Synthesis of novel amides, characterization by spectrometric methods, cytotoxic activity and theoretical calculations

Deciphering molecular structures: NMR spectroscopy and quantum mechanical insights of halogenated 4H-Chromenediones

Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) represent a class of secondary metabolites found in the Asteraceae family, notable for their unique structures. The SL α-santonin (1) and its derivatives are worthy of mention due to their diverse biological properties. Additionally, 4H-chromenes and 4H-chromones are appealing frameworks holding the capability to be used as structural motifs for new drugs. Furthermore, unambiguous structural elucidation is crucial for developing novel compounds for diverse applications. In this context, it is common to find in the literature molecules erroneously assigned. Therefore, the use of quantum mechanical calculations to simulate NMR chemical shifts has emerged as a valuable strategy. In this work, we conceived the synthesis of two halogenated 4H-chromenediones derived from photosantonic acid (2), a photoproduct arising from irradiation of α-santonin (1) in the ultraviolet region. The structure of the chlorinated and brominated products was determined by NMR analysis, with the aid of quantum mechanical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311 + G(2d,p)//M062x/6-31 + G(d,p) level of theory. All analyses were in agreement and led to the assignment of the brominated 4H-chromene-2,7-dione as (3S,3aS,5aR,9bS)-5a-(2-bromopropan-2-yl)-3-methyl-3,3a,5,5a,8,9b-hexahydro-4H-furo[2,3-f]chromene-2,7-dione (11b) and of the chlorinated 4H-chromene-2,7-dione as (3S,3aS,5aR,9bS)-5a-(2-chloropropan-2-yl)-3-methyl-3,3a,5,5a,8,9b-hexahydro-4H-furo[2,3-f]chromene-2,7-dione (12b). The diastereoselectivities of the reactions were explained based on products and intermediates formation energy calculated using B3LYP/6-31 + G(d,p) as the level of theory. Structures 11b and 12b were identified as the thermodynamic and kinetic products of the reaction among all candidates. Consequently, the strategy utilized in this study is robust and successfully illustrates the use of quantum mechanical calculations in the structural elucidation of new compounds with potential applications as novel drugs or products.

Synthesis of a novel naphthalenone endoperoxide and structural elucidation by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and theoretical calculation

Sesquiterpene lactones are found in plants of Asteraceae family, and endoperoxides are known for their antimalarial activity. Structural elucidation is a relevant aspect; however, it is not uncommon to find incorrect or incomplete structural assignments in the literature. Calculations based in quantum mechanics are frequently used to compute ¹ H and ¹³ C NMR chemical shifts, and after comparing with the experimental data, the correct structure is established from diverse candidates. Targeting the synthesis of bioactive compounds, we envisaged the synthesis of a novel endoperoxide from the natural sesquiterpene lactone α-santonin (2). Photochemical transformation of α-santonin (2) to mazdasantonin (4) followed by photooxidation catalyzed by rose bengal afforded the novel endoperoxide 5. This new endoperoxide contains five stereogenic centers and is analogous to the antimalarial agent artemisinin (1). The relative configuration of the stereogenic centers of the endoperoxide were established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses and confirmed by theoretical calculations. All approaches were in complete agreement, and the structure of mazdasantonin endoperoxide was established as (3S,3aS,5aS,8R,9bS)-3,6,6-trimethyl-3,3a,4,5,8,9b-hexahydro-2H-5a,8-epidioxynaphtho[1,2-b]furan-2,7(6H)-dione.