A General, Convergent Strategy for the Construction of Indolizidine Alkaloids: Total Syntheses of (−)-Indolizidine 223AB and Alkaloid (−)-205B

N-Toluenesulfonyl aziridines comprise effective second electrophiles in the solvent controlled three-component linchpin union of silyl dithianes for the stereocontrolled convergent elaboration of protected 1,5-amino alcohols. This tactic, in conjunction with a one-flask sequential cyclization, constitutes an effective general strategy for the construction of indolizidine and related alkaloids, illustrated here with the total syntheses of (-)-indolizidine 223AB (1) and alkaloid (-)-205B (2).

A versatile stereocontrolled approach to chiral tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran derivatives by use of sequential asymmetric Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons and ring-closure reactions

An approach to chiral tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran derivatives based on the sequential use of an asymmetric Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction and a cyclization step is presented. The approach is both stereochemically and structurally versatile since three different cyclization methods can be employed starting from the same HWE product: (i) palladium-catalyzed substitution, (ii) hetero-Michael addition, or (iii) epoxide opening. The asymmetric HWE reaction controls the absolute configuration of the ultimate product, whereas the relative configuration is controlled by the combined influence of the geometric selectivity in the HWE reaction and the stereochemistry of the respective cyclization method.

Synthesis of the core structure of apicularen a by transannular cyclization

[reaction: see text] An approach to the macrocyclic core of apicularen A is described. Thus, cross-coupling of the aryl triflate 7 with the vinylstannane 19 provided the styrene 20. Deprotection led to the dihydroxy acid 22. Through a size-selective macrolactonization, the 12-membered macrolactone 23 was obtained. Treatment of 24 with N-phenyl selenophthalimide gave the desired trans-pyran 24. This approach might parallel the biosynthetic pathway.

Anti-1,3-diols by Addition of Dialkylzinc Reagents to 4-Acetoxy-1,3-dioxanes

Dialkylzincs couple with 4-acetoxy-6-alkyl-1,3-dioxanes in the presence of trimethylsilyl triflate (TMSOTf) to form trans-4,6-dialkyl-1,3-dioxanes with excellent diastereoselectivities. These dioxanes could be deprotected to yield anti-1,3-diols. A variety of functional groups are tolerated in the dialkylzinc, although silyl and benzyl ethers led to diminished diastereoselectivities. Substituents at the C5-position of the dioxane ring have little effect on the selectivity, while small C2 (acetal) substituents led to slightly reduced diastereoselectivity. These couplings work best with cyclic acetals, which can be difficult to hydrolyze. The 4-(benzyloxy)butanal (BOB) acetal has been developed as a new cyclic acetal protecting group that is compatible with dialkylzinc coupling reactions. BOB protecting groups are easily removed by catalytic hydrogenation followed by mild acid hydrolysis.