Synthesis of hexahydrocarbazoles by cyclisation of 3-(but-3-enyl) indole derivatives

A new cyclisation of 3-(but-3-enyl) indole derivatives that produces policyclic compounds with a hexahydrocarbazole structure is described. In this reaction three stereogenic centres are generated in one step, and this process can be considered as evidence of the biogenetic relationship between anominine and tubingensin A.     

Polycyclic framework synthesis of anominine and tubingensin A indole diterpenoids

A highly congested decalin embodying an alpha-methylene ketone is synthesized in 11 steps from the Wieland-Miescher ketone and efficiently converted to the polycyclic frameworks of anominine and tubingensin A, which constitutes the first approach to the skeleton of these indole diterpenoids.     

Construction of Various Bridged Polycyclic Skeletons by Palladium-Catalyzed Dearomatization

A powerful palladium-catalyzed dearomative cyclization was developed that provides facile access to eight types of bridged tetracyclic skeletons bearing various ring sizes and heterocycles. With this method, several skeletons or analogues of natural products, including tubingensin B and dracaenones, were synthesized. Asymmetric dearomative cyclization enables the construction of various enantiomerically enriched bridged polycyclic systems with up to 99 % ee by employing a chiral palladium catalyst.     

Construction of Various Bridged Polycyclic Skeletons by Palladium‐Catalyzed Dearomatization

A powerful palladium‐catalyzed dearomative cyclization was developed that provides facile access to eight types of bridged tetracyclic skeletons bearing various ring sizes and heterocycles. With this method, several skeletons or analogues of natural products, including tubingensin B and dracaenones, were synthesized. Asymmetric dearomative cyclization enables the construction of various enantiomerically enriched bridged polycyclic systems with up to 99 % ee by employing a chiral palladium catalyst.     

Preparation of Antiproliferative Terpene-Alkaloid Hybrids by Free Radical-Mediated Modification of ent-Kauranic Derivatives

A convenient strategy for molecular editing of available ent-kauranic natural scaffolds has been developed based on radical mediated C–C bond formation. Iodine atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) followed by rapid ionic elimination and radical azidoalkylation were investigated. Both reactions involve radical addition to the exo-methylenic double bond of the parent substrate. Easy transformations of the obtained adducts lead to extended diterpenes of broad structural diversity and artificial diterpene-alkaloid hybrids possessing lactam and pyrrolidine pharmacophores. The cytotoxicity of selected diterpenic derivatives was examined by in vitro testing on several tumor cell lines. The terpene-alkaloid hybrids containing N-heterocycles with unprecedented spiro-junction have shown relevant cytotoxicity and promising selectivity indexes. These results represent a solid basis for following research on the synthesis of such derivatives based on available natural product templates.     

Application of an amidyl radical cascade to the total synthesis of (±)-fortucine leading to the structural revision of kirkine

A radical cascade initiated by a nitrogen-centred (amidyl) radical was developed, allowing the rapid construction of galanthan frameworks. It was applied to a concise, stereo/regio-selective and tin-free total synthesis of the natural product (±)-fortucine. This in turn resulted in the correction of the structure of kirkine.     

Reducing activity of polyphenols with stable radicals of the TTM series. Electron transfer versus H-abstraction reactions in flavan-3-ols

A new method to test the antioxidant activity of polyphenols by electron transfer reactions to a stable organic free radical, tris(2,4,6-trichloro-3,5-dinitrophenyl)methyl radical (HNTTM), is reported. Therefore, the activity of the natural flavanols, (-)-epicatechin, and two synthetic derivatives, 4beta-(S-cysteinyl)epicatechin and 4beta-(2-aminoethylthio)epicatechin, can be differentiated by their capacity to transfer hydrogen atoms to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and to transfer electrons to HNTTM. [structure: see text]     

Metal-Free Aminomethylation of Aromatic Sulfones Promoted by Eosin Y

A metal-free α-aminomethylation of heteroaryls promoted by eosin Y under green light irradiation is reported. A large variety of α-trimethylsilylamines as precursor of α-aminomethyl radical species were engaged to functionalize sulfonyl-heteroaryls following a Homolytic Aromatic Substitution (HAS) pathway. This method has provided a range of α-aminoheteroaryl compounds including a functionalized natural product. The mechanism of this late-stage functionalization of aryls was investigated and suggests the formation of a sulfonyl radical intermediate over a reductive quenching cycle.     

Radical kinetics and characterization of the free radicals in gamma irradiated red pepper

Kinetic behaviors and characterization of the natural and γ-induced radicals in irradiated red pepper have been investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy to explore the possibility of using this technique in detecting irradiated red pepper and to evaluate the eventual dosimetric features of this widely used food. Unirradiated samples exhibited a single resonance line centered at g=2.0050±0.0005. Photo-exposure of the samples was found to increase the signal intensity. An increase in temperature created a drastic decrease in the concentration of natural radicals responsible for the single resonance line. Irradiation was observed to induce increases in the intensity of single resonance line (signal I) and a radiation specific doublet and/or triplet (signal II) also centered at g=2.0050 but detectable only at high spectrometer gains. The intensities of both signals increased with increasing radiation dose. The signals I and II were found to decay with different rates depending on the temperature. The results of a fitting procedure applied to the experimental signal decay curves and those obtained from room temperature spectra simulation calculations were used together to determine radical species and their spectral characteristics giving rise to the observed experimental spectra. Four radical species, three carbohydrate and one semiquinone radical assigned as radicals A, B, C and D, respectively, were found to best explain the experimental results. All the radicals show large g and hyperfine splitting anisotropies varying between g=2.0028–2.0062 and 1.07–2.58 mT, respectively. The half lives of the radicals were found to depend strongly on temperature. The activation energy calculated using temperature dependent half-life data were the highest for radical A (33.68 kcal/mol) and smallest for radical C (11.83 kcal/mol).     

A comparison between artificial and natural water oxidation

Two artificial water oxidation catalysts, the blue dimer and the Llobet catalyst, have been studied using hybrid DFT methods. The results are compared to those for water oxidation in the natural photosystem II enzyme. Studies on the latter system have now reached a high level of understanding, at present much higher than the one for the artificial systems. A recent high resolution X-ray structural investigation of PSII has confirmed the main features of the structure of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) suggested by previous DFT cluster studies. The O-O bond formation mechanism suggested is of direct coupling (DC) type between an oxygen radical and a bridging oxo ligand. A similar DC mechanism is found for the Llobet catalyst, while an acid-base (AB) mechanism is preferred for the blue dimer. All of them require at least one oxygen radical. Full energy diagrams, including both redox and chemical steps, have been constructed illustrating similarities and differences to the natural system. Unlike previous DFT studies, the results of the present study suggest that the blue dimer is rate-limited by the initial redox steps, and the Llobet catalyst by O(2) release. The results could be useful for further improvement of the artificial systems.     

几种天然黄酮类化合物对二苯代苦味肼自由基的清除作用

采用循环伏安法、示差脉冲伏安法对四种天然黄酮类化合物清除二苯代苦味肼自由基（DPPH）的能力进行了探讨.研究表明：此法可直接观测样品对DPPH的清除作用,而且灵敏度高、准确可靠,是一种检测自由基及物质对其清除作用的有效方法.     

Non‐natural Photoenzymatic Controlled Radical Polymerization Inspired by DNA Photolyase

Inspired by DNA photolyase, a non‐natural photoenzymatic catalysis of common flavoproteins is developed for controlled radical polymerization under irradiation of visible light. This photoenzymatic polymerization is highly efficient under mild conditions, applicable to various monomer families, suitable for both homogeneous and heterogeneous media, and can be externally modulated by switching light on and off. A unique combination of the natural enzymatic deoxygenation with the non‐natural photoenzymatic process enables an unprecedented oxygen‐tolerant, visible‐light‐controlled radical polymerization using a single enzyme to be developed. Visible light activation of non‐natural catalytic functions of the widely distributed flavoproteins is an exciting conceptual advance and may uncover a hitherto underexplored field of photoenzymatic catalysis.     

A concise approach for the total synthesis of pseudolaric acid A

A new strategy for the stereoselective total synthesis of natural product pseudolaric acid A (1) was accomplished in 16 steps from commercially available starting material, featuring a samarium diiodide (SmI(2))-mediated intramolecular alkene-ketyl radical cyclization and a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction to stereoselectively cast the unusual trans-fused [5-7]-bicyclic core of pseudolaric acid A (1).     

Total synthesis of (+)-seco-C-oleanane via stepwise controlled radical cascade cyclization

An asymmetric concise total synthesis of the (+)-seco-C-oleanane 1 was accomplished. The successful route to this natural product involves as the key step a stepwise regio- and stereocontrolled catalytic radical polyene cascade cyclization from preoleanatetraene oxide (16), a process mediated by Cp(2)TiCl. The use of this single-electron-transfer complex permits mild cyclization conditions without using unnecessary prefunctionalizations and stops the process at the bicyclic level. Theoretical data revealed high activation energy for the third ring closure, which would account for the control of the cyclization. This process also led to natural (-)-achilleol B, camelliol A, and (+)-seco-β-amyrin as minor compounds.     

Reducing power of simple polyphenols by electron-transfer reactions using a new stable radical of the PTM series, tris(2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-nitrophenyl)methyl radical

The synthesis and characterization of a new radical and its use for testing the antioxidant activity of polyphenols by electron transfer are reported. This new and stable species of magnetic nature, tris(2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-nitrophenyl)methyl (TNPTM) radical, has been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance and its molecular structure determined by X-ray analysis. This new radical of the PTM (perchlorotriphenylmethyl) series, unlike 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, is stable in conditions of hydrogen abstraction reactions. TNPTM radical is able to discriminate between the antioxidant activities of catechol and pyrogallol in hydroxylated solvent mixtures such as chloroform/methanol (2:1). These features determine the antioxidant/pro-oxidant character and the biological activities of natural and synthetic flavonoids.     

Unprecedented aromatic homolytic substitutions and cyclization of amide-iminyl radicals: experimental and theoretical study

Amide-iminyl radicals are versatile and efficient intermediates in cascade radical cyclizations of N-acylcyanamides. They are easily trapped by alkenes or (hetero-)aromatic rings and cyclize into a series of new heterocyclic compounds which bear a pyrroloquinazoline moiety. As an illustration of the synthetic importance of these compounds, the total synthesis of the natural antitumor compound luotonin A was achieved through a tin-free radical cascade cyclization process. Not only do amide-iminyl radicals lead to new tetracyclic heterocycles but these nitrogen-centered radical species also react in aromatic homolytic substitutions. Indeed, the amide-iminyl radical moiety unprecedentedly displaces methyl, methoxy, and fluorine radicals from an aromatic carbon atom. This seminal reaction in the field of radical chemistry has been developed experimentally and its mechanism has additionally been investigated by a theoretical study.     

Compounds of 6Li and natural Li for EPR dosimetry in photon/neutron mixed radiation fields

Formates and dithionates of 6Li, enriched and 7Li in natural composition of Li offer a possibility to measure the absorbed dose from photons and thermal neutrons in a mixed radiation field for instance at a boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) facility. Tests with formates and dithionates of enriched 6Li and lithium compounds with natural composition have been performed at the BNCT facility at Studsvik, Sweden. Irradiations have been performed at 3 cm depth in a Perspex phantom in a fluence rate of thermal neutrons 1.8 x 10(9) n cm(-2) s(-1). The compounds were also irradiated in a pure X-ray field from a 4MV linear accelerator at 5 cm depth in a phantom with accurately determined absorbed doses. The signal intensity and shape was investigated within 3 h after the irradiation. A single line spectrum attributed to the CO2- radical was observed after irradiation of lithium formate. An increase in line width occurring after neutron irradiation in comparison with photon irradiation of the 6Li sample was attributed to dipolar broadening between CO2- radicals trapped in the tracks of the alpha particles. A spectrum due to the SO3- radical anion was observed after irradiation of lithium dithionate. The signal amplitude increased using the 6Li in place of the Li with natural composition of isotopes, in studies with low energy X-ray irradiation. Due to the decreased line width, caused by the difference in g(N) and I between the isotopes, the sensitivity with 6Li dithionate may be enhanced by an order of magnitude compared to alanine dosimetry. After comprehensive examination of the different combinations of compounds with different amounts of 6Li and 7Li regarding dosimetry, radiation chemistry and EPR properties these dosimeter material might be used for dose determinations at BNCT treatments and for biomedical experiments. Interesting properties of the radical formation might be visible due to the large difference in ionization density of neutrons compared to photons.     

Computational study on the 1,2-rearrangement in beta-(nitroxy)vinyl and beta-(acetoxy)vinyl radicals

The 1,2-nitroxyl and 1,2-acetoxyl rearrangement in beta-(nitroxy)vinyl and beta-(acetoxy)vinyl radicals 13a and 13b, respectively, has been studied for the gas phase with various ab initio and density functional methods. The energetically most favorable pathway for 13a is calculated to proceed via reversible fragmentation/radical addition through transition state I-19a. In the case of 13b, rearrangement through a five-membered ring transition state III-16b and the fragmentation/radical addition pathway via transition state I-19b are competing processes. Mulliken and natural population analysis reveal a certain degree of charge separation in III-16a/b that may indicate a potential solvent effect on the rearrangement rate. A stepwise group migration through a cyclic radical intermediate V-18a/b or rearrangement through a three-membered ring transition state II-15a/b can be ruled out for both vinyl radicals. A comparison of the results of the calculations with experimental findings provides important insights into the kinetics of "self-terminating radical oxygenations". A significant method dependence on the outcome of the calculations was observed, which revealed the unsuitability of the UHF, MP2, B3LYP, and mPW1PW91 methods for computing these radical rearrangement processes. The results from BHandHLYP/cc-pVDZ calculations showed the best agreement with single-point energy calculations performed at the QCISD and CCSD(T) levels of theory.     

Radical C−H Acylation of Nitrogen Heterocycles Induced by an Aerobic Oxidation of Aldehydes

An aerobic radical approach for the synthesis of unsymmetrical heteroaryl ketones is described herein. The reaction involves cross‐dehydrogenative coupling between aldehydes and heteroaromatic bases with molecular oxygen (O₂). The key aspect of the method is the generation of reactive acyl radical via homolytic activation of aldehyde C?H bond using O₂ as the sole oxidant. The reaction has a good substrate scope with respect to aldehydes and functionalized nitrogen heterocycles. Based on our mechanistic studies, a radical chain pathway is suggested for the reaction. A synthetic application of the method is demonstrated in the formal synthesis of natural alkaloid (±) angustureine.     

Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2-ene-5-yl-7-ylium radical cation: a theoretical validation of a bishomoaromatic radical cation intermediate

[structure: see text] A natural bond orbital analysis of the distonic bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2-ene-5-yl-7-ylium radical cation interprets its structure and radical character by a three-center two-electron bond between C2, C3, and C7 (a bishomoaromatic stabilization) and a singly occupied orbital on C5, n(5). Moreover, B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) ESR parameters, which agree excellently with experiment, are interpreted in terms of spin polarization in the natural hybrids of sigma(C5-H5), and a dual hyperconjugative effect involving n(5), sigma(C1-H1a), sigma(C1-H1b), and antibonding counterparts.