Natural Occurring Terpene Cyclic Anhydrides: Biosynthetic Origin and Biological Activities.

Cyclic acid anhydride is a not very widespread structure in nature, but with a determining role in natural products possessing this functionality in their skeleton. To the best of our knowledge, no revision of terpenes containing cyclic anhydrides has been previously reported. The result was that more than 100 terpenic cyclic anhydrides and related compounds were found to be in need of being reported. This review has been systematically organized by terpene skeletons, from the smallest to largest, describing their sources and bioactivities. In addition, different biosynthetic pathways for their final oxidations, namely, routes A, B and C, leading to the formation of these heterocyclic natural products, have been proposed. We have also included the most plausible precursors of these natural products, which mostly happened to be present in the same natural source. Some molecules derived from terpene cyclic anhydrides, such as their natural imide derivatives, have also been described due to their significant biological activity. In this sense, special attention has been paid to cantharidin because of its historical relevance and its broad bioactivity. A plausible biosynthesis of cantharidin has been proposed for the first time. Finally, cyclic anhydride structures that were firstly assigned as anhydrides and later corrected have been also described.

Molecular Diversity from Longipinenes of Santolina viscosa Lag. through Acid Catalysis: Biocidal Activity.

The search for new compounds with biocidal potential was carried out, focusing on the longipinenes 1-7 from the plant species Santolina viscosa Lag. Compounds 1, 2, and 5 showed remarkable molecular diversity when treated in acidic reaction conditions. Protonic, Lewis, and heterogeneous compounds were used in the treatment. Three main models of reaction have been observed: isomerization of the double bond (8-10); rearrangements to longibornane-based skeleton (11-15) and ring-opening to himachalane-based skeleton (16-18). Secolongibornane aldehydes 23 and 24 were obtained after epoxide opening under the same reaction conditions. The elucidation of the structures of the new compounds was carried out using spectroscopic data and was supported by computational theoretical calculations of 13C NMR spectra. Additionally, high-resolution mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis were employed for certain compounds. Natural longipinenes 4-7, methyl esters 1-3 of corresponding natural carboxylic acids and the isomerized and derivatives compounds 8-19 exhibit moderate to high insecticidal activity against R. padi and M. persicae insects. Longipinene 5 shows potent inhibition against the root growth of the plants L. perenne and L. sativa, as well as compound 2 on the leaves of L. perenne. Furthermore, significant ixocidal and nematicidal activity was found for this latter compound.

Bioinspired Synthesis of Platensimycin from Natural ent-Kaurenoic Acids.

The biomimetic formal synthesis of the antibiotic platensimycin for the treatment of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria was accomplished starting from either ent-kaurenoic acid or grandiflorenic acid, each of which is a natural compound available in multigram scale from its natural source. Apart from the natural origin of the selected precursors, the keys of the described approach are the long-distance functionalization of ent-kaurenoic acid at C11 and the efficient protocol for the A-ring degradation of the diterpene framework.

Selective Extraction of Bioactive Phenylethanoids from Digitalis obscura.

Cardenolide-free extracts from Digitalis obscura showed significant antifeedant effects against the aphid Myzus persicae and this activity correlated with their phenylethanoid content. The content in phenylethanoids of Digitalis obscura has been studied. Maceration of the aerial parts of D. obscura was used for the selective extraction of the natural compound rengyolone (1) and the aglycone of cornoside (compound 3). Pure rengyolone (1) can be obtained from D. obscura in approximately 90% purity from fresh plant from the CHCl3 soluble fraction of the ethanolic extract (0.8% yield). The ethanol extraction of freshly collected D. obscura showed the presence of compound 3 as the only phenylethanoid. Compound 3 was proven to easily evolve to rengyolone. Due to this instability, and although its presence in plants has been previously reported, the spectroscopical data of 3 are reported herein for the first time. Selective mono-acetylation of compound of 3 led to the active natural compound hallerone (5). The aphid antifeedant (against Myzus persicae) and nematicidal (against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica) activities of these compounds have been evaluated. Here we report for the first time on the aphid antifeedant effects of 1, 3, and 5. Additionally, the nematicidal activity of hallerone (5) is described here for the first time.

Synthesis of Cannabinoids: "In Water" and "On Water" Approaches: Influence of SDS Micelles.

We have proven that the biomimetic-like synthesis of cannabinoids from citral and the corresponding phenolic counterpart may well be carried out using water as a solvent. The influence of different additives such as surfactants was also analyzed. Rationalization of the reaction mode and regiochemistry of the processes were provided in terms of "on water" and "in water" reactions. The same reactions were conducted in organic media using Ga(III) salts as catalysts. Worthy of being underlined, an unprecedented formal [2+2+2] process was found to occur between two citral molecules and the corresponding phenolic species in both aqueous and organic environments. Computational studies were performed in order to gain a comprehensive mechanistic and energetic understanding of the different steps of this singular process. Finally, the influence of SDS micelles in the chemical behavior of olivetol and citral was also pursued using PGSE diffusion and NOESY NMR studies. These data permitted to tentatively propose the existence of a mixed micelle between olivetol and SDS assemblies.

Novel Insect Antifeedant and Ixodicidal Nootkatone Derivatives.

Naturally occurring nootkatone, with reported insecticidal and acaricidal properties, has been used as a lead to generate molecular diversity and, consequently, new insect antifeedant and ixodicidal compounds. A total of 22 derivatives were generated by subjecting this molecule to several reactions including dehydrogenation with the iodine/DMSO system, oxidation with SeO2, epoxidation with mCPBA, oxidation or carbon homologations of the α-carbonyl position with TMSOTf (trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate) followed by Rubottom and Dess Martin periodane oxidations, condensation with formaldehyde using Yb(OTf)3 as catalyst and dehydroxilation using the Grieco protocol. The insect antifeedant (against Myzus persicae and Ropaloshysum padi) and ixodicidal (against the tick Hyalomma lusitanicum) activities of these compounds were tested. Compound 20 was the most active substance against M. persicae and R. padi, and twice more efficient than nootkatone in the antitick test.

Mimicking Halimane Synthases: Monitoring a Cascade of Cyclizations and Rearrangements from Epoxypolyprenes.

We have developed and rationalized a biomimetic transformation mimicking halimane synthases based on a Lewis acid-catalyzed cascade of cyclizations and rearrangements of epoxypolyprenes. Two rings, three stereogenic centers, and a new double bond were generated in a single chemical operation. Based on this cascade transformation, we achieved a unified strategy toward the stereoselective total syntheses of halimene-type terpenoids and analogues as a proof-of-concept study. This method has been applied to the rapid synthesis of diterpene isotuberculosinol, a virulence factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a representative example.

One-Step Synthesis of Furan Rings from α-Isopropylidene Ketones Mediated by Iodine/DMSO: An Approach to Potent Bioactive Terpenes.

The system I2/dimethyl sulfoxide mediates the one-step transformation of α-isopropylidene ketones into furan rings following a biomimetic approach. This methodology has been used for the synthesis of terpene furans such as mintfurane, curzerene, atractylon, and isoatractylon, all of them possessing interesting biological activities. The synthesis of linderazulene directly from 4,5-epoxygermacrone via a cascade reaction shows the potential of this protocol. Additionally, this compound proved to show significant ixodicidal activity.

Access to Natural Valparanes and Daucanes: Enantioselective Synthesis of (-)-Valpara-2,15-diene and (+)-Isodaucene.

The first total synthesis of a natural diterpene valparane, (-)-valpara-2,15-diene (1), has been achieved from all -trans-geranylgeraniol (9), a natural renewable compound. The key steps involve a Ti(III)-mediated radical cyclization of the chiral monoepoxypolyene (14 R,15 R)-14,15-epoxy,16- tert-butyldimethylsilyloxygeranyllinalyl acetate (8) to give the 6,6,7-tricyclic intermediate 7 with stereocontrolled formation of six stereocenters; a stereo- and regio-directed contraction of the A ring in 7 to produce a cyclopentane ring; and the ready generation of the target isopropenyl group. This research provides access to structurally related natural products such as the sesquiterpene (+)-isodaucene (3), the synthesis of which is also reported herein.

Studies in Cyclization of Aromatic Epoxy-acyclicpolyprenes: Lewis Superacids and Titanocene Chloride.

Two catalytic cascade cyclization methods (radical and 'cationic) to obtain aromatic polycyclic diterpenes hydroxylated at C3 starting from aromatic epoxypolyprenes were developed. The catalytic use of the Lewis superacid bismuth triflate produces a good yield of cyclized 2 from epoxypolyprene 3. This researchmay well direct future efforts to the synthesis of bioactive natural products.

Occurrence and Chemical Synthesis of Apocarotenoids from Mucorales: A Review.

Apocarotenoids are metabolites originated by degradation of carotenes through the loss of carbon atoms placed at the side chain of their structure as consequence of oxydative reactions. We present here the first review of apocarotenoids in the fungi mucorales Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Blakeslea trispora and Mucor mucedo. This review is divided into two parts: the first one presents their structures and sources, whereas the second part is dedicated to their chemical synthesis.

Iodine, a Mild Reagent for the Aromatization of Terpenoids.

Efficient procedures based on the use of iodine for the aromatization of a series of terpenoids possessing diene and homoallylic or allylic alcohol functionalities are described. Different examples are reported as a proof-of-concept study. Furthermore, iodine also proved to mediate the dehydrogenation of testosterone.

Cyclofarnesoids and methylhexanoids produced from ß-carotene in Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

The oxidative cleavage of ß-carotene in the Mucorales produces three fragments of 18, 15, and 7 carbons, respective heads of three families of apocarotenoids: the methylhexanoids, the trisporoids, and the cyclofarnesoids (named after their 1,6-cyclofarnesane skeleton). The apocarotenoids are easily recognized because they are absent in white mutants unable to produce ß-carotene. In cultures of Phycomyces blakesleeanus we detected thirty-two apocarotenoids by LC, UV absorbance, and MS. With additional IR and NMR we identified two methylhexanoids and the eight most abundant cyclofarnesoids. Four of them were previously-unknown natural compounds, including 4-dihydrocyclofarnesine S, the most abundant cyclofarnesoid in young cultures. We arranged the apocarotenoids of the Mucorales in a scheme that helps classifying and naming them and suggests possible metabolites and biosynthetic pathways. We propose specific biosynthetic pathways for cyclofarnesoids and methylhexanoids based on structural comparisons, the time course of appearance of individual compounds, and the bioconversion of ß-apo-12-carotenol, an early precursor, to three more oxygenated cyclofarnesoids by the white mutants. Some of the reactions occur spontaneously in the increasingly acidic culture media. Mating increased the contents of methylhexanoids and cyclofarnesoids by ca. threefold in young cultures and ca. twelvefold in old ones (five days); cyclofarnesine S, the most abundant cyclofarnesoid in old cultures, increased over one hundredfold. We found no differences between the sexes and no activity as sexual pheromones, but we suggest that methylhexanoids and cyclofarnesoids could mediate species-specific physiology and behavior.

Phytotoxic and Nematicidal Components of Lavandula luisieri.

Several preparations were obtained from the aerial parts of predomesticated Lavandula luisieri, including the essential oil and ethanolic, hexane, and ethyl acetate extractives. Additionally, pilot plant vapor pressure extraction was carried out at a pressure range of 0.5-1.0 bar to give a vapor pressure oil and an aqueous residue. A chemical study of the hexane extract led to the isolation of six necrodane derivatives (1, 2, and 4-7), with four of these (1, 2, 5, and 7) being new, as well as camphor, a cadinane sesquiterpene (9), tormentic acid, and ursolic acid. The EtOAc and EtOH extracts contained a mixture of phenolic compounds with rosmarinic acid being the major component. Workup of the aqueous residue resulted in the isolation of the necrodane 3 and (1R*,2S*,4R*)-p-menth-5-ene-1,2,8-triol (8), both new natural compounds. The structures of the new compounds were established based on their spectroscopic data. The phytotoxic and nematicidal activities of these compounds were evaluated.

Germinating Seeds of Citrus aurantium a Good Source of Bioactive Limonoids.

A simple method to obtain extracts enriched in bioactive limonoids from Citrus aurantium L. seeds has been developed, using solvents of increasing polarity. 1H NMR data from the extracts revealed that the highest amounts of limonoids were present in the t-butylmethylether extract. The comparison between extracts obtained from dormant and germinating seeds showed that the latter contained almost double amounts of limonoids, revealing germinating seeds as an excellent source of those bioactive compounds.

Expedient access to enantiopure cyclopentanic natural products: total synthesis of (-)-cyclonerodiol.

Following the principles of collective total synthesis, a number of natural products sharing an optically pure, multifunctional, cyclopentanic core were synthesized from a common precursor: plinol A (1). This intermediate was efficiently obtained in only four steps from (-)-linalool (2) using as the key step a Ti(III)-mediated diastereoselective radical cyclization. The feasibility of this approach was confirmed with the expedient enantiospecific synthesis of cyclonerodiol (3), and the formal synthesis of chocol G (4) and piperitone (5).

Homocoupling versus reduction of radicals: an experimental and theoretical study of Ti(III)-mediated deoxygenation of activated alcohols.

A detailed experimental and theoretical study corroborates that the reductive deoxygenation of activated (allylic or benzylic) alcohols with excess Ti(III) proceeds via an allyl(benzyl)-radical and allyl(benzyl)-Ti, which is protonated, regioselectively in the case of allylic derivatives. The H atom of the newly formed C-H bond in the product originates from the -OH group of the starting material. The deoxygenation of lithium alkoxides or alcohols by using 1.0 mol of Ti(III) leads to the corresponding dimerization products in good yields. An excellent agreement with the experimental data was obtained by using a reaction kinetics simulator to discriminate between competing reactions.

Easy access to a cyclic key intermediate for the synthesis of trisporic acids and related compounds.

The synthesis of a cyclohexane skeleton possessing different oxygenated functional groups at C-3, C-8 and C-9, and a D1,6-double bond has been accomplished in 10 steps with an overall 17% yield. This compound is a key intermediate for access to a wide range of compounds of the bioactive trisporoid family. The synthetic sequence consists of the preparation of a properly functionalized epoxygeraniol derivative, and its subsequent stereoselective cyclization mediated by Ti(III). This last step implies a domino process that starts with a homolytic epoxide opening followed by a radical cyclization and regioselective elimination. This concerted process gives access to the cyclohexane moiety with stereochemical control of five of its six carbon atoms.

First total synthesis of (+)-apotrisporin E and (+)-apotrientriols A-B: a cyclization approach to apocarotenoids.

The first total synthesis of the natural apocarotenoids (+)-apotrisporin E (1) and (+)-apotrientriols A and B (2-3) has been accomplished. The structure, relative stereochemistry and the assignation of the absolute configuration have been confirmed. This is a fast and easy access to this family of natural products whose key steps are a diastereoselective cyclization and a HWE olefination to attach the dienic side chain. This work also opens the door to the synthesis of other apocarotenoids such as trisporols and trisporic acids.

Terpenes and polyacetylenes from cultivated Artemisia granatensis boiss (Royal chamomile) and their defensive properties.

Artemisia granatensis, an endemic endangered plant species from Sierra Nevada (Spain) has been successfully cultivated in artificial systems (plants in artificial soil and transformed in vitro roots) to generate enough plant biomass (aerial and root) to allow for its chemical and biological study and at the same time to provide with methods for the sustainable production of the plant and its metabolites. A eudesmanolide (17) along with six sesquiterpenes (11-16), nine monoterpenes (2-10), one nor-monoterpene (1), three acetylenic spiroacetal enoleters (18-20) and one coumarin (21) have been identified from the aerial plant ethanolic extract. Acetylenic spiroacetal enoleters 18-19 and coumarins 21-23 have been isolated from the transformed root ethanolic extract. These extracts and some isolated compounds or mixtures of them have been tested for their insect antifeedant effects against Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi. Significant antifeedant properties were determined for the aerial plant extract, spiroacetals 19-20 and secoguaianolides 13+14 and 16.