Memory of Chirality in Total Synthesis

Recent asymmetric synthesis of natural products bearing an α-tertiary amine moiety via temporary chirality induction strategies

Covering: 2013 to 2023The α-tertiary amine moiety is a common structural motif in natural alkaloids and is frequently associated with intriguing biological activities and inherent synthetic challenges. A major hurdle in the total synthesis of these alkaloids is the asymmetric construction of the α-tertiary amine moiety. Temporary chirality inductions have been effective strategies employed to address this issue, particularly in natural product synthesis. The temporary chirality induction strategies in α-tertiary amine synthesis can be broadly classified into three categories based on the types of temporary chirality involved: Seebach's self-regeneration of stereocenters (SRS), C-to-N-to-C chirality transfer, and memory of chirality (MOC). This review highlights the recent advancements in temporary chirality induction strategies for the total synthesis of α-tertiary amine-containing natural products between 2013 and 2023.

Silver-Mediated Oxidative Decarboxylative Intramolecular Asymmetric Radical Cyclization (Csp3-Csp2) via Memory of Chirality: Access to Circumdatin Alkaloids

A novel silver-mediated oxidative decarboxylative intramolecular asymmetric radical cyclization has been developed to form a C_sp3-C_sp2 bond via memory of chirality. The application of the process has been demonstrated for the synthesis of the circumdatin class of alkaloids in high enantiopurity with retention of the configuration. The developed protocol is mild and works with an inexpensive silver catalyst in the absence of ligand, base, or additives. The involvement of a monoradical in the reaction has been established by trapping the radical intermediate.