P-methoxybenzyl Ethers Research Articles

Aerobic Oxidation of PMB Ethers to Carboxylic Acids.

The first aerobic protocol of direct transformation of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers to carboxylic acids efficiently with Fe(NO3)3 ⋅ 9H2O and TEMPO as catalysts at room temperature has been developed. The reaction accommodates C-Br bond, terminal/non-terminal C-C triple bond, amide, cyano, nitro, ester, and trifluoromethyl groups. Even highly selective oxidative deprotection of different benzylic PMB ethers has been realized. The reaction has been successfully applied to the total synthesis of natural product, (R)-6-hydroxy-7,9-octadecadiynoic acid, demonstrating the practicality of the method. Based on experimental studies, a possible mechanism involving oxygen-stabilized benzylic cation has been proposed.

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of ABC-Type Enantiostructured Triacylglycerols by the Use of the p-Methoxybenzyl Protective Group.

This report demonstrates the first asymmetric synthesis of enantiopure structured triacylglycerols (TAGs) of the ABC type presenting three non-identical fatty acids, two of which are unsaturated. The unsaturated fatty acids included monounsaturated oleic acid (C18:1 n-9) and polyunsaturated linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6). This was accomplished by a six-step chemoenzymatic approach starting from (R)- and (S)-solketals. The highly regioselective immobilized Candida antarctica lipase (CAL-B) played a crucial role in the regiocontrol of the synthesis. The synthesis also benefited from the use of the p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ether protective group, which enabled the incorporation of two different unsaturated fatty acids into the glycerol skeleton. The total of six such TAGs were prepared, four constituting the unsaturated fatty acids in the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, with a saturated fatty acid in the remaining sn-3 position of the glycerol backbone. In the two remaining TAGs, the different unsaturated fatty acids accommodated the sn-1 and sn-3 end positions, with the saturated fatty acid present in the sn-2 position. Enantiopure TAGs are urgently demanded as standards for the enantiospecific analysis of intact TAGs in fats and oils.

Nucleophilic Deprotection of p-Methoxybenzyl Ethers Using Heterogeneous Oxovanadium Catalyst.

Nucleophilic deprotection of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) [p-methoxyphenylmethyl (MPM)] ethers was developed using a heterogeneous oxovanadium catalyst V-MPS4 and a thiol nucleophile. The deprotection method had a wide reaction scope, including PMB ethers of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols bearing various functional groups. In addition, the PMB ether of an oxidation-labile natural product was successfully removed by V-MPS4 catalysis, while a common oxidative method of PMB deprotection afforded a complex mixture. The V-MPS4 catalyst was reusable up to six times without a significant loss in the product yield. The advantages of using the heterogeneous catalyst were further demonstrated by conducting the deprotection reaction in a continuous flow process, which resulted in a 2.7-fold higher catalyst turnover number and 60-fold higher turnover frequency compared to those of the corresponding batch reaction.

Synthesis of degradable polymers via 1,5-shift radical isomerization polymerization of vinyl ether derivatives with a cleavable bond

AbstractWe report a novel method for synthesizing degradable polymers based on 1,5-shift radical isomerization polymerizations of vinyl ethers with transferable atoms or groups and in-between acid-cleavable ether linkages in the side chains. In particular, vinyl ethers with side chains composed of thiocyano and p-methoxybenzyl ether groups underwent radical isomerization polymerizations via 1,5-shifts, in which a vinyl ether radical abstracted the cyano group intramolecularly to generate a thiyl radical and result in a polymer with a p-methoxybenzyl ether linkage in the main chain. The obtained polymer was easily degraded into low molecular-weight products with HCl solution. Furthermore, the copolymerization with vinyl acetate proceeded via 1,5-shift isomerization to introduce cleavable linkages in the main chains of the copolymers, which were similarly degraded.

Lewis Acid Promoted Deprotection of Benzylidene Acetals and p-Methoxybenzyl Ethers with Mercaptoacid Acid as Scavenger.

We demonstrate a new and high-yielding method for removal of benzylidene acetals and para-methoxybenzyl ethers under catalytic conditions (BF3:OEt2 orFeCl3, 10 mol%) with mercaptoacetic acid as a scavenger. The reaction coproducts are converted to water-soluble molecules, which can be removed by aqueous extraction, thereby bypassing the need for chromatographic purification. The reaction was demonstrated on both multimilligram and multigram scale.

An efficient method for the cleavage of tert-butyldiphenylsilyl ethers catalyzed by 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin

An efficient method for the deprotection of tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS) ethers using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) as catalyst and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent has been established. This method is useful for many kinds of compounds, such as carbohydrates, steroids, benzyl alcohols and primary fatty alcohols. Substrates bearing acetates, benzoates, pivaloates, mesylates, and benzyl and p-methoxybenzyl ethers are compatible.

Oxidative Deprotection of p-Methoxybenzyl Ethers by a Nitroxyl Radical Catalyst

The oxidation of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers was achieved using a nitroxyl radical catalyst 1, which contains electron-withdrawing ester groups adjacent to the nitroxyl group. The oxidative deprotection of the PMB moieties on the hydroxy groups was observed upon treatment of 1 with one equivalent of the co-oxidant phenyl iodonium bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA). This system showed an excellent chemoselectivity profile for the deprotection of PMB ethers from a broad range of functional groups including diverse oxidation-sensitive moieties. The corresponding carbonyl compounds were obtained by treating the PMB-protected alcohols with 1 and an excess amount of PIFA.

Gold(I)-NHC-catalysed synthesis of benzofurans via migratory cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl ethers.

Homogeneous cationic gold(i) catalysis emerged as a preferred avenue for the activation of alkenes and alkynes towards reactions with weak nucleophiles, especially in cyclization reactions. Here we report an intramolecular carboalkoxylation reaction of electron-rich benzyl ethers of 2-ethynylaryl phenols catalysed by a digold(i)-NHC complex. The reaction proceeds efficiently with low catalyst loading and the resulting 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans form in moderate to good yields. Based on the results of a cross-over experiment, spectroscopic data, and DFT calculations, we propose a mechanism that accounts for the observed chemo- and regioselectivity.

A Facile, Efficient and Selective Deprotection of P - Methoxy Benzyl Ethers Using Zinc (II) Trifluoromethanesulfonate

: Deprotection is significant and conducted over mild reaction conditions, in order to restrict any more side reactions with sensitive functional groups as well as racemization or epimerization of stereo center because the protective groups are often cleaved at last stage in the synthesis. P - Methoxy benzyl (PMB) ether appears unique due to its easy introduction and removal than the other benzyl ether protecting groups. A facile, efficient and highly selective cleavage of P - methoxy benzyl ethers was reported by using 20 mole% Zinc (II) Trifluoromethanesulfonate at room temperature in acetonitrile solvent over 15-120 min. time period. To study the generality of this methodology, several PMB ethers were prepared from a variety of substrates having different protecting groups and subjected to deprotection of PMB ethers using Zn(OTf)2 in acetonitrile. In this methodology, zinc triflate cleaves only PMB ethers without affecting acid sensitivity, base sensitivity and also chiral epoxide groups.

Synthetic directions towards capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 18C

An efficient synthetic strategy has been developed for the synthesis of the tri, tetrasaccharide block and pentasaccharide corresponding to the capsular polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumonia serotype 18C as their 2-aminoethyl glycosides. A one-pot glycosylation-deprotection, sequential glycosylations strategy has been adopted for the construction of the fragments and pentasaccharide derivative, which were then transformed into target compound after a series of functional group transformations. The synthetic method relies on the use of p-methoxybenzyl ether as an in situ-removable protecting group to reduce the number of reaction steps significantly. Here H2SO4-silica has been used successfully as a promoter for all glycosylation reaction. In addition, the synthetic target also contained a free amino group at its reducing end, facilitating its conjugation with other molecules for various biological studies and applications.

Construction of Bridged-Ring-Fused Naphthalenone Derivatives Through an Unexpected Zn(OTf)2-Catalyzed Cascade Transformation

An unexpected cascade transformation of aminonaphthoquinones with N-substituents bearing a p-methoxybenzyl ether into bridged-ring-fused naphthalenone derivatives is reported. This cascade transformation was initiated by a catalytic amount of Zn(OTf)2 and involved with subsequent functional group migration and cyclization. The process proceeded through the cleavage of two bonds and the formation of three new bonds in one pot and was proven to be efficient and tolerant to various substituents.

Stable Benzylic (1-Ethynylcyclohexanyl)carbonates Protect Hydroxyl Moieties by the Synergistic Action of [Au]/[Ag] Catalytic System.

Chemical syntheses of oligosaccharides and glycosides call utilization of many protecting groups that can be installed or deprotected without affecting other functional groups present. Benzyl ethers are routinely used in the synthesis of glycans as they can be subjected to hydrogenolysis under neutral conditions. However, installation of benzyl ethers is often carried out under strong basic conditions using benzyl halides. Many a times, strongly basic conditions will be detrimental for some of the other sensitive functionalities (e.g., esters). Later introduced reagents such as benzyl trichloroacetimidate and BnOTf are not shelf-stable, and hence, a new method is highly desirable. Taking a cue from the [Au]/[Ag]-catalyzed glycosidations, we have identified a method that enables protection of hydroxyl groups as benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, or naphthylenemethyl ethers using easily accessible and stable carbonate reagent. A number of saccharide-derived alcohols were subjected to the benzylation successfully using a catalytic amount of gold phosphite and silver triflate. Furthermore, the protocol is suitable for even protecting menthol, cholesterol, serine, disaccharide OH, and furanosyl-derived alcohol easily. The often-utilized olefins and benzoates, as well as benzylidene-, silyl-, Troc-, and Fmoc-protecting groups do not get affected during the newly identified protocol. Regioselective protection and one-pot installation of benzyl and p-methoxybenzyl ethers are demonstrated.

Development of a Storable Triazinone-Based Reagent for O- p-Methoxybenzylation under Mild Heating Conditions.

A new triazinone-based reagent for O- p-methoxybenzylation has been developed. In spite of its stability in solid form, this reagent converts a free alcohol into the corresponding p-methoxybenzyl ether with mild heating (50-60 °C) in a solution. High functional group tolerance can be achieved because the reaction does not require the addition of an acidic or basic activator.

Oxidative Deprotection of p-Methoxybenzyl Ethers via Metal-Free Photoredox Catalysis.

An efficient and greener deprotection method for p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers using a metal-free visible light photoredox catalyst and air and ammonium persulfate as the terminal oxidants is presented. Various functional groups and protecting groups were tolerated in the developed method to achieve good to excellent yields in short reaction times. Significantly, the developed method was compatible with PMB ethers derived from primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols and a gram-scale reaction. Mechanistic studies support a proposed reaction mechanism that involves single electron oxidation of the PMB ether.

Synthetic directions of acidic hexasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Cronobacter sakazakii HPB 2855 using one pot glycosylation

Synthesis of a hexasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Cronobacter sakazakii HPB 2855 has been achieved by sequential glycosylations and one-pot glycosylation-deprotection techniques. The synthetic method relies on the use of a p-methoxybenzyl ether as an in situ-removable protecting group to reduce the number of reaction steps significantly. All the glycosylations have been accomplished by the activation of the only one class of simple and stable thioglycosyl donors using NIS in the presence of sulfuric acid immobilized on silica (H2SO4-silica) as a Brönsted acid catalyst to work as a promoter. The stereo outcomes of all the glycosylation steps were excellent with satisfactory yield. TEMPO mediated selective oxidation of the primary hydroxyl group has been carried out at the late stage of the synthetic strategy to achieve the required uronic acid motif.

Electrochemical Deprotection of para-Methoxybenzyl Ethers in a Flow Electrolysis Cell.

Electrochemical deprotection of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers was performed in an undivided electrochemical flow reactor in MeOH solution, leading to the unmasked alcohol and p-methoxybenzaldehyde dimethyl acetal as a byproduct. The electrochemical method removes the need for chemical oxidants, and added electrolyte (BF4NEt4) can be recovered and reused. The method was applied to 17 substrates with high conversions in a single pass, yields up to 92%, and up to 7.5 g h-1 productivity. The PMB protecting group was also selectively removed in the presence of some other common alcohol protecting groups.

P-Chlorobenzyl Ether: A p-Methoxybenzyl Ether in Disguise.

In the chemistry of polyfunctionalized organic compounds, protecting groups that can undergo mild and selective cleavage while still being stable during the entire synthetic sequence are often required. In this work, we present a straightforward conversion of the robust p-chlorobenzyl ether into the more labile and well-described p-methoxybenzyl ether using palladium catalysis. This reaction was demonstrated to be high yielding and compatible with a wide range of functionalities, thereby providing a useful supplement to the conventional ether protecting groups.

Sulfated tungstate as hydroxyl group activator for preparation of benzyl, including p-methoxybenzyl ethers of alcohols and phenols

ABSTRACTSulfated tungstate was found to be an effective heterogeneous and reusable catalyst for hydroxy group activation–mediated preparation of benzylic ethers including p-methoxybenzylic ethers of a wide range of alcohols and phenols under mild reaction conditions.

Remote Electronic Effects by Ether Protecting Groups Fine-Tune Glycosyl Donor Reactivity

It was established that para-substituted benzyl ether protecting groups affect the reactivity of glycosyl donors of the thioglycoside type with the N-iodosuccinimide/triflic acid promoter system. Having electron donating p-methoxybenzyl ether (PMB) groups increased the reactivity of the donor in comparison to having electron withdrawing p-chloro (PClB) or p-cyanobenzyl ether (PCNB) protecting groups, which decreased the reactivity of the glycosyl donor relative to the parent benzyl ether (Bn) protected glycosyl donor. These findings were used to perform the first armed-disarmed coupling between two benzylated glucosyl donors by tuning their reactivity. In addition, the present work describes a highly efficient palladium catalyzed multiple cyanation and methoxylation of p-chlorobenzyl protected thioglycosides. The results of this paper regarding both the different electron withdrawing properties of various benzyl ethers and the efficient and multiple protecting group transformations are applicable in general organic chemistry and not restricted to carbohydrate chemistry.

A mild and efficient method for the selective cleavage of primary p-methoxybenzyl protecting group of saccharides by Co2(CO)8–Me2PhSiH–CO system

A mild and efficient method to selectively cleave p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ether with a catalytic amount of Co2(CO)8, hydrosilane and CO (1atm) is presented. The cleavage reaction shows regioselectivity to primary O-PMB of a variety of permethoxybenzylated saccharides and chemoselectivity to O-Bn, sulfur-containing group and common ester protecting groups.