Development of Newly Synthesized Chromone Derivatives with High Tumor Specificity against Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Since many anticancer drugs show severe adverse effects such as mucositis, peripheral neurotoxicity, and extravasation, it was crucial to explore new compounds with much reduced adverse effects. Comprehensive investigation with human malignant and nonmalignant cells demonstrated that derivatives of chromone, back-bone structure of flavonoid, showed much higher tumor specificity as compared with three major polyphenols in the natural kingdom, such as lignin-carbohydrate complex, tannin, and flavonoid. A total 291 newly synthesized compounds of 17 groups (consisting of 12 chromones, 2 esters, and 3 amides) gave a wide range of the intensity of tumor specificity, possibly reflecting the fitness for the optimal 3D structure and electric state. Among them, 7-methoxy-3-[(1E)-2-phenylethenyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (compound 22), which belongs to 3-styrylchromones, showed the highest tumor specificity. 22 induced subG1 and G2 + M cell population in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, with much less keratinocyte toxicity as compared with doxorubicin and 5-FU. However, 12 active compounds selected did not necessarily induce apoptosis and mitotic arrest. This compound can be used as a lead compound to manufacture more active compound.

Temporary Generation of a Cyclopropyl Oxocarbenium Ion Enables Highly Diastereoselective Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropane Cycloaddition

A novel formal [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclopropylacetals and aldehydes was developed, and the resulting trisubstituted tetrahydrofurans display three new chiral centers formed with highly diastereoselectivity. This method is stereocomplementary to most previously reported cycloadditions of malonate diesters, relies on the transient generation of cyclopropyl oxocarbenium ions, proceeds under mild conditions, and is based on the concept of temporary activation of an otherwise inert protecting group.

Visible light-induced difunctionalization of electron-enriched styrenes: synthesis of tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans

The difunctionalization of electron-enriched styrenes for the synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans in the presence of photoredox catalysts is described.

Catalytic enantiospecific [3+2] annulation of aminocyclopropanes with ketones

An almost familiar ring: The first enantiospecific [3+2] annulation of donor-acceptor aminocyclopropanes with ketones is reported (see scheme; Phth=phthaloyl). The reaction is catalysed by tin(IV) chloride (5 mol %) at -78 °C and gives aminotetrahydrofurans bearing a quaternary C5 atom in high yield, diastereoselectivity and enantiospecificity (see scheme).

Efficient Synthesis of Fused Perhydrofuro[2,3-b]pyrans (and Furans) by Ring Opening of 1,2-Cyclopropanated Sugar Derivatives

[structure: see text]. An efficient method has been developed for the construction of fused perhydrofuro[2,3-b]pyrans by diastereoselective ring opening of 1,2-cyclopropanated sugar derivatives. The methodology has been successfully applied to the synthesis of fused perhydrofuro[2,3-b]pyrano-gamma-butyrolactone derivatives.