Nitrone Formation Research Articles

Mechanism of Nitrone Formation by a Flavin-Dependent Monooxygenase.

OxaD is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase (FMO) responsible for catalyzing the oxidation of an indole nitrogen atom, resulting in the formation of a nitrone. Nitrones serve as versatile intermediates in complex syntheses, including challenging reactions like cycloadditions. Traditional organic synthesis methods often yield limited results and involve environmentally harmful chemicals. Therefore, the enzymatic synthesis of nitrone-containing compounds holds promise for more sustainable industrial processes. In this study, we explored the catalytic mechanism of OxaD using a combination of steady-state and rapid-reaction kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis, spectroscopy, and structural modeling. Our investigations showed that OxaD catalyzes two oxidations of the indole nitrogen of roquefortine C, ultimately yielding roquefortine L. The reductive-half reaction analysis indicated that OxaD rapidly undergoes reduction and follows a "cautious" flavin reduction mechanism by requiring substrate binding before reduction can take place. This characteristic places OxaD in class A of the FMO family, a classification supported by a structural model featuring a single Rossmann nucleotide binding domain and a glutathione reductase fold. Furthermore, our spectroscopic analysis unveiled both enzyme-substrate and enzyme-intermediate complexes. Our analysis of the oxidative-half reaction suggests that the flavin dehydration step is the slow step in the catalytic cycle. Finally, through mutagenesis of the conserved D63 residue, we demonstrated its role in flavin motion and product oxygenation. Based on our findings, we propose a catalytic mechanism for OxaD and provide insights into the active site architecture within class A FMOs.

Multicomponent Reductive Coupling for Selective Access to Functional γ-Lactams by a Single-Atom Cobalt Catalyst.

Despite their significant importance to numerous fields, the difficulties in direct and diverse synthesis of α-hydroxy-γ-lactams pose substantial obstacles to their practical applications. Here, we designed a nitrogen and TiO2 co-doped graphitic carbon-supported material with atomically dispersed cobalt sites (CoSA-N/NC-TiO2), which was successfully applied as a multifunctional catalyst to establish a general method for direct construction of α-hydroxy-γ-lactams from cheap and abundant nitro(hetero)arenes, aldehydes, and H2O with alkynoates. The striking features of operational simplicity, broad substrate and functionality compatibility (>100 examples), high step and atom efficiency, good selectivity, and exceptional catalyst reusability highlight the practicality of this new catalytic transformation. Mechanistic studies reveal that the active CoN4 species and the dopants exhibit a synergistic effect on the formation of key acid-masked nitrones; their subsequent nucleophilic addition to the alkynoates followed by successive reduction, alkenyl hydration, and intramolecular ester ammonolysis delivers the desired products. In this work, the concept of reduction interruption leading to new reaction route will open a door to further develop useful transformations by rational catalyst design.

Mechanistic Analysis of Stereodivergent Nitroalkane Cyclopropanation Catalyzed by Nonheme Iron Enzymes.

BelL and HrmJ are α-ketoglutarate-dependent nonheme iron enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cyclization of 6-nitronorleucine, resulting in the formation of two diastereomeric 3-(2-nitrocyclopropyl)alanine (Ncpa) products containing trans-cyclopropane rings with (1'R,2'R) and (1'S,2'S) configurations, respectively. Herein, we investigate the catalytic mechanism and stereodivergency of the cyclopropanases. The results suggest that the nitroalkane moiety of the substrate is first deprotonated to produce the nitronate form. Spectroscopic analyses and biochemical assays with substrates and analogues indicate that an iron(IV)-oxo species abstracts proS-H from C4 to initiate intramolecular C-C bond formation. A hydroxylation intermediate is unlikely to be involved in the cyclopropanation reaction. Additionally, a genome mining approach is employed to discover new homologues that perform the cyclopropanation of 6-nitronorleucine to generate cis-configured Ncpa products with (1'R,2'S) or (1'S,2'R) stereochemistries. Sequence and structure comparisons of these cyclopropanases enable us to determine the amino acid residues critical for controlling the stereoselectivity of cyclopropanation.

Trapping of Arynes with In Situ Generated Aryltrifluoromethylnitrones Enables Access to Trifluoromethylated Benzoxazolines.

Herein, we report a rare example of trapping arynes using in situ generated aryltrifluoromethylnitrone to access an important class of trifluoromethylated benzoxazolines. This three-component strategy involves a nitrone formation/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/thermal rearrangement cascade and furnishes trifluoromethylated benzoxazolines in high yields. The scope of the reaction is quite broad with respect to aryltrifluorodiazoethanes, nitrosoarenes, and arynes. The proposed reaction pathway is supported through the isolation and characterization of the key reaction intermediates phenyltrifluoromethylnitrone and benzisoxazoline.

Cover Feature: Substituent and Solvent Effect Studies of N‐Alkenylnitrone 4π Electrocyclizations (Chem. Eur. J. 30/2023)

Like clockwork, the interconnected gears of substituent and solvent effects drive the conrotatory 4π-electrocyclization of N-alkenylnitrones towards the formation of azetidine nitrones. These parameters can then be tuned to facilitate the electrocyclization of challenging substrates. More information can be found in the Research Article by L. L. Anderson and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300551). Picture by Laura Alonso.

One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Substiuted Indoles from 2-(2-Nitro-1-phenylethyl)cyclohexanone Derivatives

Herein, a one-pot synthesis of 3-substituted indoles from 2-(2-nitro-1-phenylethyl)cyclohexanone derivatives catalyzed by Pd/C is reported. The starting materials can be easily prepared by the reaction of substituted ketones and nitroalkenes. The facile experimental procedure comprises the treatment of 2-(2-nitro-1-phenylethyl)cyclohexanone derivatives with H2 as a hydrogen donor in the presence of 10 mol % Pd/C. Subsequently, the exchange of H2 with CH2═CH2 as a hydrogen acceptor affords a variety of 3-substituted indoles in high yields. The formation of intermediate nitrones is essential for a smooth reaction.

Abstract 145: Nitrone Formation by a Flavin-Dependent Monooxygenase

Abstract 145: Nitrone Formation by a Flavin-Dependent Monooxygenase

Synthesis of Azetidine Nitrones and Exomethylene Oxazolines through a Copper(I)-Catalyzed 2,3-Rearrangement and 4π-Electrocyclization Cascade Strategy.

A variety of azetidine nitrones are prepared in moderate to good yields through copper(I) combined with 2-aminopyridine to catalyze skeletal rearrangement of O-propargylic oximes. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction undergoes a copper(I)-catalyzed tandem [2,3]-rearrangement, 4π-electrocyclization, ring opening, and recyclization over four steps in one pot. Substituents at the terminus of alkyne and oxime moieties have a significant impact on the formation of azetidine nitrones and exomethylene oxazolines, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained azetidine nitrone could easily participate in [3 + 2] cycloaddition with alkynoates, and a [2.2]-paracyclophane-derived azetidine nitrone is synthesized in 45% yield over five steps from bromo[2.2]-paracyclophane.

Pyrrolidine-based catalytic microporous polymers in sustainable C[dbnd]N and C[dbnd]C bond formation via iminium and enamine activation

A new set of catalytic materials having a pyrrolidine moiety confined in microporous organic polymer networks (POPs) has been attained. These catalytic polymers have been prepared by a straightforward synthesis starting from microporous polymer networks made from isatin (or a mixture of isatin and trifluoroacetophenone) and 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene. The polymers efficiently catalyzed the formation of nitrones under very mild and sustainable conditions using green solvents through an iminium ion activation mechanism. The reactions are scalable, and polymers are easily recycled. Special attention has been paid to understanding all the factors that could affect the efficiency of the confined catalysts. The electronic and conformational characteristics of the pyrrolidine moiety attached to the porous polymers, as well as other features that could affect the transport through the network, such as molecular volume and shape of reactants and products, and even hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties, have been systematically evaluated. In addition, the heterogeneous polymers are also useful in CC bond formation through both iminium ion and enamine activation.

Efficient Synthesis of Isoquinoline Derivatives through Sequential Cyclization–Deoxygenation Reaction of 2-Alkynylbenzaldoximes

AbstractWe describe a novel, simple, robust, and efficient cyclization/deoxygenation approach for the synthesis of functionalized isoquinoline derivatives. Over the course of continued studies on o-alkynylbenzaldoxime cyclization reactions, the formation of cyclic nitrones through 6-endo-dig cyclization was achieved using silver triflate or bromine as an electrophile, and subsequently, the deoxygenation process was carried out in the presence of CS2 in good to high yields.

Visible-light-promoted nitrone synthesis from nitrosoarenes under catalyst- and additive-free conditions.

A green and sustainable nitrone formation reaction via visible-light-promoted reaction of aryl diazoacetates with nitrosoarenes is described. This protocol exhibits good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope for both aryl diazoacetates with nitrosoarenes. Comparing the reported methods for the synthesis of nitrones from nitrosoarenes, the reaction described herein occurs under sole visible-light irradiation without the need of any catalysts and additives.

Ene reactions of pre-aromatic heterocycles – Oxazoles

4-Methylidene substituted oxazolines are shown to be suitable substrates in thermal ene reactions with a variety of common enophiles. These pre-aromatic heterocycles provide access to a variety of adducts in modest to good yields. Interestingly, reaction with nitrosobenzene led to the formation of nitrones rather than the anticipated hydroxyl amine derivatives.

Nitrone Formation by Reaction of an Enolate with a Nitro Group.

Ketones with a 2-nitrophenyl group at the α-position were treated with sodium hydroxide in methanol at 60 °C. Under these conditions, enolates derived from the ketones intramolecularly reacted with the nitro group to form a variety of nitrones. Additional experimental results, including the unexpected isolation of N-hydroxyindolinone as a byproduct, led to a proposed reaction mechanism, occurring via an α-hydroxyketone. The resultant nitrones underwent inter- and intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with olefins to afford polycyclic isoxazolidines.

Structures of LnmK, a Bifunctional Acyltransferase/Decarboxylase, with Substrate Analogues Reveal the Basis for Selectivity and Stereospecificity

LnmK stereospecifically accepts (2R)-methylmalonyl-CoA, generating propionyl-S-acyl carrier protein to support polyketide biosynthesis. LnmK and its homologues are the only known enzymes that carry out a decarboxylation (DC) and acyl transfer (AT) reaction in the same active site as revealed by structure-function studies. Substrate-assisted catalysis powers LnmK, as decarboxylation of (2R)-methylmalonyl-CoA generates an enolate capable of deprotonating active site Tyr62, and the Tyr62 phenolate subsequently attacks propionyl-CoA leading to a propionyl-O-LnmK acyl-enzyme intermediate. Due to the inherent reactivity of LnmK and methylmalonyl-CoA, a substrate-bound structure could not be obtained. To gain insight into substrate specificity, stereospecificity, and catalytic mechanism, we determined the structures of LnmK with bound substrate analogues that bear malonyl-thioester isosteres where the carboxylate is represented by a nitro or sulfonate group. The nitro-bearing malonyl-thioester isosteres bind in the nitronate form, with specific hydrogen bonds that allow modeling of the (2R)-methylmalonyl-CoA substrate and rationalization of stereospecificity. The sulfonate isosteres bind in multiple conformations, suggesting the large active site of LnmK allows multiple binding modes. Considering the smaller malonyl group has more conformational freedom than the methylmalonyl group, we hypothesized the active site can entropically screen against catalysis with the smaller malonyl-CoA substrate. Indeed, our kinetic analysis reveals malonyl-CoA is accepted at 1% of the rate of methylmalonyl-CoA. This study represents another example of how our nitro- and sulfonate-bearing methylmalonyl-thioester isosteres are of use for elucidating enzyme-substrate binding interactions and revealing insights into catalytic mechanism. Synthesis of a larger panel of analogues presents an opportunity to study enzymes with complicated structure-function relationships such as acyl-CoA carboxylases, trans-carboxytransferases, malonyltransferases, and β-ketoacylsynthases.

Visible‐Light Catalyzed [1+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions Enabled by the Formation of Methylene Nitrones

AbstractNitrones are key intermediates in organic synthesis. Herein, we report the first photo‐redox synthesis of methylene nitrone intermediates from nitroarenes and arylamines. The highly reactive methylene nitrones are in situ trapped by alkenes to afford various isoxazolidines. This three‐component reaction features the use of N,N‐dimethylanilines or N‐aryl glycines as C1 building blocks, which allow for the one‐pot formal [1+2+2] cycloaddition from simple starting materials. A wide range of useful isoxazolidines can be obtained under mild conditions with moderate to good yields. Mechanistic investigations support the formation of methylene nitrone via selective N−CH3 bond cleavage and methylene transfer.magnified image

Diastereoselective catalyst-free construction of isoxazolidine-cis-fused phospha dihydrocoumarins via an intramolecular Nitrone–Vinylphosphonate dipolar cycloaddition

An efficient stereoselective method towards the construction of isoxazolidine-cis-fused phosphadihydrocoumarins frameworks involving an intermolecular 1,3-dipolar nitrone cycloaddition reaction utilizing O-vinylphosphonylated salicylaldehydes and N-substituted hydroxylamines in situ formation of Nitrone–Vinylphosphonate bifunctional intermediates under catalyst free condition have been described.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Addition of Aldehyde to Nitroolefin by H-d-Pro-Pro-Glu-NH2: A Mechanistic Study.

The mechanism of the asymmetric addition of aldehyde (butanal) to nitroolefin (β-nitrostyrene) catalyzed by H-d-Pro-Pro-Glu-NH2 (dPPE-NH2; 1) was explored using density functional theory methods in chloroform. By conformational search, it was confirmed that catalyst 1 and its enamine intermediate adopted a dominant conformation with a βI structure stabilized by a C10 H-bond between the C=O of d-Pro1 and C-terminal NH2 proton and by an additional H-bond between the side chain and the backbone of Glu3. This βI turn structure was conserved all along the catalytic cycle. Consistently with the kinetic studies, the C–C bond formation between the enamine and electrophile was also confirmed as the rate-determining step. The stereoselectivity results from a re → re prochiral approach of enamine and β-nitrostyrene with a gauche– orientation of the double bonds. Although it was suggested as the possible formation of dihydrooxazine oxide species, this process was confirmed to be kinetically less accessible than the formation of acyclic nitronate. In particular, our calculated results supported that the carboxylic acid group of Glu3 in 1 played a central role by acting as general acid/base all along the catalytic cycle and orienting the asymmetric C–C bond formation.

Investigation on the Unexplored Photochemistry of 5,5-Dimethyl-1-pyrroline 1-Oxide (DMPO).

A comparative study of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline 1-oxide (DMPO) and its 2-methyl-substituted analogue (2-Me-DMPO) has revealed their contrasting reaction pathways of oxaziridine and lactam (pyrrolidone) formation. The initial photoexcitation populates the second excited singlet states (S2) in both the systems with S0-S2 transition moment value of 3 D (oscillator strength 0.4); this subsequently undergoes (S0/S1) conical intersection through a structure having a CNO-kink and situated around 35-40 kcal/mol below the vertically excited geometry of the first excited singlet state (S1). This conical intersection is found to be responsible for the formation of the oxaziridine photoproduct in these systems. In DMPO, this oxaziridine eventually forms the corresponding lactam compound through a [1,2]-H shift after overcoming a barrier of 35 kcal/mol and following the imaginary frequency of 1517 i cm-1. The reverse thermal process of parent nitrone formation proceeds through a transition state situated at 60 kcal/mol above the oxaziridine geometry, and the corresponding imaginary frequency is 1514 i cm-1. On the other hand, in 2-Me-DMPO, the oxaziridine formed is more stable, and lactam formation does not happen from it in a similar manner.

Chiral Lewis acids integrated with single-walled carbon nanotubes for asymmetric catalysis in water.

The development of highly reactive and stereoselective catalytic systems is required not only to improve existing synthetic methods but also to invent distinct chemical reactions. Herein, a homogenized combination of nickel-based Lewis acid-surfactant-combined catalysts and single-walled carbon nanotubes is shown to exhibit substantial activity in water. In addition to the enhanced reactivity, stereoselective performance and long-term stability were demonstrated in asymmetric conjugate addition reactions of aldoximes to furnish chiral nitrones in high yields with excellent selectivities. The practical and straightforward application of the designed catalysts in water provides an expedient, environmentally benign, and highly efficient pathway to access optically active compounds.

Carbon nanotubes help nickel work in water

Organic Chemistry Most synthetic chemistry takes place in hydrocarbon-derived solvents. By contrast, enzymes manage to perform exquisitely selective reactions in water, often by surrounding reactants with hydrophobic pockets. Kitanosono et al. show that single-walled carbon nanotubes can similarly render simple nickel catalysts effective in water. Integration of the nickel ions with chiral ligands and surfactants at the nanotube surface produces a highly enantioselective catalyst for nitrone formation from aldoximes and unsaturated ketones. Spectroscopy suggests that the nanotubes enhance electron density at the nickel center as well as provide a hydrophobic milieu. Science , this issue p. [311][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aap7883