A Synthesis of an Isoindole Derivative

Isoindole or 1H-isoindole, where there is the possibility of tautoinerism, is too unstable to be isolated, and its existence is ascertained only by Diels-Alder addition products with maleic anhydride and N-phenylmaleinimide.¹⁾ Moreover, the systematic preparations of isoindole derivatives have not been confirmed.²⁾ However, several successful isoindole syntheses have been realized from ortho-disubstituted benzene derivatives. For instance,³⁾ catalytic reduction over Raney nickel of o-cyanobenzophenone gave 1-phenylisoindole, accompanied by the oxidative coupling product. We wish to report now a synthesis of an isoindole derivative (2) by the dimerization of o-tolunitrile and several reactions of the compound (2), and the physical data were also reported.     

A Total Synthesis of (±)-Trichodiene

Trichodiene (1), a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, was isolated from the extract of mycelium of Trichothecium roseum. The structure of trichodiene (1) was elucidated by Nozoe and Machida in 1970 via degradation and spectroscopy.¹ Trichodiene (1) has been shown to be the biogenetic precursor of the trichothecane family of sesquiterpenoids as characterized by the cytotoxic fungal metabolite (-)-trichodermin (2).^2,3 The structure and absolute stereochemistry of (-)-trichodermin (2) were determined by X-ray diffraction and, therefore, the structure and absolute stereochemistry of trichodiene (1) are now firmly established.⁴ We wish to report a total synthesis of (±)-trichodiene (1) via previously reported lactone 3.^5,6     

Synthesis of Dimethoxyfuranonaftoquinones

Recently some furanonaphthoquinones were isolated from Tabebuia species^2,3,4. The structures la, lb2, and li4 were assigned to three of these compounds (those of la and lb being later confirmed by synthesis^3,5,6). However, for the three other isolated compounds the spectroscopic data did not permit a decision to be made between the 2,3,4 - - - 4 isomeric pairs of structure lc and Id, le and lf ³, and lg and lh ⁴. Compounds la, lb, and le (or If), were tested in the KB cell culture assay and shown to be more active cytotoxic agents than lapachol^2,3, the probable biogenetic precursor of all of them.     

Preparation and Pyrolysis of Cyclooctyl Phenyl Sulfoxide

We recently reported a facile synthesis for bicyclo-[n.2.0]alkanediols of the general structure 1. ¹ The recent demonstration² that cis-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-1,7-diol(3) can be converted to the novel, highly-strained trans-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane system increases the interest in this class of compounds. Comparison of our diols with materials used by Paukstelis and Kao in the rearrangement studies² and further work in our laboratory has shown that the diols reported in our initial communication are trans-diols and should be assigned structures 4 and 5.     

Synthesis of 2′,3′-Dideoxy-2′-Fluorokanamycin A

2′,3′-Dideoxy-2′-fluorokanamycin A (23) was prepared by condensation of 6-azido-4-0-benzoyl-2,3,6-trideoxy-2-fluoro-α-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl bromide (13) and a protected disaccharide (19). Methyl 4,6-0-benzylidene-3-deoxy-β-D-arabino-hexopyranoside (5) prepared from methyl 4,6-0-benzylidene-3-chloro-3-deoxy-β-D-allo-hexopyranoside (1) by oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate followed by reduction with Na₂ S₂O₄ was fluorinated with the DAST reagent to give methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-2,3-dideoxy-2-fluoro-β-D-ribo-hexopyranoside (7). Successive treatment of 7 with NBS, NaN₃ and SOBr₂ gave 13. The structure of the final product (23) was determined by the ¹H and ¹⁹F and shift-correlated 2D NMR spectra.     

Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Sesquiterpenoids: (+)-Sativene and (+)-Cyclosativene

Abstract

The well-known tricyclic sesquiterpenoid (?)-sativene, isolated in 1965 from Helminthosporium sativum and shown to possess structure and absolute configuration as indicated by structure 1 ³, has been implicated^3,4 as an intermediate in the biogenesis of the fungal toxin (?)-helminthosporal (2)⁵. Two total syntheses of the racemic modification of sativene have been reported^6,7. A closely related sesquiterpenoid, (+)-cyclosativene, was isolated from Abies magnifica A. Murr. and was shown to possess structure 3 ^8,9. The absolute configuration of this material, although not established unambiguously, has been proposed¹⁰ as indicated by formula 3. The total synthesis of cyclosativene has not as yet been achieved directly, although it has been obtained indirectly via acid-promoted rearrangement of sativene^8,9,11,12. We report herein a total synthesis of (+)-sativene (4) and (+)-cyclosativene (3) via a stereoselective route which unambiguously establishes the absolute configuration of both natural products.     

The Reaction of N-Phenyliminoketenylidenetriphenyl-phosphorane with α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds. Synthesis of New Pyran Derivatives

Abstract

The reaction of N-phenyliminoketenylidenetriphenylphosphorane [a] (1), with 2-benzylidene-1, 3-indandione (2), 1,2-diphenyl-3,4-pyrazolidenedione (3)and/or 5-benzylidene barbituric acid (4) has been investigated. When ylide 1 was allowed to react with compounds 2, 3 or 4 in THF at ambient temp. the corresponding new pyrano-phosphoranylidenes 5, 6 or 7 were obtained. The elemental microanalyses, IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and MS data agree with the structure of the cyclic iminophosphoranes by [4+2]-cycloaddition and exclude 4-membered ring structure by [2+2]-cycloaddition. When the Wittig reaction was carried on the pyrano-phosphoranes 5, 6 or 7 using p-nitrobenzaldehyde, the exocyclic olefins together with triphenylphosphine oxide were isolated.     

Oxidation of Cyclic Hemiacetals into Diketones: Final Steps in the Conversion of a Triterpenoid Ring a into a Steroidal Enone by a New Short Route

As a part of our studies in the conversion of triterpenoids into steroids we have reported¹ that the Jones oxidation of some triterpenoid hemiacetals (1) gives acyloxy acids (2) instead of the desired 1,5-diketones (3). We now report² the shortest route yet for the reconstruction of a triterpenoid ring A ketone (4) into a steroidal enone (7) involving as key steps the exhaustive Baeyer-Villiger oxidation³ of triterpenoid ketones (4) into δ-lactones (5) and mild chromium(VI) oxidation of cyclic hemiacetals (1) into diketones (3).     

Synthesis of N-Alkyl-N'-cyano-N″-4-pyridylguanidines from 4-Pyridyldithiocarbamic Acid via N-Alkyl-N′-4-Pyridylthioureas,or via 4-Pyridylcyaniminothiocarbamic Acid

Several years ago a number of antihypertensive N-alkyl-N′-cyano-N″-pyridylguanidines was prepared by addition of cyanamide to N-alkyl-N′-pyridylcarbodiimides which were obtained from the respective thioureas and phosgene or triphenylphosphine/carbon tetrachloride¹. Recently we have described some attractive synthetic methods for N-alkyl-N′-4-pyridylthioureas², based on 4-pyridyldithiocarbamic acid (1) (Scheme 1). We now report on the synthesis of N-alkyl-N′-cyano-N″-4-pyridylguanidines (4) from (1) by two different routes which ultimately may pass through a common intermediate (3) (Scheme 1).     

Total Synthesis of (±) Flavipucine

In 1972 we proposed¹ structure 3 for flavipucine, an antibiotic from an Aspergillus flavipes strain. Later we reported² a novel reaction of 6-methyl-4-hydroxy-2-pyridone with α keto aldehydes which provided 1a from isobutylglyoxal and it was stated that we believed 1a would serve as a key intermediate in the total synthesis of flavipucine 3.     

Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of an Annelated Spirophosphorane

Abstract

Reaction of the 2-azidoalcohol 1 with 2-phenyl1-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane leads to a 4:1 mixture of the pentacoordinate phosphorane 3 and the diazadiphosphetidine 4. In solution, these compounds are in equilibrium, presumably involving the not detectable iminophosphorane 2. A single X-ray analysis carried out on 3 proves the structure of this type of compound which has been postulated earlier as intermediate in the synthesis of aziridines from azidoalcohols^1,2     

A Stereoselective and Regioselective Total Synthesis of (π)-Trichodiene

Trichodiene (1), a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, was isolated and characterized by Nozoe and Machida in 1970.¹ Trichodiene (1) has been shown to be the biogenetic precursor of the trichothecane family of sesquiterpenoids characterized by the cytotoxic fungal metabolite (–)-trichodermin (2).^2,3 We recently reported a total synthesis of (±)-trichodiene (1) via lactone 3.⁴ Now, we wish to report another stereoselective total synthesis of (±)-trichodiene (1) via lactone 3 which is highly regioselective.     

An Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of a Tricyclic Intermediate for the Synthesis of Derivatives of Abietic and Podocarpic Acids

For many years the synthesis of diterpene acids has attracted the attention of organic chemists. Kröniger and Wheeler¹ reported that the condensation of the dimethylate 1a with methyl malonate gave the cis compound 2a which on heating with palladised charcoal was converted into the trans isomer 3a. Compound 3a is a promising intermediate in the synthesis of derivatives of both abietic and podocarpic acids, while 2a could be a starting material for the synthesis of cis fused diterpene acids. However, the route to 2a and 3a was inefficient; 1a was only available as the minor component of a mixture with its epimer 1b; and the yield for the stage 2a + 3a was poor.     

An Efficient Synthesis of α-Bromoacetals via a Combined Chemical and Electrochemical Bromination

α-Bromoacetals (1) are valuable precursors in synthesis of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds (2), 1-alkoxybutadienes² (3), ketene acetals³ (4), 2-methoxyallyl bromides⁴ (5) and other compounds. Because of our interest in the chemistry^5,6 of 3 and 4 we attempted to improve known procedures for the preparation of 1 with the aim to get a short and efficient synthesis of these compounds.     

Synthetic Mucin Fragments: Methyl-3-O-(2-Acetamido-2-Deoxy-4-O- and 6-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-β-D-Glucopyranosyl)-β-D-Galactopyranoside and Methyl 3-O-(2-Acetamido-2-Deoxy-4-O- and 3-O-Methyl-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-3-D-Galactopyranoside

Abstract

Glycosylation of methyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-3, 6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (2) with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-galactopyranosyl bromide (1), catalyzed by mercuric cyanide, afforded a trisaccharide derivative, which was not separated, but directly O-deacetylated to give methyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-β-D-giucopyranosyl)-2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (8). Hydrogenolysls of the benzyl groups of 8 then furnished the title trisaccharide (9). A similar pflyccsylation of methyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-3-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl- β-D-galactopyranoside (obtained by acetylation of 4, followed by hydrolysis of the benzylidene acetal group) with bromide 1 gave a tribenzyl trisaccharide, which, on catalytic hydrogenolysls, furnished the isomeric trisaccharide (12). Methylation of 4 and 2 with methyl iodide-silver oxide in 1:1 dichloro-methane-N, N-dimethylformamide gave the 3-O- and 4-O-monomethyl ethers (13) and (15), respectively. Hydrogenolysis of the benzyl groups of 13 and 15 then provided the title monomethylated disaechartdes (15) and (16), respectively. The structures of trisacchacides 9 and 12, and disaccharides 14 and 16 were all established by ¹³C MMR spectroscopy.     

A Convenient Synthesis of (Z)-7-Nonadecen-Ll-One and (Z)-7-Eicosen-Ll-Cne -the Pheromones of Peach Fruit Moth

In 1977 Tamaki¹ et al have isolated and synthesized² (Z)-7-nonadecen-ll-one (la) and (Z)-7-eicosen-l1-one (1b) which are active components of the female sex pheromones of the peach fruit moth Carposina niponensis Walsingham, a major economic pest of apple, peach and other fruits of Japan. We report in this communication a practical, convenient and stereospecific route to 1a and 1b.     

An Improved Synthesis of 2′-Hydroxy-3′,4′,6′-trimethoxyacylophenones

A wide variety of 2′-hydroxypolymethoxyacetophenones and propiophenones, e.g. 1a and 1b are used in the synthesis of flavone and ehromone natural products.¹ Repeated attempts to prepare 1a and 1b by reacting 1,2,3,5-tetramethoxybenzene 2 with acetyl or propionyl chlorides and AlCl₃ in ether² gave products which were difficult to purify.³ We traced the problem to ring-ethoxy contaminants which were isolated and tentatively identified as 3a and 3b.     

N-(Chlorosulfinyl)-Imidazole as a New Imidazole Transfer Reagent1

The usefulness of diimidazoles² such as N, N′-carbonyldi-imidazole (1), and N, N′-thionyldiimidazole (2) in organic synthesis has been accumulated recently. In connection with the continuing our studies on the reaction using 1 or 2 ³ (carbonyl, thionyl, and imidazole transfer reactions), our particular interest was focused on the synthesis of N-(chlorosulfinyl)-imidazole (3) in which one imidazole group in 2 was replaced by the other leaving group (Cl). Also, 3 was interesting for preparative purposes as a chlorine atom could be introduced via the addition reaction of 3 to carbonyl compounds as known in the reaction of 1 or 2 with ketones.     

A Conventient Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-4-chromanone Using Iodobenzene Diacetate

A useful synthesis of 3-hydroxy-4-chromanone (6) is not currently available. Lead tetraacetate oxidation of 4-chromanone (4) yields the C(3) acetoxy derivative but this compound could not be deacetylated to 6.¹ Recently Donnelly and Maloney reported² that the Algar-Flynn-Oyamada reaction (H₂O₂/CH₃OH/NaOH), which is commonly used for the conversion of o-hydroxychalcones (1) into 3-hydroxyflavanone (2) and 3-hydroxyflavones (3), does not yield 6 when applied to o-hydroxya-crylophenone 1 (R = H). The authors found that under less basic conditions using K₂CO₃ some 6 is formed but the major product is catechol. These observations clearly indicate the necessity of developing a method for making 6. The present note describes a staightforward way of preparing 3-hydroxy-4-chromanone (6) in good yield.     

Hydroxyphosphoranes tautomers of γ hydroxylated phosphoric esters - structure and acidity

Abstract

The crystal structure of the triethylammonium salts of hydroxyphosphoranes 1a and 2 was resolved by X Ray diffraction. The first one has a TBP geometry slightly deformed with the phosphorus atom at the center, and the second one is a polycylic dimer containing two TBP which present the same deformations. In both cases, the P-O^? bond lengths are short and dioxaphospholane rings planar. These two particular properties can be related to the strong Bronsted acidity of compounds 1a and 2. Effectively, the pKa of hydroxyphosphoranes 1a, 1b and 2, determined by potentiometrical titration in DMF or DMSO solutions are characteristic of strong acids.