Synthetic evaluation of an enantiopure tetrahydropyridine N-oxide. Synthesis of (+)-febrifugine

A study into the synthesis and synthetic utility of (S)-3-benzyloxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine N-oxide is described. This nitrone is readily accessed from l-glutamic acid and the regio- and stereoselectivity of cycloaddition of this compound with a range of alkenes has been probed. Reductive cleavage of the major cycloadducts provides access to a diverse range of trans-2,3-disubstituted piperidines. The synthetic scope of this nitrone is further illustrated by the use of this compound as a key intermediate in a concise synthesis of the anti-malarial agent (+)-febrifugine.     

[3+2] Cycloaddition reactions: a simple entry to the 1-aza-2-oxo-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxybicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring system

The [3+2] intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition (INC) reaction on appropriately designed olefinic nitrones derived from d-glucose, having the nitrone at C-1 and α,β-unsaturated ester functionalities at C-5 of the sugar backbone, afforded the isoxazolidine fused carbocycles 11-13, which were subsequently transformed into the chiral, tetrahydroxylated cis-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octanones 14-18 in good yields.     

Influence of the side chain protecting group on the stereoselectivity of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of d-talo-configured nitrones

Two new five-membered cyclic d-talo-configured nitrones were synthesized from d-mannose, and examined in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with vinyl acetate and vinylene carbonate. The stereoselectivity of the cycloadditions depends greatly on the protecting group of the vicinal diol attached to the nitrone C-5 carbon atom. Methyl protection resulted in limited syn/anti-selectivity, giving mixtures of the two isomeric exo-syn and exo-anti isoxazolidines in comparable amounts. On the other hand, the cyclohexylidene-substituted nitrone reacted more selectively in favour of the syn isomer. The difference in the diastereoselectivity was attributed to the specific spatial orientation of the nitrone C-5 substituent.     

Samarium diiodide-mediated reductive couplings of chiral nitrones with aldehydes/ketones and acyl chlorides

The SmI₂-mediated and H₂O-promoted reductive cross-coupling reactions of the l-tartaric acid derived nitrone (3S,4S)-8 with aldehydes/ketones, and the l-malic acid derived nitrone (S)-6 with aliphatic acyl chlorides have been investigated, respectively. (2R,3S,4S)-1,3,4-Trihydroxyprolinol derivatives 9a-f were obtained with high C-2/C-3 trans-selectivities, and 72:28-85:15 diastereoselectivities at the carbinol center from aromatic ketones/aldehydes, while low diastereoselectivities for aliphatic aldehydes. Conditions have been established for the syntheses of (2R,3S,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyprolinol derivatives such as 18, by N-O bond cleavage of the corresponding N-hydroxyprolinol derivatives 9b-f, or more conveniently by a one-pot reductive coupling of nitrone 8 and in situ N-O bond cleavage of the resultant coupling product. The 2-acyl-3-benzyloxy-1-hydroxypyrrolidines 10a-f were formed in 48-82% yields, and in 74:26-78:22 diastereoselectivities. It was revealed that the amount of water required for the reaction is substrate-depending.     

Novel 4,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazoles through a concise sequential iodination-trifluoromethylation reaction

An efficient protocol for the assembly of a new series of 1,3-disubstituted 4,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazoles – through a concise sequential iodination-trifluoromethylation reaction at the C-4 position of an initial series of 1-aryl-3-(alkyl/aryl)-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazoles (electronically deactivated heterocycles), using NIS and MFSDA, at good conversion yields and in short reaction times – is reported.     

Carbanucleosides: synthesis of both enantiomers of 2-(6-chloro-purin-9-yl)-3,5-bishydroxymethyl cyclopentanol from d-glucose

The key intermediate 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3-deoxy-3β-allyl-α-d-glucofuranose (8) could be conveniently prepared through radical induced allyl substitution at C-3 of appropriate 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranose derivatives (7a,b) and used to synthesize enantiomeric bishydroxymethyl aminocyclopentanols 13 and 19 by the application of a 1,3-dipolar nitrone cycloaddition reaction involving the C-5 or C-1 aldehyde functionality. The products were subsequently transformed into carbanucleoside enantiomers 15 and 21. The diastereomeric isoxazolidinocyclopentane derivative 20 was similarly converted to carbanucleoside 22.     

Synthesis of oxepane ring containing monocyclic, conformationally restricted bicyclic and spirocyclic nucleosides from D-glucose: a cycloaddition approach

Carbohydrate-derived substrates having (i) C-5 nitrone and C-3-O-allyl, (ii) C-4 vinyl and a C-3-O-tethered nitrone, and (iii) C-5 nitrone and C-4-allyloxymethyl generated tetracyclic isoxazolidinooxepane/-pyran ring systems upon intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition reactions. Deprotection of the 1,2-acetonides of these derivatives followed by introduction of uracil base via Vorbrüggen reaction condition and cleavage of the isooxazolidine rings as well as of benzyl groups by transfer hydrogenolysis yielded an oxepane ring containing bicyclic and spirocyclic nucleosides. The corresponding oxepane based nucleoside analogues were prepared by cleavage of isoxazolidine and furanose rings, coupling of the generated amino functionalities with 5-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine, cyclization to purine rings, and finally aminolysis.     

Diastereoselectivity of Chiral Nitrone 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Baylis-Hillman</Emphasis> Adducts

Summary. 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of chiral nitrones to Baylis-Hillman adducts (-hydroxy--methylene esters) proceed with complete regioselectivity in good yields to afford the corresponding diastereomeric 3,5,5-trisubstituted isoxazolidines. Attack of the dipole from the less sterically hindered side of the dipolarophiles affords C-3/C-5 cis isoxazolidines as the predominant isomers. The strong preference for the C-3/C-5 cis isoxazolidines provided more sterically demanding O-tert-butyldimethylsilylsubstituted nitrone 2. Addition of Lewis acids accelerates the reaction and increases the portion of C-3/C-5 trans isoxazolidines. Microwave irradiation accelerates the reaction, but it produces only a small effect on the diastereoisomeric product ratio.     

cis-Selective synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines

A concise approach to cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidines is reported, which relies upon N-tert-butoxycarbonylmethyl substitution in a substrate derived from pyroglutamic acid. The method is especially noteworthy since a significant improvement in the conditions for a key Lawesson’s reaction have been established. Regioselective enolate generation and alkylation permits extension of the C-5 side chain.     

New findings in the alkylation and N-deprotection of (4S)-4-methyl-2-benzyl-2,4-dihydro-1H-pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones

Alkyl halides behave differently to benzyl halides in C-1 alkylation of the title compounds. The syn and anti 1,4-disubstituted diastereomers thus obtained show different regioselectivity by further alkylation leading to the 1,4,4- and 1,1,4-trisubstituted compounds, respectively. Alkylation is always directed anti with respect to the bulkier substituent at C-1 or C-4. Debenzylation attempts on 2-benzyl-derivatives 1b by treatment with HCOOH and C/Pd or H₂/C–Pd/MeOH/H⁺ led to C-1 oxidised or 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-derivatives. Deprotection of 2-p-methoxybenzyl- and 2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-derivatives with CAN and with TFA/anisole, respectively, was successful, but in the latter case epimerization at C-1 occurred.     

Investigation of substituent effects on the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of (Z)-N-(arylmethylene)-arylamine N-oxides (α,N-diaryl nitrones)

Substituent effects on the ¹H and ¹³C chemical shifts of 18 differently substituted (Z)-α,N-diaryl nitrones [N-(p-X-benzylidene)phenylamine N-oxides (Series I) and N-(benzylidene)-p-Y-phenylamine N-oxides (Series II)] have been obtained. A correlation has been found between the chemical shifts of the azomethine proton (H-α) and the Hammett σ parameters and the Swain and Lupton F and R parameters. Correlations of the chemical shifts of C-1 and C-4′ in Series I, and of C-α and C-1′ in Series II, with the same parameters have been investigated. In addition, the chemical shifts of the aromatic protons and carbons of the p-disubstituted (m-disubstituted in one case) benzene rings correlated with the appropriate substituent increments (Z_i). These correlations confirm the dual behaviour of the nitrone group and the presence of through-resonance in these nitrones.     

Stereoselective intramolecular nitrone cycloadditions to chiral allyl ethers

The Intramolecular nitrone cycloadditions to Z and E chiral allyl ethers afford annulated isoxazolidines with good to excellent stereocontrol in favour of the C-5/C-5' anti isomers. The relative stereochemistry at the stereocenters in C-3/C-4 depends on the length of the chain connecting dipole and dipolarophile.     

Alkylation of indoles by aziridinium ions: new rapid access to tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs)

The alkylation of indoles by aziridinium ions generated in situ from β-amino chlorides was explored. The outcome of this reaction strongly relied on the substitution pattern of the starting β-amino chloride and requires silver tetrafluoroborate activation to proceed in reasonable yield. Ephedrine- and pseudoephedrine-derived N-cyanomethyl-β-amino chlorides afforded the corresponding tryptamines in a regio- and stereoselective manner and subsequent silver(I)-promoted Pictet–Spengler reactions produced 4-phenyl substituted THBCs in good yields. Unexpected epimerization at C-3 was found in these reactions, producing trans-3,4-disubstituted THBCs stereoselectively.     

Enantioselective synthesis of homocarbocyclic-2′-oxo-3′-azanucleosides

The enantioselective synthesis of homocarbocyclic-2′oxo-3′-azanucleosides has been performed by cycloaddition reaction of the N-glycosyl nitrones with allyl nucleobases. The use of nitrones originated from two different carbohydrates, the N-ribosyl nitrone and the N-mannosyl nitrone, proceeded in a stereocontrolled and predictable manner with a good degree of enantioselectivity, so allowing an easy entry to both enantiomers.     

Highly stereoselective transformation of (1S,3S)-cis-1,3-disubstituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines into (1S,3R)-trans-1,3-disubstituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines: an improved asymmetric synthesis of tadalafil from l-tryptophan

An efficient and general method for the highly stereoselective transformation of (1S,3S)-cis-1,3-disubstituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs) into (1S,3R)-trans-1,3-disubstituted THBCs is described. The method contains the following three steps: the enantiomerically pure (1S,3S)-cis-1,3-disubstituted THBCs 1 were first converted into (1S,3S)-cis-1,2,3-trisubstituted THBCs 2 by N-1-naphthylmethylation/benzylation; (1S,3S)-cis-1,2,3-trisubstituted THBCs2 were then converted into (1S,3R)-trans-1,2,3-trisubstituted THBCs 3 in high yields and with high stereoselectivities via a base-catalyzed epimerization at C-3; (1S,3R)-trans-1,2,3-trisubstituted THBCs 3 were subsequently converted into (1S,3R)-trans-1,3-disubstituted THBCs 4 after reductive removal of the 1-naphthylmethyl/benzyl group. In addition, as an application of this method, an improved and highly stereoselective synthesis of the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil (Cialis®) starting from natural and less expensive l-tryptophan was developed.     

Action du phosphite de triméthyle et de triéthyle sur une aldo-nitrone stéroïdique,la N-déméthyl N-oxy (5α) conénine-18(N)

The action of a trivalent phosphorous derivative on a nitrone can be rationalized by a deoxygenation leading to an imine or by an addition leading to a phosphonate derivative. The steroidal nitrone 1 reacts with trimethyl and triethylphosphite according to these two routes. With trimethylphosphite the reaction conditions can be controlled to give selectively a α-phosphonated O-methyl hydroxylamine 2 et 3, an iminophosphonate 4 or an imine 5.     

Synthesis and circular dichroism of optically active 1,3-disubstituted isochromans of dopamine D4 antagonist activity

The C-1 epimers of the 3-methyl-6,7-dimethoxy analogues of the D₄ antagonist sonepiprazole 1b and 5-HT_1D agonist PNU-109291 1a containing both the isochroman and p-methoxyphenylpiperazine chromophores were prepared in order to study the applicability of circular dichroism for the assignment of the configuration of 1,3-disubstituted isochromans and test their dopamine D₄ antagonist activity.     

Synthesis of chiral oxepanes and pyrans by 3-O-allylcarbohydrate nitrone cycloaddition (3-OACNC)

3-O-Allylcarbohydrate nitrone cycloaddition (3-OACNC) furnished pyran and oxepane derivatives from 3-O-allyl hexose N-benzyl nitrones and 3-O-allyl furanoside-5-aldehyde N-benzyl/methyl nitrones. The regioselectivity of 3-OACNC was found to depend on the following factors (a) the structural nature of the nitrone (b) substitution and stereochemistry at 3-C of the carbohydrate backbone (c) substitution at the terminus of the O-allyl moiety. Oxepanes or pyrans obtained from a particular set of a hexose nitrone and the corresponding furanoside nitrone were converted to enantiomeric cyclic ethers through degradation. A mixture of an oxepane and a pyran was formed in the intramolecular oxime olefin cycloaddition (IOOC) of a 3-O-allylcarbohydrate derived oxime.     

Yb(OTf)3-Catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrone with alkene; Switch in diastereoselectivity by solvent and bidentate auxiliary

Yb(OTf)₃ (ytterbium trifluoromethanesulfonate)-catalyzed diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a nitrone with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was studied. While endo-cycloadduct was obtained from the reaction of C, N-diphenylnitrone with N-crotonoyl-oxazolidinone or N-crotonyl-2-pyrrolidinone in toluene, exo-adduct was predominant in acetonitrile. The enones carrying imidazolidinone or succinimide ring reacted with the nitrone to give the exo-adducts primarily in both solvents.     

A highly stereoselective transformation of carboxylic esters to trisubstituted olefins via cationic cyclopropyl-allyl rearrangement of sulfonates of cis-1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanols

Methanesulfonates of readily available cis-1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanols on reaction with magnesium bromide in diethyl ether undergo cyclopropyl-allyl rearrangement to afford allyl bromides, with an (E)-trisubstituted double bond, as main products. The amount of the corresponding (Z)-isomers did not exceed 5% when the reaction was performed at 0 °C, and the major concomitant products were the regioisomeric secondary bromides. The latter are sufficiently less reactive towards sulfur, phosphorus and hydrogen nucleophiles than the dominant (E)-disubstituted allyl bromides and these reactions are suitable for the stereoselective preparation of trisubstituted olefins.