Ortho-quinone Methide Intermediates Research Articles

Traceless piperidine-assisted one-pot tandem dearomative spiroannulation of phenolic compounds with nitrile oxides via ortho-quinone methide intermediates

Traceless piperidine-assisted one-pot tandem dearomative spiroannulation of phenolic compounds with nitrile oxides via ortho-quinone methide intermediates

Gambogic acid: Multi-gram scale isolation, stereochemical erosion toward epi-gambogic acid and biological profile.

Extracted from gamboge resin, gambogic acid (GBA) is a natural product that displays a complex caged xanthone structure and exhibits promising antitumor properties. However, efforts to advance this compound to clinical applications have been thwarted by its limited availability that in turn, restricts its pharmacological optimization. We report here an efficient method that allows multigram scale isolation of GBA in greater than 97% diastereomeric purity from various sources of commercially available gamboge. The overall process includes: (a) isolation of organic components from the resin; (b) separation of GBA from the organic components via crystallization as its pyridinium salt; and (c) acidification of the salt to isolate the free GBA. We found that GBA is susceptible to epimerization at the C2 center that produces epi-gambogic acid ( epi-GBA), a common contaminant of all commercial sources of this compound. Mechanistic studies indicate that this epimerization proceeds via an ortho-quinone methide intermediate. Although the observed stereochemical erosion accounts for the chemical fragility of GBA, it does not significantly affect its biological activity especially as it relates to cancer cell cytotoxicity. Specifically, we measured similar levels of cytotoxicity for either pure GBA or an equilibrated mixture of GBA/ epi-GBA in MBA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values at submicromolar concentration and induction of apoptosis after 12 hours of incubation. The results validate the pharmacological promise of gambogic acid and, combined with the multigram-scale isolation, should enable drug design and development studies.

Palladium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Dearomative Annulation of Phenols with Vinyl Cyclopropanes.

Herein, we report the Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular asymmetric dearomative [3 + 2] annulation of phenols with vinyl cyclopropanes via in situ generated ortho-quinone methide intermediates. A series of highly functionalized spiro-[5,6] bicycles which bear three contiguous stereogenic centers including one all-carbon quaternary were obtained with excellent stereoselectivities. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the reactions were controlled by thermodynamics.

Atroposelective Construction of Nine-Membered Carbonate-Bridged Biaryls.

We herein demonstrated an efficient method for the atroposelective construction of nine-membered carbonate-bridged biaryls through vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) intermediates. Diverse products with desirable pharmacological features were synthesized in satisfying yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities. In subsequent bioassays, several agents showed considerable antiproliferative activity via the mitochondrial-related apoptosis mechanism. Further transformations produced more structural diversity and may inspire new ideas for developing functional molecules.

Application of partially aromatic ortho-quionone-methides for the synthesis of novel naphthoxazines with improved antibacterial activity

Starting from naphthols and morpholine and using ethyl glyoxylate as the aldehyde component in the modified Mannich reaction, new aminonaphthol derivatives substituted with 2- and 1-naphthol were synthesised. The stabilization of precursor bifunctional compounds via partially aromatic ortho-quinone methide intermediate was tested with different cyclic imines in [4 + 2] cycloaddition. Based on 1H NMR analysis, in the case of new α-amino acid esters the formation of a single product has been assumed. The NOE spectrum proved that the relative configuration of the newly formed stereogenic centres was trans. The compounds have also been tested in bacteria in order to reduce or reverse antibiotic resistance. Compounds 13 and 14 could inhibit the efflux pump system in susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Organocatalytic atroposelective construction of axially chiral N, N- and N, S-1,2-azoles through novel ring formation approach

1,2-Azoles are privileged structures in ligand/catalyst design and widely exist in many important natural products and drugs. In this report, two types of axially chiral 1,2-azoles (naphthyl-isothiazole S-oxides with a stereogenic sulfur center and atropoisomeric naphthyl pyrazoles) are synthesized via modified vinylidene ortho-quinone methide intermediates. Diverse products are acquired in satisfying yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities. The vinylidene ortho-quinone methide intermediates bearing two hetero atoms at 5-position have been demonstrated as a platform molecule for the atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 1,2-azoles. This finding not only enrich our knowledge of vinylidene ortho-quinone methide chemistry but also provide the easy preparation method for diverse atropisomeric heterobiaryls that were inaccessible by existing methodologies. The obtained chiral naphthyl-isothiazole S-oxides and naphthyl-pyrazoles have demonstrated their potential application in further synthetic transformations and therapeutic agents.

Multicomponent Reactions (MCRs) with o-Quinone Methides.

This article presents a comprehensive overview of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) that proceed via ortho-quinone methide intermediates (o-QM) generated in the reaction medium. Examples of applications involving these highly reactive intermediates in organic synthesis and biological processes (e. g., biosynthetic pathways, prodrug cleavage and electrophilic capture of biological nucleophiles) are also described. QMs are often generated by eliminative processes of phenol derivatives or by photochemical reactions, including reversible generation in photochromic substances. This class of compounds can undergo various reaction types, including nucleophilic attack at the methide carbon, with subsequent rearomatization, and react with electron-rich dienophiles in inverse-electron demand hetero-Diels-Alder reactions. Its versatile reactivity has been explored in the context of cascade reactions for the construction of several classes of substances, including complex natural products.

Harnessing ortho-Quinone Methides in Natural Product Biosynthesis and Biocatalysis.

The implementation of ortho-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediates in complex molecule assembly represents a remarkably efficient strategy designed by Nature and utilized by synthetic chemists. o-QMs have been taken advantage of in biomimetic syntheses for decades, yet relatively few examples of o-QM-generating enzymes in natural product biosynthetic pathways have been reported. The biosynthetic enzymes that have been discovered thus far exhibit tremendous potential for biocatalytic applications, enabling the selective production of desirable compounds that are otherwise intractable or inherently difficult to achieve by traditional synthetic methods. Characterization of this biosynthetic machinery has the potential to shine a light on new enzymes capable of similar chemistry on diverse substrates, thus expanding our knowledge of Nature's catalytic repertoire. The presently known o-QM-generating enzymes include flavin-dependent oxidases, hetero-Diels-Alderases, S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent pericyclases, and α-ketoglutarate-dependent nonheme iron enzymes. In this review, we discuss their diverse enzymatic mechanisms and potential as biocatalysts in constructing natural product molecules such as cannabinoids.

Regioselective synthesis, physicochemical properties and anticancer activity of 2-aminomethylated estrone derivatives

The unique estrogen receptor (ER)-independent antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is well known, however, its use has been limited because of its poor oral bioavailability. In this study, novel 2-aminomethylated estrone (E) and estradiol (E2) derivatives structurally related to 2ME2 were synthesized, and their physicochemical properties as well as their in vitro cytotoxic effects were investigated in the hope of finding more selective antiproliferative agents with improved pharmacokinetic profile. The target compounds were synthesized from 2-dimethylaminomethylated E obtained regioselectively by a three-component Mannich reaction. Quaternization with methyl iodide followed by reacting the ammonium salt with various dialkyl and alicyclic secondary amines afforded the desired products in good yields. The reactions proceeded via a 1,4-nucleophilic addition of the applied secondary amines to the ortho-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediates, generated in situ from the salt by base-promoted β-elimination. The compound library has been enlarged with structurally similar E2 analogues obtained by stereoselective reduction and with some 17β-benzylamino derivatives prepared by reductive amination. The potential values of the novel E and E2 derivatives were characterised by means of three different approaches. At the first step compounds were virtually screened using physicochemical parameters. Physicochemical characterization was completed by kinetic solubility and in vitro intestinal-specific permeability measurement. Antiproliferative effects were additionally determined on a panel of malignant and non-cancerous cell lines. The evaluation of the pharmacological profile of the novel E and E2 derivatives was completed with the calculation of lipophilic efficacy (LiPE).

Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of Natural Products.

The total synthesis of structurally complex natural products has challenged and inspired generations of chemists and remains an exciting area of active research. Despite their history as privileged bioactivity-rich scaffolds, the use of natural products in drug discovery has waned. This shift is driven by their relatively low abundance hindering isolation from natural sources and the challenges presented by their synthesis. Recent developments in biocatalysis have resulted in the application of enzymes for the construction of complex molecules. From the inception of the Narayan lab in 2015, we have focused on harnessing the exquisite selectivity of enzymes alongside contemporary small molecule-based approaches to enable concise chemoenzymatic routes to natural products.We have focused on enzymes from various families that perform selective oxidation reactions. For example, we have targeted xyloketal natural products through a strategy that relies on a chemo- and site-selective biocatalytic hydroxylation. Members of the xyloketal family are characterized by polycyclic ketal cores and demonstrate potent neurological activity. We envisioned assembling a representative xyloketal natural product (xyloketal D) involving a biocatalytically generated ortho-quinone methide intermediate. The non-heme iron (NHI) dependent monooxygenase ClaD was used to perform the benzylic hydroxylation of a resorcinol precursor, the product of which can undergo spontaneous loss of water to form an ortho-quinone methide under mild conditions. This intermediate was trapped using a chiral dienophile to complete the total synthesis of xyloketal D.A second class of biocatalytic oxidation that we have employed in synthesis is the hydroxylative dearomatization of resorcinol compounds using flavin-dependent monooxygenases (FDMOs). We anticipated that the catalyst-controlled site- and stereoselectivity of FDMOs would enable the total synthesis of azaphilone natural products. Azaphilones are bioactive compounds characterized by a pyranoquinone bicyclic core and a fully substituted chiral carbon atom. We leveraged the stereodivergent reactivity of FDMOs AzaH and AfoD to achieve the enantioselective synthesis of trichoflectin enantiomers, deflectin 1a, and lunatoic acid. We also leveraged FDMOs to construct tropolone and sorbicillinoid natural products. Tropolones are a structurally diverse class of bioactive molecules characterized by an aromatic cycloheptatriene core bearing an α-hydroxyketone moiety. We developed a two-step biocatalytic cascade to the tropolone natural product stipitatic aldehyde using the FDMO TropB and a NHI monooxygenase TropC. The FDMO SorbC obtained from the sorbicillin biosynthetic pathway was used in the concise total synthesis of a urea sorbicillinoid natural product.Our long-standing interest in using enzymes to carry out C-H hydroxylation reactions has also been channeled for the late-stage diversification of complex scaffolds. For example, we have used Rieske oxygenases to hydroxylate the tricyclic core common to paralytic shellfish toxins. The systemic toxicity of these compounds can be reduced by adding hydroxyl and sulfate groups, which improves their properties and potential as therapeutic agents. The enzymes SxtT, GxtA, SxtN, and SxtSUL were used to carry out selective C-H hydroxylation and O-sulfation in saxitoxin and related structures. We conclude this Account with a discussion of existing challenges in biocatalysis and ways we can currently address them.

Palladium-Catalyzed Generation of ortho-Quinone Methides. A Three-Component Synthesis of L-Shaped Dimeric Steroidal Scaffolds.

A series of hybrid dimers having orthogonal steroidal cores bridged by a chroman ketal moiety were obtained by Pd-catalyzed three-component reactions of steroid alkynols, 2-formylestradiol 17-monoacetate, and methyl orthoformate, via ortho-quinone methide intermediates. One of the obtained L-shaped scaffolds showed an inefficient crystal packing featuring large channels within the crystal array. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that these voids preferentially allocate n-hexane, opening the way to explore further applications of similar organic crystalline materials as selective hosts for small molecules.

Design and Atroposelective Construction of IAN analogues by Organocatalytic Asymmetric Heteroannulation of Alkynes.

An organocatalytic atroposelective strategy for accessing enantioenriched axially chiral IAN analogues was developed for the first time. A class of novel atropisomeric C2-arylquinoline skeletons were synthesized with high enantiocontrol via chiral phosphoric-acid-catalyzed heteroannulation of in situ generated vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) intermediates with ortho-aminophenones. The strategy tolerated a broad substrate scope, providing a facile organocatalytic approach to IAN analogues in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this methodology was illustrated through further transformations into IAN-type ligand and axially chiral thiourea.

Discovery and Biomimetic Synthesis of a Phloroglucinol-Terpene Adduct Collection from Baeckea frutescens and Its Biogenetic Origin Insight.

A phloroglucinol-terpene adduct (PTA) collection consisting of twenty-four molecules featuring three skeletons was discovered from Baeckea frutescens. Inspired by its biosynthetic hypothesis, we synthesized this PTA collection by reductive activation of stable phloroglucinol precursors into highly reactive ortho-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediates and subsequently Diels-Alder cycloaddition. We also demonstrated, for the first time, the generation process of the active o-QM by performing dynamic NMR and HPLC-MS monitoring experiments. Moreover, the PTA collection showed significant antifeedant effect toward the Plutella xylostella larvae.

N-Iodosuccinimide-Mediated Dimerization of 2-Alkynylnaphthols: A Highly Diastereoselective Construction of Bridged Polycyclic Compounds via Vinylidene ortho-Quinone Methide Intermediate.

An unprecedented highly diastereoselective dimerization of 2-alkynylnaphthols is presented to furnish bridged polycyclic compounds containing a bicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety with good to excellent yields. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions using N-iodosuccinimide as a promoter, simultaneously constructing one new C-O bond and two new C-C bonds. A tetra-substituted vinylidene ortho-quinone methide intermediate was likely involved, and the steric hindrance of substituents played a critical role in this transformation.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Annulation of ortho-Alkynylanilines: Synthesis of Axially Chiral Naphthyl-C2-indoles.

A chiral Brønsted base catalyzed asymmetric annulation of ortho-alkynylanilines has been developed to access axially chiral naphthyl-C2-indoles via vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) intermediates. This strategy provides a unique organocatalytic atroposelective route to axially chiral aryl-C2-indole skeletons with excellent enantioselectivity and functional-group tolerance. This transformation was applicable to decagram-scale preparation (50.0 g) with perfect enantioselectivity through simple recrystallization. Moreover, the utility of this reaction was demonstrated by a variety of transformations towards chiral naphthyl-C2-indoles for a series of carbon-heteroatom bond formations. Furthermore, the prepared axially chiral naphthyl-C2-indoles were applied as a chiral skeleton for organocatalytic aza-Baylis-Hillman reaction and asymmetric formal [4+2] tandem cyclization to give the corresponding adducts in high yields with improved enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity.

Enantioselective Construction of Vicinal Diaxial Styrenes and Multiaxis System via Organocatalysis.

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective methodology for the asymmetric synthesis of vicinal diaxial styrenes and multiaxis system was achieved by organocatalysis. Various vicinal diaxial styrenes and multiaxis systems were obtained in excellent enantioselective manners. The mechanism studies revealed that a new tetra-substituted vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) intermediate was likely involved and accounted for the excellent enantioselectivity.

A dehydrative arylation and thiolation of tertiary alcohols catalyzed by in situ generated triflic acid - Viable protocol for C[sbnd]C and C[sbnd]S bond formation

The title paper discusses a mild strategy for an efficient CC and CS bond formation through ortho-quinone methide intermediate. A total of 29 examples (23 tetrasubstituted methanes with a quaternary carbon center and 6 triarylmethyl thioarenes) with diverse substitution patterns could be prepared in high yields (up to 82%). Use of indium triflate allowed the transformation to be carried out in an open flask without taking special care leaving water as the only by product. Control experiments revealed that the triflic acid generated in situ from indium triflate, probably through the coordination with substrate, acted as the actual catalyst for the transformation. Further this protocol can be utilized for the synthesis of promising bioactives such as CDRI-830 analogues, dihydrochromeno[2,3-b]indoles and 9-(1H-indol-3-yl)-9-phenyl-9H-xanthen-1-ol.

Carbene and Acid Cooperative Catalytic Reactions of Aldehydes and o-Hydroxybenzhydryl Amines for Highly Enantioselective Access to Dihydrocoumarins.

A highly enantioselective method for quick access to dihydrocoumarins is reported. The reaction involves a cooperative catalytic process with carbene and in situ generated Brønsted acid as the catalysts. α-Chloro aldehyde and readily available and stable o-hydroxybenzhydryl amine substrates were used to generate reactive azolium ester enolate and ortho-quinone methide (o-QM) intermediates, respectively, to form dihydrocoumarins with exceptionally high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The catalytic reaction products can be easily transformed to valuable pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules.

Organocatalytic Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition between In Situ Generated Vinylidene ortho-Quinone Methides and Benzofurans.

Described herein is the enantioselective construction of oxygen-containing [5-6-5] tricyclic heterocycles by an organocatalyzed asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition of vinylidene ortho-quinone methides and benzofurans. According to this methodology, a series of oxygen-containing [5-6-5] tricyclic heterocycles with various functional groups were synthesized in excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities (>99 % ee, >20:1 d.r.). Furthermore, the deuterium-labeling experiments and high-resolution mass spectroscopy demonstrated that a vinylidene ortho-quinone methide intermediate was involved and possibly resulted from a prototropic rearrangement of 2-ethynylphenol. Remarkably, a catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol %, and a gram-scale synthesis were achieved for this transformation.

Janus-faced 5-methyl group in 2-hydroxy-5-methyl-[1,4]-benzoquinone

The 5-methyl group in 2-hydroxy-[1,4]-benzoquinone shows a peculiar reactivity that depends on the pH of the reaction medium. Under acidic conditions, ortho-quinone methide tautomers of the parent para-quinones are present in equilibrium. The 5-methylene group is stabilized by resonance, incorporating canonic structures with a positive charge at this position and now acting as carbenium equivalent. These ortho-quinone methide intermediates can be trapped in hetero-Diels-Alder reactions with inverse electron demand or by reaction with trimethylsilyl chloride. Under alkaline/basic conditions, the 5-methyl group is deprotonated, this time performing as carbanion equivalent being once more stabilized by resonance. This facet of reactivity was used for instance in regioselective perdeuteration of the 5-methyl position or in Michael additions. The reaction medium is thus able to govern the chemical behavior of the 5-methyl group, to effect its umpoling and to switch the reactivity to the opposite. Like the Roman god Janus, these methyl groups have two faces, and the reaction medium decides which one is presented.