Rapid gas-liquid reaction in flow. Continuous synthesis and production of cyclohexene oxide.

The enhanced reaction rate in the epoxidation of cyclohexene with air as an oxidant was discovered without any added catalyst utilizing a continuous flow reactor constructed with readily available stainless steel parts and devices. This continuous-flow process demonstrates a significant improvement in reaction time for highly selective epoxide production over the batch process due to the efficient mass transfer between the liquid phase and air. The flow process discovered was operated continuously with good operational stability, evaluated by a constant high yield of cyclohexene oxide, to obtain the desired product with high productivity.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Thienoacene Derivatives: Transition-Metal-Free Dehydrogenative C-S Coupling Promoted by a Halogen Mediator.

The first electrochemical dehydrogenative C-S bond formation leading to thienoacene derivatives is described. Several thienoacene derivatives were synthesized by dehydrogenative C-H/S-H coupling. The addition of n Bu4 NBr, which catalytically promoted the reaction as a halogen mediator, was essential.

Enantioselective Acyl Migration Reactions of Furanyl Carbonates with Chiral DMAP Derivatives.

An efficient enantioselective acyl migration reaction of furanyl carbonates was developed to construct all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers. In some cases, the reactions required only 0.05 mol % (minimum 500 ppm) of catalyst and showed a high turnover frequency value (TOF; 3640 h-1 ). Multigram-scale reactions (10 grams) also proceeded with high enantioselectivity (>99:1 e.r.) in quantitative yield. The catalyst was robust and easily recovered in 98 % yield. A wide range of functional groups were tolerated (15 examples, >98 % yield, up to >99:1 e.r.), and a variety of optically active 3,3'-disubstituted benzofuranone derivatives, which are useful intermediates for the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals, were efficiently obtained. Control experiments on the catalyst structure (e.g., catalyst 1 a vs. 1 a' and 1 a'') and computational calculations revealed that both the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity should be enhanced by hydrogen bonding between catalyst and substrate. Moreover, this system was applied to the challenging γ-selective acyl migration reaction of furanyl carbonates with high γ-selectivity and high enantioselectivity (α:γ=10:90, 95:5 e.r.).

Stereoselective nucleophilic addition reactions to cyclic N-acyliminium ions using the indirect cation pool method: Elucidation of stereoselectivity by spectroscopic conformational analysis and DFT calculations.

In this study, six-membered N-acyliminium ions were generated by the "indirect cation pool" method and reacted with several nucleophiles. These reactions afforded disubstituted piperidine derivatives with high diastereoselectivities and good to excellent yields. The conformations of the obtained N-acyliminium ions were studied by low temperature NMR analyses and DFT calculations and were found to be consistent with the Steven's hypothesis.

Desymmetrization of meso-1,2-Diols by a Chiral N,N-4-Dimethylaminopyridine Derivative Containing a 1,1'-Binaphthyl Unit: Importance of the Hydroxy Groups.

We developed an acylative desymmetrization of meso-1,2-diols using a binaphthyl-based N,N-4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) derivative 1h with tert-alcohol substituents. The reaction proceeds with a wide range of acyclic meso-1,2-diols and six-membered-ring meso-1,2-diols to provide a monoacylate selectively with a high enantiomeric ratio (er). Only 0.1 mol % of the catalyst facilitated the reaction within a short reaction time (3 h) to afford enantio-enriched monoacylated products in moderate to good yield. Several control experiments revealed that the tert-alcohol units of catalyst 1h play a significant role in achieving high catalytic activity, chemoselectivity of monoacylation, and enantioselectivity.

Synthetic (+)-terrein suppresses interleukin-6/soluble interleukin-6 receptor induced-secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor in human gingival fibroblasts.

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that performs a wide variety of biological functions, including important roles in the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease. (+)-Terrein, a secondary bioactive fungal metabolite isolated from Aspergillus terreus, has various biological activities; however, its anti-inflammatory effects are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of synthetic (+)-terrein on IL-6 signaling and related protein production in human gingival fibroblasts. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report that synthetic (+)-terrein is not cytotoxic at concentrations less than 20 µM and suppresses IL-6/soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R)-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-jun N-terminal kinase 1/2-signaling proteins that are downstream of IL-6 signaling. In addition, synthetic (+)-terrein suppresses IL-6/sIL-6R-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in a concentration-dependent manner (p<0.01). These data suggest that synthetic (+)-terrein has potential anti-IL-6 signaling activity and suppresses VEGF-associated inflammatory disease progression.

Synthesis of hexa(furan-2-yl)benzenes and their π-extended derivatives.

The first synthesis of hexa(furan-2-yl)benzene derivatives is described. The RhCl3/i-Pr2NEt-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of di(furan-2-yl)acetylenes was an effective method for constructing hexa(furan-2-yl)benzene derivatives in good yields. Their π-extended derivatives were also synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling between hexakis(5-Bpinfuran-2-yl)benzene (Bpin = (pinacolato)boryl) and several aryl iodides.

The Fungal Metabolite (+)-Terrein Abrogates Inflammatory Bone Resorption via the Suppression of TNF-α Production in a Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Mouse Model.

Current periodontal treatment focuses on the mechanical removal of the source of infection, such as bacteria and their products, and there is no approach to control the host inflammatory response that leads to tissue destruction. In order to control periodontal inflammation, we have previously reported the optimization of (+)-terrein synthesis methods and the inhibitory effect of (+)-terrein on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. However, the pharmacological effect of (+)-terrein in vivo in the periodontitis model is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of synthetic (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption using a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. Synthetic (+)-terrein (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally twice a week to the mouse periodontitis model. The control group was treated with phosphate buffer. One to two weeks after the induction of periodontitis, the periodontal tissues were harvested for radiological evaluation (micro-CT), histological evaluation (HE staining and TRAP staining), and the evaluation of inflammatory cytokine production in the periodontal tissues and serum (quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, ELISA). The synthetic (+)-terrein-treated group suppressed alveolar bone resorption and the number of osteoclasts in the periodontal tissues compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, synthetic (+)-terrein significantly suppressed both mRNA expression of TNF-α in the periodontal tissues and the serum concentration of TNF-α (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that synthetic (+)-terrein abrogates alveolar bone resorption via the suppression of TNF-α production and osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Therefore, we could expect potential clinical effects when using (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption, including periodontitis.

Site-selective sequential coupling reactions controlled by "Electrochemical Reaction Site Switching": a straightforward approach to 1,4-bis(diaryl)buta-1,3-diynes.

Site-selective sequential coupling reactions directed toward bis(diaryl)butadiynes are described. The reaction site could be controlled completely by the on/off application of electricity. The electro-oxidative homo-coupling of terminal alkynes (electricity ON) and the subsequent Suzuki-Miyaura coupling (electricity OFF) afforded bis(diaryl)butadiynes in high yields. The obtained 1,4-bis(diaryl)butadiynes could be converted to a 2,5-bis(diaryl)thiophene derivative, which exhibited blue fluorescence.

Kinetic Resolution of Tertiary Alcohols by Chiral DMAP Derivatives: Enantioselective Access to 3-Hydroxy-3-substituted 2-Oxindoles.

We developed an efficient acylative kinetic resolution of 3-hydroxy-3-substituted 2-oxindoles by a chiral DMAP derivative having a 1,1'-binaphthyl with two tert-alcohols units. A wide range of 3-hydroxy-3-substituted oxindoles having various functional groups were efficiently resolved (14 examples, up to s = 60) in the presence of 1 mol % of catalyst within 3-9 h. Multigram-scale reactions (10 g) also proceeded with a high s-factor (s = 43) within 5 h.

Cu-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative C-O Cyclization for the Synthesis of Furan-Fused Thienoacenes.

The first Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenative C-O cyclization for the synthesis of furan-fused thienoacenes is described. A variety of heteroacenes including a thieno[3,2-b]furan or a thieno[2,3-b]furan skeleton were synthesized by intramolecular C-H/O-H coupling. The use of a mixed solvent of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and toluene was essential for suppressing side reactions and efficiently promoting the reaction. Double C-O cyclization was also conducted to afford highly π-expanded furan-fused thienoacenes.

The Fungal Metabolite (+)-Terrein Abrogates Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Suppressing Protein Kinase-C α/ßII Phosphorylation.

Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by a systemic impairment of bone mass and microarchitecture that results in fragility fractures. Severe bone loss due to osteoporosis triggers pathological fractures and consequently decreases the daily life activity and quality of life. Therefore, prevention of osteoporosis has become an important issue to be addressed. We have reported that the fungal secondary metabolite (+)-terrein (TER), a natural compound derived from Aspergillus terreus, has shown receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing nuclear factor of activated T-cell 1 (NFATc1) expression, a master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. TER has been shown to possess extensive biological and pharmacological benefits; however, its effects on bone metabolism remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of TER on the femoral bone metabolism using a mouse-ovariectomized osteoporosis model (OVX mice) and then on RANKL signal transduction using mouse bone marrow macrophages (mBMMs). In vivo administration of TER significantly improved bone density, bone mass, and trabecular number in OVX mice (p < 0.01). In addition, TER suppressed TRAP and cathepsin-K expression in the tissue sections of OVX mice (p < 0.01). In an in vitro study, TER suppressed RANKL-induced phosphorylation of PKCα/ßII, which is involved in the expression of NFATc1 (p < 0.05). The PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, also inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in mBMMs as well as TER. In addition, TER suppressed the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related genes, such as Ocstamp, Dcstamp, Calcr, Atp6v0d2, Oscar, and Itgb3 (p < 0.01). These results provide promising evidence for the potential therapeutic application of TER as a novel treatment compound against osteoporosis.

The fungal metabolite (+)-terrein abrogates osteoclast differentiation via suppression of the RANKL signaling pathway through NFATc1.

Pathophysiological bone resorption is commonly associated with periodontal disease and involves the excessive resorption of bone matrix by activated osteoclasts. Receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) signaling pathways have been proposed as targets for inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The fungal secondary metabolite (+)-terrein is a natural compound derived from Aspergillus terreus that has previously shown anti-interleukin-6 properties related to inflammatory bone resorption. However, its effects and molecular mechanism of action on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that 10 µM synthetic (+)-terrein inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner and without cytotoxicity. RANKL-induced messenger RNA expression of osteoclast-specific markers including nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis, cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap) was completely inhibited by synthetic (+)-terrein treatment. Furthermore, synthetic (+)-terrein decreased RANKL-induced NFATc1 protein expression. This study revealed that synthetic (+)-terrein attenuated osteoclast formation and bone resorption by mediating RANKL signaling pathways, especially NFATc1, and indicated the potential effect of (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption including periodontal disease.

Iodide-Mediated or Iodide-Catalyzed Demethylation and Friedel-Crafts C-H Borylative Cyclization Leading to Thiophene-Fused 1,2-Oxaborine Derivatives.

The first synthesis of dithieno-1,2-oxaborine derivatives was achieved via iodide-mediated or iodide-catalyzed demethylation of 3-methoxy-2,2'-bithiophene and subsequent C-H borylation. A wide variety of thiophene-fused oxaborines could be synthesized by the procedure.

Three-component Ag-catalyzed enantioselective vinylogous mannich and Aza-Diels-Alder reactions with alkyl-substituted aldehydes.

Efficient protocols for three-component catalytic enantioselective vinylogous Mannich (VM) reactions of alkyl-substituted aldimines (including those bearing heteroatom-containing substituents) and readily available siloxyfurans are presented. High efficiency and stereoselectivity is achieved through the use of o-thiomethyl-p-methoxyaniline-derived aldimines. Reactions, performed under an atmosphere of air and in undistilled THF, can be promoted in the presence of as little as 1 mol % of easily accessible amino acid-based chiral ligands and commercially available AgOAc. The desired products are obtained in 44 to 92% yield, and in up to >98:<2 diastereomer and >99:<1 enantiomer ratio (>98% ee). Removal of the N-activating group is performed through a one-vessel oxidation/hydrolysis operation, which proceeds via a stable aza-quinone (characterized by X-ray crystallography). Evidence is presented indicating that reactions with chiral nonracemic aldehydes are subject to catalyst control: both substrate enantiomers react to afford the desired product diastereomers in high stereoselectivity. Aryl- and alkynyl-substituted o-thiomethyl-p-methoxyaniline-derived aldimines undergo Ag-catalyzed enantioselective VM reactions more efficiently and with higher selectivity than the corresponding o-anisidyl substrates. Additionally, Ag-catalyzed aza-Diels-Alder reactions of the alkyl-substituted aldimines bearing the structurally modified N-aryl unit afford enantiomerically enriched (up to 95% ee) products in up to 88% yield.

Synthesis and Properties of Dithieno-Fused 1,4-Azaborine Derivatives.

The first synthesis of dithieno[3,2- b:2',3'- e][1,4]azaborinine (DTAB) derivatives has been achieved by Buchwald-Hartwig coupling and subsequent Friedel-Crafts-type C-H borylation. A facile method for further π-extension of DTAB was also developed via stannylation and subsequent Kosugi-Migita-Stille cross-coupling reaction. The fundamental properties of DTAB derivatives were also investigated.

Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Azlactones by a Chiral N, N-Dimethyl-4-aminopyridine Derivative Containing a 1,1'-Binaphthyl Unit: Importance of Amide Groups.

A dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of azlactones in the presence of benzoic acid and a binaphthyl-based N, N-4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) derivative 1i having two amide groups at the 3,3'-positions of a binaphthyl unit is developed. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a wide range of azlactones to provide α-amino acid derivatives with good to high enantiomeric ratios (er's). A multigram-scale reaction (2.5 g) for the DKR of azlactone 2d was also demonstrated, and the resulting product was converted to unnatural α-amino acid 6d'.

Fungal metabolite (+)-terrein suppresses IL-6/sIL-6R-induced CSF1 secretion by inhibiting JAK1 phosphorylation in human gingival fibroblasts.

Control of bacterial infection-induced inflammatory responses is one of the effective therapeutic approaches of periodontal diseases. Natural products such as lipid mediators and metabolites from microorganisms have been used for decreasing inflammation. We previously reported that (+)-terrein inhibited activation of STAT3 and ERK1/2 in interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling cascade, leading to prevent vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). However, little is still known about the role of (+)-terrein on inflammatory responses. In this study, we provided the possibility of novel action that (+)-terrein inhibits activation of Janus-activated kinase 1 (JAK1), which has a central function in IL-6 signaling cascade, and alters expression of mRNAs and proteins induced by IL-6/soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) stimulation in HGFs. First, we performed PCR array to examine IL-6/sIL-6R-induced mRNA expression, and then expression of mRNA and protein of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF1) and VEGF were clearly determined by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Treatment with (+)-terrein suppressed expression of mRNA and protein of CSF1 and VEGF by IL-6/sIL-6R stimulation. Next, to test the effect of (+)-terrein on IL-6/sIL-6R signaling cascade, we demonstrated whether (+)-terrein affects phosphorylation of JAK1 and its downstream proteins, Akt and SHP-2. Western blotting revealed that (+)-terrein inhibited IL-6/sIL-6R-induced phosphorylation of JAK1, Akt, and SHP-2. Therefore, (+)-terrein suppresses IL-6/sIL-6R-induced expression of CSF1 and VEGF via inhibition of JAK1, Akt, and SHP-2. Based on our results, we suggest that (+)-terrein is a candidate compound for anti-inflammatory effect associated with IL-6 signaling.

Synthesis of 3-Benzo[b]thienyl 3-Thienyl Ether via an Addition-Elimination Reaction and Its Transformation to an Oxygen-Fused Dithiophene Skeleton: Synthesis and Properties of Benzodithienofuran and Its π-Extended Derivatives.

The synthesis of 3-benzo[b]thienyl 3-thienyl ether and its dehydrogenative cyclization leading to benzodithienofuran (BDTF; [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]thieno[2,3-d]furan) are described for the first time. Further transformation of BDTF to more π-extended BDTF derivatives and their fundamental physical properties are also studied.

Rh-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cyclization Leading to Benzosilolothiophene Derivatives via Si-H/C-H Bond Cleavage.

Straightforward syntheses leading to π-extended benzosilolothiophene (BST) derivatives by Rh-catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization reactions have been developed. Electron-deficient ligands were effective for the reactions, and dppe-F20 gave the best result. This method could be applied to the synthesis of highly π-extended ladder-type BST derivatives, which exhibited fluorescence.