Total synthesis of peridinin and related C37-norcarotenoid butenolides

As an extension of our synthesis of symmetrical carotenoids, the preparation of the highly functionalized C37-norcarotenoid butenolide peridinin (1), its 6'-epi- and 11'Z stereoisomers has been completed. Featuring a central dihalogenated C8 linchpin unit 6, two synthetic routes, differing in the ordering of the last three steps were explored by using the C3,C3'-bisdehydroxylated target as the model system. The first route uses the combination of a modified Z-selective Julia reaction and two sequential Stille couplings, the last one producing the isomerisation of the polyene Z double bond. The second route inverts these steps and makes the isolation of the 11'Z stereoisomers as major products possible. An efficient Z to E isomerisation of the final carotenoid skeleton simply uses the Stille reaction conditions at ambient temperature. As the reaction of bromoallene 12 with alkenylstannane 11 occurs with inversion of configuration, 6'-epi-peridinin could also be prepared by route A. The advantages and limitations of the sequential Stille cross-coupling approach to carotenoids are highlighted.     

The Birch reduction-dialkylation reaction. Scope and limitations

The Birch reduction-dialkylation reaction has been studied with different aromatic carboxylic acids and primary and secondary bromides. From these results it can be concluded that it is a reasonably general reaction. However, we found important exceptions with the primary bromides: allyl bromide, β-phenethyl bromide, and 5-bromo-2-methyl-2-pentene. The unusual behavior of allyl bromide is briefly discussed.     

Scope and limitations of the Minisci reaction for the synthesis of aza-heterocycles

Attempts to prepare several classes of aza-heterocycles by application of the Minisci radical cyclisation reaction are described. Competing β-scission, hydrolytic cleavage and lactonisation reactions were found to be major hurdles to adopting this strategy for the synthesis of such targets.     

Scope and limitations of the base-catalyzed phospha-peterson P=C bond-forming reaction

Phosphaalkenes (MesP=CRR': R = R' = Ph (1a); R = R' = 4-FC6H4 (1b); R = Ph, R' = 4-FC6H4 (1c); R = R' = 4-OMeC6H4 (1d); R = Ph, R' = 4-OMeC6H4 (1e); R = Ph, R' = 2-pyridyl (1f)) are prepared from the reaction of MesP(SiMe3)2 and O=CRR' in the presence of a trace of KOH or NaOH. The base-catalyzed phospha-Peterson reaction is quantitated by NMR spectroscopy, and isolated yields of phosphaalkene between 40 and 70% are obtained after vacuum distillation and/or recrystallization. The asymmetrically substituted phosphaalkenes (1c, 1e, 1f) form as 1:1 mixtures of E and Z isomers; however, X-ray crystallography reveals that the E isomers crystallize preferentially. Interestingly, E-1e and E-1f readily isomerize in solution in the dark, although the rate of isomerization is much faster when samples are exposed to light. X-ray crystal structures of 1b, E-1e, and E-1f reveal that the P=C bond lengths (average of 1.70 A) are in the long end of the range typically found in phosphaalkenes (1.61-1.71 A). Attempts to prepare isolable P-adamantyl phosphaalkenes following this route were unsuccessful. Although AdP=CPh2 (2a) is detected by 31P NMR spectroscopy, attempts to isolate this species afforded the 1,2-diphosphetane (AdPCPh2)2 (3a), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Scope and limitations of the nitro-Mannich reaction for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-diamines

The acetic acid-promoted addition of lithium nitropropanate and the Lewis acid-catalyzed [Sc(OTf)3, Cu(OTf)2, or Ti(OiPr)4] addition of trimethylsilyl nitropropanate to a range of heteroaromatic and simple aliphatic aldimines gave anti-rich (approximately 3-19:1) beta-nitroamines in >95% yields as the kinetic products. It was found that a nonpolar N-imine protecting group was essential for reactivity with the o-methoxybenzyl (OMB) group giving better selectivities and yields than p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) or p-methoxyphenyl (PMP) in the Lewis acid-catalyzed addition reactions. Reduction with SmI2, treatment with COCl2, followed by OMB deprotection gave diastereomerically pure cis-imidazolidinones in 55-79% overall yield from imine. Preliminary results have shown that acetic acid can catalyze the reaction of N-OMB-benzylideneamine with nitropropane, used as solvent, to give the thermodynamically more stable syn-beta-nitroamine product.     

The Stille reaction in the synthesis of carotenoid butenolides: synthesis of 6'-epi-peridinin

A new strategy for carotenoid butenolides has been developed that is based in part in halogen-selective Stille cross-coupling of dihalogenated ylidenebutenolide segment 2 and highly functionalized alkenylstannanes. [reaction: see text]     

The mechanisms of the Stille reaction

Eighteen years ago in Angewandte Chemie John K. Stille reviewed a novel methodology, which eventually became known by his name, for the coupling of organostannanes with organic electrophiles. Since then that seed has blossomed into a multifaceted methodology full of hidden possibilities to explore, discover, and enjoy. Very recent modifications are making synthetic wishes come true that were only dreamed of a few years ago. Moreover, as important advances are being made in the understanding of the mechanistic details of the process, it is becoming increasingly possible to apply this essential reaction and its new variants in a less empirical way. The purpose of this Review is to give a critical account of this progress.     

Scope and limitations of the Julia-Kocienski reaction with fluorinated sulfonylesters

The study of the Julia-Kocienski reaction between fluorinated arylsulfone and ketones is described. The corresponding fluoroalkenes were isolated in moderate to good yields from β- and δ-substituted cyclic ketones. From acyclic ketones and α-substituted cyclic ketones a decarbethoxylation reaction of the sulfonylesters occurred. This decarbethoxylation reaction opened a new route for the preparation of a variety of fluoroalkylsulfones as potential building blocks for the preparation of fluoroalkenes.     

Preparation and properties of arylgold compounds. Scope and limitations of the auration reaction

Several ligand-free monoarylgold dichlorides (RC₆H₄AuCl₂)₂ (R = H, Me, Et, i-Pr, t-Bu, Ph) have been prepared from arenes and AuCl₃; contrary to earlier reports, addition of ligands is not necessary in order to obtain thermally stable products. The auration is inhibited if the arenes contain potentially coordinating substituents. The properties and reactions of the arylgold dichlorides are discussed.     

Syntheses of tetrahydro-beta-carbolines via a tandem hydroformylation-Pictet-Spengler reaction. Scope and limitations

A novel one-pot synthesis of tetrahydro-beta-carboline systems via tandem hydroformylation-Pictet-Spengler reaction starting from olefins and aryl ethylamines is described. This tandem procedure allows fast and convenient synthesis of various substituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines.     

A sub-stoichiometric tungsten-mediated Pauson-Khand reaction: Scope and limitations

Terminal alkynes do not partake in sequential [2+2+1]/benzoannulation reactions with Fischer carbene complexes and highly reactive and sterically hindered olefins; instead, they undergo a Fischer carbene complex-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR). This result has allowed the development, for the first time, of a tungsten-catalyzed PKR, although of limited scope.     

One-step synthesis of alpha-pyrones from acyl chlorides by the Stille reaction

Palladium-catalyzed stereoselective annulation of a functional vinylstannane by acyl chlorides gives the corresponding alpha-pyran-2-ones in good yields. This annulation most probably proceeds through a Stille reaction/cyclization sequence.     

Scope and limitations of 1,1-diphenylethylene chemistry in anionic polymer synthesis

The scope and limitations of the addition reactions of simple and polymeric organolithium compounds with substituted 1,1-diarylethylenes to prepare in chain- and chain-end functionalized polymers is presented. The application of this general living functionalization reaction for the preparation of ω-functionalized polymers is illustrated for hydroxyl, carboxyl, dimethylamine, and primary amine groups, as well as for the fluorescent naphthalene and pyrene labels. The use of this chemistry to prepare functionalized initiators is described, as well as the copolymerization of substituted 1,1-diphenylethylenes with monomers to prepare in-chain functionalized polymers with alternating structures.     

Scope and limitations of a novel synthesis of 3-arylazonicotinates

The reaction of 3-oxo-3-phenyl-2-phenylhydrazonal with functionally substituted and heteroaromatic substituted acetonitrile to yield arylazonicotinic acid derivatives and 5-arylsubstituted pyridines was established. In some cases the produced nicotinates could not be isolated as they underwent thermally induced 6π-electrocyclization yielding polynuclear pyridine derivatives.     

Synthesis of tetrazolodiazepines by a five-centered four-component azide Ugi reaction. Scope and limitations

Tetrazolo[1,5-a][1,4]benzodiazepines were obtained by an efficient azide five-centered four-component Ugi reaction, which used ketones, sodium azide, ammonium chloride, and the corresponding isonitrile. Scope and limitations of this multi-component reaction were considered.     

Stereoselective synthesis of imidazolidin-2-ones via Pd-catalyzed alkene carboamination. Scope and limitations

A method for the synthesis of imidazolidin-2-ones from N-allylureas and aryl or alkenyl bromides via Pd-catalyzed carboamination reactions is described. The N-allylurea precursors are prepared in one step from readily available allylic amines and isocyanates, and the Pd-catalyzed reactions effect the formation of a C-C bond, a C-N bond, and up to two stereocenters in a single step. Good diastereoselectivities are obtained for the conversion of substrates bearing allylic substituents to 4,5-disubstituted imidazolidin-2-ones, and excellent selectivity for the generation of products resulting from syn-addition across the alkene is observed when substrates derived from cyclic alkenes or E-1,2-disubstituted alkenes are employed. A brief discussion of reaction mechanism and product stereochemistry is presented.     

Stille cross-coupling reaction of an alpha-stannyl enamide.

The Stille cross-coupling reaction of an N-tosyl alpha-stannyl enamine is clearly exemplified for the first time with a wide range of halogeno derivatives. This gives access to functionalized alpha-substituted enamines in fair yields.