Optically active tetraazamacrocycles analogous to cyclam

The syntheses of enantiopure tetraazamacrocycles analogous to cyclam, (S,S)-3, (R,R)-3 and (S,S,S,S)-4, have been carried out. NMR and semiempirical studies of 3 have revealed that this compound presents a rigid conformation with C₂ symmetry, which is stabilized by intramolecular bifurcated hydrogen bonds. Structural studies for macrocycle 4 have shown that the presence of two cyclohexane rings of (S,S) configuration leads to the loss of the D₂ symmetry in solution, which is in agreement with the AM1 calculated structure.     

Modular synthesis of functionalized bis-bispidine tetraazamacrocycles

An effective synthesis is reported for the construction of highly rigid and preorganized bis-bispidine tetraazamacrocycles bearing either identical or different functionalities. Using essential building blocks derived from N-Boc-N'-allylbispidinone, the modular approach facilitates independent incorporation of the functional groups to the macrocyclic framework as well as selective derivatization of one functionality in the presence of another.     

A powerful method to prepare sulfur-rich macrocycles

Various cyclic polysulfanes (up to a 16-membered ring) have been selectively obtained from the corresponding disubstituted trityl-protected polysulfane benzene derivatives upon treatment with elemental iodine in the presence of silica gel. Depending on the position of the sulfur-rich moieties and the presence of a methylene linker between the benzene ring and sulfur atoms, two types of products containing either one or two benzene subunits have been isolated. The scope of the reaction, its selectivity, and mechanism are discussed.     

A new route to spirooxindoles

[reaction: see text]Reaction of indole amides 5 with tributylstannane gave spiroindolenines 9 which are readily converted into spiropyrrolidinyloxindoles. This tricyclic system is found in a number of interesting natural products.     

A novel route to meta-aminobenzotrifluoride

Product patterns can be altered in reactions of $\text{m}$-nitrobenzotrichloride [VI] with [AHF]_x·NH₄F complex. Side-chain fluorination predominates under ‘mild’ conditions. In contrast. ‘forcing’ conditions affected unexpected $\text{in}$-$\text{situ}$ fluorination-reduction to give $\text{m}$-aminobenzotrifluoride [V] in high yield [75%] and purity [99.6%]. $\text{in}$-$\text{situ}$ reduction is probably initiated by a combination of iron from the stainless steel autoclave and trace amounts of moisture. The transformation of [VI] to [V] represents another type of $\text{in}$-$\text{situ}$ fluorination-reduction nitroaromatics, e.g. nitrobenzene [VII] to $\text{p}$-fluoroaniline [VIII]. $\text{o}$-Nitrobenzotrichloride [XI] degraded under ‘forcing’ conditions with [AHF]_x·NH₄F.     

A synthetic route to thionolactones

The treatment of O-alkyllactonium tetrafluoroborate salts with anh. NaSH in CH₃CN at 0°C led to five-, six-, and seven-membered thionolactones (44– 90% yield).     

A Mitsunobu route to C-glycosides

C-Glycosides were successfully prepared via dehydrative alkylation under Mitsunobu conditions, using substituted sulfonyl methanes as nucleophiles. The materials prepared were converted to useful C-glycoside intermediates. An application of this approach toward the synthesis of C-glycolipids is presented.     

A nickel-catalyzed route to pyridines

A mild and general route for preparing pyridines from nitriles and diynes is described. Ni/imidazolyidene complexes were used to mediate cyclization alkynes and both aryl and alkyl nitriles at ambient temperature. In addition, the efficacy of this protocol allows for the preparation of a fused seven-membered pyridone and for intermolecular cyclizations. When an asymmetrical diyne was employed, cyclization afforded a single pyridine regioisomer.     

A straightforward route to spiroketals

A straightforward route to 1,7-dioxa-, 1,4,7-trioxa- and 1,4,7,10-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecanes, starting from commercially available 3-chloro-2(chloromethyl)prop-1-ene, is described.     

A new route to alkenylcyclobutenes

Reaction of titanium cyclobutylidene complexes, prepared by the desulfurizative titanation of 1,1-bis(phenylthio)cyclobutanes with Cp₂Ti[P(OEt)₃]₂, with alkynes gave 1-(alk-1-enyl)cyclobutenes.     

A versatile route to benzocanthinones

Benzocanthinone (1) and five analogs (10, 12-15) were prepared by radical-induced cyclizations of halo N-aroyl derivatives of β-carboline and carbazole.     

A convenient route to heteronaphthacenes

Heteronaphthacenes 1 were prepared in two steps from 1,3-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophene 2,2-dioxide ( 4 ) and dienophiles 2 via convenient high-temperature Diels-Alder reactions.     

A cyclotrimerization route to cannabinoids

Three members of the cannabinoid class, cannabinol, cannabinol methyl ether, and cannabinodiol, were synthesized using a microwave-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization reaction as the key step. This approach provides a high level of synthetic flexibility allowing for the facile synthesis of cannabinoid analogues.