Strategies towards the synthesis of calyciphylline A-type Daphniphyllum alkaloids

Site-Selective Reaction of Enaminones and Enamine Esters for the Synthesis of Novel Diverse Morphan Derivatives

An efficient and concise protocol was developed for the synthesis of diverse morphan derivatives 5-7 by the Michael and aza-Michael reaction of different types of quinone monoketals 1 or quinone imine ketals 2 with enaminones or enamine esters 3 promoted by 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene in acetone at reflux. Notably, when cyclic enaminone 4 was used as a substrate in the aza-Michael and 1,2-addition reactions with quinone monoketals 1, they gave another novel morphan 8. This method is suitable for parallel synthesis of bridged ring compounds. As a result, highly diverse morphan derivatives were easily and efficiently prepared by the Michael/aza-Michael or aza-Michael/1,2-addition reactions.

Tin-Free Access to the ABC Core of the Calyciphylline A Alkaloids and Unexpected Formation of a D-Ring-Contracted Tetracyclic Core

A tin-free strategy for the successful cyclization of a variety of internal alkyne-containing N-chloroamine precursors to the ABC core via cyclization of a neutral aminyl radical is established. Deuterium labeling experiments confirm that the solvent is the primary source of the final H atom in the cyclization cascade. These conditions enabled a streamlined route to a β-ketoester intermediate poised for intramolecular Knoevenagel condensation to construct the seven-membered D-ring of calyciphylline A alkaloids. However, exposure to CsF in t-BuOH at elevated temperatures led to an unexpected decarboxylation to form a D-ring-contracted tetracyclic core.

Cycloaddition/annulation strategies for the construction of multisubstituted pyrrolidines and their applications in natural product synthesis

Pyrrolidines are privileged substructures of numerous bioactive natural products and drugs.

Total synthesis of strictamine: a tutorial for novel and efficient synthesis

The novelty and efficiency of the overall synthetic route are the key values being imparted to the younger generation of synthetic chemists. In this Highlights, synthesis of strictamine was tutored to students on the creativity of synthetic design.

Synthesis of the [7-5-5] tricyclic core of Daphniphyllum alkaloids

The [7-5-5] tricyclic core of the Daphniphyllum alkaloids was constructed, featuring a Claisen-Ireland rearrangement to install the two contiguous stereogenic centers, E1cB elimination to form the tetrasubstituted C–C double bond, and a 2,3-Wittig rearrangement to construct the quaternary carbon.

Synthetic studies on daphniglaucins

The synthetic approach to the core framework of daphniglaucin-type Daphniphyllum alkaloids is described herein.

Construction of the [6,5,7,5] Tetracyclic Core of Calyciphylline A Type Alkaloids via a Tandem Semipinacol Rearrangement/Nicholas Reaction

A novel and efficient approach toward the assembly of the synthetically challenging tetracyclic [6,5,7,5] core structure of calyciphylline A-type alkaloids is developed. The synthetic route features a tandem semipinacol rearrangement/Nicholas reaction that has been devised strategically to construct the spirocyclic A/B ring and the sterically congested vicinal all-carbon quaternary carbon centers in high diastereoselectivity. Late-stage installation of the hydropyrrole ring and the strained 7-membered ring via a double-reductive amination and ring-closing metathesis, respectively, has also been realized.

Recent Progress in the Chemistry of Daphniphyllum Alkaloids †

Daphniphyllum is an evergreen species known since 1826. After initial systematic investigations, more than 320 members of this family have been isolated, which comprise complex and fascinating structures. Unique azapolycyclic architectures containing one or more quaternary stereocenters render these alkaloids synthetically challenging. This review covers efforts toward the synthesis of Daphniphyllum alkaloids spanning the period from 2005 to the beginning of 2016, including reported biological activities as well as the isolation of new members of this genus.

Strategies toward the Total Synthesis of Calyciphylline B-type Alkaloids: A Computational Perspective Aided by DFT Analysis

Herein we describe synthetic efforts toward the total synthesis of calyciphylline B-type alkaloids. In the process, we disclose a detailed DFT study of equilibrium geometries and transition states that explains the stereochemical outcome during the formation of critical intermediates. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals interesting conformational features in the naturally occurring deoxycalyciphylline B and its synthetic congeners.

Synthetic Strategies toward Natural Products Containing Contiguous Stereogenic Quaternary Carbon Atoms

Strategies for the total synthesis of complex natural products that contain two or more contiguous stereogenic quaternary carbon atoms in their intricate structures are reviewed with 12 representative examples. Emphasis has been put on methods to create quaternary carbon stereocenters, including syntheses of the same natural product by different groups, thereby showcasing the diversity of thought and individual creativity. A compendium of selected natural products containing two or more contiguous stereogenic quaternary carbon atoms and key reactions in their total or partial syntheses is provided in the Supporting Information.

Synthesis of a Model Tetracyclic Core Structure of Calyciphylline B-Type Alkaloids

Herein, we report the enantioselective synthesis of a functionalized aza-octahydropentalene and its elaboration to a model tetracyclic core structure of calyciphylline B-type alkaloids.

Oxidative Rearrangement via in Situ Generated N-Chloroamine: Synthesis of Fused Tetrahydroisoquinolines

An oxidative rearrangement reaction of spiro tetrahydroisoquinolines has been developed for the synthesis of fused tetrahydroisoquinolines using in situ generated N-chloroamines. The reaction proceeds via initial chlorination of an amine, followed by a 1,2-carbon to nitrogen migration, and nucleophilic trapping of a ketiminium ion intermediate in a one-pot operation. The electrophilic nature of N-chloroamines allowed for the carbon-nitrogen bond formation in this reation.

Himalensines A and B, Alkaloids from Daphniphyllum himalense

Chemical investigation into the alkaloidal constituents of the Nepalese Daphniphyllum himalense has returned two new compounds, himalensines A (1) and B (2), with unprecedented carbon skeletons. Structures of the two alkaloids have been characterized on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially via 2D NMR data analysis. Himalensine B (2) showed marginal inhibitory activities against two kinases, PTP1B and IKK-β.

Toward the ABCD Core of the Calyciphylline A-Type Daphniphyllum Alkaloids: Solvent non-Innocence in Neutral Aminyl Radical Cyclizations

The Daphniphyllum alkaloids remain an attractive target in the synthetic community because of their unique framework and promising biological activities. We have shown that the ABC core of the calyciphylline A-type alkaloids can be rapidly accessed via the tandem cyclization of a neutral aminyl radical with a polarized cyclic olefin. Deuterium labeling experiments and reactions omitting a tin hydride reagent suggest that the solvent is the major source of the terminating hydrogen atom in the cyclization cascade. Incorporation of an internal alkyne in the radical pathway was tolerated in the reaction, and it provided the necessary atoms to enable completion of the D ring of the calyciphylline A-type alkaloids.

Enantioselective desymmetrization of prochiral cyclohexanones by organocatalytic intramolecular Michael additions to α,β-unsaturated esters

A new catalytic asymmetric desymmetrization reaction for the synthesis of enantioenriched derivatives of 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, a key motif common to many alkaloids, has been developed. Employing a cyclohexanediamine-derived primary amine organocatalyst, a range of prochiral cyclohexanone derivatives possessing an α,β-unsaturated ester moiety linked to the 4-position afforded the bicyclic products, which possess three stereogenic centers, as single diastereoisomers in high enantioselectivity (83-99% ee) and in good yields (60-90%). Calculations revealed that stepwise C-C bond formation and proton transfer via a chair-shaped transition state dictate the exclusive endo selectivity and enabled the development of a highly enantioselective primary amine catalyst.

The daphniphyllum alkaloids: total synthesis of (-)-calyciphylline N

Presented here is a full account on the development of a strategy culminating in the first total synthesis of the architecturally complex daphniphyllum alkaloid, (-)-calyciphylline N. Highlights of the approach include a highly diastereoselective, intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of a silicon-tethered acrylate; an efficient Stille carbonylation of a sterically encumbered vinyl triflate; a one-pot Nazarov cyclization/proto-desilylation sequence; and the chemoselective hydrogenation of a fully substituted diene ester.

Construction of the [6-7-5-5] tetracyclic core of all the carbocyclic frameworks of yuzurimine-type alkaloids

Construction of the [6-7-5-5] tetracarbocyclic core of yuzurimine-type alkaloids was achieved by using a unique in situ intramolecular Wittig reaction and Sm-mediated cyclization as key steps.

One-step synthesis of diazaspiro[4.5]decane scaffolds with exocyclic double bonds

Unactivated yne-en-ynes reacted with a range of substituted aryl halides in the presence of Pd(OAc)2-PPh3 to afford diazaspiro[4.5]decane with exocyclic double bonds. Three carbon-carbon bonds are formed in this domino reaction, which involves highly regioselective C-C coupling and spiro scaffold steps.