Low Diastereoselectivity Research Articles

Asymmetric Organocatalyzed Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphinates via Thiourea Anion‐Binding Catalysis

AbstractThioureas catalyze the reaction of phosphonites with in situ‐generated isoquinolinium salts to give C and P‐stereogenic α‐aminophosphinates in high enantioselectivity (up to 96 %) and yield (up to 95 %). Low diastereoselectivity was obtained and this is rationalized in the context of a mechanistic proposal involving anion‐binding catalysis of the P−C bond formation step followed by uncatalyzed Arbuzov collapse. The scope of the reaction, including a g‐scale example, was demonstrated.

Chiral Lewis Base-Catalysed Asymmetric Syntheses of Benzo-fused ϵ-Lactones.

We herein report a two-step protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of novel chiral benzofused ϵ-lactones starting from O-protected hydroxymethyl-para-quinone methides and activated aryl esters. By using chiral isothiourea Lewis base catalysts a broad variety of differently substituted products could be obtained in yields of around 50 % over both steps with high levels of enantioselectivities, albeit low diastereoselectivities only.

Pd-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyclopropanation of 2-Substituted 1,3-Dienes.

A Pd-catalyzed 3,4-regioselective cyclopropanation of 2-substituted 1,3-dienes by decomposition of diazo esters is reported. The vinylcyclopropanes generated are isolated in practical chemical yields with high levels of regioselectivity but low diastereoselectivity. The system operates under mild reaction conditions, is scalable, and tolerates various sensitive functional groups. A series of original postcatalytic derivatizations is presented to highlight the synthetic potential of the catalytic method.

Discovery and Engineering of the l-Threonine Aldolase from Neptunomonas marine for the Efficient Synthesis of β-Hydroxy-α-amino Acids via C–C Formation

l-Threonine aldolases (LTAs) are attractive biocatalysts for synthesizing β-hydroxy-α-amino acids (HAAs) via C–C bond formation in pharmaceuticals, although their industrial applications suffer from low activity and diastereoselectivity. Herein, we describe the discovery of an LTA from Neptunomonas marine (NmLTA) that displays both ideal enzymatic activity (64.8 U mg–1) and diastereoselectivity (89.5% diastereomeric excess, de) for the desired product l-threo-4-methylsulfonylphenylserine (l-threo-MTPS). Using X-ray crystallography, site-directed mutagenesis, and computational modeling, we propose a “dual-conformation” mechanism for the diastereoselectivity control of NmLTA, whereby the incoming 4-methylsulfonylbenzaldehyde (4-MTB) could potentially bind at the NmLTA active site in two distinct orientations, potentially forming two diastereoisomers (threo- or erythro-form products). Importantly, two key NmLTA residues H140 and Y319 play critical roles in fine-tuning the binding mode of 4-MTB, supported by our site-mutagenesis assays. Uncovering of the catalytic mechanism in NmLTA guides us to further improve the diastereoselectivity of this enzyme. A triple variant of NmLTA (N18S/Q39R/Y319L, SRL) exhibited both improved diastereoselectivity (de value > 99%) and enzymatic activity (95.7 U mg–1) for the synthesis of l-threo-MTPS compared with that of the wild type. The preparative gram-scale synthesis for l-threo-MTPS with the SRL variant produced a space-time yield of up to 9.0 g L–1 h–1, suggesting a potential role as a robust C–C bond synthetic tool for the industrial synthesis of HAAs at a preparative scale. Finally, the SRL variant accepted a wider range of aromatic aldehyde derivatives as substrates and exhibited improved diastereoselectivity toward para-site substituents. This work provides deep structural insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the catalysis in NmLTA and pinpoints the key structural motifs responsible for regulating the diastereoselectivity control, thereby guiding future attempts for protein engineering of various LTAs from different sources.

Recent Synthetic Developments of Asymmetric Multicomponent Transformations: Strecker, Mannich, Passerini and Ugi Reactions

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are important transformations, which allow the attainment of structurally complex derivatives in a single step, starting from three or more compounds with relatively simple structures. These reactions are generally associated with the principles of green chemistry, allowing the incorporation of most (or all) atoms of the starting materials in the products (atom economy) and reducing purification steps (and, consequently, the need for solvents and waste production). For a long time, asymmetric methodologies (in special enantioselective protocols) for most multicomponent transformations remained a gap in the literature, limiting the use of these reactions to produce derivatives only as racemates or in low diastereoselectivities. Over the last two decades, a better comprehension of the mechanisms associated with these transformations allowed the development of efficient enantio- and diastereoselective procedures, attracting the interest of both academia and industry. In this review, selected examples of four important multicomponent reactions (Strecker, Mannich, Passerini and Ugi) will be discussed, presenting a general overview of the development of this field and pointing out possible advantages and limitations of the above mentioned methodologies. In some cases, discussions around mechanisms, proposed transition states and activation modes will be detailed disclosed.

Stereochemical modulation of ketyl radical cyclization enabled by pyridine-boryl radicals: catalytic diastereoselective synthesis of trans-2-alkyl-1-indanols.

Previously available ketyl radical cyclization conditions suffer from low and uncontrollable diastereoselectivity because of the absence of reagent-substrate interactions. In this report, stereochemical modulation was accomplished by taking advantage of the pyridine-boryl radical, which leaves the synthetically modifiable boronate moiety on the carbonyl oxygen near the reacting center during the stereo-determining cyclization step. In consequence, a catalytic diastereoselective synthesis of trans-2-substituted-1-indanols was achieved in the presence of a sterically congested six-membered diboronic ester and an efficient hydrogen atom donor.

Multi-enzyme cascade for sustainable synthesis of l-threo-phenylserine by modulating aldehydes inhibition and kinetic/thermodynamic controls

l-Threonine transaldolase could catalyze the transaldolation of l-threonine and aldehyde to generate β-hydroxy-α-amino acids with high diastereoselectivity. A novel l-threonine transaldolase (PmLTTA) was identified from Pseudomonas sp. through genome mining. PmLTTA exhibited high activity in the synthesis of l-threo-phenylserine from l-threonine and benzaldehyde, with specific activity of 5.48 U mg–1. However, the application of PmLTTA was impeded by the low conversion ratio and variable diastereoselectivity, which were caused by the toxicity of aldehydes and kinetic/thermodynamic controls in the transaldolation reaction. To solve these issues, alcohol dehydrogenase was used to remove the by-product acetaldehyde, and then carboxylic acid reductase was introduced to alleviate the inhibition of benzaldehyde and toxicity of DMSO. Finally, a multi-enzyme cascade reaction, comprising of PmLTTA, carboxylic acid reductase, alcohol dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase, was constructed to prepare l-threo-phenylserine from cheap benzoic acid, in which alleviated inhibition of aldehydes and desirable diastereoselectivity were achieved. Under the optimized conditions, the conversion ratio of 57.1% and de value of 95.3% were reached. This study provides an efficient and green approach for the synthesis of chiral l-threo-phenylserine from industrial byproduct, and provides guidance for the development of cascade reactions influenced by the toxic intermediates and complicated kinetic/thermodynamic controls.

Diastereoselective Transfer of Tri(di)fluoroacetylsilanes-Derived Carbenes to Alkenes.

Stereoselective cyclopropanation reaction of alkenes is usually achieved by metal complexes via singlet-metal-carbene intermediates. However, previous transition-metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation of alkenes with acylsilanes afforded low diastereoselectivity. Herein, we report the first visible-light-induced transition-metal-free cyclopropanation reaction of terminal alkenes with trifluoroacetylsilanes and difluoroacetylsilanes. Both aromatic and aliphatic alkenes as well as electron-deficient alkenes are suitable substrates for the highly cis-selective [2+1] cyclization reaction. A combination of experimental and computational studies identified triplet carbenes as being key intermediates in this transformation. The gram scale reaction and late-stage functionalization demonstrated the synthetic potential of this strategy.

Diastereoselective Transfer of Tri(di)fluoroacetylsilanes‐Derived Carbenes to Alkenes

AbstractStereoselective cyclopropanation reaction of alkenes is usually achieved by metal complexes via singlet‐metal‐carbene intermediates. However, previous transition‐metal‐catalyzed cyclopropanation of alkenes with acylsilanes afforded low diastereoselectivity. Herein, we report the first visible‐light‐induced transition‐metal‐free cyclopropanation reaction of terminal alkenes with trifluoroacetylsilanes and difluoroacetylsilanes. Both aromatic and aliphatic alkenes as well as electron‐deficient alkenes are suitable substrates for the highlycis‐selective [2+1] cyclization reaction. A combination of experimental and computational studies identified triplet carbenes as being key intermediates in this transformation. The gram scale reaction and late‐stage functionalization demonstrated the synthetic potential of this strategy.

Chasing Polycyclic Natural Products: 5/6/5‐ or 5/6/6‐Carbotricyclic Scaffold Construction via Stereodivergent Diels‐Alder Reaction of Chiral Hydrindanes and Their Boron Complexes

AbstractChiral trans‐hydrindanes (bicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes) are important building blocks of polycyclic natural products. In order to access 5/6/5‐ and 5/6/6‐carbotricyclic scaffolds scope and limitation of [4+2] cycloadditions of tetrahydroindanones with various dienes were studied. Cyclopentadiene gave a tetracylic endo‐(R,R)‐diastereomer under acid‐catalysis, whereas thermal conditions provided the endo‐(S,S)‐diastereomer with the opposite diastereofacial selectivity. The stereodivergent outcome was rationalized by high‐level quantum‐chemical computations which revealed the acid‐catalysis to be a kinetically controlled reaction and the thermal cycloaddition to be under thermodynamic control. Stereochemical assignment of the cycloadducts was facilitated by conversion of the 1,3‐dicarbonyls with BF3 ⋅ OEt2 into BF2‐chelate complexes. Subsequent thermal Diels‐Alder reaction of BF2‐ or BBN‐chelates (from 9‐BBN‐OTf) gave endo/exo‐mixtures of the (R,R)‐ and (S,S)‐diastereomers, while more elevated temperatures yielded primarily the endo/exo‐(S,S)‐diastereomers. Thermal [4+2] cycloadditions with 2,3‐dimethylbutadiene proceeded with lower diastereoselectivity as the reaction was kinetically controlled according to calculations. Attempted Diels‐Alder‐reactions with furan gave furyl‐substituted indanones rather than cycloadducts.

Efficient construction of diverse spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridines] via [3 + 3] cycloaddition of MBH carbonates of isatins with β-enamino maleimides.

An efficient method to construct unique spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridines] was successfully developed via a DABCO promoted formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of MBH carbonates of isatins with β-enamino maleimides in acetonitrile at room temperature. This reaction afforded multifunctionalized spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridines] and spiro[dipyrrolo[3,4-b:3',4'-e]pyridine-8,3'-indolines] in good yields and with lower diastereoselectivity. The relative configuration of the two diasteromers of the spiro compounds was clearly elucidated by the determination of eight single crystal structures.

Synthesis of Dihydroisoquinoline and Dihydropyridine Derivatives via Asymmetric Dearomative Three-Component Reaction

Synthesis of Dihydroisoquinoline and Dihydropyridine Derivatives via Asymmetric Dearomative Three-Component Reaction

Diastereoselective sulfur ylide rearrangements from gold catalyzed oxidation of ynamides

The [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of sulfonium ylides bearing substituted allyl groups creates two contiguous stereocentres. Low diastereoselectivity is typically observed from commonly used α-diazocarboxylic ester precursors. High diastereoselectivity was previously revealed in a gold-catalyzed multicomponent route into allyl sulfonium ylides by reaction of ynamide, oxidant and allyl sulfides. The effect of substrate modifications on the diastereoselectivity have been studied, with N -phenyl methanesulfonamide derived ynamides proving the most effective. This report includes an enhanced experimental procedure, and a demonstration that the gold-catalyzed process remains highly effective at −78 °C.

β-Silyloxy allylboronate esters through an aldehyde borylation/homologation sequence

The areas of carbonyl borylation and the homologation of carbon–boron bonds have provided a number of fruitful methods in organic synthesis. Combining these approaches, the homologation of α-oxyboronate esters, provides pathways to access complex organoboronate esters stereoselectively. To this end, the homologation of α-silyloxyboronate esters with lithiated allyl chlorides to form β-silyloxy allylboronate esters is reported. Direct oxidation of the homologation products provides β-silyloxy allyl alcohols in good yield. The homologation provides a range of allylic alcohols, albeit with low diastereoselectivity.

Highly Diastereoselective Anodic Fluorination of Organosulfur Compounds Based on Neighboring Participation

Highly diastereoselective and efficient anodic α-fluorination of phenyl, p-chlorophenyl, and 2-naphthyl 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxypropyl sulfides was successfully carried out at platinum electrodes in Et3N-nHF (n = 3-5)/MeCN to provide the corresponding α-fluorinated products in good yields, whereas the corresponding p-methoxyphenyl sulfide derivative gave much lower diastereoselectivity. On the basis of such marked substituent effects on the diastereoselectivity and a previous study of anodic methoxylation of related sulfides,1) as well as the X-ray analysis of the configuration of the major diastereomer of the electrochemically fluorinated alph-naphthyl derivative, it was clarified that the high diastereoselectivity is attributable to the neighboring MeO group participation to the anodically generated cationic intermediate destabilized by an electron-withdrawing CF3 group.2)

Experimental and Computational Studies Unraveling the Peculiarity of Enolizable Oxoesters in the Organocatalyzed Mannich-Type Addition to Cyclic N-Acyl Iminium Ions.

γ− and δ-Oxoesters are easily available starting materials that have been sparingly used in some organocatalyzed reactions proceeding with a high enantioselectivity. In our experimentation we found that the use of these compounds as the enolizable (nucleophilic) component in organocatalyzed Mannich-type reactions using in situ-generated cyclic N-acyl iminium ions gave low diastereoselectivity and low to moderate values of enantioselectivity. This significant drop of facial selectivity with respect to simple aliphatic aldehydes has been rationalized by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Asymmetric Borylative Coupling of Vinylazaarenes and Ketones Catalyzed by a Copper(I) Complex

Azaarenes are attractive structural units widely found in chiral pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and biologically active natural products. An ongoing strategy has been the construction of new chira...

Synthesis of Solid-phase Supported Chiral Amines and Investigation of Stereoselectivity of Aldol Reactions of Amine-free Tropinone Enolate

Seven selected chiral mono-, di-, and tridentate amines supported on insoluble polymer were effectively prepared from corresponding primary amines or secondary amino alcohols and Merrifield resin. The reaction of the polymer-supported amines with excess n-butyllithium gave the corresponding lithium amide bases, which were tested in the aldol reactions of tropinone with benzaldehyde. The deprotonation reactions were carried out with or without separation of the lithium enolate from polymer-supported reagents. Using the procedure with separation of lithium enolate from supported chiral reagent different results were obtained with or without the addition of LiCl despite the fact that aggregate formation of Merrifield resin supported Li-amides is hindered. Without the additive, the aldol products were obtained in low diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity, whereas the addition of LiCl resulted in a significant increase of de and ee even when LiCl was added after the deprotonation step and separation of the chiral amine.

Proline Ester Enolate Claisen Rearrangement and Formal Total Synthesis of (-)-Cephalotaxine.

A concise formal total synthesis of (-)-cephalotaxine was achieved via an ester enolate Claisen rearrangement (EECR). A series of EECRs of proline allyl esters were examined to obtain the desired relative stereochemistry of an azaspiranic tetracyclic backbone. An unexpected reversal or low diastereoselectivity of ( Z)-cinnamyl ester was observed. The diastereoselectivity was controlled by substitution patterns of a styrene region. This result represents a useful guide in aiding the prediction of stereochemical outcome of EECR of α-amino allylic esters.

Aza‐Henry Reaction with Nitrones, an Under‐Explored Transformation

Nitromethylation of nitrones occurred efficiently in CH3NO2 in the presence of tetramethylammonium fluoride or triazabicyclodecene as promoters. The obtained adducts might be conveniently transformed into vicinal diamines. The process was extended to nitroethane and nitropropane affording mixtures of syn and anti stereoisomers with low diastereoselectivity.