Synthetic Studies on Halichlorine and Pinnaic Acid. Stereospecific Preparation of the Azaspiro Core Structure

Halichlorine and Pinnaic acid are two novel marine natural products isolated from a Japanese sponge, and an Okinawan bivalve respectively. The unique azaspirl[4.5]decane-core structure prexent in both compounds provides a synthetic challenge, Herein, we describe a synthetic approach to the azaspiro[4.5]decane-core structure through an intramolecular[3+2] cycloaddition followed by an intra-molecular Michael addition and in situ isomerization to afford the azaspirocyclic core structures stereospecifically in 10 steps with 40% overall yield. Alternatively, the same core structure was achieved by tandem cycloaddition and isomerization approach.     

Tandem retro-aldol/Wittig/Michael and related cascade processes

A number of novel tandem sequences initiated by a retro-aldol process are described along with preliminary scope and limitation studies. These include (i) retro-aldol/Wittig trapping/intramolecular Michael addition, (ii) retro-aldol/aza-Wittig/intramolecular imine addition, (iii) retro-aldol/Henry/intramolecular Michael addition and (iv) retro-aldol/Knoevenagel/intramolecular Michael addition sequences. A range of novel functionalised cyclopentanes, and related systems, are described which should prove to be useful synthetic building blocks.     

Synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles via a palladium-catalysed allene insertion-nucleophile incorporation-Michael addition cascade

A novel palladium catalysed three-component cascade process is described involving allenylation of an aryl iodide to generate a (π-allyl)palladium species which is intercepted by a carbon or nitrogen nucleophile followed by intramolecular Michael addition to afford carbo- and heterocycles in good yield.     

Combining two-directional synthesis and tandem reactions: desymmetrisation by intramolecular cycloaddition/triazoline fragmentation

A tandem azide formation/intramolecular cycloaddition/triazoline fragmentation/Michael addition, which results in a non-symmetrical quinolizidine from an acyclic symmetrical precursor, is presented.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of isishippuric acid B via intramolecular Michael reaction

The first enantioselective total synthesis of isishippuric acid B bearing a novel 4,5-seco-6-norquadrane skeleton was accomplished from (R)-citronellal with use of a Diels-Alder cycloaddition and an intramolecular Michael addition as the ring-forming steps. Comparison of the optical rotation of the synthetic material with that of the natural product confirmed the absolute configuration of isishippuric acid B to be 1R, 2R, 8R, and 11R.     

2,3,7‐Triazabicyclo[3.3.0]octenes Prepared by Tandem Cascade Reaction of Allyl Azides and Olefinic Dipolarophiles

Tandem cascade reactions of allylazides and olefinic dipolarophiles to give cis‐fused 2,3,7‐triazabicyclo [3.3.0]octenes ( 5, 6 or 7 ) are reported. Therein, an intermolecular dipolar cycloaddition of azide and alkene gave a triazoline which was followed by isomerization of the triazoline to a diazoester ( 4 ) and then an intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition from the diazo functional group and the double bond in 4 to give 5 . Compound 5 may further more undergo a Michael addition to give 7‐substituted‐ 2,3,7‐ triazabicyclo [3.3.0]oct‐2‐ene ( 6 ) or a tautomerization to give 2,3,7‐triazabicyclo[3.3.0]oct‐3‐ene ( 7 ). The reaction may be manipulated to stop at a particular stage by adopting a suit able solvent or an appropriate temperature.     

Synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones via a palladium-catalysed 3-component carbonylation/amination/Michael addition process

A novel palladium-catalysed three component cascade process is described involving carbonylation of an aryl iodide to generate an acyl palladium species which is intercepted by a primary aliphatic/aromatic amine, amide or sulfonamide followed by intramolecular Michael addition to afford 3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones in good yield.     

Acid-catalyzed transannular cyclization of 3aH-cyclopentene[8]annulene-1,4-(5H,9aH)-diones and some proposed mechanisms

Bicyclic 3aH-cyclopentene[8]annulene-1,4-(5H,9aH)-diones underwent three types of acid-induced transannular reactions, Michael cyclization, [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and Friedel-Crafts ipso-alkylation, depending on the cyclopentenone ring substituent (Me or Ph) and the position of [8]annulenone substituent as well as the nature of acids (BF3, MeSO3H, CF3SO3H). The Me-substituent permitted the Michael reaction for all acids used to give tricyclic diones by the activation of cyclopentenone carbonyl group. However, the Ph-substituent inhibited the Michael reaction for BF3 and MeSO3H but allowed the [3 + 2] cycloaddition and Friedel-Crafts reaction for CF3SO3H depending on the position of annulenone substituent. These CF3SO3H reactions exhibited the following novel rearrangements, affording 2-naphthalenone and 7-acenaphthylene derivatives, respectively. The factors that control the reaction mode of these transannular cyclizations were discussed in view of the constraint twist-boat conformation of [8]annulenone ring as well as the ring substituent effects on the intramolecular cyclization. In addition, these [8]annulenone rings were found to easily undergo the intramolecular [2 + 2] photocyclization to provide the tetracyclic cage compounds which exhibited the facile cycloreversion under the influence of acid.     

Cascade intermolecular Michael addition-intramolecular azide/internal alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction in one pot

A rapid one-pot protocol for the synthesis of indole-based polyheterocycles via a sequential Lewis acid catalyzed intermolecular Michael addition and an intramolecular azide/internal alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction has been described. The generality of the method has been demonstrated by treating a series of aromatic/aliphatic 2-alkynyl indoles with substituted (E)-1-azido-2-(2-nitrovinyl)benzenes to furnish annulated tetracyclic indolo[2,3-c][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1]benzazepines in good yields.     

Total synthesis of brasoside and littoralisone

The first total syntheses of littoralisone (1) and brasoside (2) have been achieved in 13 overall steps. Both natural products are forged from a common intermediate which is rapidly assembled using organocatalytic technology, including a proline-catalyzed alpha-aminoxylation and a contra-thermodynamic intramolecular Michael addition. Application of the two-step carbohydrate synthesis technology has enabled to access a selectively substituted glucose derivative for use as an intramolecular cycloaddition tether. This synthesis culminates with an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition that serves to support the proposed biosynthetic origins of 1 from 2.     

Utilization of a Michael addition: dipolar cycloaddition cascade for the synthesis of (+/-)-cylindricine C

A new approach to the marine alkaloid (+/-)-cylindricine C has been devised. The key element of the synthesis consists of a Michael addition/dipolar cycloaddition cascade between 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene and 9-triisopropylsilanyloxy-non-1-en-5-one oxime. The resulting cycloadduct was converted into (+/-)-cylindricine C by a sequence of reactions including a reductive cyclization, intramolecular enolate alkylation, and conjugate addition to introduce the n-hexyl side chain.     

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, beta-keto sulfones, and michael-type acceptors: a direct synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and naphthalenes

A novel multicomponent reaction of arynes, beta-keto sulfones, and Michael-type acceptors is presented, providing an efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted naphthols and polysubstituted naphthalenes. Further investigation suggests that the tandem reaction may proceed via a sequential nucleophilic attack to arynes, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution followed by a Michael addition, and a ring closure-elimination process.     

Asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-alkaloid 223A and its 6-epimer

The enantiopure gamma-amino alcohols 7 and 18 are prepared by using the diastereoselective Michael addition of lithium N-benzyl (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamide to alpha,beta-unsaturated esters as a key step. The Michael addition of 7 or 18 to an alkynone 8 followed by an intramolecular cyclization afford the cyclic enamine 10 or 20, which are subjected to the diastereoselective hydrogenation, and the subsequent transformations provide 6-epi-alkaloid 223A and alkaloid 223A, respectively.     

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.     

Thiourea-catalyzed asymmetric formal [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with nitroolefins

A chiral thiourea catalyst possessing an amine function catalyzes an asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to nitroolefins to provide highly functionalized pyrrolidines with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 98:1:1 dr, 92% ee). The reaction proceeds in a stepwise manner consisting of Michael addition and subsequent intramolecular aza-Henry reaction. Both reactions are promoted by the thiourea catalyst, and the reaction rate of the latter step is efficiently enhanced by the addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol.     

Gold-catalyzed, intramolecular, oxygen-transfer reactions of 2-alkynyl-1,5-diketones or 2-alkynyl-5-ketoesters: scope, expansion, and mechanistic investigations on a new [4+2] cycloaddition

The gold-catalyzed intramolecular oxygen-transfer reactions of 2-alkynyl-1,5-diketones or 2-alkynyl-5-ketoesters-obtained from tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride mediated Michael addition of activated allenes to electron-deficient olefins-furnished cyclopentenyl ketones under very mild conditions. These reactions proceeded much easier and faster than similar reactions reported in literature, and the corresponding products were obtained in very good yields. Mechanistic investigations on the cycloisomerization were carried out by means of both (18) O isotopic experiments and quantum chemical calculations. The results from both, the designed isotopic experiments and theoretical calculations, satisfactorily supported the novel proposed intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of a gold-containing furanium intermediate to a carbonyl group, instead of the previous well-accepted [2+2] pathway.     

Expeditious total syntheses of camptothecin and 10-hydroxycamptothecin

New expeditious total syntheses of (S)-camptothecin (16% overall yield, 95% ee) and (S)-10-hydroxycamptothecin (14% overall yield, 99% ee) have been accomplished, respectively, starting from readily available and inexpensive materials. Development, optimization, and successful application of the cascade reaction consisting of a pyrrolidine-catalyzed Michael addition, an intramolecular aldol condensation, and an oxidative aromatization, the intramolecular oxa Diels-Alder cycloaddition, and the Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation make these two new syntheses more efficient and straightforward.     

Polycyclic N-heterocyclic compounds. Part 61: A novel Truce-Smiles type rearrangement reaction of 4-(2-cyanovinyloxy)butanenitriles to give cycloalkeno[1,2-d]furo[2,3-b]pyridines

The cycloalkeno[1,2-d]furo[2,3-b]pyridine skeleton was conveniently synthesized from fused 4-(2-cyanovinyloxy)butanenitriles in one step through sequential intramolecular Michael addition, β-elimination and intramolecular nucleophilic addition. This sequence thus consists of a novel Truce-Smiles type rearrangement followed by cyclization. The 5-amino derivatives were transformed further to lactams in good yields.     

Tandem cycloaddition reactions of allenyl diazo compounds forming triquinanes via trimethylenemethane diyls

A tandem reaction strategy for forming triquinanes from linear allenyl diazo compounds through an intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of an allenyl diazo group that generates a trimethylenemethane (TMM) diyl followed by an intramolecular [2 + 3] TMM diyl cycloaddition reaction has been developed. The new tandem cycloaddition reaction is readily applicable to the synthesis of complex molecules with high versatility and efficiency.     

Synthesis of novel 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyrimidine derivatives and their in vitro antimicrobial activity

A series of novel pyrimidines (6a–6i) has been synthesized from corresponding chalcones and isonicotinimidamide.HCl in the presence of potassium carbonate involving Michael addition followed by cycloaddition. All newly synthesised chalcones and pyrimidines were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against various Gram positive, Gram negative bacterial and fungal strains. Most of compounds displayed high antimicrobial activity compared to standard drugs Penicillin, Streptomycin and Ampothericin-B.