Exo-selective reductive macrocyclization of ynals

Preparation of Chiral γ-Secondary Amino Alcohols via Ni-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reductive Coupling of 2-Aza-butadiene with Aldehydes

The first Ni-catalyzed asymmetric reductive coupling of 2-aza-butadiene with aldehydes was achieved to synthesize chiral γ-secondary amino alcohols. This transformation features good enantioselectivity and tolerance to various functional groups, which may serve as a complementary method to previously reported noble-metal-catalyzed protocols. Through competition reaction, 2-aza-butadiene was proved to be a more reactive coupling component than its full-carbon analogue, 1,3-butadiene. Notably, this reaction delivers β-siloxyl imine, an aza-aldol-type product which is difficult to access by conventional methods.

Synthetic Opportunities and Challenges for Macrocyclic Kinase Inhibitors

Macrocycles are typically cyclic variants of inhibitors derived from uncyclized canonical molecules or from natural products. For medicinal chemistry, drug-like macrocycles have received increasing interest over the past few years, since it has been demonstrated that macrocyclization can favorably alter the biological and physiochemical properties as well as selectivity in comparison to the acyclic analogue. Recent drug approvals such as Lorlatinib, glecaprevir, or voxilaprevir underline the clinical relevance of drug-like macrocycles. However, the synthesis of drug-like macrocycles can be challenging, since the ring-closing reaction is generally challenging with yields depending on the size and geometry of the bridging linker. Nevertheless, macrocycles are one opportunity to expand the synthetic toolbox for medicinal chemistry to provide bioactive molecules. Therefore, we reviewed the past literature of drug-like macrocycles highlighting reactions that have been successfully used for the macrocyclization. We classified the cyclization reactions by their type, ring-size, yield, and macrocyclization efficiency index.

Ni/AntPohs-Catalyzed Stereoselective Asymmetric Intramolecular Reductive Coupling of N-1,6-Alkynones

An efficient nickel-catalyzed stereoselective asymmetric intramolecular reductive coupling of N-1,6-alkynones is reported. A P-chiral monophosphine ligand AntPhos was found to be a privileged catalyst for constructing versatile functionalized chiral pyrrolidine rings using triethylsilane as the reducing reagent. Concise synthesis of pyrrolidines with chiral tertiary allylic alcohols was achieved in high yields (99%), excellent stereoselectivity (>99:1 E/Z), and enantioselectivity (>99:1 er) with very broad substrate scope. Totally, thirty-five N-1,6-alkynones were synthesized and applied in this reaction successfully. This reaction can be scaled up to gram scale without loss of its enantioselectivity. Ligand effects and reaction mechanism are investigated in detail. While the developed asymmetric synthesis of pyrrolidine with chiral tertiary allylic alcohols is anticipated to find wider applications in organic synthesis and chemical biology, the discovered new reactions of N-1,6-alkynone with AntPhos using different catalyst systems would further expanded its new research fields and attract more detailed explorations in the future.

Metric-Based Analysis of Convergence in Complex Molecule Synthesis

Convergent syntheses are characterized by the coupling of two or more synthetic intermediates of similar complexity, often late in a pathway. At its limit, a fully convergent synthesis is achieved when commercial or otherwise readily available intermediates are coupled to form the final target in a single step. Of course, in all but exceptional circumstances this level of convergence is purely hypothetical; in practice, additional steps are typically required to progress from fragment coupling to the target. Additionally, the length of the sequence required to access each target is a primary consideration in synthetic design.In this Account, we provide an overview of alkaloid, polyketide, and diterpene metabolites synthesized in our laboratory and present parameters that may be used to put the degree of convergence of each synthesis on quantitative footing. We begin with our syntheses of the antiproliferative, antimicrobial bacterial metabolite (-)-kinamycin F (1) and related dimeric structure (-)-lomaiviticin aglycon (2). These synthetic routes featured a three-step sequence to construct a complex diazocyclopentadiene found in both targets and an oxidative dimerization to unite the two halves of (-)-lomaiviticin aglycon (2). We then follow with our synthesis of the antineurodegenerative alkaloid (-)-huperzine A (3). Our route to (-)-huperzine A (3) employed a diastereoselective three-component coupling reaction, followed by the intramolecular α-arylation of a β-ketonitrile intermediate, to form the carbon skeleton of the target. We then present our syntheses of the hasubanan alkaloids (-)-hasubanonine (4), (-)-delavayine (5), (-)-runanine (6), (+)-periglaucine B (7), and (-)-acutumine (8). These alkaloids bear a 7-azatricyclo[4.3.3.0^1,6]dodecane (propellane) core and a highly oxidized cyclohexenone ring. The propellane structure was assembled by the addition of an aryl acetylide to a complex iminium ion, followed by intramolecular 1,4-addition. We then present our synthesis of the guanidinium alkaloid (+)-batzelladine B (9), which contains two complex polycyclic guanidine residues united by an ester linkage. This target was logically disconnected by an esterification to allow for the independent synthesis of each guanidine residue. A carefully orchestrated cascade reaction provided (+)-batzelladine B (9) in a single step following fragment coupling by esterification. We then discuss our synthesis of the diterpene fungal metabolite (+)-pleuromutilin (10). The synthesis of (+)-pleuromutilin (10) proceeded via a fragment coupling involving two neopentylic reagents and employed a nickel-catalyzed reductive cyclization reaction to close the eight-membered ring, ultimately providing access to (+)-pleuromutilin (10), (+)-12-epi-pleuromutilin (11), and (+)-12-epi-mutilin (12). Finally, we discuss our synthesis of (-)-myrocin G (13), a tricyclic pimarane diterpene that was assembled by a convergent annulation.In the final section of this Account, we present several paramaters to analyze and quantitatively assess the degree of convergence of each synthesis. These parameters include: (1) the number of steps required following the point of convergence, (2) the difference in the number of steps required to prepare each coupling partner, (3) the percentage of carbons (or, more broadly, atoms) present at the point of convergence, and (4) the complexity generated in the fragment coupling step. While not an exhaustive list, these parameters bring the strengths and weaknesses each synthetic strategy to light, emphasizing the key contributors to the degree of convergence of each route while also highlighting the nuances of these analyses.

Efficient synthesis of tetrahydrofurans with chiral tertiary allylic alcohols catalyzed by Ni/P-chiral ligand DI-BIDIME

Efficient nickel-catalyzed stereoselective asymmetric intramolecular reductive cyclization of O-alkynones with P-chiral bisphosphorus ligand DI-BIDIME is reported.

Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products Containing Eight-Membered Carbocycles (2009-2019)

Natural products containing eight-membered carbocycles constitute a class of structurally intriguing and biologically important molecules such as the famous diterpenes taxol and vinigrol. Such natural products are being increasingly investigated because of their fascinating architectural features and potent medicinal properties. However, synthesis of natural products with cyclooctane moieties has proved to be highly challenging. This review highlights the recently completed total syntheses of natural products with eight-membered carbocycles with a focus on strategic considerations. A collection of 27 representative studies from the literature covering the decade from 2009 to 2019 is described in chronological order with relevant studies grouped together, including syntheses of the same natural product by different research groups using different strategies. Finally, a summary and outlook including a discussion of the major features of each strategy used in the syntheses are presented. This review illustrates the diversity and creativity in the elegant synthetic designs of eight-membered carbocycles. We hope this review will provide timely illumination and beneficial guidance for future synthetic efforts for organic chemists who are interested in this area.

A Synthesis Strategy for the Production of a Macrolactone of Gulmirecin A via a Ni(0)-Mediated Reductive Cyclization Reaction

A synthesis strategy for the production of a key synthetic intermediate of gulmirecin A was described. The key reaction in the preparation of the 12-membered macrolactone is the Ni(0)-mediated reductive cyclization reaction of ynal using an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and silane reductant. In addition, the α-selective glycosylation reaction of the macrolactone was performed to demonstrate the synthesis of gulmirecin and disciformycin precursors.

Construction of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters by catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition to cyclic enones in natural product synthesis

This review discusses the construction of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters using catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition and its application in natural product synthesis.

Antibacterial properties and clinical potential of pleuromutilins

Covering: up to 2018Pleuromutilins are a clinically validated class of antibiotics derived from the fungal diterpene (+)-pleuromutilin (1). Pleuromutilins inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of the ribosome. In this review we summarize the biosynthesis and recent total syntheses of (+)-pleuromutilin (1). We review the mode of interaction of pleuromutilins with the bacterial ribosome, which involves binding of the C14 extension and the tricyclic core to the P and A sites of the PTC, respectively. We provide an overview of existing clinical agents, and discuss the three primary modes of bacterial resistance (mutations in ribosomal protein L3, Cfr methylation, and efflux). Finally we collect structure-activity relationships from publicly available reports, and close with some forward looking statements regarding future development.

Trisubstituted olefin synthesis via Ni-catalyzed hydroalkylation of internal alkynes with non-activated alkyl halides

The stereoselective synthesis of tri-substituted alkenes is challenging.

Synthesis of Diverse 11- and 12-Membered Macrolactones from a Common Linear Substrate Using a Single Biocatalyst

The diversification of late stage synthetic intermediates provides significant advantages in efficiency in comparison to conventional linear approaches. Despite these advantages, accessing varying ring scaffolds and functional group patterns from a common intermediate poses considerable challenges using existing methods. The combination of regiodivergent nickel-catalyzed C-C couplings and site-selective biocatalytic C-H oxidations using the cytochrome P450 enzyme PikC addresses this problem by enabling a single late-stage linear intermediate to be converted to macrolactones of differing ring size and with diverse patterns of oxidation. The approach is made possible by a novel strategy for site-selective biocatalytic oxidation using a single biocatalyst, with site selectivity being governed by a temporarily installed directing group. Site selectivities of C-H oxidation by this directed approach can overcome positional bias due to C-H bond strength, acidity, inductive influences, steric accessibility, or immediate proximity to the directing group, thus providing complementarity to existing approaches.

Development of a Modular Synthetic Route to (+)-Pleuromutilin, (+)-12-epi-Mutilins, and Related Structures

We describe the development of an enantioselective synthetic route to (+)-pleuromutilin (1), (+)-12-epi-mutilin, and related derivatives. A key hydrindanone was prepared in three steps and 48% overall yield from cyclohex-2-en-1-one. 1,4-Hydrocyanation provided a nitrile (53%, or 85% based on recovered starting material) that was converted to the eneimide 57 in 80% yield by the 1,2-addition of methyllithium to the nitrile function, cyclization, and in situ acylation with di-tert-butyldicarbonate. The eneimide 57 was employed in a 2-fold neopentylic coupling reaction with an organolithium reagent derived from the alkyl iodides (R)- or (S)-30, which contain the C11-C13 atoms of the target, to provide diastereomeric diketones in 60% or 48% yield (for coupling with (R)- or (S)-30, respectively). The diketone derived from (S)-30 contains the (S)-C12 stereochemistry found in pleuromutilin and was elaborated to an alkynylaldehyde. Nickel-catalyzed reductive cyclization of this alkynylaldehyde, to construct the eight-membered ring of the target, unexpectedly provided a cyclopentene (67%), which arises from participation of the C12-α-olefin in the transformation. The diketone derived from the enantiomeric C12-fragment (R)-30 underwent reductive cyclization to provide the desired product in 60% yield. This was elaborated to 12-epi-mutilin by a four-step sequence (39% overall). Installation of the glycolic acid residue followed by C12 epimerization (Berner et al. Monatsh. Chem. 1986, 117, 1073) generated (+)-pleuromutilin (1). (+)-12-epi-Pleuromutilin and (+)-11,12-di-epi-pleuromutilin were prepared by related sequences. This work establishes a convergent entry to the pleuromutilins and provides a foundation for the production of novel antibiotics to treat drug-resistant and Gram-negative infections.

NHC Ligands Tailored for Simultaneous Regio- and Enantiocontrol in Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Couplings

An exceptionally hindered class of enantiopure NHC ligands has been developed. While racemic forms had previously been utilized, a scalable and practical route to the enantiopure form of this ligand class is described utilizing a Buchwald-Hartwig N,N-diarylation in a highly sterically demanding environment. Using this newly accessible ligand class, nickel-catalyzed enantioselective reductive coupling reactions of aldehydes and alkynes have been developed. These studies illustrate that the newly available NHC ligands are well suited for simultaneous control of regio- and enantioselectivity, even in cases with internal alkynes possessing only very subtle steric differences between two aliphatic substituents. The steric demand of the new ligand class enables a complementary regiochemical outcome compared with previously described enantioselective processes. Using this method, a number of allylic alcohol derivatives were efficiently obtained with high regioselectivity (up to >95:5) and high enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee). The reaction conditions can also be extended to the reaction of aldehydes and allenes, providing silyl-protected allylic alcohol derivatives possessing a terminal methylene substituent. Computational studies have explained the origin of the exceptional steric demand of this ligand class, the basis for enantioselectivity, and the cooperative relationship of the aldehyde, alkyne, and ligand in influencing enantioselectivity.

A modular and enantioselective synthesis of the pleuromutilin antibiotics

The tricyclic diterpene fungal metabolite (+)-pleuromutilin has served as a starting point for antibiotic development. Semisynthetic modification of its glycolic acid subunit at C14 provided the first analogs fit for human use, and derivatization at C12 led to 12-epi-pleuromutilins with extended-spectrum antibacterial activity, including activity against Gram-negative pathogens. Given the inherent limitations of semisynthesis, however, accessing derivatives of (+)-pleuromutilin with full control over their structure presents an opportunity to develop derivatives with improved antibacterial activities. Here we disclose a modular synthesis of pleuromutilins by the convergent union of an enimide with a bifunctional iodoether. We illustrate our approach through synthesis of (+)-12-epi-mutilin, (+)-11,12-di-epi-mutilin, (+)-12-epi-pleuromutilin, (+)-11,12-di-epi-pleuromutilin, and (+)-pleuromutilin itself in 17 to 20 steps.

Mechanistic Study of Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Ynoates and Aldehydes

In this work, (1,5-hexadiene)Ni(SIPr) (SIPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene) is used in place of Ni(COD)₂/SIPr·HBF₄/KO^tBu (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) as a more robust catalyst for regioselective reductive coupling of ynoates and aldehydes with triethylsilane. The catalytic reaction of ethyl 3-(trimethylsilyl)propiolate and methyl 4-formylbenzoate shows first-order dependence on aldehyde and catalyst concentrations, inverse first-order dependence on [ynoate], and no dependence on [silane]. The kinetics data, coupled with deuterium-labeling experiments, support a mechanism involving dissociation of the ynoate from a catalytically dormant nickelacyclopentadiene intermediate prior to turnover-limiting formation of a catalytically active nickeladihydrofuran.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Spinosyn A via Carbonylative Macrolactonization

Spinosyn A (1), a complex natural product featuring a unique 5,6,5,12-fused tetracyclic core structure, is the major component of spinosad, an organic insecticide and an FDA-approved agent used worldwide. Herein, we report an efficient total synthesis of (-)-spinosyn A with 15 steps in the longest linear sequence and 23 steps total from readily available compounds 14 and 23. The synthetic approach features several important catalytic transformations including a chiral amine-catalyzed intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction to afford 22 in excellent diastereoselectivity, a one-step gold-catalyzed propargylic acetate rearrangement to convert 28 to α-iodoenone 31, an unprecedented palladium-catalyzed carbonylative Heck macrolactonization to form the 5,12-fused macrolactone in one step, and a gold-catalyzed Yu glycosylation to install the challenging β-forosamine. This total synthesis is highly convergent and modular, thus offering opportunities to synthesize spinosyn analogues in order to address the emerging cross-resistance problems.

An efficient synthesis of an exo-enone analogue of LL-Z1640-2 and evaluation of its protein kinase inhibitory activities

An efficient synthesis of an exo-enone analogue (5) of resorcylic acid lactone (RAL), natural product LL-Z1640-2 (1), has been achieved using a Ni-catalysed regioselective reductive coupling macrocyclisation of an alkyne-aldehyde as a key step. The synthetic route is significantly shorter than those for the natural product and avoids the isomerisation problem of the cis-double bond in the molecule. The preliminary biological evaluation showed that the exo-enone analogue is a potent inhibitor of several important kinases relevant to cancer drug development.

1,1-Disubstituted olefin synthesis via Ni-catalyzed Markovnikov hydroalkylation of alkynes with alkyl halides

A Ni-catalyzed Markovnikov hydroalkylation of alkynes with alkyl halides is described. The reaction proceeds smoothly without the use of sensitive organometallic reagents and shows good functional-group compatibility, enabling the efficient synthesis of a variety of 1,1-disubstituted olefins. It also provides a straightforward approach for the modification of complex organic molecules.

Mechanistic Basis for Regioselection and Regiodivergence in Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Couplings

The control of regiochemistry is a considerable challenge in the development of a wide array of catalytic processes. Simple π-components such as alkenes, alkynes, 1,3-dienes, and allenes are among the many classes of substrates that present complexities in regioselective catalysis. Considering an internal alkyne as a representative example, when steric and electronic differences between the two substituents are minimal, differentiating among the two termini of the alkyne presents a great challenge. In cases where the differences between the alkyne substituents are substantial, overcoming those biases to access the regioisomer opposite that favored by substrate biases often presents an even greater challenge. Nickel-catalyzed reductive couplings of unsymmetrical π-components make up a group of reactions where control of regiochemistry presents a challenging but important objective. In the course of our studies of aldehyde-alkyne reductive couplings, complementary solutions to challenges in regiocontrol have been developed. Through careful selection of the ligand and reductant, as well as the more subtle reaction variables such as temperature and concentration, effective protocols have been established that allow highly selective access to either regiosiomer of the allylic alcohol products using a wide range of unsymmetrical alkynes. Computational studies and an evaluation of reaction kinetics have provided an understanding of the origin of the regioselectivity control. Throughout the various procedures described, the development of ligand-substrate interactions plays an essential role, and the overall kinetic descriptions were found to differ between protocols. Rational alteration of the rate-determining step plays a key role in the regiochemistry reversal strategy, and in one instance, the two possible regioisomeric outcomes in a single reaction were found to operate by different kinetic descriptions. With this mechanistic information in hand, the empirical factors that influence regiochemistry can be readily understood, and more importantly, the insights suggest simple and predictable experimental variables to achieving a desired reaction outcome. These studies thus present a detailed picture of the influences that control regioselectivity in a specific catalytic reaction, but they also delineate strategies for regiocontrol that may extend to numerous classes of reactions. The work provides an illustration of how insights into the kinetics and mechanism of a catalytic process can rationalize subtle empirical findings and suggest simple and rational modifications in procedure to access a desirable reaction outcome. Furthermore, these studies present an illustration of how important challenges in organic synthesis can be met by novel reactivity afforded by base metal catalysis. The use of nickel catalysis in this instance not only provides an inexpensive and sustainable method for catalysis but also enables unique reactivity patterns not accessible to other metals.