A new constrained proline analogue with an 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton

A straightforward synthesis of 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-1-carboxylic acid, a new proline analogue with a bicyclic structure, is described. The procedure makes use of readily available starting materials and involves simple, high-yielding transformations.     

Intramolecular cyclization reactions of aziridines with π-nucleophiles

We have found that aziridines will react with a variety of π-nucleophiles in intramolecular cyclization reactions to produce nitrogen containing core structures found in a variety of bioactive molecules. These cyclizations are more general and facile than corresponding intermolecular reactions. We have examined the effects of ring size, π-nucleophile identity and substitution on this reaction.     

4,5-Didehydro-7-silyloxymethyl-2-oxepanone and formal total syntheses of Hagen’s gland lactones and trans-kumausynes

A concise and enantiospecific route to the 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one ring system from commercially available (R)-(+)- and (S)-(−)-glycidols is described. The key features involve ring closing metathesis to construct the 7-substituted-4,5-dehydro-2-oxepanone and its base-catalyzed single-step rearrangement into the 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one skeleton. Using this strategy, formal total syntheses of (7R)-cis-Hagen’s gland lactones and (+)- and (−)-trans-kumausynes have been achieved.     

Identification and synthesis of new bicyclic acetals from caddisflies (Trichoptera)

As shown by synthesis and enantioselective gas chromatography, males and females of the caddisfly species Potamophylax latipennis and Potamophylax cingulatus produce (1R,3S,5S,7S)-1-ethyl-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, while Glyphotaelius pellucidus produces 1,3-diethyl-4,6-dimethyl-2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, having either the (1S,3S,4R,6S) or (1R,3R,4S,6S)-configuration. As shown by electrophysiological investigations, the compounds are perceived by the antennae of both sexes.     

Palladium-catalyzed ring opening of azabicyclic olefins with organoindium reagents: a simple, clean, and efficient synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes

Azabicyclic olefins undergo facile palladium-catalyzed ring opening with organoindium reagents affording trans-3,4-disubstituted hydrazinocyclopentenes in good to excellent yields.     

A practical synthesis of LFA-1 inhibitors utilizing CuCl-promoted intramolecular cyclization of thiohydantoins

An efficient and chromatography-free approach for synthesis of a new class of LFA-1 inhibitors was developed. A copper(I) chloride-promoted intramolecular cyclization of thiohydantoins 7a-b serves as a key step to highly functionalized bicyclic guanidines 5a-b, that were subsequently converted to 1H-imidazo[1,2-a]imidazol-2-one LFA-1 inhibitors. This process has been successfully implemented in the pilot plant to produce multikilogram quantities of LFA-1 inhibitors such as 1a-b.     

[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.     

Adaptive Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of Bicyclic Heteroaromatics using Ruthenium Nanoparticles on a CO2-Responsive Support

Ruthenium nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized on an amine-functionalized polymer-grafted silica support act as adaptive catalysts for the hydrogenation of bicyclic heteroaromatics. Whereas full hydrogenation of benzofuran and quinoline derivatives is achieved under pure H₂, introducing CO₂ into the H₂ gas phase leads to an effective shutdown of the arene hydrogenation while preserving the activity for the hydrogenation of the heteroaromatic part. The selectivity switch originates from the generation of ammonium formate species on the surface of the materials by catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂. The CO₂ hydrogenation is fully reversible, resulting in a robust and rapid switch between the two states of the catalyst adapting its performance in response to the feed gas composition. A variety of benzofuran and quinoline derivatives were hydrogenated to fully or partially saturated products in high selectivity and yields simply by altering the composition of the feed gas from H₂ to H₂/CO₂. The adaptive catalytic system thus provides controlled access to valuable products using a single catalyst rather than two specific and distinct catalysts with static reactivity.     

Unprecedented single-pot protocol for the synthesis of N1, C6-linked bicyclic 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones via lithiation of Biginelli compounds

4-Aryl/alkyl-6-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one ester derivatives readily undergo metalation at the C6 methyl (vinylogous ester) position along with two acidic NHs upon treatment with n-butyllithium at −10 °C. The trianion of DHPMs thus obtained react smoothly with various terminal dibromoalkanes to afford N1, C6-linked bicyclic DHPM derivatives, which represent key structural features of the medicinally potent marine alkaloids such as batzelladine A and crambescin A.     

Seebach’s oxazolidinone is a good catalyst for aldol reactions

Seebach’s proline-derived oxazolidinone 2d overcomes (S)-proline and is at least as efficient as (S)-5-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)tetrazole in several organocatalytic aldol reactions examined. A quick exchange takes place between 2d and carbonyl compounds that gives new bicyclic oxazolidinones, in equilibrium with the very minor active species (enamines). Maximum yields of the aldols (β-hydroxy ketones) were achieved after 1-4 h when, with proline, they are attained after 30-48 h.