Convergent Route to ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids: Total Synthesis of Lungshengenin D and 1α,6α-Diacetoxy-ent-kaura-9(11),16-dien-12,15-dione

Total Syntheses of Diepoxy-ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids Enabled by a Bridgehead-Enone-Initiated Intramolecular Cycloaddition

Here, we report the enantioselective total syntheses of four diepoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoids including (-)-Macrocalin B, (-)-Acetyl-macrocalin B, and (-)-Isoadenolin A and the revised structure of (-)-Phyllostacin I, which hinges on the strategic design of a regioselective and stereospecific trapping of a highly reactive [3.2.1]-bridgehead enone intermediate via a tethered intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction. Combined experimental and computational studies demonstrated that the novel bridgehead-enone-initiated intramolecular cycloaddition could proceed in a stepwise diradical mechanism. Although the key step partially led to unexpected [2 + 2]-cycloaddition outcomes, we ultimately implemented an unprecedented TiIII-catalyzed cyclobutane ring-opening-annulation radical cascade to reassemble a keystone pentacyclic core. Coupled with a sequence of organized oxidation-state manipulations and an efficient late-stage assembly of the C-7,20 hemiketal bridge, our strategy would streamline the synthetic design of diepoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoids and pave the way for their modular syntheses as well as highlight the powerful utility of [3.2.1]-bridgehead enone intermediates in the construction of structural complexity.

Total syntheses of (-)-macrocalyxoformins A and B and (-)-ludongnin C

The complex and diverse molecular architectures along with broad biological activities of ent-kauranoids natural products make them an excellent testing ground for the invention of synthetic methods and strategies. Recent efforts notwithstanding, synthetic access to the highly oxidized enmein-type ent-kauranoids still presents considerable challenges to synthetic chemists. Here, we report the enantioselective total syntheses of C-19 oxygenated enmein-type ent-kauranoids, including (-)-macrocalyxoformins A and B and (-)-ludongnin C, along with discussion and study of synthetic strategies. The enabling feature in our synthesis is a devised Ni-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization/radical-polar crossover/C-acylation cascade that forges a THF ring concomitantly with the β-keto ester group. Mechanistic studies reveal that the C-acylation process in this cascade reaction is achieved through a carboxylation followed by an in situ esterification. Biological evaluation of these synthetic natural products reveals the indispensable role of the ketone on the D ring in their anti-tumor efficacy.

Unveiling the Potential of Ent-Kaurane Diterpenoids: Multifaceted Natural Products for Drug Discovery

Natural products hold immense potential for drug discovery, yet many remain unexplored in vast libraries and databases. In an attempt to fill this gap and meet the growing demand for effective drugs, this study delves into the promising world of ent-kaurane diterpenoids, a class of natural products with huge therapeutic potential. With a dataset of 570 ent-kaurane diterpenoids obtained from the literature, we conducted an in silico analysis, evaluating their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological properties with a focus on their therapeutic implications. Notably, these natural compounds exhibit drug-like properties, aligning closely with those of FDA-approved drugs, indicating a high potential for drug development. The ranges of the physicochemical parameters were as follows: molecular weights-288.47 to 626.82 g/mol; number of heavy atoms-21 to 44; the number of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors-0 to 8 and 1 to 11, respectively; the number of rotatable bonds-0 to 11; fraction Csp3-0.65 to 1; and TPSA-20.23 to 189.53 Ų. Additionally, the majority of these molecules display favorable safety profiles, with only 0.70%, 1.40%, 0.70%, and 46.49% exhibiting mutagenic, tumorigenic, reproduction-enhancing, and irritant properties, respectively. Importantly, ent-kaurane diterpenoids exhibit promising biopharmaceutical properties. Their average lipophilicity is optimal for drug absorption, while over 99% are water-soluble, facilitating delivery. Further, 96.5% and 28.20% of these molecules exhibited intestinal and brain bioavailability, expanding their therapeutic reach. The predicted pharmacological activities of these compounds encompass a diverse range, including anticancer, immunosuppressant, chemoprotective, anti-hepatic, hepatoprotectant, anti-inflammation, antihyperthyroidism, and anti-hepatitis activities. This multi-targeted profile highlights ent-kaurane diterpenoids as highly promising candidates for further drug discovery endeavors.

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.

Divergent Total Syntheses of Napelline-Type C20-Diterpenoid Alkaloids: (-)-Napelline, (+)-Dehydronapelline, (-)-Songorine, (-)-Songoramine, (-)-Acoapetaldine D, and (-)-Liangshanone

The napelline-type alkaloids possess an azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety and an ent-kaurane-type tetracyclic skeleton (6/6/6/5) along with varied oxidation patterns embedded in the compact hexacyclic framework. Herein, we disclose a divergent entry to napelline-type alkaloids that hinges on convergent assembly of the ent-kaurane core using a diastereoselective intermolecular Cu-mediated conjugate addition and subsequent intramolecular Michael addition reaction as well as rapid construction of the azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane motif via an intramolecular Mannich cyclization. The power of this strategy has been demonstrated through efficient asymmetric total syntheses of eight napelline-type alkaloids, including (-)-napelline, (-)-12-epi-napelline, (+)-dehydronapelline, (+)-12-epi-dehydronapelline, (-)-songorine, (-)-songoramine, (-)-acoapetaldine D, and (-)-liangshanone.

Structures and Biological Activities of Polyacylated ent-Kaurane Diterpenoid Glycosides from the Aerial Parts of Inula hupehensis

Sixteen new (1-16) and three known (17-19) polyacylated ent-kaurane diterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the aerial parts of Inula hupehensis. The planar structures of 1-16 and their relative configurations were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of all stereogenic centers for compounds 1 and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and the absolute configurations of the other new compounds were assigned by chemical degradation and experimental ECD data. Antineuroinflammatory testing of all the isolates showed that compound 5 inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in BV-2 microglial cells with an IC₅₀ value of 15.6 μM. In an α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, compound 13 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect with an IC₅₀ value of 32.8 μM, whereas the IC₅₀ value of the positive control, acarbose, was 387.8 μM.

Total Synthesis of Isorosthin L and Isoadenolin I

Total syntheses of two Isodon diterpenes, isorosthin L and isoadenolin I, are reported. The synthetic strategy features a quick assembly of two simple building blocks through a diastereoselective intermolecular aldol reaction and a subsequent radical cyclization for efficient construction of a rather complex advanced intermediate bearing a quaternary stereocenter present in all Isodon diterpenes. Oxidative cleavage of the C-C bond in the cyclopentane enabled the conversion to a lactone moiety which is desired for the construction of the molecular skeleton through reductive coupling with an aldehyde carbonyl group.

Recent advances in the synthesis of ent-kaurane diterpenoids

Covering: 2015 to 2020The ent-kaurane diterpenoids are integral parts of tetracyclic natural products that are widely distributed in terrestrial plants. These compounds have been found to possess interesting bioactivities, ranging from antitumor, antifungal and antibacterial to anti-inflammatory activities. Structurally, the different tetracyclic moieties of ent-kauranes can be seen as the results of intramolecular cyclizations, oxidations, C-C bond cleavages, degradation, or rearrangements, starting from their parent skeleton. During the past decade, great efforts have been made to develop novel strategies for synthesizing these natural products. The purpose of this review is to describe the recent advances in the total synthesis of ent-kaurane diterpenoids covering the period from 2015 to date.

Asymmetric Total Syntheses of 8,9-Seco-ent-kaurane Diterpenoids Enabled by an Electrochemical ODI-[5+2] Cascade

An electrochemical ODI-[5+2] cascade reaction was developed which enables the rapid assembly of diversely functionalized bicyclo[3.2.1]octadienones from sensitive ethynylphenols. By combining a directed retro-aldol/aldol process, a [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, and an Al(O-iPr)₃ -promoted reductive 1,3-transposition, the asymmetric total syntheses of five 8,9-seco-ent-kauranoids-(-)-shikoccin, (-)-O-methylshikoccin, (-)-epoxyshikoccin, (+)-O-methylepoxyshikoccin, and (+)-rabdo-hakusin-have been achieved in a concise and efficient manner.

Tetracyclic Diterpenoid Synthesis Facilitated by ODI-Cascade Approaches to Bicyclo[3.2.1]octane Skeletons

Tetracyclic diterpenoids (C₂₀) mainly refer to the plant terpenoids bearing biogenetically related carbon skeletons derived from copalyl diphosphates (ent-CPP and syn-CPP). This large family contains over 1600 known members that can be categorized into 11 major structural types. Among them, more than three-quarters share a bridged bicyclo[3.2.1]octane subunit, which is also an important branching point in biosynthesis en route to the other types of bicyclic scaffolds, such as bicyclo[2.2.2]-, bicyclo[3.3.0]-, and tricyclo[3.2.1.0]octanes. Combined with the significance of its stereochemical importance in biological activity, the assembly of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons is critical to the success of the whole synthesis blueprint toward tetracyclic diterpenoids. Although a number of inspiring methodologies have been disclosed, general approaches by the incorporation of innovative cascade reactions permitting access to diverse structural types of tetracyclic diterpenoids remain limited and in urgent demand.Because of the long-standing interest in the synthesis of bridged diterpenoids, we have recently developed two complementary types of oxidative dearomatization induced (ODI) cascade approaches to the rapid and efficient construction of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons. In this Account, we summarize our original synthesis design, methodology development, and the application of these two strategies in tetracyclic diterpenoid synthesis during the past few years in our laboratory.First, we detail our preliminary investigation of the ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade reaction, which showed a wide scope of vinylphenol substrates and led to cyclopentane and cyclohexane-fused bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes in good yields with excellent dr values. Next, we describe the utilization of this ODI-[5 + 2] cascade reaction which resulted in the asymmetric total syntheses of four highly oxygenated ent-kauranoids. The strategy concerning accurate stereochemical control in the ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition was then successfully transplanted to the total syntheses of three stemaranoids, thus providing a straightforward and diastereoselective route to C9-ethano-bridged tetracyclic diterpenoids. To access more complex diterpenoid rhodomollanol A, we exploited two additional biomimetic rearrangements, namely, the retro-Dieckmann fragmentation/vinylogous Dieckmann cyclization cascade and the photo-Nazarov cyclization/intramolecular cycloetherification cascade. Taken together with the ODI-[5 + 2] cascade, the asymmetric total synthesis of the target molecule was realized, which shed light on the biogenetic pathway of the unprecedented rhodomollane-type carbon framework. Finally, we describe an ODI-Diels-Alder/Beckwith-Dowd cascade approach as a valuable supplement to the ODI-[5 + 2] cascade for the fabrication of cycloheptane-fused bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons. Its versatility was also demonstrated by the total syntheses of two challenging grayanane diterpenoids. In view of the high functional-group compatibility and scalability, we anticipate that the two novel cascade approaches will find further use in the field of complex natural product synthesis.

In Pursuit of Synthetic Efficiency: Convergent Approaches

The field of total synthesis has reached a stage in which emphasis has been increasingly focused on synthetic efficiency rather than merely achieving the synthesis of a target molecule. The pursuit of synthetic efficiency, typically represented by step count and overall yield, is a rich source of inspiration and motivation for synthetic chemists to invent innovative strategies and methods. Among them, convergent strategy has been well recognized as an effective approach to improve efficiency. This strategy generally involves coupling of fragments with similar complexity to furnish the target molecule via subsequent cyclization or late-stage functionalization. Thus, methodologies that enable effective connection of fragments are critical to devising a convergent plan. In our laboratory, convergent strategy has served as a long-standing principle for pursuing efficient synthesis during the course of planning and implementing synthetic projects. In this Account, we summarize our endeavors in the convergent synthesis of natural products over the last ten years. We show how we identify reasonable bond disconnections and employ enabling synthetic methodologies to maximize convergency, leading to the efficient syntheses of over two-dozen highly complex molecules from eight disparate families.In detail, we categorize our work into three parts based on the diverse reaction types for fragment assembly. First, we demonstrate the application of a powerful single-electron reducing agent, SmI₂, in a late-stage cyclization step, forging the polycyclic skeletons of structurally fascinating Galbulimima alkaloids and Leucosceptrum sesterterpenoids. Next, we showcase how three different types of cycloaddition reactions can simultaneously construct two challenging C-C bonds in a single step, providing concise entries to three distinct families, namely, spiroquinazoline alkaloids, gracilamine, and kaurane diterpenoids. In the third part, we describe convergent assembly of ent-kaurane diterpenoids, gelsedine-type alkaloids, and several drug molecules via employing some bifunctional synthons. To access highly oxidized ent-kaurane diterpenoids, we introduce the hallmark bicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system at an early stage, and then execute coupling and cyclization by means of a Hoppe's homoaldol reaction and a Mukaiyama-Michael-type addition, respectively. Furthermore, we showcase how the orchestrated combination of an asymmetric Michael addition, a tandem oxidation-aldol reaction and a pinacol rearrangement can dramatically improve the efficiency in synthesizing gelsedine-type alkaloids, with nary a protecting group. Finally, to address the supply issue of several drugs, including anti-influenza drug zanamivir and antitumor agent Et-743, we exploit scalable and practical approaches to provide advantages over current routes in terms of cost, ease of execution, and efficiency.

Computational exploration of copper catalyzed vinylogous aerobic oxidation of unsaturated compounds

Selective oxidation is one of the most important and challenging transformations in both academic research and chemical industry. Recently, a highly selective and efficient way to synthesize biologically active γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated molecules from Cu-catalyzed vinylogous aerobic oxidation of α,β- and β,γ-unsaturated compounds has been developed. However, the detailed reaction mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we report a density functional theory study on this Cu-catalyzed vinylogous aerobic oxidation of γ,γ-disubstituted α,β- and β,γ-unsaturated isomers. Our computational study unveils detailed mechanism for each elementary step, i.e. deprotonation, O2 activation, and reduction. Besides, the origin of regioselectivity, divergent reactivities of substrates as well as reducing agents, and the byproduct generation have also been investigated. Notably, the copper catalyst retains the + 2 oxidation state through the whole catalytic cycle and plays essential roles in multiple steps. These findings would provide hints on mechanistic studies and future development of transition metal-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions.

Chemical synthesis of quillaic acid, the aglycone of QS-21

With the easily available protoescigenin as a starting material, a protocol to chemically synthesize quillaic acid was established.

Syntheses of Skeletally Diverse Tetracyclic Isodon Diterpenoid Scaffolds Guided by Dienyne Radical Cyclization Logic

We report herein the diversity-oriented synthesis of various tetracyclic Isodon diterpenoid scaffolds guided by radical cyclization logic. Our substrate-based dienyne radical cyclization approach is distinctive from reagent-based rearrangement approaches that are generally applied in biosynthesis or previous synthetic studies. An unprecedented cyclization at C₁₄ via 1,5-radical translocation/5-exo-trig cyclization is observed, which enriches our radical cyclization pattern. Furthermore, biological evaluations revealed that several new natural product-like compounds showed promising anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines.

Putative Biomimetic Route to 8-Oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Motif from a Humulene Sesquiterpenoid Zerumbone

An approach to expand the diversity of terpenes to novel polycyclic skeletons with contiguous stereogenic centers is described. An unprecedented 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane motif was obtained in quantitative yield by photoirradiation of zerumbone in the presence of a catalytic amount of Lewis acid. The vital role of light in the isomerization of double bonds in zerumbone, which ensued cyclization via tertiary carbocation intermediate, emulates a biosynthetic route. Synthetic diversification of the phototransformed product afforded epoxy derivatives with up to seven contiguous stereogenic centers and eight-member ring fused tricyclic motifs. The present work sheds light on the possible role of UV irradiation in the biosynthesis of oxo-bridged tricyclic structures from polyene terpenes.

Convergent Total Synthesis of Principinol D, a Rearranged Kaurane Diterpenoid

The total synthesis of principinol D, a rearranged kaurane diterpenoid, is reported. This grayanane natural product is constructed via a convergent fragment coupling approach, wherein the central seven-membered ring is synthesized at a late stage. The bicyclo[3.2.1]octane fragment is accessed by a Ni-catalyzed α-vinylation reaction. Strategic reductions include a diastereoselective SmI2-mediated ketone reduction with PhSH and a new protocol for selective ester reduction in the presence of ketones. The convergent strategy reported herein may be an entry point to the larger class of kaurane diterpenoids.

Enantioselective Total Syntheses of (+)-Fendleridine and (+)-Acetylaspidoalbidine

Enantioselective syntheses of hexacyclic aspidoalbidine alkaloids (+)-fendleridine (2) and (+)-acetylaspidoalbidine (3) are described. These syntheses feature an asymmetric decarboxylative allylation and photocyclization of a highly substituted enaminone. Also, the synthesis highlights the formation of a C19-hemiaminal ether via a reduction/condensation/intramolecular cyclization cascade with the C21-alcohol. The present synthesis provides convenient access to the aspidoalbidine hexacyclic alkaloid family in an efficient manner.

An Intramolecular Cycloaddition Approach to the Kauranoid Family of Diterpene Metabolites

Synthetic studies toward the ent-kauranoid family of diterpene natural products are reported. An intramolecular (4 + 3) cycloaddition allows the direct elaboration of diverse natural product frameworks, encompassing a challenging bicyclo[3.2.1]octane core. The established routes comprise only a few synthetic operations (3-5 steps), transforming a range of simple starting materials into the tetracyclic scaffolds that are commonly found in many ent-kaurene metabolites.

Diterpenoids of terrestrial origin

This review covers the isolation and chemistry of diterpenoids from terrestrial sources from 2017.

Synthesis of Novel ent-Kaurane-Type Diterpenoid Derivatives Effective for Highly Aggressive Tumor Cells

We have designed and synthesized 6 ent-Kaurane-type diterpenoid derivatives containing α,β-unsaturated ketone moieties. In vitro, activity was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines and a rat myogenic cell line (HepG2, NSCLC-H292, SNU-1040, L6) by MTT assay. All the tested compounds exhibited comparable or higher activity than DDP and eriocalyxin B. Compounds 16, 17 and 18 are promising anti-tumor leads due to their cytotoxic potencies and higher selectivity, with SI values of 161.06, 47.80 and 128.20, respectively.

Scalable synthesis enabling multilevel bio-evaluations of natural products for discovery of lead compounds

Challenges in the development of anti-cancer chemotherapeutics continue to exist, particularly with respect to adverse effects and development of resistance, underlining the need for novel drugs with good safety profiles. Natural products have proven to be a fertile ground for exploitation, and development of anti-cancer drugs from structurally complex natural products holds promise. Unfortunately, this approach is often hindered by low isolation yields and limited information from preliminary cell-based assays. Here we report a concise and scalable synthesis of a series of low-abundance Isodon diterpenoids (a large class of natural products with over 1000 members isolated from the herbs of genus Isodon, which are well-known folk medicines for the treatment of inflammation and cancer), including eriocalyxin B, neolaxiflorin L and xerophilusin I. These scalable syntheses enable multilevel bio-evaluation of the natural products, in which we identify neolaxiflorin L as a promising anti-cancer drug candidate.

A divergent [5+2] cascade approach to bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes: facile synthesis of ent-kaurene and cedrene-type skeletons

A solvent-dependent oxidative dearomatization-induced divergent [5+2] cascade approach to bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes was described. This novel protocol enables a facile synthesis of a series of diversely functionalized ent-kaurene and cedrene-type skeletons in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.

Iridium-catalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous allylic alkylation

A catalytic asymmetric vinylogous allylic alkylation of α,β-unsaturated lactones with an iridium catalyst was achieved with excellent regio- and enantioselectivity.

Recent synthetic studies towards natural products via [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions

In this review, we provide a summary of recent progress regarding synthetic studies towards natural products via [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions.