Stereo-Controlled Synthesis of Vicinal Tertiary Carbinols: Application in the Synthesis of a Diol Substructure of Zaragozic Acid, Pactamycin and Ryanodol

A novel and flexible approach for the stereo-controlled synthesis of vicinal tertiary carbinols is reported. The developed strategy featured a highly diastereoselective singlet-oxygen (O2 1 ) [4+2] cycloaddition of rationally designed cyclohexadienones (derived from oxidative dearomatization of the corresponding carboxylic-acid appended phenol precursors), followed by programmed "O-O" and "C-C" bond cleavage. In doing so, a highly functionalized and versatile intermediate was identified and prepared in synthetically useful quantity as a plausible precursor to access a variety of designed and naturally occurring vicinal tertiary carbinol containing compounds. Most notably, the developed strategy was successfully applied in the stereo-controlled synthesis of advanced core structures of zaragozic acid, pactamycin and ryanodol.

Late-stage and strain-accelerated oxidation enabled synthesis of haouamine A

Herein we report a new synthetic entry to the strained cyclophane alkaloid natural product, haouamine A. The successful strategy featured a rhodium-catalyzed diazo-insertion reaction to install the all-carbon quaternary center and a rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular aziridination reaction to establish the nitrogen-bearing stereocenter, of the target molecule. Most notably, a late-stage, site-selective and strain-accelerated oxidation of a "deoxygenated" macrocyclic intermediate was successfully implemented, and in doing so provided a novel solution to the infamous biphenol cyclophane system of haouamine A.

A Local-Desymmetrization-Based Divergent Synthesis of Quinine and Quinidine

Herein we report a novel synthetic entry to the legendary quinuclidine natural products quinine and quinidine. The developed strategy is based on the use of a symmetrical and nonstereogenic precursor to access quinine and quinidine through a "local-desymmetrization" approach, in stark contrast conceptually to the preparation of stereodefined disubstituted piperidines (or their acyclic precursors) as featured in all past syntheses. The developed strategy also provided quinine and quinidine derivatives that could not be readily obtained through previous total syntheses or by modification of the naturally occurring substances.

A Desymmetrization-Based Total Synthesis of Reserpine

Reported herein is a desymmetrization-based synthetic approach to the fused polycyclic indole alkaloid reserpine. The centerpiece of the developed strategy features an internal desymmetrization process that enabled the use of a readily accessible and nonstereogenic reserpine E-ring precursor, in contrast to the synthesis-intensive and stereodefined E-ring intermediates employed in all past reserpine syntheses. Utilization of inexpensive reagents through an orchestrated sequence of carefully selected chemical transformations further highlight the overall effectiveness of the developed pathway.

Organocatalytic and Late-Stage CH-Functionalization Enabled Asymmetric Synthesis of Communesin F and Putative Communesins

Herein we report the total syntheses of communesin F and putative members of the communesin family of polycyclic bis-aminal alkaloids. The successful strategy featured a novel organocatalytic reaction between two oxindole subunits to cast, after extensive optimization, the all-carbon vicinal quaternary stereocenters of the target molecule with high enantiocontrol. The resulting bis-oxindole intermediate further underwent a Ti(O ⁱPr)₄-mediated dehydrative skeletal rearrangement to furnish the communesin core structure. Consider the ready availability and low-cost of unsubstituted isatin, and the inferior organocatalytic reaction employing a bromo-substituted substrate, a Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed and oxalamide-directed aryl CH-alkenylation reaction was implemented to assemble the complete skeletal backbone of the target molecule. Collectively, the synthetic technologies disclosed herein constitute the first asymmetric organocatalytic approach to the communesins, together with a highly effective late-stage CH-functionalization in stark contrast to the bromoarene substrates employed in all of the past synthetic work.

Programmed serial stereochemical relay and its application in the synthesis of morphinans

Herein we report a rationally designed, serial point-to-axial and axial-to-point stereoinduction and its integration into multi-step and target-oriented organic synthesis. In this proof-of-concept study, the configurational stability of several carefully designed atropisomeric intermediates and the fidelity of their unconventional stereoinductions were systematically investigated. The highly functionalized prepared synthetic intermediate was further applied in a novel chemical method to access the morphinans and it is potentially applicable to other structurally related alkaloids.

A Mast Cell Degranulation Screening Assay for the Identification of Novel Mast Cell Activating Agents

The development and use of vaccines and their ability to prevent infection/disease is a shining example of the benefit of biomedical research. Modern vaccines often utilize subunit immunogens that exhibit minimal immunogenicity and require the use of adjuvants to maximize the induction of protective immune responses. We recently described a novel class of vaccine adjuvants, mast cell (MC) activators, that exhibit safe and effective vaccine adjuvant activity when administered by intranasal or intradermal routes. A compound library containing 580 functionalized benzopyrans, a structural motif found in a diverse array of natural and designed bioactive compounds, was screened using a MC degranulation assay to identify novel MC activating compounds for future evaluation as novel vaccine adjuvants. This approach identified 12 novel MC degranulating compounds. Therefore, MC degranulation can be used to reliably detect novel compounds for evaluation as adjuvants for use in mucosal vaccine strategies.

C-H activation: a complementary tool in the total synthesis of complex natural products

The recent advent of transition-metal mediated C-H activation is revolutionizing the synthetic field and gradually infusing a "C-H activation mind-set" in both students and practitioners of organic synthesis. As a powerful testament of this emerging synthetic tool, applications of C-H activation in the context of total synthesis of complex natural products are beginning to blossom. Herein, recently completed total syntheses showcasing creative and ingenious incorporation of C-H activation as a strategic manoeuver are compared with their "non-C-H activation" counterparts, illuminating a new paradigm in strategic synthetic design.

The chemistry of the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols

With their fascinating biological profiles and stunningly complex molecular architectures, the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) have long provided a fertile playing field for synthetic organic chemists. In particular, the recent advent of innovative synthetic methods and strategies together with C-C bond-forming reactions and asymmetric catalysis have revitalized this field tremendously. Consequently, PPAP targets which once seemed beyond reach have now been synthesized. This Review aims to highlight the recent achievements in the total synthesis of PPAPs, as well as notable methods developed for the construction of the bicyclo[3.3.1] core of these chemically and biologically intriguing molecules.

Chemical synthesis of the englerins

In the long lasting battle against cancer, Nature sometimes gives a helping hand to researchers to find new drugs for the treatment of diseases and improvement of patients' well-being. Englerin A has emerged as a promising anticancer candidate as well as being an exciting synthetic challenge for organic chemists. This focus review summarizes the total syntheses reported to date and the synthetic approaches toward analogues of this fascinating natural product.

Total synthesis of englerin A

Total synthesis of englerin A, a recently reported sesquiterpenoid exhibiting potent and selective growth inhibition against renal cancer cell lines, has been accomplished. The successful strategy featured a [5 + 2] cycloaddition reaction to cast the seven-membered oxabicyclic key intermediate in both racemic and optically active forms. Synthetic (+/-)-englerin A, (+/-)-englerin B, (+/-)-englerin B acetate, a hydroxy acetate, a tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether, and hydrogenated (+/-)-englerin A (31) were tested for their cytotoxicity against a selected panel of cancer cell lines, and the results are path-pointing to more focused structure-activity relationship studies.

Modular synthesis of polyphenolic benzofurans, and application in the total synthesis of malibatol a and shoreaphenol

A modular strategy for the synthesis of hexacyclic dimeric resveratrol polyphenolic benzofurans is reported. The developed synthetic technology was applied to the total synthesis of malibatol A, shoreaphenol, and other biologically relevant poly-phenols.

Total syntheses of amythiamicins A, B and C

Total syntheses of the thiopeptide antibiotics amythiamicins A, B and C are reported.

Total synthesis of thiopeptide antibiotics GE2270A, GE2270T, and GE2270C1

The total syntheses of the thiopeptide antibiotics GE2270A (7), GE2270T (8), and GE2270C1 (9) are described. The original synthetic strategies employed utilized the hetero-Diels-Alder reaction to construct the pyridine core of the target molecules and relied on a macrolactamization process to construct the macrocycle. The hetero-Diels-Alder-based strategy finally evolved allows the introduction of all four thiazole units attached to the pyridine ring and a one-pot sequence for macrocyclization and side-chain extension, culminating in highly convergent and expedient syntheses of these molecules as exemplified by a 24-step synthesis of GE2270C1 (9).

Total Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Azaspiracid-1. Final Assignment and Total Synthesis of the Correct Structure of Azaspiracid-1

The molecular structure of azaspiracid-1, a neurotoxin isolated from mussels, has been elucidated by total synthesis which also enriched its supplies. The degradatively derived fragments of this marine biotoxin, compounds 5 (EFGHI), 6 (FGHI), and 40 (ABCD), were matched with synthetic materials, thus confirming their structural identities. Based on this detective work, a new structure of azaspiracid-1 (i.e., 1) was proposed and constructed by total synthesis. The final strategy for the total synthesis of azaspiracid-1 featured a dithiane anion (C(21)-C(27) fragment) reacting with a pentafluorophenol ester (C(1)-C(20) fragment) followed by a Stille-type union of an advanced allylic acetate substrate (C(1)-C(27) fragment) with a vinyl stannane as the main coupling processes to assemble the carbon skeleton of the molecule. In addition to the total synthesis of azaspiracid-1 (1), the syntheses of its C(1)-C(20) epimer (2) and of several truncated analogues for biological investigations are described.

Total Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Azaspiracid-1. Synthesis-Based Analysis of Originally Proposed Structures and Indication of Their Non-Identity to the Natural Product

The key building blocks (6, 7, and 8) for the intended construction of the originally proposed structures of azaspiracid-1, a potent marine-derived neurotoxin, were coupled and the products elaborated to the targeted compounds (1a,b) and their C-20 epimers (2 and 3). The assembly of the three intermediates was accomplished by a dithiane-based coupling reaction that united the C(1)-C(20) (7) and C(21)-C(27) (8) fragments, followed by a Stille-type coupling which allowed the incorporation of the C(28)-C(40) fragment (6) into the growing substrate. Neither of the final products (1a,b) matched the natural substance by TLC or (1)H NMR spectroscopic analysis, suggesting one or more errors in the originally proposed structure for this notorious biotoxin.

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1: the CD-spiroacetal segment

Stereocontrolled syntheses of the C16-C28 CD-spiroacetal subunit of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1 , relying on kinetic and thermodynamic control of the spiroacetal formation, are described. The kinetic control approach resulted in a slight preference (60 : 40) for the desired spiroacetal isomer. The thermodynamic approach allowed ready access to the desired spiroacetal by acid-promoted equilibration, chromatographic separation of the C23 epimers and resubjection of the undesired isomer to the equilibration conditions. This scalable synthetic sequence provided multi-gram quantities of , thus enabling the successful completion of the total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1, as reported in Part 4 of this series.

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1: fragment couplings, completion of the synthesis, analogue generation and biological evaluation

The antimitotic marine macrolide altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1 has been synthesised in a highly convergent and stereocontrolled manner, thus contributing to the replenishment of the largely exhausted material from the initial isolation work. Coupling of the AB- and CD-spiroacetal subunits by a stereoselective aldol reaction was achieved by using either a lithium (67 : 33 dr) or boron enolate (90 : 10 dr). A highly (Z)-selective Wittig coupling was used to unite the northern hemisphere aldehyde with the southern hemisphere phosphonium salt . Deprotection and subsequent regioselective macrolactonisation on a triol seco-acid completed the synthesis of altohyrtin A. Two structural analogues were also prepared and evaluated as growth inhibitory agents against a range of human tumour cell lines, including Taxol-resistant strains, alongside altohyrtin A and paclitaxel (Taxol), revealing that dehydration in the E-ring is tolerated and results in enhanced cytotoxicity (at the low picomolar level), whereas the presence of the full C44-C51 side-chain appears to be crucial for biological activity.

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1: the southern hemisphere EF segment

The fully functionalised C29-C51 southern hemisphere of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1 , incorporating the E- and F-ring tetrahydropyran rings and the unsaturated side chain, has been synthesised in a highly convergent and stereocontrolled manner. Key steps in the synthesis of this phosphonium salt include four highly diastereoselective, substrate-controlled, boron aldol reactions to establish key C-C bonds and accompanying stereocentres, where the introduction of the chlorodiene side chain and the C47 hydroxyl-bearing centre were realised by exploiting remote stereoinduction from the F-ring tetrahydropyran.

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1: the AB-spiroacetal segment

The convergent synthesis of the C1-C15 AB-spiroacetal subunit of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1 is described. This highly stereocontrolled synthesis relies on matched boron aldol reactions of chiral methyl ketones, under Ipc(2)BCl mediation, to establish the C5, C9 and C11 stereocentres, and formation of the desired thermodynamic spiroacetal under acidic conditions. The scalable synthetic sequence developed provided access to multi-gram quantities of , thus enabling the successful completion of the total synthesis of altohyrtin A/spongistatin 1, as reported in Part 4.

Chemistry and Biology of Diazonamide A: First Total Synthesis and Confirmation of the True Structure

With the addition of a tenth ring, the exchange of an oxygen atom for a nitrogen in the heart of the molecule, and a different terminal residue, the revised architecture for diazonamide A (1) provided an even more challenging molecular puzzle for chemical synthesis than its predecessor. In this article, we detail the first successful total synthesis of diazonamide A, an endeavor which not only verified its proper connectivities and established the stereochemistry of its previously unassignable C-37 chiral center, but which also was attended by the development of several new synthetic strategies and tactics.

Chemistry and Biology of Diazonamide A: Second Total Synthesis and Biological Investigations

As an especially unique target for chemical synthesis, diazonamide A has the potential to be constructed through a plethora of synthetic routes, each attended by different challenges and opportunities for discovery. In this article, we detail our second total synthesis of diazonamide A through a sequence entirely distinct from that employed in our first campaign, one whose success required the development of several special strategies and tactics. We also disclose our complete studies regarding the chemical biology of diazonamide A and its structural congeners, and more fully delineate the scope of our protocol for Robinson-Gabriel cyclodehydration using pyridine-buffered POCl(3).