Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Euphorikanin A

Divergent Total Syntheses of Six Crinipellin-Type Diterpenoids through Tandem 4π-Electrocyclization/Dicycloexpansion

Crinipellins are a significant class of naturally occurring highly congested tetraquinane diterpenoids, with many members exhibiting bio-important antibacterial and anticancer activities. However, their complex structures, particularly their dense 5/5/5/5 tetracyclic frameworks, have made efficient synthesis challenging, leading chemists to attempt to create highly efficient and divergent routes. This study presents a concise, divergent synthesis of six crinipellins, completed in just 9-11 steps using commercially available materials. Particular highlights include: (1) a vital one-step 4π-electrocyclization/dicycloexpansion cascade that rapidly constructs the angular/fused tetraquinane scaffold with two contiguous quaternary carbons, and (2) strategic functionalizations through iso-propylation, methylation, and Wacker oxidation/dehydrogenation, enabling the divergent syntheses of the six crinipellin members without using protecting groups. This approach provides a versatile platform for accessing additional crinipellin derivatives, which we believe will benefit medicinal and biological research.

Total Syntheses of Scabrolide B, Ineleganolide, and Related Norcembranoids

Concise total syntheses of several 5/7/6 norcembranoids, including ineleganolide, scabrolide B, sinuscalide C, and fragilolide A have been achieved through a fragment coupling/ring closure approach. The central seven-membered ring was forged through sequential Mukaiyama-Michael/aldol reactions using norcarvone and a decorated bicyclic lactone incorporating a latent electrophile. Subsequent manipulations installed the reactive enedione motif and delivered scabrolide B in 11 steps from a chiral pool-derived enone. Finally, ineleganolide, sinuscalide C, and fragilolide A were each accessed in one additional step.

Selective Synthesis of Z-Michael Acceptors via Hydroalkylation of Conjugated Alkynes

Hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes is a powerful approach to the synthesis of disubstituted alkenes. However, its application is largely unexplored in the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls, which are common among synthetic intermediates and biologically active molecules. The thermodynamically less stable Z-isomers of activated alkenes have been particularly challenging to access because of their propensity for isomerization and the paucity of reliable Z-selective hydroalkylation methods. We developed a highly Z-selective silver-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal conjugated alkynes using alkyl boranes as coupling partners. The reaction allows access to (Z)-α,β-unsaturated esters, secondary and tertiary alkyl amides, aryl amides, and alkyl and aryl ketones and tolerates a wide range of functional groups. The reaction can be performed successfully in the presence of alkyl and aryl halides, esters, protected alcohols, and amines. The hydroalkylation involves the formation of an alkynylboronate complex followed by a 1,2-metalate shift. This sequence of steps mechanistically constrains the stereochemical outcome, which, together with mild reaction conditions, ensures high Z-selectivity.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Natural Products

Currently, the frontier challenges in total synthesis pertain to increasing the synthetic efficiency and enabling the divergent synthesis of a number of natural products. Bioinspired synthesis has been well recognized as an effective approach to increasing synthetic efficiency. Especially, when bioinspired synthesis was applied at late-stage skeletal diversification to generate various natural products with distinct carbon skeletons, it held special promise for achieving both goals. In our laboratory, bioinspired synthesis has served as one of two long-standing principles for facilitating the efficient synthesis of natural products. In this Account, we summarize our endeavors and journeys in the bioinspired synthesis of natural products. We categorize our work into three parts based on the imitation of biosynthetic reactions and processes. (1) To mimic the key cyclization steps. Inspired by the biosynthetic process that formed the core skeleton, we developed new synthetic methods to enable the rapid and efficient construction of the core skeletons of the targeted molecules, ultimately leading to their concise total synthesis, for example, seven-step total synthesis of lamellarins D and H featuring three bioinspired oxidative coupling reactions, seven-step total synthesis of clavicipitic acid highlighted by a C-H activation/aminocyclization cascade reaction, eight-step total synthesis of phalarine via a bioinspired oxidative coupling, seven-step total synthesis of α-cyclopiazonic acid, and ten-step total synthesis of speradine C through a bioinspired cascade cyclization reaction initiated by the benzylic carbocation of indole. (2) To mimic the revised biosynthetic pathway proposed by us. In some cases, the proposed biosynthetic processes may be flawed, as they contradict some basic principles of chemistry. Thus, an alternative biosynthetic process must be proposed and investigated. We showcase the total synthesis of euphorikanin A through a bioinspired benzilic acid-type rearrangement and bipolarolides A and B via a bioinspired Prins reaction/ether formation cascade cyclization. (3) To mimic the skeletal diversification process. Nature usually synthesizes a multitude of products from a key common intermediate in a divergent manner. Biogenic skeletal diversification to generate various natural products with distinct carbon skeletons has also drawn our attention. Compared with single-target-oriented synthesis, skeletal-diversity-oriented synthesis of natural products remains underexplored due to its high synthetic challenges. We showcased the divergent total syntheses of ten pallavicinia diterpenoids with three distinct skeletons and six grayanane diterpenoids with three distinct skeletons, which were achieved with unprecedented ease and high efficiency by imitation of the proposed biogenic skeletal diversification process. These two successful projects can serve as inspiration for the application of the bioinspired skeletal diversification strategy to other skeletally diverse natural products.

Reductive samarium (electro)catalysis enabled by SmIII-alkoxide protonolysis

Samarium diiodide (SmI2) is a privileged, single-electron reductant deployed in diverse synthetic settings. However, generalizable methods for catalytic turnover remain elusive because of the well-known challenge associated with cleaving strong SmIII-O bonds. Prior efforts have focused on the use of highly reactive oxophiles to enable catalyst turnover. However, such approaches give rise to complex catalyst speciation and intrinsically limit the synthetic scope. Herein, we leveraged a mild and selective protonolysis strategy to achieve samarium-catalyzed, intermolecular reductive cross-coupling of ketones and acrylates with broad scope. The modularity of our approach allows rational control of selectivity based on solvent, pKa (where Ka is the acid dissociation constant), and the samarium coordination sphere and provides a basis for future developments in catalytic and electrocatalytic lanthanide chemistry.

Total Synthesis of Pallamolides A-E

We have achieved the first total synthesis of pallamolides A-E. Of these compounds, pallamolides B-E possess intriguing tetracyclic skeletons with novel intramolecular transesterifications. Key transformations include highly diastereoselective sequential Michael addition reactions to construct the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane core with the simultaneous generation of two quaternary carbon centers, a one-pot SmI2-mediated intramolecular ketyl-enoate cyclization/ketone reduction to generate the key oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane moiety, and an acid-mediated deprotection/oxa-Michael addition/β-hydroxy elimination cascade sequence to assemble the tetracyclic pallamolide skeleton. Kinetic resolution of ketone 14 through Corey-Bakshi-Shibata reduction enabled the asymmetric synthesis of pallamolides A-E.

Total Synthesis of (+)-Euphorikanin A via an Atropospecific Cascade

A total synthesis of the ingenane-derived diterpenoid (+)-euphorikanin A is described. Key to the strategy is a stereocontrolled one-pot sequence consisting of transannular aldol addition reaction, hemiketal formation, and subsequent semipinacol rearrangement that efficiently leads to the complete euphorikanin skeleton. Atroposelective ring-closing olefin metathesis proved critical for the stereospecific cascade, leading to formation of a (Z)-bicyclo[7.4.1]tetradecenone core. An additional salient feature of the route is pyrolysis of a bis-methylxanthate to cleanly furnish the natural product.

Total Syntheses of Rhodomollins A and B

The first and asymmetric total syntheses of rhodomollins A and B, two rhodomollane type grayanoids featuring a d-homograyanane carbon skeleton and an oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1] core, were accomplished via a convergent strategy. A Stille coupling and a lithium-halogen exchange/intramolecular nucleophilic addition to the aldehyde sequence were employed to assemble two enantioenriched fragments. The oxa-bicyclo[3.2.1] core was achieved through an intramolecular SN2 substitution of cyclic sulfate of 1,2-diols (Williamson ether synthesis). The A ring oxidation states were adjusted by a Payne/Meinwald rearrangement sequence and subsequent redox transformations.

Synthesis of Neocaesalpin A, AA, and Nominal Neocaesalpin K

The first total synthesis of heavily oxidized cassane-type diterpenoid neocaesalpin A (1) is disclosed. At the heart of the synthesis lies an intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction that rapidly assembles the target framework from commercial materials. A carefully orchestrated sequence of oxidations secured the desired oxygenation pattern. Late-stage release of the characteristic butenolide occurred through a novel mercury(II)-mediated furan oxidation. Successful extension of the route allowed preparation of neocaesalpin AA (2) as well as nominal neocaesalpin K (3) and suggested structural revision of neocaesalpin K, leading to the hypothesis that the two are likely the same natural product with correct assignment as 2.

Mukaiyama aldol reaction: an effective asymmetric approach to access chiral natural products and their derivatives/analogues

The Mukaiyama aldol reaction is generally a Lewis-acid catalyzed cross-aldol reaction between an aldehyde or ketone and silyl enol ether. It was first described by Mukaiyama in 1973, almost 5 decades ago, to achieve the enantioselective synthesis of β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds in high percentage yields. Mukaiyama aldol adducts play a pivotal role in the synthesis of various naturally occurring and medicinally important organic compounds such as polyketides, alkaloids, macrolides, etc. This review highlights the significance of the Mukaiyama aldol reaction towards the asymmetric synthesis of a wide range of biologically active natural products reported recently (since 2020).

Enantioselective Total Syntheses of Cassane Furanoditerpenoids and Their Stimulation of Cellular Respiration in Brown Adipocytes

We report the first and enantioselective total syntheses of (+)-1-deacetylcaesalmin C, (+)-δ-caesalpin, (+)-norcaesalpinin MC, and (+)-norcaesalpinin P. Salient features of the synthetic strategy are an exo-selective intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of a furanoquinone monoketal and subsequent chemoselective reduction of the resulting pentacyclic furfuryl ketal, furnishing a keystone intermediate. The latter enables access to the collection of natural products through implementation of stereoselective oxidations. Having accessed the cassane furanoditerpenoids, we unveil previously unknown bioactivity: (+)-1-deacetylcaesalmin C stimulates respiration in brown adipocytes, which has been suggested to play a central role in treatment of obesity.

1,4-Dithianes: attractive C2-building blocks for the synthesis of complex molecular architectures

This review covers the synthetic applications of 1,4-dithianes, as well as derivatives thereof at various oxidation states. The selected examples show how the specific heterocyclic reactivity can be harnessed for the controlled synthesis of carbon-carbon bonds. The reactivity is compared to and put into context with more common synthetic building blocks, such as 1,3-dithianes and (hetero)aromatic building blocks. 1,4-Dithianes have as yet not been investigated to the same extent as their well-known 1,3-dithiane counterparts, but they do offer attractive transformations that can find good use in the assembly of a wide array of complex molecular architectures, ranging from lipids and carbohydrates to various carbocyclic scaffolds. This versatility arises from the possibility to chemoselectively cleave or reduce the sulfur-heterocycle to reveal a versatile C2-synthon.

Vicinal ketoesters – key intermediates in the total synthesis of natural products

This review summarizes examples for the application of vicinal ketoesters such as α-ketoesters, mesoxalic esters, and α,β-diketoesters as key intermediates in the total synthesis of natural products utilizing their electrophilic keto group as reactive site. Suitable key reactions are, e.g., aldol additions, carbonyl ene reactions, Mannich reactions, and additions of organometallic reagents. The vicinal arrangement of carbonyl groups allows the stabilization of reactive conformations by chelation or dipole control.

Total Synthesis of Resiniferatoxin

From both structural and functional perspectives, the large family of daphnane diterpene orthoesters (DDOs) represent a truly remarkable class of natural products. As potent lead compounds for the treatment of pain, neurodegeneration, HIV/AIDS, and cancer, their medicinal potential continues to be heavily investigated, yet synthetic routes to DDO natural products remain rare. Herein we report a distinct approach to this class of complex diterpenes, highlighted by a 15-step total synthesis of the flagship DDO, resiniferatoxin.

Diastereoselective Radical 1,4-Ester Migration: Radical Cyclizations of Acyclic Esters with SmI2

Reductive cyclizations of carbonyl compounds, mediated by samarium(II) diiodide (SmI₂, Kagan’s reagent), represent an invaluable platform to generate molecular complexity in a stereocontrolled manner. In addition to classical ketone and aldehyde substrates, recent advances in radical chemistry allow the cyclization of lactone and lactam-type substrates using SmI₂. In contrast, acyclic esters are considered to be unreactive to SmI₂ and their participation in reductive cyclizations is unprecedented. Here, we report a diastereoselective radical 1,4-ester migration process, mediated by SmI₂, that delivers stereodefined alkene hydrocarboxylation products via radical cyclization of acyclic ester groups in α-carbomethoxy δ-lactones. Isotopic labeling experiments and computational studies have been used to probe the mechanism of the migration. We propose that a switch in conformation redirects single electron transfer from SmI₂ to the acyclic ester group, rather than the “more reactive” lactone carbonyl. Our study paves the way for the use of elusive ketyl radicals, derived from acyclic esters, in SmI₂-mediated reductive cyclizations.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Pepluanol A

Herein, we report an enantioselective and convergent total synthesis of (+)-pepluanol A, a structurally intriguing Euphorbia diterpenoid natural product featuring a 5/6/7/3-fused tetracyclic skeleton, from known building blocks in 11 steps. The successful strategy relies on a phenyl selenide-mediated Morita-Baylis-Hillman type reaction as a connective step, forging the precursor for the key intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction to construct the congested 5/6/7-tricyclic framework. A diastereoconvergent cascade starting with an acid-induced removal of the C1-MOM protecting group followed by a retro-aldol/aldol reaction resulted in the formation of a single diastereomer. This stereoconvergency allowed for the successful substrate-controlled diastereoselective cyclopropanation of an advanced intermediate to establish the full carboskeleton of (+)-pepluanol A (1).

Total syntheses of strained polycyclic terpenes

Terpenoids constitute a broad class of natural compounds with tremendous variability in structure and bioactivity, which resulted in a strong interest of the chemical community to this class of natural products over the last 150 years. The presence of strained small rings renders the terpenoid targets interesting for chemical synthesis, due to limited number of available methods and stability issues. In this feature article, a number of recent examples of total syntheses of terpenoids with complex carbon frameworks featuring small rings are discussed. Specific emphasis is given to the new developments in strategical and tactical approaches to construction of such systems.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (-)-Phaeocaulisin A

The therapeutic properties of Curcuma (ginger and turmeric’s family) have long been known in traditional medicine. However, only recently have guaiane-type sesquiterpenes extracted from Curcuma phaeocaulis been submitted to biological testing, and their enhanced bioactivity was highlighted. Among these compounds, phaeocaulisin A has shown remarkable anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity, which appears to be tied to the unique bridged acetal moiety embedded in its tetracyclic framework. Prompted by the promising biological profile of phaeocaulisin A and by the absence of a synthetic route for its provision, we have implemented the first enantioselective total synthesis of phaeocaulisin A in 17 steps with 2% overall yield. Our route design builds on the identification of an enantioenriched lactone intermediate, tailored with both a ketone moiety and a conjugated alkene system. Taking advantage of the umpolung carbonyl-olefin coupling reactivity enabled by the archetypal single-electron transfer (SET) reductant samarium diiodide (SmI₂), the lactone intermediate was submitted to two sequential SmI₂-mediated cyclizations to stereoselectively construct the polycyclic core of the natural product. Crucially, by exploiting the innate inner-sphere nature of carbonyl reduction using SmI₂, we have used a steric blocking strategy to render sites SET-unreceptive and thus achieve chemoselective reduction in a complex substrate. Our asymmetric route enabled elucidation of the naturally occurring isomer of phaeocaulisin A and provides a synthetic platform to access other guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from C. phaeocaulis—as well as their synthetic derivatives—for medicinal chemistry and drug design.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of (+)-Euphorikanin A

We have achieved a bioinspired total synthesis of (+)-euphorikanin A, which possesses an intriguing and complex 5/6/7/3-fused tetracyclic skeleton bearing a bridged [3.2.1]-γ-lactone moiety. Key transformations include stereoselective alkylation and aldol condensation to install the main stereocenters, an intramolecular nucleophile-catalyzed aldol lactonization of carboxylic acid-ketone to assemble the five-membered ring, a McMurry coupling to construct the seven-membered ring, and a biomimetic benzilic acid type rearrangement to form the bridged [3.2.1]-γ-lactone moiety.