Sterospecific Syntheses and Spectroscopic Properties of Isomeric 2,4,6,8-Undecatetraenes. New Hydrocarbons from the Marine Brown AlgaGiffordia mitchellae. Part IV

Highly Stereoselective 6π Electrocyclization of Bridged Bicyclic 1,3,5-Trienes

Conjugated 1,3,5-hexatrienes encased in bridged bicyclic skeletons are prepared by cross-coupling followed by half-reduction of the resulting dienynes. The trienes undergo 6pi electrocyclization at an ambient or elevated temperature to furnish complex, polycyclic cyclohexadienes. In all cases, complete selectivity in favor of cyclization from the exo face of the bridged bicyclic system was seen, in contrast to the corresponding 4pi Nazarov cyclizations.

General Strategy for the Synthesis of B1 Phytoprostanes, Dinor Isoprostanes, and Analogs

The synthesis of the phytoprostane B1 types I and II is achieved in high overall yield (35-53%) by only two principal transformations starting from 1,3-cyclopentanedione. The first side chain is attached via O-acylation of the 1,3-dione followed by rearrangement and reduction to give the 2-alkyl-1,3-diones 4a-c. After conversion into the corresponding vinylic iodides 5a-c, the second side chain is introduced by transition metal catalysis following Heck- or Sonogashira-type protocols. The whole spectrum of the phytoprostane B1 types I, II, and the dinor isoprostane B1 type III and some structural analogs are rapidly accessible along the same general protocol.

Syntheses of conjugated octadecadienoic acids

Three approaches for the synthesis of octadecadienoic acids with conjugated double bond systems are presented: synthesis of (10Z, 12Z)-octadecadienoic acid via an enyne-substructure; the use of an educt with a conjugated double bond system for the synthesis of (10E, 12E)-octadecadienoic acid; and the Suzuki cross coupling for the synthesis of (7E,9Z)-octadecadienoic acid.

Synthesis of the entire framework of tartrolon B utilizing a silicon-tethered ring-closing metathesis strategy

[Structure: see text] A tandem ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of silaketal-tethered dienynes gives rise to bicyclic siloxanes, which upon removal of the silicon tether afford dienediol skeletons with a stereodefined E,Z-1,3-diene motif. The implementation of this methodology has led to the construction of the entire C1-C21 linear carbon skeleton of tartrolon B.

New pheromone components of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana

Analysis of extracts of sex pheromone glands of grapevine moth females Lobesia botrana showed three previously unidentified compounds, (E)-7-dodecenyl acetate and the (E,E)- and (Z,E)-isomers of 7,9,11-dodecatrienyl acetate. This is the first account of a triply unsaturated pheromone component in a tortricid moth. The monoenic acetate (E)-7-dodecenyl acetate and the trienic acetate (7Z,9E,11)-dodecatrienyl acetate significantly enhanced responses of males to the main pheromone compound, (7E,9Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl acetate, in the wind tunnel. The identification of sex pheromone synergists in L. botrana may be of practical importance for the development of integrated pest management systems.

Design, synthesis and bioactions of novel stable mimetics of lipoxins and aspirin-triggered lipoxins

The lipoxins (LX) are a class of potent endogenous oxygenated products that are enzymatically generated from arachidonic acid and have novel anti-inflammatory properties and promote resolution. Elucidation of the biochemical pathways involved in the metabolic inactivation of LX and the discovery of the aspirin-triggered lipoxins (ATL) provided the basis for the design and synthesis of stable analogs of LX and ATL. This special issue review describes the efforts that led to the design and synthesis of stable LX/ATL mimetics, which permitted the detailed elucidation of their novel biological roles, leading to the development of new anti-inflammatory agents that mimic their actions. These synthetic molecules provided the means to uncover the physiologic roles of both the LX and the ATL biosynthetic pathways which led to several unexpected discoveries. Among these findings is the involvement of polyisoprenyl phosphates (PIPP) in intracellular signaling mediated by presqualene diphosphate (PSDP), and the recognition of the novel roles of these lipid mediators in regulating cell trafficking during inflammation as well as in promoting resolution of inflammatory processes. These efforts also provided the basis for examining the potential therapeutic role of LX/ATL stable mimetics and led to the development of new analogs with improved pharmacokinetics that opened the way to potentially new approaches to treating human diseases.

New approaches towards the synthesis of the side-chain of mycolactones A and B

New approaches towards the synthesis of the C1'-C16' side-chain of mycolactones A and B from Mycobacterium ulcerans are reported. Chiral building block 4 (Fig. 2) with the correct stereochemistry was obtained starting from naturally occurring monosaccharides, i.e. D-glucose or L-rhamnose. The polyunsaturated moiety 3 was synthesized in only 3 steps from 2,4-dimethylfuran. The building blocks were connected through a Sonogashira coupling resulting in the fast and convergent assembly of an 8,9-dehydro analogue 2 of the side-chain of mycolactones A and B. The synthesis of 1 is at this stage hampered by the lack of a selective partial hydrogenation protocol for alkynes embedded in a conjugated system. Alternative strategies involving palladium catalyzed sp2-sp2 coupling between C7' and C8' or C9' and C10' (Fig. 1) were also explored.

Synthetic Studies Aimed at (−)-Cochleamycin A. Evaluation of Late-Stage Macrocyclization Alternatives

An efficient route to the fully functionalized ABC ring systems of the unnatural enantiomer of cochleamycin A was developed. L-(-)-Malic and L-(-)-ascorbic acids served well as starting materials for the two building blocks used to construct an (E,Z,E)-1,6,8-nonatriene intermediate. The AB part structure was assembled by way of a stereocontrolled intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition via adoption of an endo transition state. From this vantage point, two general pathways were subsequently explored as to their suitability for elaboration of the CD rings. Initially examined was a protocol involving 10-membered carbocycle construction. When this approach was demonstrated not to be workable, attention was directed to 10-membered macrolactonization as an alternative tactic. Although assembly of the C-ring in this manner was easily achieved, ultimate closure of the six-membered ring to form ring D remains an unsolved problem.

Novel 3-Oxa Lipoxin A4Analogues with Enhanced Chemical and Metabolic Stability Have Anti-inflammatory Activity in Vivo

Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is a structurally and functionally distinct natural product called an eicosanoid, which displays immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity but is rapidly metabolized to inactive catabolites in vivo. A previously described analogue of LXA(4), methyl (5R,6R,7E,9E,11Z,13E,15S)-16-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13-hexadecatetraenoate (2, ATLa), was shown to have a poor pharmacokinetic profile after both oral and intravenous administration, as well as sensitivity to acid and light. The chemical stability of the corresponding E,E,E-trien-11-yne analogue, 3, was improved over 2 without loss of efficacy in the mouse air pouch model of inflammation. Careful analysis of the plasma samples from the pharmacokinetic assays for both 2 and 3 identified a previously undetected metabolite, which is consistent with metabolism by beta-oxidation. The formation of the oxidative metabolites was eliminated with the corresponding 3-oxatetraene, 4, and the 3-oxatrien-11-yne, 5, analogues of 2. Evaluation of 3-oxa analogues 4 and 5 in calcium ionophore-induced acute skin inflammation model demonstrated similar topical potency and efficacy compared to 2. The 3-oxatrien-11-yne analogue, 5, is equipotent to 2 in an animal model of inflammation but has enhanced metabolic and chemical stability and a greatly improved pharmacokinetic profile.

Total Synthesis of the Boron-Containing Ion Carrier Antibiotic Macrodiolide Tartrolon B

The first total synthesis of the boron-containing macrodiolide antibiotic tartrolon B is reported in full detail. Two convergent approaches to the target compound are described, the first of which eventually failed, due to sensitive functionality. In the second, successful route the key step was a stereoselective boron-mediated aldol addition of a bicyclic acetonide protected ketone to a diene-aldehyde. In this case the synthesis could be completed without major problems, using a Yamaguchi dimerization macrolactonization endgame.

Lessons learned from macrolide synthesis

The highlights of three macrolide syntheses recently completed in our laboratory are described. In the epothilone B synthesis we developed the "early epoxide approach," which resulted in the first completely stereocontrolled synthesis of this natural product. In the laulimalide synthesis our contribution was the auxiliary controlled ene-macrocyclization and Sharpless' kinetic resolution for achieving a regioselective epoxidation of two pseudo-enantiomorphic allylic alcohol subunits. The tartrolon B synthesis was the first to be completed. In this case, a substrate controlled aldol addition was used to assemble the entire carbon skeleton of the compound.

Probing the Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Intramolecular Diels−Alder Cyclizations of Allylic Alkoxy-Substituted (Z)-1,3-Dienes

[reaction: see text] The Lewis acid-promoted Diels-Alder reaction of (E,Z,E)-trienal 1 provides not only the expected cis-fused cycloadduct 16 but also the trans-fused products 17 and 18. Trans-fused cycloadducts 17 and 18 are also products of the Lewis acid-promoted cyclization of (E,Z,E)-trienyl acetal 2. These products presumably derive from a stepwise cyclization pathway.

Synthesis of methyl (5S,6R,7E,9E,11Z,13E,15S)-16-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13-hexadecatetraenoate, an analogue of 15R-lipoxin A4

We describe a method for the synthesis of methyl (5S,6R,7E,9E,11Z,13E,15S)-16-(4-fluorophenoxy)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,11,13-hexadecatetraenoate, a compound that has been described as a metabolically stable analogue of 15R-lipoxin A(4).

Syntheses of (Z,E)-5,7-dodecadienol and (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienol, lepidoptera pheromone components, via zinc reduction of enyne precursors. test of pheromone efficacy against the Siberian moth

Efficient syntheses of (Z,E)-5,7-dodecadienol, a pheromone component of the Siberian moth, Dendrolimus superans sibiricus, and (E,Z)-10,12-hexadecadienol, a pheromone component of various Lepidoptera pheromones, were accomplished by cis reduction of the corresponding enynols with activated zinc. The most energetic reagent was zinc galvanized with copper and silver (Zn/Cu/Ag) that achieved rapid and high-yield reduction in methanol-water. The stereoselectivity of semi-hydrogenation was > or =98%. A process whereby zinc dust was continuously activated throughout the reduction with an acid was also satisfactory (95-98% cis). Field evaluation of the 1:1 mixture of (Z,E)-5,7-dodecadienol and (Z,E)-5,7-dodecadienal with the Siberian moth in Russia showed that the rubber septa pretreated with compound and stored at -80 degrees C were as effective as freshly treated septa. Moth responses to septa aged in open air indicated that lure effectiveness declined significantly after 2 weeks of aging. Thus, if rubber septa are used as pheromone dispensers in Siberian moth traps monitoring, they should be replaced biweekly with fresh septa for optimal trap effectiveness.

Studies on the synthesis of (-)-spinosyn a: application of the steric directing group strategy to transannular Diels-Alder reactions

A highly diastereoselective and enantioselective synthesis of the decahydro-as-indacene nucleus 12 of (-)-spinosyn A (1) is reported. By implementing the steric directing group strategy, tricyclic lactone 37 was produced from a remarkably diastereoselective transannular Diels-Alder reaction of lactone 9. The tricyclic core of the natural product was then obtained by using an Ireland-Claisen ring contraction of 37. Reversal of the order of these two steps resulted in an almost complete loss of diastereoselectivity.

Enantiospecific synthesis of the (9S,18R)-diastereomer of the leukocyte adhesion inhibitor cyclamenol A

Cyclamenol A is one of the very few non-carbohydrate and non-peptide natural products that inhibit leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. We report on the first enantioselective total synthesis of the (9S, 18R)-diastereomer of this macrocyclic polyene lactam. Key elements of the synthesis are i) the synthesis of the required chiral building blocks by employing readily accessible building blocks from the chiral pool, that is, (S)-malic acid and (R)-hydroxyisobutyric acid, ii) assembly of a linear polyene precursor by means of Wittig and Horner olefination reactions as key C-C bond-forming transformations, iii) ring closure by means of a vanadium-mediated pinacolisation reaction and iv) conversion of the generated cis-diol into a (Z)-olefin to complete the entire polyene system of the natural product. Attempts to close the macrocyclic ring by a macrolactamisation, a double Stille coupling or direct olefination in a McMurry reaction failed. Crucial to the successful completion of the synthesis was the correct orchestration of the final steps. It was necessary to first deprotect the intermediate formed after macrocycle formation and to generate the sensitive heptaene system in the last step by means of a Corey-Hopkins sequence.

Studies on the synthesis of the decahydro-as-indacene ring system of (-)-spinosyn A via transannular Diels-Alder reactions of substituted (E,E,E)-cyclododeca-1,6,8-trienes

Stereoselective syntheses of decahydro-as-indacenes 31 and 54 are reported. The key features of our syntheses of 31 and 54 are the tandem Ireland-Claisen ring contraction of lactones 29 and 38 followed by the transannular Diels-Alder cyclization of cyclododecatrienes 30 and 35. Transition state modeling of both the transannular Diels-Alder reaction and the Ireland-Claisen ring contraction using PCModel is also described.Key words: transannular Diels-Alder reactions, tandem reactions, Claisen ring contraction, Spinosyn A, synthetic study.

Enantioselective Synthesis of (+)-Isobretonin A

An enantioselective synthesis of (+)-isobretonin A is described. The chiral glycerol moiety was enantioselectively prepared by reduction of an optically active beta-keto sulfoxide. The all-trans trienic part of the molecule was stereoselectively synthesized via reductive elimination of a 1,6-dibenzoate 2,4-diene with sodium amalgam.

Direct Formation of Secondary and Tertiary Alkylzinc Bromides and Subsequent Cu(I)-Mediated Couplings

Secondary and tertiary alkylzinc bromides can be generated from the direct oxidative addition of Rieke zinc to secondary and tertiary alkyl bromides in high yield. These organozinc reagents have been found to undergo copper-catalyzed conjugate addition, cross-coupling with acid chlorides, and carbocupration to activated alkynes.