Total Synthesis of Calothrixin A and B via C–H Activation

Hauser-Kraus Annulation Initiated Multi-Cascade Reactions for Facile Access to Functionalized and Fused Oxazepines, Carbazoles and Phenanthridinediones

The Hauser-Kraus (H-K) annulation of N-unsubstituted 3-olefinic oxindoles with 3-nucleophilic phthalides triggers a cascade of ring expansion and ring contraction reactions through several regioselective steps in one pot. While oxazepines were isolated in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of base at room temperature, carbazoles and phenanthridinediones were the products in the presence of excess base and microwave irradiation. Mechanistic studies guided by stepwise reactions and control experiments revealed that the isolable oxazepine intermediate, formed via ring expansion of the H-K adduct, is the key precursor to carbazole and phenanthridinedione via decarboxylative regioselective cyclizations.

Synthesis of Cytotoxic Quino[4,3-b]carbazole Frameworks through an Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction

An intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of positionally isomeric indole-2/3-phenylvinyl-N-alkynylated (N-phenylsulfonyl)amines has been successfully exploited for the synthesis of quino[4,3-b]carbazole and its analogues. This reaction proceeds through a [4 + 2] cycloaddition followed by elimination and deprotection of phenylsulfonyl units to afford the quinocarbazoles in moderate to good yields. The reaction features a broad substrate scope and remarkable functional group forbearance. A preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of representative quino[4,3-b]carbazoles was performed against NCI-H460 human cancer cell culture. Among the quino[4,3-b]carbazoles evaluated, five of the fluorine-containing quinocarbazoles displayed nano molar range (0.8-2.0 nm) GI50 values. The UV-vis and fluorescence spectral studies of representative quinocarbazoles were also performed. Like ellipticine, four of the quinocarbazoles displayed dual emissions confirming the existence of p-quinonoid like tautomeric forms in a polar protic solvent.

Cu(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling of primary amines with 2,2′-dibromo-1,1′-biphenyl for the synthesis of polysubstituted carbazole

A Cu(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling of primary amines with 2,2′-dibromo-1,1′-biphenyl for the synthesis of polysubstituted carbazole has been achieved. This protocol provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of carbazole using cheap copper catalysts with diamine ligand, and it provides convenient access to a series of carbazole derivatives in moderate yields.

This protocol provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of carbazole using cheaper copper catalysts with diamine ligand. A series of carbazole derivatives can be obtained in moderate yields.

Exploiting an intramolecular Diels-Alder cyclization/dehydro-aromatization sequence for the total syntheses of ellipticines and calothrixin B

The tetracyclic and pentacyclic skeletons of pyrido and quinolinocarbazole alkaloids have been synthesized via a unified strategy. The prominent key step involved a Diels-Alder intramolecular cyclization/dehydro-aromatization sequence. From these carbazole-lactam cores, linear syntheses have been developed for ellipticines and calothrixin B.

Direct oxidative coupling of N-acyl pyrroles with alkenes by ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed regioselective C2-alkenylation

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed oxidative coupling by C2-alkenylation of N-acyl pyrroles with alkenes has been described. The acyl unit was found to be an effective chelating group for the activation of aryl C-H bonds ortho to the directing group. The alkenylation reaction of benzoyl pyrroles occurred regioselectively at the C2-position of the pyrrole ring, without touching the benzene ring. The reaction provides exclusively monosubstituted pyrroles under the optimized conditions. Disubstituted pyrroles could be obtained using higher loadings of the ruthenium(ii)-catalyst and the additives.

Access to polyfunctionalized carbazoles through π-extension of 2-methyl-3-oxoacetate indoles

A structurally diverse set of polyfunctionalized carbazoles was efficiently synthesized in acceptable to excellent yields.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Calothrixins B and their Deoxygenated Analogues

A series of calothrixin B (2) analogues bearing substituents at the 'E' ring and their corresponding deoxygenated quinocarbazoles lacking quinone unit were synthesized. The cytotoxicities of calothrixins 1, 2, and 15b-p and quinocarbazole analogues were investigated against nine cancer cell lines. The quinocarbazoles 21a and 25a inhibited the catalytic activity of human topoisomerase II. The plasmid DNA cleavage abilities of calothrixins 1, 2, and 15b-p identified compound 15h causing DNA cleavage comparable to that of calothrixin A (1). Calothrixin A (1), 3-fluorocalothrixin 15h and 4-fluoroquinocarbazole 21b induced extensive DNA damage followed by apoptotic cell death. Spectral and plasmid unwinding studies demonstrated an intercalative mode of binding for quinocarbazoles. We identified two promising drug candidates, the 3-fluorocalothrixin B 15h with low toxicity in animal model and its deoxygenated derivative 4-fluoroquinocarbazole 21b as having potent cytotoxicity against NCI-H460 cell line with a GI₅₀ of 1 nM.

A rapid construction of a specific quino[4,3-b] carbazolone system and its application for the synthesis of calothrixin B

An efficient methodology is developed for the synthesis of functionalized specific carbazole lactams related to pyrido[4,3-b]- and quino[4,3-b] carbazole alkaloids.

Catalyst-Driven Scaffold Diversity: Selective Synthesis of Spirocycles, Carbazoles and Quinolines from Indolyl Ynones

Medicinally relevant spirocyclic indolenines, carbazoles and quinolines can each be directly synthesised selectively from common indolyl ynone starting materials by catalyst variation. The high yielding, divergent reactions all proceed by an initial dearomatising spirocyclisation reaction to generate an intermediate vinyl-metal species, which then rearranges selectively by careful choice of catalyst and reaction conditions.

Cyanobacterial Metabolite Calothrixins: Recent Advances in Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

The marine environment is host to unparalleled biological and chemical diversity, making it an attractive resource for the discovery of new therapeutics for a plethora of diseases. Compounds that are extracted from cyanobacteria are of special interest due to their unique structural scaffolds and capacity to produce potent pharmaceutical and biotechnological traits. Calothrixins A and B are two cyanobacterial metabolites with a structural assembly of quinoline, quinone, and indole pharmacophores. This review surveys recent advances in the synthesis and evaluation of the biological activities of calothrixins. Due to the low isolation yields from the marine source and the promise this scaffold holds for anticancer and antimicrobial drugs, organic and medicinal chemists around the world have embarked on developing efficient synthetic routes to produce calothrixins. Since the first review appeared in 2009, 11 novel syntheses of calothrixins have been published in the efforts to develop methods that contain fewer steps and higher-yielding reactions. Calothrixins have shown their potential as topoisomerase I poisons for their cytotoxicity in cancer. They have also been observed to target various aspects of RNA synthesis in bacteria. Further investigation into the exact mechanism for their bioactivity is still required for many of its analogs.

Synthesis of trifluoromethylated isoxazoles and their elaboration through inter- and intra-molecular C–H arylation

We report conditions for the preparation of a range of trifluoromethylated isoxazole building blocks through the cycloaddition reaction of trifluoromethyl nitrile oxide and their subsequent derivatisation.

Sequential decarboxylative azide-alkyne cycloaddition and dehydrogenative coupling reactions: one-pot synthesis of polycyclic fused triazoles

Herein, we describe a one-pot protocol for the synthesis of a novel series of polycyclic triazole derivatives. Transition metal-catalyzed decarboxylative CuAAC and dehydrogenative cross coupling reactions are combined in a single flask and achieved good yields of the respective triazoles (up to 97% yield). This methodology is more convenient to produce the complex polycyclic molecules in a simple way.

Formal total synthesis of calothrixin B and its N-benzyl analogues

A formal total synthesis of calothrixin B and its N-benzyl analogues has been reported from (2-chlorophenyl)boronic acid, 8-bromophenanthridine-dione and benzylamines.

Phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of aromatic azomethine imines with allenoates

An efficient phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition of aromatic azomethine imines with allenoates has been developed, providing dinitrogen-fused heterocyclic compounds in moderate to excellent yields.

Simple indole alkaloids and those with a nonrearranged monoterpenoid unit

This review summarizes the isolation, structure determination, total syntheses and biological activities of simple indole alkaloids and those with a nonrearranged monoterpenoid unit, with literature coverage from 2012 to 2013.

Total synthesis of calothrixin B via sequential Sonogashira coupling/copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization

A total synthesis of the antimalarial indolo[3,2-j]phenanthridine alkaloid calothrixin B is reported.

Total Synthesis of Calothrixins A and B via Oxidative Radical Reaction of Cyclohexenone with Aminophenanthridinedione

Bioactive indolo[3,2-j]phenanthridine alkaloids, calothrixin B and its N-oxide derivative calothrixin A have been synthesized via an oxidative free radical reaction. calothrixin B is generated from the commercially available 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde in only 7 steps. The key step in this synthesis is the Mn(OAc)₃ mediated oxidative free radical reaction of 9-(benzylamino)phenanthridine -7,10-dione with cyclohexenone to form 12-benzyl-12H-indolo[3,2-j]phenanthridine-7,13-dione.

Applications of C-H functionalization logic to cyclobutane synthesis

The application of C-H functionalization logic to target-oriented synthesis provides an exciting new venue for the development of new and useful strategies in organic chemistry. In this article, C-H functionalization reactions are explored as an alternative approach to access pseudodimeric cyclobutane natural products, such as the dictazole and the piperarborenine families. The use of these strategies in a variety of complex settings highlights the subtle geometric, steric, and electronic effects at play in the auxiliary guided C-H functionalization of cyclobutanes.

Total synthesis of ellipticine quinones, olivacine, and calothrixin B

A direct route to the synthesis of biologically active ellipticine quinones, olivacine, and calothrixin B is described. The prominent key steps involved are Friedel-Crafts hydroxyalkylation followed by oxidation and directed ortho-lithiation reactions of readily available indole-2-carboxylate esters with appropriately substituted pyridine and quinoline carboxaldehydes.

K. SK. Palladium mediated intramolecular multiple C–X/C–H cross coupling and C–H activation: synthesis of carbazole alkaloids calothrixin B and murrayaquinone A

Straightforward palladium mediated syntheses of calothrixin B and murrayaquinone A are described.

Synthesis of calothrixins and its analogs using FeCl3-mediated domino reaction protocol

A novel one pot synthesis of calothrixin B and its analogs is achieved involving an FeCl3-mediated domino reaction of enamines in dry DMF at reflux. Alternatively, the enamines upon interaction with CuBr2 in DMF at reflux led to the formation of 1-phenylsulfony-2-(2'-nitroaryl)-4-hydroxycarbazole-3-carbaldehydes in excellent yields.

Dissociation or cyclization: options for a triad of radicals released from oxime carbamates

A set of oxime carbamates having N-alkyl and N,N-dialkyl substituents were prepared via carbonyldiimidazole intermediates. It was shown by EPR spectroscopy that they underwent clean homolysis of their N–O bonds upon UV photolysis. During photolysis of acetophenone O-allylcarbamoyl oxime, the corresponding oxazolidin-2-onylmethyl radical was detected by EPR spectroscopy, providing the first evidence that N-monosubstituted carbamoyloxyl radicals can hold their structural integrity. N,N-Disubstituted carbamoyloxyl radicals dissociated rapidly at the lowest accessible temperatures. Above room temperature, both types of oxime carbamate acted as selective new precursors for aminyl and iminyl radicals. Rate parameters were measured for 5-exo cyclization of N-benzyl-N-pent-4-enylaminyl radicals; the rate constant was smaller than for C-centered and O-centered analogues. Oxime carbamates derived from the volatile diethylamine afforded aryliminyl radicals that proved convenient for phenanthridine preparations.