α-Fluorination of tropane compounds and its impact on physicochemical and ADME properties.

Using an electrochemical C(sp3)-H fluorination reaction, a series of α-fluorinated tropane compounds were synthesized and their druglikeness parameters were assessed to compare with the parent compounds. Improvements were observed in membrane permeability, P-gp liability, and inhibitory effects on hERG and Nav1.5 channels, accompanied with a trend of decreased aqueous solubility and microsomal stability. It was also revealed that α-fluorination reduced the basicity of tropane nitrogen atom for about 1000-fold.

Differentiation of germination characteristics in Scutellaria rubropunctata (Lamiaceae) associated with adaptation to rheophytic habitats in the subtropical Ryukyu Islands of Japan.

Seed germination characteristics of a facultative rheophyte Scutellaria rubropunctata, a perennial skullcap endemic to the subtropical Ryukyu Islands of Japan, were investigated at temperatures of 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C. The rheophytic type of S. rubropunctata showed relatively simultaneous germination times and reached high germination rates under all temperatures tested. This characteristic may allow it to establish quickly without being influenced by temperature, giving a survival advantage in rheophytic habitats by avoiding seeds being washed away by the rising water. In contrast, the final germination rate of the terrestrial type of S. rubropunctata, as well as that of the congener S. indica var. parvifolia, was highest at 15 °C and declined drastically at 30 °C. Seeds of both of these plants that remained ungerminated at higher temperatures germinated soon after the temperature was changed to 15 °C, indicating that the germination suppression was a state of enforced dormancy that was released after transfer to the optimal temperature. These characteristics suggest an asynchronous germination which is thought to reduce the risk of disturbance in fluctuating environments. Our study may be the first to demonstrate the differentiation of seed germination characteristics in relation to adaptations to a rheophytic habitat. Because rheophytes occupy such a harsh environment under strong selective pressure, the adaptive differentiation of seed germination characteristics may occur in many other rheophytes.

Unified synthesis of tirandamycins and streptolydigins.

The asymmetric total syntheses of tirandamycins A-D and tirandalydigin as well as the synthesis of the left-hand fragment of streptolydiginone and streptolydigin from a common intermediate are described. The comprehensive approach features the highly enantio- and diastereoselective assembly of the anti,anti,syn-stereotetrad unit which relies on a cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction.

A new method for the protection of carboxylic acids with a triisopropylsiloxymethyl group.

An effective method for the protection of carboxylic acids with a triisopropylsiloxymethyl (TIPSOCH(2)) group is described. The reactions of various carboxylic acids with C(12)H(25)SCH(2)OTIPS in the presence of CuBr(2), Et(3)N, and molecular sieves 4A afford the corresponding triisopropylsiloxymethyl esters in good yields.