Synthetic studies towards atkamine

Atkamine is a complex marine pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid that comprises a heptacyclic scaffold bearing five different heterocycles and four contiguous stereocenters,and therefore it is a highly challenging target for synthetic chemists.We herein reported a modular synthetic strategy toward this alkaloid,featuring a formal [5+2] annulation and an asymmetric Michael addition.The efficient synthesis of the long-chain aliphatic aldehyde and chiral amino acetal fragments have been achieved.A simplified tetracyclic intermediate bearing the core structure of atkamine has been successfully constructed through the formal [5+2] annulation.     

First synthesis of (±)-bis-homosarkomycin ethyl ester

A five step synthesis of (±)-bis-homosarkomycin ethyl ester 6 has been achieved starting from commercially available ethyl phosphonoacetate and ethyl 5-bromovalerate. The successful synthetic approach to 6 uses α-methylene pimelate 3 as a key intermediate.     

Synthetic studies towards ptilomycalin A: total synthesis of crambescidin 359

A potentially biomimetic synthesis of the guanidine-containing marine natural product crambescidin 359 via a double Michael addition of guanidine to a suitably functionalised bis-enone is reported.     

Unusual Energetic Periodate,Sulfate and Amino-bistetrazolate Salts of the Trinitropropylammonium Cation

Starting from a nucleophilic Michael addition of nitroform to acrylamide, three synthetic strategies towards 1,1,1-trinitropropyl-1-ammonium salts are described. Due to the high oxygen content and density of one periodate salt, its suitability as high-energy dense oxidizer in energetic formulations was predicted according to its specific impulse and detonation velocity. Furthermore, those properties were compared to the nitrogen-rich amino-bis(5-tetrazolate) salt. The parameters were calculated with the EXPLO5 (V6.03) computer code and compared to the common solid rocket propellant ammonium perchlorate (AP). Calculations towards the energies of formation were performed using Gaussian 09. Characterization including multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, vibrational analysis (IR, Raman) as well as elemental analysis and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study was performed. The thermal stability was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and the sensitivities against impact and friction were determined.     

Intramolecular metathesis versus Kharasch reactions using the Grubbs metathesis catalyst: towards catalyst economy

The first generation Grubbs catalyst can promote either ring closing metathesis (RCM) or atom transfer radical cyclisation reactions (ATRC) depending upon the reaction conditions employed.     

A convenient synthesis of 2-hydrazinoethylphosphonic acid and derivatives

2-Hydrazinoethylphosphonic acid was prepared using a simple procedure involving Michael addition of hydrazine hydrate to diethyl ethenylphosphonate, followed by hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid. The product was converted into five- and six-membered heterocycles.     

CAN mediated cyclization of epoxypropyl cinnamyl ethers: a facile stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydropyran derivatives

Cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in substoichiometric amounts, promotes the intramolecular cyclization of epoxypropyl cinnamyl ethers to the corresponding 3,4,5-trisubstituted tetrahydropyran derivatives in moderate to good yields.     

Stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C10 fragment of rhizoxin D

A novel approach towards the synthesis of the C1-C10 fragment of the biologically active antimitotic agent rhizoxin D is described. The synthesis involves a stereoselective Michael addition reaction of lithium diallyl cuprate with an α,β-unsaturated six membered lactone.     

Synthetic studies towards furosesquiterpenoids: total synthesis of (±) desmethylpallescensin-A, (±) isopallescensin-A and (±) isopallescensin-1

A new approach for a short and efficient synthesis of common cyclohexenone intermediate towards the total synthesis of some furosesquiterpenes and their analogues are described. Regioselective alkylation of Hagemann's ester with 2/3-furyl-2-ethyl bromide followed by hydrolysis cum in situ decarboxylation and 1,4-addition with Gilman's reagent produced the cyclohexanone derivatives which have been utilized for total synthesis of (±) isopallescensin-A, (±) 10-desmethylpallescensin-A, (±) 5-desmethyl-4,5-dehydromicrocionin-1 and (±) isopallescensin-1.     

Synthetic studies toward geranylated PPAP natural products oblongifolin A, oblongifolin D, and enervosanone

A concise approach of general utility toward mono- and di-geranylated PPAP frameworks employing ‘reconstructive aldol cyclization’ as the key step is delineated.     

Carboxy mediated stereoselective reduction of ketones with sodium triacetoxyborohydride: synthesis of novel 3,4-fused tetrahydropyran and tetrahydrofuran prolines

In the presence of a carboxyl group positioned for participation, NaBH(OAc)₃ will reduce the usually unreactive ketones in a stereoselective manner. This reaction was applied in a key step to prepare precursors 7 and 15 toward the title compounds 1 and 2. These results are consistent with the exchange of one of the acetoxy groups in the reducing agent with the carboxy group followed by intramolecular delivery of the hydride.     

Ternary excess molar enthalpies for the mixtures of methanol and ethanol with tetrahydropyran or 1,4-dioxane at 298.15 K

Ternary excess molar enthalpies, H_m^E, at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure measured by using a flow microcalorimeter are reported for the (methanol+ethanol+tetrahydropyran) and (methanol+ethanol+1,4-dioxane) mixtures. The pseudobinary excess molar enthalpies for all the systems are found to be positive over the entire range of compositions. The experimental results are correlated with a polynomial equation to estimate the coefficients and standard errors. The results have been compared with those calculated from a UNIQUAC associated solution model in terms of the self-association of alcohols as well as solvation between unlike alcohols and alcohols with tetrahydropyran or 1,4-dioxane. The association constants, solvation constants and optimally fitted binary parameters obtained solely from the pertinent binary correlation predict the ternary excess molar enthalpies with an excellent accuracy.     

Stereoselective synthesis of the C1-C13 fragment of bistramide A

The C1-C13 fragment of bistramide A was prepared from 5-hexenoic acid in 15 linear steps and in 16% overall yield. The core 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran ring was obtained via a kinetically controlled oxa-Michael cyclization from the corresponding chiral α,β-unsaturated hydroxyester. This precursor was prepared by using a diastereoselective alkylation reaction using Davies Superquat auxiliary and a diastereoselective Roush’s allylboration as key steps.     

Model studies towards paecilomycine A-C: exploring scaffold diversity through a key intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction

A diversity generative approach to bioactive and structurally complex natural products paecilomycine A-C, involving an intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction as a key step is delineated.     

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Additions to Cyclopent‐1‐enecarbaldehyde: A Critical Assessment of Organocatalytic Approaches towards the Telaprevir Bicyclic Core

In the context of a programme directed at the manufacture of telaprevir, eight possible approaches to its bicyclic α‐amino acid core, based on organocatalytic enantioselective conjugate additions to cyclopent‐1‐enecarbaldehyde, were identified and preliminarily explored. Four reactions, delivering advanced intermediates en route to the target amino acid, were selected for a thorough optimisation. Three of this reactions involved iminium ion catalysis with a prolinol catalyst (addition of nitromethane, nitroacetate and acetamidomalonate) and one was based on a Cinchona‐derived phase‐transfer catalyst (addition of glycine imines). A careful choice of additives allowed lowering of the catalyst loading to 0.5 mol % in some cases. The preparation of intermediates that would give access to the core of telaprevir in good yields and enantioselectivities by exploiting readily available substrates and catalysts, highlights the potential of organocatalytic technology for a cost‐effective preparation of pharmaceuticals.     

Model studies for the synthesis of the antibiotic lactonamycin and the discovery of new reactions and mechanisms for the construction of substituted heterocycles

A new and highly efficient route for the construction of a model for the synthesis of lactonamycin 1 is reported. The chemistry has been utilised for the synthesis of heterocyclic rings, and new reactions for the synthesis of dienes and alkynes are reported.     

Computational studies of cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric Michael additions

Cinchona alkaloids exhibit remarkable catalytic activities in a wide range of organic transformations. This review summarizes the recent advances of computational studies in understanding the mechanism and origins of enantioselectivities in cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric Michael additions. Key activation model and controlling factors of reactivity and selectivity are elucidated.     

Synthesis of 2-aminoethyl-5-carbethoxythiazoles utilizing a Michael-like addition strategy

Ethyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-vinylthiazole-5-carboxylate was utilized as a precursor to ethyl 4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-(aminoethyl)thiazole-5-carboxylate analogs via Michael-like addition of various secondary amines. Reactions employed 1.2 equiv of amine, and the products were isolated by solvent removal and acid/base extraction. Use of primary amines was also investigated.