Naturally Occurring Cyclotryptophans and Cyclotryptamines

Ligand-Controlled, Nickel-Catalyzed Stereodivergent Construction of 1,3-Nonadjacent Stereocenters

In contrast to the asymmetric synthesis of molecules with a single stereocenter or 1,2-adjacent stereocenters, the simultaneous construction of acyclic 1,3-nonadjacent stereocenters via a single catalyst in an enantioselective and diastereoselective manner remains a formidable challenge. Here, we demonstrate the enantioselective and diastereodivergent construction of 1,3-nonadjacent stereocenters through Ni-catalyzed reductive cyclization/cross-coupling of alkene-tethered aryl bromides and α-bromoamides, which represents the major remaining stereochemical challenge of cyclization/difunctionalization of alkenes. Using Ming-Phos as ligand, a diverse set of oxindoles containing 1,3-nonadjacent stereocenters were obtained with high levels of enantio- and diastereoselectivity. Mechanistic experiments and density functional theory calculations indicate that magnesium salt plays a key role in controlling the diastereoselectivity. Furthermore, another set of complementary stereoisomeric products were constructed from the same set of starting materials using Ph-Phox as ligand.

Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarboxylation of 5-Vinyloxazolidine-2,4-Diones Triggering the Dearomatization of Electron-Deficient Indoles for the Synthesis of Chiral Highly Functionalized Pyrroloindolines

A catalyst system consisting of a chiral phosphoramidite ligand and Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3 causes the decarboxylation of 5-vinyloxazolidine-2,4-diones to generate amide-containing aza-π-allylpalladium 1,3-dipole intermediates, which are capable of triggering the dearomatization of 3-nitroindoles for diastereo- and enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition, leading to the formation of a series of highly functionalized pyrroloindolines containing three contiguous stereogenic centers with excellent results (up to 99% yield, 88:12 dr, and 96% ee).

Total Synthesis and Stereochemical Assignment of (-)-Psychotridine

We report the first enantioselective total synthesis and stereochemical assignment of (-)-psychotridine. The application of our diazene-directed assembly of enantiomerically enriched cyclotryptamines afforded a highly convergent synthesis of the pentameric alkaloid, allowing its detailed structural assignment. Highlights of the synthesis include the introduction of four quaternary stereocenters with complete stereochemical control in a single step via the photoextrusion of three molecules of dinitrogen from an advanced intermediate and metal-catalyzed C-H amination reactions in challenging settings.

Strategies for total synthesis of bispyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids

Covering up to 2021Complex cyclotryptamine alkaloids with a bispyrrolidino[2,3-b]indoline (BPI) skeleton are an intriguing family of natural products, exhibiting wide systematic occurrences, large structural diversity, and multiple biological activities. Based on their structural characteristics, BPI alkaloids can be classified into chimonanthine-type BPI alkaloids, BPI diketopiperazines, and BPI epipolythiodiketopiperazines. These intricate molecules have captivated great attention soon after their isolation and identification in the 1960s. Due to the structural complexity, the total synthesis of these cyclotryptamine alkaloids is challenging. Nevertheless, remarkable progress has been achieved in the last six decades; in particular, several methods have been successfully established for the construction of vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. In this review, the structural diversity and chemical synthesis of these BPI alkaloids were summarized. BPI alkaloids are mainly synthesized by the methods of oxidative dimerization, reductive dimerization, and alkylation of bisoxindole. The purpose of this review is to present overall strategies for assembling the BPI skeleton and efforts towards controlling the stereocenters.

The applications of catalytic asymmetric halocyclization in natural product synthesis

Catalytic asymmetric halocyclization of olefinic substrate has evolved rapidly and been well utilized as a practical strategy for constructing enantioenriched cyclic skeletons in natural product synthesis.

Palladium-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulations of 1-alkyl-indolin-2-imines and dialkyl (2-methylenepropane-1,3-diyl) dicarbonates

Palladium-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulations of 1-alkyl-indolin-2-imines and dialkyl (2-methylenepropane-1,3-diyl) dicarbonates leading to pyrido[2,3-b]indole derivatives have been developed for the first time.

Iminyl radical-triggered relay annulation for the construction of bridged aza-tetracycles bearing four contiguous stereogenic centers

Bridged tetracyclic nitrogen scaffolds are found in numerous biologically active molecules and medicinally relevant structures. Traditional methods usually require tedious reaction steps, and/or the use of structurally specific starting materials. We report an unprecedented, iminyl radical-triggered relay annulation from oxime-derived peresters and azadienes, which shows good substrate scope and functional group compatibility, and can deliver various bridged aza-tetracyclic compounds with complex molecular topology and four contiguous stereogenic centers (dr > 19 : 1) in a single operation. This transformation represents the first example of trifunctionalization of iminyl radicals through simultaneous formation of one C–N and two C–C bonds. DFT calculation studies were conducted to obtain an in-depth insight into the reaction pathways, which revealed that the reactions involved an interesting 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer process.

A novel radical relay annulation is realized for the construction of various bridged aza-tetracyclic compounds with complex molecular topology and four contiguous stereogenic centers (dr > 19 : 1) in a single operation.

Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of Pyrroloindolines from 2-Alkynyl Arylazides and Thioacetamides

A novel and efficient synthetic method for the preparation of various pyrroloindolines from 2-alkynyl arylazides and thioacetamides was developed. The reaction was carried out in a one-pot process under mild reaction conditions to afford the products in moderate to good yields, which has the potential to be used in organic synthesis.

Ni-Catalyzed Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergent Reductive Dicarbofunctionalization of Alkenes

Transition-metal-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes involving intramolecular Heck cyclization followed by intermolecular cross-coupling has emerged as a powerful engine for building heterocycles with sterically congested quaternary carbon centers. However, only exo-cyclization/cross-coupling products can be obtained; endo-selective cyclization/cross-coupling has not been reported yet and still poses a formidable challenge. We herein report the first example of catalyst-controlled dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes for the regiodivergent synthesis of five- and six-membered benzo-fused lactams bearing all-carbon quaternary centers. Using a chiral Pyrox- or Phox-type bidentate ligand, 5-exo cyclization/cross-couplings proceed favorably to produce indole-2-ones in good yields with excellent regioselectivity and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). When C6-carboxylic acid-modified 2,2'-bipyridine was used as the ligand, 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones were obtained in good yields through 6-endo-selective cyclization/cross-coupling processes. This transformation is modular and tolerant of a variety of functional groups. The ligand rather than the substrate structures precisely dictates the regioselectivity pattern. Moreover, the synthetic value of this regiodivergent protocol was demonstrated by the preparation of biologically relevant molecules and structural scaffolds.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Alsmaphorazine C and Formal Synthesis of (+)-Strictamine: A Photo-Fries Approach

A bioinspired photo-Fries/imine capture cascade reaction was developed in continuous-flow mode, which facilitated the rapid construction of a series of diversely functionalized 2,7-heterocycle-fused tetrahydrocarbazoles, the ubiquitous core structures embedded in strychnos and akuammiline-type monoterpene indole alkaloids. The synthetic utility of this novel method has been preliminarily explored by the first total synthesis of (+)-alsmaphorazine C and formal synthesis of (+)-strictamine in a concise and efficient manner.

Enantioselective [4 + 2] Cycloaddition/Cyclization Cascade Reaction and Total Synthesis of cis-Bis(cyclotryptamine) Alkaloids

The asymmetric catalytic synthesis of 3-cyclotryptamine substituted oxindoles through formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition/cyclization cascade is described. A wide range of cyclotryptamine derivatives were obtained in enantioenriched form under mild reaction conditions and were found to have potential anticancer activity. The strategy enables ready assembly of cyclotryptamine subunits at the C_3a-C_3a' positions with two quaternary stereogenic centers in cis-selectivity, leading to the concise synthesis of optically active cis-bis(hexahydropyrroloindole) and others of the cyclotryptamine alkaloid family.

Cobalt-Catalyzed 1,4-Aryl Migration/Desulfonylation Cascade: Synthesis of α-Aryl Amides

A cobalt-catalyzed 1,4-aryl migration/disulfonylation cascade applied to α-bromo N-sulfonyl amides was developed. The reaction was highly chemoselective, allowing the preparation of α-aryl amides possessing a variety of functional groups. The method was used as the key step to synthesize an alkaloid, (±)-deoxyeseroline. Mechanistic investigations suggest a radical process.

Structure and Function of NzeB, a Versatile C-C and C-N Bond-Forming Diketopiperazine Dimerase

The dimeric diketopiperazine (DKPs) alkaloids are a diverse family of natural products (NPs) whose unique structural architectures and biological activities have inspired the development of new synthetic methodologies to access these molecules. However, catalyst-controlled methods that enable the selective formation of constitutional and stereoisomeric dimers from a single monomer are lacking. To resolve this long-standing synthetic challenge, we sought to characterize the biosynthetic enzymes that assemble these NPs for application in biocatalytic syntheses. Genome mining enabled identification of the cytochrome P450, NzeB (Streptomyces sp. NRRL F-5053), which catalyzes both intermolecular carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bond formation. To identify the molecular basis for the flexible site-selectivity, stereoselectivity, and chemoselectivity of NzeB, we obtained high-resolution crystal structures (1.5 Å) of the protein in complex with native and non-native substrates. This, to our knowledge, represents the first crystal structure of an oxidase catalyzing direct, intermolecular C-H amination. Site-directed mutagenesis was utilized to assess the role individual active-site residues play in guiding selective DKP dimerization. Finally, computational approaches were employed to evaluate plausible mechanisms regarding NzeB function and its ability to catalyze both C-C and C-N bond formation. These results provide a structural and computational rationale for the catalytic versatility of NzeB, as well as new insights into variables that control selectivity of CYP450 diketopiperazine dimerases.

Privilege-Structure-Oriented Three-Component Asymmetric Aminomethylation: Assembly of Chiral 3-Aminomethyl Indolones

The asymmetric aminomethylation reaction of 3-diazooxindoles with electronic-rich arenes and N,O-acetals cooperatively catalyzed by achiral dirhodium complex and chiral phosphoric acid is reported. The reaction provides a novel method for the facile synthesis of chiral 3-aminomethyl oxindoles with an all-carbon quaternary center in good yields (82-98%) with high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). The transformation proceeds through a convergent addition of a reactive zwitterionic intermediate with a chiral methylene iminium generated in situ via asymmetric counteranion-directed catalysis (ACDC). This work represents the first asymmetric aminomethylation method of mixed 3,3'-bisindoles with structural diversity.

One-step assembly of alkoxypyrroloindolines via iodine-catalyzed alkoxycyclization of indole derivatives

Herein we report an iodine-catalyzed alkoxycyclization of tryptamine derivatives under mild reaction conditions. This method distinguished itself by providing a catalytic, one-step assembly of diversely functionalized C3a-alkoxypyrroloindolines as well as dihydrofuran and lactone fused indolines. Mechanistic studies suggest that an ionic pathway is operative and this probably accounts for the diastereospecificity of all isolated cycloadducts.

1-Alkyl-3-alkylindolin-2-imine hydrochlorides as useful building blocks in the copper-catalyzed synthesis of polycyclic indoline scaffolds

A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of dihydro-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives has been developed by using 3-alkyl-1-alkylindolin-2-imine hydrochlorides as the building blocks.

Design of high-performance chiral phase-transfer catalysts with privileged structures

In the end of the 20th century, due to various advantages of organocatalysis including environmental friendliness, operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, easy recovery etc., had led to its recognition as a powerful strategy for the establishment of practical organic synthetic methods. Over the two decades since then, tremendous effort has been devoted to the design of novel high-performance organocatalysts to realize unprecedented reactions including asymmetric transformations. In this review, our recent results on the rational design of various types of chiral phase-transfer catalysts with privileged structures, and their successful application to a wide variety of asymmetric transformations are described.

Access to 3a-Benzoylmethyl Pyrrolidino[2,3- b]indolines via CuII-Catalyzed Radical Annulation/C3-Functionalization Sequence

A Cu^II-catalyzed radical annulation/C3-functionalization cascade of tryptamine derivatives with aryl ethylene is reported. The mild catalytic system enables the facile construction of 3a-benzoylmethylpyrrolidino[2,3- b]indolines with excellent chemo- and regioselectivities. Remarkably, this novel method utilizes earth-abundant and inexpensive cupric salt as the catalyst and air as the co-oxidant, rendering the process highly environmentally friendly and atom economic. Presumably, the reaction proceeds through Cu^II-initiated formation of pyrrolidino[2,3- b]indolines radical intermediate I, which is successively trapped by aryl ethylene and O₂ to form the product. An ¹⁸O₂-labeling experiment and several control experiments were designed to support the mechanistic proposal.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrroloindolines via Noncovalent Stabilization of Indole Radical Cations and Applications to the Synthesis of Alkaloid Natural Products

While interest in the synthetic chemistry of radical cations continues to grow, controlling enantioselectivity in the reactions of these intermediates remains a challenge. Based on recent insights into the oxidation of tryptophan in enzymatic systems, we report a photocatalytic method for the generation of indole radical cations as hydrogen-bonded adducts with chiral phosphate anions. These noncovalent open-shell complexes can be intercepted by the stable nitroxyl radical TEMPO· to form alkoxyamine-substituted pyrroloindolines with high levels of enantioselectivity. Further elaboration of these optically enriched adducts can be achieved via a catalytic single-electron oxidation/mesolytic cleavage sequence to furnish transient carbocation intermediates that may be intercepted by a wide range of nucleophiles. Taken together, this two-step sequence provides a simple catalytic method to access a wide range of substituted pyrroloindolines in enantioenriched form via a standard experimental protocol from a common synthetic intermediate. The design, development, mechanistic study, and scope of this process are presented, as are applications of this method to the synthesis of several dimeric pyrroloindoline natural products.

Photoredox Approach to N-Acyl-N'-aryl-N,N'-aminals Using Enamides and Their Conversion to γ-Lactams

A photoredox catalytic approach to synthetically valuable N-acyl-N'-aryl-N,N'-aminals is described. This method uses the addition of a radical precursor to enamides, with subsequent interception of the cationic iminium intermediate with an arylamine. The reaction has been shown to be compatible with electron-rich and electron-deficient arylamines, and moderate to good levels of diastereoselectivity can be attained using a chiral enamide. Furthermore, the N-acyl-N'-aryl-N,N'-aminal reaction products can be readily cyclized, providing a novel synthetic route to valuable γ-lactams.

Synthesis of functionalized pyrroloindolinesviaa visible-light-induced radical cascade reaction: rapid synthesis of (±)-flustraminol B

We report a visible-light-induced synthesis of functionalized pyrroloindolinesviaa radical cascade reaction,highlighting a mild nature of the reaction condition.

Concise Synthesis of (-)-Hodgkinsine, (-)-Calycosidine, (-)-Hodgkinsine B, (-)-Quadrigemine C, and (-)-Psycholeine via Convergent and Directed Modular Assembly of Cyclotryptamines

The enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-hodgkinsine, (-)-calycosidine, (-)-hodgkinsine B, (-)-quadrigemine C, and (-)-psycholeine through a diazene-directed assembly of cyclotryptamine fragments is described. Our synthetic strategy enables multiple and directed assembly of intact cyclotryptamine subunits for convergent synthesis of highly complex bis- and tris-diazene intermediates. Photoextrusion of dinitrogen from these intermediates enables completely stereoselective formation of all C3a-C3a' and C3a-C7' carbon-carbon bonds and all the associated quaternary stereogenic centers. In a representative example, photoextrusion of three dinitrogen molecules from an advanced intermediate in a single-step led to completely controlled introduction of four quaternary stereogenic centers and guided the assembly of four cyclotryptamine monomers en route to (-)-quadrigemine C. The synthesis of these complex diazenes was made possible through a new methodology for synthesis of aryl-alkyl diazenes using electronically attenuated hydrazine-nucleophiles for a silver-promoted addition to C3a-bromocyclotryptamines. The application of Rh- and Ir-catalyzed C-H amination reactions in complex settings were used to gain rapid access to C3a- and C7-functionalized cyclotryptamine monomers, respectively, used for diazene synthesis. This convergent and modular assembly of intact cyclotryptamines offers the first solution to access these alkaloids through completely stereoselective union of monomers at challenging linkages and the associated quaternary stereocenters as illustrated in our synthesis of five members of the oligocyclotryptamine family of alkaloids.

Selenium-Iodine Cooperative Catalyst for Chlorocyclization of Tryptamine Derivatives

Chlorocyclization of tryptamine derivatives has been developed with the use of a diphenyl diselenide-iodine cooperative catalyst. Various tryptamine derivatives can be smoothly converted to the corresponding C3a-chlorohexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles. Additionally, we demonstrate the formal total syntheses of (-)-psychotriasine and (-)-acetylardeemin by introducing nucleophiles to the C3a position of the products.

Direct intramolecular amination of tryptophan esters to prepare pyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles

A metal-free iodine-catalyzed intramolecular amination has been developed for the practical synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles from readily available tryptophan esters. The transformation has been applied to a wide array of substrates and can be performed on gram scale under very mild conditions.

Isolation and structure determination of a new diketopiperazine dimer from marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SF-5280

A new diketopiperazine dimer designated as SF5280-415 (1) was isolated from an EtOAc extract of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sp. SF-5280 by various chromatographic methods. The structure of 1 was mainly determined by analysis of the NMR spectroscopic data and MS data, along with Marfey's method. This compound is a new diastereoisomer of known bispyrrolidinoindoline diketopiperazine alkaloid WIN 64745, which possesses unique architecture biosynthetically derived from an indole oxidation reaction of tryptophan.

Recent progress in organocatalytic asymmetric total syntheses of complex indole alkaloids

Indole and its structural analogues have been frequently found in numerous alkaloids, pharmaceutical products and related materials. The enantioselective construction of these structures allows efficient total synthesis of optically pure indole alkaloids, and hence has received worldwide interest. In the past decade, asymmetric organocatalysis has been recognized as one of the most powerful strategies to create chiral molecules with high levels of stereoselectivity. In particular, organocatalytic asymmetric cascade reactions often occur with multiple bond-breaking and forming events simultaneously or sequentially, leading to the appearance of various straightforward approaches to access core structures for asymmetric total synthesis. This review will summarize recent applications of asymmetric organocatalysis in the enantioselective synthesis of indole alkaloids.

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral 2-Vinylindole Scaffolds by Friedel-Crafts Reaction

A chiral bis(imidazolidine)pyridine (PyBidine)-Ni(OTf)₂ complex smoothly catalyzed an asymmetric Friedel-Crafts reaction of 2-vinylindoles with nitroalkenes to give chiral indoles in a highly enantioselective manner while maintaining the 2-vinyl functionality. The chiral 2-vinylindoles offer unique chiral scaffolds for diverse transformations.