Seven membered ring chelates derived from γ-hydroxyamides and triphenyltin or diphenylboron

N-Benzyl-4-hydroxy-butyramide (1), 4-hydroxy-N-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-butyramide (2), and (R)-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-butyramide (3a) were used to prepare new diphenylboron and triphenyltinoxy compounds: diphenylborinic acid 3-benzylcarbamoyl-propyl ester (4), diphenylborinic acid 3-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethylcarbamoyl]-propyl ester (5) and diphenylborinic acid (R)-3-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethylcarbamoyl]-butyl ester (6), N-benzyl-4-triphenyltinoxy-butyramide (7), 4-triphenyltinoxy-N-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-butyramide (8), and (R)-4-triphenyltinoxy-2-methyl-N-[(R)-1-phenyl-ethyl]-butyramide (9). The X-ray diffraction analysis of a crystalline structure of the new γ-hydroxyamide 3a is reported, as well as that of the first example of a crystalline structure where a diphenylborinic ester forms a seven membered chelate, by a carbonyl coordination to boron (4). Structural studies of tin and boron esters were performed by NMR. The CO internal coordination to tin atoms, affording seven membered rings, was observed by ¹¹⁹Sn NMR experiments at low temperature.     

The synthesis and structural characterization of novel N-meta-ferrocenyl benzoyl dipeptide esters: The X-ray crystal structure and in vitro anti-cancer activity of N-{meta-ferrocenyl)benzoyl}-l-alanine-glycine ethyl ester

A series of N-meta-ferrocenyl benzoyl dipeptide esters 2-5 have been prepared by coupling meta-ferrocenyl benzoic acid 1b to the dipeptide ethyl esters using the conventional 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) protocol. The dipeptides employed in the synthesis were AlaGly(OEt) (2), AlaAla(OEt) (3), AlaLeu(OEt) (4) and AlaPhe(OEt) (5). The compounds were fully characterized by a range of NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS, ESI-MS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). In addition, the X-ray crystal structure and cytotoxicity of N-{meta-(ferrocenyl)-benzoyl}-l-alanine-glycine ethyl ester (2) towards lung cancer cells has been determined.     

Novel biotransformation of pentacyclic triterpenoid acids by Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646

Six pentacyclic triterpene acids, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, 23-hydroxybetulinic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, and senegenin, were metabolized by the microbe Nocardia sp. NRRL 5646 to selectively furnish their corresponding 28-methyl esters. Notably, ursolic acid (1) was converted to oleanolic acid methyl ester (4) via two intermediates, oleanolic acid (2), and ursolic acid methyl ester (3), which are formed by participation of ‘retro-biosynthetic’ methyl migration from C-19 to C-20. Senegenin (11) was selectively converted to a nortriterpene methyl ester, senegenic acid methyl ester (12), via an unprecedented C-C bond cleavage. The stereochemical assignments of compounds 11 and 12 were made unambiguously for the first time using 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis of 1-fluoroindan-1-carboxylic acid (FICA) and its properties as a chiral derivatizing agent

1-Fluoroindan-1-carboxylic acid (FICA) (1) was designed and synthesized as its methyl ester (FICA Me ester) (4) in order to develop an efficient chiral derivatizing agent (CDA) which excels α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetic acid (MTPA) in capability. FICA Me ester (4) was prepared by fluorination of methyl 1-hydroxyindan-1-carboxylate (3) with (diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride (DAST) and derived to the esters of racemic secondary alcohols by ester exchange reaction. The resulting Δδ_F value was large in the case of 2-butyl ester of FICA (5a), whereas not detectable in the case of the corresponding MTPA ester (6a). The magnitude of the Δδ_H values was similar to that of MTPA esters. The diastereomers of (R)-(−)-8-phenylmenthyl ester of FICA (5i) was separated and their ¹H NMR analyses revealed that the concept of the modified Mosher's method was successfully applied to 5i.     

Efficient synthesis of highly functionalized vinylogous thiol esters

A series of vinylogous thiol esters 2,3 and 2,6-dioxo-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridines (cyclic vinylogous thiol esters) 4 were prepared in high to excellent yields from the tandem reaction of readily available α-alkenoylketene diethylthioacetals 1 and diethyl malonate. A plausible mechanism, which involves a base catalyzed retro-Michael ring opening of cyclohexanenes 2 to give vinylogous thiol ester 3, is disclosed.     

Novel trichothecanes, paecilomycine A, B, and C, isolated from entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces tenuipes

Paecilomycine A (1), B (2), and C (3) were isolated from cultivated fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces tenuipes (Isaria japonica), which is a popular entomopathogenic fungus used in folk medicine and health foods in China, Korea, and Japan. The structures of 1-3 were deduced from their spectroscopic data and their absolute configurations were elucidated by preparing their MPA esters. Compound 1 showed activity in the neurotrophic factor biosynthesis in glial cells.     

The synthesis and structural characterization of N-para-ferrocenyl benzoyl dipeptide esters: The X-ray crystal structure of N-{para-(ferrocenyl)benzoyl}-l-alanine-glycine ethyl ester

A series ofN-para-ferrocenyl benzoyl dipeptide esters 2-5 were prepared by coupling para-ferrocenyl benzoic acid (1) to the dipeptide ethyl esters using the conventional 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) protocol. The dipeptides employed in the synthesis were Ala-Gly(OEt) (2), Ala-Ala(OEt) (3), Ala-Leu(OEt) (4) and Ala-Phe(OEt) (5). The compounds were fully characterized by a range of NMR spectroscopic techniques, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). In addition the X-ray crystal structure of the l-alanine-glycine derivative 2 has been determined.     

Three novel 3,4-seco-podocarpane trinorditerpenoids from Aleurites moluccana

Three novel 3,4-seco-podocarpane-type trinorditerpenoids, moluccanic acid (1), moluccanic acid methyl ester (2), and 6,7-dehydromoluccanic acid (3), were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Aleurites moluccana. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR analysis. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1-3 was evaluated.     

Expedious and practical synthesis of the bioactive alkaloids rutaecarpine, euxylophoricine A, deoxyvasicinone and their heterocyclic homologues

Efficient assembly of pyrimido-β-carbolines 1 and 2, including the bioactive alkaloids rutaecarpine, euxylophoricine A, and deoxyvasicinone (3), is reported from suitable aromatic amino acids 7 or corresponding aromatic amino esters 8 and imino-thioethers 5 or 6 in a one-step sequence in moderate to good yields. The key step of this methodology is based on an intramolecular aza-displacement of a methylthio group followed by spontaneous cyclodehydration. Furthermore, when aromatic amino esters 8 were used instead of amino acids, a tandem amino-methylthio displacement/amino ester cyclization takes place.     

Practical method for the synthesis of (R)-homopipecolinic acid and (R)-homoproline esters from ω-chloroalkanoic acids and available chiral amines

A practical synthesis of (R)-homopipecolinic acid methyl ester 1 and (R)-homoproline methyl ester 2 was performed utilizing (i) a direct intramolecular cyclization of ω-chloro-β-enamino esters 11 and 12, which were prepared from available (S)-1-phenylethylamine or (S)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine and ω-chloro-β-keto esters 5 and 10, respectively and (ii) a highly diastereoselective NaBH₄ reduction followed by hydrogenolysis. The present method is a short-step process using inexpensive and readily available substrates and reagents with fewer wasted materials.     

Amide,cyclohexenone, and cyclohexenone–sordaricin derivatives from the endophytic fungus Xylaria plebeja PSU-G30

Six new compounds, two cyclohexenones, named xylariacyclones A (1) and B (2), three cyclohexenone–sordaricin derivatives, named xylarinonericins A–C (3–5), and one amide derivative, named xylariamide (6), together with 11 known compounds were isolated from the broth extract of the endophytic fungus Xylaria plebeja PSU-G30. The structures were elucidated by analyses of NMR spectroscopic data and chemical methods. Compounds 3–5 are novel and unusual sodaricin derivatives with an ester moiety at C-6 of the sordaricin skeleton. In addition, compound 5 has a unique feature with an ester unit instead of an ether group at C-19. They were evaluated for antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC90028 and Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC90113.     

Facile synthesis of 5-amino- and 7-amino-6-azaoxindole derivatives

An efficient approach for the formation of 5-amino- and 7-amino-6-azaoxindole derivatives was developed. 2-Amino-4-chloro-3-nitropyridine (8), and its 5-nitro-substituted regioisomer (9), respectively, were obtained by reaction with ethyl malonate. The resulting 2-amino-3/5-nitropyridine derivatives substituted in the 4-position with malonic acid diethyl ester (10, 11) were subjected to reductive cyclization yielding 3-ethoxycarbonyl-6-azaoxindole derivatives 4a and 5a. Protection of the amino function was not required. Intermediates 10 and 11 could also be converted to the corresponding 4-acetic acid ethyl esters 12 and 13 by dealkoxycarbonylation with LiCl, and subsequently cyclized under reductive conditions yielding 3-unsubstituted 5-/7-aminooxazindoles.     

Xyloccensins Q-V, six new 8,9,30-phragmalin ortho ester antifeedants from the Chinese mangrove Xylocarpus granatum

Six new 8,9,30-phragmalin ortho esters, named xyloccensins Q-V (3-8), have been isolated from the stem bark of a Chinese mangrove Xylocarpus granatum, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data and chemical means. The absolute stereochemistry of these compounds and xyloccensins O-P (1-2), revised as enantiomeric to all the phragmalins reported so far, was determined by application of the modified MTPA Mosher ester method and circular dichroism analysis. Both xyloccensins P and Q exhibited potent antifeedant activity against the third instar larvae of Mythimna separata (Walker) at a concentration of 500 ppm.     

A search for kinase inhibitors and antibacterial agents: bromopyrrolo-2-aminoimidazoles from a deep-water Great Australian Bight sponge, Axinella sp.

Biological screening of a deep-water Great Australian Bight marine sponge, Axinella sp., detected inhibition against the neurodegenerative disease kinase targets CDK5/p25, CK1δ, and GSK3β, as well as significant levels of antibacterial activity. Chemical fractionation returned 18 secondary metabolites identified by detailed spectroscopic analysis as three new bromopyrrolo-2-aminoimidazoles, 14-O-sulfate massadine (1), 14-O-methyl massadine (2), and 3-O-methyl massadine chloride (3), together with the known metabolites massadine chloride (4), massadine (5), stylissadine B (6), axinellamines A-C (7-9), hymenin (10), stevensine (also known as odiline) (11), tauroacidin A (12), hymenidin (13), taurodispacamide A (14), oroidin (15), debromohymenialdisine (16), hymenialdisine (17), and aldisin (18). Armed with this focused natural product chemical diversity library, we re-established that 16 and 17 were nM kinase inhibitors, and determined that 3, 6, and 12-15 were sub μM antibacterials.     

Tabularisins A-D, phragmalin ortho esters with new skeleton isolated from the seeds of Chukrasia tabularis

Tabularisins A-D (1-4), a new class of phragmalins incorporating a cyclopropanyl ring, were isolated from Chukrasia tabularis. Compounds 1 and 2 are also the first examples of phragmalins with an 8,9,11-ortho ester. The structures of 1 and 3 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray studies. The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by CD exciton chirality method on its benzoate (2a), and those of 1, 3, and 4 were proposed by correlating with 2 chemically and biogenetically.     

Alkaloids and citrinins from marine-derived fungus Nigrospora oryzae SCSGAF 0111

A new pyrrolidinone, nigrospine (1), a new indole alkaloid, nigrospin A (2) and two new citrinins, nigrospins B and C (3-4) were isolated from a culture broth of the marine-derived fungal strain Nigrospora oryzae SCSGAF 0111. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by the Mosher ester technique. Compound 1 contains a rare 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran[2,3-c]2-pyrrolidone skeleton.     

Platinum complexes of 2-diphenylphosphinobenzaldehyde-derived P-alkene ligands and their application in the hydroformylation of styrene

Neutral complexes of the formula PtCl₂L₂ (where L = diethyl 2-diphenylphosphino-benzylidene-malonate (1), diisopropyl 2-diphenylphosphino-benzylidene-malonate (2), di-tert-butyl 2-diphenylphosphino-benzylidene-malonate (3), methyl E-2-(2′-diphenylphosphinophenyl)-acrylate (4), tert-butyl E-2-(2′-diphenylphosphinophenyl)acrylate (5)) were prepared. These complexes proved to be excellent precursors to active catalysts for the hydroformylation of styrene. The platinum-containing catalytic systems prepared from malonate-based ligands 1 and 2 provided the highest activity. Chemoselectivities of up to 87% were obtained, while the two aldehyde regioisomers were formed in almost equimolar ratio. The in situ studies by using lower ligand to Pt ratios resulted in slight decrease in both regio- and chemoselectivities.³¹P NMR studies on the PtCl₂L₂ complexes revealed that the formation of trans isomers is highly preferred in the case of benzylidene malonate-type ligands with two ester functionalities (1-3) probably due to steric hindrance. A mixture of cis/trans geometrical isomers (on the Pt) with a predominance of the trans isomer was formed when acrylate-type ligands with one ester functionality (4 and 5) were used.     

Cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 constituents from leaves and twigs of Gardenia tubifera

Two new natural cycloartanes, tubiferolide methyl ester (1) and tubiferaoctanolide (2), together with the known coronalolide (3) and coronalolide methyl ester (4) have been isolated from leaves and twigs of Gardenia tubifera. In addition, a new flavone 5,3′,5′-trihydroxy-7,4′-dimethoxyflavone (5), five known flavones 6-10 and hexacosyl 4′-hydroxy-trans-cinnamate (11) were also obtained from the same source. The structures were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Compounds 3, 7, 9, and 10 showed significant cytotoxic activities only in P-388 cell line. Compound 1 was cytotoxic against P-388, KB, Col-2 and Lu-1, while 4 was active in P-388 and BCA-1. Compounds 3 and 4 displayed significant anti-HIV activities in the HIV-1RT assay; compound 7 showed moderate activity in this assay. Compounds 5-10 were also found to be active in the ^ΔTat/RevMC 99 syncytium assay.     

Seven new alkaloids from the roots of Stemona tuberosa

Seven new alkaloids, named as 1,9-epoxy-9a-hydroxystenine (1), tuberostemoline A (2), tuberostemoline B (3), tuberostemoninol C (4), oxotuberostemonine A (5), the mixture of bisdehydrotuberostemonine D (6), and bisdehydrotuberostemonine E (7), together with four known alkaloids neotuberostemonine (8), sessilifoline B (9), stemoxazolidinone F (10), and tuberostemoninol A (11), were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. The structures of 1–7 were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analysis, and the relative configurations of 1–6 and 8 were further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. Compounds 8, 9 and the mixture of 6 & 7 exhibited potential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities.     

A synthetic strategy using Witkop's pyrroloindole for (−)-debromoflustramine B, (+)-ent-debromoflustramine B and (+)-ent-debromoflustramide B

While prenylation of (−)-Witkop's pyrroloindole (2), secured from l-tryptophan under standard N-alkylation conditions, led to a ca. 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture of two C^3a-alkylated indolenines 3 and 4, use of phase-transfer conditions altered this to ca. 1:2. Reduction followed by N-prenylation of the resulting secondary amines gave C,N-dialkylated products. The derived separable diastereoisomeric (−)- and (+)-Barton esters 19a and 19b were then converted into (−)-debromoflustramine B and (+)-ent-debromoflustramine B, respectively. A novel reaction involving oxygen and the carbanion derived from Barton ester 19b led to (+)-ent-debromoflustramide B. Treatment of N⁸-prenylated Witkop's pyrroloindole 5 with Lewis acid (BF₃·Et₂O) uncovered a new clean intramolecular cyclisation involving the prenyl unit.