A Unified Synthetic Approach to the Pleurotin Natural Products.

The asymmetric total syntheses of four pleurotin natural products, namely, (-)-pleurotin, (+)-leucopleurotin, (+)-leucopleurotinic acid, and (+)-dihydropleurotinic acid, were described in a concise manner. Key transformations feature a Johnson-Claisen rearrangement, a diastereo-controlled sequential hydroboration-oxidation, a SOMO/photoredox activated aldehyde α-alkylation, and oxidative cyclizations.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Retigeranic Acid A: A Reductive Skeletal Rearrangement Strategy.

The asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-retigeranic acid A was described, which relies on a crucial reductive skeletal rearrangement cascade for the controllable assembly of diverse angular triquinane subunits. Taken together with an intramolecular Michael/aldol cyclization, an ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade, a Wolff ring contraction and a stereoselective HAT reduction, our synthetic approach has enabled the access to (-)-retigeranic acid A in a concise and practical manner.

Divergent Synthetic Approach to Grayanane Diterpenoids.

The total syntheses of nine grayanane diterpenoids, namely, GTX-II (1), GTX-III (2), rhodojaponin III (3), GTX-XV (4), principinol D (5), iso-GTX-II (6), 1,5-seco-GTX-Δ1,10-ene (7), and leucothols B (8) and D (9), that belong to five distinct subtypes, were disclosed in a divergent manner. Among them, six members were accomplished for the first time. The concise synthetic approach features three key transformations: (1) an oxidative dearomatization-induced [5 + 2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade to assemble the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane carbon framework (CD rings); (2) a photosantonin rearrangement to build up the 5/7 bicycle (AB rings) of 1-epi-grayanoids; and (3) a Grob fragmentation/carbonyl-ene process to access four additional subtypes of grayanane skeletons. Density functional theory calculations were performed to elucidate the mechanistic origins of the crucial divergent transformation, which combined with late-stage synthetic findings provided insights into the biosynthetic relationships between these diverse skeletons.

Transcriptome Dynamic Analysis Reveals New Candidate Genes Associated with Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Two Chinese Contrasting Wheat Genotypes.

In recent years, Fusarium head blight (FHB) has developed into a global disease that seriously affects the yield and quality of wheat. Effective measures to solve this problem include exploring disease-resistant genes and breeding disease-resistant varieties. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis to identify the important genes that are differentially expressed in FHB medium-resistant (Nankang 1) and FHB medium-susceptible (Shannong 102) wheat varieties for various periods after Fusarium graminearum infection using RNA-seq technology. In total, 96,628 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, 42,767 from Shannong 102 and 53,861 from Nankang 1 (FDR < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1). Of these, 5754 and 6841 genes were found to be shared among the three time points in Shannong 102 and Nankang 1, respectively. After inoculation for 48 h, the number of upregulated genes in Nankang 1 was significantly lower than that of Shannong 102, but at 96 h, the number of DEGs in Nankang 1 was higher than that in Shannong 102. This indicated that Shannong 102 and Nankang 1 had different defensive responses to F. graminearum in the early stages of infection. By comparing the DEGs, there were 2282 genes shared at the three time points between the two strains. GO and KEGG analyses of these DEGs showed that the following pathways were associated with disease resistance genes: response to stimulus pathway in GO, glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction in KEGG. Among them, 16 upregulated genes were identified in the plant-pathogen interaction pathway. There were five upregulated genes, TraesCS5A02G439700, TraesCS5B02G442900, TraesCS5B02G443300, TraesCS5B02G443400, and TraesCS5D02G446900, with significantly higher expression levels in Nankang 1 than in Shannong 102, and these genes may have an important role in regulating the resistance of Nankang 1 to F. graminearum infection. The PR proteins they encode are PR protein 1-9, PR protein 1-6, PR protein 1-7, PR protein 1-7, and PR protein 1-like. In addition, the number of DEGs in Nankang 1 was higher than that in Shannong 102 on almost all chromosomes, except chromosomes 1A and 3D, but especially on chromosomes 6B, 4B, 3B, and 5A. These results indicate that gene expression and the genetic background must be considered for FHB resistance in wheat breeding.

Divergent Total Syntheses of (+)-Vulgarisins†A-E.

The asymmetric total syntheses of (+)-vulgarisins A-E, which share a rare and highly oxygenated [5-6-4-5] tetracyclic core structure that were isolated from P. vulgaris Linn., have been described for the first time in a divergent manner. Key transformations include: 1) a catalytic asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation to forge the A ring bearing desired stereochemistry at C14; 2) a one-pot borylation/conjugate addition process for creation of the C1-C11 bond; 3) a Wolff ring contraction to assemble the bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane subunit (CD rings); and 4) a stereocontrolled pinacol cyclization for construction of the central B ring of the natural products.

Divergent Total Syntheses of (-)-Crinipellins Facilitated by a HAT-Initiated Dowd-Beckwith Rearrangement.

A hydrogen atom transfer (HAT)-initiated Dowd-Beckwith rearrangement reaction was developed, which enables the efficient assembly of diversely functionalized polyquinane frameworks. By incorporation of an iridium-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective hydrogenation and a diastereocontrolled ODI-[5+2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade reaction, the asymmetric total syntheses of eight tetraquinane natural products, including (-)-crinipellins A-F and (-)-dihydrocrinipellins A and B, have been achieved in a concise and divergent manner.

Tetracyclic Diterpenoid Synthesis Facilitated by ODI-Cascade Approaches to Bicyclo[3.2.1]octane Skeletons.

Tetracyclic diterpenoids (C20) mainly refer to the plant terpenoids bearing biogenetically related carbon skeletons derived from copalyl diphosphates (ent-CPP and syn-CPP). This large family contains over 1600 known members that can be categorized into 11 major structural types. Among them, more than three-quarters share a bridged bicyclo[3.2.1]octane subunit, which is also an important branching point in biosynthesis en route to the other types of bicyclic scaffolds, such as bicyclo[2.2.2]-, bicyclo[3.3.0]-, and tricyclo[3.2.1.0]octanes. Combined with the significance of its stereochemical importance in biological activity, the assembly of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons is critical to the success of the whole synthesis blueprint toward tetracyclic diterpenoids. Although a number of inspiring methodologies have been disclosed, general approaches by the incorporation of innovative cascade reactions permitting access to diverse structural types of tetracyclic diterpenoids remain limited and in urgent demand.Because of the long-standing interest in the synthesis of bridged diterpenoids, we have recently developed two complementary types of oxidative dearomatization induced (ODI) cascade approaches to the rapid and efficient construction of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons. In this Account, we summarize our original synthesis design, methodology development, and the application of these two strategies in tetracyclic diterpenoid synthesis during the past few years in our laboratory.First, we detail our preliminary investigation of the ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade reaction, which showed a wide scope of vinylphenol substrates and led to cyclopentane and cyclohexane-fused bicyclo[3.2.1]octanes in good yields with excellent dr values. Next, we describe the utilization of this ODI-[5 + 2] cascade reaction which resulted in the asymmetric total syntheses of four highly oxygenated ent-kauranoids. The strategy concerning accurate stereochemical control in the ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition was then successfully transplanted to the total syntheses of three stemaranoids, thus providing a straightforward and diastereoselective route to C9-ethano-bridged tetracyclic diterpenoids. To access more complex diterpenoid rhodomollanol A, we exploited two additional biomimetic rearrangements, namely, the retro-Dieckmann fragmentation/vinylogous Dieckmann cyclization cascade and the photo-Nazarov cyclization/intramolecular cycloetherification cascade. Taken together with the ODI-[5 + 2] cascade, the asymmetric total synthesis of the target molecule was realized, which shed light on the biogenetic pathway of the unprecedented rhodomollane-type carbon framework. Finally, we describe an ODI-Diels-Alder/Beckwith-Dowd cascade approach as a valuable supplement to the ODI-[5 + 2] cascade for the fabrication of cycloheptane-fused bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeletons. Its versatility was also demonstrated by the total syntheses of two challenging grayanane diterpenoids. In view of the high functional-group compatibility and scalability, we anticipate that the two novel cascade approaches will find further use in the field of complex natural product synthesis.

Asymmetric Total Syntheses of (+)-Davisinol and (+)-18-Benzoyldavisinol: A HAT-Initiated Transannular Redox Radical Approach.

The first and asymmetric total syntheses of two C11-oxygenated hetisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids, namely, (+)-davisinol and (+)-18-benzoyldavisinol, is described. The concise synthetic approach features a HAT-initiated transannular redox radical cyclization, an ODI-Diels-Alder cycloaddition, and an acylative kinetic resolution. By incorporating an efficient late-stage assembly of the azabicycle, our strategy would streamline the synthetic design of C20-diterpenoid alkaloids and pave the way for their modular syntheses.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Alsmaphorazine†C and Formal Synthesis of (+)-Strictamine: A Photo-Fries Approach.

A bioinspired photo-Fries/imine capture cascade reaction was developed in continuous-flow mode, which facilitated the rapid construction of a series of diversely functionalized 2,7-heterocycle-fused tetrahydrocarbazoles, the ubiquitous core structures embedded in strychnos and akuammiline-type monoterpene indole alkaloids. The synthetic utility of this novel method has been preliminarily explored by the first total synthesis of (+)-alsmaphorazine C and formal synthesis of (+)-strictamine in a concise and efficient manner.

Asymmetric Total Syntheses of 8,9-Seco-ent-kaurane Diterpenoids Enabled by an Electrochemical ODI-[5+2] Cascade.

An electrochemical ODI-[5+2] cascade reaction was developed which enables the rapid assembly of diversely functionalized bicyclo[3.2.1]octadienones from sensitive ethynylphenols. By combining a directed retro-aldol/aldol process, a [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, and an Al(O-iPr)3 -promoted reductive 1,3-transposition, the asymmetric total syntheses of five 8,9-seco-ent-kauranoids-(-)-shikoccin, (-)-O-methylshikoccin, (-)-epoxyshikoccin, (+)-O-methylepoxyshikoccin, and (+)-rabdo-hakusin-have been achieved in a concise and efficient manner.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Rhodomollanol A.

An asymmetric approach for the first total synthesis of (-)-rhodomollanol A, a highly oxidized diterpenoid, is described. The efficient synthetic strategy features three key transformations: (1) an oxidative dearomatization-induced (5 + 2) cycloaddition/pinacol-type 1,2-acyl migration cascade to build up the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton; (2) a retro-Dieckmann fragmentation/vinylogous Dieckmann cyclization cascade to assemble the bicyclo[3.3.0]octane subunit; and (3) a photo-Nazarov cyclization/intramolecular cycloetherification cascade to forge the 7-oxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane core structure of the natural product.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Pavidolide B: A Ring Contraction Strategy.

A ring contraction approach for the total synthesis of (-)-pavidolide B was developed, which assembles this polycyclic natural product within 13 steps from known chiral alcohol 11. The key features of the strategy include (a) a double Mukaiyama-Michael addition/elimination, (b) a ring-closing metathesis, (c) a Wolff rearrangement, and (d) a late-stage regioselective Schenck ene reaction.

Total Syntheses of (+)-Sarcophytin, (+)-Chatancin, (-)-3-Oxochatancin, and (-)-Pavidolide†B: A Divergent Approach.

A concise and divergent approach for the total syntheses of four cembrane diterpenoids, namely (+)-sarcophytin, (+)-chatancin, (-)-3-oxochatancin, and (-)-pavidolide B, has been developed, and it also led to the structural revision of (-)-isosarcophytin. The key steps of the strategy feature a double Mukaiyama Michael addition/elimination, a Helquist annulation, two substrate-controlled facial-selective hydrations, and a pinacol rearrangement. The described syntheses not only achieved these natural products in an efficient manner, but also provided insight into the biosynthetic relationship between the two different skeletons.

Total Syntheses of Rhodomolleins XX and XXII: A Reductive Epoxide-Opening/Beckwith-Dowd Approach.

A new TiIII -mediated reductive epoxide-opening/ Beckwith-Dowd rearrangement process efficiently assembles the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework of highly oxidized grayanane diterpenoids. By incorporation of a Cu(tbs)2 -catalyzed (tbs=N-tert-butylsalicylaldiminato) intramolecular cyclopropanation, a diastereoselective oxidative dearomatization-induced Diels-Alder cycloaddition and a MeReO3 -catalyzed Rubottom oxidation, this approach has enabled the first total syntheses of rhodomolleins XX and XXII in 23 and 22 steps, respectively.

Total Synthesis of an Atropisomer of the Schisandra Triterpenoid Schiglautone†A.

A diastereoselective approach for the total synthesis of an unusual atropisomer of the Schisandra triterpenoid (±)-schiglautone A is described. The efficient synthetic strategy features three key transformations: 1) two sequential titanium(III)-catalyzed radical cyclization/homologation reactions to construct the trans-fused [6,7] bicycle as well as install the quaternary carbons at C10 and C14 with the desired stereochemistry; 2) a Claisen rearrangement followed by a ring-closing metathesis to forge the strained nine-membered ring; and 3) a substrate-controlled Michael addition to enable the introduction of the C17 side-chain with good diastereoselectivity.

Total Syntheses of Highly Oxidized ent-Kaurenoids Pharicin A, Pharicinin B, 7-O-Acetylpseurata C, and Pseurata C: A [5+2] Cascade Approach.

The unprecedented oxidative dearomatization-induced [5+2] cycloaddition/pinacol-type 1,2-acyl migration cascade efficiently generates a quaternary carbon center and assembles the highly oxygenated bicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework of ent-kaurene diterpenoids. By incorporation of the subsequent retro-aldol/aldol process and singlet oxygen ene reaction, this concise and convergent approach has enabled the first asymmetric total syntheses of pharicin A, pharicinin B, 7-O-acetylpseurata C, and pseurata C.

Diastereoselective Total Synthesis of the Euphorbia Diterpenoid Pepluanol†A: A Reductive Annulation Approach.

A new titanium(III)-catalyzed reductive annulation constructed a series of diversely functionalized 1,5-diols in good to excellent yields with respect to a wide scope of vinyl epoxide-aldehyde substrates. Taken together with a Diels-Alder reaction and a substrate-controlled diastereoselective cyclopropanation as additional key steps, the synthetic utility of this novel method has been preliminarily explored by the first and concise total synthesis of the Euphorbia diterpenoid (±)-pepluanol A.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Steenkrotin†A and Determination of Its Absolute Configuration.

The first enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-steenkrotin A has been achieved in 18 steps and 4.2 % overall yield. The key features of the strategy entail a Rh-catalyzed O-H bond insertion followed by an intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction, two sequential SmI2 -mediated Ueno-Stork and ketyl-olefin cyclizations, and a cascade intramolecular aldol condensation/vinylogous retro-aldol/aldol process with inversion of the relative configuration at the C7 position. The absolute configuration of (+)-steenkrotin A was determined based on the stepwise construction of the stereocenters during the total synthesis.

Construction of the tricyclic core of steenkrotin-type diterpenoids via intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition.

A concise and diastereoselective route to the angularly fused [5-6-7] tricyclic carbon framework of the steenkrotin-type diterpenoids was reported. The key features of the strategy are based on an intramolecular nitrile oxide/alkene [3 + 2] cycloaddition and a regio-selective aldol/dehydration sequence.

Total synthesis of diterpenoid steenkrotin A.

A concise and diastereoselective total synthesis of the diterpenoid (±)-steenkrotin A is described for the first time. The strategy mainly features three key ring formations: 1) a rhodium-catalyzed O-H bond insertion followed by an intramolecular carbonyl-ene reaction to build up the tetrahydrofuran subunit; 2) sequential SmI2 -mediated Ueno-Stork and ketyl-olefin cyclizations to construct the [5,7] spirobicyclic skeleton; and 3) an intramolecular aldol condensation/vinylogous retro-aldol/aldol sequence to form the final six-membered ring with inversion of the relative configuration at the C7 position.