Organocatalytic Asymmetric Reaction Research Articles

Cancer-Stem-Cell Phenotype-Guided Discovery of a Microbiota-Inspired Synthetic Compound Targeting NPM1 for Leukemia.

The human microbiota plays an important role in human health and disease, through the secretion of metabolites that regulate key biological functions. We propose that microbiota metabolites represent an unexplored chemical space of small drug-like molecules in the search of new hits for drug discovery. Here, we describe the generation of a set of complex chemotypes inspired on selected microbiota metabolites, which have been synthesized using asymmetric organocatalytic reactions. Following a primary screening in CSC models, we identified the novel compound UCM-13369 (4b) whose cytotoxicity was mediated by NPM1. This protein is one of the most frequent mutations of AML, and NPM1-mutated AML is recognized by the WHO as a distinct hematopoietic malignancy. UCM-13369 inhibits NPM1 expression, downregulates the pathway associated with mutant NPM1 C+, and specifically recognizes the C-end DNA-binding domain of NPM1 C+, avoiding the nucleus-cytoplasm translocation involved in the AML tumorological process. The new NPM1 inhibitor triggers apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary cells from AML patients and reduces tumor infiltration in a mouse model of AML with NPM1 C+ mutation. The disclosed phenotype-guided discovery of UCM-13369, a novel small molecule inspired on microbiota metabolites, confirms that CSC death induced by NPM1 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic opportunity for NPM1-mutated AML, a high-mortality disease.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Cascade Michael-Acyl Transfer Reaction between 2-Fluoro-1,3-diketones and 2-Hydroxynitrostyrenes.

An organocatalytic asymmetric cascade Michael-acyl transfer reaction of 2-hydroxynitrostyrenes and monofluorinated β-diketones has been developed employing a cooperative catalytic system. A combination of quinine-derived bifunctional squaramide catalyst and achiral hydrogen bond donor cocatalyst was found to be the most effective for this reaction and provided the fluorinated acyl transfer products in high yields with good diastereo- and excellent enantioselectivities. Synthetic transformations have been demonstrated, including the synthesis of functionalized 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and 1-pyrroline.

Catalytic Enantioselective Nucleophilic Addition to Arynes by a New Quaternary Guanidinium Salt-Based Phase-Transfer Catalyst.

Owing to the mild generation methods, arynes have been widely used in synthetic chemistry. However, achieving asymmetric organocatalytic reactions with arynes remains a formidable and infrequent challenge, primarily because these neutral and transient species tend to spontaneously quench. To address this issue, a solid-liquid phase-transfer strategy is devised in which the generation speed of arynes could be controlled by the in situ generated fluoride-based chiral phase-transfer catalyst. In this study, we present a catalytic enantioselective nucleophilic addition reaction involving arynes, utilizing an amino amide-based guanidinium salt QG•X. Furthermore, we demonstrate the broad compatibility of this reaction with various arynes and cyclic/acyclic β-keto amides, leading to the creation of diverse α-aryl quaternary stereocenters with good stereoselectivity. Mechanistic investigations have uncovered the potential involvement of a chiral intramolecular cationic-anionic pair and HF during the ion exchange between QG•X and CsF for nucleophile activation and aryne generation. Additionally, DFT calculations suggested that the observed high levels of enantioselectivity can be attributed to steric repulsion and the cumulative noncovalent interactions between the catalysts and substrates.

Chiral Porous Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Chiroptical Properties, and Asymmetric Organocatalytic Applications

Chiral porous organic frameworks have emerged in the last decade as candidates for heterogeneous asymmetric organocatalysis. This review aims to provide a summary of the synthetic strategies towards the design of chiral organic materials, the characterization techniques used to evaluate their chirality, and their applications in asymmetric organocatalysis. We briefly describe the types of porous organic frameworks, including crystalline (covalent organic frameworks, COFs) and amorphous (conjugated microporous polymers, CMPs; covalent triazine frameworks, CTFs and porous aromatic frameworks, PAFs) materials. Furthermore, the strategies reported to incorporate chirality in porous organic materials are presented. We finally focus on the applications of chiral porous organic frameworks in asymmetric organocatalytic reactions, summarizing and categorizing all the available literature in the field.

Enantioselective C−P Bond Formation through C(sp3)−H Functionalization

AbstractAn enantioselective C−P bond formation has been developed through a C(sp3)−H activation in an oxidation step followed by an organocatalyzed hydrophosphonylation protocol. The asymmetric organocatalytic Pudovik reaction has been achieved following a one‐pot strategy, starting from different benzylic and allylic alcohols and dibenzyl phosphite, using MnO2 as the oxidant and a chiral squaramide as organocatalyst. The scope of the reaction provides enantiomerically enriched α‐hydroxy phosphonates with yields from 40% to >95% and enantioselectivities from 64% to >99%. Furthermore, the use of this methodology has been demonstrated to form a tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenter, generating an acetophenone derivative in situ, using diphenyl phosphite. Therefore, this approach represents an asymmetric strategy for constructing chiral C−P bonds, which are of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization Reaction for the Construction of Axially Chiral Urazole Embedded Naphthalenones

AbstractHerein we disclose a catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with 4‐aryl‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5‐diones. A chiral phosphoric acid with spiro motif was found to be effective for this reaction. The chiral urazole embedded naphthalenones having both axial and central chirality were obtained in good to high yields (70–85%) with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (>20:1, 8–96% ees), having C−N rotational energy barrier 31.54 K.Cal.mol−1 and t1/225 °C=589.8 years. The scope of the reaction was broad and few applications including a bromo‐amination reaction have been demonstrated.magnified image

Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Styrenes Connecting an Axially Chiral Naphthyl-indole Moiety Using Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysis

The organocatalytic asymmetric reactions of C2-unsubstituted racemic naphthyl-indoles with orthoalkynylnaphthols were employed to synthesize axially chiral styrenes connected to an axially chiral naphthyl-indole unit. Utilizing chiral phosphoric acid as the catalyst, these axially chiral styrenes were prepared in good yields (up to 96%) and excellent stereoselectivity (up to >99.9% ee, >20:1 dr, and >99:1 E/Z) in mild conditions. Moreover, further synthetic transformations were achieved with high yields and excellent stereocontrol.

Dimerization of confined Brønsted acids in enantioselective organocatalytic reactions.

The formation of Brønsted acid aggregates in the course of asymmetric organocatalytic reactions is often overlooked in mechanistic studies, even though it might have a deep impact on the stereo-controlling factors of the transformations. In this work, we shed light on the influence of the catalyst structure and reaction conditions on the spontaneity of the aggregation process for popular chiral organocatalysts derived from phosphoric acids using high-level quantum mechanical calculations. Our study encompasses small and sterically unhindered chiral phosphoric acids as well as large and "confined" imidodiphosphates and imidodiphosphorimidates. These systems have recently proven particularly effective in promoting a large number of highly relevant asymmetric transformations. While cooperative catalytic effects of sterically less hindered chiral phosphoric acid catalysts are well appreciated in literature, it is found that the formation of catalyst dimers in solution is possible for both standard and confined catalysts. The spontaneity of the aggregation process depends on reaction conditions like solvent polarity, polarizability, temperature, the nature of the interaction with the substrate, as well as the catalyst architecture. Finally, it is shown that, at low temperatures (153 K), the aggregation process can profoundly influence the reaction kinetics and selectivity.

Advances in Organocatalytic Asymmetric Reactions Involving Thioesters

Advances in Organocatalytic Asymmetric Reactions Involving Thioesters

Asymmetric Organocatalytic Reactions of Activated Racemic Allenes

AbstractAsymmetric organocatalytic reactions of various electron‐deficient racemic allenes with a wide variety of nucleophiles and electrophiles were reviewed. The literature on enantioselective functionalization of allenes that employs chiral phosphine, amine, phase transfer, bifunctional, and Brønsted acid catalysis is presented along with the mechanisms. In addition, the review emphasizes methods of obtaining enantioenriched allenes from racemic allenes via organocatalytic (dynamic) kinetic resolution techniques. The synthetic utility of the developed methodologies toward the target‐orientated biologically active molecules is narrated along with the examples.

Organocatalytic synthesis of chiral allene catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid via asymmetric 1,8-addition of indole imine methide: Mechanism and origin of enantioselectivity

Organocatalytic synthesis of chiral allene can be successfully achieved through the reaction between propargylic alcohol and 3-phenylindole catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid with high yield and high enantioselectivity. The detailed reaction mechanism and origin of enantioselectivity were uncovered by quantum mechanical calculations. The results indicate that the reactions undergo the dehydration process, the C–C bonding reaction, the hydrogen abstraction and the regeneration of catalyst. Eight possible pathways were found and the most favorable reaction paths leading to the major and minor products were evaluated which were consistent with the experimental results. The distortion/interaction analyses of the transition states in enantioselectivity-determining steps confirm the most favorable pathway in leading the major product. QTAIM and IGM analyses are used to illustrate the role of intermolecular interactions. EDA analysis is also employed to understand the origin of selectivity. This work would provide insightful viewpoints on the asymmetric organocatalytic reaction by chiral phosphoric acid.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Reaction between α‐Cyano Enones and Dioxindoles: Synthesis of Dihydrofuran‐Spirooxindoles

AbstractAn organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of dihydrofuran‐spirooxindoles has been developed. Dioxindoles and trans‐α‐cyano‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones were engaged as the reaction partners in this method. The desired products were obtained via bifunctional squaramide catalyzed Michael reaction followed by Pinner reaction and isomerization.

New mechanistic approach in the enamine-based asymmetric organocatalysis

During the course of my research in asymmetric organocatalysis, inversion of enantioselectivity was observed in the asymmetric aldol reactions of acetone with different aldehydes catalyzed by amphiphilic proline derivatives in aqueous media by varying only achiral components. It was not possible to explain the explored dual stereocontrol with the existing models, therefore I proposed a new mechanism for asymmetric aldol reactions catalyzed by l-amino acid derivatives in aqueous media and explained the explored phenomenon of inversion of enantioselectivity with different structures of micelle-stabilized transition state described as a metal-free version of the Zimmerman-Traxler model with explicit participation of a water molecule. Contrary to the existing models, according to the proposed mechanism, the formation of new bonds proceeds directly in the transition state stabilized by a water molecule, without the additional step of product iminium ion hydrolysis. The proposed mechanism has universal character, it is consistent with experimental results and general theoretical conceptions, and it is applicable to all enamine-based asymmetric organocatalytic reactions carried out not only in aqueous, but in organic media as well, because the initial step of catalytic cycle, which involves the formation of an enamine from the carbonyl compound and proline (derivative), liberates one water molecule.

Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of Indolizines: Atroposelective Access to Axially Chiral 3-Arylindolizines.

We report herein a highly straightforward strategy for the synthesis of a new axially chiral 3-arylindolizine scaffold via organocatalytic asymmetric arylation reactions of indolizines and p-quinone esters. Using the chiral phosphoric acid catalyst, a series of axially chiral 3-arylindolizines were accessed in good to excellent yields and atropo-enantioselectivities. This approach features a broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, good scalability, and facile derivatization. Moreover, preliminary investigations based on nonlinear effects and a thermal racemization study demonstrated the intrinsic pathway for the formation of axial chirality and its potential utility.

Organocatalytic Atroposelective Synthesis of N-N Axially Chiral Indoles and Pyrroles by De Novo Ring Formation.

The first highly atroposelective construction of N-N axially chiral indole scaffolds was established via a new strategy of de novo ring formation. This strategy makes use of the organocatalytic asymmetric Paal-Knorr reaction of well-designed N-aminoindoles with 1,4-diketones, thus affording N-pyrrolylindoles in high yields and with excellent atroposelectivities (up to 98 % yield, 96 % ee). In addition, this strategy is applicable for the atroposelective synthesis of N-N axially chiral bispyrroles (up to 98 % yield, 97 % ee). More importantly, such N-N axially chiral heterocycles can be converted into chiral organocatalysts with applications in asymmetric catalysis, and some molecules display potent anticancer activity. This work not only provides a new strategy for the atroposelective synthesis of N-N axially chiral molecules but also offers new members of the N-N atropisomer family with promising applications in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Asymmetric Organocatalytic Syntheses of Bioactive Compounds.

The total syntheses of complex natural products have evolved to include new methodologies to save time, simplifying the form to achieve these natural compounds. In this review, we have described the asymmetric synthesis of different natural products and biologically active compounds of the last ten years until the current day. An asymmetric organocatalytic reaction is a key to generate stereoselectively the main structure with the required stereochemistry. Even more remarkable, the organocatalytic cascade reactions, which are carried out with high stereoselectivity, as well as a possible approximation of the organocatalysts activation with substrates are also described.

Asymmetric synthesis of chiral 1,2-oxazinane and hexahydropyridazin spirocyclic scaffolds by organocatalytic [4 + 2] cycloaddition

A novel approach to synthesize chiral 1,2-oxazinane spirocyclic scaffolds by organocatalytic [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between methyleneindolinones and γ-aminooxy-α,β-unsaturated ester has been disclosed. Furthermore, a hydrazide 1,4-synthon is designed and synthesized to construct chiral hexahydropyridazin spirocyclic scaffolds with methyleneindolinones via [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Both reactions give corresponding products in good to excellent yield, excellent diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity.

A breakthrough in 2-indolylmethanol-involved organocatalytic asymmetric reactions

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Recent development in asymmetric organocatalytic domino reactions involving 1,6-addition as a key step

This article highlights the significant development in stereoselective domino reactions involving 1,6-addition as a crucial step.

An induced-fit model for asymmetric organocatalytic reactions: a case study of the activation of olefins via chiral Brønsted acid catalysts.

We elucidate the stereo-controlling factors of the asymmetric intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of terminal olefins catalyzed by bulky Brønsted acids [Science2018, 359 (6383), 1501–1505] using high-level electronic structure methods. The catalyst–substrate interaction is described using a dispersion-driven induced-fit model, in which the conformational changes of the catalyst and of the substrate in the transition states are governed to a large extent by London dispersion forces. The distortion energy of the catalyst is dominated by the change in the intramolecular dispersion interactions, while intermolecular catalyst–substrate dispersion interactions are the major stabilizing contribution in the transition state. This model provides a new general framework in which to discuss the stereoselectivity of transformations catalyzed by such confined organocatalysts.