Bioactive cyclobutane-containing alkaloids

Unlocking Enantioselectivity: Synergy of 2-Pyridone and Chiral Amino Acids in Pd-Catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H Transformations

Enantioselective C(sp3)-H activation has garnered significant attention in synthetic and computational chemistry. Chiral transient directing groups (TDGs) hold promise for enabling Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization. Despite the interest in this strategy, it presents a challenge because the stereogenic center on the chiral TDG is frequently distant from the C-H bond, leading to a mixture of functionalized products. Our computational study on Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective β-C(sp3)-H arylation of aliphatic ketone with chiral amino acids provides a sustainable route to synthesizing complex chiral molecular scaffolds. The cooperative action of 2-pyridone derivatives and chiral amino acids is crucial in promoting the enantio-discriminating C-H activation, oxidative addition, and reductive elimination steps. Using 5-nitro-2-pyridone as the optimal external ligand demonstrates its ability to achieve the highest level of enantioselection. In contrast, the modeled 3,5-di((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)-2-pyridone ligand facilitates the most straightforward C-H activation. This study underscores the pivotal role of the alkyl substituent at the α-position of the amino acid (TDG) in altering enantioselectivity.

Brønsted acid-catalyzed synthesis of spirocyclobutanes via heteroannulation of vinyloxyphenylbicyclobutanes with water

We report a perchloric acid-catalyzed heteroannulation for the synthesis of spirocyclobutanes using vinyloxyphenylbicyclobutanes with water. This metal-free reaction yields high product outputs and is consistent with the formation of a cyclobutene intermediate originating from an isomerization of a bicyclobutane.

Brønsted acid catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones

Herein, we describe a novel metal-free Brønsted acid-catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones under mild reaction conditions, leading to the formation of various cyclobutenamides in generally good to excellent yields within short reaction times. This work represents the first example of ynamides involved in a nonmetal-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition with enones.

Can Twisted Double Bonds Facilitate Stepwise [2 + 2] Cycloadditions?

Computational studies for a series of low to high strain anti-Bredt alkenes suggest that those with highly twisted bridgehead double bonds and a small singlet-triplet energy gap may undergo facile stepwise [2 + 2] cycloadditions to furnish four membered rings. A selection of reaction substrates, including ethylene, acetylene, perfluoroethylene, and cyclooctyne are considered.

Synthesis of cyclobutane-fused chromanones via gold-mediated photocatalysis

Energy transfer (EnT) photocatalysis has emerged as a valuable tool for constructing complex organic scaffolds via [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions. Herein, we present the use of [Au(SIPr)(Cbz)] as a sensitizer for the [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of coumarins and unactivated alkenes. Widely used in EnT catalysis, iridium and organic sensitizers proved less efficient under the examined catalytic conditions. The developed protocol permits the synthesis of cyclobutane-fused chromanones from readily available starting materials. A wide range of alkenes and substituted coumarins, including naturally occurring compounds, were reacted under mild conditions leading to structurally complex products with good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies reveal a previously overlooked reaction pathway for energy transfer catalysis involving coumarins.

Entry into Lithium Ynolates from α,α,α-Tribromomethyl Ketones: Synthesis of Cyclobutenes via the [2 + 2] Cycloaddition with α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls

This study reports the synthesis of cyclobutene derivatives in good yields via the [2 + 2] cycloaddition between lithium ynolates and α,β-unsaturated carbonyls. The ynolates are generated from α,α,α-tribromomethyl ketones and tert-butyl lithium via a simple and novel method, which does not produce any harmful byproducts, such as lithium alkoxide, which induces a polymerization reaction with α,β-unsaturated carbonyls.

Bicyclo[m.n.k]alkane Building Blocks as Promising Benzene and Cycloalkane Isosteres: Multigram Synthesis, Physicochemical and Structural Characterization

Electrophilic double bond functionalization - intramolecular enolate alkylation sequence was used to obtain a series of bridged and fused bicyclo[m.n.k]alkane derivatives (i. e., bicyclo[4.1.1]octanes, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes, bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes, and bicyclo[4.2.0]heptanes). The scope and limitations of the method were established, and applicability to the multigram synthesis of target bicyclic compounds was illustrated. Using the developed protocols, over 50 mono- and bifunctional building blocks relevant to medicinal chemistry were prepared. The synthesized compounds are promising isosteres of benzene and cycloalkane rings, which is confirmed by their physicochemical and structural characterization (pKa , LogP, and exit vector parameters (EVP)). "Rules of thumb" for the upcoming isosteric replacement studies were proposed.

UV-A-Induced Photoisomerization and Photodimerization of Curcumin: An Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Study

Curcumin, the bioactive compound present in spice plant turmeric, has been shown to exhibit selective phototoxic activities toward mammalian cancer cells, and it is being used extensively as a photosensitizer (PS) in photodynamic therapies (PDT). However, so far, the fate of curcumin toward photochemical transformations is not well understood. Here we report our findings of a number of novel photochemical reaction channels of curcumin in water-methanol mixture, like photoisomerization, photodimerization, and photooxidation (H2-loss). The reaction was performed by irradiating the curcumin solution with ultraviolet (UV) light of wavelength 350 nm, which is abundant in the earth's troposphere. Product identification and structure elucidation are done by employing an integrated method of drift tube ion mobility mass spectrometry (DTIMS) in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the mass-selected molecular ions. Two photoisomers of curcumin produced as a result of trans-cis configurational changes about C═C double bonds in the excited state have been identified, and it has been shown that they could serve as the precursors for formation of isomeric dimers via [2 + 2] cycloaddition and H2-loss products. Comparisons of the experimentally measured collision cross-section (CCS) values of the reactant and product ions obtained by the DTIMS method with those predicted by the electronic structure theory are found to be very effective for the discrimination of the produced photoisomers. The observed photochemical reaction channels are potentially significant toward uses of curcumin as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy.

Photochemical α-selective radical ring-opening reactions of 1,3-disubstituted acyl bicyclobutanes with alkyl halides: modular access to functionalized cyclobutenes

Although ring-opening reactions of bicyclobutanes bearing electron-withdrawing groups, typically with β-selectivity, have evolved as a powerful platform for synthesis of cyclobutanes, their application in the synthesis of cyclobutenes remains underdeveloped. Here, a novel visible light induced α-selective radical ring-opening reaction of 1,3-disubstituted acyl bicyclobutanes with alkyl radical precursors for the synthesis of functionalized cyclobutenes is described. In particular, primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides are all suitable substrates for this photocatalytic transformation, providing ready access to cyclobutenes with a single all-carbon quaternary center, or with two contiguous centers under mild reaction conditions.

Coral Lipids

Reef-building corals, recognized as cornerstone species in marine ecosystems, captivate with their unique duality as both symbiotic partners and autotrophic entities. Beyond their ecological prominence, these corals produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, many of which are poised to revolutionize the domains of pharmacology and medicine. This exhaustive review delves deeply into the multifaceted world of coral-derived lipids, highlighting both ubiquitous and rare forms. Within this spectrum, we navigate through a myriad of fatty acids and their acyl derivatives, encompassing waxes, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, mono-akyl-diacylglycerols, and an array of polar lipids such as betaine lipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, phospholipids, and phosphonolipids. We offer a comprehensive exploration of the intricate biochemical variety of these lipids, related fatty acids, prostaglandins, and both cyclic and acyclic oxilipins. Additionally, the review provides insights into the chemotaxonomy of these compounds, illuminating the fatty acid synthesis routes inherent in corals. Of particular interest is the symbiotic bond many coral species nurture with dinoflagellates from the Symbiodinium group; their lipid and fatty acid profiles are also detailed in this discourse. This exploration accentuates the vast potential and intricacy of coral lipids and underscores their profound relevance in scientific endeavors.

Stereo- and regiocontrol in intermolecular [2+2] cycloadditions between diarylketenes and allenamides to access substituted α-methylenecyclobutanones

The development of intermolecular [2+2] cycloadditions between allenamides and diarylketenes is described. α-Aryldiazo arylketones are employed as ketene precursors that react smoothly with allenamides in the presence of a P(C6F5)3 promoter. High diastereoselectivity (dr > 20 : 1) with endo-regioselectivity can be achieved when two aryl groups of ketenes have opposite electronic properties. The role of P(C6F5)3 is to increase the reaction yields, but also enhancing stereoselectivity.

A General Strategy for the Synthesis of Truxinate Natural Products Enabled by Enantioselective [2+2] Photocycloadditions

Pseudodimeric cyclobutanes constitute a large class of natural products that could, in principle, be efficiently synthesized via [2+2] photocycloadditions. However, the difficulty in developing chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective cycloadditions has limited their use in asymmetric syntheses. Herein, we show that chiral acid catalysts promote highly selective visible-light photocycloadditions, the products of which can be quickly transformed into truxinate natural products. This general approach has enabled the synthesis of both dimeric and pseudodimeric cyclobutane natural products with excellent enantioselectivity.

Highly Enantioselective Radical Cation [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] Cycloadditions by Chiral Iron(III) Photoredox Catalysis

Radical cations show a unique reactivity that is fundamentally different from that of conventional cations and have thus attracted considerable attention as alternative cationic intermediates for novel types of organic reactions. However, asymmetric catalysis to promote enantioselective radical cation reactions remains a major challenge in contemporary organic synthesis. Here, we report that the judicious design of an ion pair consisting of a radical cation and a chiral counteranion induces an excellent level of enantioselectivity. This strategy was applied to enantio-, diastereo-, and regioselective [2 + 2] cycloadditions, as well as enantio-, diastereo-, and regioselective [4 + 2] cycloadditions, by using chiral iron(III) photoredox catalysis. We anticipate that this strategy has the potential to expand the use of several mature chiral anions to develop numerous unprecedented enantioselective radical cation reactions.

Silver-Catalyzed Tandem Cycloisomerization/[5 + 2] Cycloaddition of 3-Cyclopropylideneprop-2-en-1-ones with Oxidopyrylium Ylides to Form Bibridged Benzocycloheptanones

Herein, we report a mild, one-pot method for silver-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization/[5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between readily accessible cyclopropyl-tethered allenyl ketones and benzopyranone-derived oxidopyrylium ylides. The reactions proceed via a cyclobutene-fused furan intermediate generated in situ by a cycloisomerization/1,2-carbene transfer/ring-expansion cascade. This method, which features an unprecedented formal [5 + 2] cycloaddition, delivers good to excellent yields of structurally complex bibridged benzocycloheptanones bearing a strained cyclobutane ring and an O-bridged ring.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of Cyclobutenone Ketals

Complex cyclobutanes are important motifs in both bioactive molecules and natural products, yet their enantioselective preparation has not been widely explored. In this work, we describe rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective additions of aryl and vinyl boronic acids to cyclobutenone ketals. This transformation involves enantioselective carbometalation to give cyclobutyl-rhodium intermediates, followed by β-oxygen elimination to afford enantioenriched enol ethers. Overall, this addition serves as a surrogate for Rh-catalyzed 1,4-additions to cyclobutenone.

Gold-catalyzed endo-selective cyclization of alkynylcyclobutanecarboxamides: synthesis of cyclobutane-fused dihydropyridones

Cyclobutane-fused dihydropyridones can be efficiently synthesized by a completely endo-selective gold-catalyzed cyclization of alkynylcyclobutanes bearing an appended amide, which proceeds under mild conditions. The observed selectivity, which is reversed from that previously observed for the cyclization of related alcohols and acids, is supported by DFT calculations.

Expanding the Chemical Space of 1,2-Difunctionalized Cyclobutanes

An efficient approach to the synthesis of previously unavailable or hardly accessible 1,2-difunctionalized cyclobutanes (mostly with NH₂/NHBoc, OH, SH, or SO₂F groups attached to the carbocycle either directly or via a CH₂ unit) relying on the divergent strategy is described. This class of compounds provides sp³-enriched and conformationally restricted building blocks that are of special demand for medicinal chemistry. The target compounds were prepared not only as pure racemic (±)-cis- and (±)-trans-diastereomers but in some cases also as single enantiomers. The developed procedures are readily scaled up and allow obtaining the target compounds on an up to hundred-gram scale. On the basis of the results of 20 X-ray diffraction experiments, structural characterization of the 1,2-difunctionalized cyclobutane core was performed using the extended Cremer-Pople puckering parameters and exit vector (EVP) plots.

Organophotocatalytic [2+2] Cycloaddition of Electron-Deficient Styrenes

A visible-light organophotocatalytic [2+2] cycloaddition of electron-deficient styrenes is described. Photocatalytic [2+2] cycloadditions are typically performed with electron-rich styrene derivatives or α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, and with transition-metal-based catalysts. We have discovered that an organic cyanoarene photocatalyst is able to deliver high-value cyclobutane products bearing electron-deficient aryl substituents in good yields. A range of electron-deficient substituents are tolerated, and both homodimerisations and intramolecular [2+2] cycloadditions to fused bicyclic systems are available by using this methodology.

Photomechanochemical control over stereoselectivity in the [2 + 2] photodimerization of acenaphthylene

Tuning solubility and mechanical activation alters the stereoselectivity of the [2 + 2] photochemical cycloaddition of acenaphthylene. Photomechanochemical conditions produce the syn cyclobutane, whereas the solid-state reaction in the absence of mechanical activation provides the anti. When the photochemical dimerization occurs in a solubilizing organic solvent, there is no selectivity. Dimerization in H2O, in which acenaphthylene is insoluble, provides the anti product. DFT calculations reveal that insoluble and solid-state reactions proceed via a covalently bonded excimer, which drives anti selectivity. Alternatively, the noncovalently bound syn conformer is more mechanosusceptible than the anti, meaning it experiences greater destabilization, thereby producing the syn product under photomechanochemical conditions. Cyclobutanes are important components of biologically active natural products and organic materials, and we demonstrate stereoselective methods for obtaining syn or anti cyclobutanes under mild conditions and without organic solvents. With this work, we validate photomechanochemistry as a viable new direction for the preparation of complex organic scaffolds.

Role of an Ice Surface in the Photoreaction of Coumarins

Ice affects many chemical reactions in nature, which greatly influences the atmosphere, climate, and life. However, the exact mechanism of ice in these chemical reactions remains elusive. For example, it is still an open question as to whether ice can act as a catalyst to greatly enhance the reactivity and selectivity, which is essential for the production of some natural compounds in our planet. Here, we discover that ice can lead to high efficiency and stereoselectivity of the [2 + 2] photodimerization of coumarin and its derivatives. The conversion of the [2 + 2] photodimerization of coumarins enhanced by ice is dozens of times higher than that in the unfrozen saturated solution, and the reaction displays a high syn-head-head stereoselectivity (>95%) in comparison with those in the absence of the ice. Note that almost no reaction occurs in the crystal powder and melt of the coumarins, indicating that the role of ice in the photodimerization reaction is not simply due to the usual mechanisms found in the freezing concentration. We further reveal that the reaction rate is found to be proportional to the total area of the ice surface and follows Michaelis-Menten-like kinetics, indicating that the ice surface catalyzes the reaction. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that ice surfaces can induce reactants to form a two-dimensional liquid-crystal-ordered layer with a suitable intermolecular distance and unique side-by-side packing, facilitating stereoselective photodimerization for syn-head-head dimers. These findings give evidence that ice-surface-induced molecular assembly may play an important role in atmospheric heterogeneous photoreaction processes.

Microbiological Aspects of Unique, Rare, and Unusual Fatty Acids Derived from Natural Amides and Their Pharmacological Profile

In the proposed review, the pharmacological profile of unique, rare, and unusual fatty acids derived from natural amides is considered. These amides are produced by various microorganisms, lichens, and fungi. The biological activity of some natural fatty acid amides has been determined by their isolation from natural sources, but the biological activity of fatty acids has not been practically studied. According to QSAR data, the biological activity of fatty acids is shown, which demonstrated strong antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, some fatty acids have shown rare activities such as antidiabetic, anti-infective, anti-eczematic, antimutagenic, and anti-psoriatic activities. For some fatty acids that have pronounced biological properties, 3D graphs are shown that show a graphical representation of unique activities. These data are undoubtedly of both theoretical and practical interest for chemists, pharmacologists, as well as for the pharmaceutical industry, which is engaged in the synthesis of biologically active drugs.

Natural Polyether Ionophores and Their Pharmacological Profile

This review is devoted to the study of the biological activity of polyether ionophores produced by bacteria, unicellular marine algae, red seaweeds, marine sponges, and coelenterates. Biological activities have been studied experimentally in various laboratories, as well as data obtained using QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships) algorithms. According to the data obtained, it was shown that polyether toxins exhibit strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, and other activities. Along with this, it was found that natural polyether ionophores exhibit such properties as antiparasitic, antiprotozoal, cytostatic, anti-mycoplasmal, and antieczema activities. In addition, polyethers have been found to be potential regulators of lipid metabolism or inhibitors of DNA synthesis. Further study of the mechanisms of action and the search for new polyether ionophores and their derivatives may provide more effective therapeutic natural polyether ionophores for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. For some polyether ionophores, 3D graphs are presented, which demonstrate the predicted and calculated activities. The data presented in this review will be of interest to pharmacologists, chemists, practical medicine, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Selective Arylation of Tertiary C-H Bonds of Cyclobutylmethyl Ketones Using Transient Directing Groups

We report the first example of selective PdII -catalyzed tertiary C-H activation of cyclobutylmethyl ketones using a transient directing group. An electron-deficient 2-pyridone ligand was identified as the optimal external ligand to enable tertiary C-H activation. A variety of cyclobutylmethyl ketones bearing quaternary carbon centers was readily accessed without preinstalling internal directing groups in up to 81 % yield and >95 : 5 regioisomeric ratios of tertiary C-H arylation to β-methylene (β-methyl) or γ-C-H arylation.

Synthesis of α-Amino Cyclobutanones via Formal 1,3-Hydroxy Migration Triggered by Formation of α-Imino Rhodium Carbene

Formal intramolecular 1,3-OH migration of α-imino carbene was achieved producing a unique zwitterion, and the subsequent selective annulation afforded α-amino cyclobutanone. Features such as readily available substrates, mild reaction conditions, a time-saving procedure, excellent functional group compatibility, and valuable transformations of the products qualified this unique protocol as an efficient tool for the synthesis of strained cyclic compounds. Density functional theory calculations were in good agreement with experimental observations, and a plausible mechanism is presented.

(Fluoro)alkylation of alkenes promoted by photolysis of alkylzirconocenes

Difluoroalkylated compounds have important applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials science. However, efficient methods to construct the alkylCF₂–alkyl bond are very limited, and the site-selective introduction of a difluoromethylene (CF₂) group into an aliphatic chain at the desired position remains challenging. Here, we report an unprecedented example of alkylzirconocene promoted difluoroalkylation of alkyl- and silyl-alkenes with a variety of unactivated difluoroalkyl iodides and bromides under the irradiation of visible light without a catalyst. The resulting difluoroalkylated compounds can serve as versatile synthons in organic synthesis. The reaction can also be applied to activated difluoroalkyl, trifluoromethyl, perfluoroalkyl, monofluoroalkyl, and nonfluorinated alkyl halides, providing a general method to controllably access fluorinated compounds. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that a single electron transfer (SET) pathway induced by a Zr(iii) species is involved in the reaction, in which the Zr(iii) species is generated by the photolysis of alkylzirconocene with blue light.

An unprecedented example of alkylzirconocene promoted difluoroalkylation of alkyl- and silyl-alkenes with a variety of fluoroalkyl and nonfluoroalkyl halides under the irradiation of visible light has been reported.

CYCLOBUTANES IN SMALL MOLECULE DRUG CANDIDATES

Cyclobutanes are increasingly used in medicinal chemistry in the search for relevant biological properties. Important characteristics of the cyclobutane ring include its unique puckered structure, longer C−C bond lengths, increased C−C π‐character and relative chemical inertness for a highly strained carbocycle. This review will focus on contributions of cyclobutane rings in drug candidates to arrive at favorable properties. Cyclobutanes have been employed for improving multiple factors such as preventing cis/trans‐isomerization by replacing alkenes, replacing larger cyclic systems, increasing metabolic stability, directing key pharmacophore groups, inducing conformational restriction, reducing planarity, as aryl isostere and filling hydrophobic pockets.

Catalytic asymmetric hydrometallation of cyclobutenes with salicylaldehydes

Chiral, substituted cyclobutanes are common motifs in bioactive compounds and intermediates in organic synthesis but few asymmetric routes for their synthesis are known.

Oxathiaborolium-catalyzed enantioselective [2 + 2] cycloadditions

The one-pot-prepared oxathiaborolium pentachlorostannate is an excellent Lewis acid and is successfully used to catalyze the [2 + 2] cycloadditions of N-substituted maleimides and silyl enol ethers with excellent enantioselectivities.

Access to high value sp3-rich frameworks using photocatalyzed [2+2]-cycloadditions of γ-alkylidene-γ-lactams

By harnessing an energy transfer process, new photocatalyzed [2+2]-cycloadditions occurring between γ-alkylidene-γ-lactams and unsaturated substrates have been developed. The reaction mode is particularly powerful because it leads to the formation...

Sequential Photocatalytic Reactions for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of Cyclobutane Scaffolds

The synthesis of densely functionalized cyclobutanes containing all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in high regio- and diastereoselectivity remains synthetically challenging. Herein, we show that this can be achieved by using a sequential photocatalysis strategy, wherein 3-chloromaleimides undergo triplet sensitized [2 + 2] photocycloadditions with alkynes or alkenes followed by photoredox-catalyzed dechlorinative C-C bond forming reactions to install quaternary stereocenters. This allows the rapid assembly of structurally complex and sterically congested 3-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane scaffolds from readily available starting materials.

Synthesis of Cyclobutanones by Gold(I)-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ynol Ethers with Alkenes

A broad scope synthesis of cyclobutanones by gold(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynol ethers with alkenes has been developed. We also found that internal aryl ynol ethers can undergo (4 + 2) cycloaddition reaction with alkenes leading to the corresponding chromanes.

Enantioselective Cyclobutenylation of Olefins Using N-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-Triazoles as Vicinal Dicarbene Equivalents

Cyclobutenes are highly useful synthetic intermediates as well as important motifs in bioactive small molecules. Herein, we report a regio-, chemo-, and enantioselective synthesis of cyclobutenes from olefins using N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles as vicinal dicarbene equivalents or alkyne [2 + 2] cycloaddition surrogates. Terminal and cis-olefins can be transformed into enantioenriched cyclopropanes via rhodium catalysis. Then, in one pot, treatment of these intermediates with tosyl hydrazide and base effects diazo formation followed by rhodium-catalyzed ring expansion to yield enantioenriched cyclobutenes. These cyclobutenes can be transformed into highly substituted, enantioenriched cyclobutanes, including structures relevant to natural product scaffolds.

New Catalytic Radical Process Involving 1,4-Hydrogen Atom Abstraction: Asymmetric Construction of Cyclobutanones

While alkyl radicals have been well demonstrated to undergo both 1,5- and 1,6-hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) reactions, 1,4-HAA is typically a challenging process both entropically and enthalpically. Consequently, chemical transformations based on 1,4-HAA have been scarcely developed. Guided by the general mechanistic principles of metalloradical catalysis (MRC), 1,4-HAA has been successfully incorporated as a key step, followed by 4-exo-tet radical substitution (RS), for the development of a new catalytic radical process that enables asymmetric 1,4-C-H alkylation of diazoketones for stereoselective construction of cyclobutanone structures. The key to success is the optimization of the Co(II)-based metalloradical catalyst through judicious modulation of D2-symmetric chiral amidoporphyrin ligand to adopt proper steric, electronic, and chiral environments that can utilize a network of noncovalent attractive interactions for effective activation of the substrate and subsequent radical intermediates. Supported by an optimal chiral ligand, the Co(II)-based metalloradical system, which operates under mild conditions, is capable of 1,4-C-H alkylation of α-aryldiazoketones with varied electronic and steric properties to construct chiral α,β-disubstituted cyclobutanones in good to high yields with high diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities, generating dinitrogen as the only byproduct. Combined computational and experimental studies have shed light on the mechanistic details of the new catalytic radical process, including the revelation of facile 1,4-HAA and 4-exo-tet-RS steps. The resulting enantioenriched α,β-disubstituted cyclobutanones, as showcased with several enantiospecific transformations to other types of cyclic structures, may find useful applications in stereoselective organic synthesis.

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of spirocyclobutyl oxindoles and beyond via [2+2] cycloaddition and sequential transformations

Efficient asymmetric synthesis of a collection of small molecules with structural diversity is highly important to drug discovery. Herein, three distinct types of chiral cyclic compounds were accessible by enantioselective catalysis and sequential transformations. Highly regio- and enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of (E)-alkenyloxindoles with the internal C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond of N-allenamides was achieved with N,N'-dioxide/Ni(OTf)₂ as the catalyst. Various optically active spirocyclobutyl oxindole derivatives were obtained under mild conditions. Moreover, formal [4+2] cycloaddition products occurring at the terminal C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond of N-allenamides, dihydropyran-fused indoles, were afforded by a stereospecific sequential transformation with the assistance of a catalytic amount of Cu(OTf)₂. In contrast, performing the conversion under air led to the formation of γ-lactones via the water-involved deprotection and rearrangement process. Experimental studies and DFT calculations were performed to probe the reaction mechanism.

Chemo- and Stereoselective Intermolecular [2+2] Photocycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes using Colloidal Nanocrystal Photocatalysts

The use of visible-light photosensitizers to power [2+2] photocycloadditions that produce complex tetrasubstituted cyclobutanes is a true success of photochemistry, but the scope of this reaction has been limited to activated α, β-unsaturated carbonyls. This paper describes selective intermolecular homo- and hetero-[2+2] photocycloadditions of terminal and internal aryl conjugated dienes - substrates historically unsuited for this reaction because of their multiple possible reaction pathways and product configurations - through triplet-triplet energy transfer from CdSe nanocrystal photocatalysts, to generate valuable and elusive syn-trans aryl vinylcyclobutanes. The negligible singlet-triplet splitting of nanocrystals' excited states allows them to drive the [2+2] pathway over the competing [4+2] photoredox pathway, a chemoselectivity not achievable with any known molecular photosensitizer. Reversible tethering of the cyclobutane product to the nanocrystal surface results in near quantitative yield of the syn-trans product. Flat colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets produce cyclobutanes coupled at the terminal alkenes of component dienes with up to 89% regioselectivity.

Challenges in the Highly Selective [3 + 1]-Cycloaddition of an Enoldiazoacetamide to Form a Donor-Acceptor Cis-Cyclobutenecarboxamide

A substituted donor-acceptor cyclobutenecarboxamide is synthesized with modest enantiocontrol through a chiral copper(I) complex catalyzed [3 + 1]-cycloaddition reaction of α-acyl diphenylsulfur ylides with 3-siloxy-2-diazo-3-butenamides. With a methyl substituent on the 4-position of the 3-butenamide, the cis-vicinal-3,4-disubstituted cyclobutenecarboxamide is formed with >20:1 diastereocontrol. Donor-acceptor 3-methyl-2-siloxycyclopropenecarboxamide is rapidly formed from the reactant enoldiazoamide and undergoes catalytic ring opening to give only the Z-γ-substituted metallo-enolcarbene. Elimination from 3-siloxy-2-diazo-3-pentenamide to form the conjugated 3-siloxy-2,4-pentadienamide is competitive but minimized at low temperature.

Antitumor Profile of Carbon-Bridged Steroids (CBS) and Triterpenoids

This review focuses on the rare group of carbon-bridged steroids (CBS) and triterpenoids found in various natural sources such as green, yellow-green, and red algae, marine sponges, soft corals, ascidians, starfish, and other marine invertebrates. In addition, this group of rare lipids is found in amoebas, fungi, fungal endophytes, and plants. For convenience, the presented CBS and triterpenoids are divided into four groups, which include: (a) CBS and triterpenoids containing a cyclopropane group; (b) CBS and triterpenoids with cyclopropane ring in the side chain; (c) CBS and triterpenoids containing a cyclobutane group; (d) CBS and triterpenoids containing cyclopentane, cyclohexane or cycloheptane moieties. For the comparative characterization of the antitumor profile, we have added several semi- and synthetic CBS and triterpenoids, with various additional rings, to identify possible promising sources for pharmacologists and the pharmaceutical industry. About 300 CBS and triterpenoids are presented in this review, which demonstrate a wide range of biological activities, but the most pronounced antitumor profile. The review summarizes biological activities both determined experimentally and estimated using the well-known PASS software. According to the data obtained, two-thirds of CBS and triterpenoids show moderate activity levels with a confidence level of 70 to 90%; however, one third of these lipids demonstrate strong antitumor activity with a confidence level exceeding 90%. Several CBS and triterpenoids, from different lipid groups, demonstrate selective action on different types of tumor cells such as renal cancer, sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia, liver cancer, and genitourinary cancer with varying degrees of confidence. In addition, the review presents graphical images of the antitumor profile of both individual CBS and triterpenoids groups and individual compounds.

A Study of an 8-Aminoquinoline-Directed C(sp2)-H Arylation Reaction on the Route to Chiral Cyclobutane Keto Acids from Myrtenal

This work outlines a synthetic route that can be used to access chiral cyclobutane keto acids with two stereocenters in five steps from the inexpensive terpene myrtenal. Furthermore, the developed route includes an 8-aminoquinoline-directed C(sp²)–H arylation as one of its key steps, which allows a wide range of aryl and heteroaryl groups to be incorporated into the bicyclic myrtenal scaffold prior to the ozonolysis-based ring-opening step that furnishes the target cyclobutane keto acids. This synthetic route is expected to find many applications connected to the synthesis of natural product-like compounds and small molecule libraries.

Substrate-Controlled Regioselective Bromination of 1,2-Disubstituted Cyclobutenes: An Application in the Synthesis of 2,3-Disubstituted Cyclobutenones

Easily available disubstituted cyclobutenes were regioselectively halogenated at the allylic position by means of a reaction with bromine. The regioselectivity of bromination is controlled by the presence of a carbocation-stabilizing group. The prepared disubstituted 3-bromocyclobutenes were converted into the corresponding disubstituted cyclobutenones. On the basis of the performed experiments, the mechanism behind the bromination reaction was also proposed.