A stereo- and enantioselective approach to clavulones from tricyclodecadienone using flash vacuum thermolysis

Asymmetric total synthesis of cryptoconcatone I

Asymmetric total synthesis of the naturally occurring cryptoconcatone I, which possesses a γ-Z-butenolide framework, is described here for the first time. Asymmetric propargylation, E-selective cross metathesis, and regioselective reductive epoxide ring opening were employed to access the enantiopure terminal alkyne. Late stage bimetallic cascade cyclization of the alkyne with (Z)-3-bromoacrylic acid afforded the natural product in an efficient way.

First total synthesis of the marine natural products clavulolactones II and III

The first total synthesis of the marine prostanoids clavulolactones II and III is presented from an easily accessible chiral, non-racemic cyclopentenone intermediate. Key steps involve selective TBDMS deprotection, selective reduction of the β-side chain and aldol condensation. Clavulolactones II and III were successfully prepared from (S)-4-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy) cyclopent-2-en-1-one over nine steps, in overall yields of 21 and 7% respectively.

Solid-Phase Synthesis and Biological Activity of a Combinatorial Cross-Conjugated Dienone Library

The solid-phase synthesis of a combinatorial cross-conjugated dienone library based on the structure of clavulones and their biological activity are reported. Clavulones are a family of marine prostanoids, and are composed of a cross-conjugated dienone system bearing two alkyl side-chains. The cross-conjugated dienone system irreversibly reacted with two nucleophiles. Our strategy for the solid-phase synthesis of the cross-conjugated dienones involves the Sonogashira-coupling reaction of a solid-supported cyclopentenone 10 bearing an acetylene group, followed by aldol condensation with aldehydes. The diphenyl derivative 7 aA was prepared from the solid-supported cyclopentenone 10 in 56% total yield. Combinatorial synthesis of a small library using twelve halides and eight aldehydes resulted in the production of 74 desired compounds from 98 candidates, and were detected by their mass spectra. Antiproliferative effects of the crude compounds against HeLaS3 cells showed that eleven samples showed strong antitumor activity (IC50<0.05 microM). Further biological examination of four purified compounds by using five tumor cell lines (A549, HeLaS3, MCF7, TMF1, and P388) revealed strong cytotoxicity comparable to that of adriamycin.