Synthesis of Luffarin L and 16-epi-Luffarin L Using a Temporary Silicon-Tethered Ring-Closing Metathesis Reaction

Nine-Step Stereoselective Synthesis of Islatravir from Deoxyribose

A stereoselective nine-step synthesis of the potent HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI) islatravir (EfdA, MK-8591) from 2-deoxyribose is described. Key findings include a diastereodivergent addition of an acetylide nucleophile to an enolizable ketone, a chemoselective ozonolysis of a terminal olefin and a biocatalytic glycosylation cascade that uses a unique strategy of byproduct precipitation to drive an otherwise-reversible transformation forward.

Total synthesis of sesterterpenoids

Total syntheses of biologically and structurally fascinating sesterterpenoids published between Jan. 2012 and Jan. 2018 are summarized and discussed here.

Marine natural products

Covering: 2015. Previous review: Nat. Prod. Rep., 2016, 33, 382-431This review covers the literature published in 2015 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 1220 citations (792 for the period January to December 2015) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1340 in 429 papers for 2015), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that lead to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included.

Phosphate Tether-Mediated Ring-Closing Metathesis for the Generation of P-Stereogenic, Z-Configured Bicyclo[7.3.1]- and Bicyclo[8.3.1]phosphates

A phosphate tether-mediated ring-closing metathesis (RCM) study to the synthesis of Z-configured, P-stereogenic bicyclo[7.3.1]- and bicyclo[8.3.1]phosphates is reported. Investigations suggest that C3-substitution, olefin substitution, and proximity of the forming olefin to the bridgehead carbon of the bicyclic affect the efficiency and stereochemical outcome of the RCM event. This study demonstrates the utility of phosphate tether-mediated desymmetrization of C2-symmetric, 1,3-anti-diol-containing dienes in the generation of macrocyclic phosphates with potential synthetic and biological utility.

Diterpenoids of terrestrial origin

This review covers the isolation and chemistry of diterpenoids from terrestrial as opposed to marine sources and includes labdanes, clerodanes, pimaranes, abietanes, kauranes, cembranes and their cyclization products. The literature from January to December, 2015 is reviewed.