Near-infrared fluorescent indolizine-dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran hybrids for viscosity imaging in living cells

The development of near-infrared organic fluorescent dyes with tunable emission profiles is highly required in the field of biological sensing and imaging. In this paper, we designed and synthesized two organic fluorescent dyes, DCM-1 and DCM-2, through the hybridization of indolizine and dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran skeleton. These two compounds show near-infrared fluorescence with emission maximum approximately at 640 and 680 nm, respectively. Notably, both DCM-1 and DCM-2 have specific responses to viscosity without being interfered by biological relevant species. Cell experiments demonstrate that DCM-1 and DCM-2 can detect dynamic changes in viscosity within living cells, suggesting their potential applications in chemical biology research.

Design and Synthesis of 2-Phenylindolizine Acetamides: Molecular Docking, in Vitro Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity Evaluation

In the present work, we synthesized a small library of 2-phenylindolizine acetamide derivatives 7a-i and studied their biological activity. The synthesis was accomplished starting with easily available starting material phenacyl bromide 1 proceeding through the key intermediate 6-methyl-7-nitro-2-phenylindolizine 4. All the compounds 7a-i were characterized using spectroscopy viz., 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometry. Interestingly, 2-phenylindolizine scaffolds 7c, 7f and 7g revealed a remarkable antibacterial activity against relevant organisms S. aureus, E. coli, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa. The target compounds 7e and 7h showed excellent anticancer activity against Colo-205 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with IC50 values of 68.62, 62.91, 54.23 and 46.34 μM respectively. Additionally, all the 2-phenylindolizine acetamide derivatives 7a-i were subjected to molecular docking prediction by Autodock 4.2. Compounds 7a, 7f and 7c exhibited very good hydrogen bonding amino acid interactions Asp83 (2.23 Å), Asp83 (2.08 Å), His74 (2.05 Å), His76 (1.71 Å), Ser80 (1.05 Å) with active site of Topoisomerase-IV from S. pneumoniae (4KPE). Further, the compounds 7a-i have revealed acceptable ranges for drug-likeliness properties upon evaluation using SwissADME for ADMET and physiochemical properties.

Fluorescent indolizine derivative YI-13 detects amyloid-β monomers, dimers, and plaques in the brain of 5XFAD Alzheimer transgenic mouse model

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aberrant production and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Accumulated Aβ in soluble oligomer and insoluble plaque forms are considered to be a pathological culprit and biomarker of the disorder. Here, we report a fluorescent universal Aβ-indicator YI-13, 5-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-7,8-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-9(6H)-one, which detects Aβ monomers, dimers, and plaques. We synthesized a library of 26 fluorescence chemicals with the indolizine core and screen them through a series of in vitro tests utilizing Aβ as a target and YI-13 was selected as the final imaging candidate. YI-13 was found to stain and visualize insoluble Aβ plaques in the brain tissue, of a transgenic mouse model with five familial AD mutations (5XFAD), by a histochemical approach and to label soluble Aβ oligomers within brain lysates of the mouse model under a fluorescence plate reader. Among oligomers aggregated from monomers and synthetic dimers from chemically conjugated monomers, YI-13 preferred the dimeric Aβ.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Fluorescent Pyrido[2,3-b]indolizines from Alkylpyridinium Salts and Enaminones

Pyridinium ylides are well recognized as dipoles for cycloaddition reactions. In its turn, the microwave-assisted interaction of N-(cyanomethyl)-2-alkylpyridinium salts with enaminones unexpectedly proceeds as a domino sequence of cycloisomerization and cyclocondensation reactions, instead of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. The reaction takes place in the presence of sodium acetate as base and employs benign solvents. The optical properties of the resulting pyrido[2,3-b]indolizines were studied, showing green light emission with high fluorescence quantum yields.

Alkyl Group Migration in Ni-Catalyzed Conjunctive Coupling with C(sp3) Electrophiles: Reaction Development and Application to Targets of Interest

A catalytic conjunctive cross-coupling reaction is developed that allows the construction of chiral organoboronic esters from alkylboron ate complexes and alkyl iodide electrophiles. The process occurs most efficiently with a Ni/Pybox-comprised catalyst and with an acenapthoquinone-derived boron ligand. Because of the broad functional group tolerance of this reaction, it can be a versatile tool for organic synthesis. Applications to the construction of (R)-coniine and (-)-indolizidine 209D are described.

Computational, crystallographic studies, cytotoxicity and anti-tubercular activity of substituted 7-methoxy-indolizine analogues

Indolizines are heteroaromatic compounds, and their synthetic analogues have reportedly showed promising pharmacological properties. In this study, a series of synthetic 7-methoxy-indolizine derivatives were synthesised, characterised and evaluated for in vitro whole-cell anti-tuberculosis (TB) screening against susceptible (H37Rv) and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) using the resazurin microplate assay method. The cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. In silico molecular-docking study was conducted for compounds 5a-j against enoyl-[acyl-carrier] protein reductase, a key enzyme of the type II fatty acid synthesis that has attracted much interest for the development of novel anti-TB compounds. Thereafter, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was undertaken for the most active inhibitors. Compounds 5i and 5j with the methoxy functional group at the meta position of the benzoyl group, which was at the third position of the indolizine nucleus, demonstrated encouraging anti-TB activity against MDR strains of MTB at 16 μg/mL. In silico studies showed binding affinity within the range of 7.07-8.57 kcal/mol, with 5i showing the highest binding affinity. Hydrogen bonding, π-π- interactions, and electrostatic interactions were common with the active site. Most of these interactions occurred with the catalytic amino acids (Pro193, Tyr158, Phe149, and Lys165). MD simulation showed that 5j possessed the highest binding affinity toward the enzyme, according to the two calculation methods (MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA). The single-crystal X-ray studies of compounds 5c and 5d revealed that the molecular arrangements in these two structures were mostly guided by C-H···O hydrogen-bonded dimeric motifs and C-H···N hydrogen bonds, while various secondary interactions (such as π···π and C-H···F) also contributed to crystal formation. Compounds 5a, 5c, 5i, and 5j exhibited no toxicity up to 500 μg/mL. In conclusion, 5i and 5j are promising anti-TB compounds that have shown high affinity based on docking and MD simulation results.

Counter Anion Effect on the Photophysical Properties of Emissive Indolizine-Cyanine Dyes in Solution and Solid State

Near-infrared emissive materials with tunable Stokes shifts and solid-state emissions are needed for several active research areas and applications. To aid in addressing this need, a series of indolizine-cyanine compounds varying only the anions based on size, dipole, and hydrophilicity were prepared. The effect of the non-covalently bound anions on the absorption and emission properties of identical π-system indolizine-cyanine compounds were measured in solution and as thin films. Interestingly, the anion choice has a significant influence on the Stokes shift and molar absorptivities of the dyes in solution. In the solid-state, the anion choice was found to have an effect on the formation of aggregate states with higher energy absorptions than the parent monomer compound. The dyes were found to be emissive in the NIR region, with emissions peaking at near 900 nm for specific solvent and anion selections.

Design, Synthesis, and Antitobacco Mosaic Virus Activity of Water-Soluble Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Salts of Phenanthroindolizidines Alkaloids

To study the influence of the substituent at the N-10 position on antiviral activity, the chiral quaternary ammonium salt derivatives of R- and S-tylophorine were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The bioassay results indicated that most of the designed structural analogues showed good in vivo anti-TMV activity, among which propargyl quaternary ammonium salt compound S-7b showed the best anti-TMV activities (80.5%, 77.6%, 76.6%, 82.1%) at 500 μg/mL both in vitro and in vivo in the laboratory. In the field trials of antiviral efficacy against TMV, S-7b as well exhibited better activities than control plant virus inhibitors. The stability of compound S-7b was obviously increased, and its solubility was more than 500-times higher than that of S-tylophorine. Therefore, chiral quaternary ammonium salt S-7b was expected to be developed as a promising candidate as an inhibitor of plant virus.

Direct Synthesis of 2-Formylpyrrolidines, 2-Pyrrolidinones and 2-Dihydrofuranones via Aerobic Copper-Catalyzed Aminooxygenation and Dioxygenation of 4-Pentenylsulfonamides and 4-Pentenylalcohols

A new method for the direct conversion of 4-pentenylsulfonamides to 2-formylpyrrolidines and a 2-ketopyrrolidine has been developed. This transformation occurs via aerobic copper-catalyzed alkene aminooxygenation where molecular oxygen serves as both oxidant and oxygen source. The 2-formylpyrrolidines can further undergo oxidative carbon-carbon bond cleavage in situ upon addition of DABCO, providing 2-pyrrolidinones. These transformations have been demonstrated for a range of 4-pentenylsulfonamides. 4-Pentenylalcohols also undergo oxidative cyclization to form γ-lactones predominantly. The reaction is chemoselective, oxidizing one alkene in the presence of others, and is compatible with several functional groups. Application of these reactions to the formal syntheses of baclofen and (+)-monomorine was demonstrated.

Discovery of indolizines containing triazine moiety as new leads for the development of antitumoral agents targeting mitotic events

A new family of 3-aroylindolizines bearing a dimethoxytriazine unit in their position 1 was designed, synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization and cellular growth in vitro. Compound 39 was the best candidate in the current study with a GI50 value of 870 nM on SNB-75 CNS cancer cells and of 920 nM on MDA-MB-231/ATCC breast cancer cells. The standard NCI Compare results indicated that indolizine 39 may target PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 6-substituted indolizinoquinolinediones as catalytic DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors

In our previous work, indolizinoquinolinedione derivative 1 was identified as a Top1 catalytic inhibitor. Herein, a series of 6-substituted indolizinoquinolinedione derivatives were synthesized through modification of the parent compound 1. Top1 cleavage and relaxation assays indicate that none of these novel compounds act as classical Top1 poison, and that the compounds with alkylamino terminus at C-6 side chain, including 8, 11-16, 18-21, 25, 26 and 28-30, are the most potent Top1 catalytic inhibitors. Top1-mediated unwinding assay demonstrated that 14, 22 and 26 were Top1 catalytic inhibitors without Top1-mediated unwinding effect. Moreover, MTT results showed that compounds 26, 28-30 exhibit significant cytotoxicity against human leukemia HL-60 cells, and that compound 26 exerts potent cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells at nanomolar range.

Studies towards the synthesis of indolizin-5(3H)-one derivatives and related 6,5-azabicyclic scaffolds by ring-closing metathesis

Herein, we report on work towards the development of a new strategy for the synthesis of rare and biologically interesting indolizin-5(3H)-ones, which is based around the use of ring-closing metathesis to construct the carbocyclic ring system. This study has provided insights into the general stability of indolizin-5(3H)-ones and their tendency to exist as the tautomeric indolizin-5-ols. Furthermore, this approach has allowed access to other novel structurally related compounds based around unusual 6,5-azabicyclic scaffolds, which are also difficult to generate using typical methods. The azabicyclic compounds synthesized in this study reside in attractive regions of heterocyclic chemical space that are underexploited in current drug and agrochemical discovery efforts.

One-pot synthesis of highly substituted N-fused heteroaromatic bicycles from azole aldehydes

An efficient route to substituted N-fused aromatic heterocycles, including indolizines, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, and imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines from azole aldehydes, is reported. Wittig olefination of the aldehydes with fumaronitrile and triethylphosphine affords predominantly E-alkenes that undergo rapid cyclization upon treatment with a mild base. Substituent control of the 1-, 2-, and 3-positions of the resulting heteroaromatic bicycles is shown. Alternatively, the isolable E-alkene undergoes selective alkylation with electrophiles, followed by in situ annulation to indolizines additionally substituted at the 6-position.

The synthesis, characterization and optical properties of novel 2-acyl 6-arylindolizines

A series of novel 2-acyl-6-aryl substituted indolizine derivatives was synthesized by a novel tandem reaction between 4-acyl-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde derivatives and ethyl 4-bromo-3-arylbut-2-enoate under mild conditions. The compounds were characterized using IR, (1)H NMR (13)C NMR and HRMS. The crystal structure of 7a was determined using single crystal X-ray crystallography. The absorption results showed that compounds 7a-e presented their absorption maxima at ca. 270 nm, while compounds 7f and 7g with a larger conjugation system exhibited red-shifted absorption character (ca. 280 nm). Fluorescence spectra revealed that these compounds exhibited blue fluorescence (434-456 nm) in dilute solutions and showed quantum yields of fluorescence between 0.02 and 0.39 in dichloromethane.

Biosynthetically inspired divergent approach to monoterpene indole alkaloids: total synthesis of mersicarpine, leuconodines B and D, leuconoxine, melodinine E, leuconolam, and rhazinilam

Inspired by their potential biosynthesis, we have developed divergent total syntheses of seven monoterpene indole alkaloids including mersicarpine, leuconodines B and D, leuconoxine, melodinine E, leuconolam, and rhazinilam, and one unnatural analogue with an unprecedented structural skeleton. The key steps involve a Witkop-Winterfeldt oxidative indole cleavage followed by transannular cyclization. The transannular cyclization product was then converted to the corresponding structural skeletons by pairing its functional groups into different reaction modes.

Metal-free [3 + 2 + 1]/[2 + 2 + 1] biscyclization: stereospecific construction with concomitant functionalization of indolizin-5(1H)-one

A metal-free [3 + 2 + 1]/[2 + 2 + 1] biscyclization strategy has been developed for the stereospecific construction with concomitant derivation of biologically significant indolizin-5(1H)-ones from simple and commercial starting materials. The transformations are notable because they can yield five new σ bonds and six stereocenters including a quaternary carbon center in a single operation.

Catalytic, asymmetric indolizidinone aza-quaternary stereocenter synthesis: expedient synthesis of the cylindricine alkaloid core

The Rh(I)•CKphos catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,1-disubstituted alkenyl isocyanates and alkyl alkynes selectively forms previously inaccessible vinylogous amide indolizidinone cycloadducts, establishing an aza-quaternery stereocenter with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). This advance enables a seven step catalytic, asymmetric synthesis of the tricyclic core of the cylindricine alkaloids with excellent control of product selectivity as well as regio- and enantioselectivity.

Ungeremine and Its hemisynthesized analogues as bactericides against Flavobacterium columnare

The Gram-negative bacterium Flavobacterium columnare is the cause of columnaris disease, which can occur in channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). In a previous study, the betaine-type alkaloid ungeremine, 1, obtained from Pancratium maritimum L. was found to have strong antibacterial activity against F. columnare. In this study, analogues of 1 were evaluated using a rapid bioassay for activity against F. columnare to determine if the analogues might provide greater antibacterial activity and to determine structure-activity relationships of the test compounds. Several ungeremine analogues were prepared by hydrochlorination of the alkaloid and by selenium dioxide oxidation of both lycorine, 7, and pseudolycorine, 8, which yielded the isomer of ungeremine, 3, and zefbetaine, 4, respectively. The treatment of lycorine with phosphorus oxychloride allowed the synthesis of an anhydrolycorine lactam, 5, showing, with respect to 1, the deoxygenation and oxygenation of C-2 and C-7 of the C and B rings, respectively. The results of the structure-activity relationship studies showed that the aromatization of the C ring and the oxidation to an azomethine group of C-7 of the B ring are structural features important for antibacterial activity. In addition, the position of the oxygenation of the C ring as well as the presence of the 1,3-dioxole ring joined to the A ring of the pyrrolo[de]phenanthridine skeleton also plays a significant role in imparting antibacterial activity. On the basis of 24-h 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) results, ungeremine hydrochloride, 2, was similar in toxicity to 1, whereas 5 had the lowest activity. Analogue 2 is soluble in water, which may provide the benefit for use as an effective feed additive or therapeutant compared to ungeremine.

Novel one-pot green synthesis of indolizines biocatalysed by Candida antarctica Lipases

Marine microorganisms are of considerable interest as a promising source of enzymes with unsuspected potentials as catalysts for chemical synthesis. We describe here an efficient method for one-pot indolizine synthesis that has been developed using lipase A and lipase B from Candida antarctica as biocatalysts. As showed by HPLC/MS analysis, the yield in indolizines was higher in the presence of the biocatalyst than in absence of enzyme. Lipase A, from Candida antarctica, showed high catalytic activity and selectivity for the cycloaddition reactions. When the reactions were performed under ultrasound irradiation, the Candida antarctica lipase catalyzed reactions yielded pure indolozines, in good yields and in very short time.

Total synthesis of the Lycopodium alkaloid serratezomine A using free radical-mediated vinyl amination to prepare a β-stannyl enamine linchpin

Serratezomine A is a member of the structurally diverse class of compounds known as the Lycopodium alkaloids. The key supporting studies and successful total synthesis of serratezomine A are described in this account. Significant features of the synthesis include the first application of free radical mediated vinyl amination and Hwu's oxidative allylation in a total synthesis and an intramolecular lactonization via a transannular S(N)i reaction. Minimal use of protecting groups and the highly diastereoselective formation of a hindered, quaternary stereocenter using an umpolung allylation are also highlights from a strategy perspective. Observation of quaternary carbon epimerization via a retro-Mannich/Mannich sequence highlights the additional challenge presented by the axial alcohol at C8 in serratezomine A.

A versatile enantioselective synthesis of azabicyclic ring systems: a concise total synthesis of (+)-grandisine D and unnatural analogues

Closing in on azacines: We have developed a new six step approach for the rapid and enantioselective synthesis of indolizidine, pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine, and pyrrolo[1,2-a]azocine azabicyclic systems and their respective lactam congeners, which are found in a host of natural products as well as pharmaceutical preparations. This protocol enables a concise enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-grandisine D in 16.4 % overall yield from commercial materials (see scheme).

Total syntheses of arylindolizidine alkaloids (+)-ipalbidine and (+)-antofine

This paper presents the first application of two recently developed reactions to natural product synthesis. The first method involves a 6-endo-trig cyclization to prepare a versatile chiral enaminone building block. The second is a direct C-H arylation reaction. As a showcase for the utility of these methods, (+)-antofine and (+)-ipalbidine were synthesized in only 8 steps and 24-26% overall yields.

Total synthesis of (-)-uniflorine A

Total synthesis of (-)-uniflorine A (3) has been accomplished in nine steps and 11% overall yield from carbohydrate-based nitrone 5. The key steps of the synthetic strategy were a high regio- and complete stereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of alkene 6 with nitrone 5, a Tamao-Fleming reaction for replacing the silicon substituent with a hydroxy group with retention of configuration, and a Mitsunobu reaction to establish the correct configuration of the target molecule at C-6.

Diastereoselective pyrrolidine synthesis via copper promoted intramolecular aminooxygenation of alkenes: formal synthesis of (+)-monomorine

The diastereoselectivity of the copper-promoted intramolecular aminooxygenation of various alkene substrates was investigated. Alpha-substituted 4-pentenyl sulfonamides favor the formation of 2,5-cis-pyrrolidines (dr >20:1) giving excellent yields which range from 76-97% while gamma-substituted substrates favor the 2,3-trans pyrrolidine adducts with moderate selectivity (ca. 3:1). A substrate whose N-substituent was directly tethered to the alpha-carbon exclusively yielded the 2,5-trans pyrrolidine. The synthetic utility of the method was demonstrated by a short and efficient formal synthesis of (+)-monomorine.

Total synthesis of the lycopodium alkaloid (+)-serratezomine A

The first total synthesis of (+)-serratezomine A is described. Key aspects of the synthesis include (a) the first deployment of free-radical-mediated vinyl amination (an intramolecular alkyne aminostannation) in a complex target synthesis, (b) the use of a beta-stannyl enamine as the lynchpin for convergent assembly of the natural product backbone, (c) the use of an oxidative allylation promoted by cerium(IV) (CAN) to establish the all-carbon quaternary chiral center with the proper configuration, and (d) an intramolecular substitution reaction to form the sensitive bridging lactone. Overall, 15 steps (longest linear sequence) are required to prepare the natural product from a commercially available aldehyde, and assembly of the contiguous array of six stereocenters is accomplished with high stereocontrol.

Natural products as inspiration for the development of asymmetric catalysis

Biologically active natural products often contain particularly challenging structural features and functionalities in terms of synthesis. Perhaps the greatest difficulties are those caused by issues of stereochemistry. A useful strategy for synthesizing such molecules is to devise methods of bond formation that provide opportunities for using enantioselective catalysis. In using this tactic, the desire for a particular target structure ultimately drives the development of catalytic methods. New enantioselective catalytic methods contribute to a greater fundamental understanding of how bonds can be constructed and lead to valuable synthetic technologies that are useful for a variety of applications.

Synthesis and evaluation of heteroaromatic 6,7-diaryl-2,3,8,8a-tetrahydroindolizin-5(1H)-ones for cytotoxicity against the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line

A heteroaromatic 6,7-diaryl-2,3,8,8a-tetrahydroindolizin-5(1H)-one analog library was prepared and tested for cytotoxic properties against the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, thus providing additional information pertaining to structure-activity relationships for this class of compounds. The most active of the new analogs proved to be the C6 2-thiophene and 3-thiophene analogs with IC(50) values of 0.27 microM and 0.60 microM, respectively.

Efficient Synthesis of a New Structural Phenanthro[9,10,3‘,4‘]indolizidine Starting from Pyrrole

A new structural phenanthroindolizidine, 2,3,6,7-tetramethoxyphenanthro[9,10,3',4']indolizidine, has been synthesized efficiently from pyrrole. An important feature of this synthesis is that intramolecular oxidative coupling and rearrangement of 6,7-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-8-methoxy-1,2,3-trihydroindolizin-5-one by using VOF3 and TFA have been achieved in one pot.

Thiophenol-Mediated 1,5-Hydrogen Transfer for the Preparation of Pyrrolizidines, Indolizidines, and Related Compounds

The efficient preparation of 1-azabicyclic alkanes is described. Highly functionalized skeletons are prepared in a concise manner using a radical tin-free 1,5-hydrogen transfer-cyclization process. The precursors for the radical reactions are readily assembled either from pyrrolidine/piperidine/hexahydro-1H-azepine or via condensation of a properly designed N-alkylimine with an allenylzinc species.

Total synthesis of pumiliotoxins 209F and 251D via late-stage, nickel-catalyzed epoxide-alkyne reductive cyclization

Pumiliotoxins 209F and 251D were synthesized using highly selective nickel-catalyzed epoxide-alkyne reductive cyclizations as the final step. The exocyclic (Z)-alkene found in the majority of the pumiliotoxins was formed stereospecifically and regioselectively, without the use of a directing group on the alkyne, and the epoxide underwent ring opening exclusively at the less hindered carbon to provide the requisite tertiary alcohol. The epoxides were prepared using diastereoselective addition of a sulfoxonium anion to a proline-derived methyl ketone.

Gold-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Aminoindolizines from Aldehydes, Amines, and Alkynes under Solvent-Free Conditions or in Water

A gold(III)-catalyzed multicomponent coupling/cycloisomerization reaction of heteroaryl aldehydes, amines, and alkynes under solvent-free conditions or in water has been developed. This methodology provides rapid access to substituted aminoindolizines with high atom economy and high catalytic efficiency. Especially, the coupling of enantiomerically enriched amino acid derivatives produces the corresponding N-indolizine-incorporated amino acid derivatives without loss of enantiomeric purity.

Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Indolizines and Indolizinones by Copper-Catalyzed Cycloisomerizations of Propargylic Pyridines

The copper-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of 2-pyridyl-substituted propargylic acetates and its derivatives are described, which offer an efficient route to C-1 oxygenated indolizines with a wide range of substituents under mild reaction conditions. The presented method could be readily applied to the synthesis of indolizinones through a cyclization/1,2-migration of tertiary propargylic alcohols.

Short and efficient total synthesis of luotonin A and 22-hydroxyacuminatine using a common cascade strategy

Total syntheses of 22-hydroxyacuminatine and luotonin A were achieved in direct fashion and high overall yields (16% in eight steps and 47% in five steps, respectively). A mild cascade methodology was successfully applied in both syntheses as a common strategy. The new approach presents the advantages of short routes, high overall yields, use of stable intermediates, and ease of operations.

Antitumor agents 253. Design, synthesis, and antitumor evaluation of novel 9-substituted phenanthrene-based tylophorine derivatives as potential anticancer agents

C9-Substituted phenanthrene-based tylophorine derivatives (PBTs) (13-36) were synthesized and evaluated as in vitro anticancer agents against the human A549 lung cancer cell line. Twelve active compounds were further examined against DU-145 (prostate), ZR-751 (breast), KB (nasopharyngeal), and KB-Vin (multidrug resistant KB subline) human cancer cell lines. They showed potent cytotoxic activity against both wild type and matched multidrug resistant KB cell lines, and displayed notable selectivity toward DU-145 (prostate) and ZR-751 (breast) cancer cell lines. The mode of action of this class may be distinctly different from that of other cancer chemotherapeutic compounds. Three PBT analogs were also evaluated in a murine model. Compound 24b showed modest in vivo antitumor activity against human A549 xenograft in nude mice as well as potent in vitro cytotoxic activity, and thus, is a promising anticancer lead compound.

Asymmetric synthesis of (-)-nupharamine and (-)-(5S,8R,9S)-5-(3-furyl)-8-methyloctahydroindolizidine from beta-amino ketones and the intramolecular Mannich reaction

The asymmetric synthesis of the 2,3,6-trisubstituted piperidine core of the antitumor Nuphar alkaloids was readily achieved by using the intramolecular Mannich reaction and a sulfinimine-derived beta-amino ketone.

Total syntheses of the tylophora alkaloids cryptopleurine, (-)-antofine, (-)-tylophorine, and (-)-ficuseptine C

A concise, efficient and modular approach to the tylophora alkaloids is described, a family of potent cytotoxic agents that are equally effective against drug sensitive and multidrug resistant cancer cell lines. The advantages of the chosen route are illustrated by the total syntheses of the phenanthroquinolizidine cryptopleurine (1) and the phenanthroindolizidines (-)-antofine (2), (-)-tylophorine (3), and their only recently isolated congener (-)-ficuseptine C (4). The key steps consist in a Suzuki cross-coupling between a (commercial) boronic acid and a simple aryl-1,2-dihalide followed by elaboration of the resulting products into the corresponding 2-alkynyl-biphenyl derivatives 27, 33, 41 and 46. The latter undergo PtCl2-catalyzed cycloisomerizations with formation of the functionalized phenanthrenes 28, 34, 42 and 47, which were transformed into the targeted alkaloids by a deprotection/Pictet-Spengler annulation tandem. Due to the flexibility and robust character of this approach, it might enable a systematic exploration of the pharmacological profile of this promising class of bioactive natural products.

General Strategy for the Construction of Enantiopure Pyrrolidine-Based Alkaloids. Total Synthesis of (−)-Monomorine

An enantiopure cis-2,5-disubstituted pyrrolidine building block was prepared from cocaine. The synthetic utility of this compound as a chiral building block was demonstrated by a short and efficient synthesis of the pyrrolidine-based alkaloid (-)-monomorine (six steps, 37% overall yield).

Pt-catalyzed cyclization/1,2-migration for the synthesis of indolizines, pyrrolones, and indolizinones

Indolizine, pyrrolone, and indolizinone heterocycles are easily accessed via the Pt(II)-catalyzed cycloisomerization or a tandem cyclization/1,2-migration of pyridine propargylic alcohols and derivatives. This method provides an efficient synthesis of highly functionalized heterocycles from readily available substrates. [reaction: see text]

Synthesis andIn Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Novel Naphthindolizinedione Derivatives

Novel 6,11-dioxo-6,11-dihydro-benzo[f]pyrido[1,2-a]indole-12-carboxamide derivatives and the corresponding 7,10-dihydroxy analogues were designed in accordance with Moore's and Pindur's theory and synthesized based on the structural similarity with known antitumour agents such as ellipticine, daunorubicin, mitoxantrone and 9-aminoacridine-4 carboxamide derivatives. These compounds, including structural variations of the amide side chain, were evaluated in the NCI panel of human tumour cell lines, from which 6,11-dioxo-6,11-dihydro-benzo[f]pyrido[1,2-a]indole-(2-dimethylamino-ethyl)-12-carboxamide 11a was found to be the most potent agent within the series. It showed good selectivity towards leukaemia, colon and renal cancer cell lines, with significant GI50 values, from lower than 10 nM to 0.2 microM. Moreover, its cytotoxicity against the adriamicine-resistant breast tumour cell line at a concentration lower than 1 microM turned out to be higher than the values using the clinical anticancer agents, daunorubicin and mitoxantrone.

A Versatile Strategy for Divergent and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Natural Product-Like Polyhydroxylated Indolizidines

A general and versatile method for the divergent and diastereoselective synthesis of polyhydroxylated indolizidines has been established. The annulation reactions of a readily available enantiopure dihydroxylated cyclic secondary enamine with alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylates including methyl acrylate, methyl crotonate, methyl 2-hexenoate, allenoate, and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and with malonyl chloride produced hexahydro- or tetrahydro-5-indolizinone-8-carboxylates in high yields. The resulting 5-indolizinone derivatives were converted into diverse polyhydroxylated indolizidines in good yields through practical hydrogenation and reduction reactions.

Intramolecular azide trapping of the Nazarov intermediate: formation of peroxy-bridged indolizidinones via a deep-seated rearrangement and aerobic oxidation

Cross-conjugated dienones with pendent azide side chains undergo interrupted Nazarov trapping, leading to peroxy-bridged indolizidinones in good yields. This process is proposed to involve skeletal rearrangement of the initial trapping product, with loss of dinitrogen, to give an intermediate 1,4-betaine, which then undergoes reaction with atmospheric oxygen. The endoperoxide products can be reduced under catalytic hydrogenation conditions to furnish alpha-hydroxylactams. [reaction: see text].

Preparation of new nitrogen-bridged heterocycles. 59. Syntheses and intramolecular interactions of 3-(acylmethylthio)- and 3-[(3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-propenyl)thio]thieno[3,4-b]indolizine derivatives

Various thieno[3,4-b]indolizine derivatives having an acylmethylthio or (3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-propenyl)thio group at the 3-position which could not be obtained by a conventional method were prepared by a new procedure using cyanoethyl group as a protecting group and their intramolecular arene-pi interactions were investigated. In the (1)H-NMR spectra of these thieno[3,4-b]indolizines, the low-field shifts (delta 0.10-0.33 ppm) for the 5-protons were observed in comparison with those of 3-(methylthio)thieno[3,4-b]indolizines as a standard. The UV spectra also exhibited a characteristic absorption band at 425-445 nm attributable to the arene-pi interaction but their intensities were generally lower than those of 3-(arylmethylthio)thieno[3,4-b]indolizines. In their X-ray analyses, the anti conformation for 3-(acylmethylthio)thieno[3,4-b]indolizines and the gauche one for the 3-(3-ethoxycarbonyl-2-propenyl)thio derivatives were exhibited.

Synthesis of indolizine derivatives with selective antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

1-substituted indolizines with activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been synthesized. The most active compounds carry an hydroxyphenylmethyl- or hydroxyalkyl substituent in the indolizine 1-position. The alkyl chain should be moderately long (C-5 or C-6). Aryl groups in the 2- and 3-position of the indolizine are also required. Removal of the 3-substituent resulted in significant loss of activity. A nitrile substituent in the 7-position is beneficial for both chemical stability and bioactivity. The compounds studied display a narrow antibacterial spectrum and appear to be quite selective antimycobacterial compounds. Moderate activity against certain pathogenic protozoa was also observed.

Synthesis of (±)-Strychnofoline via a Highly Convergent Selective Annulation Reaction

Studies aimed at preparing (+/-)-strychnofoline by total synthesis are detailed. The route described makes use of a recently developed MgI(2)-mediated ring-expansion reaction of spiro[cyclopropan-1,3'-oxindole] with a cyclic disubstituted aldimine. The ring-expansion product was formed as a single diastereoisomer in 55 % yield, possessing the same stereochemical pattern found in strychnofoline. In addition, our synthetic effort has led to the development of new reaction methodology to access 3,4-disubstituted cyclic aldimines.

Synthesis of 2-Azaindolizines by Using an Iodine-Mediated Oxidative Desulfurization Promoted Cyclization of N-2-Pyridylmethyl Thioamides and an Investigation of Their Photophysical Properties

Iodine-mediated, oxidative desulfurization promoted cyclization of N-2-pyridylmethyl thioamides serves as an efficient and versatile method for the preparation of 2-azaindolizines (imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines) and rare 2-azaindolizine sulfur-bridged dimers. The 2-azaindolizines prepared in this manner are readily converted to a variety of fluorescent compounds by using transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. [reaction: see text].

Asymmetric [2 + 2] Cycloaddition: Total Synthesis of (−)-Swainsonine and (+)-6-Epicastanospermine

[reaction: see text] An asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-swainsonine and (+)-6-epicastanospermine is described from a common intermediate, which is obtained through diastereoselective [2 + 2] cycloaddition of dichloroketene to a chiral enol ether.

Synthesis of 1-homoaustraline

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of a five-membered cyclic nitrone derived from malic acid and unsaturated D-threo-hexonolactone leads to a single adduct, which was transformed into 1-homoaustraline via a reaction sequence involving rearrangement of the six-membered lactone ring into the five-membered one, removal of the terminal carbon atom from the sugar chain, reduction of the lactone fragment into triol, protection of primary hydroxy groups, mesylation of the secondary one, cleavage of the N-O bond, and the intramolecular alkylation of the nitrogen atom.