Asymmetric hydroboration of [E]- and [Z]-2-methoxy-2-butenes. Synthesis of (−)-[2R,3R]-butane-2,3-diol in >97% ee

Asymmetric hydroboration of [E]- and [Z]-2-methoxy-2-butene, using (−)-diisopinocampheylborane at −25°C in THF solvent, followed by oxidation using H₂O₂/NaOH, gave (−)-[2R,3R]- and (+)-[2R,3S]-3-methoxy-2-butanols in >97 and 90% ee, respectively. (−)-[2R,3R]-3-Methoxy-2-butanol was converted to (−)-[2R,3R]-butane-2,3-diol (>97% ee, in an overall yield of 65%).     

Stereoselective synthesis of (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,3-diols from (R)-cyanohydrins

Vinyl substituted (1R,2S)-amino alcohols 5 were obtained by addition of vinyl magnesium bromide to the corresponding cyanohydrin O-trimethylsilyl ethers (R)-2. The O- and N-protected vinyl amino alcohols 6 were ozonized at −78°C in methanol yielding (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,3-diols7 in high enantiomeric and diastereomeric excesses. For purification, compounds 7 in some cases were acetylated to give the derivatives (1R,2S)-8. Racemic 6a was converted by oxidative ozonolysis at −78°C in methanolic NaOH solution to the corresponding methyl N-acetyl-β-hydroxy propanoate 9a. The configuration of (1R,2S)-8a was confirmed by x-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Synthesis and olfactory properties of (−)-(1R,2S)-Georgywood

The enantiomers of Georgywood^® were synthesized from (E)-2-methyl-6-methylene-nona-2,7-diene and methacrylaldehyde followed by oxidation of the Diels–Alder adduct and classical racemate separation of the acid with optically-active N-methylephedrine. Conversion to the final ketone and olfactory evaluation showed that the (−)-(1R,2S)-enantiomer is more powerful by a factor of >100 than its antipode. The absolute configuration was determined by conformational studies and CD-analysis.     

Synthesis of 1,1′-methylenedi[(1R,1′R,3R,3′R,5R,5′R)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-ol] and derivatives: precursors of long-chain polyketides

Racemic 1,1′-methylene[(1RS,1′RS,3RS,3′RS,5RS,5′RS)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-ol] ((±)-6) derived from 2,2′-methylenedifuran has been resolved kinetically with Candida cyclindracea lipase-catalysed transesterification giving 1,1′-methylenedi[(1R,1′R,3R,3′R,5R,5′R)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-ol] (−)-6 (30% yield, 98% ee) and 1,1′-methylenedi[(1S,1′S,3S,3′S,5S,5′S)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-yl] diacetate (+)-8, (40% yield, 98% ee). These compounds have been converted into 1,1′-methylenedi[(4S,4′S,6S,6′S)- and (4R,4′R,6R,6′R)-cyclohept-1-en-4,6-diyl] derivatives.     

Synthesis of enantiopure (R)-(−)-massoialactone through ruthenium-SYNPHOS asymmetric hydrogenation

Total synthesis of enantiopure (R)-(−)-massoialactone was achieved. The key step includes the asymmetric hydrogenation of an achiral β-keto ester using a ruthenium-SYNPHOS^® catalyst to set the hydroxyl function in a stereocontrolled manner with excellent enantioselectivity (>99% ee). Ring closing metathesis (RCM) in the presence of Grubbs’ catalyst allows the final construction of the six-membered lactone.     

Stereoselective synthesis of (R)-(−)-denopamine, (R)-(−)-tembamide and (R)-(−)-aegeline via asymmetric reduction of azidoketones by Daucus carota in aqueous medium

A simple and efficient stereoselective synthesis of (R)-denopamine and other naturally occurring hydroxy amides from optically active (R)-2-azido-1-arylethanols, is described for the first time via reduction of the corresponding -azidoarylketones with enzymes from Daucus Carota root, under mild and environmentally friendly conditions. The products are formed with high degrees of enantioselectivity.     

Enzymatic production of (3S,4R)-(−)-4-(4′-fluorophenyl)-6-oxo-piperidin-3-carboxylic acid using a commercial preparation from Candida antarctica A: the role of a contaminant esterase

The enantioselective hydrolysis of (3RS,4RS)-trans-4-(4′-fluorophenyl)-6-oxo-piperidin-3-ethyl carboxylate (±)-2 was effected using a commercial preparation of lipase from C. antarctica A (CAL-A). We found that the hydrolytic activity of the lipase (immobilized on a number of very different supports) with this substrate was negligible. However, a contaminant esterase with Mw of 52 KDa from this commercial preparation exhibited much higher activity with (±)-2. This enzyme was purified and immobilized on PEI-coated support and the resulting enzyme preparation was highly enantioselective in the hydrolysis of (±)-2 (E >100), hydrolyzing only the (3S,4R)-(−)-3, which is a useful intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important (−)-paroxetine. Optimization of the reaction system was performed using a racemic mixture with a substrate concentration of 50 mM. This enzyme preparation was used in three reaction cycles and maintained its catalytic properties.     

Studies on the synthesis of biphenylneolignans. Part 1: Enantioselective synthesis of (S,S)- and (R,R)-2,2′-dimethoxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-4′-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)diphenyl ether

Two erythro-isomers of 2,2′-dimethoxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-4′-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)diphenyl ether, (7′S, 8′S)-9 and (7′R, 8′R)-9, were synthesized in seven steps, in which an improved method for the synthesis of the key intermediate 3 was developed. The absolute configuration of the target molecules was also confirmed.     

Preparation, crystal structure, absolute configuration, and conformational analysis of (−)436-(S)-(−)-diphenyl-1-phenylethylaminophosphine(η-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-dimethylphosphonato)cobalt(III)

Reaction of CpCoI₂(P(OMe)₃) 8 with the chiral aminophosphine (S)-(−)-diphenyl-phenylethylaminophosphine affords the diastereomeric phosphonate complexes (R,S)_Co,S_C-CpCoI(P(0)(OMe)₂)(PPh₂NHCH(Me)Ph) (10a,10b) via Arbuzov dealkylation. 10a,10b are separable and configurationally stable in solution for extended periods. The structure and absolute configuration of the lower R_f diastereomer (−)-₄₃₆-10b were determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes as a toluene solvate in space group P2₁ with a 13.194(6), b 9.062(4), c 17.023(5) Å, β 108.78(3)°, Z = 2, and was refined to R = 0.067 for 6318 reflections. Spectroscopic and structural evidence demonstrate a strong 1,6 intramolecular NH O=P hydrogen bond between the aminophosphine NH and the basic phosphoryl oxygen, which establishes a quasi-boat conformation. Proton nuclear Overhauser difference spectra show that the conformation in solution is the same as that observed in the solid state.     

(R)-Binaphthoxy diiodide lanthanides

The synthesis and characterization of novel enantiopure binaphthoxy-diiodo lanthanides [(R)-2-(1-naphthol)-1′-naphthoxide)LnI₂(THF)₃] (Ln=Sm (4a), Yb (4b), La (4c)) are described. These complexes have been prepared by reacting the mono potassium salt of (R)-binaphthol with the corresponding lanthanide triiodides and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopies. Recrystallization of 4c from THF–hexane led to monocrystals of [(R)-2-(1-naphthol)-1′-naphthoxide)]-diiodolanthane-tetrakistetrahydrofurane] (4c*). Complex 4c* crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, P2₁2₁2₁ with cell parameters a=13.086(1) Å, b=15.496(1) Å, c=18.854(1) Å, V=3823.2(6) ų, and Z=4.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of a resolved secondary arsine complex: asymmetric synthesis of (R-(−)589-ethylmethylphenylarsine

The reaction of [R-(R,R)]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(NCMe)]PF₆ with (±)-AsHMePh in boiling methanol yields crystalline [R-[(R)-(R,R)]-(+)_{589)-[(η⁵-C5H5){1,2-C6H4(PMePh)2}Fe(AsHMePH)}PF₆, optically pure, in ca. 90% yield, in a typical second-order asymmetric transformation. This complex contains the first resolved secondary arsine. Deprotonation of the secondary arsine complex with KOBu^t at −65°C gives the diastereomerically pure tertiary arsenido-iron complex [R-[(R),(R,R)]]-[((η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}FeAsMePh] · thf, from which optically pure [R-[(S),(R,R)]]-(+)₅₈₉-[(η⁵-C₅H₅){1,2-C₆H₄(PMePh)₂}Fe(AsEtMePh)PF₆ is obtained by reaction with iodoethane. Cyanide displaces (R)-(−)₅₈₉-ethylmethylphenylarsine from the iron complex, thereby effecting the asymmetric synthesis of a tertiary arsine, chiral at arsenic, from (±)-methylphenylarsine and an optically active transition metal auxiliary.     

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of (−)-epipentenomycin I

A chemo-enzymatic synthesis of (−)-epipentenomycin I is reported using a lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution of the racemic pentacyclic alcohol 8. Flash vacuum pyroloysis of (−)-8 so obtained gave (−)-(4R)-4-hydroxy-5-methylene-2-cyclopentenone. Epoxidation of this compound with dimethyldioxirane followed by hydrolytic ring-opening of the resulting epoxide gave (−)-epipentenomycin I.     

Oligomeric flavanoids. Part 13. Synthesis of profisetinidins based on (−) robinetinidol and (+) -epifisetinidol

Acid-catalyzed condensation of (+)-mollisacacidin-[(2R, 3S, 4R)-2, 3-trans-3, 4-trans-flavan-3,3′,4,4′,7-pentaol] with an excess of (−)-robinetinidol[(2R,3S)-2,3-trans-flavan-3,3′,4′,5′,7-pentaol] afforded a novel series of bi-, tri-, and tetraflavanoid profisetinidins. They are accompanied by (−)-fisetinidol-(4,2′)-(−)-robinetinidol which results from the pyrogallol B-ring of (−)-robinetinidol serving as nucleophile competing with its resorcinol A-ring in coupling with a C-4 carbocationic intermediate. Similar condensation with (+)-epifisetinidol[(2S,3S)-2,3-cis-flavan-3,3′,4′,7-tetraol] led to the exclusive formation of [4,6]-interflavanyl bonds, these units being ‘linearly’ arranged in the tetraflavanoid analogue in contrast to the ‘branched’ nature of the (−)-robinetinidol homologue.     

(R)-Oxynitrilase catalyzed synthesis of (R)-ketone cyanohydrins

(R)-Oxynitrilase from almonds (Prunus amygdalus) catalyzes the enantioselective addition of HCN to ethyl alkyl ketones 1 in diisopropyl ether yielding (R)-ethyl alkyl ketone cyanohydrins (R)-2, which are hydrolyzed under acid catalysis to give the -hydroxy acids (R)-3. This (R)-oxynitrilase also catalyzes the enantioselective addition in aqueous citrate buffer (50 mM, pH 4.0), as demonstrated for the preparation of (R)-methyl alkyl ketone cyanohydrins (R)-5 which are obtained in high enantiomeric excesses comparable to those in diisopropyl ether as solvent.     

Influence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on IR-spectroscopic properties of (R)-(−)-1-phenylglycinium hydrogen squarate monohydrate in solid-state. IR-LD, Raman spectroscopy and theoretical study

Influence of the intermolecular interactions in solid phase on the overlapped IR-spectroscopic pattern of (R)-(−)-1-phenylglycinium hydrogen squarate monohydrate is studied experimentally by means of a complex approach, including IR-LD spectroscopy of oriented solid-samples as suspension in nematic liquid crystal, reducing difference procedure for polarized spectra interpretation, deconvolution and curve-fitting procedures. Raman ones completes the IR-spectroscopic data. The experimental results are supported with theoretical ones and the calculated frequencies obtained on UHF/6-311++G^** level of theory and basis and scaled with a factor of 0.8929 correlated well with experimental observed data, giving a standard deviation of 9 cm⁻¹ for so-called non-characteristic bands.     

Enantioselektive Katalyse VII. Komplexe von (P(R,S),3R,4R,P′(R,S))-3,4-Bis(phenylphosphino)pyrrolidinen. Die Darstellung optisch reiner 1,2-Bisphosphanliganden mit vier Stereozentren, die zusätzliche funktionnelle Gruppen enthalten

Diastereomeric mixtures of the palladium, the platinum, and the rhodium complexes were prepared from [P(R,S),3R,4R,P′(R,S)]-3,4-bis(phenylphosphino)pyrrolidine (1a). The phosphorus atoms in bis[(P(R,S),3R,4R,P′(R,S))-1-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3,4-bis(phenylphosphino)pyrrolidine-P,P′]dihalogenopalladium (2) can be alkylated stereoselectively with iodomethane. The P---H bonds in 2 open epoxides, and add to Michael systems, to give new ligands, which can be split off from the palladium with cyanide. The three isomerically pure [(PR,3R,4R,P′R)(PS,3R,4R,P′S)(PR,3R,4R,P′S)]-1-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3,4- bis[(2-cyanoethyl)phenylphosphino]pyrrolidines were prepared via the neutral diiodopalladium complexes. [(PS,3R,4R,P′S)1-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3,4-bis[(2-cyanoethyl)phenylphosphino]pyrrolidine-P,P′]diiodopalladium(II) (14-1) was characterised by X-ray crystallography.     

3-exo,3′-exo-(1R,1′R)-Bithiocamphor — a versatile source for functionally different 3,3′-bibornane derivatives, II. 1 An access to 3-exo,3′-exo-(1r,1′r)-bicamphor and related compounds

3-exo,3′-exo-(1R,1′R)-bicamphor (12) is obtained from 3-exo,3′-exo-(1R,1′R)-bithtiocamphor (3) by condensation with hydrazine hydrate followed by hydrolysis of the resulting dihydropyridazine 11. Deprotonation of 12 with NaH and subsequent treatment with potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) furnishes the 2,2′-dioxo-3,3′-bibornanylidene 13, whilst reduction of 12 with L1AlH₄ affords the 3,3′-biisoborneol 16. Further related transformations to various 2,2′-difunctional 3,3′-bibornane derivatives are described, which are could be of interest as chiral ligands     

Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in Heck-type reactions of orthometallated Pd and Pt complexes derived from (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane

The chiral bis-imine (1R,2R)-C₆H₁₀-[E---N=CH---C₆H₃---3,4-(OMe)₂]₂ 1 (LH) reacts with [Pd(OAc)₂] (1:1 molar ratio; OAc=acetate) giving the orthometallated [Pd(OAc)(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)-C₆H₁₀---N=CH---C₆H₃-3′,4′-(OMe)₂-κ-C,N,N)] 2 (abbreviated as [Pd(OAc)(L-κ-C,N,N)]), through C---H bond activation on only one of the aryl rings and N,N-coordination of the two iminic N atoms. 2 reacts with an excess of LiCl to give [Pd(Cl)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 3. The reaction of 3 with AgClO₄ and neutral or anionic ligands L′ (1:1:1 molar ratio) affords [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(L′)](ClO₄) (L′=PPh₃ 4a, NCMe 5, pyridine 6, p-nitroaniline 7) or [Pd(I)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 8. Complex 4a reacts with wet CDCl₃ giving [Pd(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)---C₆H₁₀---NH₂-κ-C,N,N)(PPh₃)](ClO₄) 4b as a result of the hydrolysis of the C=N bond not involved in the orthometallated ring. The molecular structure of 4b·CH₂Cl₂ has been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Cleavage of the Pd---N bond trans to the C_aryl atom can be accomplished by coordination of strongly chelating ligands, such as acetylacetonate (acac) or bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), forming [Pd(acac-O,O′)(L-κ-C,N)] 9 and [Pd(L-κ-C,N)(dppe-P,P′)](ClO₄) 12, while classical N,N′-chelating ligands such as 1,10-phenantroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy) behave as monodentate N-donor ligands yielding [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(κ¹-N-phen)](ClO₄) 10 and [Pd(L-κ-C,N,N)(κ¹-N-bipy)](ClO₄) 11. Treatment of 1 with PtCl₂(DMSO)₂ (1:1 molar ratio) in refluxing 2-methoxyethanol gives Cl₂Pt[(NH₂)₂C₆H₁₀---N,N′] 13a and [Pt(Cl)(C₆H₂---4,5-(OMe)₂---2-CH=N-(1R,2R)---C₆H₁₀---NH₂-κ-C,N,N)] 13b, while [Pt(Cl)(L-κ-C,N,N)] 14 can be obtained by reaction of [Pt(μ-Cl)(η³-2-Me---C₃H₄)]₂ with 1 in refluxing CHCl₃. Complexes 2 and 3 catalyzed the arylation of methyl acrylate giving good yields of the corresponding methyl cinnamates and TON up to 847 000. Complex 3 also catalyzes the hydroarylation of 2-norbornene, but with lower yields and without enantioselectivity.     

Asymmetric dihydroxylation route to (R)-isoprenaline, (R)-norfluoxetine and (R)-fluoxetine

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R)-isoprenaline, (R)-norfluoxetine and (R)-fluoxetine is described using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key step.     

New camphor-derived sulfur chiral controllers: Synthesis of (2R-exo)-10-methylthio-2-bornanethiol and (2R-exo)-2,10-bis(methylthio)bornane

An efficient preparation of two camphor-derived controllers [(2R-exo)-10-methylthio-2-bornanethiol1b and (2R-exo)-2,10-bis(methylthio)bornane 2] potentially useful as a ligands or chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis is described. Both compounds have been prepared starting from (1S)-camphor-10-thiol 3. Alkylation of this thiol with sodium methoxide and methyl iodide afforded 10-methylthiocamphor 8. Conversion of 8 into the corresponding thioketone 9 with the Lawesson's reagent followed by the stereoselective reduction with DIBAL-H at low temperature yielded (2R-exo)-10-methylthio-2-bornanethiol1b in good yield. (2R-exo)-2,10-bis(Methylthio)bornane 2 could be obtained by alkylation of 1b with sodium methoxide and methyl iodide.