Formation Of Lactone Ring Research Articles

CYP76BK1 orthologs catalyze furan and lactone ring formation in clerodane diterpenoids across the mint family.

The Lamiaceae (mint family) is the largest known source of furanoclerodanes, a subset of clerodane diterpenoids with broad bioactivities including insect antifeedant properties. The Ajugoideae subfamily, in particular, accumulates significant numbers of structurally related furanoclerodanes. The biosynthetic capacity for formation of these diterpenoids is retained across most Lamiaceae subfamilies, including the early-diverging Callicarpoideae which forms a sister clade to the rest of Lamiaceae. VacCYP76BK1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Vitex agnus-castus, was previously found to catalyze the formation ofthe proposed precursor to furan and lactone-containing labdane diterpenoids. Through transcriptome-guided pathway exploration, we identified orthologs of VacCYP76BK1 in Ajuga reptans and Callicarpa americana. Functional characterization demonstrated that both could catalyze the oxidative cyclization of clerodane backbones to yield a furan ring. Subsequent investigation revealed a total of 10 CYP76BK1 orthologs across six Lamiaceae subfamilies. Through analysis of available chromosome-scale genomes, we identified four CYP76BK1 members as syntelogs within a conserved syntenic block across divergent subfamilies. This suggests an evolutionary lineage that predates the speciation of the Lamiaceae. Functional characterization of the CYP76BK1 orthologs affirmed conservation of function, as all catalyzed furan ring formation. Additionally, some orthologs yielded two novel lactone ring moieties. The presence of the CYP76BK1 orthologs across Lamiaceae subfamilies closely overlaps with the distribution of reported furanoclerodanes. Together, the activities and distribution of the CYP76BK1 orthologs identified here support their central role in furanoclerodane biosynthesis within the Lamiaceae family. Our findings lay the groundwork for biotechnological applications to harness the economic potential of this promising class of compounds.

CYP76BK1 orthologs catalyze furan and lactone ring formation in clerodane diterpenoids across the mint family.

The Lamiaceae (mint family) is the largest known source of furanoclerodanes, a subset of clerodane diterpenoids with broad bioactivities including insect antifeedant properties. The Ajugoideae subfamily, in particular, accumulates significant numbers of structurally related furanoclerodanes. The biosynthetic capacity for formation of these diterpenoids is retained across most Lamiaceae subfamilies, including the early-diverging Callicarpoideae which forms a sister clade to the rest of Lamiaceae. VacCYP76BK1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Vitex agnus-castus, was previously found to catalyze the formation of the proposed precursor to furan and lactone-containing labdane diterpenoids. Through transcriptome-guided pathway exploration, we identified orthologs of VacCYP76BK1 in Ajuga reptans and Callicarpa americana. Functional characterization demonstrated that both could catalyze the oxidative cyclization of clerodane backbones to yield a furan ring. Subsequent investigation revealed a total of ten CYP76BK1 orthologs across six Lamiaceae subfamilies. Through analysis of available chromosome-scale genomes, we identified four CYP76BK1 members as syntelogs within a conserved syntenic block across divergent subfamilies. This suggests an evolutionary lineage that predates the speciation of the Lamiaceae. Functional characterization of the CYP76BK1 orthologs affirmed conservation of function, as all catalyzed furan ring formation. Additionally, some orthologs yielded two novel lactone ring moieties. The presence of the CYP76BK1 orthologs across Lamiaceae subfamilies closely overlaps with the distribution of reported furanoclerodanes. Together, the activities and distribution of the CYP76BK1 orthologs identified here support their central role in furanoclerodane biosynthesis within the Lamiaceae family. Our findings lay the groundwork for biotechnological applications to harness the economic potential of this promising class of compounds.

Application of Pd-catalyzed carbonylation followed by spontaneous oxa-Michael addition/diastereoselective reduction of ynone: Synthesis of (+)-goniofufurone

Synthesis of (+)-goniofufurone isolated from Goniothalamus giganteus was achieved. The key steps involve Pd-catalyzed carbonylation followed by spontaneous oxa-Michael reaction for lactone ring formation and diastereoselective reduction of ynone for preparing the chiral building block toward the synthesis of the titled compound.

Photoinitiator-free radical photopolymerization using polybrominated and polychlorinated aromatic methacrylates: Investigations on the mechanisms of initiation

In this study, pentabrominated and pentachlorinated phenyl methacrylate (PBPMA, PCPMA) were studied with respect to their suitability to initiate a photoinduced radical polymerization of an acrylic formulation without conventional photoinitiator. Real-time FTIR spectroscopy (RTIR) was used to study the kinetics of the polymerization reaction. Both halogenated monomers were found to be effective as initiators. Moreover, different experimental techniques such as laser flash photolysis (LFP), product analysis by GC/MS and FTIR spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical modeling were used to elucidate possible reaction pathways for the initiation of a photopolymerization reaction. A release of bromine radicals was observed by LFP after irradiation of PBPMA, which may initiate the polymerization similarly to the tetrabromophenyl methacrylate radicals. In contrast, no formation of free chlorine radicals from PCPMA was detected. Rather, GC/MS measurements after stationary photolysis indicated the formation of bicyclic isomers from PCPMA upon irradiation. Extensive quantum chemical modeling substantiated the formation of two different isomers. Accordingly, we propose that relocalization of the chlorine atom from the ortho position and subsequent ring closure via the methacrylate group may occur upon irradiation, which finally results in the formation of two bicyclic isomers with either a five- or a six-membered lactone ring. Spectra simulation and additional experiments by FTIR spectroscopy seem to indicate that the initiation of the photopolymerization with PCPMA might preferably proceed via the bicyclic molecule with the six-membered lactone ring and subsequent radical formation.

Applications of Yamaguchi Method to Esterification and Macrolactonization in Total Synthesis of Bioactive Natural Products

AbstractYamaguchi protocol provides functionalized esters regioselectively from carboxylic acids and alcohols employing 2,4,6‐trichlorobenzoyl chloride as the condensation reagent in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminopyridine. The key features of this method comprise a high yield of esters, short reaction time, mild conditions, macrocyclic lactone ring formation, and regioselective preparation of highly functionalized esters. Such beneficial quality of this method as a whole have motivated the organic chemist and biological community to explore the application of Yamaguchi protocol in more heights and as a result, the present overview is aimed to cover the application of this method as a key step in the area of the total synthesis of bioactive natural products. The present review tries to focus on the natural sources, structures, and biological activities of the promising natural products elegantly.

Mechanism of cyanocobalamin chlorination by hypochlorous acid.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a strong oxidant produced by myeloperoxidase. Previous work suggested that HOCl modifies the corrin ring of cobalamins to yield chlorinated species via mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Herein, we report a mechanistic study on the reaction between cyanocobalamin (CNCbl, vitamin B12) and HOCl. Under weakly acidic, neutral and weakly alkaline conditions, the reaction produces the c-lactone derivative of CNCbl chlorinated at the C10-position of corrin ring (C10-Cl-CNCbl-c-lactone). Formation of C10-Cl-CNCbl-c-lactone was not observed at pH ≥ 9.9. The chlorination of CNCbl by HOCl proceeds via two pathways involving one and two HOCl molecules: the reaction is initiated by the very fast formation of a complex between CNCbl and HOCl, which either undergoes slow transformation to chlorinated species, or rapidly reacts with a second HOCl molecule to produce C10-Cl-CNCbl. Subsequent reaction of C10-Cl-CNCbl with HOCl proceeds rapidly toward lactone ring formation by H-atom abstraction at position C8. This work uncovered mechanisms and products of the reaction of a biologically active and therapeutically used cobalamin, CNCbl and the endogenous oxidant HOCl. Binding and reactivity studies of C10-Cl-CNCbl and C10-Cl-CNCbl-c-lactone with relevant proteins of the cobalamin pathway and with cultured cells are necessary to elucidate the potential physiological effects of these species.

A stereotetrad-centered approach toward pironetin: Dead ends, Detour, and evolution of the synthetic strategy

Pironetin is a unique α-tubulin inhibitor and has been of utmost interest in the synthetic community. Based on the enabling method to access various stereotriads and stereotetrads, we devised a new total synthesis of pironetin, a total 13 steps from commercially available (S)-Roche ester, representing one of the shortest synthetic routes reported to date. The facile fragmentation induced by the deprotonation of the pyrone ring at C4 led us to reorient the installation of the remote enone moiety prior to the lactone ring formation. Moreover, the undesired Michael addition of a phosphate reagent to the acrylate guided us to introduce a sterically demanding cinnamate motif that was also found to facilitate the selective removal of the TBDPS group. The evolution of the synthetic route underlines that the experimental execution of the reactivity of various functional groups is instrumental to devise a successful synthesis.

Synthesis of (+)-goniopypyrone and (+)-goniotriol using Pd-catalyzed carbonylation

Syntheses of (+)-goniopypyrone and (+)-goniotriol isolated from Goniothalamus giganteus were achieved. The key steps involve Pd-catalyzed carbonylation for lactone ring formation and diastereoselective reduction of ynone using the (R)-CBS catalyst and borane dimethyl sulfide complex.

Poecillastrin H, a Chondropsin-Type Macrolide with a Conjugated Pentaene Moiety, from a Characella sp. Marine Sponge.

Poecillastrin H (1), a chondropsin-type macrolide with a conjugated pentaene moiety, was isolated from the Characella sp. marine sponge. The planar structure of 1 was elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of the β-hydroxyaspartic acid residue (β-OHAsp) was determined to be d- threo by Marfey's analysis, and the mode of lactone ring formation through the OHAsp residue was determined by chemical degradation. Poecillastrin H was extremely sensitive toward light and showed potent cytotoxic activity against 3Y1 cells with an IC50 value of 4.1 nM.

Poecillastrin E, F, and G, cytotoxic chondropsin-type macrolides from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp.

Poecillastrin E (1), F (2), and G (3) were isolated from a marine sponge Poecillastra sp. as the cytotoxic constituents. Their planar structures were determined by analyzing the MS and NMR spectra. They are closely related to the known poecillastrin C (4). The absolute configuration of the β-hydroxyaspartic acid (OHAsp) residue was determined to be D-threo by Marfey's analysis of the hydrolysate. The mode of lactone ring formation of OHAsp residue in 1–3 was determined by selective reduction of the ester linkage followed by acid hydrolysis.

Identification and functional characterization of a p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase involved in the biosynthesis of coumarin skeleton from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn.

A p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase responsible for the formation of coumarin lactone ring was identified from Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn and functionally characterized in vitro. Coumarins are important plant secondary metabolites with a variety of biological activities. Ortho-hydroxylation of cinnamates leads to the formation of coumarin lactone ring and is generally thought to be a key step in coumarin biosynthesis. However, ortho-hydroxylases, especially p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase (C2'H) responsible for the biosynthesis of the most common coumarin skeleton, have received insufficient attention. Here, a putative ortho-hydroxylase PpC2'H was isolated from P. praeruptorum Dunn, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb rich in coumarins. Expression profile indicated that PpC2'H exhibited the highest transcript level in roots and could be up-regulated by MeJA elicitation. Subcellular localization of PpC2'H was demonstrated to be cytosol in planta. In order to functionally characterize PpC2'H, the purified recombinant protein was incubated with various potential substrates. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis indicated that PpC2'H catalyzed the conversion of p-coumaroyl CoA into hydroxylated intermediate, which then underwent spontaneous lactonization to generate umbelliferone. Our data also showed that light would promote the spontaneous process. In addition, based on homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, amino acid residues Phe-130, Lys-141, Asn-207, His-224, Asp-226, His-282 and Phe-298 were verified essential for enzymatic activity. These findings provide insight into structure-function relationship of this pivotal ortho-hydroxylase and also contribute to elucidating the biosynthetic mechanism of coumarin skeleton.

Metabolism of metofluthrin in rats: I. Identification of metabolites

1. Metofluthrin (2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-(methoxymethyl)benzyl (Z/E)-(1R)-trans-2,2-dimethyl-3-(1-propenyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylate) is a novel pyrethroid insecticide, which has E/Z isomers at prop-1-enyl group.2. Rats were orally dosed with each [14C]-labelled E/Z isomer, and the excreta were collected for isolation and identification of metabolites. Analysis of the excreta by LC/MS and NMR revealed formation of 33 and 23 (total 42) metabolites from rats dosed with Z-isomer and E-isomer, respectively.3. Major metabolic reactions were cleavage of ester linkage, O-demethylation, hydroxylation, epoxidation or reduction of double bond, glutathione conjugation and its further metabolism, hydroxylation of epoxide and formation of lactone ring. Notably, the acid side, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(1-propenyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, was much more variously metabolised compared to chrysanthemic acid, the acid side of the known pyrethroids.4. Major metabolites for Z-isomer mostly retained ester linkage with 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group and/or 2-methylalcohol of cyclopropane ring, while most of those for E-isomer received hydrolysis of the ester linkage without oxidation at the 1-propenyl group or the gem-methyl groups, suggesting epoxidation and hydroxylation could occur more easily on Z-isomer.5. As the novel metabolic pathways for pyrethroids, isomerisation of ω-carboxylic acid moiety, reduction or hydration of double bond and cleavage of cyclopropane ring via epoxidation were suggested.

Chemical Equilibria and Kinetics in Aqueous Solutions of Zymonic Acid.

The chemistry of pyruvic acid is of great interest due to its essential role in metabolism for all life and its role in atmospheric chemistry. Pyruvic acid under a wide range of conditions, including normal storage conditions, will spontaneously dimerize to form zymonic acid. We isolated zymonic acid and, using a variety of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, identified it as a single structure as a solid or dissolved in DMSO. When in aqueous solution, however, we identified a mixture of five different tautomers and hydrates in equilibrium with each other with no single dominant form. The kinetics of this conversion were studied in situ via NMR. The reactivity of the tautomers and hydrates in aqueous solution is investigated and discussed in terms of aqueous reaction mechanisms. There is strong evidence for a direct, reversible conversion from an enol to a geminal diol without passing through a ketone intermediate, which implies the reversible addition of water across a double bond under ambient conditions. Additionally, there is evidence for a base catalyzed lactone ring formation, which is in essence a base catalyzed esterification reaction. The equilibrium between pyruvic acid and its oligomers in aqueous solution is of consequence in the natural environment.

Intramolecular Lactonization of Poly(α-hydroxyacrylic acid): Kinetics and Reaction Mechanism

Poly(α-hydroxyacrylic acid), PHA, is one of the few polymers with biodegradable properties used in mechanical pulp bleaching to stabilize hydrogen peroxide. A new method for the in situ follow-up of the lactone ring formation of PHA has been developed. The results have further been applied to describe the reaction kinetics of the lactonization and hydrolysis reactions through parameter estimation. In addition, the reaction mechanism is elucidated by multivariate data analysis. Satisfactory identification and semiquantitative separation of the lactone ring as well as the acyclic (carboxyl and hydroxyl groups) forms have been established by 1H NMR in the pH range of 1–9. The lactonization reaction approaching equilibrium can be described by pseudo-first-order kinetics in the pH range of 1–6. The rate constants of the pseudo-first-order kinetic model have been estimated by nonlinear regression. Due to the very low rates of lactonization as well as the weak pH dependency of the reaction, an addition-elimination mechanism is proposed. Additionally, the presence of a transient reaction intermediate during lactonization reaction could be identified by subjecting the measurement data to multivariate data analysis (PCA, principal component analysis). A good correlation was found between the kinetic and the PCA models in terms of model validity.

Pulse radiolysis and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry studies on the reactions of the carbonate radical with vitamin B12 derivatives.

The reactions of the carbonate radical anion (CO3 (.) (-) ) with vitamin B12 derivatives were studied by pulse radiolysis. The carbonate radical anion directly oxidizes the metal center of cob(II)alamin quantitively to give hydroxycobalamin, with a bimolecular rate constant of 2.0×10(9) M(-1) s(-1) . The reaction of CO3 (.) (-) with hydroxycobalamin proceeds in two steps. The second-order rate constant for the first reaction is 4.3×10(8) M(-1) s(-1) . The rate of the second reaction is independent of the hydroxycobalamin concentration and is approximately 3.0×10(3) s(-1) . Evidence for formation of corrinoid complexes differing from cobalamin by the abstraction of two or four hydrogen atoms from the corrin macrocycle and lactone ring formation has been obtained by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC/HRMS). A mechanism is proposed in which abstraction of a hydrogen atom by CO3 (.) (-) from a carbon atom not involved in the π conjugation system of the corrin occurs in the first step, resulting in formation of a Co(III) C-centered radical that undergoes rapid intramolecular electron transfer to form the corresponding Co(II) carbocation complex for about 50 % of these complexes. Subsequent competing pathways lead to formation of corrinoid complexes with two fewer hydrogen atoms and lactone derivatives of B12 . Our results demonstrate the potential of UHPLC combined with HRMS in the separation and identification of tetrapyrrole macrocycles with minor modifications from their parent molecule.

Rice cytochrome P450 MAX1 homologs catalyze distinct steps in strigolactone biosynthesis.

Strigolactones (SLs) are a class of phytohormones and rhizosphere signaling compounds with high structural diversity. Three enzymes, carotenoid isomerase DWARF27 and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases CCD7 and CCD8, were previously shown to convert all-trans-β-carotene to carlactone (CL), the SL precursor. However, how CL is metabolized to SLs has remained elusive. Here, by reconstituting the SL biosynthetic pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana, we show that a rice homolog of Arabidopsis More Axillary Growth 1 (MAX1), encodes a cytochrome P450 CYP711 subfamily member that acts as a CL oxidase to stereoselectively convert CL into ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol (B-C lactone ring formation), the presumed precursor of rice SLs. A protein encoded by a second rice MAX1 homolog then catalyzes the conversion of ent-2'-epi-5-deoxystrigol to orobanchol. We therefore report that two members of CYP711 enzymes can catalyze two distinct steps in SL biosynthesis, identifying the first enzymes involved in B-C ring closure and a subsequent structural diversification step of SLs.

A simple and efficient stereoselective synthesis of (−)-cleistenolide

A simple and straightforward stereoselective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated δ-lactone, (−)-cleistenolide has been accomplished in 10 steps in an overall yield of 19%, starting from inexpensive and commercially available starting materials, respectively. This linear synthesis utilizes Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, sulfur ylide mediated epoxide opening followed by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) for the formation of six-membered lactone ring as the key step sequence.

Synthesis and photochemical reactivity of new 4-substituted naphtho[1,2- b]pyran derivatives

A new naphtho[1,2- b]pyran possessing an ester substituent in position 4 was prepared from 2,3-dihydro-2,2-diphenyl-4 H-naphtho[1,2- b]pyran-4-one and then converted to the carboxylic acid derivative. The photochromic behaviour of these two compounds was studied by UV–vis spectroscopy and the structures of the photoproducts elucidated by NMR. Under UV irradiation the uncoloured ester derivative afforded a single coloured photoisomer having a transoid- trans (TT) configuration while the acid was irreversibly transformed into degradation products. In strong acid medium both compounds were converted to a spiro derivative formed through the opening of the pyran ring followed by an intramolecular lactone ring formation and electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Production of the Antifungal Isochromanone Ajudazols†A and B in Chondromyces crocatus Cm†c5: Biosynthetic Machinery and Cytochrome†P450 Modifications

The authors of this Communication have recognized an error in Scheme 1. The correct Scheme 1 is shown here. Proposed mechanism for formation of the isochromanone ring system and chain release. a) The TE catalyzes lactone ring formation, which is followed by aldol addition and aromatization of ring I. b) Aldol addition and aromatization occur to generate ring I, followed by TE-catalyzed lactonization and chain release to afford ring II. The text which refers to this Scheme (page 4597, left column) is also incorrect. It should read: “This observation suggests two alternative mechanisms for chain release coupled to isochromanone formation, to yield the putative intermediate deshydroxyajudazol B (3) (Scheme 1): TE-catalyzed attack of the C9 hydroxy group of the chain onto the acyl ester bond to give the free ten-membered ring lactone, followed by C2–C7 aldol addition and ring I aromatization; or b) aldol addition/aromatization to form ring I while the intermediate remains tethered to the TE, followed by TE-catalyzed lactonization and chain release to yield ring II.” The authors would like to point out that this error does not affect the interpretation of data in the manuscript.

Enantiodivergent synthesis of cytotoxic styryl lactones from d-xylose. The first total synthesis of (+)- and (−)-crassalactone C

Enantiodivergent total syntheses of both (+)- and (−)-enantiomers of goniofufurone, 7- epi-goniofufurone and crassalactone C have been accomplished starting from d-xylose. The key steps of the synthesis of 7- epi-(+)-goniofufurone were a stereo-selective addition of phenyl magnesium bromide to a protected dialdose, and a stereospecific furano–lactone ring formation by reaction of a related hemiacetal derivative with Meldrum's acid. Synthesis of both (+)-goniofufurone and (+)-crassalactone C required a configurational inversion at C-5 in the common intermediate that was efficiently achieved under the standard Mitsunobu conditions, or alternatively through a sequential oxidation of the benzylic hydroxyl group followed by a stereo-selective reduction with borohydride. A similar approach was then applied to the synthesis of the unnatural (−)-enantiomers of goniofufurone, 7- epi-goniofufurone and crassalactone C, as well as two novel, conformationally constrained analogues of both (+)- and (−)-goniofufurone. Their in vitro antiproliferative activities against a number of human tumour cell lines were recorded and compared with those observed for the parent natural products.