Synthesis of (-)-julocrotine and a diversity oriented Ugi-approach to analogues and probes

Ugi 5-center-4-component reaction of α-amino aldehydes and its application in synthesis of 2-oxopiperazines

A synthetic route leading to densely functionalized 2-oxopiperazines is presented. The strategy employs a 5-center-4-component variant of Ugi multicomponent reaction followed by a deprotection/cyclization sequence. N-Boc-α-amino aldehydes were used for the first time as carbonyl components in a key Ugi 5-center-4-component reaction (U-5C-4CR). It is shown that the presented synthetic route can lead to rigid, heterocyclic scaffolds, as demonstrated by the synthesis of tetrahydro-2H-pyrazino[1,2-a]pyrazine-3,6,9(4H)-trione β-turn mimetic and derivatives of 1,6-dioxooctahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine and 3,8-dioxohexahydro-3H-oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine.

Recent developments in the total synthesis of natural products using the Ugi multicomponent reactions as the key strategy

The total syntheses of selected natural products using different versions of the Ugi multicomponent reaction is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The revision covers the period 2008-2023 and includes detailed descriptions of the synthetic sequences, the use of state-of-the-art chemical reagents and strategies, as well as the advantages and limitations of the transformation and some remedial solutions. Relevant data on the isolation and bioactivity of the different natural targets are also briefly provided. The examples clearly evidence the strategic importance of this transformation and its key role in the modern natural products synthetic chemistry toolbox. This methodology proved to be a valuable means for easily building molecular complexity and efficiently delivering step-economic syntheses even of intricate structures, with a promising future.

Synthesis of acylhydrazino-peptomers, a new class of peptidomimetics, by consecutive Ugi and hydrazino-Ugi reactions

Herein we describe a versatile approach for the synthesis of acylhydrazino-peptomers, a new class of peptidomimetics. The key idea in this approach is based on a simple route using a one-pot hydrazino-Ugi four-component reaction followed by a hydrazinolysis or hydrolysis reaction and subsequent hydrazino-Ugi reaction or classical Ugi reaction for the construction of acyclic acylhydrazino-peptomers. The consecutive multicomponent reactions produced a variety of acylhydrazino-peptomers in moderate to excellent yields (47–90%). These compounds are multifunctional intermediates that can be further functionalized to obtain new peptidomimetics with potential biological activity.

Applications of Convertible Isonitriles in the Ligation and Macrocyclization of Multicomponent Reaction-Derived Peptides and Depsipeptides

Peptide ligation and macrocyclization are among the most relevant approaches in the field of peptide chemistry. Whereas a variety of strategies relying on coupling reagents and native chemical ligation are available, there is a continuous need for efficient peptide ligation and cyclization methods. Herein we report on the utilization of convertible isonitriles as effective synthetic tools for the ligation and macrocyclization of peptides arising from isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. The strategy relies on the use of convertible isonitriles-derived from Fukuyama amines-and peptide carboxylic acids in Ugi and Passerini reactions to afford N-alkylated peptides and depsipeptides, respectively, followed by conversion of the C-terminal amide onto either N-peptidoacyl indoles or pyrroles. Such activated peptides proved efficient in the ligation to peptidic, lipidic and fluorescently labeled amines and in macrocyclization protocols. As a result, a wide set of N-substituted peptides (with methyl, glycosyl and amino acids as N-substituents), cyclic N-methylated peptides and a depsipeptide were produced in good yields using conditions that involve either classical heating or microwave irradiation. This report improves the repertoire of peptide covalent modification methods by exploiting the synthetic potential of multicomponent reactions and convertible isonitriles.

Synthesis of antibacterial 1,3-diyne-linked peptoids from an Ugi-4CR/Glaser coupling approach

A library of ten 1,3-diyne-linked peptoids has been synthesized through an Ugi four-component reaction (U-4CR) followed by a copper-catalysed alkyne homocoupling (Glaser reaction). The short and chemoselective reaction sequence allows generating diverse (pseudo) dimeric peptoids. A combinatorial version allows the one-pot preparation of, e.g., six-compound-libraries of homo- and heterodimers verified by ESI-MS and HPLC. In a preliminary evaluation, some compounds display moderate activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis.

Consecutive isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions: synthesis of cyclic pentadepsipeptoids

The synthesis of six cyclic depsipeptoids inspired by the natural depsipeptide sansalvamide A is described. An efficient and fast synthetic strategy was developed using a combination of consecutive isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (Ugi and Passerini reactions). This methodology can be used to access a variety of cyclic oligodepsipeptoids.

The multicomponent approach to N-methyl peptides: total synthesis of antibacterial (-)-viridic acid and analogues

Two syntheses of natural viridic acid, an unusual triply N-methylated peptide with two anthranilate units, are presented. The first one is based on peptide-coupling strategies and affords the optically active natural product in 20% overall yield over six steps. A more economical approach with only four steps leads to the similarly active racemate by utilizing a Ugi four-component reaction (Ugi-4CR) as the key transformation. A small library of viridic acid analogues is readily available to provide first SAR insight. The biological activities of the natural product and its derivatives against the Gram-negative bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri were evaluated.