Efficient Ring-closing Metathesis Research Articles

Alkylidene Dihydropyridines As Synthetic Intermediates: Model Studies toward the Synthesis of the Bis(piperidine) Alkaloid Xestoproxamine C.

Results of model studies demonstrating a stereoselective synthetic route to tricyclic analogues of the bis(piperidine) alkaloid xestoproxamine C are presented. Dearomatization of a tricyclic pyridine derivative to afford an alkylidene dihydropyridine (anhydrobase) intermediate followed by catalytic heterogeneous hydrogenation was used to install the correct relative stereochemistry about the bis(piperidine) ring system. Other key features of these model studies include development of an efficient ring-closing metathesis procedure to prepare macrocyclic derivatives of 3,4-disusbstituted pyridines, intramolecular cyclizations of alkylidene dihydropyridines to establish pyridine-substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines, successful homologation of pyridine-4-carboxaldehydes using formaldehyde dimethyl thioacetal monoxide (FAMSO), and application of B-alkyl Suzuki coupling to assemble substituted pyridines.

Hydroxyl-Assisted trans-Reduction of 1,3-Enynes: Application to the Formal Synthesis of (+)-Aspicilin

1,3-Enynes are hardly amenable to trans-hydrometalation reactions, because they tend to bind the standard ruthenium catalysts too tightly. However, catalysts comprising a [Cp*Ru–Cl] unit allow such compounds to be used, provided they contain an OH group next to the triple bond. This aspect is illustrated by a formal synthesis of the lichen-derived macrolide aspicilin. The required macrocyclic enyne precursor was formed by an efficient ring-closing alkyne metathesis reaction.

Synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-c]azepine- and pyrimido[4,5-c]oxepine-based γ-secretase modulators.

This Letter describes an efficient ring-closing metathesis approach to 2-chloro-4-amino-pyrimido[4,5-c]azepines and 2-chloro-4-amino-pyrimido[4,5-c]oxepines. These chlorides were applied to the synthesis of several potent γ-secretase modulators (GSMs).

Fast Olefin Metathesis at Low Catalyst Loading

Reactions of the Grubbs 3rd generation complexes [RuCl(2)(NHC)(Ind)(Py)] (N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)=1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimidazolin)-2-ylidene (SIMes), 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimidazolin)-2-ylidene (SIPr), or 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimidazol)-2-ylidene (IPr); Ind=3-phenylindenylid-1-ene, Py=pyridine) with 2-ethenyl-N-alkylaniline (alkyl=Me, Et) result in the formation of the new N-Grubbs-Hoveyda-type complexes 5 (NHC=SIMes, alkyl=Me), 6 (SIMes, Et), 7 (IPr, Me), 8 (SIPr, Me), and 9 (SIPr, Et) with N-chelating benzylidene ligands in yields of 50-75 %. Compared to their respective, conventional, O-Grubbs-Hoveyda complexes, the new complexes are characterized by fast catalyst activation, which translates into fast and efficient ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactivity. Catalyst loadings of 15-150 ppm (0.0015-0.015 mol %) are sufficient for the conversion of a wide range of diolefinic substrates into the respective RCM products after 15 min at 50 °C in toluene; compounds 8 and 9 are the most catalytically active complexes. The use of complex 8 in RCM reactions enables the formation of N-protected 2,5-dihydropyrroles with turnover numbers (TONs) of up to 58,000 and turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 232,000 h(-1); the use of the N-protected 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines proceeds with TONs of up to 37,000 and TOFs of up to 147,000 h(-1); and the use of the N-protected 2,3,6,7-tetrahydroazepines proceeds with TONs of up to 19,000 and TOFs of up to 76,000 h(-1), with yields for these reactions ranging from 83-92 %.

Synthesis of macrocyclic natural products by catalyst-controlled stereoselective ring-closing metathesis

Many biologically active macrocycles contain a C–C double bond through which various other derivatives are prepared; the stereochemical identity of the alkene or the resulting moieties can be critical to the beneficial properties of such molecules. Catalytic ring-closing metathesis (RCM) is a widely employed method for the synthesis of large unsaturated rings;1,2 however, cyclizations often proceed without control of alkene stereochemistry.2 Such shortcoming is particularly costly with complex molecules when cyclization is performed after a long sequence of transformations.2 Here, we outline a reliable, practical and general approach for efficient and highly stereoselective synthesis of macrocyclic alkenes by catalytic RCM; transformations deliver up to 97% Z selectivity due to control induced by a tungsten-based alkylidene. Utility is demonstrated by stereoselective preparation of anti-cancer epothilone C [Ref. 3–5] and anti-microbial nakadomarin A [Ref. 6], previously reported syntheses of which have been marred by late-stage non-selective RCM.7–15 The tungsten alkylidene can be manipulated in air, promoting reactions carried out in a fume hood to deliver products in useful yields and high Z selectivity. As a result of efficient RCM and re-incorporation of side products into the catalytic cycle with minimal alkene isomerization, desired cyclizations proceed in preference to alternative pathways even under relatively high concentration (0.1 molar).

ChemInform Abstract: Studies of a Soluble Polyethylene Glycol Immobilized Ruthenium Catalyst in Aqueous Media.

Abstract We have developed an air-stable soluble polyethylene glycol bound ruthenium catalyst which performs efficient ring-closing metathesis in organic solvents as well as in aqueous media.

Studies of a soluble polyethylene glycol immobilized ruthenium catalyst in aqueous media

We have developed an air-stable soluble polyethylene glycol bound ruthenium catalyst which performs efficient ring-closing metathesis in organic solvents as well as in aqueous media.

Efficient Ring-Closing Metathesis of Alkenyl Bromides: The Importance of Protecting the Catalyst during the Olefin Approach

We present the first productive ring-closing metathesis reaction that leads to the construction of cyclic alkenyl bromides. Efficient catalysis employing commercially available Grubbs II catalyst is possible through appropriate modification of the starting bromoalkene moiety.

Synthesis of Stapled β3-Peptides through Ring-Closing Metathesis

The first synthesis of carbon-stapled beta(3)-peptides is reported. The precursor beta(3)-peptides, with O-allyl beta-serines located in an i/i+3 relationship, were prepared on solid phase. We show that efficient ring-closing metathesis (RCM) of these new beta(3)-peptides proceeds smoothly either in solution or on an appropriate solid support. All products were generated with high selectivity for the E-isomer.

Total synthesis of cyathin A(3) and cyathin B(2).

A stereoselective synthesis of cyathin A(3) and cyathin B(2) has been achieved by a Prins-type reaction of a cycloalkenyl cyclopropanol. Particularly noteworthy is the use of a spirocyclobutanone moiety as a convenient scaffold for an efficient ring-closing metathesis to stereoselectively construct a suitably functionalized seven-membered ring (see scheme).

Evolution of the total synthesis of (-)-okilactomycin exploiting a tandem oxy-cope rearrangement/oxidation, a Petasis-Ferrier union/rearrangement, and ring-closing metathesis.

An effective, asymmetric total synthesis of the antitumor antibiotic (-)-okilactomycin (1), as well as assignment of the absolute configuration, has been achieved exploiting a convergent strategy. Highlights of the synthesis include a diastereoselective oxy-Cope rearrangement/oxidation sequence to install the C(1) and C(13) stereogenic centers, a Petasis-Ferrier union/rearrangement to construct the highly functionalized tetrahydropyranone inscribed within the 13-membered macrocycle ring, employing for the first time a sterically demanding acetal, an intramolecular chemoselective acylation to access an embedded bicyclic lactone, and an efficient ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction to generate the macrocyclic ring.

Facile and E-Selective Intramolecular Ring-Closing Metathesis Reactions in 310-Helical Peptides: A 3D Structural Study

The ring-closing metathesis reaction can be used to cross-link allylated serine residues situated at the i and i + 3 positions in 310-helical peptides containing the helicogenic amino acid, α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib). An octapeptide with the sequence Boc-Aib-Aib-Aib-Ser(Al)-Aib-Aib-Ser(Al)-Aib-OMe was found to undergo a facile and >20:1 E-selective ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction catalyzed by the Grubbs second-generation catalyst to yield an 18-membered macrocycle. The formation of this cross-link does not significantly disturb the peptide's native 310-helicity, as judged by an X-ray diffraction study of the acyclic diene, the E-olefin RCM product, and its hydrogenated derivative. A heptapeptide system with the sequence Boc-Val-Ser(Al)-Leu-Aib-Ser(Al)-Val-Leu-OMe also underwent an efficient RCM reaction, albeit with diminished E-selectivity. It is apparent from these studies that a minimal, RCM-derived, macrocyclic constraint can be readily incorporated into 310-helical peptides.

Salicylaldimine Ruthenium Alkylidene Complexes: Metathesis Catalysts Tuned for Protic Solvents

Tuning the electronic and steric environment of olefin metathesis catalysts with specialized ligands can adapt them to broader applications, including metathesis in aqueous solvents. Bidentate salicylaldimine ligands are known to stabilize ruthenium alkylidene complexes, as well as allow ring-closing metathesis in protic media. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of exceptionally robust olefin metathesis catalysts bearing both bidentate salicylaldimine and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, including a trimethylammonium-functionalized complex adapted for polar solvents. NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis confirm the structures of the complexes. Although the N-heterocyclic carbene-salicylaldimine ligand combination limits the activity of these catalysts in nonpolar solvents, this pairing enables efficient ring-closing metathesis of both dienes and enynes in methanol and methanol-water mixtures under air.

Macrocyclization by Ring‐Closing Metathesis in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products: Reaction Conditions and Limitations

The construction of macrocycles by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) is often used as the key step in the synthesis of natural products containing large rings. This reaction is attractive because of its high functional group compatibility and the possibility for further transformations. The finding of suitable reaction conditions is critical for the success of the synthesis. In this Minireview we summarize the efforts of many research groups to develop efficient RCM reactions on their way towards the total synthesis of natural macrocyclic products. Their findings should help in future synthesis to reduce the time-consuming phase of the optimization of the reaction conditions.

Ring Closing Metathesis in the Synthesis of Sultones and Sultams

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Formal total synthesis of camptothecin via ring-closing metathesis strategy

A formal total synthesis of camptothecin 1 is presented. The key steps include construction of the D-ring of camptothecin featuring an efficient ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction and the subsequent Michael addition of nitropropane across the double bond of the dihydropyridone 3 .

Efficient syntheses of oncinotine and neooncinotine.

We have synthesized two natural alkaloids, oncinotine (1) and neooncinotine (2), by means of efficient ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions. The required dienes for RCM were assembled from three basic components: 2-allylpiperidine (5), 9-decenoic acid (6), and diamines 7. We developed two different methods to achieve the linkage: the Michael addition of acrylamide and two amidations of succinic anhydride. The Grubbs catalyst was used to form the 17- and 18-membered lactams in 50% and 68% yields, respectively.

A Concise Synthesis of β‐Lactam—Sulfonamide Hybrids.

AbstractFor Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.

Ring Closing Metathesis in the Synthesis of Sultones and Sultams

Unsaturated sultones with normal, medium and large ring sizes were efficiently synthesized by ring closing metathesis (RCM) of sulfonates. The resulting α,β-unsaturated sultones act as dienophiles in intermolecular Diels-Alder reactions. A first cyclic sulfate formation through RCM has been discovered, and a rapid access to β-lactams fused to a sultam moiety of variable ring size was developed from inexpensive, commercially available starting materials using RCM as the key operation. An efficient RCM of 4-vinyl-azetidin-2-ones to give 1-aza-bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-8-ones is also described.

A concise synthesis of β-lactam–sulfonamide hybrids

Using ring closing metathesis (RCM) as the key operation, a rapid access to β-lactams fused to a sultam moiety of variable ring size was developed from low cost, commercially available starting materials. An efficient RCM of 4-vinyl-azetidin-2-ones to give 1-aza-bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-8-ones is also reported.