Stereoselective Synthesis of (1Z,3E)-2-Ethoxycarbonyl-Substituted 1,3-Dienes via Stille Coupling of (E)-α-Stannyl-α,β-Unsaturated Esters with Alkenyl Halides

Palladium-catalyzed hydrostannylation of alkynyl esters in benzene at room temperature gives stereoselectively (E)-α-stannyl-α,β-unsaturated esters 1 in good yields. (E)-α-Stannyl-α,β-unsaturated esters 1 are difunctional group reagents that undergo Stille coupling reactions with alkenyl halides 2 in the presence of Pd(PPh₃)₄ and CuI co-catalyst to afford stereoselectively (1Z,3E)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-substituted 1,3-dienes 3 in good yields.     

Synthesis of Polyfunctional Drimanes from Drim-7,9(11)-diene and Drim-8-en-7-one

A series of 15 new polyfunctional drimanic compounds have been obtained by synthesis via dye-sensitized photooxygenation, bromination with N-bromosuccinimide, and electrochemical transformation of drim-7,9(11)-diene 1 and drim-8-en-7-one 2. Three alternative syntheses of 12-acetoxy-drim-7,9(11)-diene 8 and two of 11-bromo-drim-8(9)-en-7-one 10 have been accomplished. For the first time a drimanic compound 12 with an aromatic ring B has been synthesized and the experimental conditions for the selective bromination at C₁₁ and C₁₂ methyl groups of drim-8-en-7-one 2 have been optimized. The synthesized compounds are suitable intermediates for the preparation of natural drimane-type compounds and some of them have shown good antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® for the following free supplemental resource: Full experimental and spectral details.]     

Synthesis of 9-Bromo-2-fluoro-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocycloheptene-8-carboxaldehyde

Cinnamaldehye is an antioxidant shown to induce apoptotic cell death in a number of human cancer cells. This article reports a synthesis of 9-bromo, 2-fluoro substituted, and Z-ring locked (by a trimethylene bridge at C-8 and C-11) crystalline fluorine-substituted derivative of cinnamaldehyde. The synthon, 8-fluoro-1-benzosuberone was treated with PBr₃, dimethylformamide (DMF), and CHCl₃ as a solvent to obtain 9-bromo-2-fluoro-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzocycloheptene-8-carboxaldehyde. The one-step trifunctionalization process converts a bicyclic ring–fused ketone into a β-bromo-α,β-unsaturated aldehyde in a chemoselective and regioselective manner. The process also creates a new carbon–carbon bond between C-8 and C-12. The structure of the previously unreported product has been obtained by x-ray crystallographic analysis. It has been characterized spectroscopically by infrared (IR), ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and elemental analysis. It is a structural element found in sterically hindered retinoids and is a useful advanced intermediate in the total synthesis of these naturally occuring bioactive polyenes.     

SmI3-Catalyzed Addition of Amines to α,β-Unsaturated N-Acylbenzotriazoles

The addition of amines to α,β-unsaturated N-acylbenzotriazoles could be catalyzed by samarium triiodide (SmI₃) at ambient temperature. α,β-Unsaturated aliphatic N-acylbenzotriazoles afforded bis-addition products (β-amino amides), whereas N-cinnamoylbenzotriazoles gave acylated products (cinnamoylamides) exclusively.     

Studies on the Constituents of Ganoderma Lucidum

The methanolic extract of fruit bodies of cultivated Ganoderma lucidum was separated by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography to give ten compounds. On the basis of spectral analysis, chemical procedures and gas chromatography, d-mannitol (1), ergosta-7, 22-dien-3β-yl palmitate (2), ergosterol (3), ergosta-7, 22-dien-3β-ol (4), 5α-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3β,26-diol (5), ergosterol peroxide (6), 24,25,26-trihydroxy-5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3-one (7), 5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3β,24,25,26-tetraol (8) and 8,9-epoxyergosta-5,22-dien-3β,15-diol (9) were identified. Among these compounds, 8,9-epoxyergosta-5,22-dien-3β,15-diol was first separated from Ganoderma lucidum.     

Facile synthesis of novel α-methylene-pyrazole-carboxylate substituted imines and trans-β-lactams: Versatile synthons for diverse heterocyclic molecules

A simple, facile, and high yielding stereoselective approach for the integration of α-methylene-pyrazole-carboxylates at the β-lactam nucleus is described. These monocyclic β-lactams have been synthesized by treatment of 2-phenoxy/benzylthio/phenylthio ethanoic acids or acetoxyacetyl chloride/phthalimidoacetyl chloride 5a–e with novel α-methylene-pyrazole-carboxylate imines 4a–c using Et₃N and POCl₃ in refluxing toluene. All of the newly synthesized α-methylene-pyrazole carboxylate imines 4a–c and their β-lactam derivatives 6a–h have been fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, and ¹³C DEPT-135), 2D-NMR (COSY and HSQC), and elemental analyses (CHN). The cycloaddition reaction was found to be highly stereoselective leading to the exclusive formation of trans-β-lactams 6a–h and trans configuration was assigned with respect to coupling constant values of C3-H and C4-H. The novel β-lactams 6a–h bearing α-methylene-pyrazole-carboxylate ring system will serve as useful synthons for highly functionalized acids, acetohydrazides/pyrazolones, alcohols, pyrazole carboxamides, peptides, and promising biologically active agents.     

Modified Pyridine-Substituted Coumarins: A New Class of Antimicrobial and Antitubercular Agents

Some new biologically potent coumarin derivatives 7a–f, 8a–f, and 9a–f bearing modified pyridine moieties (indeno[1,2-b]pyridine, 4-azaphenanthrene and benzofuro [3,2-b]pyridine) at the sixth position were designed and synthesized. All the synthesized compounds were assayed for their antimicrobial efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Most of the compounds showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. Compounds 8b, 8c, 9b, 9d, and 9f emerged as most proficient members of the series. The antitubercular activity for all the synthesized compounds was performed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37R_v. Compounds 8f, 9b, and 9f exhibited promising antitubercular activity. Consequently, synthesized derivatives were found to be worthy of further investigation.     

Solvent-free,one-pot synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters in the presence of a C3-symmetric arsine

An efficient synthesis of α, β-unsaturated esters is achieved via a one-pot reaction in the presence of a C₃-symmetric arsine. The key advantages are the short reaction time, simple workup, mild reaction conditions, and high yields.     

One-Pot,Fluoride-Promoted Wittig Reaction

A one-pot, fluoride-promoted Wittig reaction was developed. The reactions of ethyl α-bromoacetate with aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced α,β-unsaturated esters in good to excellent yields and E-stereoselectivity. Under the same conditions, reactions of ethyl α-bromopropionate, α-bromo acetonitrile, and α-bromoacetophenone with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced the expected α,β-unsaturated derivatives in good E-stereoselectivity. The protocol was extended to semistabilized ylides and applied to the synthesis of some combretastatin analogs.     

K7[PW11CoO40]: Efficient and Ecofriendly Catalyst for the Enamination of β-Dicarbonyl Compounds

Condensation of a variety of β-dicarbonyl compounds with primary and secondary amines carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of K₇[PW₁₁CoO₄₀]. From this reaction N-substituted β-enamino esters and ketones were obtained in high yields.     

Large-Scale Preparation of Long-Chain ADMET Synthons

We report a convenient process with minimal purification to produce large quantities of α,ω-alkenyl alcohols. These reagents are indispensable precursors in ADMET chemistry. Icos-19-en-1-ol, nonacos-28-en-1-ol, and octatriacont-37-en-1-ol were produced effortlessly in large quantities (up to 45 g in a single batch) from undec-10-en-1-ol. By extension of the method, any desired methylene run length in the ADMET precursor can be achieved.     

Ultrasonically Assisted Rate Enhancements in Trichloroisocyanuric Acid/DMF/NaNO2 Triggered Nitration of Aromatic Compounds and Decarboxylative Nitration of α,β-Unsaturated Acids

An efficient and safe method for nitration of aromatic compounds and decarboxylative nitration of α,β-unsaturated acids was developed using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA)/dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of NaNO₂. The reaction times of conventional protocol reduced from 8–10 h to 1.0–1.5 h (60–90 min) under sonication, even though the yields are comparable under both the conditions.     

Highly Efficient Michael Addition Reaction of Amines Catalyzed by Silica-Supported Aluminum Chloride

Aliphatic and aromatic amines undergo smooth nucleophilic addition to α,β-unsaturated compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of silica-supported aluminum chloride at 60 °C and under solvent-free conditions to produce the corresponding β-amino compounds in excellent yields. This method is simple and convenient and works efficiently under mild conditions. This catalyst can used again without losing its activity three times.     

Asymmetric dihydroxylation of drim-7-en-11-ol: synthesis of diastereomerically pure driman-7α,8α,11-triol and its elaboration into novel chlorinated norlabdanic compounds

The asymmetric dihydroxylation of drim-7-en-11-ol was studied in detail and diastereomerically pure driman-7α,8α,11- and driman-7β,8β,11-triols were prepared. Further elaboration of driman-7α,8α,11-triol afforded 14,15-bisnorlabd-7α,8α-isopropylidenedioxy-11,13-dione from which a novel chlorinated bisnorlabdanic compound (14,15-bisnorlabd-12-ene-12-chloro-8α,13-epoxy-7α-ol-11-one) and an unusual dichloro-derivative, 13,14,15,16-tetranorlabd-12-dichloro-7α-acetoxy-8α-ol-11-one, were obtained.     

Nmp-based ionic liquids: Recyclable catalysts for both hetero-Michael addition and Knoevenagel condensation in water

A series of novel N-methyl piperidine (Nmp)-based ionic liquids with 1,2-propanediol group are synthesized and used as catalysts for both hetero-Michael addition of α,β-unsaturated amides and Knoevenagel condensation at room temperature in water; and all the examined substrates could be transformed into corresponding products in good to excellent yields. Meanwhile IL-catalyzed hetero-Michael addition of α,β-unsaturated amides in water has not been reported in the previous literatures. Additionally, the catalyst is recyclable for the two reactions. This finding provides a green catalyst for both hetero-Michael addition of α,β-unsaturated amides and Knoevenagel condensation in water.     

Selective Sulfenylative Desulfonylation or Decarbalkoxylation of α-Sulfonyl Malonates with DABCO or Bu3N: Reactivity and Conformational Analysis

The study on reactivity of several α-substituted α-sulfonyl malonates toward 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and Bu₃N is described. The reactivity with DABCO revealed the possible competition between decarbalkoxylation and unexpected desulfonylation, depending on the α-substituent, because of sterical hindrance around the electrophilic centers (SO₂ and CO₂R). The derivatives with crowded α-substituents suffer selective desulfonylation, and a novel and efficient desulfonylation method can be proposed. The dependence of the reactivity of α-sulfonyl malonates on the sterical hindrance around the electrophilic centers is confirmed by conformational analysis (Macromodel/MM2? and Mopac/MP3). The carbanionic mechanism is proved because the corresponding protonated, deuterated, and sulfenylated products were obtained by addition of the corresponding electrophilic agents. Bu₃N showed itself to be a novel selective decarbalkoxylation agent for any α-substituted α-sulfonyl malonate.     

Highly Enantioselective Diels–Alder Reaction Catalyzed by Chiral Imidazolidinone

New chiral imidazolidinone with an indole group was synthesized and used to catalyze the Diels–Alder reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with diene. High enantiomeric excesses and good yields were obtained. The reaction media were also surveyed. The best result in terms of enantioselectivity was achieved using acrolein and 2,3-dimethylbutdiene (up to 95% ee) in CH₃OH/H₂O.     

K2S2O8-Mediated Difunctionalization of C≡C Bonds in Water: A Simple and Efficient Approach to α,α-Dihaloacetophenones from Phenylacetylenes and NaX

A novel K₂S₂O₈-mediated oxy-1,1-dihalogenation of alkynes with NaX in the presence of water has been developed, affording α,α-dihaloacetophenones in moderate to good yields. The advantages of this reaction are mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, and use of pure water as reaction medium. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of mechanistic studies.     

Polymer-Assisted Solution-Phase Synthesis Under Combined Ultrasound and Microwave Irradiation: Preparation of α,β-Unsaturated Esters and Carboxylic Acids,Key Intermediates of Novel Sigma Ligands

The optimal conditions to prepare α,β-unsaturated methyl esters via Wittig reaction combining polymer-assisted solution-phase synthesis (PASPS) methodology and simultaneous ultrasound and microwave irradiation were established. The effects of temperature, solvent, and irradiation time were discussed. Results clearly indicated the superiority of combined ultrasound and microwave-assisted procedure over microwave-assisted methodology. Moreover, an efficient PASPS procedure to prepare α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids via tandem Wittig olefination and hydrolysis reaction was developed under combined ultrasound and microwave irradiation. Generally, a good conversion of aldehydes to acids was observed. The optimized protocols allowed us to quickly prepare a small collection of either α,β-unsaturated esters or carboxylic acids, key intermediates for the drug-discovery process of new sigma ligands.     

Natural α-Amino Acid L-Lysine–Catalyzed Knoevenagel Condensations of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes and 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds

Knoevenagel condensations of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds were catalyzed by primary natural amino acid L-lysine. The reactions were carried out at room temperature in dimethylsulfoxide. It provides a facile entry to a wide variety of α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated dicarbonyl compounds.

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