Selective favorskii rearrangement in macrocyclic rings

Abstract A mixture of 2,2-dibromo-12-chlorocyclododecanone (IIa) and 2,12-dibromo-2-chlorocyclododecanone (IIb) by Favorskii rearrangement gave selectively methyl 2-chloro-1-cycloundecene-1-carboxylate (IIIa).

Synthesis of (−)-auricularic acid and its C-4 epimer the absolute configuration of auricularic acid

Abstract A synthesis of (−)-auricularic acid (2a) starting from methyl (+)-13-oxo- podocarp-8(14)-en-19-oate (3a) and a synthesis of its C-4 epimer (2b) starting from methyl (+)-13-oxopodocarp-8(14)-en-18-oate (3b) are described. The absolute configuration of natural auricularic acid is stablished as (4R, 5S, 8S, 9R, 10S, 14S).

ChemInform Abstract: Influence of Reactant Polarity on the Course of the Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels-Alder Reaction. A DFT Study of Regio- and Stereoselectivity, Presence of Lewis Acid Catalyst, and Inclusion of Solvent Effects in the Reaction Between N

The molecular mechanisms for the inverse-electron-demand Diels−Alder reactions between nitroethene and three substituted ethenes (propene, methyl vinyl ether, and dimethylvinylamine) to give the corresponding nitroso cycloadducts have been characterized with density functional theory methods using the B3LYP/6-31G* calculational level. On the basis of stability arguments and molecular orbital analysis relative rates, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity, the presence of Lewis acid catalyst modeled by the BH3 system and the inclusion of solvent effects as a function of the nature of substituent in the dienophile fragment are analyzed and discussed. The ortho attack mode presents transition…

A DFT study for the regioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of nitrile N-oxides toward alkynylboronates

Abstract The mechanism for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of benzonitrile oxide toward ethynyl and propynylboronate has been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-31G* level. These cycloadditions are concerted [3+2] processes. The presence of the two oxygens on the boronic ester precludes the participation of the boron atom on [3+3] processes. The two regioisomeric channels associated to the formation of the isoxazoles bearing the boronic ester unit on the 4- or 5-positions have been characterized. The B3LYP/6-31G* activation parameters are in acceptable agreement with the experiments, allowing to explain the factors controlling these regioselective cycloadditions.

Synthesis of (+)-podocarp-8(14)-en-13-one and methyl-(+)-13-oxo-podocarp-8(14)-en-18-oate from abietic acid

Abstract An efficient method for the preparation of (+)-podocarp-8(14)-en-13-one 6 and methyl-(+)-13-oxo-podocarp-8(14)-en-18-oate 8 from abietic acid is described.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Cuparane Sesquiterpenes. Synthesis of (−)-Cuparene and (−)-δ-Cuparenol

(−)-Cuparene and (−)-δ-cuparenol, two cuparane-type sesquiterpenoids, were synthesized from β-cyclogeraniol in 47% and 27% overall yield, respectively, using a Katsuki−Sharpless asymmetric epoxidat...

Using theozymes for designing transition-state analogs for the intramolecular aldol reaction of δ-diketones

Two theozymes for the intramolecular aldol reaction of δ-diketones have been studied using ab initio methods. The presence of both acid/base residues favors several steps of the aldol reaction. The appropriate positioning of these residues can accelerate one of two diastereromeric reaction pathways, the catalyzed aldol reaction being highly stereoselective. Analysis of the geometrical parameters, charge distribution, and the shape of molecular electrostatic potential for the corresponding acid/base catalyzed transition structure allows us to design adequate transition-state analogs to favor a reactive channel of this intramolecular aldol reaction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant …

Synthesis of spongian diterpenes: (−)-spongian-16-oxo-17-al and (−)-acetyldendrillol-1

Abstract An efficient diastereoselective synthesis of the spongian diterpenes (−)-spongian-16-oxo-17-al ( 1 ) and (−)-acetyldendrillol-1 ( 13 ) is described starting from (+)-podocarp-8(14)-13-one ( 6 ) via the ester-dialdehyde 11 as key intermediate. The absolute configuration at C-17 in synthetic compound 13 has conclusively been proved by NOE experiments.

A DFT study of the mechanism of NHC catalysed annulation reactions involving α,β-unsaturated acyl azoliums and β-naphthol.

The mechanism of NHC catalysed annulation reactions involving an α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium and β-naphthol has been studied using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level in toluene. For the C-C bond formation step, which corresponds to the rate- and stereo-determining step of this NHC catalysed reaction, the two competitive addition modes, i.e. the 1,2- and the 1,4-additions, have been studied. In toluene, acyl azolium forms an ion pair (IP) with the counterion chloride anion. Interestingly, β-naphthol forms a hydrogen bond with the chloride anion of IP, increasing the nucleophilic character of β-naphthol and the electrophilic character of the acyl azolium moiety. For the first time, …

Influence of Reactant Polarity on the Course of the Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels−Alder Reaction. A DFT Study of Regio- and Stereoselectivity, Presence of Lewis Acid Catalyst, and Inclusion of Solvent Effects in the Reaction between Nitroethene and Substituted Ethenes

The molecular mechanisms for the inverse-electron-demand Diels−Alder reactions between nitroethene and three substituted ethenes (propene, methyl vinyl ether, and dimethylvinylamine) to give the corresponding nitroso cycloadducts have been characterized with density functional theory methods using the B3LYP/6-31G* calculational level. On the basis of stability arguments and molecular orbital analysis relative rates, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity, the presence of Lewis acid catalyst modeled by the BH3 system and the inclusion of solvent effects as a function of the nature of substituent in the dienophile fragment are analyzed and discussed. The ortho attack mode presents transition…

Preparation of 2,3-seco-5α-cholestane-2,3-diol and 4α-methyl-2,3-seco-5α-cholestane-2,3-diol and its reactions with o-nitrophenyl selenocyanate

The reaction of 2,3-seco-5 alpha-cholestane-2,3-diol and 4 alpha-methyl-2,3-seco-5 alpha-cholestane-2,3-diol with o-nitrophenyl selenocyanate was studied. The diols were synthesized from cholesterol.

Diastereoselective synthesis of spongian diterpenes. Total synthesis of the furanoditerpene (−)-spongia-13(16),14-diene

Abstract An effective diastereoselective synthesis of the marine-sponge metabolite (−)-spongia-13(16),14-diene 1 is achieved starting from S-(+)-carvone via a homochiral phenanthrenone as the key intermediate for the construction of the furan ring system. S-(+)-Carvone was transformed into the phenanthrenone 2a in six steps (53% overall yield), using an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction as the key step. Conversion of the enone function in 2a into an epoxyaldehyde function followed by cyclisation and aromatisation in acid conditions completed the construction of ring D.

Understanding the cooperative NHC/LA catalysis for stereoselective annulation reactions with homoenolates. A DFT study.

The role of Ti(Oi-Pr)(4) Lewis acid (LA) in the cooperative N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/LA catalyzed addition of enals to enones to yield cis-cyclopentenes has been investigated using DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G** computational level. Ti(IV) effectively catalyzes the reaction by formation of a complex with cinnamaldehyde 1, which favors the nucleophilic attack of NHC 5 on 1, and the subsequent proton abstraction to yield the extended Ti(IV)-Breslow intermediate 21. The nature of the metal involved in the LA catalyst plays a relevant role due to the more basic character of NHCs than aldehydes. Thus, strong LAs, such as Zn(OTf)(2), prevent the catalytic behavior of NHCs to form a very sta…

Understanding the Participation of Quadricyclane as Nucleophile in Polar [2σ + 2σ + 2π] Cycloadditions toward Electrophilic π Molecules

The formal [2sigma + 2sigma + 2pi] cycloaddition of quadricyclane, 1, with dimethyl azodicarboxylate, 2, in water has been studied using DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G** and MPWB1K/6-31G** levels. In the gas phase, the reaction of 1 with 2 has a two-stage mechanism with a large polar character and an activation barrier of 23.2 kcal/mol. Inclusion of water through a combined discrete-continuum model changes the mechanism to a two-step model where the first nucleophilic attack of 1 to 2 is the rate-limiting step with an activation barrier of 14.7 kcal/mol. Analysis of the electronic structure of the transition state structures points out the large zwitterionic character of these species. A DF…

An ELF analysis of the C–C bond formation step in the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed hydroacylation of unactivated C–C double bonds

The changes in electron-density along the C–C bond-formation step in the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed hydroacylation of unactivated double bonds has been studied by an electron localization function (ELF) analysis at the B3LYP/6-31G** level in order to characterize the reaction mechanism. Analysis of DFT reactivity indices and the natural bond orbital and ELF analysis at the most relevant points of the intrinsic reaction coordinate indicate that the reaction path takes place through a two-stage one-step mechanism with non-polar character. In the first stage a hydrogen atom is transferred from the hydroxyl group of Breslow intermediate 12 to the terminal olefinic carbon atom, to yield a …

Sesquiterpene lactones and acetylenes from Artemisia reptans

Abstract The aerial parts of Artemisia reptans yielded a new thiophene acetylene, four new guaianolides, a new acyclic sesquiterpene related to davanone and several known compounds.

CONVERSION OF RESIN ACIDS INTO STEROIDAL COMPOUNDS. A REVIEW

(1991). CONVERSION OF RESIN ACIDS INTO STEROIDAL COMPOUNDS. A REVIEW. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 321-356.

A DFT study of the asymmetric (S)-5-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole catalyzed Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to nitroalkenes

Abstract The role of the ( S )-5-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)-1 H -tetrazole in the asymmetric organocatalyzed Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to nitroalkenes has been studied using DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G ∗∗ computational level. For the C–C bond-formation step, several reactive channels have been analyzed. The B3LYP/6-31G ∗∗ results, which are in reasonable agreement with the experiments, allow us to explain the stereoselectivity and the increase of the reactivity achieved by an intramolecular HB between the acid hydrogen of the tetrazole moiety and one oxygen atom of the nitroalkene.

Scandium-catalyzed preparation of cytotoxic 3-functionalized quinolin-2-ones: Regioselective ring enlargement of isatins or imino isatins

Trimethylsilyldiazomethane in the presence of catalytic amounts of Sc(OTf) 3 smoothly promotes the ring expansion of isatins or imino isatins to efficiently afford 3-functionalized quinolin-2-ones through controlled ring enlargement. Whereas the ring-expansion reaction of azetidine-2,3-diones led to the adduct resulting from migration of the carbonyl group, the ring-expansion reaction of oxindole derivatives gave the adduct resulting from migration of the aryl group. To rationalize the experimental observations, theoretical studies have been performed. Moreover, the biological activity of some of the synthesized heterocycles has been evaluated in four cancer cell lines. © 2012 Wiley-VCH Ver…

Understanding the Mechanism of the Intramolecular Stetter Reaction. A DFT Study

The mechanism of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed intramolecular Stetter reaction of salicylaldehyde 1 to yield chromanone 3 has been theoretically studied at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. This NHC-catalyzed reaction takes place through six elementary steps, which involve: (i) formation of the Breslow intermediate IN2; (ii) an intramolecular Michael-Type addition in IN2 to form the new C-C s bond; and (iii) extrusion of the NHC catalyst from the Michael adduct to yield chromanone 3. Analysis of the relative free energies in toluene indicates that while formation of Breslow intermediate IN2 involves the rate-determining step of the catalytic process, the intramolecular Michael-type addi…

ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spongian Diterpenes. Total Synthesis of the Furanoditerpene (-)-Spongia-13(16),14-diene.

Abstract An effective diastereoselective synthesis of the marine-sponge metabolite (−)-spongia-13(16),14-diene 1 is achieved starting from S-(+)-carvone via a homochiral phenanthrenone as the key intermediate for the construction of the furan ring system. S-(+)-Carvone was transformed into the phenanthrenone 2a in six steps (53% overall yield), using an intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction as the key step. Conversion of the enone function in 2a into an epoxyaldehyde function followed by cyclisation and aromatisation in acid conditions completed the construction of ring D.

Toward an understanding of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between diphenylnitrone and a maleimide:bisamide complex. A DFT analysis of the reactivity of symmetrically substituted dipolarophiles

Abstract The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between diphenylnitrone and a maleimide:bisamide complex has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) methods at the B3LYP/6-31G∗ level. The molecular recognition of the bisamide receptor to maleimide favors the formation of the complex through three hydrogen bonds. However, they are not able to produce an efficient acceleration of the cycloaddition because the symmetric substitution of the dipolarophile sites. This poor capability is discussed in base of the transition state structures and the analysis of the reactivity indexes of the reagents.

Assignment of1H and13C NMR data for (−)-methyl thyrsiflorin A and some scopadulan precursors

The 1H and 13C NMR spectral analysis of synthetic (−)-methylthyrsiflorin A and 10 scopadulan precursors is reported. Resonance assignments were based on one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques, which included 1H, 13C, DEPT and HMQC and also 1D NOE difference spectroscopy. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Understanding the mechanism of stereoselective synthesis of cyclopentenes via N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed reactions of enals with enones.

The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed addition of enals to enones to yield trans-cyclopentenes has been investigated using DFT methods at B3LYP/6-31G** computational level. This NHC catalyzed reaction comprises several steps. The first one is the formation of a Breslow intermediate, which nucleophilically attacks to the conjugated position of the enone to yield an enol-enolate. This second step is responsible for the trans relationship at the final cyclopentene. An intramolecular aldolic condensation allows for the formation of the alkoxy cyclopentane intermediate, that by intramolecular nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl group yields a bicyclic ether. The extrusion of the NHC catalys…

An approach to erythrophleum alkaloids. Synthesis of methyl (−)-4-epi-cassamate

Abstract A synthetic approach to Erythrophleum alkaloids, involving as a key-step the regiospecific deprotonation of the ketone 5a, is described.

Stereostructural revision of auricularic acid synthesis of 4-epi-auricularic acid

Abstract Cleistanth-13,15-dien-18-oic acid (1) has been synthesised from methyl 13-keto-podocarp-8(14)-en-18-oate (3). It is demonstrated that auricularic acid is an epimer at C-4 of 1, so it must be reformulated as cleistanth-13,15-dien-19-oic acid (2).

Lewis acid induced [4+3] cycloadditions of 2-silyloxyacroleins. Insights on the mechanism from a DFT analysis

The mechanism for the Lewis acid induced [4+3] cycloadditions of 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)acrolein with furan has been examined here through DFT calculations at B3LYP/6-31G* level. The mechanism is a three-step process initialized by the nucleophilic attack of furan to the β-conjugated position of acrolein yielding a zwitterionic intermediate. The key step on the formation of the seven-membered ring is the electrophilic attack of the furan residue to the carbonyl carbon in this intermediate. The endo selectivity experimentally observed is reproduced by the calculations.

Density functional theory study of the 5-pyrrolidin-2-yltetrazole-catalyzed aldol reaction

Abstract The replacement of the carboxylic acid functionality with a tetrazolic acid in the proline-catalyzed asymmetric aldol reaction between acetone and trimethylacetaldehyde has been studied using DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G** computational level. For the C–C bond-formation step, four reactive channels corresponding to the syn and anti arrangement of the enamine and the re and si attack modes have been analyzed. The B3LYP/6-31G** results allowed us to explain the stereoselectivity and the increase in reactivity relative to the proline-catalyzed process in DMSO.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of (-)-Auricularic Acid and its C-4 Epimer. The Absolute Configuration of Auricularic Acid.

Abstract A synthesis of (−)-auricularic acid (2a) starting from methyl (+)-13-oxo- podocarp-8(14)-en-19-oate (3a) and a synthesis of its C-4 epimer (2b) starting from methyl (+)-13-oxopodocarp-8(14)-en-18-oate (3b) are described. The absolute configuration of natural auricularic acid is stablished as (4R, 5S, 8S, 9R, 10S, 14S).

The tandem Diels-Alder reaction between acetylenedicarboxyaldehyde and N,N'-dipyrrolylmethane. An ab initio study of the molecular mechanisms

Abstract An extensive exploration at RHF/3-21G and RHF/6-31G ∗ levels of the potential energy surface for the tandem cycloaddition of acetylenedicarboxyaldehyde to N,N'-dipyrrolylmethane allows us to characterize the reaction pathways and the associated stationary points. The formation of the pincer and/or domino adducts can be described as a stepwise mechanism. The first step, associated with an intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition, is the rate determining step and an azanorbornadiene intermediate is obtained. The second step is an intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition. The formation of the pincer adduct is the step which kinetically controls the global process, due to the low barrier heigh…

Theozyme for antibody aldolases. Characterization of the transition-state analogueElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: MP2/6-31G** energies, imaginary frequencies and cartesian coordinates. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/ob/b2/b209636f/

A theozyme for antibody aldolases has been studied at the MP2/6-31G** computational level. Formation of two cooperative hydrogen-bonds between the acidic hydrogen atoms of the enamine and of a methanol molecule with the oxygen atom of the aldol acceptor markedly favors the C–C bond-formation associated with the aldol reaction. A comparative analysis of the geometry, the charge distribution and the shape of the molecular electrostatic potential of the transition structure (TS) with the covalent adduct, resulting from the reaction of methylamine and the β-diketone used as a hapten allows us to characterize the transition-state analogue (TSA) generated at immunization. This finding allows us t…

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed [4 + 3] Cycloaddition of 2-(Trimethyl Silyloxy)acrolein with Furan. Insight on the Nature of the Mechanism from a DFT Analysis

[reaction: see text]. The mechanism for the Lewis acid-catalyzed [4 + 3] cycloaddition of 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)acrolein 1 with furan 2 has been studied at the B3LYP/6-31G level. This reaction is a three-step process that is initialized by the nucleophilic attack of 2 to the beta-conjugated position of 1 to give a zwitterionic intermediate IN1. The key step on the formation of the seven-membered ring is the electrophilic attack of the furan residue to the electrophilically activated carbonyl carbon at this intermediate.

An Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of Stypodiol and Epistypodiol

An efficient synthesis of stypodiol (1) and its epimer at C-14, epistypodiol (2), was accomplished starting from (S)-(+)-carvone (7). The synthesis of both epimeric compounds proceeds through common intermediates using an IMDA reaction, a sonochemical Barbier reaction, and an acid-catalyzed quinol−tertiary alcohol cyclization as key synthetic steps.

1H and13C NMR assignments and conformational analysis of some podocarpene derivatives

This paper reports on the assignment of the 1 Ha nd 13 C NMR spectra of five podocarpene derivatives. Resonance assignments were made on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques which included 1 H, 13 C, DEPT and HMQC and also 1D NOE difference spectroscopy. The ratio of the different conformers in the six- membered C-ring of the podocarpene system was determined by molecular mechanics calculations and analysis of proton spin-spin coupling constants. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Density functional theory study of the mechanism of the proline-catalyzed intermolecular aldol reaction

Transition structures associated with the C-C bond-formation step of the proline-catalyzed intermolecular aldol reaction between acetone and isobutyraldehyde have been studies using density functional theory methods at the B3LYP/6-31G** computational level. A continuum model has been selected to represent solvent effects. For this step, which is the stereocontrolling and rate-determining step, four reactive channels corresponding to the syn and anti arrangement of the active methylene of the enamine relative to the carboxylic acid group of l-proline and the re and si attack modes to both faces of the aldehyde carbonyl group have been analyzed. The B3LYP/6-31G** energies are in good agreemen…

DFT Study of the Molecular Mechanism of Lewis Acid Induced [4 + 3] Cycloadditions of 2-Alkylacroleins with Cyclopentadiene

The mechanism of the Lewis acid (AlCl(3)) induced [4 + 3] cycloaddition of 2-methylacrolein with cyclopentadiene (Cp) [ J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 2692] has been examined here through DFT calculations at the MPW1K(DCM)/6-31+G** level. Formation of these seven-membered carbocycles is a domino process that comprises three consecutive reactions. The first one is a polar Diels-Alder reaction that is initialized by the nucleophilic attack of Cp to the beta-conjugated position of acrolein, yielding the formation of the endo and exo [4 + 2] cycloadducts. The corresponding LA-[4 + 2] cycloadduct complexes equilibrate through a skeleton rearrangement with a low free activation energy with two seve…

On the regioselectivity of the Friedländer reaction leading to huprines: stereospecific acid-promoted isomerization of syn-huprines to their anti-regioisomers

Abstract Racemic 12-amino-6,7,8,11-tetrahydro-7,11-methanocycloocta[ b ]quinoline derivatives ( syn -huprines) substituted at the 9-position with a methyl or ethyl group, and both enantioenriched forms of the 9-ethyl derivative, obtained by chiral MPLC resolution of the racemic mixture, were readily converted to the corresponding anti -isomers (huprines) by stereospecific acid-promoted (AlCl 3 or triflic acid) isomerization of the endocyclic CC double bond from the 9(10)- to the 8(9)-position. These results support the hypothesis that the hitherto unseen syn -huprines are also formed under the usual acidic Friedlander reaction conditions used to prepare the known huprines, but rearrange in…

Synthesis of C-17-functionalized spongiane diterpenes: diastereoselective synthesis of (-)-spongian-16-oxo-17-al, (-)-acetyldendrillol-1, and (-)-aplyroseol-14.

The diastereoselective synthesis of spongiane diterpenes (-)-spongian-16-oxo-17-al 2, (-)-acetyldendrillol-1 15, and (-)-aplyroseol-14 16 has been completed efficiently via the common intermediate 14. Compound 14 was prepared in five synthetic steps from (+)-podocarp-8(14)-en-13-one 13, easily available from commercial (-)-abietic acid. The key steps in the syntheses were a regioselective reduction of a 1,4-dialdehyde unit, a one-pot acetalization-acetylation, and a translactonization. The synthesis of 15 and 16 has led us to a revision of the configuration at C-17 for natural (-)-acetyldendrillol-1 and a structural reassignment for aplyroseol-14. Thus, aplyroseol-14 16 presents an unpreced…

1H and13C NMR assignments and conformational analysis of some tetracyclic compounds with a bicyclo[4.2.0]octane ring system

Ring Expansion versus Cyclization in 4-Oxoazetidine-2- carbaldehydes Catalyzed by Molecular Iodine: Experimental and Theoretical Study in Concert

13 páginas, 3 figuras, 12 esquemas, 2 tablas.-- El documento en word es el articulo post-print.

Designing a Transition State Analogue for the Disfavored Intramolecular Michael Addition of 2-(2-Hydroxyethyl)acrylate Esters

The rate-determining steps for the intramolecular 1,2 and 1,4 addition reactions in basic medium of methyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)acrylate to give the corresponding γ-lactone and tetrahydrofuran, respec...

Synthesis and antiviral activity of scopadulcic acids analogues

The synthesis and antiviral properties of several scopadulcic acid analogues functionalized at C-6/C-7 and C-13 is reported. The preparation of advanced intermediates for the synthesis of scopadulcic acid B/scopadulciol analogues is also described. The biological study revealed the importance of polar groups at C-13, while the stereochemistry at C-8 was not critical for activity.

The nucleophilic addition of nitrones to carbonyl compounds: insights on the nature of the mechanism of the l-proline induced asymmetric reaction from a DFT analysis

Abstract The mechanism of the l -proline induced asymmetric nitrone–aldol reaction of N -methyl- C -ethylnitrone with dimethyl ketomalonate has been studied by using density functional theory at B3LYP/6-31G** level. The reaction was initialized by the addition of l -proline to the nitrone to form an aminal, which by elimination of the hydroxylamine gave a chiral enamine. The nucleophilic addition of this chiral enamine to dimethyl ketomalonate corresponds to stereoselective C–C bond-formation step. Further nucleophilic addition of hydroxylamine to the zwitterionic intermediate formed in the enamine addition gave a second aminal, which by l -proline elimination afforded the corresponding β-h…

ChemInform Abstract: Conversion of Resin Acids into Steroidal Compounds. A Review

(1991). CONVERSION OF RESIN ACIDS INTO STEROIDAL COMPOUNDS. A REVIEW. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 321-356.

First Diastereoselective Synthesis of (−)-Methyl Thyrsiflorin A, (−)-Methyl Thyrsiflorin B Acetate, and (−)-Thyrsiflorin C

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of scopadulan diterpenes, using (+)-podocarp-8(14)-en-13-one 13 as starting material, is reported. This procedure has been used for the diastereoselective synthesis of (-)-methyl thyrsiflorin A (8), (-)-methyl thyrsiflorin B acetate (9), and (-)-thyrsiflorin C (7). Key steps in our strategy are the intramolecular cyclopropanation of diazoketone 19 and the regioselective cleavage of the cyclopropane ring.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel C7-functionalized spongiane diterpenes.

Based on two lead cytotoxic spongiane diterpenes, a new series of C7-oxygenated derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activity in vitro against the cancer cell lines HeLa and HEp-2. In general, introduction of either hydroxyl or acetoxy groups at C-7 did not improve the resultant cytotoxicity, while the presence of a butyrate ester led to more active compounds (CC(50)=4.0-9.5 microM).

A DFT study of the molecular mechanisms of the nucleophilic addition of ester-derived lithium enolates and silyl ketene acetals to nitrones: Effects of the lewis acid catalyst

9 pages, 6 schemes, 3 figures, 2 tables.

A DFT study on the NHC catalysed Michael addition of enols to α,β-unsaturated acyl-azoliums. A base catalysed C–C bond-formation step

The NHC catalysed nucleophilic additions of enols to α,β-unsaturated acyl-azolium intermediates have been investigated using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G** computational level. In the direct and the conjugate additions, formation of a hydrogen bond (HB) with the carboxyl oxygen is not sufficient to favour the C-C bond formation as a consequence of the low nucleophilic character of enols. Interestingly, when enols form a HB with the chloride counterion, the activation energies associated with the conjugate addition decrease as a consequence of the increased nucleophilic character of enols and the increased electrophilic character of the 'acyl-azolium + Cl' ion pair. Analysis of the DFT re…

Controlled rearrangement of lactam-tethered allenols with brominating reagents: a combined experimental and theoretical study on α- versus β-keto lactam formation.

N-Bromosuccinimide (NBS) smoothly promotes the ring expansion of lactam-tethered allenols to efficiently afford cyclic α- or β-ketoamides with good yields and high chemo-, regio-, and diastereoselectivity, through controlled C-C bond cleavage of the β- or γ-lactam nucleus. Interestingly, in contrast to the rearrangement reactions of 2-azetidinone-tethered allenols, which lead to the corresponding tetramic acid derivatives (β-keto lactam adducts) as the sole products, the reactions of 2-indolinone-tethered allenols under similar conditions give quinoline-2,3-diones (α-keto lactam adducts) as the exclusive or major products. To rationalize the experimental observations, theoretical studies ha…

13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of several podocarpane and cassane diterpenoids

The 13C NMR spectra of several diterpenic derivatives having the podocarpane and cassane skeleton were recorded and interpreted. The most significant effects due to substituent orientation, B/C ring junction stereochemistry and conformational changes are briefly discussed.

Toward an Understanding of Molecular Mechanism of Domino Cycloadditions. Density Functional Theory Study of the Reaction between Hexafluorobut-2-yne and N,N‘-Dipyrrolylmethane

Lewis Acid Induced [2+2] Cycloadditions of Silyl Enol Ethers with α,β-Unsaturated Esters: A DFT Analysis

The Lewis acid (LA) induced cycloaddition of trimethysilyl vinyl ether with methyl acrylate has been studied by DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. In the absence of an LA, a [4+2] cycloaddition between the silyl enol ether and methyl acrylate in the s-cis conformation takes place through an asynchronous, concerted bond-formation process. This cycloaddition presents a large activation enthalpy of 21.1 kcal mol–1. Coordination of the LA AlCl3 to the carbonyl oxygen atom of methyl acrylate yields a change of molecular mechanism from a concerted to a two-step mechanism and produces a drastic reduction of the activation energy. This stepwise mechanism is initialized by the nucleophilic attac…

Understanding the Nature of the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Competitive Lewis Acid Catalyzed[4+2] and[4+3] Cycloadditions between Arylidenoxazolone Systems and Cyclopentadiene: A DFT Analysis

The molecular mechanisms of the reactions between aryliden-5(4H)-oxazolone 1, and cyclopentadiene (Cp), in presence of Lewis acid (LA) catalyst to obtain the corresponding [4+2] and [4+3] cycloadducts are examined through density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. The activation effect of LA catalyst can be reached by two ways, that is, interaction of LA either with carbonyl or carboxyl oxygen atoms of 1 to render [4+2] or [4+3] cycloadducts. The endo and exo [4+2] cycloadducts are formed through a highly asynchronous concerted mechanism associated to a Michael-type addition of Cp to the beta-conjugated position of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl framework of 1.…

Understanding the mechanism of the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed ring-expansion of 4-formyl-β-lactams to succinimide derivatives

The mechanism of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed ring-expansion of 4-formyl-β-lactams to succinimides has been studied using DFT methods at the B3LYP/6-31G∗∗ level. The first step is the nucleophilic attack of NHC to the aldehyde to yield the zwitterionic intermediate, which by a proton-transfer process affords the Breslow intermediate. The lactam N–C breaking bond in this intermediate yields an enol-amidate, which by a keto–enol type equilibrium becomes the ketone form. The subsequent ring-closure achieved by the nucleophilic attack of the amidate to carbonyl carbon allows the formation of the five-membered ring. Finally, elimination of NHC affords the succinimide. Analysis of t…