alter reaction kinetics in ways distinct from what is observable under conventional heating. Here we provide a succinct record of the origins of our interests, our initial queries and associated controversies, and recent efforts to identify, quantify, and begin to leverage selective microwave heating for strategic advantage in organic synthesis.     

Selective synthesis of (9,8) single walled carbon nanotubes on cobalt incorporated TUD-1 catalysts

Selective synthesis of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with specific (n,m) structures is desired for many potential applications. Current chirality control growth has only achieved at small diameter (6,5) and (7,5) nanotubes. Each (n,m) species is a distinct molecule with structure-dependent properties; therefore it is essential to extend chirality control to various (n,m) species. In this communication, we demonstrate the highly selective synthesis of (9,8) nanotubes on a cobalt incorporated TUD-1 catalyst are (Co-TUD-1). When catalysts were prereduced in H(2) at the optimized temperature of 500 °C, 59.1% of semiconducting nanotubes have the (9,8) structure. The uniqueness of Co-TUD-1 relies on its low reduction temperature (483 °C), large surface area, and strong metal-support interaction, which stabilizes Co clusters responsible for the growth of (9,8) nanotubes. SWCNT thin film field effect transistors fabricated using (9,8) nanotubes from our synthesis process have higher average device mobility and a higher fraction of semiconducting devices than those using (6,5) nanotubes. Combining with further postsynthetic sorting techniques, our selective synthesis method brings us closer to the ultimate goal of producing (n,m) specific nanotube materials.     

Protecting-group-free synthesis of a dual CCK1/CCK2 receptor antagonist

In our pursuit of an efficient, protecting-group-free synthesis of the dual CCK1/CCK2 receptor antagonist 1, we have developed chemoselective conditions for sulfonamide formation reaction in pure water and a PhNMe(2) mediated carboxamide formation, both in the presence of a carboxylic acid. Practical synthesis of an unnatural, chiral β-aryl-α-amino acid is also described.     

Rapid and Efficient Synthesis of Diaryl Carbazones using Microwave Technology

Diaryl carbazone is an important organic analytical reagent normally prepared by the oxidation of diaryl carbazine, but in literatures' methods, the yields were low and the procedures were trouble1,2. Recently, our laboratory reported some new methods for the preparation of diaryl carbazone from diaryl carbazine3,4. Generally, these methods have drawbacks such as tedious operation3, using large amounts of volatile and poisonous solvent which will pollute the environment inevitably3, long reaction time and complicated oxidation system4. In continuation of our studies on the synthesis of azo compounds, we decided to develop a new method to overcome the limitation.As we know, the application of microwave techniques for organic synthesis has attracted considerable interests in recent years5. Using microwave technology can enhance the selectivity and reactivity, increase the chemical yields and shorten the reaction time6. It has been widely used in a variety of organic reactions7,8. However, the synthesis of diaryl carbazones using microwave has not been reported so far.In this paper, a rapid and efficient synthesis of diaryl carbazones with NaBrO3/H2SO4 as oxidation system using microwave technology is reported for the first time. By this method, in short time (0.5 rmin), we have synthesized ten diaryl carbazones in good yields.In the oxidation study, we found that the acidic condition is necessary in these reactions.This method only needs cheap and easily available oxidants, simple instruments and easy work-up.In conclusion, It is a facile and rapid method for the preparation of diaryl carbazones from diaryl carbazines with NaBrO3/H2SO4.     

Chemistry and biology of diazonamide A: second total synthesis and biological investigations

As an especially unique target for chemical synthesis, diazonamide A has the potential to be constructed through a plethora of synthetic routes, each attended by different challenges and opportunities for discovery. In this article, we detail our second total synthesis of diazonamide A through a sequence entirely distinct from that employed in our first campaign, one whose success required the development of several special strategies and tactics. We also disclose our complete studies regarding the chemical biology of diazonamide A and its structural congeners, and more fully delineate the scope of our protocol for Robinson-Gabriel cyclodehydration using pyridine-buffered POCl(3).     

A concept for synthesis planning in solid-state chemistry

There is a widely-held belief that the preparation of new solid-state compounds based on rational design is not possible. Herein, we present a concept that points the way towards a rational design of syntheses in solid-state chemistry. The foundation of our approach is the representation of the whole material world, that is, the known and not-yet-known compounds, on an energy landscape, which gives information about the free energies of these compounds. From this it follows that all chemical compounds capable of existence are present on this landscape. Thus the chemical synthesis always corresponds to the discovery of compounds, not their creation. Consequently, the first step in planning a synthesis can and must be to identify a synthesizable compound. Up to now, materials capable of existence are discovered in the course of an experimental exploration of the energy landscape; however, an a priori identification of a synthesis goal requires an exploration using theoretical methods. In contrast to those computational approaches currently employed for structure determination for fixed composition and already known unit cells, our aims clash with such restrictions and full global optimizations have to be performed on the landscape. Although for reasons of computational feasibility the accuracy of the energy calculations is not yet as high as one would wish, our approach proves to be surprisingly robust. One always finds the already known compounds of a given chemical system, and, in addition, further plausible structure candidates are discovered. The second step of a rational planning of syntheses is the design of feasible synthesis routes. Modeling such routes requires highly accurate computations for realistic thermodynamic conditions, however this is usually beyond our current capabilities. Thus, we have not seriously pursued such a deductive approach; instead we have attempted, to reproduce the "computational annealing" employed during our structure predictions in the experiment. Educts, generated by vapor deposition methods, that are disperse on an atomic level are found to react with surprisingly low activation energies to give highly crystallized products. However, even this technique does not yet provide the possibility to selectively synthesize a specific solid compound. For this final step, modeling and experimental control of nucleation processes will be the key ingredient. Only when viewed superficially, our goal of a "rational design" of solid-state syntheses and the "high-throughput" syntheses are in contradiction. But an exhaustive exploration of the unimaginably large combinatorial diversity of chemistry remains beyond our capabilities, even with an exceedingly high throughput. The future of solid-state synthesis will be found in a union of these two conceptual approaches.