Conjugate addition of lithiotrimethylsilylacetate. A simple synthesis of methyl jasmonate via vicinal double alkylation

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic isohexenylnaphthazarins from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Jonst. (Boraginaceae) callus and cell suspension culture

The phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane extract from callus and cell suspension culture of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Jonst. resulted in the isolation of nine isohexenylnaphthazarins: deoxyalkannin (1), alkannin (2), acetylalkannin (3), isobutyrylalkannin (4), β-hydroxyisovalerylalkannin (5), 2''-(S)-α-methylbutyrylalkannin (6), propionylalkannin (7), teracrylalkannin (8) and acetylshikonin (9). Their structures were determined by MS and NMR spectroscopy. Pigments 2–8 are isolated for the first time from Arnebia in vitro cultures, 4 and 7 are reported in the present work as novel metabolites within the Arnebia genus, while 9 is a known constituent of both natural roots and in vitro cultures of A. euchroma. Moreover, methyl jasmonate and 1-monoglyceryl olate, palmitate and stearate are reported for the first time within the Boraginaceae family. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of all isolated pigment compounds were tested, revealing a very interesting profile.

A novel one-pot reaction involving organocopper-mediated reduction/transmetalation/asymmetric alkylation, leading to the diastereoselective synthesis of functionalized (Z)-fluoroalkene dipeptide isosteres

By a novel one-pot reaction sequence involving consecutive organocopper-mediated reduction, transmetalation and asymmetric alkylation, a highly diastereoselective synthesis of functionalized (Z)-fluoroalkene dipeptide isosteres was achieved in good to excellent yields.

Chiral ligand-controlled asymmetric conjugate addition of alpha-trimethylsilanylacetate to acyclic and cyclic enones

The reaction of lithium ester enolate with enones provides a challenge for chemoselectivity, that is, discrimination between a conjugate addition and a 1,2-addition. Asymmetric conjugate addition of a lithium enolate of alpha-trimethylsilanylacetate to acyclic and cyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones was mediated by an external chiral ligand to give the corresponding 1,4-adducts in good enantioselectivity of 74% and good chemoselectivity.