Synthesis of chromeno[4,3,2-cd]isoindolin-2-ones and chromeno[4,3,2-de]isoquinolin-3-ones. Electrophilic versus anionic cyclization of carbamates

Xanthenes in Medicinal Chemistry - Synthetic strategies and biological activities

BACKGROUND

Xanthenes are a special class of oxygen-incorporating tricyclic compounds. Structurally related to xanthones, the presence of different substituents in position 9 strongly influences their physical and chemical properties, as well as their biological applications. This review explores the synthetic methodologies developed to obtain 9H-xanthene, 9-hydroxyxanthene and xanthene-9-carboxylic acid, as well as respective derivatives, from simple starting materials or through modification of related structures. Azaxanthenes, bioisosteres of xanthenes, are also explored. Efficiency, safety, ecological impact and applicability of the described synthetic methodologies are discussed. Synthesis of multi-functionalized derivatives with drug-likeness properties are also reported and their activities explored. Synthetic methodologies for obtaining (aza)xanthenes from simple building blocks are available, and electrochemical and/or metal free procedures recently developed arise as greener and efficient methodologies. Nonetheless, the synthesis of xanthenes through the modification of the carbonyl in position 9 of xanthones represents the most straightforward procedure to easily obtain a variety of (aza)xanthenes. (Aza)xanthene derivatives displayed biological activity as neuroprotector, antitumor, antimicrobial, among others, proving the versatility of this nucleus for different biological applications. However, in some cases their chemical structures suggest a lack of pharmacokinetic properties being associated with safety concerns, which should be overcome if intended for clinical evaluation.

A new total synthesis of porritoxin

A concise and efficient total synthesis of the phytotoxin porritoxin is described. The key step of the synthesis is based upon a Parham cyclization methodology which enables the creation of the lactam unit embedded in the title compound framework with the concomitant formation of the tethered hydroxyakyl chain.

A concise first total synthesis of narceine imide

A concise and efficient total synthesis of alkaloid narceine imide is disclosed. The key steps are based upon the sequential construction of the isoindolinone template followed by metalation and coupling with an isoquinolinium salt. Subsequent E1cb elimination enables the creation of the arylmethylene unit with the concomitant formation of the dimethylaminoethyl chain and ultimate deprotection completes the synthesis of the natural product.