Synthesis of 6-aza-bicyclo[3,2,1]octan-3-ones via vinylogous imide photochemistry: an approach to the synthesis of the hetisine alkaloids

Asymmetric Synthesis of the Functionalized A/E-Ring Fragment of C18-Diterpenoid Alkaloids

A new asymmetric synthesis of the A/E-ring fragment of C18-diterpenoid alkaloids is described. The crucial contiguous stereogenic centers at C4, C5, and C11 were established through an asymmetric Michael addition/allylation sequence. The unique azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane motif (A/E rings) was assembled by employing ring-closing metathesis and Mitsunobu reaction as key strategies.

Ene Reductase Enabled Intramolecular β-C-H Functionalization of Substituted Cyclohexanones for Efficient Synthesis of Bridged Bicyclic Nitrogen Scaffolds

Herein we report that ene reductases (EREDs) can facilitate an unprecedented intramolecular β-C-H functionalization reaction for the synthesis of bridged bicyclic nitrogen heterocycles containing the 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane scaffold. To streamline the synthesis of these privileged motifs, we developed a gram-scale one-pot chemoenzymatic cascade by combining iridium photocatalysis with EREDs, using readily available N-phenylglycines and cyclohexenones that can be obtained from biomass. Further derivatization using enzymatic or chemical methods can convert 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one into 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3α-ols, which can be potentially utilized for the synthesis of azaprophen and its analogues for drug discovery. Mechanistic studies revealed the reaction requires oxygen, presumably to produce oxidized flavin, which can selectively dehydrogenate the 3-substituted cyclohexanone derivatives to form the α,β-unsaturated ketone, which subsequently undergoes spontaneous intramolecular aza-Michael addition under basic conditions.

Concise Synthesis of (±)-Myrioneurinol Enabled by Sequential [2+2] Cycloaddition/Retro-Mannich Fragmentation/Mannich Reaction

A concise total synthesis of (±)-myrioneurinol has been achieved in 14 steps. An efficient AgSbF₆ /t-BuCl-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of the alkynone-tethered enamine was developed to prepare the highly strained cyclobutene. It was used in combination with a subsequent retro-Mannich fragmentation/Mannich reaction to efficiently construct the tricyclic core of myrioneurinol.

Tropane Skeleta from the Intramolecular Photocycloaddition of (4+3) Cycloadducts of Oxidopyridinium Ions and Dienes

Easily prepared cycloadducts derived from the (4+3) cycloaddition of oxidopyridinium ions with dienes reacted intramolecularly in a [2+2] cycloaddition process to afford complex polycyclic species in which the tropane skeleton was embedded.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Cyclohepta[b]indoles by Visible-Light-Induced [2+2]-Cycloaddition/retro-Mannich-type Reactions

A novel method for the concise synthesis of cyclohepta[b]indoles in high yields was developed. The method involves a visible-light-induced, photocatalyzed [2+2]-cycloaddition/ retro-Mannich-type reaction of enaminones. Experimental and computational studies suggested that the reaction is a photoredox process initiated by single-electron oxidation of an enaminone moiety, which undergoes subsequent cyclobutane formation and rapidly fragmentation in a radical-cation state to form cyclohepta[b]indoles.

Strain Release Chemistry of Photogenerated Small-Ring Intermediates

Photochemical processes, such as isomerizations and cycloadditions, have proven to be very useful in the construction of highly strained molecular frameworks. Photoinduced ring strain enables subsequent exergonic reactions which do not require the input of additional chemical energy and provides a variety of attractive synthetic options leading to complex structures. This review covers the progress achieved in the application of sequences combining excitation by ultraviolet light to form strained intermediates, which are further transformed to lower energy products in strain-release reactions. As ring strain is considerable in small ring systems, photogenerated three- and four-membered rings will be covered, mainly focusing on examples from 2000 to May 2020.

Rational Design of Triplet Sensitizers for the Transfer of Excited State Photochemistry from UV to Visible

Time Dependent Density Functional Theory has been used to assist the design and synthesis of a series thioxanthone triplet sensitizers. Calculated energies of the triplet excited state (E_T) informed both the type and position of auxochromes placed on the thioxanthone core, enabling fine-tuning of the UV-vis absorptions and associated triplet energies. The calculated results were highly consistent with experimental observation in both the order of the λ_max and E_T values. The synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their efficacies as triplet sensitizers in a variety of UV and visible light preparative photochemical reactions. The results of this study exceeded expectations; in particular [2 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry that had previously been sensitized in the UV was found to undergo cycloaddition at 455 nm (blue) with a 2- to 9-fold increase in productivity (g/h) relative to input power. This study demonstrates the ability of powerful modern computational methods to aid in the design of successful and productive triplet sensitized photochemical reactions.

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Conia-Ene-Type Carbocyclization of Ynamide Cyclohexanones: Regiodivergent Synthesis of Morphans and Normorphans

Described herein is an organocatalytic enantioselective desymmetrizing cycloisomerization of arylsulfonyl-protected ynamide cyclohexanones, representing the first metal-free asymmetric Conia-ene-type carbocyclization. This method allows the highly efficient and atom-economical construction of a range of valuable morphans with wide substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 97 % ee). In addition, such a cycloisomerization of alkylsulfonyl-protected ynamide cyclohexanones can lead to the divergent synthesis of normorphans as the main products with high enantioselectivity (up to 90 % ee). Moreover, theoretical calculations are employed to elucidate the origins of regioselectivity and enantioselectivity.

Photochemical In-Flow Synthesis of 2,4-Methanopyrrolidines: Pyrrolidine Analogues with Improved Water Solubility and Reduced Lipophilicity

A practical synthesis of 2,4-methanopyrrolidines was elaborated. The key synthetic step was an intramolecular photochemical [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of an acrylic acid derivative in flow. In spite of a higher molecular weight, 2,4-methanopyrrolidines were shown to have higher solubility in water and lower lipophilicity than pyrrolidines, important characteristics of bioactive molecules in drug design.

Expedient and modular access to 2-azabicyclic architectures by iron-catalyzed dehydrative coupling of alcohol-bearing allylic lactams

A high-yielding, cost-effective, modular and environmentally benign approach to [5,5]- or [6,5]-2-azabicyclic architectures bearing vicinal stereocenters, by Fe-catalyzed dehydrative coupling of readily affordable alcohol-bearing allylic lactams is presented.

Photochemical Approaches to Complex Chemotypes: Applications in Natural Product Synthesis

The use of photochemical transformations is a powerful strategy that allows for the formation of a high degree of molecular complexity from relatively simple building blocks in a single step. A central feature of all light-promoted transformations is the involvement of electronically excited states, generated upon absorption of photons. This produces transient reactive intermediates and significantly alters the reactivity of a chemical compound. The input of energy provided by light thus offers a means to produce strained and unique target compounds that cannot be assembled using thermal protocols. This review aims at highlighting photochemical transformations as a tool for rapidly accessing structurally and stereochemically diverse scaffolds. Synthetic designs based on photochemical transformations have the potential to afford complex polycyclic carbon skeletons with impressive efficiency, which are of high value in total synthesis.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Cyclobutanes by Olefin [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition Reactions

The [2 + 2] photocycloaddition is undisputedly the most important and most frequently used photochemical reaction. In this review, it is attempted to cover all recent aspects of [2 + 2] photocycloaddition chemistry with an emphasis on synthetically relevant, regio-, and stereoselective reactions. The review aims to comprehensively discuss relevant work, which was done in the field in the last 20 years (i.e., from 1995 to 2015). Organization of the data follows a subdivision according to mechanism and substrate classes. Cu(I) and PET (photoinduced electron transfer) catalysis are treated separately in sections 2 and 4 , whereas the vast majority of photocycloaddition reactions which occur by direct excitation or sensitization are divided within section 3 into individual subsections according to the photochemically excited olefin.

A bio-inspired synthetic route to the core ring systems of Spiraea atisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids and related diterpenes

A bio-inspired synthetic strategy for the construction of the complex substructures of biologically active atisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids and related diterpenes was successfully developed.

C1-Substituted N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-syn-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethyl-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as conformationally constrained β-amino acid precursors

Regioselective introduction and transformation of substituents at the C

Carbamoyl radical-mediated synthesis and semipinacol rearrangement of β-lactam diols

In an approach to the biologically important 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system, the scope of the tandem 4-exo-trig carbamoyl radical cyclization-dithiocarbamate group transfer reaction to ring-fused β-lactams is evaluated. β-Lactams fused to five-, six-, and seven-membered rings are prepared in good to excellent yield, and with moderate to complete control at the newly formed dithiocarbamate stereocentre. No cyclization is observed with an additional methyl substituent on the terminus of the double bond. Elimination of the dithiocarbamate group gives α,β- or β,γ-unsaturated lactams depending on both the methodology employed (base-mediated or thermal) and the nature of the carbocycle fused to the β-lactam. Fused β-lactam diols, obtained from catalytic OsO4-mediated dihydroxylation of α,β-unsaturated β-lactams, undergo semipinacol rearrangement via the corresponding cyclic sulfite or phosphorane to give keto-bridged bicyclic amides by exclusive N-acyl group migration. A monocyclic β-lactam diol undergoes Appel reaction at a primary alcohol in preference to semipinacol rearrangement. Preliminary investigations into the chemo- and stereoselective manipulation of the two carbonyl groups present in a representative 7,8-dioxo-6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane rearrangement product are also reported.

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cycloisomerizations of methylenecyclopropanes with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles

A novel rhodium(II)-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles is disclosed. The reaction produces a series of highly functionalized polycyclic N heterocycles via a rhodium imino carbene intermediate. A distinct feature of this divergent synthesis is that different types of substrates control the reaction pathways. Moreover, several interesting transformations of these products to construct diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives are also reported.

Introduction of C(5/6) side chains onto 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes via a 6-anti-bromo-5-anti-hydroxy derivative

Oxidation of the title bromoalcohol provided the strained ketone, 5-bromo-6-oxo-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane. Additions of nucleophiles to either this or the debrominated ketone have been used to introduce 5(6)-syn-alkyl and aryl groups, 5(6)-alkylidene linkages, and 5(6)-anti-alkyl and acyl substituents. Facial selectivity is for additions to the 6-bromo-5-ketone and 5-alkylidene azabicycles to occur from the face syn to the nitrogen atom. The bromine atom of the title alcohol has also been replaced by a 6-anti-(1-hydroxyethyl) substituent using a directed radical addition process. The stereoselective functionalization reactions expand the range of available methano-bridged pyrrolidines.

Diterpenoid alkaloids

The lasting attention that researchers have devoted to diterpenoid alkaloids is due to their various bioactivities and toxicities, structural complexity, and intriguing chemistry. From 1998 to the end of 2008, more than 300 new diterpenoid alkaloids were isolated from Nature. This review focuses on their structural relationships, and investigations into their chemical reactions, synthesis, and biological activities. A table that lists the names, plant sources, and structural types is given along with 363 references.

3-4'-Bipiperidines via sequential [4 + 4]-[3,3]-retro-Mannich reactions

An approach to assembling unsymmetrically coupled piperidines is described, involving initial [4 + 4] photocycloaddition of 2-pyridones, followed by Cope rearrangement and retro-Mannich reaction. In these reactions, four stereogenic centers set during cycloaddition are relayed or erased during the subsequent steps. Two methods for retro-Mannich reaction are demonstrated.

5(6)-anti-Substituted-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes: a nucleophilic displacement route

Nucleophilic displacements of 5(6)-anti-bromo substituents in 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (methanopyrrolidines) have been accomplished. These displacements have produced 5-anti-X-6-anti-Y-difunctionalized-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes containing bromo, fluoro, acetoxy, hydroxy, azido, imidazole, thiophenyl, and iodo substituents. Such displacements of anti-bromide ions require an amine nitrogen and are a function of the solvent and the choice of metal salt. Reaction rates were faster and product yields were higher in DMSO when compared to DMF and with CsOAc compared to NaOAc. Sodium or lithium salts gave products, except with NaF, where silver fluoride in nitromethane was best for substitution by fluoride. The presence of electron-withdrawing F, OAc, N(3), Br, or SPh substituents in the 6-anti-position slows bromide displacements at the 5-anti-position.

Cyclobutane-containing alkaloids: origin, synthesis, and biological activities

Present review describes research on novel natural cyclobutane-containing alkaloids isolated from terrestrial and marine species. More than 60 biological active compounds have been confirmed to have antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitumor, and other activities. The structures, synthesis, origins, and biological activities of a selection of cyclobutane-containing alkaloids are reviewed. With the computer program PASS some additional biological activities are also predicted, which point toward new possible applications of these compounds. This review emphasizes the role of cyclobutane-containing alkaloids as an important source of leads for drug discovery.

Asymmetric synthetic access to the hetisine alkaloids: total synthesis of (+)-nominine

A dual cycloaddition strategy for the synthesis of the hetisine alkaloids has been developed, illustrated by a concise asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-nominine (7). The approach relies on an early-stage intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a 4-oxido-isoquinolinium betaine dipole with an ene-nitrile dipolarophile. Subsequent late-stage pyrrolidine-induced dienamine isomerization/Diels-Alder cascade allows for rapid construction of the carbon--nitrogen polycyclic skeleton within this class of C(20)-diterpenoid alkaloids.

Pseudosymmetry in Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes. A Stereoselective Construction of the Bicyclic Core of Peduncularine

Intramolecular photocycloaddition of 41 or its equivalent leads to the formation of photoadduct 25. While retro-Mannich fragmentation of the "b" bond in 25 leads to the formation of 44 (via 43), with the incorrect relative stereochemistry for the synthesis of peduncularine 5, selective fragmentation of the "a" bond in 25 leads to the formation of 42 (via 26) with the correct relative stereochemistry for the synthesis of 5.

Efficient synthetic access to the hetisine C20-diterpenoid alkaloids. A concise synthesis of nominine via oxidoisoquinolinium-1,3-dipolar and dienamine-Diels-Alder cycloadditions

A concise synthetic approach to the hetisine C20-diterpenoid alkaloids is reported. The total synthesis of (+/-)-nominine was accomplished in a 15-step sequence employing a dual cycloaddition strategy. Key features of the synthesis include a reversible intramolecular 4-oxidoisoquinolinium betaine dipolar cycloaddition in conjunction with a pyrrolidine-induced dienamine isomerization/Diels-Alder cascade.

5-Carboxy-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as Precursors of 5-Halo, Amino, Phenyl, and 2-Methoxycarbonylethyl Methanopyrrolidines

Novel 5-X-substituted-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (X = 5-syn-Cl, -Br, -I, -Ph, -NHCOOR (R = Me, Bn, t-Bu), -CH2CH2COOMe and X = 5-anti-Br, -I, -Ph) were synthesized from the X = 5-syn-carboxy derivative. New 5-anti-X-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes, X = NHCOOR (R = Me, Bn), were prepared stereoselectively from the X = 5-anti-carboxy substrate.

Enantioselective approach to the hetisine alkaloids. Synthesis of the 3-methyl-1-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(3,8)]decane core via intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition

[structure: see text]. An efficient, enantioselective approach to the hetisine class of the C(20)-diterpenoid alkaloids is described. The strategy involves an intramolecular oxidopyridinium dipolar cycloaddition as the key transformation, in which simultaneous formation of the C5-C6 and C10-C20 bonds in the 3-methyl-1-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(3,8)]decane core of the hetisine alkaloids is effected.

Asymmetric Synthesis of C-Aliphatic Homoallylic Amines and Biologically Important Cyclohexenylamine Analogues

An efficient method for the asymmetric synthesis of C-aliphatic homoallylic amines with up to 94% yield and 80% de is reported. Ring-closing metathesis of several chiral homoallylic amines using the second-generation Grubbs catalyst provided easy access to a wide variety of cyclohexenylamines.

Convenient preparations of 2,4-methanopyrrolidine and 5-carboxy-2,4-methanopyrrolidines

An efficient four-step synthesis of N-BOC-5-syn- and 5-anti-carboxymethanopyrrolidines (12 and 13) and the conversion of 12 to N-BOC-methanopyrrolidine (2) are described.

The rearrangement route to 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes. Solvent and electrophile control of neighboring group participation

The reactions of N-(alkoxycarbonyl)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-enes 5 with halonium ion electrophiles were studied in polar and nonpolar aprotic solvents and also in protic media with the aim of controlling nitrogen neighboring group participation. Specifically, for bromonium ions nitrogen participation is facilitated by the polar aprotic solvent nitromethane and by the poorly nucleophilic protic solvent acetic acid. Alkene 5b and bromine/nitromethane afford only the rearranged anti,anti-5,6-dibromo-2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane 6b, and NBS/acetic acid gives an 8:1 mixture favoring rearranged 5-bromo-6-acetate 6f. Conversely, pyridinium bromide perbromide/CH(2)Cl(2) is selective for only unrearranged 5,6-dibromide 7. Iodonium and phenylselenonium ions react with alkenes 5 to give only unrearranged 1,2-addition products 9 and 10, regardless of solvent. Chloronium and fluoronium ions react with alkenes 5 to give 4-aminomethyl-3-hydroxycyclobutene 11, derived by ring cleavage.