Total synthesis of the alkaloid (−)-codonopsinine from l-xylose

The enantiopure total synthesis of (−)-codonopsinine is described from commercially available l-xylose in 20% overall yield. The key steps included Julia trans olefination and cascade epoxidation-cyclisation strategies.     

Cyclisation of dienes using phosphorus-centred radicals to form organophosphorus adducts

Reaction of various dienes with phosphites or related phosphorus hydrides, under free radical cyclisation conditions, affords cyclic organophosphorus adducts. This quick, mild and technically clean approach affords 5- and 6-ring carbocycles and heterocycles in good to excellent yield.     

Asymmetric synthesis of the erythrinan alkaloid system using a chiral lithium amide base desymmetrisation as the key step

A new asymmetric approach to the erythrinan alkaloid system is described, which involves chiral base desymmetrisation of a ring fused imide and a 6-exo-trig radical cyclisation as the key steps.     

A convergent route to β-hydroxy δ-lactones through Prins cyclisation as the key step: synthesis of (+)-prelactones B, C and V

Reactions of homoallylic alcohols with aldehydes in the presence of acid catalysts gave multisubstituted tetrahydropyrans with the creation of one to three new stereogenic centres in a single-pot process. The utility of this approach is extended to the enantioselective syntheses of (+)-prelactones B, C and V.     

Synthese von Dibenzo[a,g]chinolizinen — Ein neuer Zugang zu Protoberberinen

Summary A novel synthesis to prepare dibenzo-8-quinolizinones8 is reported using the intramolecular cyclisation of the benzylated Reissert compounds6 for the key step. Methylation of8 by methyllithium gives partial deoxygenated coralynes10 which in turn can be reduced by NaBH₄ yielding the 8-methyltetrahydro-protoberberines11. The structures are assigned by NMR-spectroscopy.

     

Biomimetic synthesis of (±)-aculeatin D

A practical, efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of the cytotoxic and antiprotozoal compound aculeatin D (1) is described, employing a biomimetic oxidative cyclisation cascade reaction to generate the tricyclic system of the natural product. The synthesis proceeds in ten steps from commercially available 1-tetradecanol.     

Radical Cyclisation of α‐Halo Aluminium Acetals: A Mechanistic Study

α‐Bromo aluminium acetals are suitable substrates for Ueno–Stork‐like radical cyclisations affording γ‐lactols and acid‐sensitive methylene‐γ‐lactols in high yields. The mechanistic study herein sets the scope and limitation of this reaction. The influence of the halide (or chalcogenide) atom X (X=Cl, Br, I, SPh, SePh) in the precursors α‐haloesters, as well as influence of the solvent and temperature was studied. The structure of the aluminium acetal intermediates resulting from the reduction of the corresponding α‐haloesters has been investigated by low‐temperature ¹³C‐INEPT diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments and quantum calculations, providing new insights into the structures of these thermally labile intermediates. Oxygen‐bridged dimeric structures with a planar Al₂O₂ ring are proposed for the least hindered aluminium acetals, while monomeric structures seem to prevail for the most hindered species. A comparison against the radical cyclisation of aluminium acetals derived from allyl and propargyl alcohols with the parent Ueno–Stork has been made at the BHandHLYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory, highlighting mechanistic similarities and differences.     

Synthesis of 2-unsubstituted imidazolones from bisamides via a one-pot,domino dehydration/base promoted cyclisation process

A one-pot, domino process was developed as an alternative approach for the preparation of 2-unsubstituted imidazolones. The methodology utilizes readily accessible bisamides, which upon a dehydration/cyclisation sequence produced imidazolones in good yields. The transformation relies on the compatibility of the dehydrating agent and base, and the reaction conditions tolerate various functional groups.     

Tandem Wittig – Reductive annulation decarboxylation approach for the synthesis of indole and 2-substituted indoles

A simple tandem Wittig reaction-reductive decarboxylation route is established for the synthesis of indoles from commercially available o-nitrobenzaldehydes and a stable phosphorane. The method allows access to indoles in a very fast manner without involving any metal or expensive reagents or inert atmosphere. Also 2-substituted indoles are obtained which forms an important core of many biological active compounds.     

Stereoselective synthesis of basiliskamides A and B via Prins cyclisation

A stereoselective and convergent approach to basiliskamides A and B is achieved through our recently developed strategy for the construction of polyketide precursors via Prins cyclisation. The approach mainly relies upon reductive opening of 1-iodomethyl cyclic ethers, Mitsunobu inversion, Takai olefination and Stille coupling along with Prins cyclisation.