Total Synthesis of Apoptolidin: Completion of the Synthesis and Analogue Synthesis and Evaluation

Anion-Bridged Dual Hydrogen Bond Enabled Concerted Addition of Phenol to Glycal

A noncovalent organocatalytic concerted addition of phenol to glycal is developed for the stereoselective and regioselective construction of biologically important phenolic 2-deoxyglycosides, featuring wide substrate tolerance. The method relies on an anion-bridged dual hydrogen bond interaction which is experimentally proved by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis), and fluorescence analysis. Experimental evidence including kinetic analysis, Kinetic Isotope Effect (KIE) studies, linear free energy relationship, Hammett plot, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations is provided for a concerted mechanism where a high-energy oxocarbenium ion is not formed. In addition, the potential utility of this method is further demonstrated by the synthesis of biologically active glycosylated flavones. The benchmarking studies demonstrate significant advances in this newly developed method compared to previous approaches.

Stereoselective glycosylation reactions with 2-deoxyglucose: a computational study of some catalysts

2-Deoxy glycosides are important components of many oligosaccharides with antibiotic and anti-cancer activity, but their synthesis can be very challenging. Phenanthrolines and substituted pyridines promote stereoselective glycosylation of 1-bromo sugars via a double SN2 mechanism. Pyridine reacting with α-bromo, 2-deoxyglucose was chosen to model this reaction. The first step involves displacement of bromide by pyridine which can be rate limiting because bromide ion is poorly solvated in the non-polar solvents used for these reactions. We examined a series of small molecules to bind bromide and stabilize this transition state. Geometry optimization and vibrational frequencies were calculated using M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) and SMD implicit solvation for diethyl ether. More accurate energies were obtained with M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ and implicit solvation. Urea, thiourea, guanidine and cyanoguanidine bind bromide more strongly than alkylamines, (NH2CH2CH2)nNH3-n. Compared to the uncatalyzed reaction, urea, thiourea and cyanoguanidine lower the free energy of the transition state by 3 kcal/mol while guanidine lowers the barrier by 2 kcal/mol.

First total synthesis of type II abyssomicins: (±)-abyssomicin 2 and (±)-neoabyssomicin B

The intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction (IMDA) of a butenolide derivative, as an entry to the type II abyssomicin scaffold, and the total synthesis of (±)-abyssomicin 2 and (±)-neoabyssomicin B are reported for the first time. A facile route to the IMDA precursor, the formation of a type I intermediate and two paths to (±)-neoabyssomicin B are also discussed.

Reagent-Controlled α-Selective Dehydrative Glycosylation of 2,6-Dideoxy Sugars: Construction of the Arugomycin Tetrasaccharide

The first synthesis of the tetrasaccharide fragment of the anthracycline natural product Arugomycin is described. A reagent controlled dehydrative glycosylation method involving cyclopropenium activation was utilized to synthesize the α-linkages with complete anomeric selectivity. The synthesis was completed in 20 total steps, and in 2.5% overall yield with a longest linear sequence of 15 steps.

Methods for 2-Deoxyglycoside Synthesis

Deoxy-sugars often play a critical role in modulating the potency of many bioactive natural products. Accordingly, there has been sustained interest in methods for their synthesis over the past several decades. The focus of much of this work has been on developing new glycosylation reactions that permit the mild and selective construction of deoxyglycosides. This Review covers classical approaches to deoxyglycoside synthesis, as well as more recently developed chemistry that aims to control the selectivity of the reaction through rational design of the promoter. Where relevant, the application of this chemistry to natural product synthesis will also be described.

Amphiphilic glycoconjugates as potential anti-cancer chemotherapeutics

Amphiphilicity is one of the desirable features in the process of drug development which improves the biological as well as the pharmacokinetics profile of bioactive molecule. Carbohydrate moieties present in anti-cancer natural products and synthetic molecules influence the amphiphilicity and hence their bioactivity. This review focuses on natural and synthetic amphiphilic anti-cancer glycoconjugates. Different classes of molecules with varying degree of amphiphilicity are covered with discussions on their structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action.

Microwave-Assisted Stille Cross-Coupling Reaction Catalysed by in Situ Formed Palladium Nanoparticles

The Stille coupling of organotin compounds with aryl iodides and aryl bromides catalysed by in situ formed nanoparticles from commercially available palladium dichloride in PEG-400 in the presence of DMAP under microwave irradiation has been developed. For tetraphenylstannane, the reaction was carried out in an atom-efficient way, as 4 equiv. of aryl halides coupled effectively with 1 equiv. of tetraphenylstannane to furnish 4 equiv. of the corresponding functionalised biaryls in high yields. Under the same conditions, PhSnBu3 also reacted with aryl halides to produce biphenyls.

O-Glycosylation methods in the total synthesis of complex natural glycosides

We highlight the total syntheses of 33 complex natural O-glycosides, with a particular focus on the O-glycosylation methods that enable the connection of the saccharides and aglycones.

Inhibition of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Vibrio harveyi by 4-fluoro-DPD; a novel potent inhibitor of signalling

(S)-4,5-Dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione [(S)-DPD, (1)] is a precursor for , a quorum sensing signalling molecule for inter- and intra-species bacterial communication. The synthesis of its fluoro-analogue, 4-fluoro-5-hydroxypentane-2,3-dione () is reported. An intermediate in this route also enables a new, shorter synthesis of the native (S)-DPD. 4-Fluoro-DPD (2) completely inhibited bioluminescence and bacterial growth of Vibrio harveyi BB170 strain at 12.5 μM and 100 μM, respectively.

Constructing molecular complexity and diversity: total synthesis of natural products of biological and medicinal importance

The advent of organic synthesis and the understanding of the molecule as they occurred in the nineteenth century and were refined in the twentieth century constitute two of the most profound scientific developments of all time. These discoveries set in motion a revolution that shaped the landscape of the molecular sciences and changed the world. Organic synthesis played a major role in this revolution through its ability to construct the molecules of the living world and others like them whose primary element is carbon. Although the early beginnings of organic synthesis came about serendipitously, organic chemists quickly recognized its potential and moved decisively to advance and exploit it in myriad ways for the benefit of mankind. Indeed, from the early days of the synthesis of urea and the construction of the first carbon-carbon bond, the art of organic synthesis improved to impressively high levels of sophistication. Through its practice, today chemists can synthesize organic molecules--natural and designed--of all types of structural motifs and for all intents and purposes. The endeavor of constructing natural products--the organic molecules of nature--is justly called both a creative art and an exact science. Often called simply total synthesis, the replication of nature's molecules in the laboratory reflects and symbolizes the state of the art of synthesis in general. In the last few decades a surge in total synthesis endeavors around the world led to a remarkable collection of achievements that covers a wide ranging landscape of molecular complexity and diversity. In this article, we present highlights of some of our contributions in the field of total synthesis of natural products of biological and medicinal importance. For perspective, we also provide a listing of selected examples of additional natural products synthesized in other laboratories around the world over the last few years.

Biosynthesis of the Apoptolidins in Nocardiopsis sp. FU 40

The apoptolidins are 20/21-membered macrolides produced by Nocardiopsis sp. FU40. Several members of this family are potent and remarkably selective inducers of apoptosis in cancer cell lines, likely via a distinct mitochondria associated target. To investigate the biosynthesis of this natural product, the complete genome of the apoptolidin producer Nocardiopsis sp. FU40 was sequenced and a 116 Kb region was identified containing a putative apoptolidin biosynthetic gene cluster. The apoptolidin gene cluster comprises a type I polyketide synthase, with 13 homologating modules, apparently initiated in an unprecedented fashion via transfer from a methoxymalonyl-acyl carrier protein loading module. Spanning approximately 39 open reading frames, the gene cluster was cloned into a series of overlapping cosmids and functionally validated by targeted gene disruption experiments in the producing organism. Disruption of putative PKS and P(450) genes delineated the roles of these genes in apoptolidin biosynthesis and chemical complementation studies demonstrated intact biosynthesis peripheral to the disrupted genes. This work provides insight into details of the biosynthesis of this biologically significant natural product and provides a basis for future mutasynthetic methods for the generation of non-natural apopotolidins.

Synthesis of C1-C20 and C21-C40 fragments of tetrafibricin

Efficient syntheses of suitably functionalized top and bottom fragments of tetrafibricin are described. The bottom fragment is prepared by two consecutive Kocienski-Julia couplings, while the top fragment synthesis features a dithiane alkylation and a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction.

Translating Nature's Library: The Bryostatins and Function-Oriented Synthesis

We review in part our computational, design, synthesis, and biological studies on a remarkable class of compounds and their designed analogs that have led to preclinical candidates for the treatment of cancer, a first-in-class approach to Alzheimer's disease, and a promising strategy to eradicate HIV/AIDS. Because these leads target, in part, protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, they have therapeutic potential even beyond this striking set of therapeutic indications. This program has given rise to new synthetic methodology and represents an increasingly important direction of synthesis focused on achieving function through synthesis-informed design (function-oriented synthesis).

Light-induced isomerization of apoptolidin a leads to inversion of C2-C3 double bond geometry

The isolation, characterization, and cytotoxicity against H292 cells of apoptolidin G are reported. Apoptolidin G is shown to be derived by a light-induced isomerization of the C2-C3 carbon-carbon double bond of apoptolidin A.

Apoptolidins E and F, new glycosylated macrolactones isolated from Nocardiopsis sp

Two new glycosylated macrolactones, apoptolidins E (5) and F (6), were isolated from fermentation of the actinomycete Nocardiopsis sp. and their structures assigned. Lacking the C16 and C20 oxygens of apoptolidin A (1), these macrolides are also the first members of this family to display a 4-O-methyl-l-rhamnose at C9 rather than a 6-deoxy-4-O-methyl-l-glucose.

Combined chemical and biosynthetic route to access a new apoptolidin congener

Glycosylation of a synthetic aglycone using precursor-directed biosynthesis is facilitated by a chemical ketosynthase "knockdown" of the apoptolidin producer Nocardiopsis sp. This synthetic approach facilitated the preparation of an unnatural disaccharide derivative of apoptolidin D that substantially restores cytotoxicity against H292 cells and deconvolutes the role of the decorating sugars in apoptolidin bioactivity.

2,3-Anhydrosugars in glycoside bond synthesis. Application to 2,6-dideoxypyranosides

We describe here the first use of 2,3-anhydrosugars as glycosylating agents for the preparation of 2-deoxypyranosides. In particular, the methodology was used to assemble 2,6-dideoxysugar glycosides. Glycosylation of a panel of alcohols with one of two 6-deoxy-2,3-anhydrosugar thioglycosides (8 and 9) in the presence of a Lewis acid afforded 2,6-dideoxy-2-thiotolyl glycoside products in generally excellent yields with an exclusively syn relationship between the aglycon and the C-3 hydroxyl group. Removal of the 2-thiotolyl group can be achieved upon reaction with tri-n-butyltin hydride and AIBN to give the corresponding 2,6-dideoxy pyranosides. Once developed, the method was applied to the synthesis of oligosaccharide moieties in the natural products apoptolidin and olivomycin A.

Total synthesis of apoptolidin A

A highly convergent, enantioselective total synthesis of the potent antitumor agent apoptolidin A has been completed. The key transformations include highly selective glycosylations to attach the C27 disaccharide and the C9 6'-deoxy-l-glucose, a cross-metathesis to incorporate the C1-C10 trienoate unit, and a Yamaguchi macrolactonization to complete the macrocycle. Twelve stereocenters in the polypropionate segments and sugar units were established through diastereoselective chlorotitanium enolate aldol reactions.

Synthesis and evaluation of the cytotoxicity of apoptolidinones A and D

Apoptolidins A-D are microbial secondary metabolites shown to be selectively cytotoxic against several cancer cell lines and noncytotoxic against normal cells. Total syntheses of apoptolidinones A and D are reported. The efficient synthetic strategy leading to the apoptolidinones features construction of the common 20-membered macrolactone by an intramolecular Suzuki reaction and stereocontrolled aldol reactions establishing the C19/C20 and C22/C23 stereocenters. In contrast to apoptolidin A, the aglycones apoptolidinone A and D were shown to be noncytotoxic when evaluated against human lung cancer cells (H292).

An RCM strategy to stereodiverse delta-sultam scaffolds

An asymmetric approach for the synthesis of substituted delta-sultams with multiple synthetic handles is described. This study demonstrates the facile construction of a stereochemically diverse array of substituted delta-sultams, more specifically substituted 3,4,5,6-dihydro 1,2-thiazine 1,1-dioxides. A pivotal Mitsunobu alkylation/RCM sequence is used to assemble key allyl sultam building blocks possessing a C3 stereogenic handle. All subsequent reactions are achieved with high levels of diastereoselectivity to afford enantiopure delta-sultams in good yields.

Use of sultines in the asymmetric synthesis of polypropionate antibiotics

At low temperature and in the presence of an acid catalyst, SO2 adds to 1,3-dienes equilibrating with the corresponding 3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxathiin-2-oxides (sultines). These compounds are unstable above -60 °C and equilibrate with the more stable 2,5-dihydrothiophene 1,1-dioxides (sulfolenes). The hetero-Diels-Alder additions of SO2 are suprafacial and follow the Alder endo rule. The sultines derived from 1-oxy-substituted and 1,3-dioxy-disubstituted 1,3-dienes cannot be observed at -100 °C but are believed to be formed faster than the corresponding sulfolenes. In the presence of acid catalysts, the 6-oxy-substituted sultines equilibrate with zwitterionic species that react with electron-rich alkenes such as enoxysilanes and allylsilanes, generating β,γ-unsaturated silyl sulfinates that can be desilylated and desulfinylated to generate polypropionate fragments containing up to three contiguous stereogenic centers and an (E)-alkene unit. Alternatively, the silyl sulfinates can be reacted with electrophiles to generate polyfunctional sulfones (one-pot, four-component synthesis of sulfones), or oxidized into sulfonyl chlorides and reacted with amines, then realizing a one-pot, four-component synthesis of polyfunctional sulfonamides. Using enantiomerically enriched dienes such as 1-[(R)- or 1-(S)-phenylethyloxy]-2-methyl-(E,E)-penta-1,3-dien-3-yl isobutyrate, derived from inexpensive (R)- or (S)-1-phenylethanol, enantiomerically enriched stereotriads are obtained in one-pot operations. The latter are ready for further chain elongation. This has permitted the development of expeditious total asymmetric syntheses of important natural products of biological interest such as the baconipyrones, rifamycin S, and apoptolidin A.

Studies on the synthesis of apoptolidin A. 2. Synthesis of the disaccharide unit

Disaccharide 3 correspoinding to the disaccharide unit of apoptolidin A has been synthesized via the regio- and stereoselective TBS-OTf-promoted beta-glycosidation reaction of 2,6-dideoxy-2-iodo-beta-glucopyranosyl acetate (5) and p-methoxybenzyl 2,6-dideoxy-2-iodo-3-C-methyl-alpha-mannopyranoside (11).

Short synthesis of the C16-C28 polyketide fragment of apoptolidin A aglycone

Starting from (E,E)-1-[(1R)-(phenylethyl)oxy]-2-methylpenta-1,3-diene and triethylsilyl enol ether of butanone rapid access to Koert's advanced C10-C28 polyketide fragment of apoptolidin A is now possible.

Apoptolidin A: total synthesis and partially glycosylated analogues

The total synthesis of apoptolidin A is described employing an early glycosylation strategy. Strategic disconnections were chosen between C11-C12 (cross-coupling) and C19O-C1 (macrocyclization). The cis-selective glycosylation at C9-OH was achieved with the new SIBA protective group at O2/O3 of the L-glucose residue. Auxiliary substitutents at the 2-position of the 2-deoxy sugars were applied to form selectively the glycosidic linkages of the C27 disaccharide. The cross-coupling of the glycosylated northern half with the glycosylated southern half was achieved with CuI-thiophene carboxylate. The macrocyclization of a trihydroxy carboxylic acid produced the 20-membered macrolide selectively. H2SiF6 was suitable for the final deprotection of the silyl ethers and the conversion of the C21 methylketal into the hemiketal. The synthetic flexibility of the approach was proven by the synthesis of some glycovariants.

Lactol-directed osmylation. Stereodivergent synthesis of four C-19,20 apoptolidin diols from a single allylic hemiacetal

A synthetic approach to prepare four Apoptolidin C-19,20 diastereomeric diol derivatives was developed. Two diastereomers were obtained from the (Z)-form, which is converted to the (E)-form, followed by dihydroxylation to deliver two more diastereomers. The (E)-allylic hemiacetal and methoxyacetal showed opposite diastereoselectivity.