Generation of All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters at the C-3 Carbon of Lactams via [3,3]-Sigmatropic Rearrangement and Revision of Absolute Configuration: Total Synthesis of (−)-Physostigmine

Enantioselective Carbonylative Cyclization of Alkenes with C-H Bonds for Synthesis of γ-Lactams Bearing an α-Quaternary Carbon

The development of effective synthetic methods to construct γ-lactams bearing a chiral α-quaternary carbon from relatively inert C(O)-H bonds with alkenes has been an elusive challenge. Herein, we used a naphthylamine-derived phosphine oxide ligating Ni and Al bimetallic catalyst to realize a carbonylative cyclization of formyl C-H bonds with alkenes, highly regio- and enantioselectively constructing γ-lactams bearing a chiral α-quaternary carbon in up to 99% yield and 98% ee. These γ-lactams proved to be versatile synthetic precursors for many biologically active molecules.

Photoredox-catalyzed coupling of aryl sulfonium salts with CO2 and amines to access O-aryl carbamates

An efficient photoredox-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of aryl sulfonium salts, carbon dioxide and amines has been developed for the first time. This reaction provides a new strategy for the synthesis of a range of valuable O-aryl carbamates from readily available arenes via a site-selective thianthrenation/carbamoyloxylation two-step process. Mild conditions, broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance are the features of the transformation. The synthetic utility of the method was demonstrated by the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals.

Mutasynthesis of Physostigmines in Myxococcus xanthus

The alkaloid physostigmine is an approved anticholinergic drug and an important lead structure for the development of novel therapeutics. Using a complementary approach that merged chemical synthesis with pathway refactoring, we produced a series of physostigmine analogues with altered specificity and toxicity profiles in the heterologous host Myxococcus xanthus. The compounds that were generated by applying a simple feeding strategy include the promising drug candidate phenserine, which was previously accessible only by total synthesis.

Smart and concise entry to chiral spiro[cyclopentane-indolizidine]-tetraol diastereomers as a new aza-spirocyclic framework

Synthesis of chiral oxacarba-spiroindolizidine tetraols was achieved by alkene cis-dihydroxylation, diol protection, and lactam carbonyl reduction followed ultimately by acetonide deprotection.

Construction of Quaternary Carbon Center by Catalytic Asymmetric Alkylation of 3-Arylpiperidin-2-ones Under Phase-Transfer Conditions

A highly enantioselective synthesis of δ-lactams having a chiral quaternary carbon center at the α-position has been developed through an asymmetric alkylation of 3-arylpiperidin-2-ones under phase-transfer conditions. In this transformation, a 2,2-diarylvinyl group on the δ-lactam nitrogen atom plays a crucial role as a novel protecting group and an achiral auxiliary for improving both yield and enantioselectivity of the reaction.

Stereocontrolled Synthesis of (±)-Melokhanine E via an Intramolecular Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition

A convergent sequence to access the indole alkaloid (±)-melokhanine E in 12-steps (8-step longest linear sequence) and an 11% overall yield is reported. The approach utilizes two cyclopropane moieties as reactive precursors to a 1,3-dipole and imine species to enable stereoselective construction of the core scaffold through a formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition. The natural product was evaluated for its antimicrobial activity based on isolation reports; however, no activity was observed. The reported efforts serve as a synthetic platform to prepare an array of alkaloids bearing this core structural motif.

Axial-to-Central Chirality Transfer for Construction of Quaternary Stereocenters via Dearomatization of BINOLs

All-carbon quaternary stereocenters are versatile building blocks, and their asymmetric construction has attracted much attention. Herein, we disclose an axial-to-central chirality transfer strategy for the synthesis of chiral quaternary stereocenters via dearomatization of (S)-BINOLs. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a wide range of propargyl carbonates to afford chiral spiro-compounds in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. In addition, the strategy was extended to kinetic resolution of rac-BINOLs albeit with moderate s value.

Organocatalytic sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade: constructing functionalized 2,5-dihydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter

A practical sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol and α-aryl-β-nitroacrylates has been developed, which allows efficient access to functionalized 2,5-dihydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivities.