Tetrathiomolybdate and Tetraselenotungstate as Sulfur/Selenium Transfer Reagents: Applications in the Synthesis of New Thio/Seleno Sugars.

Sulfur and selenium containing sugars have gained prominence in the last two decades because of their importance in several biological applications. These type of carbohydrate scaffolds are also challenging targets for synthesis. In this personal note, we have summarised the results of our investigation over the last 20 years on the use of two reagents, benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate and tetraethylammonium tetraselenotungstate, in efficient transfer of sulfur and selenium respectively to the synthesis of a number of carbohydrate derivatives.

Modifications of amino acids using arenediazonium salts.

Aryl transfer reactions from arenediazonium salts have started to make their impact in chemical biology with initial forays in the arena of arylative modifications and bio-conjugations of amino acids, peptides and proteins. The unique multimodal reactivity of arenediazonium salts, ranging from thermal or photochemical radical chain reactions, Pd-catalyzed coupling to arylazo-coupling reactions, all under distinct but mild conditions, provides multiple options for side chain modifications of amino acids and peptides and in addition, site-selective protein conjugation and labelling, protein immobilization, azo-bridged macrocyclization, etc. under bio-ambient conditions. The purpose of this review is to highlight these recent advances and to stimulate interest towards broader applications of arenediazonium salts as aryl transfer agents in bioconjugation reactions.

Editorial: The National Organic Symposium Trust-Shaping Organic Chemistry in India for Over 30 Years.

Reasons to celebrate! The National Organic Symposium Trust (NOST) celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. This organization has been instrumental in shaping and influencing organic chemistry research in India.

Metal-Free S-Arylation of Cysteine Using Arenediazonium Salts.

A mild chemoselective method for S-arylation of cysteine has been developed in an open-flask procedure under metal-free conditions using arenediazonium salts in methanol.

2-Deoxyglycosyl 3-benzoylpropionates as novel donors for the direct and stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy-glycosides.

Lewis acid mediated stereoselective synthesis of 2-deoxy-O-glycosides has been demonstrated using 2-deoxyglycosyl 3-benzoylpropionates as novel glycosyl donors. These newly developed donors are easily synthesized from simple glycals, are stable at room temperature and react with ease to provide products with high stereoselectivity. These donors can be successfully utilized with all types of acceptors (primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols) for the synthesis of 2-deoxy-glycosides. Additionally, these newly developed glycosyl donors are also efficient for the synthesis of trisaccharides.

Click Chemistry Route to the Synthesis of Unusual Amino Acids, Peptides, Triazole-Fused Heterocycles and Pseudodisaccharides.

Conjugation of different molecular species using copper(I)-catalyzed click reaction between azides and terminal alkynes is among the best available methods to prepare multifunctional compounds. The effectiveness of this method has provided wider acceptance to the concept of click chemistry, which is now widely employed to synthesize densely functionalized organic molecules. This article summarizes the contributions from our group in the development of new methods for the synthesis of functional molecules using copper(I)-catalyzed click reactions. We have developed very efficient methods for the synthesis of peptides and amino acids conjugated with carbohydrates, thymidine and ferrocene. We have also developed an efficient strategy to synthesize triazole-fused heterocycles from primary amines, amino alochols and diols. Finally, an interesting method for the synthesis of pseudodisaccharides linked through triazoles, starting from carbohydrate-derived donor-acceptor cyclopropanes is discussed.

Electrophile-induced C-C bond activation of vinylcyclopropanes for the synthesis of Z-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans.

We present a detailed study on the behavior of vinylcyclopropanes as masked donor-acceptor system toward the stereoselective synthesis of Z-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans. Results of bromenium catalyzed indirect activation of C-C bond of vinylcyclopropanes and concomitant cyclization to alkylidenetetrahydrofuran and other heterocycles have been discussed. The stereoselective formation of the Z-isomer is strongly controlled by the extent of destabilization of one of the gauche conformers of the vinylcyclopropane. The ring-opening/cyclization step was found to be stereospecific as in the case of DA cyclopropanes. The activation of the C-C bond leads to a tight-carbocation intermediate, which is evident from the complete retention of the stereochemistry. The retention of configuration has been established by a necessary control experiment that rules out the possibility of a double inversion pathway. The present results serve as direct stereochemical evidence in support of a tight ion-pair intermediate versus the controversial S(N)2 pathway. A 2D potential energy scan has been carried out at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level theory to obtain the relative energies of the conformers. The Z-selectivity observed has been explained on the basis of the relative population of the conformers and modeling the intermediate and transition state involved in the reaction at M06-2x/6-31+G(d) level. Energy profile for the cyclization step was modeled considering various possible pathways through which cyclization can happen. The methodology has been successfully demonstrated on vinylcyclobutanes as well.

Bromenium-catalysed tandem ring opening/cyclisation of vinylcyclopropanes and vinylcyclobutanes: a metal-free [3+2+1]/[4+2+1] cascade for the synthesis of chiral amidines and computational investigation.

We present a detailed study of a [3+2+1] cascade cyclisation of vinylcyclopropanes (VCP) catalysed by a bromenium species (Br(δ+)-X(δ-)) generated in situ, which results in the synthesis of chiral bicyclic amidines in a tandem one-pot operation. The formation of amidines involves the ring-opening of VCPs with Br-X, followed by a Ritter-type reaction with chloramine-T and a tandem cyclisation. The reaction has been further extended to vinylcyclobutane systems and involves a [4+2+1] cascade cyclisation with the same reagents. The versatility of the methodology has been demonstrated by careful choice of VCPs and VCBs to yield bicyclo[4.3.0]-, -[4.3.1]- and -[4.4.0]amidines in enantiomerically pure form. On the basis of the experimental observations and DFT calculations, a reasonable mechanism has been put forth to account for the formation of the products and the observed stereoselectivity. We propose the existence of a π-stabilised homoallylic carbocation at the cyclopropane carbon as the reason for high stereoselectivity. DFT studies at B3LYP/6-311+G** and M06-2X/6-31+G* levels of theory in gas-phase calculations suggest the ring-opening of VCP is initiated at the π-complex stage (between the double bond and Br-X). This can be clearly perceived from the solution-phase (acetonitrile) calculations using the polarisable continuum model (PCM) solvation model, from which the extent of the ring opening of VCP was found to be noticeably high. Studies also show that the formation of zero-bridge bicyclic amidines is favoured over other bridged bicyclic amidines. The energetics of competing reaction pathways is compared to explain the product selectivity.

Tetraethylammonium tetraselenotungstate: a versatile selenium transfer reagent in organic synthesis.

Organoselenium compounds have attracted intense research owing to their unique biological properties as well as pharmaceutical significance. Progress has been made in developing reagents for incorporation of selenium in an efficient and controlled manner. Herein, we present a review on the recently developed selenium reagent, tetraethylammonium tetraselenotungstate, [Et(4)N](2)WSe(4) as a versatile selenium transfer reagent in organic synthesis. Tetraselenotungstate has been successfully used for the synthesis of a number of functionalized diselenides, sugar- and nucleoside-derived diselenides, seleno-cystines, selenohomocystines, selenoamides, selenoureas and sugar- and nucleoside-based cyclic-selenide derivatives. Additionally, this reagent has been employed for the ring opening of aziridines to synthesize a variety of ß-aminodiselenides. A new selena-aza-Payne type rearrangement of aziridinemethanoltosylates mediated by tetraselenotungstate for the synthesis of allyl amines is also discussed.

Synthesis of functionalized dihydrothiophenes from doubly activated cyclopropanes using tetrathiomolybdate as the sulfur transfer reagent.

A number of doubly activated cyclopropanes were synthesized starting from various substituted bromosulfonium bromides in good yield. Regioselective ring-opening of cyclopropanes with tetrathiomolybdate as the sulfur transfer reagent gave dihydrothiophenes in excellent yield.

Synthesis of substituted 8-aminoquinolines and phenanthrolines through a Povarov approach.

The synthesis of 8-aminoquinolines and 1,10-phenanthrolines with substituents in α of the nitrogen has been performed through an inverse-demanding aza-Diels-Alder (Povarov reaction) in the fluoroalcohols TFE or HFIP. This path involves simple starting materials: 1,2-phenylenediamines, enol ethers and aldehydes.

Enantioselective and protecting group-free synthesis of 1-deoxythionojirimycin, 1-deoxythiomannojirimycin, and 1-deoxythiotalonojirimycin.

1-Deoxythioglyconojirimycins were synthesized by using a protecting group-free strategy, starting from readily available carbohydrates, in good overall yield. Use of benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate, [BnEt(3)N](2)MoS(4), as a sulfur transfer reagent and borohydride exchange resin (BER) reduction of a lactone enabled the efficient synthesis of the title compounds.

Tetrathiomolybdate mediated rearrangement of aziridinemethanol tosylates: a thia-aza-Payne rearrangement.

Aziridinemethanol sulfonate esters react with tetrathiomolybdate 1 to give thiirane derivatives as the major product and cyclic disulfides as minor product under mild reaction conditions via an unprecedented thia-aza-Payne-type rearrangement. Interestingly, when the reaction of 1 was carried out with 2-aziridino-cyclohexanol derivatives it resulted in the formation of thia-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane or dithia-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives.

Synthesis of unnatural selenocystines and beta-aminodiselenides via regioselective ring-opening of sulfamidates using a sequential, one-pot, multistep strategy.

A variety of N-alkyl-beta-aminodiselenides have been synthesized in high yield from sulfamidates under mild reaction conditions using potassium selenocyanate and benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate ([BnNEt(3)](2)MoS(4)) in a sequential, one-pot, multistep reaction. The tolerance of multifarious protecting groups under the reaction conditions is discussed. The methodology was successfully extended to the synthesis of selenocystine, 3,3'-dialkylselenocystine, and 3,3'-diphenylisoselenocystine and their direct incorporation into peptides.

An improved procedure for the synthesis of dehydroamino acids and dehydropeptides from the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

Dehydroamino acids are important precursors for the synthesis of a number of unnatural amino acids and are structural components in many biologically active peptide derivatives. However, efficient synthetic procedures for their production in large amounts and without side reactions are limited. We report here an improved procedure for the synthesis of dehydroalanine and dehydroamino butyric acid from the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using TBAF. The antiselective E(2) elimination of the carbonate derivatives of serine and threonine using TBAF is milder and more efficient than other available procedures. The elimination reaction is completed in less than 10 min with various carbonate derivatives studied and the methodology is very efficient for the synthesis of dehydroamino acids and dehydropeptides. The procedure thus provides an easy access to key synthetic precursors and can be used to introduce interesting structural elements to designed peptides.

Synthesis of thioesters from carboxylic acids via acyloxyphosphonium intermediates with benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate as the sulfur transfer reagent.

An efficient protocol is reported for the synthesis of thioesters from carboxylic acids with use of acyloxy phosphonium salts as intermediates and benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate as the sulfur transfer reagent.

Direct synthesis of functionalized unsymmetrical beta-sulfonamido disulfides by tetrathiomolybdate mediated aziridine ring-opening reactions.

Direct synthesis of unsymmetrical beta-sulfonamido disulfides by ring-opening of aziridines by using benzyltriethyl-ammonium tetrathiomolybdate 1 as a sulfur transfer reagent in the presence of symmetrical disulfides as thiol equivalents has been reported. Reaction of benzyl and alkyl disulfides gave unsymmetrical beta-sulfonamido disulfides as the only product in very good yields. From the study, it has been observed that aryl disulfides containing p-NO(2), p-Cl, and p-CN led to the formation of the corresponding beta-aminosulfides as the exclusive products. However, unsubstituted aryl disulfides and the one containing electron-donating substituents (p-Me) provide a mixture of beta-sulfonamido mono- and disulfides as the products.

Facile entry into triazole fused heterocycles via sulfamidate derived azido-alkynes.

Direct synthesis of condensed triazoles from diverse sulfamidates by ring opening of sulfamidates with sodium azide followed by one-pot propargylation and cycloaddition furnished title compounds. The methodology in general has been demonstrated on diverse sulfamidates derived from amino acids, amino acid derivatives, and carbohydrates to obtain diverse triazole fused scaffolds. In one example, a condensed triazole containing amino acid has been synthesized by ring opening of a sulfamidate derivative with propargyl amine.

Development and characterization of lysine based tripeptide analogues as inhibitors of Sir2 activity.

Sirtuins are NAD(+) dependent deacetylases that modulate various essential cellular functions. Development of peptide based inhibitors of Sir2s would prove useful both as pharmaceutical agents and as effectors by which downstream cellular alterations can be monitored. Click chemistry that utilizes Huisgen's 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition permits attachment of novel modifications onto the side chain of lysine. Herein, we report the synthesis of peptide analogues prepared using click reactions on Nepsilon-propargyloxycarbonyl protected lysine residues and their characterization as inhibitors of Plasmodiumfalciparum Sir2 activity. The peptide based inhibitors exhibited parabolic competitive inhibition with respect to acetylated-peptide substrate and parabolic non-competitive inhibition with NAD(+) supporting the formation of EI(2) and E.NAD(+).I(2) complexes. Cross-competition inhibition analysis with the non-competitive inhibitor nicotinamide (NAM) ruled out the possibility of the NAM-binding site being the second inhibitor binding site, suggesting the presence of a unique alternate pocket accommodating the inhibitor. One of these compounds was also found to be a potent inhibitor of the intraerythrocytic growth of P.falciparum with 50% inhibitory concentration in the micromolar range.

One-pot protection and activation of amino acids using pentafluorophenyl carbonates.

Protection of the amino group and activation of the carboxylic acid groups are the most important steps associated with any peptide synthesis protocol; hence, a one-pot process to achieve these is highly desirable. A possible strategy is to use pentafluorophenyl carbonates to simultaneously protect the amino group as a carbamate derivative and activate the carboxylic acid group as a pentafluorophenyl ester. A detailed study is carried out to understand the scope and limitations of this method using five different pentaflurophenyl carbonates. The efficiency of these one-pot reactions depends largely on the nature of the pentafluorophenyl carbonates and also on the nature of the amino acids. Electron deficient and sterically less demanding carbonates reacted faster than the others, whereas amino acids with longer aliphatic side chains gave better yields than more polar amino acids.