Total synthesis and complete structural assignment of gambieric acid A, a large polycyclic ether marine natural product

Enantioselective Hydroalkoxylation of 1,3-Dienes via Ni-Catalysis

As an advance in hydrofunctionalization, we herein report that alcohols add to 1,3-dienes with high regio- and enantioselectivity. Using Ni-DuPhos, we access enantioenriched allylic ethers. Through the choice of solvent-free conditions, we control the reversibility of C-O bond formation. This work showcases a rare example of methanol as a reagent in asymmetric synthesis.

Structure determination, correction, and disproof of marine macrolide natural products by chemical synthesis

Integration of chemical synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, and various analytical means is key to success in the structure elucidation of stereochemically complex marine macrolide natural products.

Biotechnological and Pharmacological Applications of Biotoxins and Other Bioactive Molecules from Dinoflagellates

The long-lasting interest in bioactive molecules (namely toxins) produced by (microalga) dinoflagellates has risen in recent years. Exhibiting wide diversity and complexity, said compounds are well-recognized for their biological features, with great potential for use as pharmaceutical therapies and biological research probes. Unfortunately, provision of those compounds is still far from sufficient, especially in view of an increasing demand for preclinical testing. Despite the difficulties to establish dinoflagellate cultures and obtain reasonable productivities of such compounds, intensive research has permitted a number of advances in the field. This paper accordingly reviews the characteristics of some of the most important biotoxins (and other bioactive substances) produced by dinoflagellates. It also presents and discusses (to some length) the main advances pertaining to dinoflagellate production, from bench to large scale-with an emphasis on material published since the latest review available on the subject. Such advances encompass improvements in nutrient formulation and light supply as major operational conditions; they have permitted adaptation of classical designs, and aided the development of novel configurations for dinoflagellate growth-even though shearing-related issues remain a major challenge.

Concise synthesis of the A/BCD-ring fragment of gambieric acid A

Gambieric acid A (GAA) and its congeners belong to the family of marine polycyclic ether natural products. Their highly complex molecular architecture and unique biological activities have been of intense interest within the synthetic community. We have previously reported the first total synthesis, stereochemical reassignment, and preliminary structure–activity relationships of GAA. Here we disclose a concise synthesis of the A/BCD-ring fragment of GAA. The synthesis started from our previously reported synthetic intermediate that represents the A/B-ring. The C-ring was synthesized via an oxiranyl anion coupling and a 6-endo cyclization, and the D-ring was forged by means of an oxidative lactonization and subsequent palladium-catalyzed functionalization of the lactone ring. In this manner, the number of linear synthetic steps required for the construction of the C- and D-rings was reduced from 22 to 11.