The sulfinyl moiety as an intramolecular nucleophile. Part 3: Synthesis of (−)-muricatacin

Selective synthesis of mono- and bis-butenolide α-aminomethyl adducts

The selective installation of α-methylamine residues at the butenolide core is described using α-bromomethylene-γ-butenolide and primary as well as secondary amines in methanol at 0 °C. The preparation of mono- and bis-butenolide α-adducts is described. Bis-γ-butenolide adducts as well as mono α-aminomethyl-γ-butenolides can be selectively obtained depending on the nature of the reacting primary amine. In contrast, the use of secondary amines allows two different pathways leading either to the expected amino derivatives or to the formation of a C-O bond.

Synthesis of (--)-Muricatacin via alpha- and alpha'-C-H bond functionalization of tetrahydrofuran

(--)-Muricatacin, a potent cytotoxic (4R,5R)-5-hydroxyheptadecan-4-olide, has been synthesized through alpha-C--H hydroxyalkylation and alpha'-C--H oxidation of tetrahydrofuran. This study presents a novel method for C--H bond functionalization as a means for preparing gamma-(hydroxyalkyl)-gamma-butyrolactones.