Synthesis ofent-Ketorfanol via a C-H Alkenylation/Torquoselective 6π Electrocyclization Cascade

Unified Total Synthesis of the Limonoid Alkaloids: Strategies for the De Novo Synthesis of Highly Substituted Pyridine Scaffolds

Highly substituted pyridine scaffolds are found in many biologically active natural products and therapeutics. Accordingly, numerous complementary de novo approaches to obtain differentially substituted pyridines have been disclosed. This article delineates the evolution of the synthetic strategies designed to assemble the demanding tetrasubstituted pyridine core present in the limonoid alkaloids isolated from Xylocarpus granatum, including xylogranatopyridine B, granatumine A and related congeners. In addition, NMR calculations suggested structural misassignment of several limonoid alkaloids, and predicted their C3-epimers as the correct structures, which was further validated unequivocally through chemical synthesis. The materials produced in this study were evaluated for cytotoxicity, anti-oxidant effects, anti-inflammatory action, PTP1B and Nlrp3 inflammasome inhibition, which led to compelling anti-inflammatory activity and anti-oxidant effects being discovered.

Tetravinylallene

The first chemical synthesis of tetravinylallene (3,5-divinylhepta-1,3,4,6-tetraene) is reported. The final, key step of the synthesis involves a palladium-catalyzed, Negishi-type cross-coupling involving 1,5-transposition of a penta-2-en-4-yn-1-ol methanesulfonate. The unprecedented fundamental hydrocarbon is sufficiently stable to be purified by flash chromatography. A similar synthetic pathway grants access to the first substituted tetravinylallenes, which provide insights into the influence of substitution upon stability and reactivity. Tetravinylallenes are shown to break new ground in swift structural complexity creation, with three novel sequences reported.

Synthesis of meta-Terphenyl-2,2''-diols by Anodic C-C Cross-Coupling Reactions

The anodic C-C cross-coupling reaction is a versatile synthetic approach to symmetric and non-symmetric biphenols and arylated phenols. We herein present a metal-free electrosynthetic method that provides access to symmetric and non-symmetric meta-terphenyl-2,2''-diols in good yields and high selectivity. Symmetric derivatives can be obtained by direct electrolysis in an undivided cell. The synthesis of non-symmetric meta-terphenyl-2,2''-diols required two electrochemical steps. The reactions are easy to conduct and scalable. The method also features a broad substrate scope, and a large variety of functional groups are tolerated. The target molecules may serve as [OCO](3-) pincer ligands.

Selective Synthesis of Partially Protected Nonsymmetric Biphenols by Reagent- and Metal-Free Anodic Cross-Coupling Reaction

The oxidative cross-coupling of aromatic substrates without the necessity of leaving groups or catalysts is described. The selective formation of partially protected nonsymmetric 2,2'-biphenols via electroorganic synthesis was accomplished with a high yield of isolated product. Since electric current is employed as the terminal oxidant, the reaction is reagent-free; no reagent waste is generated as only electrons are involved. The reaction is conducted in an undivided cell, and is suitable for scale-up and inherently safe. The implementation of O-silyl-protected phenols in this transformation results in both significantly enhanced yields and higher selectivity for the desired nonsymmetric 2,2'-biphenols. The use of a bulky silyl group to block one hydroxyl moiety makes the final product less prone to oxidation. Furthermore, the partially silyl-protected 2,2'-biphenols are versatile building blocks that usually require tedious or low-yielding synthetic pathways. Additionally, this strategy facilitates a large variety of new substrate combinations for oxidative cross-coupling reactions.