Axial Alcohol Research Articles

Total Synthesis of Stemarene and Betaerene Diterpenoids: Divergent Ring-Formation Strategy and Late-Stage C–H Functionalization

A unified protecting group-free approach to two stemarene and two betaerene diterpenoids through a bioinspired two-phase strategy has been developed, and three of them were obtained for the first t...

Chemoselective Oxidation of Equatorial Alcohols with N-Ligated λ3-Iodanes.

The site-selective and chemoselective functionalization of alcohols in complex polyols remains a formidable synthetic challenge. Whereas significant advancements have been made in selective derivatization at the oxygen center, chemoselective oxidation to the corresponding carbonyls is less developed. In cyclic systems, whereas the selective oxidation of axial alcohols is well known, a complementary equatorial selective process has not yet been reported. Herein we report the utility of nitrogen-ligated (bis)cationic λ3-iodanes (N-HVIs) for alcohol oxidation and their unprecedented levels of selectivity for the oxidation of equatorial over axial alcohols. The conditions are mild, and the simple pyridine-ligated reagent (Py-HVI) is readily synthesized from commercial PhI(OAc)2 and can be either isolated or generated in situ. Conformational selectivity is demonstrated in both flexible 1,2-substituted cyclohexanols and rigid polyol scaffolds, providing chemists with a novel tool for chemoselective oxidation.

The orientation of the β-hydroxyl group controls the diastereoselectivity during the hydride reduction and Grignard reaction of inososes

A comparison of the results of the Grignard reaction and the hydride reduction of the carbonyl group of epi- and scyllo-inososes reveals that the extent of diastereoselectivity of these reactions is decided by the orientation of the β-hydroxyl group (or its derivative). Presence of an axial β-hydroxyl group generally results in the formation of relatively larger amount of the axial alcohol as a result of the reduction of the carbonyl group. The possible reasons for the observed differences in diastereoselectivity between the reactions of these isomeric epi- and scyllo-inososes have been discussed. The sequence of reactions reported here provides convenient access to C-alkylated inositols, such as iso-laminitol and iso-mytilitol as well as 2-O-methyl epi-inositol, an epimer of the naturally occurring ononitol.

Total Synthesis of the Lycopodium Alkaloid Serratezomine A Using Free Radical-Mediated Vinyl Amination to Prepare a β-Stannyl Enamine Linchpin

Serratezomine A is a member of the structurally diverse class of compounds known as the Lycopodium alkaloids. The key supporting studies and successful total synthesis of serratezomine A are described in this account. Significant features of the synthesis include the first application of free radical mediated vinyl amination and Hwu's oxidative allylation in a total synthesis and an intramolecular lactonization via a transannular S(N)i reaction. Minimal use of protecting groups and the highly diastereoselective formation of a hindered, quaternary stereocenter using an umpolung allylation are also highlights from a strategy perspective. Observation of quaternary carbon epimerization via a retro-Mannich/Mannich sequence highlights the additional challenge presented by the axial alcohol at C8 in serratezomine A.

Reduction of 1-methyl-2-phenyldecahydroquinolin-4-one

Stereochemistry of the reduction of 1-methyl-2е-phenyl-trans-decahydroquinoline-4-one has been studied under different conditions: the reduction by sodium in ethanol in accordance with the mechanism of this reaction gives mainly an equatorial alcohol; with sodium boron hydride – there forms a mixture of aminoalcohols with the predominance of an equatorial epimer; the reduction of aminoketone by aluminum isopropylate proceeds with the direction, usual for this method, and results in the predominant formation of axial alcohol.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Studies Towards Bruceantin. Part 2. The Synthesis of a Pentacyclic Intermediate.

In a synthetic approach to the quassinoid bruceantin (2), the key intermediate 8 obtained via alkylation of a dianion has been transformed into the pentacyclic intermediate 33 via an ABDC ring forming strategy. The key steps involved in this route are as follows: a unique acid catalyzed cyclization, 19 → 20; an intramolecular Michael reaction, 24 → 28; and an allyl sulfoxide [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement to introduce the axial C12 alcohol, 31 → 33. Key words: bruceantin, quassinoids, cyclization, sulfoxides, sigmatropic rearrangement.

Synthesis of 2,6-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonanes by intramolecular haloetherification and/or transannular hydroxycyclization of alkenes in [4+3]-cycloadducts

The synthesis of new difunctionalized 2,6-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonanes is described. This type of structure is an interesting synthetic building block for potential bioactive molecules and it was prepared from 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-one having a NHBoc function on C-1. This precursor was obtained by a [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of 2-tert-butoxycarbonylaminofuran and the oxyallyl cation generated in situ from 2,4-dibromo-3-pentanone. Reduction of the carbonyl group at C-3 was accomplished in high yield and stereoselective manner to afford the corresponding axial alcohol at C-3 as a major product. Further intramolecular haloetherification of this type of alcohols with NBS and I(py)2BF4 led to the corresponding bromo and iodo-derivatives at C-8 of the 2,6-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonane framework, in high yield. Epoxidation of 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-3-ol followed by treatment with NaCN, NaN3, and/or NaOH in MeOH afforded 8-hydroxy-2,6-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonanes in high yield via a transannular hydroxycyclization mediated by a base and through an alkoxide intermediate. The new 2,6-dioxatricyclo[3.3.1.03,7]nonanes were tested for biological activity against HIV-1 virus and MT-4 lymphoid cell line, showing a low anti-HIV activity and a high degree of cytotoxicity.

Synthesis of (+)-Didemniserinolipid B: Application of a 2-Allyl-4-fluorophenyl Auxiliary for Relay Ring-Closing Metathesis

The synthesis of didemniserinolipid B utilizing a ketalization/ring-closing metathesis (K/RCM) strategy is described. In the course of this work, a novel 2-allyl-4-fluorophenyl auxiliary for relay ring-closing metathesis (RRCM) was developed, which increased the yield of the RCM. The resulting 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octene core was selectively functionalized by complimentary dihydroxylation and epoxidation routes to install the C10 axial alcohol. This bicyclic ketal core was further functionalized by etherification and an alkene cross metathesis with an unsaturated alpha-phenylselenyl ester en route to completing the total synthesis.

De Novo Synthesis of the Trisaccharide Subunit of Landomycins A and E

A highly enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of alpha- -rhodinose, beta-d-olivose as well as the trisaccharide portion of landomycin A from achiral acetyl furan has been developed. The key transformations include the palladium-catalyzed glycosylation, Myers' reductive rearrangement, diastereoselective dihydroxylation, and regioselective Mitsunobu inversion. A Mitsunobu reaction on a six member ring cis-1,2-diol was found to chemoselectively discriminate between equatorial and axial alcohols and to stereoselectively convert cis-1,2-diol into anti-1,2-diol.

A Two-Directional Approach to a (−)-Dictyostatin C11−C23 Segment: Development of a Highly Diastereoselective, Kinetically-Controlled Meerwein−Ponndorf−Verley Reduction

A three-step synthesis of a precursor to the C11-C23 segment of (-)-dictyostatin is described. The sequence features a sonication-assisted, enantioselective double hetero Diels-Alder (HDA) reaction catalyzed by Jacobsen's Cr(III) Schiff base catalyst, followed by a novel, highly diastereoselective Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction of the hydropyranone subunits under kinetic control to yield the bis(axial alcohol) 4. Generalized studies of both the HDA and MPV methodologies are also described.

Synthesis of (+)-Didemniserinolipid B via Ketalization/Ring-Closing Metathesis

A modular synthesis of didemniserinolipid B is reported. Central to this synthesis was the use of a ketalization/ring-closing metathesis (K/RCM) strategy to establish the 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core. The C10 axial alcohol was established via a selective epoxidation, followed by reductive trans-diaxial epoxide opening. The serinol and unsaturated ester side chains were introduced by a Williamson etherification and cross metathesis, respectively.

Probing the Promiscuous Active Site of myo-Inositol Dehydrogenase Using Synthetic Substrates, Homology Modeling, and Active Site Modification

The active site of myo-inositol dehydrogenase (IDH, EC 1.1.1.18) from Bacillus subtilis recognizes a variety of mono- and disaccharides, as well as 1l-4-O-substituted inositol derivatives. It catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of the axial alcohol of these substrates with comparable kinetic constants. We have found that 4-O-p-toluenesulfonyl-myo-inositol does not act as a substrate for IDH, in contrast to structurally similar compounds such as those bearing substituted benzyl substituents in the same position. X-ray crystallographic analysis of 4-O-p-toluenesulfonyl-myo-inositol and 4-O-(2-naphthyl)methyl-myo-inositol, which is a substrate for IDH, shows a distinct difference in the preferred conformation of the aryl substituent. Conformational analysis of known substrates of IDH suggests that this conformational difference may account for the difference in reactivity of 4-O-p-toluenesulfonyl-myo-inositol in the presence of IDH. A sequence alignment of IDH with the homologous glucose-fructose oxidoreductase allowed the construction of an homology model of inositol dehydrogenase, to which NADH and 4-O-benzyl-scyllo-inosose were docked and the active site energy minimized. The active site model is consistent with all experimental results and suggests that a conserved tyrosine-glycine-tyrosine motif forms the hydrophobic pocket adjoining the site of inositol recognition. Y233F and Y235F retain activity, while Y233R and Y235R do not. A histidine-aspartate pair, H176 and D172, are proposed to act as a dyad in which H176 is the active site acid/base. The enzyme is inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate, and the mutants H176A and D172N show a marked loss of activity. Kinetic isotope effect experiments with D172N indicate that chemistry is rate-determining for this mutant.

Al-Isopropoxydiisobutylalane: A Study of the Effect of Solvent on the Rate and Stereoselectivity of Cyclic Ketone Reduction

The effect of solvent on the rate and stereoselectivity of cyclic ketone reduction by Al-isopropoxydiisobutylalane (DIBA(i)OPr) has been investigated. In dichloromethane, DIBA(i)OPr behaves as a bulky reducing agent, approaching the carbonyl group along an equatorial trajectory to produce the axial alcohol with >10:1 stereoselectivity. In sharp contrast, reduction in toluene gives the complementary outcome, affording the thermodynamically more stable isomer with >99:1 stereoselectivity.

New oxidative tools for the functionalization of the cephalostatin north 1 hemisphere.

Dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) C-H oxidation of ketone 17 to hemiketal 18 (82%), bis-dehydration to vinyl ether 21 (77%), and DMDO again provides C-23 axial alcohol 23 (99%). Routine processing, including a double-stereoselective Sharpless AD reaction (de >98%), gives alcohols 7 and 32. C-23 deoxy substrate 7 undergoes Suarez hypoiodite oxidative cyclization to (natural) beta spiroketal 34, but compound 32, bearing a C-23 silyl ether, generates unnatural spiroketal 33. [reaction: see text]

Low-temperature X-ray structural studies of the ester and ether derivatives of cis- and trans-4-tert-butyl cyclohexanol and 2-adamantanol: application of the variable oxygen probe to determine the relative sigma-donor ability of C-H and C-C bonds.

Results of low-temperature X-ray structural studies for five cis-, and three trans-4-tert-butyl cyclohexanol, and six 2-adamantanol ester and ether derivatives are reported. Plots of C-OR bond distance against pKa(ROH) for derivatives of axial alcohol (5), equatorial alcohol (6) and 2-adamantanol derivatives (7) give slopes of -2.77 x 10(-3), -2.86 x 10(-3) and -3.05 x 10(-3), respectively. Given that the relative differences in the slopes are modest, no clear distinction can be made about the relative sigma-donor ability of a C-H bond and a C-C bond.

Air-stable, electron-deficient Fe(II) catalytic porphyrins. Characterization and molecular structures of rare high spin Fe(II) hexacoordinated porphyrins.

The synthesis, characterization, and molecular structures of the first air-stable, hexacoordinated high spin Fe(II) porphyrins (1) with axial alcohols are reported (1 = Fe(II) meso-tetrakis(o-dichlorophenyl)-beta-octanitroporphyrin). The structure of 1 with two axial waters is also presented. The very different conformations and metrics observed with the two types of ligands illustrate the acute interplay between ligands, conformations, and spin states in Fe porphyrins.

Sterically Congested Bisphosphite Ligands for the Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Hydrosilation of Ketones

Sterically congested bisphosphites were shown to be effective ligands for the Rh-catalyzed hydrosilation of ketones with diphenylsilane. The hydrosilation of 4-alkylcyclohexanones and ( m )-menthone led to a significant proportion of the less stable (axial) alcohol, which suggests that these reactions are under kinetic, rather than thermodynamic, control.

Total synthesis of (+/-)-scopadulin.

The first total synthesis of (+/-)-scopadulin, an aphidicolane diterpene, is described. The core structure (A/B/C/D ring system) was constructed by an initial synthesis of the B/C/D ring system by our reported methods and a subsequent A ring cyclization by intramolecular aldol condensation. A highly stereoselective cyanation of the tetracyclic enone by Et2AlCN gave a trans-fused A/B ring system with a beta-cyanide at C-4. Stereoselective construction of a quaternary carbon at C-4 was achieved by alpha-alkylation of the cyano group and conversion of the sterically hindered cyano group to a methyl group via our novel reaction for conversion of primary aliphatic amines into alcohols. Finally, the total synthesis of (+/-)-scopadulin was accomplished by a highly chemo- and stereoselective methylation at C-16 and modification of the C-4 alpha-functionality. The stereoselectivity observed in the MeTi(O-i-Pr)3-mediated methylation for the generation of a tertiary axial alcohol at C-16 is extremely high.

Reduction of Aliphatic and Aromatic Cyclic Ketones to sec-Alcohols by Aqueous Titanium Trichloride/Ammonia System. Steric Course and Mechanistic Implications

In contrast to the dissolved metal and metal hydride reductions, the reduction of cyclic ketones by the aqueous TiCl3/NH3 system favours the formation of the less thermodynamically stable axial alcohol. The ammonium ion formed in situ is essential for the reduction to proceed because it behaves as a mild Brønsted acid in basic medium and favours the protonation of the intermediate ketyl. The corresponding α-hydroxy radical is then rapidly reduced under conditions where the first electron transfer to the substrate takes place. We suggest that the stereoselectivity is determined by the second reduction step, which occurs through the less hindered transition state, regardless of whether the radical to be reduced is thermodynamically favoured or not.

Reduction of Aliphatic and Aromatic Cyclic Ketones tosec-Alcohols by Aqueous Titanium Trichloride/Ammonia System. Steric Course and Mechanistic Implications

In contrast to the dissolved metal and metal hydride reductions, the reduction of cyclic ketones by the aqueous TiCl3/NH3 system favours the formation of the less thermodynamically stable axial alcohol. The ammonium ion formed in situ is essential for the reduction to proceed because it behaves as a mild Bronsted acid in basic medium and favours the protonation of the intermediate ketyl. The corresponding α-hydroxy radical is then rapidly reduced under conditions where the first electron transfer to the substrate takes place. We suggest that the stereoselectivity is determined by the second reduction step, which occurs through the less hindered transition state, regardless of whether the radical to be reduced is thermodynamically favoured or not.