Chiral Macrocyclic Catalysts for the Enantioselective Addition of Lithium Acetylides to Ketones.

Alkynyl addition to carbonyl compounds is a valuable synthetic method for the preparation of versatile chiral alcohols that are widely found in pharmaceuticals and natural products. Although a variety of enantioselective variations have been reported, alkynyl addition to simple ketones remains an unmet challenge due to their low reactivity and difficult enantiofacial discrimination. Here, we report a method for the catalytic enantioselective addition of lithium acetylide to a variety of ketones using macrocyclic lithium binaphtholates as catalysts. These reactions generally suffer from facile aggregation of lithium species, which leads to less active and selective catalysts. The macrocyclic structure designed in this study prevents such aggregation, affording a monomeric and highly active catalyst that can furnish enantioenriched tertiary alcohols from a variety of ketones within 5-30 min. Moreover, the confined cavity and lipophilicity of the macrocycle confer substrate specificity on the system, demonstrating a multiselectivity similar to that of enzymatic reactions. Thus, these findings offer new insights into the rational design of small-molecule artificial enzymes that exhibit high levels of reactivity and multiselectivity.

Insight into the Mechanism of the Acylation of Alcohols with Acid Anhydrides Catalyzed by Phosphoric Acid Derivatives.

Insight into the mechanism of a safe, simple, and inexpensive phosphoric acid (H3PO4)-catalyzed acylation of alcohols with acid anhydrides is described. The corresponding in situ-generated diacylated mixed anhydrides, unlike traditionally proposed monoacylated mixed anhydrides, are proposed as the active species. In particular, the diacylated mixed anhydrides act as efficient catalytic acyl transfer reagents rather than as Brønsted acid catalysts simply activating acid anhydrides. Remarkably, highly efficient phosphoric acid (1-3 mol %)-catalyzed acylation of alcohols with acid anhydrides was achieved and a 23 g scale synthesis of an ester was demonstrated. Also, phosphoric acid catalyst was effective for synthetically useful esterification from carboxylic acids, alcohols, and acid anhydride. Moreover, with regard to recent developments in chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL)-derived phosphoric acid diester catalysts toward asymmetric kinetic resolution of alcohols by acylation, some phosphate diesters were examined. As a result, a 31P NMR study and a kinetics study strongly supported not only the acid-base cooperative mechanism as previously proposed by other researchers but also the mixed anhydride mechanism as presently proposed by us.

Chiral Supramolecular U-Shaped Catalysts Induce the Multiselective Diels-Alder Reaction of Propargyl Aldehyde.

The Diels-Alder reaction, which is a traditional [4 + 2] cycloaddition with two carbon-carbon bond formations, is one of the most powerful tools to synthesize versatile and unique six-membered rings. We show that chiral supramolecular U-shaped boron Lewis acid catalysts promote the unprecedented multiselective Diels-Alder reaction of propargyl aldehyde with cyclic dienes. Independent from the substrate control, enantio-, endo/exo-, π-facial-, regio-, site-, and substrate-selectivities could be controlled by the present U-shaped catalysts. The obtained reaction products could access the concise synthesis of chiral diene ligands and a key intermediate of (+)-sarkomycin. The results presented here might partially contribute to the development of artificial enzyme-like supramolecular catalysts for multiselective reactions, which will be able to target organic compounds that have thus far eluded synthesis.

Enantioselective Cycloaddition of Styrenes with Aldimines Catalyzed by a Chiral Magnesium Potassium Binaphthyldisulfonate Cluster as a Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyst.

A chiral magnesium potassium binaphthyldisulfonate cluster, as a chiral Brønsted acid catalyst, was shown to catalyze an enantioselective cycloaddition of styrenes with aldimines for the first time. The strong Brønsted acidity of the catalyst precursors, which might dissolve drying agents and take up the leached Mg2+ and K+, serendipitously led to good enantioselectivity. Mechanistic aspects were supported by X-ray and ESI-MS analysis of the catalyst and a kinetics study of the reaction. Useful transformations to optically active 1,3-amino alcohols on a gram scale were also demonstrated.

Enantioselective Cyanosilylation of Ketones with Lithium(I) Dicyanotrimethylsilicate(IV) Catalyzed by a Chiral Lithium(I) Phosphoryl Phenoxide.

A highly enantioselective cyanosilylation of ketones was developed by using a chiral lithium(I) phosphoryl phenoxide aqua complex as an acid/base cooperative catalyst. The pentacoordinate silicate generated in situ from Me3SiCN/LiCN acts as an extremely reactive cyano reagent. Described is a 30 gram scale reaction and the synthesis of the key precursor to (+)-13-hydroxyisocyclocelabenzine.

Boron Tribromide-Assisted Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyst for a Highly Enantioselective Diels-Alder Reaction of 1,2-Dihydropyridines.

BBr3-chiral phosphoric acid complexes are highly effective and practical Lewis acid-assisted Brønsted acid (LBA) catalysts for promoting the enantioselective Diels-Alder (DA) reaction of α-substituted acroleins and α-CF3 acrylate. In particular, the DA reaction of α-substituted acroleins with 1,2-dihydropyridines gave the corresponding optically active isoquinuclidines with high enantioselectivities. Moreover, transformations to the key intermediates of indole alkaloids, catharanthine and allocatharanthine, are demonstrated.

Gamma knife radiosurgery of craniopharyngioma: results of 30 cases treated at Nagoya Radiosurgery Center.

Evaluation of 30 cases of craniopharyngioma treated by Gamma Knife at Nagoya Radiosurgery Center (NRC), Nagoya Kyoritsu Hospital since July, 2004 has been made. The mean volume of the tumor was 2.64 ml, which was treated with the marginal dose of 11.7 Gy. Mean follow-up period was 79.9 months. The effects were evaluated by MRI findings, neuro-endocrine and hypothalamic signs and symptoms, complications and KPS every 3~6 months. As the results, complete remission was obtained in 8, partial remission in 12, no change in 6, progression in 3, in which two died by hypothalamic invasion. Tumor response rate was 68.9% and control rate 87.9%. Actuarial survival was 96% at 5 and 86% at 10 years. However, progression free survival was 76% and 76%, respectively. Using marginal dose of 11.7Gy to a smaller tumor, better control without complications has been obtained. KPS was excellent in 14, good in 9, fair in 2, poor in 1 and unknown in a case. Finally, there were three deaths, where two were died of tumor progression and one by infirmity. The progression of hypothalamic symptoms other than diabetes insipidus were found in two cases. Volume reduction and effective dose setting will be important for the improvement of QOL and survival after combined microsurgery and radiosurgery of craniopharyngioma.

C-selective and diastereoselective alkyl addition to ß,γ-alkynyl-α-imino esters with zinc(II)ate complexes.

Since umpolung α-imino esters contain three electrophilic centers, regioselective alkyl addition with traditional organometallic reagents has been a serious problem in the practical synthesis of versatile chiral α-amino acid derivatives. An unusual C-alkyl addition to α-imino esters using a Grignard reagent (RMgX)-derived zinc(II)ate was developed. Zinc(II)ate complexes consist of a Lewis acidic [MgX](+) moiety, a nucleophilic [R3 Zn](-) moiety, and 2 [MgX2 ]. Therefore, the ionically separated [R3 Zn](-) selectively attacks the imino carbon atom ,which is most strongly activated by chelation of [MgX](+) . In particular, chiral ß,γ-alkynyl-α-imino esters can strongly promote highly regio- and diastereoselective C-alkylation because of structural considerations, and the corresponding optically active α-quaternary amino acid derivatives are obtained within 5 minutes in high to excellent yields.

Dearomative Intramolecular Diels-Alder/Sulfur Extrusion Reaction of Thiophenes with Alkynes Using peri-Substituted Naphthalene as a Tether.

Dearomative intramolecular Diels-Alder/sulfur extrusion reaction of thiophenes with alkynes successfully afforded fluoranthenes in moderate to excellent yields. The proximity of both reactive sites fixed at the peri-position of naphthalene would play an important role in the progress of this reaction. Tri(o-tolyl)phosphine effectively suppressed the side reactions as a sulfur scavenger.

Effect of the U-Shaped Cavity of Conformationally Flexible Chiral Lewis-Acidic Boron-Based Catalysts in Multiselective Diels-Alder Reactions.

The effect of the U-shaped cavity of conformationally flexible chiral Lewis acidic boron-based catalysts in multiselective Diels-Alder reactions was investigated. The U-shaped catalysts can recognize substituents at the terminal acetylene moiety of propynal based on steric factors and can also recognize alkyne and alkene substrates based on the match/mismatch between the catalysts and substrates. Moreover, even in a mixture of different catalysts and substrates, the desired competitive reactions can proceed multiselectively. This proof-of-concept study should contribute to the development of artificial enzyme-like catalysis in vitro.

Boron Trifluoride-Mediated Domino Dehydration/Electrophilic Cyclization of Silylalkynols Leading to 2,3-Fused Tricyclic Benzofulvenes.

A BF3-mediated domino dehydration/electrophilic cyclization of silylalkynols to form 2,3-fused tricyclic benzofulvenes was achieved. In the latter step, in situ generated BF3·OH2 enables the electrophilic activation of alkynes. The predominant Z-selectivity of the reaction is also discussed.

Zinc chloride-catalyzed Grignard addition reaction of aromatic nitriles.

In the alkyl addition reaction of aromatic nitriles using Grignard reagents, ketones are formed after hydrolysis. However, this addition reaction is often slow compared to that using reactive organolithium(i) reagents. In this study, we improved the reaction by using zinc(ii)ates, which are generated in situ using Grignard reagents and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a catalyst. As a result, the corresponding ketones and amines were obtained via hydrolysis and reduction, respectively, in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Scale-up reactions are also demonstrated. Interestingly, using a catalytic amount of ZnCl2 was more effective than using a stoichiometric amount of zinc(ii)ates. Possible transition states are proposed on the basis of the active zinc(ii)ate species, and DFT calculations were carried out to elucidate a plausible reaction mechanism.

Synthesis of optically pure 3,3'-diaryl binaphthyl disulfonic acids via stepwise N-S bond cleavage.

We developed a practical synthesis of optically pure 3,3'-diaryl-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-disulfonic acids (i.e., (R)- or (S)-3,3'-Ar2-BINSAs) from the parent chiral sulfonimides via stepwise N-S bond cleavage of the sulfonimides and the resultant sulfonamides. This unusual synthesis, which provides arylsulfonic acids from arylsulfonamides, is valuable since common methods particularly give amines with the decomposition of sulfone groups during deprotection.

Chiral magnesium(II) binaphtholates as cooperative Brønsted/Lewis acid-base catalysts for the highly enantioselective addition of phosphorus nucleophiles to α,ß-unsaturated esters and ketones.

A little cooperation goes a long way: The cooperative Brønsted/Lewis acid-base supramolecular catalysts formed in situ from simple chiral magnesium(II) binaphtholate aqua complexes promoted the highly enantioselective 1,4-hydrophosphinylation of α,ß-unsaturated esters with diaryl phosphine oxides and 1,2-hydrophosphonylation of α,ß-unsaturated ketones with dialkyl phosphites (see scheme).

Regression curves of brain metastases after gamma knife irradiation: Difference by tumor and patient characteristics.

Regression curves and local control rates of brain metastases after gamma knife treatment were evaluated to investigate differences in tumor response to radiation. A total of 203 metastases were serially evaluated using contrast-enhanced MRI (or computed tomography) at 1, 2, 3, 4.5 and 6 months after a 20-Gy dose. Differences were evaluated in regression curves and control rates between tumors ≥10 mm and tumors <10 mm in mean diameter, among three major histological subtypes of lung cancer, among adenocarcinomas of the lung, breast and colorectum, and between tumors in patients with above and below median hemoglobin levels. Smaller tumors shrank faster and yielded better control rates than larger tumors. Metastases from small cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung shrank faster than those from lung adenocarcinoma, but 6-month control rates were not different. Breast adenocarcinomas tended to shrink faster than lung adenocarcinomas, but the control rates were not different among adenocarcinomas of the lung, breast and colorectum. Tumors in patients with higher hemoglobin levels tended to shrink faster but the control rates were not different. Small cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung regress more rapidly than adenocarcinomas, although local control rates might not differ significantly.

Multiselective Diels-Alder Reaction of α-Arylacroleins Catalyzed by Boron Tribromide-Assisted Chiral Phosphoric Acids.

A multiselective Diels-Alder (DA) reaction of α-arylacroleins with cyclopentadiene using BBr3-assisted chiral BINOL-derived phosphoric acid catalysts has been developed. This unusual exo- and enantioselective DA reaction can be multicontrolled by the chiral cavity of the in situ-formed acid-base cooperative catalysts, in particular, suppressing the competitive hetero Diels-Alder (HDA) reaction effectively.

Chiral lithium(I) binaphtholate salts for the enantioselective direct Mannich-type reaction with a change of syn/anti and absolute stereochemistry.

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective direct Mannich-type reaction of aldimines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using Li(I) BINOLate salts as effective Lewis acid-Brønsted base catalysts has been developed. Li(I) BINOLate salts offered high catalytic activity toward 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds such as diketone, ketoester, ketothioester, ketoamide, and ketolactone. The reactions proceeded at -78 degrees C within 1-2 h in the presence of 1-10 mol % catalyst, which showed a catalytic activity (turnover frequency = 284 h(-1)) quite unlike those of other previous catalysts. Anti products were selectively obtained from acyclic ketoesters without epimerization at an alpha-tertiary-carbon center, and these are valuable since previous catalysts often gave syn/anti mixtures or the stereochemistry has not yet been determined.

Zinc(II)-catalyzed addition of Grignard reagents to ketones.

The addition of organometallic reagents to carbonyl compounds has become a versatile method for synthesizing tertiary and secondary alcohols via carbon-carbon bond formation. However, due to the lack of good nucleophilicity or the presence of strong basicity of organometallic reagents, the efficient synthesis of tertiary alcohols from ketones has been particularly difficult and, thus, limited. We recently developed highly efficient catalytic alkylation and arylation reactions to ketones with Grignard reagents (RMgX: R = alkyl, aryl; X = Cl, Br, I) using ZnCl(2), Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl, and LiCl, which effectively minimize problematic side reactions. In principle, RMgBr and RMgI are less reactive than RMgCl for the addition to carbonyl compounds. Therefore, this novel method with homogeneous catalytic ZnCl(2) x Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl x LiCl is quite attractive, since RMgBr and RMgI, which are easily prepared and/or commercially available, like RMgCl, can be applied successfully. As well as ketones and aldehydes, aldimines were effectively applied to this catalysis, and the corresponding secondary amines were obtained in high yield. With regard to mechanistic details concerning beta-silyl effect and salt effect, in situ-prepared [R(Me(3)SiCH(2))(2)Zn](-)[Li](+)[MgX(2)](m)[LiCl](n) (X = Cl/Br/I) is speculated to be a key catalytic reagent to promote the reaction effectively. The simplicity of this reliable ZnCl(2) x Me(3)SiCH(2)MgCl x LiCl system in the addition of Grignard reagents to carbonyl compounds might be attractive for industrial as well as academic applications.

Enantioselective Aza-Friedel-Crafts Reaction of Indoles and Pyrroles Catalyzed by Chiral C1-Symmetric Bis(phosphoric Acid).

A hydrogen bonding network in chiral Brønsted acid catalysts is important for the construction of a chiral cavity and the enhancement of catalytic activity. In this regard, we developed a highly enantioselective aza-Friedel-Crafts reaction of indoles and pyrroles with acyclic α-ketimino esters in the presence of a chiral C1-symmetric BINOL-derived bis(phosphoric acid) catalyst. The desired alkylation products with chiral quaternary carbon centers were obtained in high yields with high enantioselectivities on up to a 1.2-g scale with 0.2 mol % catalyst loading. Interestingly, the absolute configurations of the products from indoles and pyrroles were opposite even with the use of the same chiral catalyst. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic considerations disclosed that a unique hydrogen bonding network with or without π-π interactions among the catalyst and substrates might partially play a pivotal role.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Malignant Skull Base Tumors.

The role of stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/SRT) for malignant skull base tumors was summarized and discussed. The treatment of skull base tumors remains challenging. Their total resection is often difficult. SRS/SRT is one useful treatment option for residual or recurrent tumors after surgical resection in cases of primary skull base tumors. If skull base metastasis and skull base invasion are relatively localized, they can be candidates for SRS/SRT. Low rates of cervical lymph node involvement in early-stage (N0M0, no lymph node involvement or distant metastasis) nasal and paranasal carcinomas (NpNCa) and external auditory canal carcinomas (EACCa) have been reported in the literature. Such cases might be good candidates for SRS/SRT as the initial therapy. We previously reported the results of SRS/SRT for various malignant extra-axial skull base tumors. In addition, treatment results of early-stage head and neck carcinomas were summarized. Those of our data and those of other reported series were reviewed here to clarify the usefulness of SRS/SRT for malignant extra-axial skull base tumors.