Stereodivergent synthesis of 2-oxo-oligopyrrolidines by an iterative coupling strategy.

Natural linear polyamines play diverse roles in physiological processes by interacting with receptors at the cellular level. Herein, we describe the stereodivergent synthesis of oligopyrrolidines, which are conformationally constrained polyamines. We synthesized dimeric and trimeric 2-oxo-oligopyrrolidines using an iterative coupling strategy. The key to our success is an iridium-catalyzed trans/cis-selective nucleophilic addition and subsequent threo/erythro-stereoselective reduction. The synthesized pyrrolidines show varying cytotoxicities against a human cancer cell line depending on the number of rings and their stereochemistry.

Total Synthesis of Keramaphidin B and Ingenamine by Base-Catalyzed Diels-Alder Reaction Using Dynamic Regioselective Crystallization.

The control of the selectivity is a central issue in the total synthesis of complex natural products. In this paper, we report the total synthesis of (±)-keramaphidin B and (±)-ingenamine. The key reaction is a DMAP-catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction in which the regioselectivity is completely controlled by dynamic crystallization. Our synthesis successfully demonstrates that dynamic crystallization can be an alternative when the selectivity is not controlled by either kinetic or thermodynamic approaches in solution.

Total Synthesis of Lobatamides A and C.

The total synthesis of lobatamides A (1 a) and C (1 c) via a common bislactone intermediate is reported. The allylic aryl moiety including a trisubstituted Z-olefin was constructed by hydroboration of a 1,1-disubstituted allene and subsequent Migita-Kosugi-Stille coupling. Although the seco acid proved to be highly unstable even in the presence of weak bases, Zhao macrolactonization under acidic conditions via the α-acyloxyenamide successfully provided the common bislactone intermediate. Hydrozirconation-iodination of the terminal alkyne and subsequent copper-mediated coupling with primary amides proceeded successfully in the presence of the sensitive bislactone framework. The developed synthetic route enables the late-stage installation of enamide side chains, which are crucial structures for V-ATPase inhibition.

Computational Study Focusing on a Comprehensive Conformational Analysis of Transition States for Aza-Spiro Ring Formations with N-Alkoxyamides.

An accurate understanding of conformations in transition states is a critical piece in the theoretical analysis of complex molecular reactions. In this study, we investigated conformationally diverse transition states during intramolecular aza-spiro ring formation with an allylsilane moiety and N-alkoxy iminium ion, a key reaction in the synthesis of fasicularin by Sato and Chida et al., and identified the origins of stereoselectivity of the cyclization. A large number of conformational isomers with forming C-C bonds were comprehensively analyzed using Cremer-Pople puckering parameters. It was found that the conformations of the transition states had different puckering preferences depending on the reactant's double-bond geometry and the product's stereochemical configuration. Furthermore, an asymmetric aza-spiro cyclization with a tolyl group as a chiral auxiliary was investigated, showing that conformational anchoring by both a CH-O hydrogen bond and the CH-π interaction was critical for the asymmetric induction.

Copper-Catalyzed Electrophilic Enamidation Using Dioxazolones through Hydrozirconation of Alkynes.

A copper-catalyzed electrophilic enamidation starting from alkynes is reported. Hydrozirconation of an alkyne with the Schwartz reagent forms a vinyl zirconium intermediate, which directly undergoes a copper-catalyzed electrophilic enamidation with dioxazolones. High functional group tolerance of hydrozirconation enables the use of functionalized alkynes including esters. The developed conditions are successfully applied to syntheses of partial structures found in biologically active natural products.

Total Synthesis of Paclitaxel.

The total synthesis of paclitaxel (Taxol) is described. Double Rubottom oxidation of the bis(silyl enol ether) derived from a tricarbocyclic diketone effectively installed a bridgehead olefin and C-5/C-13 hydroxy groups in a one-step operation. The novel Ag-promoted oxetane formation smoothly constructed the tetracyclic framework of paclitaxel.

Crystal structure of (+)-(1S,5S,6S,7S,10S,11S,16S)-16-hy-droxy-7-(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)-11,15,18,18-tetra-methyl-3,13-dioxo-2,4-dioxa-tetra-cyclo[12.3.1.01,5.06,11]octa-dec-14-en-10-yl benzoate.

In the fused tetra-cyclic system of the title compound, C29H36O9, the five-membered dioxolane ring adopts a twist conformation; the two adjacent C atoms deviate alternately from the mean plane of the other three atoms by -0.252 (6) and 0.340 (6) Å. The cyclo-hexane, cyclo-hexene and central cyclo-octane rings show chair, half-chair and boat-chair forms, respectively. There are three intra-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions supporting the mol-ecular conformation, with one S(6) and two S(7) graph-set motifs. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules into a helical chain running along the c-axis direction, generating a C(7) graph-set motif. The chains are further linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O inter-actions to construct a three-dimensional network. There is no valid C-H⋯π inter-action.

Five-Step Total Synthesis of (±)-Aspidospermidine by a Lactam Strategy via an Azomethine Ylide.

A five-step total synthesis of (±)-aspidospermidine (1) based on a lactam strategy is reported. Our synthesis features an iridium-catalyzed reductive Michael addition/[3+2] cycloaddition cascade to give a tricyclic ketone intermediate from a simple lactam via an azomethine ylide. The developed strategy enables easily available lactams to be used as stable surrogates of multisubstituted amines and would be applicable to a unified total synthesis of complex Aspidosperma alkaloids.

Identification of madangamine A as a novel lysosomotropic agent to inhibit autophagy.

Madangamines are marine natural products isolated from Xestospongia ingens, and madangamine A-E with a different D-ring structure have been reported. We have reported that madangamine A has strong anti-proliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. In this study, to clarify the anti-proliferative activity of madangamine A, we searched for molecular target of the madangamine A in human cells. Treatment with madangamine A increased the levels of LC3-II and p62, autophagy-related proteins, concomitant with growth inhibition. Moreover, madangamine A resulted in lysosome enlargement and increase in lysosomal pH, which are same phenomena observed in chloroquine-treated cells. These results suggest that madangamine A is a novel lysosome inhibitor, and the anti-proliferative activity of madangamine A is due to the inhibition of lysosome function.

Seven-Step Synthesis of All-Nitrogenated Sugar Derivatives Using Sequential Overman Rearrangements.

All-nitrogenated sugars (ANSs), in which all hydroxy groups in a carbohydrate are replaced with amino groups, are anticipated to be privileged structures with useful biological activities. However, ANS synthesis has been challenging due to the difficulty in the installation of multi-amino groups. We report herein the development of a concise synthetic route to peracetylated ANSs in seven steps from commercially available monosaccharides. The key to success is the use of the sequential Overman rearrangement, which enables formal simultaneous substitution of four or five hydroxy groups in monosaccharides with amino groups. A variety of ANSs are available through the same reaction sequence starting from different initial monosaccharides by chirality transfer of secondary alcohols. Transformations of the resulting peracetylated ANSs such as glycosylation and deacetylation are also demonstrated. Biological studies reveal that ANS-modified cholesterol show cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, whereas each ANS and cholesterol have no cytotoxicity.

Synthesis of Saxitoxin and Its Derivatives.

The chiral synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin and its derivatives is described. Two consecutive carbon-nitrogen bonds at C-5 and C-6 in saxitoxin were effectively installed by the sequential Overman rearrangement of an allylic vicinal diol derived from d-malic acid. The bicyclic guanidine unit was constructed by the intramolecular aminal formation of an acyclic bis-guanidine derivative possessing a ketone carbonyl at C-4. From the bicyclic aminal intermediate, (+)-saxitoxin, (+)-decarbamoyl-ß-saxitoxinol [(+)-dc-ß-saxitoxinol], and the unnatural skeletal isomer, (-)-iso-dc-saxitoxinol, were synthesized.

Unified Total Synthesis of Pentacyclic Stemoamide-type Alkaloids.

The collective synthesis of pentacyclic stemoamide-type alkaloids is recognized as a daunting task despite high demand for a comprehensive biological profiling of these natural products. In this Letter, we report a unified synthesis of seven pentacyclic alkaloids and two unnatural derivatives. The keys to success are (1) the chemoselective assembly of four five-membered building blocks, (2) the direct oxidation of pyrrolidine natural products to pyrrole derivatives, and (3) the stereodivergent construction of totally E- or Z-substituted butenolides.

Copper-Catalyzed Electrophilic Etherification of Arylboronic Esters with Isoxazolidines.

A copper-catalyzed electrophilic etherification of arylboronic esters is reported. Isoxazolidines are utilized as easily available and stable [RO]+ surrogates to give 1,3-amino aryl ethers. The O-selective arylation of isoxazolidines takes place without causing competitive N-arylation. In contrast to previously reported anionic conditions, our copper-catalyzed conditions are mild enough to achieve high functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies and DFT calculations support that the reaction proceeds via a transmetalation/oxidative addition pathway, followed by a Lewis acid-promoted reductive elimination to induce the crucial O-selectivity.

Copper-Catalyzed Electrophilic Amidation of Organotrifluoroborates with Use of N-Methoxyamides.

A copper-catalyzed electrophilic amidation of aryltrifluoroborates with use of N-methoxyamides is reported. The reaction shows high functional group compatibility derived from two distinct features: 1) the high stability of the N-methoxyamides and 2) the nonbasic mild conditions in the presence of LiCl. The developed method can also be applied to the synthesis of enamides, which are widely distributed in natural products. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the initial step is the transmetalation of the aryltrifluoroborate by the assistance of LiCl, and the resulting aryl copper intermediate provides the anilide through non-SN 2 oxidative addition to the N-methoxyamide and subsequent reductive elimination.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Fasicularin by Chiral N-Alkoxyamide Strategy.

The asymmetric total synthesis of fasicularin is reported. The key to success is the use of a chiral N-alkoxyamide to control both reactivity and stereoselectivity. This functional group enables the aza-spirocyclization and the reductive Strecker reaction, which cannot be realized with an ordinary amide. In addition, use of the chiral alkoxy group establishes two consecutive stereocenters in the aza-spirocyclization through remote stereocontrol.

Approach to Fully Substituted Cyclic Nitrones from N-Hydroxylactam Derivatives: Development and Application to the Total Synthesis of Cylindricine†C.

An approach to cyclic nitrones from N-hydroxylactam derivatives is documented. The nucleophilic addition of an organolithium reagent to an N-OSEM [SEM=2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl] lactam forms a five-membered chelated intermediate, which undergoes both elimination and deprotection to give a fully substituted nitrone in a one-pot process. When combined with the N-oxidation of easily available chiral lactams, this method becomes especially useful for the quick synthesis of chiral nitrones in enantio-pure form, enabling the concise total synthesis of cylindricine C.

Iridium-Catalyzed Reductive Nucleophilic Addition to Secondary Amides.

An iridium-catalyzed reductive nucleophilic addition to secondary amides is reported. After the iridium-catalyzed reduction, the resulting imines can undergo the Strecker reaction, the Mannich reaction, allylation, and [3 + 2]-cycloaddition. The method shows high chemoselectivity in the presence of other functional groups such as methyl ester.

Crystal structure of (-)-(R,E)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-5-[(4S,5R)-5-hy-droxy-methyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl]-N,N-di-methyl-pent-4-enamide.

In the title compound, C20H27NO6, the amide moiety is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.073 (3) Å, and one of the N-methyl groups shows rotational disorder. The five-membered 1,3-dioxolane ring adopts an envelope form, with the C atom bonded to the olefin side chain as the flap, which deviates from the mean plane through the other four atoms by 0.564 (7) Å. The 1,3-dioxole ring fused to the benzene ring adopts a flattened envelope form, with the C atom between the two O atoms as the flap, which deviates from the mean plane through the other four atoms by 0.215 (7) Å. The C-C=C-C olefin moiety is essentially planar and makes a dihedral angle of 87.1 (3)° with the benzene ring. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond supports the mol-ecular conformation, enclosing an S(11) graph-set motif. In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding links the mol-ecules into a tape running along the b axis. Furthermore, other weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and a C-H⋯π inter-action connect the tapes into a sheet structure parallel to (100).

Crystal structure of (-)-(5R,7R,8S,9R,10S)-8-methyl-7-[(5R)-3-methyl-2-oxooxolan-3-en-5-yl]-1-aza-6-oxatri-cyclo-[8.3.0.05,9]tridecan-13-one monohydrate.

The title compound, C17H23NO4·H2O, is an epimer of the natural tetra-cyclic alkaloid isosaxorumamide which consists of a fused 5-7-5 tricyclic core and a di-hydro-furan-one substituent. The terminal di-hydro-furan ring is essentially planar with a maximum deviation of 0.0273 (14) Šfrom the mean plane and oxolane, azepane and pyrrolidine rings in the tricyclic ring system adopt twist, twist-chair and envelope forms, respectively. In the crystal, the amide and water mol-ecules are linked by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape structure running along the b-axis direction. The tapes are further connected by C-H⋯O inter-actions into a three-dimensional architecture.

Total synthesis of complex alkaloids by nucleophilic addition to amides.

Nucleophilic addition to amides has been recognized as a promising transformation for total synthesis of complex alkaloids. Amides can accept two different organometallic reagents through the nucleophilic addition, which enables it to serve as a stable surrogate of multi-substituted amines. However, the nucleophilic addition has been overlooked for a long time due to three main reasons: low electrophilicity of amide carbonyls, potential hydrolysis of the reaction intermediate and excess addition of an organometallic reagent. This mini review focuses on the recent progress of total synthesis of complex alkaloids based on the nucleophilic additions to N-alkoxyamides, tertiary amides and secondary amides.