Exploiting pseudo C2-symmetry for an efficient synthesis of the F-ring of the spongistatins

Rh(I)-catalysed imine-directed C-H functionalization via the oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of benzylamine derivatives with maleimides

The Rh(I)-catalysed imine-directed oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of benzylamines with maleimides is reported. A wide range of both benzylamines and maleimides is applicable to the reaction. A one-pot three component strategy using benzylamines, 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, and maleimides is successfully achieved. Mechanistic studies including deuterium labelling experiments suggest that a zwitterionic intermediate is formed and is a key intermediate through the Rh-catalysed activation of a benzylic C(sp³)-H bond of the imine.

Novel Synthesis of Trisubstituted Olefins for the Preparation of the C16-C30 Fragment of Dolabelide C

A silicon-tether ring-closing metathesis strategy is reported for the synthesis of trisubstituted olefins flanked by allylic or homoallylic alcohols, which are difficult to obtain by classical ring-closing or cross-metathesis reactions. In addition, a novel Peterson olefination reaction has been developed for the preparation of the allyldimethylsilane precursors, which are versatile synthetic intermediates. This method was then applied to the synthesis of the C16-C30 fragment of dolabelide C.

Design and 22-step synthesis of highly potent D-ring modified and linker-equipped analogs of spongistatin 1

Spongistatin 1 is among the most potent anti-proliferative agents ever discovered rendering it an attractive candidate for development as a payload for antibody-drug conjugates and other targeted delivery approaches. Unfortunately, it is unavailable from natural sources and its size and complex stereostructure render chemical synthesis highly time- and resource-intensive. As a result, the design and synthesis of more acid-stable and linker functional group-equipped analogs that retain the low picomolar potency of the parent natural product requires more efficient and step-economical synthetic access. Using uniquely enabling direct complex fragment coupling crotyl- and alkallylsilylation reactions, we report a 22-step synthesis of a rationally designed D-ring modified analog of spongistatin 1 that is characterized by GI50 values in the low picomolar range, and a proof-of-concept result that the C(15) acetate may be replaced with linker functional group-bearing esters with only minimal reductions in potency.

Stereoselective aldol reactions using pseudo C2 symmetric 1-benzyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)piperidine-2,6-dione

Crossed aldol reactions of the CF₃-containing pseudo C₂ symmetric cyclic imide 3 were carried out by way of the corresponding boron bisenolate to stereoselectively furnish the desired products 4 and this procedure allowed the preferential construction of the diastereomers of the compounds previously obtained from the acyclic counterpart 1.

Hydroxyl-directed stereoselective diboration of alkenes

An alkoxide-catalyzed directed diboration of alkenyl alcohols is described. This reaction occurs in a stereoselective fashion and is demonstrated with cyclic and acyclic homoallylic and bishomoallylic alcohol substrates. After oxidation, the reaction generates 1,2-diols such that the process represents a method for the stereoselective directed dihydroxylation of alkenes.