Supramolecular Capsule-Catalyzed Highly ß-Selective Furanosylation Independent of the SN1/SN2 Reaction Pathway.

The resorcin[4]arene capsule was found to catalyze ß-selective furanosylation reactions for a variety of different furanosyl donors: α-d- and α-l-arabinosyl-, α-l-fucosyl-, α-d-ribosyl-, α-d-xylosyl-, and even α-d-lyxosyl fluorides. The scope is only limited by the inherently finite volume inside the closed capsular catalyst. The catalyst is readily available on a multi-100 g scale and can be recycled for at least seven rounds without significant loss in activity, yield, and selectivity. The mechanistic investigations indicated that the furanosylation mechanism is shifted toward an SN1 reaction on the mechanistic continuum between the prototypical SN1 and SN2 substitution types, as compared to the pyranosylation reaction inside the same catalyst. This is especially true for the lyxosyl donor, as indicated by the nucleophile reaction order of 0.26, and supported by metadynamics calculations. The mechanistic shift toward SN1 is of high interest as it indicates that this catalyst not only enables ß-selective furanosylations and pyranoslyations independently of the substrate configuration but in addition also independently of the operating mechanism. To our knowledge, there is no alternative catalyst available that displays such properties.

Exploring the Glycosylation Reaction Inside the Resorcin[4]arene Capsule.

In the past decade, there has been an increased interest in applying supramolecular capsule and cage catalysis to the current challenges in synthetic organic chemistry. In this context, we recently reported the resorcin[4]arene capsule-catalyzed conversion of α-glycosyl halides into ß-glycosides with high selectivity. Interestingly, this methodology enabled the formation of a wide range of ß-pyranosides as well as ß-furanosides, although these two donor classes exhibit different reactivities and usually require different reaction conditions and catalysts. Evidence was provided that a proton wire plays a key role in this reaction by enabling dual activation of the glycosyl donor and acceptor. Here, we describe a detailed investigation of several aspects of this reactivity. Besides a mechanistic study, we elucidated the size limitation, the origin of catalytic turnover, and the electrophile scope of nonglycosylic halides. Moreover, a screening of the sensitivity to changes in the reaction conditions provides guidelines to facilitate reproducibility. Furthermore, we demonstrate the compatibility with environmentally benign solvent alternatives, including the renewable solvent limonene.

Bioinspired Ether Cyclizations within a π-Basic Capsule Compared to Autocatalysis on π-Acidic Surfaces and Pnictogen-Bonding Catalysts.

While the integration of supramolecular principles in catalysis attracts increasing attention, a direct comparative assessment of the resulting systems catalysts to work out distinct characteristics is often difficult. Herein is reported how the broad responsiveness of ether cyclizations to diverse inputs promises to fill this gap. Cyclizations in the confined, π-basic and Brønsted acidic interior of supramolecular capsules, for instance, are found to excel with speed (exceeding general Brønsted acid and hydrogen-bonding catalysts by far) and selective violations of the Baldwin rules (as extreme as the so far unique pnictogen-bonding catalysts). The complementary cyclization on π-acidic aromatic surfaces remains unique with regard to autocatalysis, which is shown to be chemo- and diastereoselective with regard to product-like co-catalysts but, so far, not enantioselective.

Beyond sulfide-centric catalysis: recent advances in the catalytic cyclization reactions of sulfur ylides.

Great achievements in the asymmetric cyclization reactions of sulfur ylides have been reached by using chiral sulfides; however, this method usually suffers from the high loading of chiral sulfides. Over the past decade, new catalysis technologies beyond chiral sulfide-based catalysis have been gradually applied to the cyclizations of sulfur ylides. These technologies, including organocatalysis, organometallic catalysis and photocatalysis, can avoid the use of stoichiometric chiral pools and enable the development of new cyclization reactions of sulfur ylides. In this tutorial review, recent advances in this rapidly developing field will be highlighted with particular emphases on the catalytic mechanism and the development of new reactions, new reagents and new concepts.

Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles through a Formal [4 + 1] Cycloaddition/E1cb Elimination/Aromatization Sequence of Sulfur Ylides and α,ß-Unsaturated Imines.

A reaction sequence comprising a formal [4 + 1] cycloaddition, an E1cb elimination, and an aromatization process is described in this work. By doing so, polysubstituted pyrroles were achieved from easily available chemicals, sulfur ylides, and α,ß-unsaturated imines. This protocol features mild conditions, high efficiency, and wide substrate scopes.

Catalytic Asymmetric [4 + 1] Annulation of Sulfur Ylides with Copper-Allenylidene Intermediates.

The first copper-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative [4 + 1] cycloaddition of propargylic carbamates and sulfur ylides was successfully developed. This strategy led to a series of chiral indolines with synthetically flexible alkyne groups in good yields and with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 99% yield, 98% ee, and >95:5 dr). A possible mechanism and stereoinduction mode with copper-allenylidenes were proposed as the possible dipolar intermediate.

Highly Stereoselective [3+2] Cycloadditions of Chiral Palladium-Containing N(1) -1,3-Dipoles: A Divergent Approach to Enantioenriched Spirooxindoles.

A catalytic asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of chiral palladium-containing N(1) -1,3-dipoles with methyleneindolinones has been successfully developed. The reaction allows an efficient construction of 3,3'-pyrrolinyl spirooxindoles with high yields and excellent stereoselectivities (up to 93 % yield, 19:1 d.r. and >99 % ee). A synthetic application of this methodology is demonstrated and a stereocontrol mechanism is proposed.

Formal [3 + 2] Cycloadditions via Indole Activation: A Route to Pyrroloindolines and Furoindolines.

Here, we describe a novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 3-substituted indoles with vinyl aziridines and vinyl epoxides that provides a straightforward approach to pyrroloindolines and furoindolines bearing vinyl groups (up to 96% yield and 9:1 dr). In contrary to previous reports involving Lewis acid activation, this work reports successful reactions based on the activation of indole using t-BuOK and BEt3 (triethylborane), thereby preserving the free N-H group on indoles. In addition, a gram-scale reaction and a ring-closing metatheis reaction are performed to provide good demonstrations of the synthetic utility of this approach.

A Copper-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Amination/Hydroamination Sequence: Switchable Synthesis of Functionalized Indoles.

A copper-catalyzed decarboxylative amination/hydroamination sequence of propargylic carbamates with various nucleophiles is described for the first time. It features an earth-abundant metal catalyst, mild reaction conditions, and high efficiency. Further treatments of the resultant key intermediates using an acid or a base in one pot enable the controllable and divergent synthesis of two types of functionalized indoles. Moreover, experiments to demonstrate the synthetic potential of this methodology are performed.

P,S†Ligands for the Asymmetric Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters in Palladium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative [4+2] Cycloadditions.

A new hybrid P,S ligand was exploited by combining a chiral ß-amino sulfide and a simple diphenyl phosphite. The resultant ligand performs extremely well in a palladium-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative [4+2] cycloaddition reaction, thus generating multiple contiguous stereocenters and a chiral quaternary center. By doing so, a straightforward route to highly functionalized tetrahydroquinolines was developed with yields of up to 99 %, as well as 98 % ee and greater than 95:5 d.r. Moreover, mechanistic insights into this transformation and the possible stereocontrol are discussed.

Iron-Catalyzed Decarboxylative (4+1) Cycloadditions: Exploiting the Reactivity of Ambident Iron-Stabilized Intermediates.

The first example of iron-catalyzed decarboxylative (4+1) cycloaddition reactions is described in this publication. By using this method, a wide range of functionalized indoline products were prepared from easily available vinyl benzoxazinanones and sulfur ylides in high yields and selectivities. A possible reaction pathway involving an allylic iron intermediate is discussed based on a series of control experiments and density-functional theory calculations.

Synthesis of CF3-containing 3,3'-cyclopropyl spirooxindoles by sequential [3 + 2] cycloaddition/ring contraction of ylideneoxindoles with 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane.

A [3 + 2] cycloaddition/ring contraction sequence of ylideneoxindoles with in situ-generated 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane without the use of any transition-metal catalyst has been developed. The reaction provides efficient access to biologically important and synthetically useful CF3-containing 3,3'-cyclopropyl spirooxindoles in high yield (74-99%) with high diastereoselectivity (>95:5 d.r.).

Window[1]resorcin[3]arenes: A Novel Macrocycle Able to Self-Assemble to a Catalytically Active Hexameric Cage.

The hexameric resorcin[4]arene capsule has been utilized as one of the most versatile supramolecular capsule catalysts. Enlarging its size would enable expansion of the substrate size scope. However, no larger catalytically active versions have been reported. Herein, we introduce a novel class of macrocycles, named window[1]resorcin[3]arene (wRS), that assemble to a cage-like hexameric host. The new host was studied by NMR, encapsulation experiments, and molecular dynamics simulations. The cage is able to bind tetraalkylammonium ions that are too large for encapsulation inside the hexameric resorcin[4]arene capsule. Most importantly, it retained its catalytic activity, and the accelerated conversion of a large substrate that does not fit the closed hexameric resorcin[4]arene capsule was observed. Thus, it will help to expand the limited substrate size scope of the closed hexameric resorcin[4]arene capsule.

Mimicry of the proton wire mechanism of enzymes inside a supramolecular capsule enables ß-selective O-glycosylations.

Enzymes achieve high substrate and product selectivities by orientating and activating the substrate(s) appropriately inside a confined and finely optimized binding pocket. Although some basic aspects of enzymes have already been mimicked successfully with man-made catalysts, substrate activation by proton wires inside enzyme pockets has not been recreated with man-made catalysts so far. A proton wire facilitates the dual activation of a nucleophile and an electrophile via a reciprocal proton transfer, enabling highly stereoselective reactions under mild conditions. Here we present evidence for such an activation mode inside the supramolecular resorcin[4]arene capsule and demonstrate that it enables catalytic and highly ß-selective glycosylation reactions-still a major challenge in glycosylation chemistry. Extensive control experiments provide very strong evidence that the reactions take place inside the molecular container. We show that this activation strategy is compatible with a broad scope of glycoside donors and nucleophiles, and is only limited by the cavity size.

Decoded fingerprints of hyperresponsive, expanding product space: polyether cascade cyclizations as tools to elucidate supramolecular catalysis.

Simple enough to be understood and complex enough to be revealing, cascade cyclizations of diepoxides are introduced as new tools to characterize supramolecular catalysis. Decoded product fingerprints are provided for a consistent set of substrate stereoisomers, and shown to report on chemo-, diastereo- and enantioselectivity, mechanism and even autocatalysis. Application of the new tool to representative supramolecular systems reveals, for instance, that pnictogen-bonding catalysis is not only best in breaking the Baldwin rules but also converts substrate diastereomers into completely different products. Within supramolecular capsules, new cyclic hemiacetals from House-Meinwald rearrangements are identified, and autocatalysis on anion-π catalysts is found to be independent of substrate stereochemistry. Decoded product fingerprints further support that the involved epoxide-opening polyether cascade cyclizations are directional, racemization-free, and interconnected, at least partially. The discovery of unique characteristics for all catalysts tested would not have been possible without decoded cascade cyclization fingerprints, thus validating the existence and significance of privileged platforms to elucidate supramolecular catalysis. Once decoded, cascade cyclization fingerprints are easily and broadly applicable, ready for use in the community.

[Gemin3 inhibits cell apoptosis through suppression of p53 expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Gemin3 in cell proliferation and its regulation pathway. METHODS: Using co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assay to determine the domain of Gemin3 and p53 binding and interaction in vitro and in vivo. To check the effect of Gemin3 on p53 by luciferase reporter assay. Stable Gemin3 knock-down cell lines were generated by lentivirus-delivered small hairpin RNA then puromycin selection. Real-time PCR was used to confirm the effect of Gemin3 level on p53 and its downstream genes, and flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of Gemin3 on apoptosis. RESULTS: The C-terminal of Gemin3 interacted with the DNA binding domain of p53. The p53 reporter gene, PA3M-p53 and increasing amount of GFP-Gemin3 were co-transfected into Saos-2 cells. Gemin3 repressed p53 expression at transcription level. Real-time PCR indicated that the expression of p53, p21 and Bax in Gemin3 knock-down cells was higher than that in the control cells. Western blot showed Gemin3 knock-down cells had a higher p53 espression. Flow cytometric assay showed that knock-down Gemin3 expression led to an increased cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Gemin3 binds with p53 forming a complex and plays an anti-apoptotic role by repressing the p53 expression.

Stereospecific Decarboxylative Benzylation of Enolates: Development and Mechanistic Insight.

A palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of enol carbonates with diarylmethyl electrophiles that are derived from secondary benzylic alcohols has been developed. This method allows the generation of a variety of ß-diaryl ketones through an efficient and highly stereospecific coupling. In addition, detailed mechanistic insight into the coupling suggests that the reaction is a rare example of an intramolecular decarboxylative coupling that proceeds without crossover between reactants.

Synthesis of 3,3'-Biindoles through a Copper-Catalyzed Friedel-Crafts Propargylation/Hydroamination/Aromatization Sequence.

A copper-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts propargylation/hydroamination/aromatization sequence is described. In the presence of a catalytic amount of CuI, this sequential reaction can convert ethynyl benzoxazinanones and indoles into a diverse set of 3,3'-biindoles with high efficiency and selectivity. Moreover, the synthesis of other indole-heteroaryl molecules and the catalytic asymmetric formation of axially chiral 3,3'-biindoles are demonstrated.

Divergent Synthesis of Polycyclic Indolines: Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Propargylic Carbamates and Indoles.

Polycyclic indolines are the common and core structural motif of many indole alkaloids that usually exhibit biological activities. Here, we describe two copper-catalyzed cascade reactions between propargylic carbamates and indoles. By doing so, one-step and divergent synthesis of structurally distinct polycyclic indolines, quinoline-fused indolines, C(3a)-indolyl furoindolines, and pyrroloindolines was achieved in high synthetic efficiency and selectivity.