Total Synthesis of Ganoderma Meroterpenoids Cochlearol B and Its Congeners Driven by Structural Similarity and Biological Homology.

Secondary metabolites that have the same biological origin must share some relationship in their biosynthesis. Exploring this relationship has always been a significant task for synthetic biologists. However, from the perspective of synthetic chemists, it is equally important to propose, prove, or refute potential biosynthetic pathways in order to elucidate and understand the biosynthesis of homologous secondary metabolites. In this study, driven by the high structural similarity between the homologous Ganoderma meroterpenoids cochlearol B and ganocin B, two chemically synthetic strategies were designed and investigated sequentially for the synthesis of cochlearol B from ganocin B. These strategies include intramolecular metal-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) and intramolecular photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition. The aim was to reveal their potential biosynthetic conversion relationship using chemical synthesis methods. As a result, a highly efficient total synthesis of cochlearol B, cochlearol T, cochlearol F, as well as the formal total synthesis of ganocins A-B, and ganocochlearins C-D, has been achieved. Additionally, a novel synthetic approach for the synthesis of 6,6-disubstituted 6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran and its analogues has been developed through palladium(II)-catalyzed Wacker-type/cross-coupling cascade reactions.

Total Synthesis of Metaphanine and Oxoepistephamiersine.

Herein, we report a concise and divergent synthesis of the complex hasubanan alkaloids metaphanine and oxoepistephamiersine from commercially available and inexpensive cyclohexanedione monoethylene acetal. Our synthesis features a palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction to set the tricyclic carbon framework of the desired molecules, a regioselective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation followed by a MeNH2 triggered skeletal reorganization cascade to construct the benzannulated aza[4.4.3]propellane, and a strategically late-stage regio-/diastereoselective oxidative annulation of sp3 C-H bond to form the challenging THF ring system and hemiketal moiety in a single step. In addition, a highly enantioselective alkylation of cyclohexanedione monoethylene acetal paved the way for the asymmetric synthesis of target molecular.

Construction of the Tetracyclic Framework of Sulfur-Containing Discorhabdin-Type Alkaloids.

Herein, we report an efficient synthetic method for constructing the tetracyclic scaffold of sulfur-containing discorhabdin-type alkaloids. The key to success is the BF3•Et2O-promoted dienone-phenol-type rearrangement/sulfur insertion cascade reaction, which converts the common and readily available N,O-acetal-bridged tetracyclic framework to the labile and synthetically challenging N,S-acetal-bridged tetracyclic framework in a single step. Additionally, the hypervalent iodine promoted intramolecular oxidative dearomatization terminated with amide and indium(III) acetate-facilitated radical cyclization were also essential elements in this study.

Enantioselective Reductive Divinylation of Unactivated Alkenes by Nickel-Catalyzed Cyclization Coupling Reaction.

Catalytic asymmetric dicarbofunctionalization of tethered alkenes has emerged as a promising tool for producing chiral cyclic molecules; however, it typically relies on aryl-tethered alkenes to form benzene-fused compounds. Herein, we report an enantioselective cross-electrophile divinylation reaction of nonaromatic substrates, 2-bromo-1,6-dienes. The approach thus offers a route to new chiral cyclic architectures, which are key structural motifs found in various biologically active compounds. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, and the use of chiral t-Bu-pmrox and 3,5-difluoro-pyrox ligands resulted in the formation of divinylated products with high chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity. The method is applicable for the incorporation of chiral hetero- and carbocycles into complex molecules.

Allylboronates from Vinyl Triflates and α-Chloroboronates by Reductive Nickel Catalysis.

Allylboronates are unique building blocks widely used in organic synthesis, but the construction of cyclic allylboranates remains a challenging subject. We demonstrate here a mild and efficient access to this type of compound through the cross-electrophile coupling of vinyl triflates and α-chloroboronates. The reaction proceeded with a good substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The ready availability of vinyl triflates from ketones, as well as the rich chemistry of allylboranates, makes our method suitable for the divergent modification of biologically active compounds. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that α-chloroboronates were activated via a radical process.

Highly Enantioselective Cross-Electrophile Aryl-Alkenylation of Unactivated Alkenes.

Enantioselective cross-electrophile reactions remain a challenging subject in metal catalysis, and with respect to data, studies have mainly focused on stereoconvergent reactions of racemic alkyl electrophiles. Here, we report an enantioselective cross-electrophile aryl-alkenylation reaction of unactivated alkenes. This method provides access to a number of biologically important chiral molecules such as dihydrobenzofurans, indolines, and indanes. The incorporated alkenyl group is suitable for further reactions that can lead to an increase in molecular diversity and complexity. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions at room temperature, and an easily accessible chiral pyrox ligand is used to afford products with high enantioselectivity. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by enabling the modification of complex molecules such as peptides, indometacin, and steroids.

Asymmetric Intramolecular Desymmetrization of meso-α,α'-Diazido Alcohols with Aryldiazoacetates: Assembly of Chiral C3 Fragments with Three Continuous Stereocenters.

The chiral Cu-complex-catalyzed intramolecular interception of meso-α,α'-diazido alcohols with aryldiazoacetates is explored. Most of the enantioenriched α-imino esters with three continuous stereocenters are produced with good to excellent yield and enantioselectivity, and a chiral pocket model is proposed for rationalization of the asymmetric desymmetrization.

Intramolecular Schmidt reaction of acyl chlorides with alkyl azides: capture of N-acyliminium ion intermediates with aromatic rings.

Intramolecular Schmidt reaction of acyl chlorides with alkyl azides through N-acyliminium ion intermediates is designed and realized. The intramolecular capture of the intermediates with aromatic rings affords several nitrogen-containing tricyclic skeletons. The important feature of the domino process is the efficiency in bond reorganization and ring formation.