Enantioselective synthesis of (−)-cytoxazone and (+)-epi-cytoxazone, novel cytokine modulators via Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation and l-proline catalyzed Mannich reaction

Stereoselective Synthesis and Catalytical Application of Perillaldehyde-Based 3-Amino-1,2-diol Regioisomers

A library of regioisomeric monoterpene-based aminodiols was synthesised and applied as chiral catalysts in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde. The synthesis of the first type of aminodiols was achieved starting from (-)-8,9-dihydroperillaldehyde via reductive amination, followed by Boc protection and dihydroxylation with the OsO4/NMO system. Separation of formed stereoisomers resulted in a library of aminodiol diastereoisomers. The library of regioisomeric analogues was obtained starting from (-)-8,9-dihydroperillic alcohol, which was transformed into a mixture of allylic trichloroacetamides via Overman rearrangement. Changing the protecting group to a Boc function, the protected enamines were subjected to dihydroxylation with the OsO4/NMO system, leading to a 71:16:13 mixture of diastereoisomers, which were separated, affording the three isomers in isolated form. The obtained primary aminodiols were transformed into secondary derivatives. The regioselectivity of the ring closure of the N-benzyl-substituted aminodiols with formaldehyde was also investigated, resulting in 1,3-oxazines in an exclusive manner. To explain the stability difference between diastereoisomeric 1,3-oxazines, a series of comparative theoretical modelling studies was carried out. The obtained potential catalysts were applied in the reaction of aromatic aldehydes and diethylzinc with moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee), whereas the opposite chiral selectivity was observed between secondary aminodiols and their ring-closed 1,3-oxazine analogues.

Stereoselective synthesis of (-)-cytoxazone and its unnatural congener (+)-5-epi-cytoxazone

An interesting protocol for stereoselective synthesis of (-)-cytoxazone and its unnatural stereoisomer (+)-5-epi-cytoxazone from d-4-hydroxyphenylglycine in overall yields of 10% and 16%, respectively, is described. The stereoselective addition of cyanide to an N-Boc protected aminoaldehyde (tert-butyl ((R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl)carbamate) (5) constitutes the key step in this approach, producing a mixture of cyanohydrins 6a and b (1,2-anti and 1,2-syn tert-butyl (2-cyano-2-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl)carbamate) in 89% yield, with reasonable stereoselectivity (1.0:1.8) in favor of the anti-Felkin product (1,2-syn). A one-pot sequence of three successive steps from this mixture produced the oxazolidinone isomers 9a and b ((4R,5R)- and (4R,5S)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxooxazolidine-5-carboxylate). Chromatographic column separation and reduction of the ester function of both precursors led to (-)-cytoxazone and (+)-5-epi-cytoxazone.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and structural characterization of novel GEBR library PDE4D inhibitors

Memory and cognitive functions depend on the cerebral levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which are regulated by the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) family of enzymes. Selected rolipram-related PDE4 inhibitors, members of the GEBR library, have been shown to increase hippocampal cAMP levels, providing pro-cognitive benefits with a safe pharmacological profile. In a recent SAR investigation involving a subset of GEBR library compounds, we have demonstrated that, depending on length and flexibility, ligands can either adopt a twisted, an extended or a protruding conformation, the latter allowing the ligand to form stabilizing contacts with the regulatory domain of the enzyme. Here, based on those findings, we describe further chemical modifications of the protruding subset of GEBR library inhibitors and their effects on ligand conformation and potency. In particular, we demonstrate that the insertion of a methyl group in the flexible linker region connecting the catechol portion and the basic end of the molecules enhances the ability of the ligand to interact with both the catalytic and the regulatory domains of the enzyme.

Stereoselective synthesis and application of isopulegol-based bi- and trifunctional chiral compounds

A new family of isopulegol-based bi- and trifunctional chiral ligands such as triols, tetrols, aminodiols and aminotriols was developed from commercially available (−)-isopulegol with antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities.

Stereoselective Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Steviol-Based Diterpen Aminodiols

A library of steviol-based trifunctional chiral ligands was developed from commercially available natural stevisoide and applied as chiral catalysts in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde. The key intermediate steviol methyl ester was prepared according to literature procedure. Depending on the epoxidation process, both cis- and trans-epoxyalcohols were obtained. Subsequent oxirane ring opening with primary and secondary amines afforded 3-amino-1,2-diols. The ring opening with sodium azide followed by a “click” reaction with alkynes resulted in dihydroxytriazoles. The regioselective ring closure of N-substituted aminodiols with formaldehyde was also investigated. The resulting steviol-type aminodiols were tested against a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines (A2780, SiHa, HeLa, and MDA-MB-231). It was consistently found that the N-benzyl substituent is an essential part within the molecule and the ring closure towards N-benzyl substituted oxazolidine ring system increased the antiproliferative activity to a level comparable with that of cisplatine. In addition, structure–activity relationships were examined by assessing substituent effects on the aminodiol systems.

Stereoselective Synthesis and Investigation of Isopulegol-Based Chiral Ligands

A library of isopulegol-based bi-, tri- and tetrafunctional chiral ligands has been developed from commercially available (−)-isopulegol and applied as chiral catalysts in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde. Michael addition of primary amines towards α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, followed by reduction, was accomplished to provide aminodiols in highly stereoselective transformations. Stereoselective epoxidation of (+)-neoisopulegol, derived from natural (−)-isopulegol, and subsequent oxirane ring opening with primary amines afforded aminodiols. The regioselective ring closure of N-substituted aminodiols with formaldehyde was also investigated. Hydroxylation of (+)-neoisopulegol resulted in diol, which was then transformed into aminotriols by aminolysis of its epoxides. Dihydroxylation of (+)-neoisopulegol or derivatives with OsO₄/NMO gave neoisopulegol-based di-, tri- and tetraols in highly stereoselective reactions. The antimicrobial activity of aminodiol and aminotriol derivatives as well as di-, tri- and tetraols was also explored. In addition, structure–activity relationships were examined by assessing substituent effects on the aminodiol and aminotriol systems.

Stereoselective Syntheses and Application of Chiral Bi- and Tridentate Ligands Derived from (+)-Sabinol

A library of bidentate diols, as well as tridentate triols and aminodiols, derived from (+)-sabinol, was synthesized in a stereoselective manner. Sabinol was transformed into allylic trichloroacetamide via Overman rearrangement of the corresponding trichloroacetimidate. After changing the protecting group to Boc, the enamine was subjected to stereospecific dihydroxylation with OsO₄/NMO, resulting in the (1R,2R,3R,5R)-aminodiol diastereomer. The obtained primary aminodiol was transformed to a secondary analogue. The ring closure of the N-benzyl-substituted aminodiol with formaldehyde was investigated and regioselective formation of the spiro-oxazolidine ring was observed. Hydroboration or dihydroxylation of sabinol or its benzyl ether with OsO₄/NMO resulted in the formation of sabinane-based diols and triols following a highly stereospecific reaction. Treatment of sabinol with m-CPBA afforded O-benzoyl triol as a diastereoisomer of the directly dihydroxylated product, instead of the expected epoxy alcohol. The resulting aminodiols, diol, and triols were applied as chiral catalysts in the reaction of diethylzinc and benzaldehyde from moderate to good selectivity.

Synthesis Approaches to (-)-Cytoxazone, a Novel Cytokine Modulator, and Related Structures

(−)-Cytoxazone, originally isolated from cultures of a Streptomyces species has an oxazolidin-2-one 4,5-disubstituted ring. It is known that this natural product presents a cytokine modulator effect through the signaling pathway of Th2 cells (type 2 cytokines), which are involved in the process of growth and differentiation of cells. From this, the interest in the development of research aimed at the total synthesis of this molecule and its analogs has remained high, which can be confirmed by the large number of publications on the topic, more than 30 to date. This review focuses on the various creative methods for the synthesis of (−)-cytoxazone and its congeners. The assessment of the preparation of this oxazolidinone and related structures serves as a treatise on the efforts made in the synthesis of this important class of compound from its first total synthesis in 1999.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Antiepileptic Drug: (-)-Levetiracetam—Synthetic Applications of the Versatile New ChiralN-Sulfinimine

We report an asymmetric synthesis of (-)-Levetiracetam (1) in six steps starting from versatile new chiralN-sulfinimine (3). The key step, stereoselective 1,2-addition of ethylmagnesium bromide (EtMgBr) to chiralN-sulfinimine derived from (R)-glyceraldehyde acetonide and (S)-t-BSA, gave the corresponding sulfonamide (2) in high diastereoselectivity. Simultaneous deprotection and deacetylation followed by NaIO4cleavage and reduction gaveβ-amino alcohol (6). Subsequent reactions yielded the targeted compound levetiracetam (1).

Bioefficacy of Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae) rhizome extracts, (E)-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol, and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol ethyl ether against Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the impact on detoxification enzyme activities

The application of insecticides to control oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a principal component of the current management of these fruit flies. However, we evaluated four extracts of Alpinia galanga Wild Linn (Zingiberaceae) rhizomes against adult flies and found hexane and ethanol extracts to be most effective (LC50 = 4,866 and 6,337 ppm, respectively, after 24 h). This suggested that both nonpolar and polar compounds could be active in the candidate plant. Accordingly, the hexane extract was further processed to isolate nonpolar active compounds from this plant source. Two compounds, (E)-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol ethyl ether, were identified as active ingredients and found to be more active than total hexane extract (LC50 = 3,654 and 4,044 ppm, respectively, after 24 h). The data suggested that the compounds were not synergistic but may have some additive effect in a mixture. The activity of the hexane extract against detoxification enzymes, carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione transferase (GST) also was determined in vitro. CE was inhibited by 70%, whereas GST was not significantly inhibited. Insect CEs mediate insecticide resistance via their induction; therefore, inhibition of these enzymes by plant allelochemicals could be a useful alternative approach for the management of the pest in the field.

Asymmetric organocatalysis: from infancy to adolescence

After an initial period of validating asymmetric organocatalysis by using a wide range of important model reactions that constitute the essential tools of organic synthesis, the time has now been reached when organocatalysis can be used to address specific issues and solve pending problems of stereochemical relevance. This Review deals with selected studies reported in 2006 and the first half of 2007, and is intended to highlight four main aspects that may be taken as testimony of the present status and prospective of organocatalysis: a) chemical efficiency; b) discovery of new substrate combinations to give new asymmetric syntheses; c) development of new catalysts for specific purposes by using mechanistic findings; and d) applications of organocatalytic reactions in the asymmetric total synthesis of target natural products and known compounds of biological and pharmaceutical relevance.