Asymmetric Synthesis Research Articles

Organocatalytic Approaches Towards the Synthesis of Asymmetric Tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) Derivatives

Abstract1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines (THQs) are present in molecules with significant biological importance and pharmaceuticals with diverse biological activities. Various synthetic routes have been developed to tetrahydroquinolines, such as the hydrogenation of quinolines, domino reactions, intramolecular cyclization, and notably, the Povarov reaction. Organocatalysts are small, chiral organic molecules that can successfully catalyze organic transformations. This review examines the use of organocatalysts in the asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives using aminocatalysis, NHC catalysis, and H-bonding catalysis covering the literature between 2000 and early 2024.1 Introduction2 Aminocatalysis3 NHC Catalysis4 H-Bonding Catalysis5 Miscellaneous6 Conclusion

On the Origin of Enantioselectivity in Chiral Zeolite Asymmetric Catalyst GTM-3: Host-Guest Transfer of Chirality.

Knowledge of how extra-large-pore chiral zeolite asymmetric catalysts based on the -ITV framework imprint their chirality during a catalytic reaction is crucial in order to spread the scope for the catalytic enantioselective production of chiral compounds of interest. In this work, we have carried out a combined experimental and computational study on the catalytic activity of antipode GTM-3 catalysts during the ring-opening of trans-stilbene oxide with 1-butanol. Identification of the enantiomers of all the chiral species unraveled a surprising catalytic behavior: these chiral catalysts promote the transformation of one enantiomer of trans-stilbene oxide in the corresponding unlike product (with inversion of configuration of the attacked C) via an SN2 mechanism, and at the same time, the transformation of the other enantiomer of trans-stilbene oxide via an SN1-like mechanism into the like (with retention of configuration) and secondary products (diphenylacetaldehyde via Meinwald rearrangement and derived products). A computational study based on DFT + D methods suggested a potential explanation for this catalytic behavior, associated with a different orientation of trans-stilbene oxide enantiomers bound on the Ge(T7) positions in d4r units, which is stabilized by the development of intraframework H-bonds between the interrupted T7OH adjacent positions characteristic of this framework. Calculations suggest that each enantiomer of trans-stilbene oxide follows a different reaction pathway, one favoring the SN2 route by addition of butanol from the opposite side to form unlike-products, while the different orientation of the antipode enantiomer disfavors such SN2 route mainly by steric repulsions and at the same time favors the reaction toward the SN1 mechanism to give like- and secondary-products. Our study suggests that the strong enantioselectivity of GTM-3 catalysts for this reaction is associated with the particular orientation adopted by the chiral reactants within the chiral nanospace provided by the -ITV framework, similarly to what occurs with enzymes, and such preferential orientation is directly controlled by the asymmetric cavities where the reaction takes place, by the particular features of the Ge active sites in adjacent interrupted positions and by the presence of several framework OH groups in the nearby nanospace that interact with guest species. The experimental observations and the reaction mechanism proposed suggest that GTM-3 catalysts prepared from the (1S,2S) enantiomer of the N,N-ethyl-methyl-pseudoephedrinium organic agent should be enriched in the P4332 enantiomorphic space group of the -ITV framework and GTM-3 prepared from the (1R,2R) enantiomer in the antipode P4132. Interestingly, resolution of the absolute configuration of GTM-3 materials from 3D-electron diffraction data has been accomplished and confirms such an assignment, giving an average 82% enantio-enrichment in the corresponding chiral polymorph. Structure-solution of the location of the chiral structure-directing agents indicates that the transfer of chirality from the molecular component to the zeolite polymorph is governed by the development of strong H-bonds between the molecular hydroxyl group and the interrupted T(7)OH framework positions.

Terpestacin and its derivatives: bioactivities and syntheses.

Terpestacin (1), fusaproliferin (2), and their derivatives are a class of sesterterpenes featured by a trans-fused 5/15-membered ring skeleton. There are 45 natural products (1, 2, 4-27, 65-83) isolated from various wild fungi (Fusarium sp., Bipolaris sorokiniana, Arthrinium sp., etc.) or from genetic mutants via biosynthetic gene clusters mining, and 37 derivatives (28-64) produced by semi-synthetic modifications. These compounds show a diverse range of important bioactivities such as antivirus, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, phytotoxic, anti-flammatory, and brine shrimp lethal activities. To date, two racemic and five enantioselective chemical total syntheses of 1 (including 2 and their isomers) have been developed. Over the past decade, a number of biosynthetic gene clusters or their mutants, along with their encoding enzymes responsible for producing sesterterpenes such as terpestacin and its derivatives, have also been identified. This review covers the literature from the year 1993, when 1 was firstly discovered, to May 2024, focusing on the bioactivities and syntheses of 1 and its derivatives or isomers.

Merging Organocatalysis with 1,2-Boronate Rearrangement: A Lewis Base-Catalyzed Asymmetric Multicomponent Reaction.

Catalytic asymmetric multicomponent 1,2-boronate rearrangements provide a practical approach for synthesizing highly valuable enantioenriched boronic esters. When applied to alkenyl or heteroaryl boronates, these reactions have relied mainly on transition-metal catalysis. Herein, we present an organocatalytic, Lewis base-catalyzed asymmetric multicomponent 1,2-boronate rearrangement, involving indoles, boronic esters, and Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates, leading to enantioenriched, highly substituted indole and indoline derivatives. Using cinchona alkaloid-based catalysts, high selectivity has been achieved, enabling expansion of the chemical space around pharmaceutically relevant indole and indoline derivatives.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Aliphatic α‐Tertiary Aminonitriles via Organocatalytic Isomerization of Cyanoketimines

Comprehensive SummaryChiral α‐tertiary aminonitriles are valuable synthetic intermediates. They are also found in various structures of biologically active molecules. Therefore, numerous reports of catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral α‐aminonitriles continuously emerged during the past few decades. Great strides have been made for the synthesis of chiral α‐aryl and α‐branched alkyl aminonitriles. However, efficient methods for catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral α‐linear alkyl aminonitriles remain limited. We herein report a new synthetic approach to chiral α‐tertiary alkyl aminonitriles via catalytic asymmetric isomerization of cyanoketimines. The synthetic value of this method was illustrated by application to a concise catalytic asymmetric synthesis of vildagliptin.

Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Tandem Carbonylation-Heck Reaction of Cyclopentenes to Access Chiral Bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes.

A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric tandem carbonylation-Heck reaction of cyclopentenes with carbon monoxide (CO) has been disclosed. This desymmetrization procedure afforded a series of bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes with one chiral quaternary and one tertiary carbon center in good yields with good enantioselectivities. This reaction proceeds via an acyl-palladium intermediate, followed by migratory insertion of the alkenes.

Organocatalytic Stereoselective Synthesis of Dihydrocoumarins

Abstract: Dihydrocoumarins play pivotal roles as essential components in biologically active molecules, drugs, and flavor and fragrance compounds. In particular, chiral 3,4- dihydrocoumarins exist in natural products, exhibit less toxicity, and possess structural diversity and stability. Consequently, the asymmetric synthesis of these scaffolds has garnered considerable attention within the chemistry community. Recent advancements have witnessed their synthesis achieved through both metal and organocatalyzed approaches. In this review, we analyze and discuss the advancements made in chiral-organocatalyzed asymmetric synthesis of dihydrocoumarins since 2015. This review is structured according to the type of catalyst employed in the transformation, providing a comprehensive examination of the recent developments in this field.

Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Aryl Ketones by a Cobalt‐Catalyzed Semipinacol Rearrangement

A highly enantioselective cobalt‐catalyzed semipinacol rearrangement of symmetric α,α‐diarylallylic alcohols is disclosed. A chiral cobalt‐salen catalyst generates a highly electrophilic carbocation surrogate following hydrogen atom transfer and radical–polar crossover steps. This methodology provides access to enantioenriched α‐aryl ketones through invertive displacement of a cobalt(IV) complex during 1,2‐aryl migration. A combination of readily available reagents, silane and N‐fluoropyridinium oxidant, are used to confer this type of reactivity. An exploration into the effect of aryl substitution revealed the reaction tolerates para‐ and meta‐halogenated, mildly electron‐rich and electron‐poor aromatic rings with excellent enantioselectivities and yields. The yield of the rearrangement diminished with highly electron‐rich aryl rings whereas very electron‐deficient and ortho‐substituted arenes led to poor enantiocontrol. A Hammett analysis demonstrated the migratory preference for electron‐rich aromatic rings, which is consistent with the intermediacy of a phenonium cation.

Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Aryl Ketones by a Cobalt-Catalyzed Semipinacol Rearrangement.

A highly enantioselective cobalt-catalyzed semipinacol rearrangement of symmetric α,α-diarylallylic alcohols is disclosed. A chiral cobalt-salen catalyst generates a highly electrophilic carbocation surrogate following hydrogen atom transfer and radical-polar crossover steps. This methodology provides access to enantioenriched α-aryl ketones through invertive displacement of a cobalt(IV) complex during 1,2-aryl migration. A combination of readily available reagents, silane and N-fluoropyridinium oxidant, are used to confer this type of reactivity. An exploration into the effect of aryl substitution revealed the reaction tolerates para- and meta-halogenated, mildly electron-rich and electron-poor aromatic rings with excellent enantioselectivities and yields. The yield of the rearrangement diminished with highly electron-rich aryl rings whereas very electron-deficient and ortho-substituted arenes led to poor enantiocontrol. A Hammett analysis demonstrated the migratory preference for electron-rich aromatic rings, which is consistent with the intermediacy of a phenonium cation.

β3-Tryptophans by Iron-Catalyzed Enantioselective Amination of 3-Indolepropionic Acids.

A straightforward and general strategy for the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β3-tryptophans by carboxylic-acid-directed intermolecular C-H amination has been developed. The iron-catalyzed C-H amination of 3-indolepropionic acids with BocNHOMs (Boc, tert-butyloxycarbonyl; OMs, methylsulfonate) in the presence of the base piperidine provides N-Boc-protected β3-tryptophans in a single step with high enantiomeric excess (ee) of up to >99%. Mechanistic experiments and density functional theory calculations support a mechanism through carboxylate-directed iron-mediated C(sp3)-H nitrene insertion. The method incorporates two key sustainability criteria: the use of iron as an abundant, non-toxic, and environmentally benign metal, along with the achievement of streamlined enantioselective C-H functionalization.

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aryl Ketones Involving Free Phenolic Hydroxyl Group(s)

A straightforward asymmetric transfer hydrogenation for accessing enantiomerically enriched secondary benzyl alcohols involving free phenolic hydroxyl group(s) under mild conditions was developed. Various of optical pure aryl alcohols with a remarkable functional group compatibility were achieved with 78%–97% yields, 84%–>99% ee’s and up to 10 000 TON. This rhodium‐catalyzed reaction could be performed in a gram‐scale without loss of the efficiency. Furthermore, the synthetic utility has also been demonstrated in the asymmetric synthesis of (S)‐adrenaline and (S)‐phenylephrine.

Electrooxidative C(sp3)‒H Cyanation of Sparteine and Lupanine in Undivided Batch and Continuous‐Flow Cells

Sparteine is widely used as a chiral ligand in asymmetric synthesis, but methods for providing efficient access to functionalized sparteine derivatives are still limited. Herein, we describe an electrochemical α‐cyanation of sparteine‐type bis‐quinolizidine alkaloids. This method features commercially available setups for batch and single‐pass continuous flow conditions, enabling easy gram scale synthesis of valuable racemic and enantiopure products. Moreover, insights into the selectivity of the reaction and overoxidation mechanisms are disclosed. This allows for the development of divergent oxidation pathways depending on the electrolysis conditions.

Concise and Modular Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids

The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (bisBIAs) have attracted tremendous attention from the synthetic community due to their diverse and intriguing biological activities. Herein, we report the convergent and modular chemoenzymatic syntheses of eight bisBIAs bearing various substitutes and linkages in 5‐7 steps. The gram‐scale synthesis of various well‐designed enantiopure benzylisoquinoline monomers was accomplished via an enzymatic stereoselective Pictet–Spengler reaction, followed by regioselective enzymatic methylation or chemical functionalizations in a sequential one‐pot process. A modified intermolecular copper‐mediated Ullmann coupling enabled the concise and efficient total synthesis of five different linear bisBIAs with either head‐to‐tail or tail‐to‐tail linkage. A biomimetic oxidative phenol dimerization selectively formed the sterically hindered, electron‐rich diaryl ether bond, and subsequent intramolecular Suzuki–Miyaura domino reaction or Ullmann coupling facilitated the first enantioselective total synthesis of three macrocyclic bisBIAs, including ent‐isogranjine, tetrandrine and O‐methylrepandine. This study highlights the great potential of chemoenzymatic strategies in the total synthesis of diverse bisBIAs and paves the way to further explore the biological functions of these natural products.

Concise and Modular Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids

The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (bisBIAs) have attracted tremendous attention from the synthetic community due to their diverse and intriguing biological activities. Herein, we report the convergent and modular chemoenzymatic syntheses of eight bisBIAs bearing various substitutes and linkages in 5‐7 steps. The gram‐scale synthesis of various well‐designed enantiopure benzylisoquinoline monomers was accomplished via an enzymatic stereoselective Pictet–Spengler reaction, followed by regioselective enzymatic methylation or chemical functionalizations in a sequential one‐pot process. A modified intermolecular copper‐mediated Ullmann coupling enabled the concise and efficient total synthesis of five different linear bisBIAs with either head‐to‐tail or tail‐to‐tail linkage. A biomimetic oxidative phenol dimerization selectively formed the sterically hindered, electron‐rich diaryl ether bond, and subsequent intramolecular Suzuki–Miyaura domino reaction or Ullmann coupling facilitated the first enantioselective total synthesis of three macrocyclic bisBIAs, including ent‐isogranjine, tetrandrine and O‐methylrepandine. This study highlights the great potential of chemoenzymatic strategies in the total synthesis of diverse bisBIAs and paves the way to further explore the biological functions of these natural products.

Catalytic Reductive Addition of Imine for Chiral Amine Synthesis: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

AbstractOptically active amine represents the most important structure motif in natural products and biologically active compounds. Stereoselective reductive addition of imine with the utilization of electrophilic component offers a concise and operationally simple method for the synthesis of chiral amines. This review mainly highlights recent significant synthetic methodology developments in reductive addition of imine for chiral amine synthesis including chiral auxiliary‐mediated diastereoselective transformation, asymmetric transition metal catalysis, organocatalysis, and enzymatic catalysis. In addition, the electrophilic reagents scopes and mechanistic aspects have also been introduced in this review.

Organic Transformations through Cooperative Bimetallic Catalysis: An Overview

Under the broad domain of multimetallic catalysis, the utilisation of two transition metals (either homometallic or heterometallic) as catalysts in a cooperative way to enhance reactivity and promote higher stereoselectivity and versatility has witnessed remarkable advancements in organic synthesis in the last two decades. This review attempts to provide an account of the development in the recent past to its progress now in this area, highlighting the importance of simultaneous catalytic cycles in the mechanistic pathway and optimal reaction conditions for organic transformations leading to building blocks of importance in biology and pharmaceutical applications. The reactions presented here include, among others, C-H activation, reductive crosscoupling, allenylation, tandem isomerisation-allylation, heteroarylation, and asymmetric synthesis.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Axially Chiral N, N‐1,2‐Pentatomic Heterobiaryl Diamines by an Organocatalytic Arylation Reaction

The utilization of axially chiral biaryl diamines has been widely acknowledged as highly advantageous structures for the advancement of chiral catalysts and ligands. This highlights their extensive range of applications in asymmetric catalysis and synthesis. Herein, we devised a direct arylation reactions of 5‐aminopyrazoles with azonaphthalenes, utilizing chiral phosphoric acid as the catalyst. This method delivers structurally novel atroposelective N, N‐1,2‐azole heteroaryl diamines with high yields (up to >98%) and good to excellent enantiomeric ratios while exhibiting a wide range of substrate compatibility.

Enantioselective Synthesis of P-Chiral Phosphine Oxides Bearing an All-Carbon Quaternary Stereogenic Center via Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Heck–Suzuki Reaction

Enantioselective Synthesis of <i>P</i>-Chiral Phosphine Oxides Bearing an All-Carbon Quaternary Stereogenic Center via Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Heck–Suzuki Reaction

Concise Asymmetric Synthesis of Deepoxyalchornoic Acid and (12R,13R)-Isoleukotoxin Diol

AbstractThe first asymmetric synthesis and structural confirmation of deepoxyalchornoic acid have been accomplished from commercially available starting materials. Asymmetric dihydroxylation and Wittig olefination has been strategically executed to achieve a concise synthesis of deepoxyalchornoic acid and (12R,13R)-isoleukotoxin diol from a common intermediate chiral γ-lactone.

Recent Routes in Synthesis and Biological Activity of Pyrimido[4,5-b] Quinoline Derivatives: A Review (Part II)

The synthesis of organic molecules has been a tremendous and rapid advance in the recent decade to obtain high biological and pharmacological activities. In this review, the organic synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives is considered an alternative method to traditional procedures for treating many diseases that affect humans. Also, by transferring electrons, stereoselective syntheses occur via organic reactions in various unnatural and natural conditions at room temperature and normal pressure. We found that the structure of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives was formed by substrates, bases, electrophiles, and low-level and highly stable reagents that can be broadly applied to synthesize more heterocycles. These reagents include: 2- nitrobenzaldehyde; 3-(benzyloxy)-4-methoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde; 4,5-dimethoxy-2- nitrobenzaldehyde; 2-aminobenzaldehyde; 2-aminoquinoline-3-carboxamide; 2-chloroquinoline3-carbaldehyde; 2-bromobenzaldehyde; 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbonitrile; 2-chloroquinoline-3- carboxylic acid; aniline; phenyl-methanamine; amino-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid /aminoquinoline-carbonitrile; amino-6,7-dimethoxy-quinoline-3-carbonitrile; amino-oxolo [4,5- g]quinolin-carboxamide; 3-(aminomethyl) quinolin-2-amine; 4-aminobenzo[d][1,3] dioxole-5- carbaldehyde; thiourea; ethyl 3-oxo-butanoate; 2-cyano-acetamide; 2-(bis (methylthio) methylene) malononitrile; ethyl 3,3-diamino-2-cyanoacrylate; naphthalene-1,4-dione; and N-carbamoyl-2- cyanoacetamide derivatives. The prepared pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives were described through means of the following chemical reactivity: alkylation, bromination, chlorination, cyclocondensation, cyclization, acylation, oxidation-reduction, dehydration, addition reaction and Vilsmeier-Haack reaction (Vilsmeier reagent).