An efficient one-pot reaction of indoles, nitroacetate, and paraformaldehyde for the synthesis of tryptophan derivatives

The Application of 4Å Molecular Sieves in Organic Chemical Syntheses: An Overview

In the last two decades, considerable attention has been devoted to the use of 4Å molecular sieves (MS 4A) in organic chemical syntheses. Initially, they were applied as drying agents in order to dry gases, solvents and liquid reagents. Nowadays, there is a growing tendency to apply MS 4A as an additive, catalyst, co-catalyst or catalyst support in organic reactions. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent examples of organic syntheses promoted by MS 4A from 1997 to 2020. We hope to provide the reader with an overview of the potential of MS 4A in the field of organic synthesis.

1 Introduction

2 Application as an Additive

3 Application as Catalyst

4 Application as Co-catalyst

5 Application as Support

6 Conclusion

Synthesis of 2-substituted tryptophans via a C3- to C2-alkyl migration

The reaction of 3-substituted indoles with dehydroalanine (Dha) derivatives under Lewis acid-mediated conditions has been investigated. The formation of 2-substituted tryptophans is proposed to occur through a selective alkylative dearomatization–cyclization followed by C3- to C2-alkyl migration and rearomatization.

Selective C-2 alkylation of tryptophan by a Pd(II)/norbornene-promoted C-H activation reaction

A palladium(II)-catalyzed norbornene-mediated regioselective alkylation at the C-2 indole position of N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected (S)-tryptophan ethyl ester is reported. The protocol employs mild reaction conditions and is tolerant of a range of functional groups. The reaction proceeds without racemization at the stereogenic center of the amino acid.

Total synthesis of the antimitotic bicyclic peptide celogentin C

An account of the total synthesis of celogentin C is presented. A right-to-left synthetic approach to this bicyclic octapeptide was unsuccessful due to an inability to elaborate derivatives of the right-hand ring. In the course of these efforts, it was discovered that the mild Braslau modification of the McFadyen-Stevens reaction offers a useful method of reducing recalcitrant esters to aldehydes. A left-to-right synthetic strategy was then examined. The unusual Leu-Trp side-chain cross-link present in the left-hand macrocycle was fashioned via a three-step sequence comprised of an intermolecular Knoevenagel condensation, a radical conjugate addition, and a SmI(2)-mediated nitro reduction. A subsequent macrolactamization provided the desired ring system. The high yield and concise nature of the left-hand ring synthesis offset the modest diastereoselectivity of the radical conjugate addition. Formation of the Trp-His side-chain linkage characteristic of the right-hand ring was then accomplished by means of an indole-imidazole oxidative coupling. Notably, Pro-OBn was required as an additive in this reaction. Detailed mechanistic investigations indicated that Pro-OBn moderates the concentration of NCS in the reaction mixture, thereby minimizing the production of an undesired dichlorinated byproduct. The natural product was obtained after macrolactamization and deprotection. The chemical shifts of the imidazole hydrogen atoms exhibited significant dependence on temperature, concentration, and pH. Antitumor screening indicated that celogentin C inhibits the growth of some cancer cell lines.