3 + 3] Cycloadditions and related strategies in alkaloid natural product synthesis

In this article we describe a strategically unusual approach to piperidines via formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition reactions. The scope and limitations of these processes are outlined and their employment in the synthesis of alkaloid natural products is delineated.     

Synthesis of the Bicyclic Lactone Core of Leonuketal,Enabled by a Telescoped Diels–Alder Reaction Sequence

The Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction has become established as a fundamental approach for the preparation of complex natural products; however, successful application of the intermolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction to the synthesis of particularly congested scaffolds remains surprisingly problematic. Inspired by the terpenoid spiroketal natural product leonuketal, a challenging telescoped reaction sequence has been realized to access the core [2.2.2]‐bicyclic lactone ring system and its [3.2.1] isomer. Our four‐step, protecting‐group‐free process required detailed investigation to circumvent the problems of adduct fragmentation and intermediate instability. Successful solution of these practical issues, along with unambiguous structural determination of the target structures, provide useful insights that will facilitate future applications of the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction to challenging, highly congested molecular scaffolds and ongoing synthetic efforts towards this natural product.     

Toward a total synthesis of the stemofoline alkaloids: Advancement of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy

Novel, intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of azomethine ylides have been applied to the synthesis of functionalized core structures of the stemofoline alkaloids. In an effort to maximize the efficiency of this key transformation in the context of an eventual total synthesis of these complex natural products, a number of strategic modifications to the cycloaddition substrate were investigated. The collective efforts have provided useful insights into the operative, regiochemical control elements for 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions leading to stemofoline alkaloids. A potential intermediate in the synthesis of these alkaloids was prepared.     

α,β-不饱和内酯的光化学反应研究进展

α,β-不饱和内酯的光化学反应可广泛应用于核苷、稠环生物碱、萜类、甾类等多种光学活性物质与天然产物的合成中.根据不同的反应类型,综述了2(5H)-呋喃酮等α,β-不饱和内酯的光化学1,4-加成反应、1,4-加成-并环反应、[2+2]环加成反应和复杂环加成反应的新进展.     

Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-luciduline: toward a general approach to related Lycopodium alkaloids

As part of a research program directed toward the synthesis of Lycopodium alkaloids, a multigram scale asymmetric synthesis of intermediate 11 was achieved in 11 steps from pyridine (17). In addition to our alkene metathesis strategy, a key feature of this synthetic approach consists of a Fukuyama's Diels-Alder cycloaddition between 1,2-dihydropyridine and acrolein using MacMillan's catalyst (18) on a 50 g scale. This led to a 12-step catalytic asymmetric synthesis of (+)-luciduline (1). A broader subset of Lycopodium alkaloids could also be obtained, as demonstrated by the derivatization of 11 into advanced intermediates for the synthesis of some of these natural products.     

Cascade polycyclization: exploration of a convergent route to access various tricyclic and tetracyclic products related to sterols

The expedient synthesis of tricyclic and tetracyclic compounds via a cascade polycyclization methodology is described. Nazarov substrates (II) containing two Michael acceptors and a cyclohexenone ester (I) underwent cycloaddition followed by intramolecular 1,4-addition to furnish, in a highly stereoselective manner, tricyclic and tetracyclic products (III). Such compounds are interesting intermediates for the synthesis of polycyclic natural and unnatural products.     

Synthesis of (−)‐Hebelophyllene E: An Entry to Geminal Dimethyl‐Cyclobutanes by [2+2] Cycloaddition of Alkenes and Allenoates

The first synthesis of hebelophyllene E is presented, along with assignment of its previously unknown relative configuration through synthesis of epi‐ent‐hebelophyllene E. Development of a catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of alkenes and allenoates provides access to the required chiral geminal dimethylcyclobutanes. Key to its success is the identification of a novel oxazaborolidine catalyst which promotes the cycloaddition in high enantioselectivities with good functional‐group tolerance (9 examples, up to 97:3 e.r.). Thus, a late‐stage cycloaddition using a fully functionalized alkene, followed by a diastereoselective reduction allows a concise entry to this class of natural products.     

Highly selective Diels-Alder reactions of directly connected enyne dienophiles

The paper describes the course of cycloadditions of Diels-Alder dienophiles containing linked enyne sites, each substituted with activating groups. Consistently, it was found that in the enyne cases the Diels-Alder reaction occurred specifically at the acetylenic center. Furthermore, it was found that the regiochemical sense of the cycloaddition was apparently determined by the remote activating group bound to the olefinic site. This remote acrylyl group totally dominated the course of the cycloaddition, relative to the activating group bound directly on the acetylene site. Explanations for these findings at the computational level are provided. The computations also rationalize the strong preference for cycloaddition to occur at the acetylene linkage and encompass the otherwise surprising regiochemical dominance by the remote ester on the olefinic site. The high selectivities available through such reactions provide important new opportunities in the synthesis of orsenillate type substructures that are found in a variety of natural products of contemporary interest.     

Total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A

The total syntheses of (+)-vigulariol and (-)-sclerophytin A are reported in 15 steps and 16 steps, respectively, from a known compound. The flexible, readily scalable synthetic strategy allows for rapid construction of a critical tricyclic intermediate and is demonstrated via the synthesis of these two marine natural products. A key reaction in this synthetic protocol is a combination Wittig/intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.     

Collective Total Synthesis of Englerin A and B,Orientalol E and F,and Oxyphyllol: Application of the Organocatalytic [4+3] Cycloaddition Reaction

The concise collective total synthesis of englerin A and B, orientalol E and F, and oxyphyllol has been accomplished in 10–15 steps, with the total synthesis of orientalol E and oxyphyllol being achieved for the first time. The success obtained was enabled by the realization of the [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of 9 and 10 . Other features of the synthesis include 1) the intramolecular Heck reaction to access the azulene core, 2) the epoxidation–S_N2′ reduction sequence to access the allylic alcohol, 3) the efficient regioselective and stereoselective formal hydration of the bridging C?C bond in the synthesis of englerins, and 4) the late‐stage chemo‐ and stereoselective C? H oxidation in the synthesis of orientalol E. The total synthesis of these natural products has enabled the structural revision of oxyphyllol and established the absolute stereochemical features of the organocatalytic [4+3] cycloaddition reaction. The identification of 5 as the natural product oxyphyllol, the success in converting 5 to orientalol E, along with the fact that englerins and oxyphyllol were isolated from plants of the same genus Phyllanthus gives support to our proposed biosynthetic pathways. This work may enable detailed biological evaluations of these natural products and their analogues and derivatives, especially of their potential in the fight against renal cell carcinoma (RCC).     

Total synthesis of potent antifungal marine bisoxazole natural products bengazoles A and B

The bengazoles are a family of marine natural products that display potent antifungal activity and a unique structure, containing two oxazole rings flanking a single carbon atom. Total syntheses of bengazole A and B are described, which contain a sensitive stereogenic centre at this position between the two oxazoles. Additionally, the synthesis of 10-epi-bengazole A is reported. Two parallel synthetic routes were investigated, relying on construction of the 2,4-disubstituted oxazole under mild conditions and a diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Our successful route is high yielding, provides rapid access to single stereoisomers of the complex natural products and allows the synthesis of analogues for biological evaluation.     

亚甲胺叶立德参与的[3＋2]环加成反应的最新进展

综述了亚甲胺叶立德的制备、它参与的[3＋2]环加成反应的反应机理、反应选择性及在天然产物全合成中的应用等方面的最新进展.     

Toward the synthesis of incargranine B and seneciobipyrrolidine. Synthesis of octahydro-dipyrroloquinoline skeleton via dipolar cycloaddition/amination sequence

Octahydro-dipyrroloquinoline skeleton is the building component of a very few naturally occurring compounds. Nevertheless, these natural products have been attractive synthetic targets, and their study commanded development of efficient synthesis of this core. While the reported methods are based on the dimerization procedure of N-arylpyrrolidines of N-arylhomopropargyl amines, our approach relay on dipolar cycloaddition/amination sequence. This strategic approach allows sequential introduction of aromatic moieties increasing the product diversity and hence may be useful in further exploration of incargranine B or seneciobipyrrolidine derivatives.     

Regioselectivity in the reactions of diphenylnitrilimine with coumarin and chromone

The cycloaddition of diphenylnitrilimine with coumarin and chromone gave the cycloadducts 4 and 5 respectively. The structures of these products were based on elemental and spectral analyses and alternate synthesis. The orientations of the cycloaddition are interpreted in terms of FMO theory.     

Enantioselective Biomimetic Total Syntheses of Kuwanons I and J and Brosimones A and B

The first enantioselective total syntheses of prenylflavonoid Diels–Alder natural products (?)‐kuwanon I, (+)‐kuwanon J, (?)‐brosimone A, and (?)‐brosimone B have been accomplished from a common intermediate based on a concise synthetic strategy. Key elements of the synthesis include a biosynthesis‐inspired asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition mediated by a chiral ligand/boron Lewis acid, as well as a process involving regioselective Schenck ene reaction, reduction, and dehydration to realize a biomimetic dehydrogenation for generation of the required diene precursor. Furthermore, a remarkable tandem inter‐/intramolecular asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition process was applied for the synthesis of (?)‐brosimone A.     

Stereoselective synthesis of polyoxygenated linear diaza-triquinanes via intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sugar-derived hex-5-enals

An efficient and stereoselective synthesis of diaza-triquinanes, the skeleton structures of many natural products, has been accomplished by intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine imine generated from sugar-derived hex-5-enal and pyrazolidin-3-one.     

Total synthesis of (±)-bruguierol A via an intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane 1,1-diester

Total synthesis of natural product (±)-bruguierol A was accomplished in 10-steps and with an overall 16.8% yield. The embedded unique 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core skeleton in this natural product was constructed via a novel Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropane, which was developed recently in this laboratory. This general synthetic strategy can be potentially applied to the synthesis of a broad range of structurally related natural products.     

Establishing the absolute configuration of the asbestinins: enantioselective total synthesis of 11-acetoxy-4-deoxyasbestinin D

A highly stereoselective synthesis of 11-acetoxy-4-deoxyasbestinin D (1) has been completed in 26 linear steps. The synthesis hinges on a selective glycolate aldol addition to establish the C-2 stereocenter, a ring-closing metathesis reaction to complete the oxonene, and an intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition to establish the relative configuration at C-1, C-10, and C-14. This initial total synthesis of an asbestinin also serves to confirm the absolute configuration of this subclass of the C-2-C-11-cyclized cembranoid natural products.     

Regioselective preparation of 2-substituted 3,4-diaryl pyrroles: a concise total synthesis of ningalin B

Methylisocyanoacetate undergoes a 2 + 3 cycloaddition with alpha,beta-unsaturated nitriles to provide a regioselective synthesis of 2-substituted 3,4-diaryl pyrroles. The ease of preparation of alpha,beta-unsaturated nitriles allows the rapid synthesis of pyrroles with varied substituents. Using this method, a key intermediate (1) for the synthesis of the marine natural products lukianol A, lamellarin O, and lamellarin Q was prepared in two steps. A total synthesis of ningalin B (11) was also accomplished utilizing this methodology.     

Total syntheses of (+)-polygalolide a and (+)-polygalolide b: elucidation of the absolute stereochemistry and biogenetic implications

The total syntheses of (+)-polygalolide?A and (+)-polygalolide?B have been completed by using a carbonyl ylide cycloaddition strategy. Three of the four stereocenters, including two consecutive tetrasubstituted carbon atoms at C2 and C8, were incorporated through internal asymmetric induction from the stereocenter at C7 by a [Rh(2) (OAc)(4)]-catalyzed carbonyl ylide formation/intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition sequence. The arylmethylidene moiety of these natural products was successfully installed by a Mukaiyama aldol-type reaction of a silyl enol ether with a dimethyl acetal, followed by elimination under basic conditions. We have also developed an alternative approach to the carbonyl ylide precursor based on a hetero-Michael reaction. This approach requires 18 steps, and the natural products were obtained in 9.8 and 9.3?% overall yields. Comparison of specific rotations of the synthetic materials and natural products suggests that polygalolides are biosynthesized in nearly racemic forms through a [5+2] cycloaddition between a fructose-derived oxypyrylium zwitterion with an isoprene derivative.