Synthesis of High-Order and High-Oxidation State Securinega Alkaloids

Securinega alkaloids, composed of more than 100 members characterized by the compact tetracyclic scaffold, have fascinated the synthetic community with their structural diversity and notable bioactivities. On the basis of the structural phenotype, oligomerizations and oxidations are major biosynthetic diversification modes of the basic Securinega framework. Despite the rich history of synthesis of basic monomeric Securinega alkaloids, the synthesis of oligomeric Securinega alkaloids, as well as oxidized derivatives, has remained relatively unexplored because of their extra structural complexity. In the first half of this Account, our synthetic studies toward high-order Securinega alkaloids are described. We aimed to establish a reliable synthetic method to form C14-C15' and C12-C15' bonds, which are prevalent connection modes between monomers. During our total synthesis of flueggenine C (9), we have invented an accelerated Rauhut-Currier reaction capable of forming the C14-C15' bond stereoselectively. Installation of the nucleophilic functionality to the Michael acceptor, which ushers the C-C bond forming conjugate addition to follow the intramolecular pathway, was the key to success. The C12-C15' linkage, which was inaccessible via an accelerated Rauhut-Currier reaction, was established by devising a complementary cross-coupling/conjugate reduction-based dimerization strategy that enabled the total synthesis of flueggenines D (11) and I (14). In this approach, the C12-C15' linkage was established via a Stille cross-coupling, and the stereochemistry of the C15' position was controlled during the following conjugate reduction step. In the later half of this Account, our achievements in the field of high-oxidation state Securinega alkaloids synthesis are depicted. We have developed oxidative transformations at the N1 and C2-C4 positions, where the biosynthetic oxidation event occurs most frequently. The discovery of a VO(acac)₂-mediated regioselective Polonovski reaction allowed us to access the key 2,3-dehydroallosecurinine (112). Divergent synthesis of secu'amamine A (62) and fluvirosaones A (60) and B (61) was accomplished by exploiting the versatile reactivities of the C2/C3 enamine moiety in 112. We have also employed a fragment-coupling strategy between menisdaurilide and piperidine units, which allowed the installation of various oxygen-containing functionality on the piperidine ring. Combined with the late-stage, light-mediated epimerization and well-orchestrated oxidative modifications, collective total synthesis of seven C4-oxygenated securinine-type natural products was achieved. Lastly, the synthesis of flueggeacosine B (70) via two synthetic routes from allosecurinine (103) was illustrated. The first-generation synthesis (seven overall steps) employing Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling between stannane and thioester to form the key C3-C15' bond enabled the structural revision of the natural product. In the second-generation synthesis, we have invented visible-light-mediated, Cu-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) between an aldehyde and electron-deficient olefin, which streamlined the synthetic pathway into four overall steps. Organisms frequently utilize dimerization (oligomerization) and oxidations during the biosynthesis as a means to expand the chemical space of their secondary metabolites. Therefore, methods and strategies for dimerizations and oxidations that we have developed using the Securinega alkaloids as a platform would be broadly applicable to other alkaloids. It is our sincere hope that lessons we have learned during our synthetic journey would benefit other chemists working on organic synthesis.

Cytotoxic and α-glucosidase inhibitory metabolites from twigs and leaves of Phyllanthus mirabilis, a species endemic to limestone mountains

The first investigation of Phyllanthus mirabilis Müll.Arg. led to the isolation of six undescribed compounds including two tyramine derivatives: phyllatyramines A and B; three butenolide analogues, phyllantenolide, phyllantenocoside-O-gallate and epi-phyllantenocoside-O-gallate; and a flavanonol gallate, (-)-taxifolin-3-O-gallate; as well as two first isolated natural products, phyllatyramine C and phyllantenocoside; together with twenty-three known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means. ECD spectra of all isolated butenolides were compared and assigned the configurations. Phyllatyramine A displayed weak cytotoxicity against the KB cell line, while phyllatyramines B and C showed weak cytotoxicity against KB and HeLa cell lines. In addition, phyllatyramine B and (-)-taxifolin-3-O-gallate showed more potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the standard acarbose 3.4 and 5.8 fold, respectively.

Two Decades of Progress in the Asymmetric Intramolecular aza-Michael Reaction

The asymmetric intramolecular aza-Michael reaction (IMAMR) is a very convenient strategy for the generation of heterocycles bearing nitrogen-substituted stereocenters. Due to the ubiquitous presence of these skeletons in natural products, the IMAMR has found widespread applications in the total synthesis of alkaloids and biologically relevant compounds. The development of asymmetric versions of the IMAMR are quite recent, most of them reported in this century. The fundamental advances in this field involve the use of organocatalysts. Chiral imidazolidinones, diaryl prolinol derivatives, Cinchone-derived primary amines and quaternary ammonium salts, and BINOL-derived phosphoric acids account for the success of those methodologies. Moreover, the use of N-sulfinyl imines with a dual role, as nitrogen nucleophiles and as chiral auxiliaries, appeared as a versatile mode of performing the asymmetric IMAMR.

The Huisgen Reaction: Milestones of the 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition

The concept of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions was presented by Rolf Huisgen 60 years ago. Previously unknown reactive intermediates, for example azomethine ylides, were introduced to organic chemistry and the (3+2) cycloadditions of 1,3-dipoles to multiple-bond systems (Huisgen reaction) developed into one of the most versatile synthetic methods in heterocyclic chemistry. In this Review, we present the history of this research area, highlight important older reports, and describe the evolution and further development of the concept. The most important mechanistic and synthetic results are discussed. Quantum-mechanical calculations support the concerted mechanism always favored by R. Huisgen; however, in extreme cases intermediates may be involved. The impact of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions on the click chemistry concept of K. B. Sharpless will also be discussed.

Total Synthesis of (±)-Phyllantidine: Development and Mechanistic Evaluation of a Ring Expansion for Installation of Embedded Nitrogen-Oxygen Bonds

The development of a concise total synthesis of (±)-phyllantidine (1), a member of the securinega family of alkaloids containing an unusual oxazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core, is described. The synthesis employs a unique synthetic strategy featuring the ring expansion of a substituted cyclopentanone to a cyclic hydroxamic acid as a key step that allows facile installation of the embedded nitrogen-oxygen (N-O) bond. The optimization of this sequence to effect the desired regiochemical outcome and its mechanistic underpinnings were assessed both computationally and experimentally. This synthetic approach also features an early-stage diastereoselective aldol reaction to assemble the substituted cyclopentanone, a mild reduction of an amide intermediate without N-O bond cleavage, and the rapid assembly of the butenolide found in (1) via use of the Bestmann ylide.

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.

Recent applications of the Wittig reaction in alkaloid synthesis

The Wittig reaction is the chemical reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a triphenyl phosphonium ylide (the Wittig reagent) to afford an alkene and triphenylphosphine oxide. Noteworthy, this reaction results in the synthesis of alkenes in a selective and predictable fashion. Thus, it became as one of the keystone of synthetic organic chemistry, especially in the total synthesis of natural products, where the selectivity of a reaction is paramount of importance. A literature survey disclosed the existence of vast numbers of related reports and comprehensive reviews on the applications of this important name reaction in the total synthesis of natural products. However, the aim of this chapter is to underscore, the applications of the Wittig reaction in the total synthesis of one the most important and prevalent classes of natural products, the alkaloids, especially those showing important and diverse biological activities.

New Developments of the Principle of Vinylogy as Applied to π-Extended Enolate-Type Donor Systems

The principle of vinylogy states that the electronic effects of a functional group in a molecule are possibly transmitted to a distal position through interposed conjugated multiple bonds. As an emblematic case, the nucleophilic character of a π-extended enolate-type chain system may be relayed from the legitimate α-site to the vinylogous γ, ε, ..., ω remote carbon sites along the chain, provided that suitable HOMO-raising strategies are adopted to transform the unsaturated pronucleophilic precursors into the reactive polyenolate species. On the other hand, when "unnatural" carbonyl ipso-sites are activated as nucleophiles (umpolung), vinylogation extends the nucleophilic character to "unnatural" β, δ, ... remote sites. Merging the principle of vinylogy with activation modalities and concepts such as iminium ion/enamine organocatalysis, NHC-organocatalysis, cooperative organo/metal catalysis, bifunctional organocatalysis, dicyanoalkylidene activation, and organocascade reactions represents an impressive step forward for all vinylogous transformations. This review article celebrates this evolutionary progress, by collecting, comparing, and critically describing the achievements made over the nine year period 2010-2018, in the generation of vinylogous enolate-type donor substrates and their use in chemical synthesis.

Total Synthesis of the Sesquiterpenoid Periconianone A Based on a Postulated Biogenesis

The first enantioselective total synthesis of the complex tricarbocyclic sesquiterpenoid periconianone A based on a postulated biogenesis is reported. Key elements of the synthetic route include the use of an isopropenyl group as a removable directing group for stereoselective synthesis, a sequence featuring a Rh-mediated O-H insertion/[3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement and subsequent α-ketol rearrangement, and a late stage aldol reaction to furnish the complex cage-like framework.

A Sequential Cycloaddition Strategy for the Synthesis of Alsmaphorazine B Traces a Path Through a Family of Alstonia Alkaloids

Driven by a new biogenetic hypothesis, the first total synthesis of alsmaphorazine B and several related indole alkaloids has been achieved. Numerous early approaches proved unsuccessful owing to unproductive side reactivity; nevertheless, they provided important clues that guided the evolution of our strategy. Critical to our success was a major improvement in our Zincke aldehyde cycloaddition strategy, which permitted the efficient gram-scale synthesis of akuammicine. The sequential chemoselective oxidations of akuammicine leading up to the key oxidative rearrangement also yielded several biogenetically related indole alkaloids en route to alsmaphorazine B.

Isoxazolidine: A Privileged Scaffold for Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

The isoxazolidine ring represents one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry, and there have been an increasing number of studies on isoxazolidine and isoxazolidine-containing compounds. Optimization of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DC), original methods including electrophilic or palladium-mediated cyclization of unsaturated hydroxylamine, has been developed to obtain isoxazolidines. Novel reactions involving the isoxazolidine ring have been highlighted to accomplish total synthesis or to obtain bioactive compounds, one of the most significant examples being probably the thermic ring contraction applied to the total synthesis of (±)-Gelsemoxonine. The unique isoxazolidine scaffold also exhibits an impressive potential as a mimic of nucleosides, carbohydrates, PNA, amino acids, and steroid analogs. This review aims to be a comprehensive and general summary of the different isoxazolidine syntheses, their use as starting building blocks for the preparation of natural compounds, and their main biological activities.

On the scope of oxidation of tertiary amines: Meisenheimer rearrangements versus Cope elimination in 2-(cyanoethyl)-2-azanorbornanes

When oxidized, exo-2-(cyanoethyl)-2-azanorbornene is prone to [1,2]-Meisenheimer rearrangement, its endo isomer undergoes [2,3]-Meisenheimer and exo/endo-2-(cyanoethyl)-2-azanorbornanes afford N-hydroxylamines through Cope elimination.

A synthesis of alsmaphorazine B demonstrates the chemical feasibility of a new biogenetic hypothesis

An N-oxide fragmentation/hydroxylamine oxidation/intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition cascade efficiently converted an oxidized congener of akuammicine into the complex, hexacyclic architecture of the alsmaphorazine alkaloids. This dramatic structural change shows the chemical feasibility of our novel proposal for alsmaphorazine biogenesis. Critical to these endeavors was a marked improvement in our previously reported Zincke aldehyde cycloaddition approach to indole alkaloids, which permitted the gram-scale synthesis of akuammicine. The chemoselective oxidations of akuammicine leading up to the key rearrangement also generated several biogenetically related alkaloids of the alstolucine and alpneumine families.

Copy, edit, and paste: natural product approaches to biomaterials and neuroengineering

Progress in the chemical sciences has formed the world we live in, both on a macroscopic and on a nanoscopic scale. The last century witnessed the development of high performance materials that interact with humans on many layers, from clothing to construction, from media to medical devices. On a molecular level, natural products and their derivatives influence many biological processes, and these compounds have enormously contributed to the health and quality of living of humans. Although coatings of stone materials with oils or resins (containing natural products) have led to improved tools already millennia ago, in contrast today, natural product approaches to designer materials, that is, combining the best of both worlds, remain scarce. In this Account, we will summarize our recent research efforts directed to the generation of natural product functionalized materials, exploiting the strategy of "copy, edit, and paste with natural products". Natural products embody the wisdom of evolution, and only total synthesis is able to unlock the secrets enshrined in their molecular structure. We employ total synthesis ("copy") as a scientific approach to address problems related to molecular structure, the biosynthesis of natural products, and their bioactivity. Additionally, the fundamental desire to investigate the mechanism of action of natural products constitutes a key driver for scientific inquiry. In an emerging area of relevance to society, we have prepared natural products such as militarinone D that can stimulate neurite outgrowth and facilitate nerve regeneration. This knowledge obtained by synthetic organic chemistry on complex natural products can then be used to design structurally simplified compounds that retain the biological power of the parent natural product ("edit"). This process, sometimes referred to as function-oriented synthesis, allows obtaining derivatives with better properties, improving their chemical tractability and reducing the step count of the synthesis. Along these lines, we have demonstrated that militarinone D can be truncated to yield structurally simplified analogs with improved activity. Finally, with the goal of designing bioactive materials, we have immobilized functionally optimized, neuritogenic natural products ("paste"). These materials could facilitate nerve regeneration, act as nerve guidance conduits, or lead to new approaches in neuroengineering. Based on the surface-adhesive properties of electron-deficient catecholates and the knowledge gathered on neuritogenic natural product derivatives, two mechanistically different design principles have been applied to generate neuritogenic materials. In conclusion, natural products, and their functionally optimized analogs, present a large, mostly untapped reservoir of powerful modulators of biological systems, and their hybridization with materials can lead to new approaches in various fields, from biofilm prevention to neuroengineering.