Synthesis of the Tetracyclic Core of Tetrapetalone A Enabled by a Pyrrole Reductive Alkyation

Discovery and Heterologous Production of Tetrapetalones Provide Insights into the Formation of the Tetracyclic System

Tetrapetalones make up a unique class of pentaketide ansamycins that feature a tetracyclic skeleton and exhibit potent inhibitory activities against soybean lipoxygenase. However, a detailed biosynthetic route to tetrapetalones has not been published. Herein we report the activation of the tetrapetalones' biosynthetic gene cluster (tpt) in Streptomyces sp. S10 by promoter engineering along with constitutive expression of pathway-specific regulator genes, leading to the discovery of seven new derivatives, tetrapetalones E-K (2-8), and the known tetrapetalone A (1). In vivo gene deletion experiments and heterologous expression of the minimized tpt cluster in Streptomyces albus J1074 suggest that the tetracyclic system of tetrapetalones is probably formed spontaneously, and the regioselective glycosylation of tetrapetalones at the C-9 hydroxy group with d-rhamnose or d-rhodinose was catalyzed by the glycosyltransferase Tpt14.

Gram-Scale Synthesis of Bufospirostenin A by a Biomimetic Skeletal Rearrangement Approach

Bufospirostenin A, which was the first spirostanol to be isolated from an animal, possesses an unprecedented 5/7/6/5/5/6 hexacyclic framework. Herein, we report two biomimetic syntheses of this natural product in just seven or nine steps from a readily available steroidal lactone. Key features of the syntheses include a photosantonin rearrangement and a Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement for rapid construction of the rearranged A/B ring system, as well as a cobalt-mediated olefin hydroselenylation and a selenide E2 reaction to accomplish a challenging olefin transposition. Our syntheses provide experimental support for the biogenetic pathway to 5(10→1)abeo-steroids that we have proposed.

Merging Strategy, Improvisation, and Conversation to Solve Problems in Target Synthesis

Total synthesis has long been depicted as the quest to conquer the structures created by nature, requiring an unflinching, single-minded devotion to the task. The goal is achieved by chemists with grit, strength of will, and a competitive spirit. While there is some truth to this viewpoint, it does not fully capture the rich experiences gained in this research realm. In our lab, strategic planning, improvisation, and conversation have worked in concert to enable progress. This Account summarizes our efforts to synthesize four different bioactive targets: merrilactone A, rocaglamide, phomactin A, and tetrapetalone A. Certain missteps were integral to success in these synthetic projects. As such, we include the hiccups, and their roles in the evolution of the strategies, along with the results that aligned with our expectations.Two of these projects (merrilactone A and rocaglamide) culminated in the total synthesis of the targets. The challenges presented by merrilactone A spawned a new design strategy for pentannulation using Nazarov cyclization chemistry. This work demonstrated that Lewis acid catalysis is often a viable electrocyclization strategy in activated, polarized pentadienyl cation intermediates. We sought to apply the same logic to the rocaglamide target, but precursors we prepared did not behave according to plan. This situation pushed us to adapt our approach to match the innate reactivity of the substrate, resulting in an on-the-spot improvisation that was not only integral to the success of the project but also expanded our understanding of pentadienyl cation chemistry. In the other two projects (phomactin A and tetrapetalone A), we did not complete a total synthesis but did build the polycyclic core of the target. Even though the hetero [4 + 2] cycloaddition plan for assembling the macrocyclic oxadecalin ring system of phomactin A failed, the original experimental design still enabled us to solve the problem. Through a wholly unanticipated series of events, our focus on the oxadecalin ring system primed us for the discovery of a sequential iodoaldol/oxa-Michael sequence, using the original [4 + 2] building blocks. Then, the bridging ring present in phomactin A demanded we implement this sequence in a transannular fashion. Finally, our successful synthesis of the tetrapetalone core was enabled by consultations with others in the community. Each bond formation seemed to require different expertise, and in three separate instances (C-N cross-coupling, diastereoselective ring-closing metathesis, and oxidative dearomatization) synthetic challenges were overcome through conversation and collaboration.In our experience, the amount of creative power we summon during a target synthesis project correlates directly with the magnitude of the structural challenges we face. When reactivity surprises us, we analyze the problem anew, consult with colleagues, and improvise with the tools at hand. The inevitable misbehavior of a complex system is a strong motivating force, and one that has helped to shape our research program for nearly two decades.

Pyrrole-2,5-dione analogs as a promising antioxidant agents: microwave-assisted synthesis, bio-evaluation, SAR analysis and DFT studies/interpretation

A new series of pyrrole analogs were developed via the microwave irradiation synthesis. Consequently, got a high yield of the products. As pyrroles are familiar for showing various biological properties, all obtained compounds were screened for their antioxidant properties, most of the compounds showing significant activity. In fact, the motifs 5e, 5g, 5h and 5m showed outstanding antioxidant properties. Further, to enlighten the biologically energetic behavior underlying the antioxidant activity, compounds DFT studies were performed. Noteworthy results have been attained and the structure activity relationship (SAR) was discussed with the support of this results. It was found that highly biological active compounds exhibited a low HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Eg) and the high Eg value compounds show very low/negligible or inactive antioxidant activities. In other cases, compounds containing high HOMO energy levels also provide high antioxidant activity. The thought-provoking point of our results is that theoretical descriptors of the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and the highest occupied molecular orbital energy are important descriptors in the bioorganic research to support the biological experiments.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Sigillin A: A Polychlorinated and Polyoxygenated Natural Product

The total synthesis of (-)-sigillin A, a highly chlorinated and oxygenated octahydroisocoumarin, is described herein. A hexahydroisocoumarin skeleton was constructed from (R)-4-(trichloromethyl)oxetan-2-one in seven steps. Its unique manganese oxidation provided an enone as the key intermediate of sigillin A. Stereoselective installation of two hydroxy groups and formation of gem-dichloroalkene from the corresponding ketone led to the total synthesis of (-)-sigillin A in a total of 16 steps.

Total Synthesis of Fawcettimine-Type Alkaloid, Lycojaponicumin A

The efficient total synthesis of lycojaponicumin A (1) has been accomplished for the first time. The remarkable features of this novel strategy include the following: (1) rapid construction of tricyclic intermediate 4 through a regio- and stereoselective semipinacol ring expansion, which simplified the construction of rings A and B of 1; (2) the subsequent regio- and stereoselective formation of the highly strained rings C-E of 1 through a tandem oxa-hetero [3 + 2] cycloaddition/N-cycloalkylation.

Pd-Catalyzed asymmetric [5 + 2] cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates and cyclic imines: access to N-fused 1,3-oxazepines

A facile route to access enantioenriched N-fused 1,3-oxazepines via Pd-catalyzed asymmetric [5 + 2] cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates and cyclic imines has been developed.

Synthetic Studies toward the Tetrapetalones: Diastereoselective Construction of a Putative Intermediate

A strategy toward tetrapetalones was explored including a site-selective ethylenation of the silyl enol ether A to afford a quaternary stereocenter that serves in a stereogenic capacity. Regio- and diastereoselective reactions were observed in conjunction with the oxidative formation of cation B, which included subsequent selective formation of either carbon-oxygen or carbon-carbon bonds at the δ or ζ position on the seven-membered ring. The fourth ring was formed using a Stetter reaction.

Methods for the synthesis of annulated pyrroles via cyclisation strategies

In this report, we review the methods that have been employed to synthesise annulated pyrroles.

Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Tetramic Acid-Containing Natural Products

With incredible bioactivities and fascinating structural complexities, tetramic acid- (TA-) containing natural products have attracted favorable attention among the organic chemistry community. Although the construction of the TA core is usually straightforward, the intricate C3-side chain sometimes asks for some deliberative strategy so as to fulfill an elegant total synthesis. This review mainly covers some exceptional synthetic examples for each type of natural product in recent years, showcasing the great achievements as well as unsettled obstacles in this area, in the hope of accelerating the synthetic and biological investigations for this unique type of natural product.

Studies toward the AB ring system of the tetrapetalone natural products

Synthetic efforts toward the rapid assembly of the AB ring system of the tetrapetalones is described. Key to this work was the use of [3+2] cycloaddition/oxidative extrusion methodology to furnish functionalized aryl enones. The Nazarov cyclization of these substrates was examined, and optimized to generate the AB ring carbon skeleton. Then, Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling were conducted, and conditions were identified that enabled installation of the requisite C14-N bond.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrole-Based Spiro- and Polycyclic Derivatives by Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Dearomatization and Controllable Migration Reactions

The first highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of five-membered spiro-2H-pyrroles was achieved using an Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic dearomatization reaction. The spiro-2H-pyrrole derivatives readily undergo a controllable and stereospecific allylic migration under acid catalysis, providing polycyclic pyrrole derivatives in excellent yields and ee values. Additionally, the novel Ir-complex K1, derived from [Ir(cod)Cl]2 (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and N-benzhydryl-N-phenyldinaphthophosphoramidite (BHPphos), showed excellent control of both diastereo- and enantioselectivities.

Facile synthesis and characterization of bio-organometallic compounds and their biological activity contour against human pathogens

We have reported the synthesis of novel di & trisubstituted pyrroles and their biological activity.

A general diastereoselective catalytic vinylogous aldol reaction among tetramic acid-derived pyrroles

A catalytic diastereoselective aldol reaction has been developed for N1-arylated/C2-O-silylated/C3-methylated and brominated/C4-O-methylated pyrroles in its reactions with various aldehydes. Syn adducts emerge with regard to the vicinal nitrogen and oxygen heteroatom substituents. The N1-aryl residue undergoes oxidative cleavage, and the C3-bromine atom undergoes palladium-mediated coupling reactions, both without disturbing the newly created stereocenters.

Synthesis of (±)-tetrapetalone A-Me aglycon

The first synthesis of (±)-tetrapetalone A-Me aglycon is described. Key bond-forming reactions include Nazarov cyclization, a ring-closing metathesis promoted with complete diastereoselectivity by a chiral molybdenum-based complex, tandem conjugate reduction/intramolecular aldol cyclization, and oxidative dearomatization.

Enantioselective synthesis of boron-substituted quaternary carbon stereogenic centers through NHC-catalyzed conjugate additions of (pinacolato)boron units to enones

The first examples of Lewis base catalyzed enantioselective boryl conjugate additions (BCAs) that generate products containing boron-substituted quaternary carbon stereogenic centers are disclosed. Reactions are performed in the presence of 1.0-5.0 mol% of a readily accessible chiral accessible N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and commercially available bis(pinacolato)diboron; cyclic or linear α,β-unsaturated ketones can be used and rigorous exclusion of air or moisture is not necessary. The desired products are obtained in 63-95% yield and 91:9 to >99:1 enantiomeric ratio (e.r.). The special utility of the NHC-catalyzed approach is demonstrated in the context of an enantioselective synthesis of natural product antifungal (-)-crassinervic acid.

Diels-Alder construction of regiodifferentiated meta-amino phenols and derivatives

Synthetic access to regiodifferentiated meta-amino phenols is described. The strategy relies upon distinct deprotonation conditions to afford regioisomeric thermodynamic and kinetic dienes that undergo a tandem Diels-Alder and retro-Diels-Alder sequence with assorted acetylenic dienophiles to afford a range of aromatic products.

Naturally occurring tetramic acid products: isolation, structure elucidation and biological activity

Natural products containing the tetramic acid core scaffold have been isolated from an assortment of terrestrial and marine species and often display wide ranging and potent biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral and antitumoral activities.

Metal-free catalytic enantioselective C-B bond formation: (pinacolato)boron conjugate additions to α,β-unsaturated ketones, esters, Weinreb amides, and aldehydes promoted by chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes

The first broadly applicable metal-free enantioselective method for boron conjugate addition (BCA) to α,β-unsaturated carbonyls is presented. The C-B bond forming reactions are promoted in the presence of 2.5-7.5 mol % of a readily accessible C(1)-symmetric chiral imidazolinium salt, which is converted, in situ, to the catalytically active diastereo- and enantiomerically pure N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by the common organic base 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (dbu). In addition to the commercially available bis(pinacolato)diboron [B(2)(pin)(2)], and in contrast to reactions with the less sterically demanding achiral NHCs, the presence of MeOH is required for high efficiency. Acyclic and cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones, as well as acyclic esters, Weinreb amides, and aldehydes, can serve as suitable substrates; the desired β-boryl carbonyls are isolated in up to 94% yield and >98:2 enantiomer ratio (er). Transformations are often carried out at ambient temperature. In certain cases, such as when the relatively less reactive unsaturated amides are used, elevated temperatures are required (50-66 °C); nonetheless, reactions remain highly enantioselective. The utility of the NHC-catalyzed method is demonstrated through comparison with the alternative Cu-catalyzed protocols; in cases involving a polyfunctional substrate, unique profiles in chemoselectivity are exhibited by the metal-free approach (e.g., conjugate addition vs reaction with an alkyne, allene, or aldehyde).

Experimental and theoretical studies on the Nazarov cyclization/Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement sequence

Highly functionalized cyclopentenones can be generated by a chemoselective copper(II)-mediated Nazarov/Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement sequence of divinyl ketones. A detailed investigation of this sequence is described including a study of substrate scope and limitations. After the initial 4π electrocyclization, this reaction proceeds via two different sequential [1,2]-shifts, with selectivity that depends upon either migratory ability or the steric bulkiness of the substituents at C1 and C5. This methodology allows the creation of vicinal stereogenic centers, including adjacent quaternary centers. This sequence can also be achieved by using a catalytic amount of copper(II) in combination with NaBAr(4)(f), a weak Lewis acid. During the study of the scope of the reaction, a partial or complete E/Z isomerization of the enone moiety was observed in some cases prior to the cyclization, which resulted in a mixture of diastereomeric products. Use of a Cu(II)-bisoxazoline complex prevented the isomerization, allowing high diastereoselectivity to be obtained in all substrate types. In addition, the reaction sequence was studied by DFT computations at the UB3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level, which are consistent with the proposed sequences observed, including E/Z isomerizations and chemoselective Wagner-Meerwein shifts.

Understanding the fate of the oxyallyl cation following Nazarov electrocyclization: sequential Wagner-Meerwein migrations and the synthesis of spirocyclic cyclopentenones

A general reaction sequence is described that involves Nazarov cyclization followed by two sequential Wagner-Meerwein migrations, to afford spirocyclic compounds from divinyl ketones in the presence of 1 equiv of copper(II) complexes. A detailed investigation of this sequence is described including a study of substrate scope and limitations. It was found that after 4π electrocyclization, two different pathways are available to the oxyallyl cation intermediate: elimination of a proton can give the usual Nazarov cycloadduct, or ring contraction can give an alternative tertiary carbocation. After ring contraction, either [1,2]-hydride or carbon migration can occur, depending upon the substitution pattern of the substrate, to furnish spirocyclic products. The rearrangement pathway is favored over the elimination pathway when catalyst loading is high and the copper(II) counterion is noncoordinating. Several ligands were found to be effective for the reaction. Thus, the reaction sequence can be controlled by judicious choice of reaction conditions to allow selective generation of richly functionalized spirocycles. The three steps of the sequence are stereospecific: electrocyclization followed by two [1,2]-suprafacial Wagner-Meerwein shifts, the ring contraction and then a hydride, alkenyl, or aryl shift. The method allows stereospecific installation of adjacent stereocenters or adjacent quaternary centers arrayed around a cyclopentenone ring.