Intramolecular Diels-Alder Cycloaddition Research Articles

Rosellichalasins A–H, cytotoxic cytochalasans from the endophytic fungus Rosellinia sp. Glinf021

Eight new cytochalasans rosellichalasins A–H (1–8), as well as two new shunt metabolites rosellinins A (9) and B (10) before intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction in cytochalasan biosynthesis, along with nine known cytochalsans (11–19) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Rosellinia sp. Glinf021, which was derived from the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza inflata. Their structures were characterized by extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as HRESIMS spectra and quantum chemical ECD calculations. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were evaluated against four human cancer cell lines including HCT116, MDA-MB-231, BGC823, and PANC-1 with IC50 values ranging from 0.5 to 58.2 μM.

Enantioselective total synthesis of (‒)-lucidumone enabled by tandem prins cyclization/cycloetherification sequence

The Ganoderma meroterpenoids are a growing class of natural products with architectural complexity, and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Here, we report an enantioselective total synthesis of the Ganoderma meroterpenoid (‒)-lucidumone. The synthetic route features several key transformations, including a) a Cu-catalyzed enantioselective silicon-tethered intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition to construct the highly functionalized bicyclo[2.2.2]octane moiety; b) Brønsted acid promoted tandem O-deprotection/Prins cyclization/Cycloetherification sequence followed by oxidation to install concurrently the tetrahydrofuran and the fused indanone framework; c) Fleming-Tamao oxidation to generate the secondary hydroxyl; d) an iron-catalyzed Wacker-type oxidation of hindered vinyl group to methyl ketone.

Routes to Advanced Intermediates in the Synthesis of Tetracarbocyclic Sesquiterpenoids Daphnenoid A and Artatrovirenols A and B.

A short route from dihydrocarvone is described, which led to the tetracarbocyclic core common to artatrovirenol A and B and daphnenoid A. A variant of this route afforded guaia-4,6-dien-3-one (from Enterospermum madagascarensis) and its epimer. From 2-(2-oxoethyl)furan, a 15-step sequence then delivered the complete carbon skeleton and all functionality necessary for daphnenoid A. Key steps in the route include diastereoselective intramolecular oxidopyrylium cycloaddition, oxa-bridge cleavage under "push-pull" conditions, and intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

On-Surface Synthesis of Anthracene-Fused Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons from 2,7-Dibromo-9,9'-bianthryl Reveals Unexpected Ring Rearrangements.

On-surface synthesis has emerged as a powerful strategy to fabricate unprecedented forms of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). However, the on-surface synthesis of zigzag GNRs (ZGNR) has met with only limited success. Herein, we report the synthesis and on-surface reactions of 2,7-dibromo-9,9'-bianthryl as the precursor toward π-extended ZGNRs. Characterization by scanning tunneling microscopy and high-resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy clearly demonstrated the formation of anthracene-fused ZGNRs. Unique skeletal rearrangements were also observed, which could be explained by intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Theoretical calculations of the electronic properties of the anthracene-fused ZGNRs revealed spin-polarized edge-states and a narrow bandgap of 0.20 eV.

Steglich Esterification of Activated Cinnamyl Cinnamate Derivatives and Computational Studies of Intramolecular Diels-Alder for Lignan Synthesis

A ryltetralin and arylnaphthalene lignans consisting of methylenedioxy or trimethoxy groups, such as podophyllotoxin and phyllanthusmin C, are known to have effective anticancer properties. The synthesis of these compounds can be achieved through intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions on cinnamyl cinnamate ester derivatives. Furthermore, this ester is commonly synthesized through an esterification reaction between cinnamoyl halide and cinnamyl alcohol. In this study, cinnamyl cinnamate only produced a 41% yield, while a nearly quantitative yield of 98% was obtained using the Steglich reaction with N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 4-dimethylaminopyridine. This reaction was used to synthesize eight cinnamyl cinnamate ester derivatives, which consisted of methylenedioxy and trimethoxy groups, following a combinatorial synthesis. 3,4-Methylenedioxy- and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohols were obtained by reducing methyl 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamate and 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, respectively. The results showed that the ester yields were excellent, except for the ester derivatives of 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamyl alcohol. This alcohol was unstable during column chromatography, leading to the direct esterification of the crude reduction products. A side product with Rf adjacent to the ester was obtained, thereby reducing the ester yield. The identification of this by-product and the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction on the products obtained were described in this study. Computational studies showed that transforming reactants into products led to the production of one intermediate compound and two transition states (TS). Each TS represented the intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction and migration of [1,3]-hydrogen. Thermodynamic studies consistently revealed that a solvent environment could effectively reduce the activation energy associated with a chemical process.

Molecular dynamics simulations and machine-learning assisted study of the reaction path bifurcation: Application to the intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition between cyclobutadiene and butadiene

The intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition between cyclobutadiene and butadiene, which involves post-transition-state bifurcation (PTSB), has been investigated using the ring-polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD), classical MD and quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) simulations, and supervised machine-learning (ML) technique. The branching fraction of this reaction strongly depends on the simulation temperature. While QCT, classical MD and RPMD simulations performed at room temperature, starting from the ambimodal transition state (TS), showed the similar dynamics, QCT overestimated the minor branching fraction at low temperature. The supervised machine-learning analysis revealed that the initial coordinates and momenta for low frequency modes at the ambimodal TS contribute to the branching dynamics. The classical MD and RPMD methods follow similar conditions to quantum Boltzmann distributions, whereas the artificially localized phase distribution, considering that the zero-point energy is wedged into the classical particles. As a result, the QCT method can provide inadequate bifurcation dynamics, such as the overestimation of the minor product.

Total Synthesis of Vilmoraconitine.

Vilmoraconitine belongs to one of the most complex skeleton types in the C19-diterpenoid alkaloids, which architecturally features an unprecedented heptacyclic core possessing a rigid cyclopropane unit. Here, we report the first total synthesis of vilmoraconitine relying on strategic use of efficient ring-forming reactions. Key steps include an oxidative dearomatization-induced Diels-Alder cycloaddition, a hydrodealkenylative fragmentation/Mannich sequence, and an intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

Elucidation of the stereocontrol mechanisms of the chemical and biosynthetic intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition for the formation of bioactive decalins.

The intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction (IMDA) is a powerful method for regioselective and stereoselective construction of functionalised decalin skeletons, and the recent discovery of enzymes that catalyse IMDA cycloaddition in biosynthesis has generated considerable interest. This study focused on the role of the absolute configuration of the C-6 carbon of the substrate polyene in the stereocontrol of the IMDA reaction catalysed by Fsa2 and Phm7, which construct different enantiomeric decalin skeletons. Their enantiomeric precursor polyenes were synthesised and subjected to enzymatic or thermal IMDA reactions to isolate various diastereomeric decalines and determine their absolute configuration. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations were performed to elucidate the stereocontrol mechanism underlying the formation of decalin. The results showed that Fsa2 exhibits the same equisetin-type stereoselectivity for enantiomeric substrates regardless of the 6-methyl group configuration of the substrate, while Phm7 shows two types of stereoselectivity depending on the configuration of the 6-methyl group. We also found a unique stereochemistry-activity relationship in antibacterial activity for decalin diastereomers, including new derivatives. This study provides new insights into the stereoselectivity of DAase, which is important in the synthesis of natural product skeletons.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Alstonlarsine A.

An enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-alstonlarsine A (1), a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid possessing a unique pentacyclic skeleton as well as a rare biological activity, is achieved. The key step is an efficient domino sequence, comprising enamine formation followed by an inverse-electron-demand intramolecular dearomative Diels-Alder cycloaddition for the construction of 9-azatricyclo[4.3.1.03,8 ]decane core. The key intermediate for this domino sequence was synthesized by a newly developed methodology, relying on indole C(2) -H bond functionalization, combined with intramolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction. This tactical combination offers a new general entry into other (privileged) tricyclic frameworks possessing indole ring fused to 6-, 7- or 8-membered rings.

Total Synthesis of Ophiorrhine A, G and Ophiorrhiside E Featuring a Bioinspired Intramolecular Diels–Alder Cycloaddition**

AbstractWe report the first total synthesis of the monoterpene indole alkaloids ophiorrhine A via a late stage bioinspired intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition to form the intricate bridged and spirannic polycyclic system. Several strategies were investigated to construct the indolopyridone moiety of ophiorrhiside E, the postulated biosynthetic precursor of ophiorrhine A. Eventually, the Friedel–Crafts‐type coupling of N‐methyl indolyl‐acetamide with a secologanin‐derived acid chloride delivered ophiorrhine G. Cyclodehydration of a protected form of the latter was followed by the desired spontaneous intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition of protected ophiorrhiside E leading to ophiorrhine A.

Total Synthesis of Ophiorrhine A, G and Ophiorrhiside E Featuring a Bioinspired Intramolecular Diels-Alder Cycloaddition.

We report the first total synthesis of the monoterpene indole alkaloids ophiorrhine A via a late stage bioinspired intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition to form the intricate bridged and spirannic polycyclic system. Several strategies were investigated to construct the indolopyridone moiety of ophiorrhiside E, the postulated biosynthetic precursor of ophiorrhine A. Eventually, the Friedel–Crafts‐type coupling of N‐methyl indolyl‐acetamide with a secologanin‐derived acid chloride delivered ophiorrhine G. Cyclodehydration of a protected form of the latter was followed by the desired spontaneous intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition of protected ophiorrhiside E leading to ophiorrhine A.

Discovery and characterization of a terpene biosynthetic pathway featuring a norbornene-forming Diels-Alderase

Pericyclases, enzymes that catalyze pericyclic reactions, form an expanding family of enzymes that have biocatalytic utility. Despite the increasing number of pericyclases discovered, the Diels-Alder cyclization between a cyclopentadiene and an olefinic dienophile to form norbornene, which is among the best-studied cycloadditions in synthetic chemistry, has surprisingly no enzymatic counterpart to date. Here we report the discovery of a pathway featuring a norbornene synthase SdnG for the biosynthesis of sordaricin-the terpene precursor of antifungal natural product sordarin. Full reconstitution of sordaricin biosynthesis reveals a concise oxidative strategy used by Nature to transform an entirely hydrocarbon precursor into the highly functionalized substrate of SdnG for intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. SdnG generates the norbornene core of sordaricin and accelerates this reaction to suppress host-mediated redox modifications of the activated dienophile. Findings from this work expand the scopes of pericyclase-catalyzed reactions and P450-mediated terpene maturation.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Antibiotic Elansolid A.

Elansolid A is a structurally complex polyketide macrolactone natural product that exhibits promising antibacterial properties. Its challenging asymmetric total synthesis was achieved by a convergent strategy, in which the tetrahydroindane core of the molecule and an eastern vinyl iodide moiety were combined as the main fragments. The central tetrahydroindane motif was constructed with high stereoselectivity by a bioinspired intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition, generating four stereogenic centers in a single step. The stereocontrol of this key step could be achieved by virtue of a 1,3-allylic strain generated by the temporary introduction of a steric-directing iodine substituent on the substrate. The formation of the macrolactone motif that completes the synthesis was achieved via two different retrosynthetic disconnections, namely, a Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling or an alternative Mukaiyama esterification reaction.

Intramolecular Diels–Alder Cycloaddition of Furan-Derived β-Enamino Diketones: An Entry to Diastereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Pyrano[3,2-c]quinolin-5-one Derivatives

A series of 1,3-cyclodiketone- and tetrahydroepoxyisoindole-fused β-enamino dicarbonyl heterocycles were synthesized via a 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-catalyzed, CH3NO2-mediated three-component reaction of 1,3-cyclodiketone, furfural, and allylamine in toluene. The target compounds were generated via the formation of β-enamino diketone as a key intermediate, followed by intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The prepared molecules bearing a quinoline-2,4-dione moiety could be further brominated with N-bromosuccinimide and diastereoselectively reduced by NaBH4 to afford pyrano[3,2-c]quinolin-5-one-derived heterocycles with six vicinal stereogenic centers.

Allenes in Diels–Alder Cycloadditions

AbstractFor a long time, allenes—and cumulenic systems in general—played a relatively minor role in Diels–Alder cycloadditions. This situation has changed, since allenes are more readily available and as their unique stereochemical features in [4+2]cycloadditions are more widely recognized. This review presents a comprehensive overview of allenes in Diels–Alder processes using selected examples. Allenes in dienes, dienophiles and cycloadducts are covered, inter- and intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloadditions are discussed, and stereochemical features of the addition process are described. Areas of emerging importance are also covered, including allenic components in dehydro-Diels–Alder processes, and dendralenic allenes in Diels–Alder sequences for the rapid generation of target-relevant molecular complexity. Preparatively useful methods for allenic precursor synthesis are also discussed.1 Introduction2 Allenic Dienes2.1 Vinylallenes2.2 Bisallenes2.3 Cross-conjugated Allenes3 Allenic Dienophiles4 Intramolecular Diels–Alder Cycloadditions5 Allenic Cycloadducts6 Conclusions and Outlook

Studies toward norzoanthamine: Ireland–Claisen rearrangements of α,β-unsaturated esters in a stereocontrolled synthesis of trans-fused 2-cyclohexen-1-ones

The enantiocontrolled preparation of the trans-fused ABC ring system of norzoanthamine is described. The synthesis strategy has incorporated studies of Ireland–Claisen rearrangements of esters derived from 3,3-dimethylacrylic acid. Stereocontrol results from competing chair- and boat-like transition states. Introduction of a nitroalkene by application of a modified Henry reaction facilitates an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition for an effective and simple transformation to the desired conjugated decalone. A fully functionalized AB ring system leads to the cyclization of the trans-fused cyclohexenone to complete the ABC system via ring-closing metathesis.

Total Synthesis of the Cephalotaxus Norditerpenoids (±)-Cephanolides A-D.

Concise syntheses of the Cephalotaxus norditerpenoids cephanolides A-D (8-14 steps from commercial material) using a common late-stage synthetic intermediate are described. The success of our approach rested on an early decision to apply chemical network analysis to identify the strategic bonds that needed to be forged, as well as the efficient construction of the carbon framework through iterative Csp2-Csp3 cross-coupling, followed by an intramolecular inverse-demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Strategic late-stage oxidations facilitated access to all congeners of the benzenoid cephanolides isolated to date.

The Synthesis, Structural Characterisation, and Chemoselective Manipulation of Certain Functionalised Cyclic Sulfates Derived from Chiral, Non-Racemic, and Polysubstituted Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,3-diols

Certain cyclic sulfates (e.g. 23) together with various of their precursor sulfites (e.g. 21 and 22) have been prepared from the corresponding chiral, non-racemic bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,3-diols (e.g. 20). Such diols are obtained by engaging the corresponding enzymatically derived and enantiomerically enriched or homochiral cis-1,2-dihydrocatechol (e.g. 10) or certain derivatives in either inter- or intra-molecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions. Other functionalities present within the title compounds can be chemoselectively manipulated without adversely affecting the associated sulfate residues.

Artatrovirenols A and B: Two Cagelike Sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia atrovirens.

Artatrovirenols A and B (1 and 2), two novel cagelike sesquiterpenoids, possess a unique 5/5/6/5/5-pentacyclic and a 5/5/6/5-tetracyclic system with an unprecedented tetracyclo[5.3.1.1.4,1101,5]dodecane scaffold from Artemisia atrovirens. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 including their absolute stereochemistry were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculations. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for the new isolates were proposed from the naturally occurring arglabin (3) via the key intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, and Huh7) with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 123.8, 44.0, and 142.6 μΜ, respectively.

Regio‐, enantio‐, peri‐, and stereo‐selectivities of the reactions of five‐membered cyclodiene derivatives with itaconic anhydride toward the formation of norbornene lactones

AbstractThe reactions of five‐membered cyclodiene derivatives with itaconic anhydride could proceed via four plausible pathways: two pathways involving initial Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions followed by lactonization, and two pathways involving direct ring‐opening esterification reactions followed by intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition, all to afford five‐ and six‐membered norbornene lactones, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of biologically interesting molecules as well as polymers such as polyelectrolytes. There are several regio‐, enantio‐, peri‐, and stereo‐chemical possibilities in these reactions, leading to several potential pathways, and these pathways are studied with density functional theory calculations in this work. The results reveal that the initial Diels–Alder reaction pathways have lower activation barriers than esterification reaction pathways. Generally, the activation barriers for the formation of S‐enantiomers are lower compared with the formation of R‐enantiomers. The reactions are stereo‐selective toward endo‐cycloadducts over exo‐cycloadducts, and this is as a result of steric interaction. The analysis of the electrophilic (Pk+) and nucleophilic (Pk−) Parr functions at the reactive centers shows that the cycloaddition will happen in such a way as to unite the atoms with the highest molecular orbital coefficients because this would lead to the greatest stabilization, and this is in good agreement with the energetic trends and the experimental outcome.