Stereoselective Synthesis of Microcarpalide

The first total synthesis of the naturally occurring nonenolide, microcarpalide, is described. The key step in the synthesis was the ring-closing metathesis of a dienic ester prepared in turn by coupling an acid and an alcohol stereoselectively synthesized from (S,S)-tartaric acid and (R)-glycidol, respectively. [structure: see text]

Stereoselective Synthesis of (+)-Boronolide

The delta-lactone boronolide (+)-1, a pharmacologically active, naturally occurring product, has been synthesized in enantiopure form with L-erythrulose as the chiral starting material. The key steps of the synthesis were a highly stereoselective aldol-reduction one-pot sequence, an indium-mediated diastereoselective aldehyde allylation, and a ring-closing metathesis.

Recent Advances in the Field of Naturally Occurring 5,6-Dihydropyran-2-ones

Double Diastereoselection in Aldol Reactions Mediated by Dicyclohexylchloroborane between Chiral Aldehydes and a Chiral Ethyl Ketone Derived from l-Erythrulose. Synthesis of a C1−C9 Fragment of the Structure of the Antifungal Metabolite Soraphen A1α

Both matched and mismatched diastereoselections have been observed in the aldol reactions of a range of chiral aldehydes with the dicyclohexylboron enolate of a chiral ethyl ketone related to l-erythrulose. As was previously observed in the corresponding aldol reactions with l-erythrulose derivatives, the Felkin−Anh model provides an adequate explanation for the stereochemical outcome of reactions with chiral α-methyl aldehydes. However, a satisfactory account of the results observed with α-oxygenated aldehydes was only possible with the Cornforth model. As a practical application of the methodology described herein, a C1−C9 fragment of the structure of the antifungal macrolide soraphen A1α…

13C NMR spectra of eudesmane derivatives

The 13C NMR spectral data of 18 eudesmane derivatives, mainly acids and esters of natural and synthetic origin, are reported, and the γ-effect of the epoxide ring in two diastereoisomeric epoxy esters is discussed.

Sesquiterpenes from Centaurea aspera

Abstract The aerial parts of two subspecies of Centaurea aspera L. (Asteraceae) yielded the germacranolides 1a – h , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 , the elemane derivatives 6d and 6f , the lignan matairesinol, the degraded terpene loliolide, and the onopordopicrin–valine dimeric adduct 7 . From these, compounds 1e , 3 and 6d are natural products. The chemical composition of the two subspecies is very similar, a circumstance which does not support a taxonomic subdivision of the species.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyclic derivatives of combretastatin A-4 containing group 14 elements

Several tricyclic compounds inspired by the structure of combretastatin A-4 and bearing group 14 elements have been synthesized by homocoupling lithiated aryl fragments followed by ring-closing metathesis. These tricyclic compounds and their diolefin precursors were evaluated for their antiproliferative action on the tumor cell lines HT-29, MCF-7, HeLa and A-549 and on the non-tumor cell line HEK-293. In addition, their effects on the cell cycle were also measured. The tricyclic compounds show antiproliferative activity similar to that of combretastatin A-4, even though they are not so active in arresting the cell cycle. However, some diolefin precursors are able to cause accumulation of ce…

Stereoselective synthesis of the naturally occurring 2-pyranone dodoneine

The first total synthesis of the naturally occurring dihydropyranone dodoneine is reported. Asymmetric allylation reactions were used for the stereoselective generation of the two stereogenic centers. The pyranone ring was created by ring-closing metathesis. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Antiprotozoal Lactone Passifloricin A and Seven Isomers Thereof

The conjugated delta-lactone passifloricin A, a natural product with antiprotozoal activity, and seven isomers thereof have been synthesized in enantiopure form. It has been shown in this way that the proposed structure for the natural compound was erroneous. The correct structure is now evidenced. Key steps of the syntheses were asymmetric Brown-type aldehyde allylations and ring-closing metatheses.

On the structure of passifloricin A: asymmetric synthesis of the delta-lactones of (2Z,5S,7R,9S,11S)- and (2Z,5R,7R,9S,11S)tetrahydroxyhexacos-2-enoic acid.

Stereoselective syntheses of the delta-lactone of (2Z,5S,7R,9S,11S)-tetrahydroxyhexacos-2-enoic acid, the structure reported for passifloricin A, and of its (5R)-epimer are described. The creation of all stereogenic centers relied upon Brown's asymmetric allylation methodology. The lactone ring was created via ring-closing metathesis. The NMR data of both synthetic products, however, were different from those of the natural product. The published structure of passifloricin A is thus erroneous and will require further synthetic work to be unambiguously assigned. [structure: see text]

The high affinity dopamine uptake inhibitor, JHW 007, blocks cocaine-induced reward, locomotor stimulation and sensitization

The discovery and evaluation of high affinity dopamine transport inhibitors with low abuse liability is an important step toward the development of efficacious medications for cocaine addiction. We examined in mice the behavioural effects of (N-(n-butyl)-3Ά-[bis(4Ά-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane) (JHW 007), a benztropine (BZT) analogue that blocks dopamine uptake, and assessed its potential to influence the actions of cocaine in clinically-relevant models of cocaine addiction. In the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, JHW 007 exposure did not produce place conditioning within an ample dose range but effectively blocked the CPP induced by cocaine administration. Similarly, in the CP…

Stereoselective synthesis of the published structure of feigrisolide A. Structural revision of feigrisolides A and B.

The total synthesis of the proposed structure of feigrisolide A is reported. Ethyl (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate was the chiral starting material. A Brown asymmetric allylation and an Evans aldol reaction were key steps of the synthesis. The NMR data of the synthetic product are different from those of the natural product. The published structure of feigrisolide A is therefore erroneous. A subsequent comparison of spectral data strongly suggests that feigrisolides A and B are identical with (-)-nonactic acid and (+)-homononactic acid, respectively.

Synthesis of umbellifolide and three natural eudesman-12,8-olides from (-)-artemisin

Abstract The syntheses of the natural 4,5-secoeudesmanolide 1 (umbellifolide) and the eudesmanolides 2, 3 and 4 are described. The starting materials are synthetic eudesmane derivatives, the preparation of which from (-)-artemisin had been previously reported.

ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselectivity in Organometallic Additions to the Carbonyl Group of Protected Erythrulose Derivatives.

We have investigated a number of nucleophillic additions to l-erythrulose derivatives (4−12) bearing protective O-silyl, O-benzyl, and O-trityl groups in various relative positions. The results are discussed in the frame of chelated vs nonchelated transition states with additional support of previously published theoretical calculations. Sound evidence appears to exist for the formation of α-chelates as the key intermediates in nucleophillic additions to these α,β-dioxygenated ketones. Since such evidence is still lacking in the case of β-chelates, proposals of their intermediacy have been relegated in favor of the more solid Felkin−Anh model, which predicts the same stereochemical result. …

ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Synthesis of syn-α-Methyl-β-hydroxy Esters.

Abstract Boron enolates of an ethyl ketone structurally related to erythrulose react with achiral aldehydes in a highly stereoselective fashion to yield 1,2- syn /1,3- syn stereoisomers. Oxidative cleavage of the aldol adducts yields enantiopure O -formylated syn -α-methyl-β-hydroxy esters, easily cleaved to the corresponding hydroxyl-free compounds. The aforementioned ketone behaves therefore as a chiral propionate enolate equivalent.

Stereoselective Total Synthesis and Absolute Configuration of the Natural Decanolides (−)-Microcarpalide and (+)-Lethaloxin. Identity of (+)-Lethaloxin and (+)-Pinolidoxin

[reaction: see text] Convergent, stereoselective syntheses of the pharmacologically active, naturally occurring lactones (-)-microcarpalide and (+)-lethaloxin have been achieved from the commercially available, chiral reagents (R)-glycidol, (S,S)-tartaric acid, and d-ribose as the starting materials. These syntheses have further served to establish the hitherto unknown absolute configuration of (+)-lethaloxin and to show its identity with (+)-pinolidoxin.

Influence of conformational factors on acid-catalyzed cyclizations of germacranolides: Molecular structure of the cyclization products of gallicin and 8α-hydroxygallicin (shonachalin a)

Acid-catalyzed cyclization of the natural germacranolide gallicin (8) yielded, among other products, the 1,4-epoxyeudes-manolide 9, which has a trans-fused decaline system. Under the same conditions the closely related germacranolide shonachalin A (8α-hydroxygallicin) (3) cyclized to the eudesmanolide 4 with a cis fused decaline system. The structures of these cyclization products were secured by means of chemical correlations and X-ray diffraction analyses.

Oxygenated germacranes from Santolina chamaecyparissus

The polar fraction of an extract of Santolina chamaecyparissus ssp. squarrosa yielded six new germacrane derivatives and a novel seco-germacrane lactone. The structures have been derived from spectral data, X-ray diffraction and chemical correlations.

Aldol Reactions with Erythrulose Derivatives: Stereoselective Synthesis of Differentially Protected syn -α,β-Dihydroxy Esters

Boron enolates of 1-O-silylated erythrulose 3,4-acetonides prepared with Brown's chloro-dicyclohexylborane/tertiary amine system have been shown to react with achiral aldehydes in a highly stereoselective way to yield a 1,2-syn/1,3-syn stereoisomer. Through oxidative cleavage of the aldol adducts with periodic acid hydrate, enantiopure syn-α,β-dihydroxy esters with either hydroxyl group differently protected have been prepared. These erythrulose derivatives therefore behave as a chiral hydroxy acetate (glycolate) enolate equivalent.

Diastereoselective synthesis of enantiomeric tertiary alcohols via nucleophilic additions to protected D- and L-erythrulose derivatives

Abstract The diastereoselectivity of the addition of several organometallic reagents to the carbonyl group of protected D - and L -erythrulose derivatives has been investigated. Tertiary alcohols are stereoselectively formed, the diastereomeric ratio being markedly dependent on the reagent type, solvent and temperature.

Synthesis of (±)-(E)-2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienoic acid and the corresponding amide (“acacialactam”)

Abstract The total synthesis of the title compounds in racemic form is described. Linalool was used as the starting material and transformed into the target molecules in 6 steps. The synthetic amide displays spectral properties identical to those reported for the natural compound acacialactam, indicating that the structure proposed for the latter compound is not correct.

Sesquiterpene lactones from Picris echioides

Abstract The aerial parts of Picris echioides yielded the new germacranolide 3β-hydroxybalchanolide and the known guaianolides hieracin I, hieracin II, 8-deoxylactucin, jacquilenin and 11 -epijacquilenin.

Stereoselective Synthesis and Structural Correction of the Naturally Occurring Lactone Stagonolide G

A convergent synthesis of the structure proposed for the naturally occurring lactone stagonolide G is described. All three stereocenters were created with the aid of asymmetric Brown allylations. The lactone ring was built by means of a ring-closing metathesis (RCM). The synthetic and the natural compound differed in their spectral properties. A new structure is now proposed for stagonolide G and demonstrated by means of a chemical transformation.

Total synthesis of (−)-mintlactone

Abstract The first total, stereodirected synthesis of (—)-mintlactone is described. A stereoselective, radical-mediated ring closure was the key step in the synthesis.

Boron aldol additions with erythrulose derivatives: dependence of stereoselectivity on the type of protecting group

Abstract Boron aldol additions of 1- O -silylated 3,4-di- O -benzyl- and 3,4-di- O -benzoyl- l -erythrulose and achiral aldehydes using dicyclohexylboron chloride have been investigated. The dibenzyl derivative gave syn/syn stereoisomers with high stereoselectivity, whereas the dibenzoyl derivative gave syn/anti stereoisomers. It is believed that, while the dibenzoyl erythrulose gives rise to the E enolate in the presence of dicyclohexylboron chloride, as usually observed with this reagent, only the Z enolate is formed in the case of the dibenzyl derivative.

2.14 Selected Diastereoselective Reactions: Enolate Alkylation

This chapter discusses processes in which enolates are subjected to reaction with alkylating reagents. In all the processes examined here, at least one of the two reaction components is chiral and the reaction gives rise to one or more diastereomeric compounds. In most cases, the enolate is generated through deprotonation of the corresponding carbonyl precursor with a suitable base, but in several cases, the enolate is generated differently, for example, through Michael addition of a nucleophile to a conjugated carbonyl compound. The various factors that have been found to influence the stereochemical outcome of the alkylation reaction in a measurable way are also discussed. The material ha…

ChemInform Abstract: Aldol Reactions with Erythrulose Derivatives: Stereoselective Synthesis of Differentially Protected syn-α,β-Dihydroxy Esters.

Boron enolates of 1-O-silylated erythrulose 3,4-acetonides prepared with Brown's chloro-dicyclohexylborane/tertiary amine system have been shown to react with achiral aldehydes in a highly stereoselective way to yield a 1,2-syn/1,3-syn stereoisomer. Through oxidative cleavage of the aldol adducts with periodic acid hydrate, enantiopure syn-α,β-dihydroxy esters with either hydroxyl group differently protected have been prepared. These erythrulose derivatives therefore behave as a chiral hydroxy acetate (glycolate) enolate equivalent.

An ab initio study of the enolboration of 3-pentanone mediated by boron monochlorides L2BCl

Abstract Using ab initio methods at the HF/6-31G∗∗ level, we have studied the mechanism of the enolboration of 3-pentanone mediated by boron monochlorides L2BCl (L=H, methyl and isopropyl) and trimethyl amine. The size of the L group has been found to have a decisive influence on the configuration (E or Z) of the formed boron enolate. Thus, whereas our calculations predict that dimethylboron chloride yields the Z enolate with high stereoselectivity, diisopropylboron chloride is found to yield predominantly the E enolate. The difference in behavior is due mainly to steric features related to the conformational bias of the respective ketone–boron chloride complexes formed reversibly in the fi…

Arylpyridines, arylpyrimidines and related compounds as potential modulator agents of the VEGF, hTERT and c-Myc oncogenes.

Twenty-four derivatives structurally related to honokiol have been synthesized and biologically evaluated. IC50 values were determined towards the HT-29, MCF-7 and HEK-293 cell lines. Some of these derivatives exhibited comparable or lower IC50 values than honokiol towards the HT-29 and MCF-7 cell lines or else higher selectivity indexes than the natural product. Twelve selected derivatives were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the expression of the VEGFA, hTERT and c-Myc genes and also to inhibit the production of total c-Myc protein and the secretion of the VEGF protein. One of the most promising compounds, 3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)pyridine, may be a good candidate for further studies…

Three novel synthetic amides of adipic acid protect Capsicum anuum plants against the necrotrophic pathogen Alternaria solani

Three novel amides of adipic acid, 5-carbamoil ethyl pentanoate (N1), 5-(2-furfurylmethylcarbamoil) ethyl pentanoate (N2) and 5-(3-aminopropylcarbamoil) ethyl pentanoate (N3) were synthesized and their resistance-inducing activity was studied on pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants. Treatment with low doses of each amide protected pepper plants against the pathogen Alternaria solani, N1 being the most effective. Although their mode of action is still unknown, prechallenge studies demonstrated the induction of the phenylpropanoid pathway and an antisenescence effect. These effects were previously shown for other mixtures and derivatives of adipic acid. These new chemicals showed no antimicrobial …

ChemInform Abstract: A Stereoselective Synthesis of (+)-Malyngolide via a Ring-Closing Olefin Metathesis.

Abstract A very short and stereoselective synthesis of the non-natural enantiomer of malyngolide from l -erythrulose is described. Key features of the synthesis are the Felkin–Anh diastereoselective allylation of a polyoxygenated ketone and the allylation/metathesis/allylic oxidation protocol recently described by our group.

13C NMR spectra of eudesmanolides I—eudesman-12,6-olides

The 13C NMR spectra of 26 eudesmanolides of natural and synthetic origin have been measured, including the naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactones artemisin, torrentin, rothin-A and rothin-B and several semi-synthetic eudesman-12,6-olides obtained from artemisin. The chemical shift values of the different compounds are compared and the effects of the substituents are discussed.

Stereoselective synthesis and determination of the cytotoxic properties of spicigerolide and three of its stereoisomers.

Stereoselective syntheses of the naturally occurring, cytotoxic lactone spicigerolide and three nonnatural stereoisomers thereof are described. The commercially available sugar l-rhamnose was in all cases the chiral starting material. Key steps in each of these syntheses were asymmetric Brown allylations and ring-closing metatheses. The cytotoxic activities of the four lactones against a range of tumoral lines were then determined.

Stereoselective synthesis of syn-α-methyl-β-hydroxy esters

Abstract Boron enolates of an ethyl ketone structurally related to erythrulose react with achiral aldehydes in a highly stereoselective fashion to yield 1,2- syn /1,3- syn stereoisomers. Oxidative cleavage of the aldol adducts yields enantiopure O -formylated syn -α-methyl-β-hydroxy esters, easily cleaved to the corresponding hydroxyl-free compounds. The aforementioned ketone behaves therefore as a chiral propionate enolate equivalent.

Stereoselective synthesis of the cytotoxic 14-membered macrolide aspergillide A.

A stereoselective synthesis of the cytotoxic 14-membered macrolide aspergillide A has been performed. The preparation of a cis-2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran ring via stereoselective reduction of an intermediate cyclic hemiacetal was one key feature of the synthesis. The macrocyclic lactone ring was created by means of a ring-closing metathesis (RCM), whereby the new C=C bond displayed exclusively the undesired Z configuration. Conversion to the required E configuration was achieved via photochemical isomerization.

Revision of the structure of torrentin

Abstract The structure of the eudesmanolide torrentin from Artemisia herba-alba subs valentine has been revised on the basis of high-field 1 H NMR spectroscopy and chemical correlations.

Stereoselective synthesis of the naturally occurring styryllactones (+)-goniofufurone and (+)-cardiobutanolide.

The naturally occurring gamma-lactones (+)-goniofufurone 1 and (+)-cardiobutanolide 2, two pharmacologically active products from Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae), have been synthesized in enantiopure form using l-erythrulose as the chiral starting material. Key steps of these syntheses were a stereoselective anti boron aldol reaction and an asymmetric allylboration.

Stereoselective anti aldol reactions of erythrulose derivatives. Functionalized chiral d3 and d4 synthons.

An improved procedure for the synthesis of anti aldols from protected erythrulose derivatives is reported. The preparation of functionalized d3 and d4 synthons with various stereochemical arrays by means of this methodology is described and subsequently applied to a stereoselective formal synthesis of the natural metabolite goniothalesdiol.

ChemInform Abstract: Boron Aldol Additions with Erythrulose Derivatives: Dependence of Stereoselectivity on the Type of Protecting Group.

Abstract Boron aldol additions of 1- O -silylated 3,4-di- O -benzyl- and 3,4-di- O -benzoyl- l -erythrulose and achiral aldehydes using dicyclohexylboron chloride have been investigated. The dibenzyl derivative gave syn/syn stereoisomers with high stereoselectivity, whereas the dibenzoyl derivative gave syn/anti stereoisomers. It is believed that, while the dibenzoyl erythrulose gives rise to the E enolate in the presence of dicyclohexylboron chloride, as usually observed with this reagent, only the Z enolate is formed in the case of the dibenzyl derivative.

The dopamine uptake inhibitor 3 alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)metoxy]-tropane reduces cocaine-induced early-gene expression, locomotor activity, and conditioned reward.

Benztropine (BZT) analogs, a family of high-affinity dopamine transporter ligands, are molecules that exhibit pharmacological and behavioral characteristics predictive of significant therapeutic potential in cocaine addiction. Here, we examined in mice the effects of 3 alpha-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)metoxy]-tropane (AHN-1055) on motor activity, conditioned place preference (CPP) and c-Fos expression in the striatum. AHN-1055 produced mild attenuation of spontaneous locomotor activity at a low dose (1 mg/kg) and weak stimulation at a higher dose (10 mg/kg). In parallel, the BZT analog significantly increased c-Fos expression in the dorsolateral caudoputamen at the high dose, whereas producing ma…

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Cytotoxic Macrolide FD-891

[reaction: see text] A total synthesis of the naturally occurring, cytotoxic macrolide FD-891 is described. Three fragments were first stereoselectively constructed using mainly asymmetric aldol and allylation reactions. The complete framework was then assembled using two Julia-Kocienski olefinations to connect the three fragments and a Yamaguchi reaction to close the macrolactone ring.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of α-Tubulin-Binding Pironetin Analogues with Enhanced Lipophilicity

Financial support has been granted to M. C. by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (project numbers CTQ2008-02800 and CTQ2011-27560), by the Conselleria d'Empresa, Universitat i Ciencia de la Generalitat Valenciana (ACOMP09/113) and by the BANCAJA-UJI Foundation (P1-1B2002-06, P1-1B-2008-14 and PI-1B2011-37). The biological work has been supported in part by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (grant number BIO2010-16351) and from the Comunidad de Madrid (grant number S2010/BMD-2457 BIPEDD2-CM), both to J. F. D. We further thank the Matadero Municipal Vicente de Lucas in Segovia for providing the calf brains, which were the source of tubulin.

Double diastereoselection in aldol reactions mediated by dicyclohexylchloroborane between L-erythrulose derivatives and chiral aldehydes. The Felkin-Anh versus Cornforth dichotomy.

Both matched and mismatched diastereoselections have been observed in aldol reactions of the B,B-dicyclohexylboron enolate of a protected l-erythrulose derivative with a range of chiral aldehydes. The stereochemical outcome of reactions with alpha-methyl aldehydes can be adequately explained within the Felkin-Anh paradigm. In the case of alpha-oxygenated aldehydes, however, strict adherence to this model does not allow for a satisfactory account of the observed results. In such cases, the Cornforth model provides a much better explanation.

Highly diastereoselective additions of organometallic reagents to 1-O-silylated 3,4-Di-O-benzyl-L-erythrulose derivatives

Abstract The diastereoselectivity of the addition of several organometallic reagents to the carbonyl group of the title compounds has been investigated. Some organomagnesium reagents display high diastereoselectivities (90–99%) and the major products are those predicted by the α-chelation model.

Total synthesis of the monoterpenes (−)-mintlactone and (+)-isomintlactone

Abstract The first total stereodirected synthesis of the monoterpenes (−)-mintlactone and (+)-isomintlactone from the same chiral starting product is described. A stereoselective, radical-mediated ring closure was the key step in both syntheses.

A stereoselective synthesis of (+)-malyngolide via a ring-closing olefin metathesis

Abstract A very short and stereoselective synthesis of the non-natural enantiomer of malyngolide from l -erythrulose is described. Key features of the synthesis are the Felkin–Anh diastereoselective allylation of a polyoxygenated ketone and the allylation/metathesis/allylic oxidation protocol recently described by our group.

Stereoselective Syntheses of Naturally Occurring 5,6-Dihydropyran-2-ones

The published syntheses of naturally occurring 5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones are reviewed. Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide

Synthesis of Combretastatin A-4 and 3′-Aminocombretastatin A-4 derivatives with Aminoacid Containing Pendants and Study of their Interaction with Tubulin and as Downregulators of the VEGF, hTERT and c-Myc Gene Expression

Natural product combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) and its nitrogenated analogue 3&prime

An ab initio study of the unimolecular decomposition mechanism of formamidine. 4-31G Characterization of potential energy hypersurface

Ab initio MO calculations have been carried out for the unimolecular decomposition of formamidine. The Hartree–Fock method in LCAO approximation with the 4-31G basis set was used. The 4-31G potential hypersurface has been further studied. The stationary points (R, TS, and P) were localized. A reaction analysis by correlation of bond-order indices and localized molecular orbitals demonstrated that the decomposition is an asynchronous process. The TS can be described as four-membered ring.

Sesquiterpene lactones fromArtemisia barrelieri

Abstract Extraction of aerial parts of Artemisia barrelieri and chromatographic separation yielded a new germacranolide, two new monocyclic sesquiterpenes and a novel germacranolide dimer, together with several known compounds.

Enantioselective synthesis and absolute configurations of aculeatins A, B, D, and 6-epi-aculeatin D

The three naturally occurring, bioactive spiroacetals aculeatins A, B, and D, as well as the non-natural 6-epi-aculeatin D have been synthesized for the first time in enantiopure form using an asymmetric allylation as the only chirality source. A further key step was a stereoselective aldol reaction with remote induction. The absolute configurations of the natural products have been established and an erroneous structural assignment has been corrected.

Stereoselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of a Chiral Nitrone Derived from Erythrulose. An Experimental and DFT Theoretical Study

We have investigated several 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of a chiral nitrone prepared from L-erythrulose. While cycloadditions to carbon-carbon multiple bonds of dipolarophiles such as ethyl acrylate, ethyl propiolate, or dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate were poorly stereoselective, reaction with acrylonitrile provided predominantly one diastereomeric adduct. Furthermore, the regioselectivity exhibited by the two structurally similar dipolarophiles ethyl acrylate and ethyl propiolate was found to be opposite. The molecular mechanisms of these cycloadditions have thus been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) methods with the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G and 6-31+G basis …

Chlorodicyclohexylborane-mediated aldol additions of alpha,alpha'-dioxygenated ketones.

Boron aldol additions of variously O-protected alpha,alpha'-dioxygenated ketones using dicyclohexylboron chloride and a tertiary amine have been investigated. The stereoselectivity of the process was dependent on the protecting group on the alpha-oxygen atoms. Notably, ketones with bulky silyloxy groups gave syn aldols, most likely via Z enolates. This rules out the participation of chelates during the enolization process, at least in the presence of such sterically crowded protecting groups. An alternative explanation is offered.

Synthesis of Protected Enantiopure Erythrulose Derivatives

D- and l-Erythrulose derivatives 2–6 bearing protective O-silyl and O-benzyl groups in various positions were synthesized in enantiopure form from l-ascorbic acid, D-isoascorbic acid, and D-glucose.

Diastereoselectivity in Organometallic Additions to the Carbonyl Group of Protected Erythrulose Derivatives

We have investigated a number of nucleophillic additions to L-erythrulose derivatives (4-12) bearing protective O-silyl, O-benzyl, and O-trityl groups in various relative positions. The results are discussed in the frame of chelated vs nonchelated transition states with additional support of previously published theoretical calculations. Sound evidence appears to exist for the formation of alpha-chelates as the key intermediates in nucleophillic additions to these alpha,beta-dioxygenated ketones. Since such evidence is still lacking in the case of beta-chelates, proposals of their intermediacy have been relegated in favor of the more solid Felkin-Anh model, which predicts the same stereoche…

Synthesis of honokiol analogues and evaluation of their modulating action on VEGF protein secretion and telomerase-related gene expressions

A group of 36 biphenyl derivatives structurally related to honokiol were synthesized by means of Suzuki coupling reactions. Their cytotoxicities were evaluated and compared to that of honokiol. Some of the compounds were then evaluated for their ability to downregulate the secretion of the VEGF protein and the expression of the VEGF, hTERT, and c-Myc genes; the two latter involved in the activation of telomerase in tumoral cells. Some of the synthetized derivatives showed promising pharmacological features as they exhibited IC50 values in low micromolar range, good therapeutic margins, and a multiple mode of action on tumor cells based on the inhibition of VEGF and, at the same time, of the…

Design and synthesis of pironetin analogue/colchicine hybrids and study of their cytotoxic activity and mechanisms of interaction with tubulin

We here report the synthesis of a series of 12 hybrid molecules composed of a colchicine moiety and a pironetin analogue fragment. The two fragments are connected through an ester-amide spacer of variable length. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds and their interactions with tubulin have been investigated. Relations between the structure and activity are discussed. Since the spacer is not long enough to permit a simultaneous binding of the hybrid molecules to the colchicine and pironetin sites on tubulin, a further feature investigated was whether these molecules would interact with the latter through the pironetin end (irreversible covalent binding) or through the colchicine end (…

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Glycosidase Inhibitor Australine through a One-Pot, Double-Cyclization Strategy

[reaction: see text] A stereocontrolled, convergent synthesis of the alkaloid australine, a glycosidase inhibitor of the pyrrolizidine class, is described. The chiral starting materials were ketone 3, derived from L-erythrulose, and alpha-alkoxy aldehyde 4, prepared from L-malic acid. A key step of the synthesis was the highly stereoselective aldol reaction between 4 and a Z boron enolate derived from 3. Another key step was the one-pot construction of the bicyclic pyrrolizidine system by means of a three-step sequence of SN2 displacements induced by benzylamine on a trimesylate precursor.

Synthesis of N-acyl Derivatives of Aminocombretastatin A-4 and Study of their Interaction with Tubulin and Downregulation of c-Myc.

11 p.-9 fig.-4 tab.

The widespread presence of a family of fish virulence plasmids in Vibrio vulnificus stresses its relevance as a zoonotic pathogen linked to fish farms

Vibrio vulnificus is a pathogen of public health concern that causes either primary septicemia after ingestion of raw shellfish or secondary septicemia after wound exposure to seawater. In consequence, shellfish and seawater are considered its main reservoirs. However, there is one aspect of its biology that is systematically overlooked: its association with fish in its natural environment. This association led in 1975 to the emergence of a zoonotic clade within phylogenetic lineage 2 following successive outbreaks of vibriosis in farmed eels. Although this clade is now worldwide distributed, no new zoonotic clades were subsequently reported. In this work, we have performed phylogenetic, ge…

The widespread presence of a family of fish virulence plasmids in Vibrio vulnificus stresses its relevance as a zoonotic pathogen linked to fish farms

Vibrio vulnificus is a pathogen of public health concern that causes either primary septicemia after ingestion of raw shellfish or secondary septicemia after wound exposure to seawater. In consequence, shellfish and seawater are considered its main reservoirs. However, there is one aspect of its biology that is systematically overlooked: its association with fish in its natural environment. This association led in 1975 to the emergence of a zoonotic clade within phylogenetic lineage 2 following successive outbreaks of vibriosis in farmed eels. Although this clade is now worldwide distributed, no new zoonotic clades were subsequently reported. In this work, we have performed phylogenetic, ge…