Short Formal Syntheses of Lycorine and Congeners Using a 5-Endo-Trig/6-Endo-Trig Radical Cyclization Sequence.

Here, we report a practical route to medicinally interesting lycorine congeners alongside formal syntheses of various lycorine-type natural products, including lycorine itself. The efficiency of our strategy derives from a back-to-back 5-endo-trig/6-endo-trig radical cyclization sequence, which we systematically studied both experimentally and computationally. The results of our work will facilitate future development of urgently needed antiviral therapeutics based on lycorine.

Total Syntheses of the Structures Assigned to Denigrins A, B, C, F, and G, 3,4-Diaryl-Pyrrole and -Pyrrolidinone Alkaloids, and the Conversion of Congener B into the Co-metabolite Spirodactylone.

The title marine natural products have been prepared by total synthesis and in the case of congeners 3, 6, and 7 for the first time. Each of these was obtained by manipulation of readily prepared denigrin B (2). The structure, 3, assigned to denigrin C is shown to be incorrect. Reaction of compound 2 with DDQ has led, in high yield, to the related natural product spirodactylone (16), while treating the corresponding permethyl ether 15 with PIFA/BF3·Et2O provides compound 20, embodying an isomeric framework.

Polymers from Cellulosic Waste: Direct Polymerization of Levoglucosenone using DBU as a Catalyst.

The bio-based platform molecule levoglucosenone (LGO) is now produced at multi-ton scale by the pyrolysis of cellulosic waste. As such it has become an industrially viable, non-petroleum-derived chemical feedstock. Herein we report the direct (one-step) and operationally simple polymerization of LGO that provides a highly sustainable method for polymer synthesis. Specifically, the ability of LGO to act as an electrophile has been harnessed so as to deliver high molecular weight polymers (Mn=236,000 g/mol, D=2.4) possessing excellent thermal stabilities (TD5 %=249 °C). Furthermore, there is a significant capacity for the effective chemical manipulation of these polymers as exemplified by treatment of them under Baeyer-Villiger conditions and so creating a simple and green route to hydrophilic materials. These one- and two-step transformations provide the most direct route to new, LGO-derived polymer scaffolds yet reported. E-factors of ca. 0.012 and atom economies of up to 99 % have been realized.

Synthesis of Pyridin-1(2H)-ylacrylates and the Effects of Different Functional Groups on Their Fluorescence.

While fluorescent organic materials have many potential as well as proven applications and so have attracted significant attention, pyridine-olefin conjugates remain a less studied subset of such systems. Herein, therefore, we report on the development of the straightforward syntheses of pyridin-1(2H)-ylacrylates and the outcomes of a study of the effects of substituents on their fluorescent properties. Such compounds were prepared using a simple, metal-free and three-component coupling reaction involving 2-aminopyridines, sulfonyl azides and propiolates. The fluorescent properties of the ensuing products are significantly affected by the positions of substituents on the cyclic framework, with those located in central positions having the greatest impact. Electron-withdrawing groups tend to induce blue shifts while electron-donating ones cause red shifts. This work highlights the capacity that the micro-modification of fluorescent materials provides for fine-tuning their properties such that they may be usefully applied to, for example, the study of luminescent materials.

Complex Inhibitory Mechanism of Glycomimetics with Heparanase.

Heparanase (HPSE) is the only mammalian endo-ß-glucuronidase known to catalyze the degradation of heparan sulfate. Dysfunction of HPSE activity has been linked to several disease states, resulting in HPSE becoming the target of numerous therapeutic programs, yet no drug has passed clinical trials to date. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is a heterogeneous, FDA-approved drug for the treatment of interstitial cystitis and a known HPSE inhibitor. However, due to its heterogeneity, characterization of its mechanism of HPSE inhibition is challenging. Here, we show that inhibition of HPSE by PPS is complex, involving multiple overlapping binding events, each influenced by factors such as oligosaccharide length and inhibitor-induced changes in the protein secondary structure. The present work advances our molecular understanding of the inhibition of HPSE and will aid in the development of therapeutics for the treatment of a broad range of pathologies associated with enzyme dysfunction, including cancer, inflammatory disease, and viral infections.

The useful biological properties of sucrose esters: Opportunities for the development of new functional foods.

Sucrose esters have been deployed as surfactants in many food products since the 1950s. In addition to their useful physical characteristics, sucrose esters also have interesting biological properties that enhance their utility. This review critically examines the broad suite of biological activities that has been attributed to both synthetically-derived and naturally-occurring sucrose esters. These include insecticidal, molluscicidal, plant growth-regulating, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-depressive, neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodial effects. In addition to providing a summary of the structure-activity profiles of sucrose esters, the various known mechanisms-of action of these compounds are also discussed. Furthermore, since sucrose esters are well-known surfactants, the potential to advantageously apply their industrially desirable physical characteristics in combination with their biological properties is considered. Recent advances in synthetic chemistry that have facilitated the deployment of biologically active sucrose esters as food additives are also described.

The Palladium-Catalyzed Glycosylation of Halotropones.

A range of mono- and disaccharides, including glucose derivative 10, has been cleanly coupled, in the presence of a Pd catalyst, with various halogenated and structurally distinctive tropones, including "parent" compound 11, to afford the corresponding α- and ß-anomeric forms of the tropolone glycosides, e.g., 12 and 13, respectively. Varying the ligand used influences the anomer distribution significantly and such that either the α- or ß-form predominates. Notable chemo- and regioselectivities are observed when dihalogenated troponoids are employed as coupling partners.

Formal Total Syntheses of (+)- and (-)-Aspidophytine from a Common, Homochiral Precursor.

A formal total synthesis of (-)-aspidophytine (2), a key substructure associated with the heterodimeric indole alkaloid haplophytine (1) and itself a natural product, has been established by employing the homochiral and enzymatically derived cis-1,2-dihydrocatechol 8 as a starting material. Specifically, compound 8 has been converted into the pentacyclic product 26, an advanced intermediate associated with a previously reported synthesis of aspidophytine (2). Simple modifications to the reaction sequence have also allowed for the identification of a synthetic pathway leading from dihydrocatechol 8 to (+)-aspidophytine (ent-2).

Total Syntheses of the Structures Assigned to the Marine Natural Products Orthoscuticellines A-E.

The readily prepared and vinylated ß-carboline 11 has been converted over one or two steps into compounds 1-5, the structures assigned to the recently reported marine natural products orthoscuticellines A-E. The spectral data recorded on the synthetically derived compounds are fully consistent with the assigned structures and, on making allowances for variations in the pH of the medium in which the spectra of the natural products were recorded, it is concluded that the structures assigned to orthoscuticellines A-E are most likely correct. Certainly, the calculated 13C NMR spectra of the α-, γ-, and δ-carboline isomers of compounds 1-5 suggest that orthoscuticellines A-E do incorporate the assigned ß-carboline core.

Ribisins and Certain Analogues Exert Neuroprotective Effects through Activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Pathway.

Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases and induction of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is a validated neuroprotective strategy. Synthetically-derived samples of members of the ribisin class of natural product together with a range of analogues were evaluated for their neuroprotective capacities. Four of the twenty-four compounds tested were found to strongly stimulate antioxidant response element-dependent transcriptional activity in human-derived SH-SY5Y cells. Further, in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and mouse brain cortical cultures these compounds upregulated levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target gene products, namely heme oxygenase (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone reductase 1 (NQO1). Functionally speaking, the compounds conferred protection in these cell models challenged with H2 O2 . In silico molecular modeling suggests that certain of the ribisins can dock in the Nrf2-binding Kelch domain in Keap1, while cysteine labeling by biotinylated iodoacetamide suggest that cysteine residues within Keap1 react with the ribisins. It is thus proposed that the most active compounds exert their neuroprotective activities by targeting Keap1, thereby activating Nrf2 and so increasing transactivation of Nrf2-responsive genes that encode for detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes.

α-Iodo-α,ß-Unsaturated Ketones as Vicinal Dielectrophiles: Their Reactions with Dinucleophiles Provide New Annulation Protocols for the Formation of Carbo- and Heterocyclic Ring Systems.

α-Iodo-α,ß-unsaturated ketones such as compound 1 serve as vicinal dielectrophiles and react with a range of dinucleophiles including pentane-2,4-dione and 1,3-indandione to produce [3 + 2]- and [2 + 1]-adducts such as 5 and 38, respectively. [4 + 2]- and [5 + 2]-cycloadducts have been obtained from compound 1 by related means. Preliminary studies reveal that α-iodinated α,ß-unsaturated esters can also participate in at least some of these same processes.

The Isoflavanoid (+)-PTC Regulates Cell-Cycle Progression and Mitotic Spindle Assembly in a Prostate Cancer Cell Line.

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in men and the development of effective therapeutic strategies remains challenging when more advanced, androgen-independent or insensitive forms are involved. Accordingly, we have evaluated, using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and image analysis, the anti-proliferative effects of (+)-2,3,9-trimethoxypterocarpan [(+)-PTC, 1] on relevant human prostate cancer cells as well as its capacity to control mitosis within them. In particular, the studies reported herein reveal that (+)-PTC exerts anti-proliferative activity against the PC-3 cell lines by regulating cell-cycle progression with mitosis being arrested in the prophase or prometaphase. Furthermore, it emerges that treatment of the target cells with this compound results in the formation of monopolar spindles, disorganized centrosomes and extensively disrupted γ-tubulin distributions while centriole replication remains unaffected. Such effects suggest (+)-PTC should be considered as a possible therapy for androgen-insensitive/independent prostate cancer.

Total Synthesis of Denigrin E and Its Oxidative Conversion into Co-occurring Metabolite Denigrin D.

An unambiguous, six-step total synthesis of denigrin E (5) from anisaldehyde 22 has been achieved, confirming the structure of this marine natural product. On treatment with t-BuOOH/Mo(CO)6, compound 5 undergoes a unique and possibly biogenetically relevant oxidative rearrangement to generate the co-occurring metabolite denigrin D (4), which is obtained in 61% yield.

Expeditious Access to Morphinans by Chemical Synthesis.

Morphinans are essential medicines derived entirely from poppy supply chains rendered increasingly volatile by climate change. Here, we report a seven-step, asymmetric chemical synthesis of (-)-codeine from simple materials that requires a total combined reaction time of fewer than 24 hours. The efficiency of our approach arises from a double-Heck cyclization reaction that generates two rings and two contiguous stereogenic carbon centres in the one pot. A subsequent photo-redox hydroamination protocol provides a novel, atom-economical means for assembling the piperidine D-ring of codeine. Simple modifications to the closing stages of our sequence offer effective access to pharmacologically valuable derivatives of N-demethyl codeine. Our work highlights the capacity for contemporary, stand-alone chemical synthesis regimes to diversify access to essential opiate medicines.

Silver-Promoted Radical Ring-Opening/Pyridylation of Cyclobutanols with N-Methoxypyridinium Salts.

The silver-promoted reaction of tertiary cyclobutanols with N-methoxypyridinium salts enables the efficient synthesis of a range of C2-substituted pyridines. The overall process likely occurs by ring-opening (via ß-scission) of the cyclobutoxy radical to generate the corresponding γ-keto alkyl radical that itself adds to the pyridinium salt. A wide range of tertiary cyclobutanols and N-methoxypyridinium salts are compatible with the reaction conditions.

The Inhibition of RNA Viruses by Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids: Opportunities for the Development of Broad-Spectrum Anti-Coronavirus Drugs.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of millions and disrupted nearly every aspect of human society. Currently, vaccines remain the only widely available medical means to address the cause of the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Unfortunately, current scientific consensus deems the emergence of vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants highly likely. In this context, the design and development of broad-spectrum, small-molecule based antiviral drugs has been described as a potentially effective, alternative medical strategy to address circulating and re-emerging CoVs. Small molecules are well-suited to target the least-rapidly evolving structures within CoVs such as highly conserved RNA replication enzymes, and this renders them less vulnerable to evolved drug resistance. Examination of the vast literature describing the inhibition of RNA viruses by Amaryllidaceae alkaloids suggests that future, broad-spectrum anti-CoV drugs may be derived from this family of natural products.

Chemoenzymatic and Enantiomeric Switching Regimes Enabling the Synthesis of Homochiral Cyclohexa-2,5-dienones Incorporating All-Carbon Quaternary Centers.

The enantiomerically pure, bromobenzene-derived metabolite 5 has been transformed into enone 20 using a reaction sequence involving Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and Eschenmoser-Claisen rearrangement processes. Treatment of compound 20 with lithium hydroxide results in an acetonide fragmentation reaction that delivers the 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexa-2,5-dienone 21, reductive de-oxygenation of which leads to congener 22. A closely related sequence of reactions can be used to convert the same homochiral starting material 5 into compound ent-22.

The Copper-Catalyzed Reaction of 2-(1-Hydroxyprop-2-yn-1-yl)phenols with Sulfonyl Azides Leading to C3-Unsubstituted N-Sulfonyl-2-iminocoumarins.

An operationally simple synthesis of Z-configured and C3-unsubstituted N-sulfonyl-2-iminocoumarins (e.g., 8a) that proceeds under mild conditions is achieved by reacting 2-(1-hydroxyprop-2-yn-1-yl)phenols (e.g., 6a) with sulfonyl azides (e.g., 7a). The cascade process involved likely starts with a copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. This is followed by ring-opening of the resulting metalated triazole (with accompanying loss of nitrogen), reaction of the ensuing ketenimine with the pendant phenolic hydroxyl group, and finally dehydration of the (Z)-N-(4-hydroxychroman-2-ylidene)sulfonamide so formed.

A Rapid and Mild Sulfation Strategy Reveals Conformational Preferences in Therapeutically Relevant Sulfated Xylooligosaccharides.

Although sulfated xylooligosaccharides are promising therapeutic leads for a multitude of afflictions, the structural complexity and heterogeneity of commercially deployed forms (e. g. Pentosan polysulfate 1) complicates their path to further clinical development. We describe herein the synthesis of the largest homogeneous persulfated xylooligomers prepared to date, comprising up to eight xylose residues, as standards for biological studies. Near quantitative sulfation was accomplished using a remarkably mild and operationally simple protocol which avoids the need for high temperatures and a large excess of the sulfating reagent. Moreover, the sulfated xylooligomer standards so obtained enabled definitive identification of a pyridinium contaminant in a sample of a commercially prepared Pentosan drug and provided significant insights into the conformational preferences of the constituent persulfated monosaccharide residues. As the spatial distribution of sulfates is a key determinant of the binding of sulfated oligosaccharides to endogenous targets, these findings have broad implications for the advancement of Pentosan-based treatments.

The Chemical Synthesis of the Crinine and Haemanthamine Alkaloids: Biologically Active and Enantiomerically-Related Systems that Serve as Vehicles for Showcasing New Methodologies for Molecular Assembly.

The title alkaloids, often referred to collectively as crinines, are a prominent group of structurally distinct natural products with additional members being reported on a regular basis. As such, and because of their often notable biological properties, they have attracted attention as synthetic targets since the mid-1950s. Such efforts continue unabated and more recent studies on these alkaloids have focused on using them as vehicles for showcasing the utility of new synthetic methods. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the nearly seventy-year history of these synthetic endeavors.