Total synthesis of plukenetione A

Bioactive polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum cohaerens

Nine new polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivatives, hypercohins B-J (1-9), and nine known analogues were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum cohaerens. The structures of 1-9 were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The inhibitory activities of these isolates on acetylcholinesterase and five human tumor cell lines were tested, and hypercohins B-D (1-3) exhibited moderate inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 5.8-17.9 μM) against the tested tumor cell lines.

Redetermination and absolute configuration of (+)-7-epiclusianone

The absolute configuration of 3-benzoyl-4-hy­droxy-6,6-dimethyl-1,5,7-tris­(3-methyl­but-2-en­yl)bicyclo­[3.3.1]non-3-ene-2,9-dione, C₃₃H₄₂O₄, isolated from Hypericum hypericoides, has been determined. The previous study [Xiao et al. (2007 ▶). J. Nat. Prod.70, 1779–1782] gave only the established relative configuration. The three stereogenic centers are now established as 1R, 5R and 7S on the basis of the refinement of the Flack absolute structure parameter against Cu Kα data and correspond to a specific rotation of [α]_D²⁰ = +66°. The enol–hy­droxy group forms an intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond to close an S(6) ring.

Stereoselective total synthesis of nemorosone

The highly stereoselective total synthesis of nemorosone via a new approach to the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione core which features intramolecular cyclopropanation of an α-diazo ketone, stereoselective alkylation at the C8 position, and regioselective ring-opening of cyclopropane is described. The total synthesis of nemorosone includes chemo- and stereoselective hydrogenation directed by the internal alkene.

The chemistry of the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols

With their fascinating biological profiles and stunningly complex molecular architectures, the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) have long provided a fertile playing field for synthetic organic chemists. In particular, the recent advent of innovative synthetic methods and strategies together with C-C bond-forming reactions and asymmetric catalysis have revitalized this field tremendously. Consequently, PPAP targets which once seemed beyond reach have now been synthesized. This Review aims to highlight the recent achievements in the total synthesis of PPAPs, as well as notable methods developed for the construction of the bicyclo[3.3.1] core of these chemically and biologically intriguing molecules.

Total synthesis of (±)-7-epi-nemorosone

A concise total synthesis of (±)-7-epi-nemorosone is reported. Our synthetic approach establishes a viable route to polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol natural products (PPAP's) bearing a C-7 endo prenyl side chain. Key steps include retro-aldol-vinyl cerium addition to a hydroxy adamantane core scaffold and palladium-mediated deoxygenation.