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.

Synthesis of psychotropic alkaloids from Galbulimima

Efficient syntheses of valuable natural products open gateways from kind learning environments to wicked worlds, where long-term, interdisciplinary research questions can be asked and answered. In this Perspective, we discuss the Galbulimima (GB) alkaloids, metabolites of a rainforest canopy tree that exhibit potent but poorly understood effects in humans, including accounts of hallucination. Recent syntheses from our group have opened up GB alkaloid chemical space for investigation by way of new cross-coupling reactions and gram-scale target production. Although natural product synthesis can be challenging, its objective is obvious. Realization of long-term, enabling goals will be a circuitous journey at the interface of chemistry, pharmacology and neuroscience-a potent mix to foster discovery in the coming century.

Preparation and Synthetic Applications of Five-to-Seven-Membered Cyclic α-Diazo Monocarbonyl Compounds

The reactivity of cyclic α-diazo monocarbonyl compounds differs from that of their acyclic counterparts. In this review, we summarize the current literature available on the synthesis and synthetic applications of three major classes of cyclic α-diazo monocarbonyl compounds: α-diazo ketones, α-diazo lactones and α-diazo lactams.

Application of Pauson-Khand reaction in the total synthesis of terpenes

The Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR) is a formal [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition involving an alkyne, an alkene and carbon monoxide mediated by a hexacarbonyldicobaltalkyne complex to yield cyclopentenones in a single step. This versatile reaction has become a method of choice for the synthesis of cyclopentenone and its derivatives since its discovery in the early seventies. The aim of this review is to point out the applications of PKR in the total synthesis of terpenes.

Galbulimima Alkaloids

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of recent achievements in the area of Galbulimima alkaloids. Following a discussion of the isolation of Galbulimima alkaloids and structural features of members of this fascinating family of secondary metabolites, biological properties of selected compounds are briefly discussed. Furthermore, the proposed biosynthetic routes toward Galbulimima alkaloids are outlined. The main section of the chapter is devoted to a detailed discussion and comparison of all total syntheses of Galbulimima alkaloids published to date.

The reductive decyanation reaction: an overview and recent developments

This review presents an overview of the reductive decyanation reaction with a special interest for recent developments. This transformation allows synthetic chemists to take advantages of the nitrile functional group before its removal. Mechanistic details and applications to organic synthesis are provided.

Approaches to the Synthesis of the Galbulimima Alkaloid Himandrine

The hexacyclic skeleton of himandrine (2), which is present in 15 of the more complex alkaloids obtained from the bark of the tropical rain forest tree Galbulimima belgraveana has been prepared by means of a 19-step synthesis beginning with the known [3.2.1]-benzobicyclooctene intermediate 9. An alternative approach is also described, thus far culminating in 34. Key transformations include Diels–Alder cycloadditions, ring contractions, a Curtius rearrangement, a Birch reduction, an intramolecular nucleophilic amination, and a palladium-mediated alkene amination.

Highlights of the 2009 New South Wales Southern Highlands Conference on Heterocyclic Chemistry

Meetings that foster interaction between academic and industrial researchers, both operating at the forefront of science, serve to stimulate ideas and allow partnerships to develop. The Southern Highlands Conference brings together experts in the field of heterocyclic chemistry and, in this issue, some of the most recent advances are highlighted (The figure shows 2009 Conference student speakers with President Barbara Messerle).