Stereocontrolled syntheses of epimeric 3-aryl-6-phenyl-1-oxa-7-azaspiro(4.5)decane NK-1 receptor antagonist precursors

Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Heck Coupling of Alkenes

The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is one of the most studied palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, representing a powerful method for forming C-C bonds between diverse substrates with broad functional group compatibility. However, the reductive variant has received considerably less attention. In this Review, we summarize distinct mechanistic aspects of the reductive Heck reaction, highlight recent contributions to the field, and discuss potential applications of the reductive Heck reaction in the pharmaceutical industry. With the potential to have a large impact in both academic and industrial settings, further development of the reductive Heck reaction is a promising area of future investigation.

Synthesis of 6-Substituted Piperidin-3-ones via Rh(II)-Catalyzed Transannulation of N-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with Electron-Rich Aromatic Nucleophiles

A highly diastereoselective rhodium(II)-catalyzed transannulation of aldehyde-tethered N-sulfonyl triazoles with electron-rich aromatic nucleophiles is reported for the first time to afford functionalized 6-substituted piperidin-3-ones. The reaction has a broad substrate scope including both aliphatic and aromatic N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles together with various aromatic nucleophiles. The addition of a catalytic amount of Lewis acid has proven to be crucial for the yield improvement. By employing this methodology, hardly accessible piperidin-3-ones bearing quaternary carbons could be obtained.

Biomass derived furfural-based facile synthesis of protected (2S)-phenyl-3-piperidone, a common intermediate for many drugs

The efficient conversion of rice straw into a key intermediate to access various drugs has been developed.

Synthesis of (+)-L-733,060, (+)-CP-99,994 and (2S,3R)-3-hydroxypipecolic acid: application of an organocatalytic direct vinylogous aldol reaction

The γ-butenolide obtained from an organocatalyzed, direct vinylogous aldol reaction of γ-crotonolactone and benzaldehyde serves as the key starting material in the expedient synthesis of a 3-hydroxy-2-phenyl piperidine intermediate which is converted to the target 2,3-disubstituted piperidines.

Metathesis reactions in total synthesis

With the exception of palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings, no other group of reactions has had such a profound impact on the formation of carbon-carbon bonds and the art of total synthesis in the last quarter of a century than the metathesis reactions of olefins, enynes, and alkynes. Herein, we highlight a number of selected examples of total syntheses in which such processes played a crucial role and which imparted to these endeavors certain elements of novelty, elegance, and efficiency. Judging from their short but impressive history, the influence of these reactions in chemical synthesis is destined to increase.

Electroreductive Intramolecular Coupling of Aromatic β- and γ-Imino Esters: A New Synthetic Method for N-Alkoxycarbonyl-2-aryl-3-ones and cis-2-Aryl-3-ols of Pyrrolidines and Piperidines

The electroreduction of aromatic beta- and gamma-imino esters prepared from beta-alanine and GABA in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane and subsequent N-alkoxycarbonylation of the resulting five- and six-membered cyclized amines gave mixed ketals of N-alkoxycarbonyl-2-arylpyrrolidin-3-ones and 2-arylpiperidin-3-ones, respectively. The best result of the electroreductive intramolecular coupling was achieved using Bu(4)NClO(4) as a supporting electrolyte and a Pb cathode in THF. Acid hydrolysis of the mixed ketals afforded N-alkoxycarbonyl-2-arylpyrrolidin-3-ones and 2-arylpiperidin-3-ones in good yields. The reduction of these ketones with NaBH(4) in methanol afforded the corresponding N-alkoxycarbonyl-cis-2-arylpyrrolidin-3-ols and cis-2-arylpiperidin-3-ols diastereospecifically.

A short olefin metathesis-based route to enantiomerically pure arylated dihydropyrans and alpha, beta-unsaturated delta-valero lactones

The synthesis of arylated dihydropyrans and unsaturated lactones starting from enantiomerically pure alpha-hydroxy ketones (prepared by an enzyme-catalyzed benzoin condensation) is described. The key steps are a highly diastereoselective addition of vinyl metal compounds under chelate control and a ruthenium-catalyzed ring-closing olefin metathesis reaction. Elucidation of the relative configuration of the final products was achieved by NOE experiments.

Spirocyclic NK(1) antagonists II: [4.5]-spiroethers

A series of novel spiroether-based neurokinin-1 (NK(1)) antagonists is described. The effect of modifications to the spiroether ring and aromatic substituents are discussed, leading to the identification of compounds with high affinity and excellent CNS penetration.

Stereoselective synthesis from a process research perspective

The process chemists' primary responsibility is to develop efficient and reproducible syntheses of pharmaceutically active compounds. This task is complicated when dealing with chiral molecules that often must be made as single isomers according to regulatory guidelines. The presence of any isomeric impurity in the final product, even in small amounts, is usually not acceptable. This requirement necessitates an exquisite understanding of the methods employed in the construction of chiral drugs. However, the chemistry available for this purpose is sometimes limited and often requires a significant amount of effort and creativity to be made both functional and consistent.

Stereocontrolled preparation of a nonpeptidal (-)-spirobicyclic NK-1 receptor antagonist

The synthesis of a spirobicyclic NK-1 receptor (Substance-P) antagonist 1 antipode is described. Retrosynthetic analysis reveals an allylic halide A bearing the cyclopropoxy-substituted aryl group and a 2-phenyl-3-piperidone B. The stereochemistry in the spirobicyclic system bearing three chiral centers is initially set via a highly diastereoselective zinc-mediated coupling of the allylic bromide 23 to the optically active ketopiperidine 3. The remaining benzylic asymmetric center is set by a diastereoselective hydroboration followed by cyclization to the spirobicyclic system.

A double ring closing metathesis reaction in the rapid, enantioselective synthesis of NK-1 receptor antagonists

[structure: see text]. The NK-1 receptor antagonist 1 has been prepared in seven steps from phenylglycine methyl ester. The key steps are a double ring closing metathesis reaction of tetraene 7 to prepare spirocycle 6 and a reductive Heck reaction to introduce the aryl moiety. This latter reaction discriminates the olefins of compound 6 and proceeds in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner.