Total Synthesis of Diverse Carbogenic Complexity within the Resveratrol Class from a Common Building Block

Strategies for the Construction of Benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane in Natural Product Synthesis

Benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane is a cage-like unique motif containing a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane structure fused with at least one benzene ring. It is found in various natural products that exhibit structural complexities and important biological activities. The total synthesis of natural products possessing this challenging structure has received considerable attention, and great advances have been made in this field during the past 15 years. This review summarizes thus far achieved chemical syntheses and synthetic studies of natural compounds featuring the benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane core. It focuses on strategic approaches constructing the bridged structure, aiming to provide a useful reference for inspiring further advancements in strategies and total syntheses of natural products with such a framework.

Design, Synthesis, anti-inflammatory activity Evaluation, preliminary exploration of the Mechanism, molecule Docking, and structure-activity relationship analysis of batatasin III analogs

Most clinical drugs used to treat inflammation have serious gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects during long-term treatment. The development of new anti-inflammatory agents from natural products and their derivatives is a powerful approach to overcome these adverse effects. Batatasin III, a bibenzyl natural product, has been found to have anti-inflammatory activity. Compared with other anti-inflammatory agents, batatasin III has a simple and unique structure. Therefore, batatasin III and its analogs might have the potential to treat inflammation with only mild adverse effects as a new type of anti-inflammatory agent. Herein, we synthesized 26 batatasin III analogs and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Analog 21 significantly inhibited (p < 0.01) nitric oxide production with an IC50 value of 12.95 μM. Western blot analysis further revealed that 21 reduced iNOS, phosphorylated p65, and β-catenin expression in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicated that 21 could be a potential lead compound for developing a drug candidate for ulcerative colitis. Molecular docking analysis showed that p65 might be a potential target of 21 for the treatment of inflammatory disease. In addition, we analyzed the structure-activity relationship of the analogs, which provides a basis for future structural modifications.

Dearomative logic in natural product total synthesis

Covering: 2011 to 2022The natural world is a prolific source of some of the most interesting, rare, and complex molecules known, harnessing sophisticated biosynthetic machinery evolved over billions of years for their production. Many of these natural products represent high-value targets of total synthesis, either for their desirable biological activities or for their beautiful structures outright; yet, the high sp3-character often present in nature's molecules imparts significant topological complexity that pushes the limits of contemporary synthetic technology. Dearomatization is a foundational strategy for generating such intricacy from simple materials that has undergone considerable maturation in recent years. This review highlights the recent achievements in the field of dearomative methodology, with a focus on natural product total synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis. Disconnection guidelines and a three-phase dearomative logic are described, and a spotlight is given to nature's use of dearomatization in the biosynthesis of various classes of natural products. Synthetic studies from 2011 to 2021 are reviewed, and 425 references are cited.

Solvent controlled synthesis of 2,3-diarylepoxy indenones and α-hydroxy diarylindanones and their evaluation as inhibitors of DNA alkylation repair

Herein, we report a novel and unexpected metal-free oxygenation of 2,3-diphenyl-1-indenones, under an oxygen atmosphere (air), to either 2,3-epoxy-2,3-diphenyl-1-indenone or 2-hydroxy-2,3-diphenyl-1-indanone, depending on the conditions. Several bioactive epoxy indenones and one-pot α-hydroxy indanones (α-acyloin) were synthesized from 2,3-diaryl dihydroindanone and 2,3-diarylindenone, respectively. A plausible reaction mechanism is also proposed, where oxygenation would take place at the α-position and further proton abstraction from the β-position leads to epoxy indenone derivatives. A one-pot cis-hydroxy indanone protocol is also achieved directly from biaryl indenone via reduction, epimerization, and oxygenation. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against the DNA repair protein AlkB. Among the screened (17 tested) compounds, one epoxide derivative was found to be a specific inhibitor of AlkB enzyme function.

Exploring the Acid-Catalyzed Reactions of 10,11-Epoxy-Dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptan-5-ol as the Synthetic Modules toward Polycyclic Aromatic Scaffolds

The structural diversity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) offers exciting opportunities for their applications. Yet, selective synthesis of such conjugated networks poses a formidable challenge. Compared to the prominence of transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling and oxidative Scholl reactions, cationic rearrangement in the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is an underexplored subject. In this study, we reveal that cationic intermediate generated from epoxy dibenzocycloheptanol can be transformed into acenes, azulene-embedded PAHs, and dibenzocycloheptanone derivatives. Reactive patterns, including Meinwald rearrangement, Nazarov cyclization, transannular aryl migration, and transannular Friedel-Crafts cyclization were identified. Both substrate structures and reaction temperature affect the reaction pathways in predictable and manageable manners. A mechanistic scheme was postulated as the working model to guide the reactivity for further application. Substrates containing heterocyclic and ferrocenyl groups exhibit similar reactivity profiles. The inquiry culminates in the selective synthesis of 5, 7, 12, 14-tetrasubstituted C _2h and C _2v pentacene derivatives. Our results demonstrate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be selectively prepared with this cation-initiated strategy by methodically tuning the reactivity.

A concise and efficient total synthetic route of active stilbene dimer (±)-ε-viniferin

A concise and efficient procedure for the total synthesis of natural stilbene dimer (±)-ε-viniferin was accomplished with high overall yield. Demethylation of the key intermediate methyl 3-arylbenzofuran-4-carboxylate was achieved successfully through bromination followed by BBr₃-or BCl₃/TBAI-mediated ether cleavage reaction. Pd/C and bromobenzene-catalyzed MOM ether cleavage was successfully carried out to aquire (±)-ε-viniferin.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of δ-Viniferin Analogues and Isosteres

The natural stilbenoid dehydro-δ-viniferin, containing a benzofuran core, has been recently identified as a promising antimicrobial agent. To define the structural elements relevant to its activity, we modified the styryl moiety, appended at C5 of the benzofuran ring. In this paper, we report the construction of stilbenoid-derived 2,3-diaryl-5-substituted benzofurans, which allowed us to prepare a focused collection of dehydro-δ-viniferin analogues. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against S. aureus ATCC29213. The simplified analogue 5,5'-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzofuran-3,5-diyl)bis(benzene-1,3-diol), obtained in three steps from 4-bromo-2-iodophenol (63% overall yield), emerged as a promising candidate for further investigation (MIC = 4 µg/mL).

Facile generation of bridged medium-sized polycyclic systems by rhodium-catalysed intramolecular (3+2) dipolar cycloadditions

Bridged medium-sized bicyclo[m.n.2] ring systems are common in natural products and potent pharmaceuticals, and pose a great synthetic challenge. Chemistry for making bicyclo[m.n.2] ring systems remains underdeveloped. Currently, there are no general reactions available for the single-step synthesis of various bridged bicyclo[m.n.2] ring systems from acyclic precursors. Here, we report an unusual type II intramolecular (3+2) dipolar cycloaddition strategy for the syntheses of various bridged bicyclo[m.n.2] ring systems. This rhodium-catalysed cascade reaction provides a relatively general strategy for the direct and efficient regioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized and synthetically challenging bridged medium-sized polycyclic systems. Asymmetric total synthesis of nakafuran-8 was accomplished using this method as a key step. Quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate the mechanism of this transformation and the origins of its multiple selectivities. This reaction will inspire the design of the strategies to make complex bioactive molecules with bridged medium-sized polycyclic systems.

The bridged medium-sized ring bicyclo[m.n.2] family of natural products are commonly found but difficult to synthesize efficiently. Here the authors present a cascade reaction to form the carbon skeleton, via a [3+2] cycloaddition of a captured azavinyl carbene intermediate.

Highly Regioselective Tandem Reaction of Ene-Yne-Oxazolones Induced by H-Phosphonates: Construction of Phosphinylindane Derivatives

A highly regioselective divergent approach for the phosphine-containing indane/indene derivatives from the ene-yne-oxazolone precursors was reported. An insight into the reaction mechanism involving the phospha-1,4-addition followed by 5-exo-dig ring closure with a concomitant C-P/C-C bond formation was also proposed. This promising protocol utilized H-phosphonate as the phosphonating reagent in a silver-catalyzed or base-mediated cascade cyclization to construct the corresponding phosphorylated spiroindenoxazolones and amidoindenes, respectively, in good yields (up to 88% yield).

Synthesis of cis-Oriented Vicinal Diphenylethylenes through a Lewis Acid-Promoted Annulation of Oxotriphenylhexanoates

This study explores the synthesis of cyclic cis-vicinal phenyl ethylenes from oxotriphenylhexanoates. The reaction is a BBr₃-promoted cyclization of 1,6-ketoesters (1) to five-membered diketo compounds (2). The synthesis is interesting as it constitutes one of the few examples of modular stereoselective synthesis of structures with a cis-oriented vicinal diphenylethylene. The core structure of 2 can be smoothly derivatized, which makes it a promising synthetic building block for further stereoselective synthetic applications.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopentenones

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed asymmetric construction of cyclopentenones using enals and α-diketones is achieved, furnishing a series of highly functionalized cyclopentenones in a highly diastereo- and enantioselective manner. The protocol tolerates substrates with both aromatic and aliphatic groups, and further transformations of the products delivered a range of value-added molecules.

The Development of Reaction Cascades to Synthesize Dimeric Coccinellid Alkaloids

Over the course of the past decade, our group has been intensely interested in achieving the laboratory synthesis of varied members of the coccinellid alkaloid family of natural products. These compounds, produced by varied species of ladybugs throughout the world as defensive agents, include several polycyclic members that can formally be considered as either monomeric or dimeric with architectures that contain between 3 and 7 ring systems along with an array of stereocenters. As a result of their fascinating structures, many groups have achieved syntheses of varied monomeric members using a variety of synthetic strategies and tactics. However, no efforts to synthesize any of the dimeric structures had been reported at the time we began our studies, and only a modest amount of study had been performed as relates to their biosynthesis, with little knowledge of how the larger structures might actually arise in Nature. In this Account, we provide an overview of our general synthetic considerations to achieve a global synthesis of the collection, efforts that have led to date to the formal and total synthesis of 12 different members, 4 at the dimer level. Critical was (1) the identification of a key, common intermediate to enable access to a large number of monomeric substructures in short order, (2) careful thinking as to how the larger structures might arise biosynthetically to fuel building block design, and (3) the development of several reaction cascades that rapidly assembled the majority of their molecular complexity in single-pot operations. Key discoveries in the program include the finding that when efforts to achieve intermolecular dimerizations fail with advanced intermediates, attempts to couple more functionalized fragments earlier and then fold them into the desired structure can be an effective strategy. We also highlight suggestive evidence that a non-natural isomer we originally prepared from one of those cascades may, in fact, be a natural product. And, in particular, we will focus on how two key cascades were developed, as a result of synthetic challenges at varied points in our explorations, which proved capable of forging multiple bonds, rings, and stereocenters in the target structures. One of these includes a designed event that combined 9 different chemical reactions in a single pot and may prove useful for the synthesis of other targets.

Recent advances in total syntheses of natural products containing the benzocycloheptane motif

Covering: 2010 to 2020Benzocycloheptane is a fundamental and unique structural motif found in pharmaceuticals and natural products. The total syntheses of natural products bearing the benzocycloheptane subunit are challenging and there are only a few efficient approaches to access benzocycloheptane. Thus, new methods and innovative strategies for preparing such natural products need to be developed. In this review, recent progress in the total syntheses of natural products bearing the benzocycloheptane motif is presented, and key transformations for the construction of benzocycloheptane are highlighted. This review provides a useful guide for those engaged in the syntheses of natural products containing the benzocycloheptane motif.

Synthesis of Indanones and Spiroindanones by Diastereoselective Annulation Based on a Hydrogen Autotransfer Strategy

An unprecedented nickel-catalyzed domino reductive cyclization of alkynes and o-bromoaryl aldehydes is described. The reaction features broad substrate scope and is tolerant of a variety of functional groups, providing straightforward access to biologically significant indanones and spiroindanone pyrrolidine derivatives in good yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies have shown that indanones are formed by the cyclization of o-bromoaryl aldehydes and alkynes to form indenol intermediates, followed by hydrogen autotransfer.

An invocation for computational evaluation of isomerization transforms: cationic skeletal reorganizations as a case study

Covering: 2010 to 2020This review article describes how cationic rearrangement reactions have been used in natural product total synthesis over the last decade as a case study for the many productive ways by which isomerization reactions are enabling for synthesis. This review argues that isomerization reactions in particular are well suited for computational evaluation, as relatively simple calculations can provide significant insight.

Recent Advances in Metal-Catalyzed Heterocyclic C-P Bond Formation

The phosphorus-containing heterocycles are an important class of compounds in organic chemistry. Because of their potential application in many fields, especially, the synthetic pesticides, medicine and catalyst, the phosphorus-containing heterocycles have attracted continuous attention from organic synthesis scientists. The development of efficient and low-cost catalytic systems is of great interest for the construction of heterocycles C-P bond. Usually, the phosphorus-containing heterocycles is prepared via direct carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond activation or pre-functionalized of heterocycles with phosphorus-hydrogen (P-H) bond of phosphorus compounds reaction by metal-catalyzed. This review summarizes recent progress in the heterocycles C-P bond formation reactions by metal-catalyzed, which mainly focus on the discussion of the reaction mechanism. It aims to provide efficient methods for the future synthesis and application in this field.

Alkyltriflones in the Ramberg-Bäcklund Reaction: An Efficient and Modular Synthesis of gem-Difluoroalkenes

The unprecedented synthesis of gem-difluoroalkenes through the Ramberg-Bäcklund reaction of alkyl triflones is described herein. Structurally diverse, fully substituted gem-difluoroalkenes that are difficult to prepare by other methods can be easily prepared from readily available triflones by treatment with specific Grignard reagents. Experimental and computational studies provide insight into the unique and critical role of the Grignard reagent, which serves both as a base to remove the α-proton and as a Lewis acid to assist C-F bond activation.

Diversity oriented multi-component reaction (DOS-MCR) approach to access natural product analogues: regio- and chemo-selective synthesis of polyheterocyclic scaffolds via one-pot cascade reactions

Skeletally diverse and complex aza-cyclopenta(cd)diindene, pyrrolo(3,4-d)pyridine-13-carboxamide, and furo-pyrrolo(1,2-a)imidazole-4-carboxamide fused polyheterocyclic hybrid scaffolds and a furo(2,3-b)furan core have been accessed via one-pot three-component reaction by exploiting the build/couple/pair strategy of diversity oriented synthesis (DOS). This protocol is metal free, has a good substrate scope and affords products with good to excellent yields and regio- and chemo-selectivity. The heterocyclic skeletons obtained in this study mimic natural products such as eupolauramine, gracilamine and presilphiperfolanol.

Substrate-controlled selectivity switch in a three-component reaction: sequential synthesis of spiro-oxazolidinedione-cyclopentenones and hydroxy enaminobarbiturates in water

An efficient eco-friendly catalyst-free three-component domino multicyclization for the synthesis of new spirobicyclic oxazolidinedione containing cyclopentenone moieties has been established by mixing amines, β-dicarbonyl compounds and N,N'-dimethylalloxan in water at room temperature. This domino process involves multiple reactions such as enamination/aldol-like reaction/Stork enamine annulation/intramolecular cyclization under mild conditions.

Synthesis of Vitisins A and D Enabled by a Persistent Radical Equilibrium

The first total synthesis of the resveratrol tetramers vitisin A and vitisin D is reported. Electrochemical generation and selective dimerization of persistent radicals is followed by thermal isomerization of the symmetric C8b-C8c dimer to the C3c-C8b isomer, providing rapid entry into the vitisin core. Computational results suggest that this synthetic approach mimics Nature's strategy for constructing these complex molecules. Sequential acid-mediated rearrangements consistent with the proposed biogenesis of these compounds afford vitisin A and vitisin D. The rapid synthesis of these complex molecules will enable further study of their pharmacological potential.

Inhibition of Pancreatic α-amylase by Resveratrol Derivatives: Biological Activity and Molecular Modelling Evidence for Cooperativity between Viniferin Enantiomers

To improve the current understanding of the role of stilbenoids in the management of diabetes, the inhibition of the pancreatic α-amylase by resveratrol derivatives was investigated. To approach in a systematic way, the mechanistic and structural aspects of the interaction, potential bioactive agents were prepared as single molecules, that were used for the biological evaluation of the determinants of inhibitory binding. Some dimeric stilbenoids-in particular, viniferin isomers- were found to be better than the reference drug acarbose in inhibiting the pancreatic α-amylase. Racemic mixtures of viniferins were more effective inhibitors than the respective isolated pure enantiomers at an equivalent total concentration, and displayed cooperative effects not observed with the individual enantiomers. The molecular docking analysis provided a thermodynamics-based rationale for the measured inhibitory ability and for the observed synergistic effects. Indeed, the binding of additional ligands on the surface of the alpha-amylase was found to decrease the dissociation constant of inhibitors bound to the active site of the enzyme, thus providing a mechanistic rationale for the observed inhibitory synergies.

Stereoselective Convergent Synthesis of Tetrahydro-5 H-benzo[ c]fluorene via Nine-Membered Ring-Closing Metathesis and Transannular Acid-Mediated Cyclization/Nucleophilic Addition

The diene methyl ethers or acetates, constructed from the Li-Br exchange/addition reactions of 2-vinylbenzaldehydes and 2-(but-3-en-1-yl)bromoarenes followed by etherification or acetylation of the corresponding alcohols, smoothly underwent the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) by using Hoveyda-Grubbs II as a catalyst to provide the corresponding benzannulated ( Z)-cyclononenes as single products in good yields (up to 75%). The ensuing one-pot acid-mediated transannular cyclization/nucleophilic addition at C7 furnished the corresponding tetrahydro-5 H-benzo[ c]fluorenes as single stereoisomers with the exclusive cis stereochemistry at the ring junction (C5-C6) and trans at the site of nucleophilic attack (C6-C7) on the three contiguous stereogenic centers in good to excellent yield (up to 94%). The developed strategy was general; the reaction conditions were compatible with hydride, azide, and electron-rich aromatics as nucleophiles. In addition, various methoxylated benzannulated cyclononene acetates could be employed as substrates. Thus, tetrahydro-5 H-benzo[ c]fluorenes could be prepared in four steps from appropriately substituted bromoarenes and benzaldehydes in good yields (up to 56%) with excellent stereo- and regio-control.

Photocatalytic decarboxylative [2 + 2 + 1] annulation of 1,6-enynes with N-hydroxyphthalimide esters for the synthesis of indene-containing polycyclic compounds

An efficient photoredox-mediated [2 + 2 + 1] annulation of 1,6-enynes with N-hydroxyphthalimide esters was reported for the synthesis of spiro and non-spiro indene-containing polycyclic frameworks.

Recent applications of the 1,2-carbon atom migration strategy in complex natural product total synthesis

1,2-Carbon atom rearrangement has been broadly applied as a guiding strategy in complex molecule assembly. As it entails the carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bond migration between two vicinal atoms, this type of reaction is capable of generating structural complexity through a molecular skeletal reorganization. This review will focus on recent employment of this strategy in the total synthesis of natural products, highlighting the exceptional utility of such synthetic methodologies in the construction of intricate carbocycles, heterocycles or structurally complex motifs from synthetically more accessible precursors.

Synthesis of Indole-, Benzo[ b]thiophene-, and Benzo[ b]selenophene-Based Analogues of the Resveratrol Dimers Viniferifuran and (±)-Dehydroampelopsin B

A convenient synthetic strategy to obtain viniferifuran and (±)-dehydroampelopsin B analogues based on the heterocyclic cores of indole, benzo[ b]thiophene, and benzo[ b]selenophene is presented. The key transformations utilized in the described syntheses include Sonogashira couplings, Cacchi and alkyne electrophilic cyclizations, Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reaction, chemoselective Suzuki-Miyaura couplings, and acid-promoted intramolecular cyclization to form the seven-membered ring of (±)-dehydroampelopsin B.

Enantioselective Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers Structurally Related to Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids

Enantioselective synthesis of all-carbon quaternary centers remains a considerable challenge for synthetic organic chemists. Here, we report a two-step protocol to synthesize such centers including tandem cyclization/Suzuki cross-coupling followed by halocarbocyclization. During this process, two rings, three new C-C bonds and a stereochemically defined all-carbon quaternary center are formed. The absolute configuration of this center is controlled by the stereochemistry of the adjacent stereocenter, which derives from an appropriate enantioenriched starting material. Using this method, we synthesized polycyclic compounds structurally similar to Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in high enantiomeric excesses. Because these products resemble naturally occurring compounds, our protocol can be used to synthesize various potentially bioactive compounds.

Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Trost-Oppolzer-Type Alder-Ene Reaction of Dienyl Acetates to Cyclopentadienes

A new approach to the synthesis of highly substituted cyclopentadienes, indenes, and cyclopentene-fused heteroarenes by means of the Pd-catalyzed Trost-Oppolzer-type intramolecular Alder-ene reaction of 2,4-pentadienyl acetates is described. This unprecedented transformation combines the electrophilic features of the Tsuji-Trost reaction with the nucleophilic features of the Alder-ene reaction. The overall outcome can be perceived as a hitherto unknown "acid-free" iso-Nazarov-type cyclization. The versatility of this strategy was further demonstrated by the formal synthesis of paucifloral F, a resveratrol-based natural product.

Total Syntheses of Scaparvins B, C, and D Enabled by a Key C-H Functionalization

The clerodane diterpene family possesses an impressive range of bioactivities and high synthetic challenge due to their unique amalgamation of rings, stereocenters, and oxygenation. Herein, we disclose the first total syntheses of three members, scaparvins B, C, and D, through a route fueled by several chemoselective and carefully orchestrated steps. One such operation is a tailored late-stage C-H functionalization converting a carboxylic acid into a lactone through the oxidation of a tertiary C-H bond under conditions that minimize epoxidation of an alkene. This step, among others, afforded critical functionality to complete the targets. In addition, use of an appropriate chiral catalyst with a Rawal diene renders the sequence enantioselective.