Recent advances in the synthesis of 2-pyrones

Regioselective Annulation of 6-Carboxy-Substituted Pyrones as a Two-Carbon Unit in Formal [4 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions

Heterocycles serve as a critical motif in chemistry, but despite being present in more than 85% of pharmaceuticals, there are limited methods for their construction. Here, we describe the incorporation of intact pyrone (2H-pyran-2-one) into larger ring systems via annulation. In a formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition, the pyrone regioselectively accepts a benzylic anion as a nucleophile in a conjugate addition fashion, with the subsequent pyrone-derived enolate attaching to a pendant ester on the initial nucleophile. Subsequent base-driven enolate formation and elimination establish aromaticity of the newly formed ring. After optimization of this process using an NMR-based assessment to overcome solubility and separation challenges, the reaction was successfully applied to a library of 6-ester and -amide-substituted pyrones and using a phenyl ester and other substituted sulfoxides. This technology enables the incorporation of intact pyrone rings into more complex systems, such as for the total synthesis of the natural product thermorubin.

Uncovering the multifaceted properties of 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone for control of plant pathogens

Some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms have the ability to inhibit the growth and development of plant pathogens, induce the activation of plant defenses, and promote plant growth. Among them, 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone (6-PP), a ketone produced by Trichoderma fungi, has emerged as a focal point of interest. 6-PP has been isolated and characterized from thirteen Trichoderma species and is the main VOC produced, often accounting for >50% of the total VOCs emitted. This review examines abiotic and biotic interactions regulating the production of 6-PP by Trichoderma, and the known effects of 6-PP on plant pathogens through direct and indirect mechanisms including induced systemic resistance. While there are many reports of 6-PP activity against plant pathogens, the vast majority have been from laboratory studies involving only 6-PP and the pathogen, rather than glasshouse or field studies including a host plant in the system. Biopesticides based on 6-PP may well provide an eco-friendly, sustainable management tool for future agricultural production. However, before this can happen, challenges including demonstrating disease control efficacy in the field, developing efficient delivery systems, and determining cost-effective application rates must be overcome before 6-PP's potential for pathogen control can be turned into reality.

Enzymatic one-step synthesis of natural 2-pyrones and new-to-nature derivatives from coenzyme A esters

The 2-pyrone moiety is present in a wide range of structurally diverse natural products with various biological activities. The plant biosynthetic routes towards these compounds mainly depend on the activity of either type III polyketide synthase-like 2-pyrone synthases or hydroxylating 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenases. In the present study, the substrate specificity of these enzymes is investigated by a systematic screening using both natural and artificial substrates with the aims of efficiently forming (new) products and understanding the underlying catalytic mechanisms. In this framework, we focused on the in vitro functional characterization of a 2-pyrone synthase Gh2PS2 from Gerbera x hybrida and two dioxygenases AtF6'H1 and AtF6'H2 from Arabidopsis thaliana using a set of twenty aromatic and aliphatic CoA esters as substrates. UHPLC-ESI-HRMSn based analyses of reaction intermediates and products revealed a broad substrate specificity of the enzymes, enabling the facile "green" synthesis of this important class of natural products and derivatives in a one-step/one-pot reaction in aqueous environment without the need for halogenated or metal reagents and protective groups. Using protein modeling and substrate docking we identified amino acid residues that seem to be important for the observed product scope.

Base- and sulfur-promoted oxidative lactonization of chalcone-acetate Michael adducts: access to pyran-2-ones

A cost-effective, practical, straightforward and scalable synthesis of α-pyrones via base- and sulfur-promoted annulation of phenylacetates and chalcones is reported. Generated in situ from the starting components by using dbu as a base catalyst, the Michael adducts underwent a smooth oxidative cyclization into 3,4,6-triaryl-2-pyranones upon heating with DABCO and sulfur in DMSO. Extension to malonate in place of phenylacetates led to 4,6-diaryl-2-pyranone-2-carboxylates.

Unravelling the Secrets of α-Pyrones from Aspergillus Fungi: A Comprehensive Review of Their Natural Sources, Biosynthesis, and Biological Activities

Aspergillus, one of the most product-rich and genetically robust genera, contains a diverse range of species with potential economic and ecological implications. Chemically, Aspergillus is one of the essential sources of polyketides, alkaloids, diphenyl ethers, diketopiperazines, and other miscellaneous compounds, displaying a variety of pharmacological activities. The α-pyrones are unsaturated six-membered lactones. Although α-pyrone has a small structure, it is responsible for the structural diversity of several natural and synthetic compounds and multiple biological activities. In this review, we have summarized approximately 178 α-pyrone containing metabolites derivatives identified/reported from terrestrial, marine, endophytic, and filamentous Aspergillus species, including their sources, biological properties, and biosynthetic pathways until mid-2023, for the first time. This review is the first to compile and analyze the available data on α-pyrone metabolites from Aspergillus, which could facilitate further research and innovation in this field. Additionally, it offers a valuable source of scaffolds for future bioactive drug development, as some of these metabolites have shown potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Therefore, this review has significant implications for the advancement of natural product chemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and medicine.

Oxidative Ring-Opening Transformation of 5-Acyl-4-pyrones as an Approach for the Tunable Synthesis of Hydroxylated Pyrones and Furans

A selective and tunable approach for oxidation of 4-pyrones has been developed via ring-opening transformations leading to various hydroxylated oxaheterocycles. The first step of the strategy includes the base-catalyzed epoxidation of 5-acyl-4-pyrones in the presence of hydrogen peroxide for the effective synthesis of pyrone epoxides in high yields. The epoxides bearing the CO2Et group are reactive molecules that can undergo both pyrone and oxirane ring-opening via deformylation to produce hydroxylated 2-pyrones or 4-pyrones. The acid-promoted transformation led to 3-hydroxy-4-pyrones (24-76% yields), whereas the K2CO3-catalyzed ring-opening process of 2-carbethoxy-4-pyrone epoxides proceeded as an attack of alcohol at the C-3 position bearing the CO2Et group to give functionalized 6-acyl-5-hydroxy-2-pyrones (27-87% yields). The base-catalyzed reaction of 2-aryl-4-pyrone epoxides was followed by ring contraction and the dearoylation process to produce 3-hydroxyfuran-2-carbaldehydes in 42-80% yields. The transformation of 3-aroylchromone epoxides led to flavonols and 3-hydroxybenzofuran-2-carbaldehyde in the acidic and basic conditions, respectively. The prepared hydroxylated heterocycles demonstrated high reactivity for further transformations and low cytotoxicity and are promising fluorophores or UV filters.

Chemical diversity and biological activities of specialized metabolites from the genus Chaetomium: 2013-2022

Chaetomium (Chaetomiaceae), a large fungal genus consisting of at least 400 species, has been acknowledged as a promising resource for the exploration of novel compounds with potential bioactivities. Over the past decades, emerging chemical and biological investigations have suggested the structural diversity and extensive potent bioactivity of the specialized metabolites in the Chaetomium species. To date, over 500 compounds with diverse chemical types have been isolated and identified from this genus, including azaphilones, cytochalasans, pyrones, alkaloids, diketopiperazines, anthraquinones, polyketides, and steroids. Biological research has indicated that these compounds possess a broad range of bioactivities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, phytotoxic, and plant growth inhibitory activities. This paper summarizes current knowledge referring to the chemical structure, biological activity, and pharmacologic potency of the specialized metabolites in the Chaetomium species from 2013 to 2022, which might provide insights for the exploration and utilization of bioactive compounds in this genus both in the scientific field and pharmaceutical industry.

Amesia hispanica sp. nov., Producer of the Antifungal Class of Antibiotics Dactylfungins

During a study of the diversity of soilborne fungi from Spain, a strain belonging to the family Chaetomiaceae (Sordariales) was isolated. The multigene phylogenetic inference using five DNA loci showed that this strain represents an undescribed species of the genus Amesia, herein introduced as A. hispanica sp. nov. Investigation of its secondary metabolome led to the isolation of two new derivatives (2 and 3) of the known antifungal antibiotic dactylfungin A (1), together with the known compound cochliodinol (4). The planar structures of 1-4 were determined by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and ion mobility tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-IM-MS/MS) and extensive 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy after isolation by HPLC. All isolated secondary metabolites were tested for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Dactylfungin A (1) showed selective and strong antifungal activity against some of the tested human pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans). The additional hydroxyl group in 2 resulted in the loss of activity against C. neoformans but still retained the inhibition of As. fumigatus in a lower concentration than that of the respective control, without showing any cytotoxic effects. In contrast, 25″-dehydroxy-dactylfungin A (3) exhibited improved activity against yeasts (Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Rhodotorula glutinis) than 1 and 2, but resulted in the appearance of slight cytotoxicity. The present study exemplifies how even in a well-studied taxonomic group such as the Chaetomiaceae, the investigation of novel taxa still brings chemistry novelty, as demonstrated in this first report of this antibiotic class for chaetomiaceous and sordarialean taxa.

Lanthanide-catalyzed deamidative cyclization of secondary amides and ynones through tandem C-H and C-N activation

The tandem inert α-C-H and C-N bond activation of amides represents a highly valuable but challenging transformation in organic synthesis. Herein, a simple rare earth metal amido complex has been shown to catalyse unprecedented cyclization of amides with ynones to form trisubstituted 2-pyrones. This protocol significantly enables the selective merger of inert α-C-H and C-N bond activations of amides and indicates a particular role of rare earth catalysts in enhancing the selectivity for the α-C-H bond of amides in the presence of N-H bonds.

Ru(ii)-catalysed oxidative (4 + 2) annulation of chromene and coumarin carboxylic acids with alkynes/propargylic alcohols: isolation of Ru(0) complexes

Ru(ii)-catalysed oxidative (4 + 2) annulation of chromene and coumarin carboxylic acids with alkynes affords pyrano-chromones via vinylic C–H bond activation; use of methyl-tethered propargylic alcohols instead of alkynes gives Ru(0) complexes.

Oxidant free synthesis of α-pyrones via an NHC-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation of bromoenals with 2-chloro-1,3-diketones

An NHC-catalyzed [3 + 3] annulation reaction between α-bromo enals and 2-chlorocyclohexane-1,3-diones was developed for the rapid and efficient synthesis of various 4,5,6-trisubstituted α-pyrones, which are core structures in numerous natural products and synthetic bioactive molecules, in generally good to excellent yields.

Synthesis of Pyranones: Ru-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction via Vinylic C-H Addition to Glyoxylate

The efficient synthesis of pyranones is presented by a three-component cascade reaction from readily available acrylic acids, ethyl glyoxylate, and p-toluenesulfonamide under ruthenium catalysis. For the first time, the nucleophilic addition of the vinylic C-H bond of acrylic acids across aldehyde is achieved, and the intramolecular cyclization as well as subsequent second insertion to aldehyde form the substituted butenolides. The elimination of sulfonamides occurs at higher temperature to give the pyranones.

Genome Mining of α-Pyrone Natural Products from Ascidian-Derived Fungus Amphichordafelina SYSU-MS7908

Culturing ascidian-derived fungus Amphichorda felina SYSU-MS7908 under standard laboratory conditions mainly yielded meroterpenoid, and nonribosomal peptide-type natural products. We sequenced the genome of Amphichorda felina SYSU-MS7908 and found 56 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) after bioinformatics analysis, suggesting that the majority of those BGCSs are silent. Here we report our genome mining effort on one cryptic BGC by heterologous expression in Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1, and the identification of two new α-pyrone derivatives, amphichopyrone A (1) and B (2), along with a known compound, udagawanone A (3). Anti-inflammatory activities were performed, and amphichopyrone A (1) and B (2) displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells with IC₅₀ values 18.09 ± 4.83 and 7.18 ± 0.93 μM, respectively.

Assessment on facile Diels-Alder approach of α-pyrone and terpenoquinone for the expedient synthesis of various natural scaffolds

The development of highly facile synthetic procedures for the expedient synthesis of complex natural molecules is always in demand. As this aspect, the Diels-Alder reaction (DAR) has a versatile approach to the synthesis of complex natural compounds and highly regio-/stereoselcetive heterocyclic scaffolds. Additionally, α-pyrone and terpenoquinone are two versatile key intermediates that are prevalent in various bioactive natural compounds for instance, (±)-crinine, (±)-joubertinamine, (±)-pancratistatin, (-)-cyclozonarone, and 8-ephipuupehedione, etc. Hence, the current review summarizes the Diels-Alder reaction application of α-pyrone and terpenoquinone to the constructive synthesis of various natural products over the past two decades (2001-2021). Equally, it serves as a stencil for the invention and development of new synthetic strategies for high-complex molecular structured natural and heterocyclic molecules.

Emergence of 2-Pyrone and Its Derivatives, from Synthesis to Biological Perspective: An Overview and Current Status

Pyrone moieties are present in natural products and can be synthesized by a diverse range of synthetic methods, resulting in the formation of various derivatives through chemical modifications. Many pyrone-based derivatives are commercially available and are biocompatible. They are building blocks of various intermediates in organic synthesis. They possess remarkable biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, cytotoxic, and antitumor activity. These characteristics have made them valuable for the development of drugs. We have summarized recent developments in the synthesis of 2-pyrone and its derivatives and their potential applications. With regard to synthetic approaches, the focus has been on metal-free and transition metal-catalyzed reactions.

Ulvapyrone, a pyrone-linked benzochromene from sea lettuce Ulva lactuca Linnaeus (family Ulvaceae): newly described anti-inflammatory agent attenuates arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase

Green marine macroalgae, particularly Ulva lactuca, is an essential constituent of the cuisines in many Asian countries. The present work aims to separate a bioactive pyrone attached benzochromene analogue, named as ulvapyrone from the organic extract of U. lactuca, followed by its structural characterisation as 2-{(6a'-hydroxyethyl-4'-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2'-one)-6'-yl}-4-methyl-7-ethylacetate-8-hydroxy-7, 8-dihydrobenzo [de]chromene. Ulvapyrone exhibited prospective inhibition property against arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ ∼1 mg mL^-1) comparable to that demonstrated by ibuprofen (IC₅₀ 0.9 mg mL^-1), which connoted its anti-inflammatory activity. The studied benzochromene exhibited promising antioxidant potential (IC₅₀ 0.5-0.6 mg mL^-1), which further reinforced its attenuation property against 5-lipoxygenase. Bioactivities of ulvapyrone were linearly correlated with electronic parameter (topological polar surface area ∼102) along with less binding energy (-8.22 kcal mol^-1) with the allosteric site of 5-lipoxygenase. In silico predictions of physicochemical parameters along with absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion could recognise the acceptable oral bioavailability of ulvapyrone.

Synthesis of C2-Symmetrical Bis-(β-Enamino-Pyran-2,4-dione) Derivative Linked via 1,6-Hexylene Spacer: X-ray Crystal Structures, Hishfeld Studies and DFT Calculations of Mono- and Bis-(Pyran-2,4-diones) Derivatives

The synthesis of C2-symmetrical bis(β-enamino-pyran-2,4-dione) derivative 3 connected via 1,6-hexylene linker was reported for the first time. X-ray structures and Hirshfeld studies of the new bis- β-enamino-pyran-2,4-dione derivative 3 along with two structurally related pyran-2,4-dione derivatives 2a,b were discussed. A comparative analysis of the different intermolecular contacts affecting the crystal stability was presented. Generally, the H…H, O…H, and H…C interactions are common in all compounds and are considered the most abundant contacts. In addition, DFT calculations were used to compute the electronic properties as well as the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the studied systems. All compounds (except 3) are polar where 2a (3.540 Debye) has a higher dipole moment than 2b (2.110 Debye). The NMR chemical shifts were calculated and excellent correlations between the calculated and experimental data were obtained (R2 = 0.93–0.94).

Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond, Hirshfeld Analysis, AIM; DFT Studies of Pyran-2,4-dione Derivatives

Intra and intermolecular interactions found in the developed crystals of the synthesized py-ron-2,4-dione derivatives play crucial rules in the molecular conformations and crystal stabili-ties, respectively. In this regard, Hirshfeld calculations were used to quantitatively analyze the different intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures of some functionalized py-ran-2,4-dione derivatives. The X-ray structure of pyran-2,4-dione derivative namely (3E,3′E)-3,3′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(phenylmethanylylidene))bis(6-phenyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione) was determined. It crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group with unit cell parameters: a = 14.0869(4) Å, b = 20.9041(5) Å, c = 10.1444(2) Å and β = 99.687(2)°. Generally, the H…H, H…C, O…H and C…C contacts are the most important interactions in the molecular packing of the studied pyran-2,4-diones. The molecular structure of these compounds is stabilized by intramolecular O…H hydrogen bond. The nature and strength of the O…H hy-drogen bonds were analyzed using atoms in molecules calculations. In all compounds, the O…H hydrogen bond belongs to closed-shell interactions where the interaction energies are higher at the optimized geometry than the X-ray one due to the shortening in the A…H distance as a con-sequence of the geometry optimization. These compounds have polar characters with different charged regions which explored using molecular electrostatic potential map. Their natural charges, reactivity descriptors and NMR chemical shifts were computed, discussed and compared.

Alkynyl triazenes enable divergent syntheses of 2-pyrones

The 2-pyrone motif occurs frequently in bioactive natural products and is appreciated as synthetic intermediates. However, only few methods allow for diversifying functional group modifications on this relevant heterocycle. The distinct properties of 1-alkynyl triazenes promote a smooth addition of propiolic acids across the triple bond. Addition of catalytic amounts of silver salt induces cyclization to 2-pyrones. Depending on the reaction temperature, either 6-triazenyl or 5-triazenyl 2-pyrones are selectively formed. The triazenyl unit is subsequently replaced by a variety of valuable groups in a one-pot process yielding for instance 2-fluoro pyrones. The substitution occurs with an intriguing 1,5-carbonyl transposition. Moreover, the triazenyl group serves as traceless activating group for subsequent Diels-Alder cycloadditions and as a constituting unit for rare fused aminopyrazole pyrone heterocycles.

Iodo- and Chalcogenoannulation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Alcohols of Propiolaldehydes: Entry to Functionalized 2-Pyrones

An efficient intramolecular annulation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) alcohols of propiolaldehydes is developed in the presence of ICl or PhSeSePh/PhSSPh-CuCl₂. This cyclization offers access to a wide variety of iodinated or chalcogenated 3-(chloromethyl)-2-pyrones in good yields. The chloromethyl group of the obtained 2-pyrones has been easily converted to introduce other handy functionalities, which allowed for further transformations to synthesize diverse 2-pyrone containing molecules.

A formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition of allenyl imide and activated ketones for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted 2-pyrones

CsOH·H₂O-catalyzed formal [3 + 3] cycloadditions of allenyl imide with β-ketoesters, 1,3-diketones or β-ketonitriles for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted 2-pyrone derivatives have been demonstrated. The allenyl imide was utilized as a C3-synthon, and a ketenyl intermediate was proposed via the process of 1,4-addition of carbon anion to allene followed by elimination of the 2-oxazolidinyl group.

CsOH·H₂O-catalyzed formal [3 + 3] cycloadditions of allenyl imide with β-ketoesters, 1,3-diketones or β-ketonitriles for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted 2-pyrone derivatives were reported.

Total Synthesis of the Cardiotonic Steroid (+)-Cannogenol

The total synthesis of (+)-cannogenol, an aglycon common to various biologically important cardiotonic glycosides, has been achieved. Synthesis of the versatile intermediate involves Mizoroki-Heck and intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions from the enantiomerically pure CD-ring segment, newly prepared in a multidecagram scale this time. Total synthesis by the site-selective transformations of the versatile intermediate demonstrated the applicability of our synthetic approach.

Divergent rhodium-catalyzed electrochemical vinylic C-H annulation of acrylamides with alkynes

α-Pyridones and α-pyrones are ubiquitous structural motifs found in natural products and biologically active small molecules. Here, we report an Rh-catalyzed electrochemical vinylic C-H annulation of acrylamides with alkynes, affording cyclic products in good to excellent yield. Divergent syntheses of α-pyridones and cyclic imidates are accomplished by employing N-phenyl acrylamides and N-tosyl acrylamides as substrates, respectively. Additionally, excellent regioselectivities are achieved when using unsymmetrical alkynes. This electrochemical process is environmentally benign compared to traditional transition metal-catalyzed C-H annulations because it avoids the use of stoichiometric metal oxidants. DFT calculations elucidated the reaction mechanism and origins of substituent-controlled chemoselectivity. The sequential C-H activation and alkyne insertion under rhodium catalysis leads to the seven-membered ring vinyl-rhodium intermediate. This intermediate undergoes either the classic neutral concerted reductive elimination to produce α-pyridones, or the ionic stepwise pathway to produce cyclic imidates.

Chemistry of 3-hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate: syntheses, mechanisms, and applications

3-Hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate is important scaffold which is widely used for the synthesis of pharmacologically active compounds. This review summarises the synthetic methods of the 3-hydroxy-2-aryl acrylate including mechanisms and applications.

Identification and Characterization of a New Type III Polyketide Synthase from a Marine Yeast, Naganishia uzbekistanensis

A putative Type III Polyketide synthase (PKSIII) encoding gene was identified from a marine yeast, Naganishia uzbekistanensis strain Mo29 (UBOCC-A-208024) (formerly named as Cryptococcus sp.) isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This gene is part of a distinct phylogenetic branch compared to all known terrestrial fungal sequences. This new gene encodes a C-terminus extension of 74 amino acids compared to other known PKSIII proteins like Neurospora crassa. Full-length and reduced versions of this PKSIII were successfully cloned and overexpressed in a bacterial host, Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Both proteins showed the same activity, suggesting that additional amino acid residues at the C-terminus are probably not required for biochemical functions. We demonstrated by LC-ESI-MS/MS that these two recombinant PKSIII proteins could only produce tri- and tetraketide pyrones and alkylresorcinols using only long fatty acid chain from C8 to C16 acyl-CoAs as starter units, in presence of malonyl-CoA. In addition, we showed that some of these molecules exhibit cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines.

Xylariaopyrones E-I, five new α-pyrone derivatives from the endophytic fungus Xylariales sp. (HM-1)

Five new α-pyrones, xylariaopyrones E-I (1-5), along with three known analogues (6-8) were isolated from the cultivation broth of the endophytic fungus Xylariales sp. (HM-1). The structures of the new compounds including their absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods and quantum ECD calculations. Xylariaopyrone E (1) is the first example of α-pyrone derivative with a novel [3, 2, 0] bridge ring system via a ketal function group in the side chain. In bioactivity assays, xylariaopyrones E-G (1-3) showed moderate inhibiting activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values from 25.4 to 64.5 μg/mL, whereras xylariaopyrone G (3) exhibited significant inhibition of monoamine oxidase B with an IC₅₀ value of 15.6 μmol/L. Xylariaopyrone H (4) and the known compound 7 showed moderate toxicity against brine shrimp larvae with inhibition rates of 42.8% and 44.5%, respectively.

Asymmetric Total Syntheses of (+)-Penostatins A and C

Penostatins A and C are cytotoxic natural products that show promising selective inhibitory activity against PTP1B. Here the first asymmetric total syntheses of (+)-penostatins A and C are reported. Our strategy features (i) a new method for the synthesis of 6-alkyl-3-hydroxy-2-pyrones, (ii) a cascade involving the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of 2-pyrone and a retro-hetero-Diels-Alder (decarboxylation) reaction, (iii) Ando-Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination/lactonization, and (iv) selenoxide elimination. Our study confirmed the absolute configurations of penostatins A and C and laid the groundwork for further bioactivity studies.

Metal-Free, One-Pot Cascade Annulation of 2-Pyrones in Water for the Synthesis of Peptidomimetics

A one-pot, metal-free, double cyclization for the synthesis of bicyclic 2-pyridones as peptidomimetics was developed. In this process, the transformation of 2-pyrones bearing a tethered, homochiral α-amino acid started with the removal of the N-Boc protective group under acidic or neutral conditions at elevated temperature, followed by several key transformations, including cyclic enamine formation, decarboxylation or esterification, isomerization, and lactamization, to furnish bicyclic 2-pyridones in up to 98% yield with retention of the chirality at the α-carbon of the amino acid portion of the molecule. Exploration of the substrate scope revealed some selectivity between the decarboxylation and esterification pathways under thermal acidic conditions, while performing the reaction in boiling water yielded the decarboxylation products exclusively.

Evolutionary Histories of Type III Polyketide Synthases in Fungi

Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) produce secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities, including antimicrobials. While they have been extensively studied in plants and bacteria, only a handful of type III PKSs from fungi has been characterized in the last 15 years. The exploitation of fungal type III PKSs to produce novel bioactive compounds requires understanding the diversity of these enzymes, as well as of their biosynthetic pathways. Here, phylogenetic and reconciliation analyses of 522 type III PKSs from 1,193 fungal genomes revealed complex evolutionary histories with massive gene duplications and losses, explaining their discontinuous distribution in the fungal tree of life. In addition, horizontal gene transfer events from bacteria to fungi and, to a lower extent, between fungi, could be inferred. Ancestral gene duplication events have resulted in the divergence of eight phylogenetic clades. Especially, two clades show ancestral linkage and functional co-evolution between a type III PKS and a reducing PKS genes. Investigation of the occurrence of protein domains in fungal type III PKS predicted gene clusters highlighted the diversity of biosynthetic pathways, likely reflecting a large chemical landscape. Type III PKS genes are most often located next to genes encoding cytochrome P450s, MFS transporters and transcription factors, defining ancestral core gene clusters. This analysis also allowed predicting gene clusters for the characterized fungal type III PKSs and provides working hypotheses for the elucidation of the full biosynthetic pathways. Altogether, our analyses provide the fundamental knowledge to motivate further characterization and exploitation of fungal type III PKS biosynthetic pathways.

Psoralen Derivatives: Recent Advances of Synthetic Strategy and Pharmacological Properties

Psoralen or furocoumarin is a linear three ring heterocyclic compound. Psoralens are planar, tricyclic compounds, consisting of a furan ring fused to a coumarin moiety. Psoralen has been known for a wide spectrum of biological activities, spanning from cytotoxic, photosensitizing, insecticidal, antibacterial to antifungal effect. Thus, several structural changes were introduced to explore the role of specific positions with respect to the biological activity. Convenient approaches utilized for the synthesis of psoralen skeleton can be categorized into two parts: (i) the preparation of the tricyclic ring system from resorcinol, (ii) the exocyclic modification of the intact ring system. Furthermore, although psoralens have been used in diverse ways, we mainly focus in this work on their clinical utility for the treatment of psioraisis, vitiligo and skin-related disorder.

Electrochemistry-Enabled Ir-Catalyzed Vinylic C-H Functionalization

Synergistic use of electrochemistry and organometallic catalysis has emerged as a powerful tool for site-selective C-H functionalization, yet this type of transformation has thus far mainly been limited to arene C-H functionalization. Herein, we report the development of electrochemical vinylic C-H functionalization of acrylic acids with alkynes. In this reaction an iridium catalyst enables C-H/O-H functionalization for alkyne annulation, affording α-pyrones with good to excellent yields in an undivided cell. Preliminary mechanistic studies show that anodic oxidation is crucial for releasing the product and regeneration of an Ir(III) intermediate from a diene-Ir(I) complex, which is a coordinatively saturated, 18-electron complex. Importantly, common chemical oxidants such as Ag(I) or Cu(II) did not give significant amounts of the desired product in the absence of electrical current under otherwise identical conditions.

Base Mediated Tandem Vinylogous Addition and Cyclization of γ-Phosphonyl/Sulfonyl Crotonates and Ynones: Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Pyrones

A general method for highly functionalized 2-pyrones via a base-mediated sequential vinylogous addition and cyclization of γ-phosphonyl/sulfonyl crotonates and ynones are described. An exclusive E-geometry with respect to the newly generated olefin substituent at C3 of pyrone was observed. Imino glyoxalates and glycine imines similarly reacted with ynones to deliver 3-imino pyrones.