Concise and enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-mehranine, (-)-methylenebismehranine, and related Aspidosperma alkaloids

Aza-Achmatowicz rearrangement coupled with intermolecular aza-Friedel-Crafts enables total syntheses of uleine and aspidosperma alkaloids

Aspidosperma and uleine alkaloids belong to the large family of monoterpene indole alkaloids with diverse biological activities and thus have attracted extensive synthetic interest. Reported is the development of a new synthetic strategy that allows direct C3-C2' linkage of indoles with functionalized 2-hydroxypiperidines to construct the core common to all aspidoserma and uleine alkaloids. Such indole-piperidine linkage is enabled by coupling aza-Achmatowicz rearrangement (AAR) with indoles via an intermolecular aza-Friedel-Crafts (iAFC) reaction. This AAR-iAFC reaction proceeds under mild acidic conditions with wide tolerance of functional groups (33 examples). The synthetic application of the AAR-iAFC method was demonstrated with collective total syntheses of 3 uleine-type and 6 aspidosperma alkaloids: (+)-3-epi-N-nor-dasycarpidone, (+)-3-epi-dasycarpidone, (+)-3-epi-uleine, 1,2-didehydropseudoaspidospermidine, 1,2-dehydroaspidospermidine, vincadifformine, winchinine B, aspidospermidine, and N-acetylaspidospermidine. We expect that this AAR-iAFC strategy is applicable to other monoterpene indole alkaloids with the C3-C2' linkage of indoles and piperidines.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Hunterine A Enabled by a Desymmetrization/Rearrangement Strategy

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-hunterine A is disclosed. Our strategy employs a catalytic asymmetric desymmetrization of a symmetrical diketone and subsequent Beckmann rearrangement to construct a 5,6-α-aminoketone. A convergent 1,2-addition joins a vinyl dianion nucleophile and the enantioenriched ketone. The endgame of the synthesis features an aza-Cope/Mannich reaction and azide-olefin dipolar cycloaddition to complete the pentacyclic ring system. The synthesis is completed through a regioselective aziridine ring opening.

Catalytic enantioselective reductive alkynylation of amides enables one-pot syntheses of pyrrolidine, piperidine and indolizidine alkaloids

The primary objective in synthetic organic chemistry is to develop highly efficient, selective, and versatile synthetic methodologies, which are essential for discovering new drug candidates and agrochemicals. In this study, we present a unified strategy for a one-pot, catalytic enantioselective synthesis of α-alkyl and α,α'-dialkyl pyrrolidine, piperidine, and indolizidine alkaloids using readily available amides and alkynes. This synthesis is enabled by the identification and development of an Ir/Cu/N-PINAP catalyzed highly enantioselective and chemoselective reductive alkynylation of α-unbranched aliphatic amides, which serves as the key reaction. This reaction is combined with Pd-catalyzed tandem reactions in a one-pot approach, enabling the collective, catalytic enantioselective total syntheses of eight alkaloids and an anticancer antipode with 90-98% ee. The methodology's enantio-divergence is exemplified by the one-step access to either enantiomer of alkaloid bgugaine.

Total Synthesis of Strempeliopidine and Non-Natural Stereoisomers through a Convergent Petasis Borono-Mannich Reaction

Strempeliopidine is a member of the monoterpenoid bisindole alkaloid family, a class of natural products that have been shown to elicit an array of biological responses including modulating protein-protein interactions in human cancer cells. Our synthesis of strempeliopidine leverages palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylations to install the requisite all-carbon quaternary centers found in each of the two monomeric natural products, aspidospermidine and eburnamine. Initial studies employing Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling followed by diastereoselective hydrogenation provided evidence for a structural reassignment of the natural product. Our final synthetic sequence employs a diastereoselective Petasis borono-Mannich reaction to couple eburnamine to a trifluoroborate aspidospermidine derivative. These convergent approaches enabled the synthesis of eight diastereomers of this heterodimer and offer support for the reassignment of the absolute configuration of strempeliopidine.

Organocatalyzed enantio- and diastereoselective isomerization of prochiral 1,3-cyclohexanediones into nonalactones bearing distant stereocenters

The lactonization of 2-(2-nitrophenyl)-1,3-cyclohexanediones containing an alcohol side chain and up to three distant prochiral elements is reported by isomerization under the mediation of simple organocatalysts such as quinidine. Through a process of ring expansion, strained nonalactones and decalactone are produced with up to three stereocenters in high er and dr (up to 99 : 1). Distant groups, including alkyl, aryl, carboxylate and carboxamide moieties, were examined.

Multicatalysis protocol enables direct and versatile enantioselective reductive transformations of secondary amides

The catalytic asymmetric geminal bis-nucleophilic addition to nonreactive functional groups is a type of highly desirable yet challenging transformation in organic chemistry. Here, we report the first catalytic asymmetric reductive/deoxygenative alkynylation of secondary amides. The method is based on a multicatalysis strategy that merges iridium/copper relay catalysis with organocatalysis. A further combination with the palladium-catalyzed alkyne hydrogenation allows the one-pot enantioselective reductive alkylation of secondary amides. This versatile protocol allows the efficient synthesis of four types of α-branched chiral amines, which are prevalent structural motifs of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The protocol also features excellent enantioselectivity, chemoselectivity, and functional group tolerance to be compatible with more reactive functional groups such as ketone and aldehyde. The synthetic utility of the method was further demonstrated by the late-stage functionalization of two drug derivatives and the concise, first catalytic asymmetric approach to the κ-opioid antagonist aticaprant.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Voacinol and (-)-Voacandimine C

We describe the first total synthesis of complex aspidosperma alkaloids (-)-voacinol and (-)-voacandimine C via a late-stage C7-methylenation strategy inspired by a biogenetic hypothesis. We envisioned rapid access to these natural alkaloids from a common, symmetrical precursor assembled by methylenation of a D-ring-oxidized variant of the structurally related natural product (-)-deoxoapodine. Chemoselective N9-oxidation of a pentacyclic deoxoapodine precursor enabled the synthesis of the corresponding hexacyclic C8-aminonitrile. Stereocontrolled methylenation of a C8-enamine derivative of deoxoapodine, accessed by ionization of the C8-aminonitrile, afforded a symmetrical dodecacyclic bisaminonitrile as a versatile precursor to these bisindole alkaloids. The final-stage, biosynthesis-inspired, controlled reductive opening of the oxolane substructures of this dodecacyclic intermediate provided a unified approach to (-)-voacinol and (-)-voacandimine C, while direct reduction of the same intermediate afforded the structurally related (-)-methylenebisdeoxoapodine.

The application of C–H bond functionalization in the total syntheses of indole natural products

The recent advances in total synthesis of indole natural products focusing on the application of C–H bond functionalization are summarized.

Tf2O/TTBP (2,4,6-Tri-tert-butylpyrimidine): An Alternative Amide Activation System for the Direct Transformations of Both Tertiary and Secondary Amides

Ten types of Tf₂O/TTBP-mediated amide transformation reactions were investigated. The results showed that compared with pyridine derivatives 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP) and 2-fluoropyridine (2-F-Pyr.), TTBP can serve as an alternative amide activation system for the direct transformation of both secondary and tertiary amides. For most surveyed examples, higher or comparable yields were generally obtained. In addition, Tf₂O/TTBP combination was used to promote the condensation reactions of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)furan (TBSOF) with both tertiary and secondary amides, the one-pot reductive Bischler-Napieralski-type reaction of tertiary lactams, and Movassaghi and Hill's modern version of the Bischler-Napieralski reaction. The value of the Tf₂O/TTBP-based methodology was further demonstrated by the concise and high-yielding syntheses of several natural products.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Kopsifoline A and (+)-Kopsifoline E

We report the first total synthesis of (-)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E. Our synthetic strategy features a biogenetically inspired regioselective C17-functionalization of a versatile intermediate containing the pentacyclic core of aspidosperma alkaloids. The vinylogous urethane substructure of this intermediate affords (-)-kopsifoline D via C3-C21 bond formation under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions, while it enables selective C17-functionalization en route to (-)-kopsifoline A and (+)-kopsifoline E.

Synthesis of tetracyclic spiroindolines by an interrupted Bischler-Napieralski reaction: total synthesis of akuammicine

Judicious substrate design allows interruption of the classical Bischler–Napieralski reaction, providing access to a range of diversely substituted tetracyclic spiroindolines. These complex polycyclic scaffolds are valuable building blocks for the construction of indole alkaloids, as showcased in a concise total synthesis of (±)-akuammicine.

The interrupted Bischler–Napieralski reaction of β,γ-unsaturated tryptamides affords tetracyclic spiro pyrroloindolines, which can be used in the total synthesis of the Strychnos alkaloid, akuammicine.

Aspidosperma and Strychnos alkaloids: Chemistry and biology

Of Nature's nearly 3000 unique monoterpene indole alkaloids derived from tryptophan, those members belonging to the Aspidosperma and Strychnos families continue to impact the fields of natural products (i.e., isolation, structure determination, biosynthesis) and organic chemistry (i.e., chemical synthesis, methodology development) among others. This review covers the biological activity (Section 2), biosynthesis (Section 3), and synthesis of both classical and novel Aspidosperma (Section 4), Strychnos (Section 5), and selected bis-indole (Section 6) alkaloids. Technological advancements in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have deepened our understanding of how Nature assembles these intriguing molecules. The proliferation of innovative synthetic strategies and tactics for the synthesis of the alkaloids covered in this review, which include contributions from over fifty research groups from around the world, are a testament to the creative power and technical skills of synthetic organic chemists. To be sure, Nature-the Supreme molecular architect and source of a dazzling array of irresistible chemical logic puzzles-continues to inspire scientists across multiple disciplines and will certainly continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Total Syntheses of Aspidospermidine, N-Methylaspidospermidine, N-Acetylaspidospermidine, and Aspidospermine via a Tandem Cyclization of Tryptamine-Ynamide

The total syntheses of aspidospermidine, N-methylaspidospermidine, N-acetylaspidospermidine, and aspidospermine were achieved from a common pentacyclic indoline intermediate. The common pentacyclic indoline intermediate was synthesized on a gram scale through a Stork-enamine alkylation of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]carbazole derivatives, which were prepared through a Brønsted acid-catalyzed tandem cyclization of tryptamine-ynamide. The scalable synthesis of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]carbazole afforded facile access and a practical approach to the Aspidosperma indole alkaloid family.

Synthesis of Carbazoles by a Diverted Bischler-Napieralski Cascade Reaction

An unforeseen twist in a seemingly trivial Bischler–Napieralski reaction led to the selective formation of an unexpected carbazole product. The reaction proved to be general, providing access to a range of diversely substituted carbazoles from readily available substrates. Judicious variation of substituents revealed a complex cascade mechanism comprising no less than 10 elementary steps, that could be diverted in multiple ways toward various other carbazole derivatives.

Chemoselective α-Sulfidation of Amides Using Sulfoxide Reagents

The direct α-sulfidation of tertiary amides using sulfoxide reagents under electrophilic amide activation conditions is described. Employing convenient and readily available reagents, selective functionalization takes place to generate isolable sulfonium ions en route to α-sulfide amides. Mechanistic studies identified activated sulfoxides as promoters of the desired transformation and enabled the extension of the methodology from benzylic to aliphatic amide substrates.

Total Syntheses of (-)-Minovincine and (-)-Aspidofractinine through a Sequence of Cascade Reactions

We report 8‐step syntheses of (−)‐minovincine and (−)‐aspidofractinine using easily available and inexpensive reagents and catalyst. A key element of the strategy was the utilization of a sequence of cascade reactions to rapidly construct the penta‐ and hexacyclic frameworks. These cascade transformations included organocatalytic Michael‐aldol condensation, a multistep anionic Michael‐S_N2 cascade reaction, and Mannich reaction interrupted Fischer indolization. To streamline the synthetic routes, we also investigated the deliberate use of steric effect to secure various chemo‐ and regioselective transformations.

Homoleptic Bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of Yttrium Complexes Catalyzed Hydroboration Reduction of Amides to Amines

Homoleptic lanthanide complex Y[N(TMS)₂]₃ is an efficient homogeneous catalyst for the hydroboration reduction of secondary amides and tertiary amides to corresponding amines. A series of amides containing different functional groups such as cyano, nitro, and vinyl groups were found to be well-tolerated. This transformation has also been nicely applied to the synthesis of indoles and piribedil. Detailed isotopic labeling experiments, control experiments, and kinetic studies provided cumulative evidence to elucidate the reaction mechanism.

Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles via a tandem reaction

A wide array of 2,3-disubstituted indoles were accessed in modest to good yields via a tandem reduction/condensation/fragmentation/cyclization sequence. Differential fragmentation made the reaction more complicated.

Transition-metal-free catalytic hydroboration reduction of amides to amines

The selective catalytic reduction of amides to value-added amine products is a desirable but challenging transformation.

Organocatalytic, Enantioselective Reductive Bis-functionalization of Secondary Amides: One-Pot Construction of Chiral 2,2-Disubstituted 3-Iminoindoline

We report the first catalytic, enantioselective reductive bis-functionalization of common amides, which provides a facile access to a variety of 2,2-disubstituted 3-iminoindolines in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. The reaction conditions are quite mild and can be run on a gram scale. In this one-pot reaction, three C-C bonds, one ring, and one nitrogen-containing tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter are created in a catalytic enantioselective manner.

Chemoselective Synthesis of α-Amino-α-cyanophosphonates by Reductive Gem-Cyanation-Phosphonylation of Secondary Amides

A novel approach to α-amino-α-cyanophosphonates has been developed. The method features a Tf₂O-mediated reductive geminal cyanation/phosphonylation of secondary amides. Mild reaction conditions, high bond-forming efficiency, inexpensive readily available starting materials, and good to excellent yields with wide functional group compatibility constitute the main advantages of this method. The protocol can be run on a gram scale.

Enantioselective Total Syntheses of (+)-Fendleridine and (+)-Acetylaspidoalbidine

Enantioselective syntheses of hexacyclic aspidoalbidine alkaloids (+)-fendleridine (2) and (+)-acetylaspidoalbidine (3) are described. These syntheses feature an asymmetric decarboxylative allylation and photocyclization of a highly substituted enaminone. Also, the synthesis highlights the formation of a C19-hemiaminal ether via a reduction/condensation/intramolecular cyclization cascade with the C21-alcohol. The present synthesis provides convenient access to the aspidoalbidine hexacyclic alkaloid family in an efficient manner.

Amide activation: an emerging tool for chemoselective synthesis

It is textbook knowledge that carboxamides benefit from increased stabilisation of the electrophilic carbonyl carbon when compared to other carbonyl and carboxyl derivatives. This results in a considerably reduced reactivity towards nucleophiles. Accordingly, a perception has been developed of amides as significantly less useful functional handles than their ester and acid chloride counterparts. However, a significant body of research on the selective activation of amides to achieve powerful transformations under mild conditions has emerged over the past decades. This review article aims at placing electrophilic amide activation in both a historical context and in that of natural product synthesis, highlighting the synthetic applications and the potential of this approach.

Attempted Synthesis of Vinca Alkaloids Condensed with Three-Membered Rings

Our successful work for the synthesis of cyclopropanated vinblastine and its derivatives by the Simmons⁻Smith reaction was followed to build up further three-membered rings into the 14,15-position of the vindoline part of the dimer alkaloid. Halogenated 14,15-cyclopropanovindoline was prepared by reactions with iodoform and bromoform, respectively, in the presence of diethylzinc. Reactions of dichlorocarbene with vindoline resulted in the 10-formyl derivative. Unexpectedly, in the case of the dimer alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine, the rearranged products containing an oxirane ring in the catharanthine part were isolated from the reactions. The attempted epoxidation of vindoline and catharanthine also led to anomalous rearranged products. In the epoxidation reaction of vindoline, an o-quinonoid derivative was obtained, in the course of the epoxidation of catharanthine, a hydroxyindolenine type product and a spiro derivative formed by ring contraction reaction, were isolated. The coupling reaction of vindoline and the spiro derivative obtained in the epoxidation of catharanthine did not result in a bisindole alkaloid. Instead, two surprising vindoline trimers were discovered and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Enantioselective and Divergent Syntheses of Alstoscholarisines A, E and Their Enantiomers

Concise, enantioselective, and divergent syntheses of alstoscholarisines A and E are presented in 8 and 9 steps, respectively; alstoscholarisine E has never been accessed before. A boron-mediated aldol reaction and Rh-catalyzed cycloisomerization were exploited to access stereoisomers 8 and 9 as key intermediates. The challenging sterically congested alstoscholarisine core was furnished by a reductive transannular cyclization in the final steps. This strategy was also used for the syntheses of enantiomers of alstoscholarisines A and E.

Iridium-catalyzed reductive Ugi-type reactions of tertiary amides

Amides are ubiquitous in the fine chemical, agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, but are rarely exploited as substrates for homologous amine synthesis. By virtue of their high chemical stability, they are essentially inert to all but the harshest of chemical reagents and to the majority of chemical transformations routinely used in organic synthesis. Accordingly, the development of chemoselective carbon−carbon bond-forming methodologies arising from the functionalization of the amide functionality should find widespread use across academia and industry. We herein present our findings on a series of Ugi-type reactions of tertiary amides enabled by an initial chemoselective iridium-catalyzed partial reduction, followed by reaction with isocyanide and (thio)acetic acid or trimethylsilyl azide, thus providing a multicomponent synthesis of α-amino (thio)amide or α-amino tetrazole derivatives. The reductive Ugi-type reactions are amenable to a broad range of amides and isocyanides, and are applicable to late-stage functionalization of various bioactive molecules and pharmaceutical compounds.

Chemical transformation of amides is normally occurring under harsh conditions. Here, the authors report a mild iridium-catalyzed reductive Ugi-type coupling of tertiary amides, isocyanides and (thio)acetic acid or trimethylsilyl azide to give homologous, bioactive amine products.

Enantioselective Synthesis of (-)-Vallesine: Late-Stage C17-Oxidation via Complex Indole Boronation

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-vallesine via a strategy that features a late-stage regioselective C17-oxidation followed by a highly stereoselective transannular cyclization is reported. The versatility of this approach is highlighted by the divergent synthesis of the archetypal alkaloid of this family, (+)-aspidospermidine, and an A-ring-oxygenated derivative, (+)-deacetylaspidospermine, the precursor to (-)-vallesine, from a common intermediate.

The iridium-catalysed reductive coupling reaction of tertiary lactams/amides with isocyanoacetates

A catalytic reductive addition of isocyanoacetates to tertiary lactams/amides has been developed. This one-pot procedure involves Ir-catalysed partial reduction of lactams/amides and sequential chemoselective addition of isocyanide group in isocyanoacetates and produces 5-methoxyoxazoles in moderate to excellent yields.

Chemoselective direct reductive trifluoromethylation of amides: a flexible access to functionalized α-trifluoromethylamines

A one-pot method is reported for the direct transformation of secondary amides to α-trifluoromethylamines.

Total synthesis of complex alkaloids by nucleophilic addition to amides

This mini review focuses on the recent progress of total synthesis of complex alkaloids based on the nucleophilic additions toN-alkoxyamides, tertiary amides and secondary amides.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Deoxoapodine

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-deoxoapodine is described. Our synthesis of this hexacyclic aspidosperma alkaloid includes an efficient molybdenum-catalyzed enantioselective ring-closing metathesis reaction for the desymmetrization of an advanced intermediate that introduces the C5-quaternary stereocenter. After C21-oxygenation, the pentacyclic core was accessed by electrophilic C19-amide activation and transannular spirocyclization. A biogenetically inspired dehydrative C6-etherification reaction proved highly effective to secure the F-ring and the fourth contiguous stereocenter of (-)-deoxoapodine with complete stereochemical control.