Catalytic, contra-Thermodynamic Alkene Isomerization

The positional isomerization of C–C double bonds is a powerful strategy for the interconversion of alkene regioisomers. However, existing methods provide access to thermodynamically more stable isomers from less stable starting materials. Here we report the discovery of a dual catalyst system that promotes contra-thermodynamic positional alkene isomerization under photochemical irradiation, providing access to terminal alkene isomers directly from conjugated, internal alkene starting materials. The utility of the method is demonstrated in the deconjugation of diverse electron rich/poor alkenes and through strategic application to natural product synthesis. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a regiospecific bimolecular homolytic substitution (SH2') mechanism proceeding through an allyl-cobaloxime intermediate.

Diversity-oriented functionalization of 2-pyridones and uracils

Heterocycles 2-pyridone and uracil are privileged pharmacophores. Diversity-oriented synthesis of their derivatives is in urgent need in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report a palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis enabled dual-functionalization of iodinated 2-pyridones and uracils. The success of this research depends on the use of two unique norbornene derivatives as the mediator. Readily available alkyl halides/tosylates and aryl bromides are utilized as ortho-alkylating and -arylating reagents, respectively. Widely accessible ipso-terminating reagents, including H/DCO2Na, boronic acid/ester, terminal alkene and alkyne are compatible with this protocol. Thus, a large number of valuable 2-pyridone derivatives, including deuterium/CD3-labeled 2-pyridones, bicyclic 2-pyridones, 2-pyridone-fenofibrate conjugate, axially chiral 2-pyridone (97% ee), as well as uracil and thymine derivatives, can be quickly prepared in a predictable manner (79 examples reported), which will be very useful in new drug discovery.

Palladium catalyzed annulation of 2-iodobiphenyl with a non-terminal alkene enabled by neighboring group assistance

Neighboring group assisted annulation of non-terminal alkene with 2-iodobiphenyl.

Bioinspired Divergent Oxidative Cyclization of Strictosidine and Vincoside Derivatives: Second Generation Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (–)-Cymoside

<p>We report our second generation synthesis of (–)-cymoside as well as the formation of a new hexacyclic-fused furo[3,2-<i>b</i>]indoline framework. After a Pictet-Spengler condensation between secologanin tetraacetate and tryptamine, the course of the cyclization of the 7-hydroxyindolenine intermediate generated by oxidation with an oxaziridine, depends on the stereochemistry of the 3-position. The 3<i>-(S)-</i>strictosidine stereochemistry delivered efficiently the scaffold of cymoside via intramolecular coupling with the C16-C17 enol ether, while the 3<i>-(R)-</i>vincoside stereochemistry directed towards the reaction with the C18-C19 terminal alkene and the formation of the unexpected caged compound.</p>

Bioinspired Divergent Oxidative Cyclization of Strictosidine and Vincoside Derivatives: Second Generation Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (–)-Cymoside

<p>We report our second generation synthesis of (–)-cymoside as well as the formation of a new hexacyclic-fused furo[3,2-<i>b</i>]indoline framework. After a Pictet-Spengler condensation between secologanin tetraacetate and tryptamine, the course of the cyclization of the 7-hydroxyindolenine intermediate generated by oxidation with an oxaziridine, depends on the stereochemistry of the 3-position. The 3<i>-(S)-</i>strictosidine stereochemistry delivered efficiently the scaffold of cymoside via intramolecular coupling with the C16-C17 enol ether, while the 3<i>-(R)-</i>vincoside stereochemistry directed towards the reaction with the C18-C19 terminal alkene and the formation of the unexpected caged compound.</p>

α,ß-Didehydrosuberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (DDSAHA) as precursor and possible analogue of the anticancer drug SAHA

An alternate synthetic route to the important anticancer drug suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) from its α,ß-didehydro derivative is described. The didehydro derivative is obtained through a cross metathesis reaction between a suitable terminal alkene and N-benzyloxyacrylamide. Some of the didehydro derivatives of SAHA were preliminarily evaluated for anticancer activity towards HeLa cells. The administration of the analogues caused a significant decrease in the proliferation of HeLa cells. Furthermore, one of the analogues showed a maximum cytotoxicity with a minimum GI50 value of 2.5 µg/mL and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as some apoptotic features.

Structural mechanism of regioselectivity in an unusual bacterial acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

Terminal alkenes are easily derivatized, making them desirable functional group targets for polyketide synthase (PKS) engineering. However, they are rarely encountered in natural PKS systems. One mechanism for terminal alkene formation in PKSs is through the activity of an acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD). Herein, we use biochemical and structural analysis to understand the mechanism of terminal alkene formation catalyzed by an γ,δ-ACAD from the biosynthesis of the polyketide natural product FK506, TcsD. While TcsD is homologous to canonical α,β-ACADs, it acts regioselectively at the γ,δ-position and only on α,β-unsaturated substrates. Furthermore, this regioselectivity is controlled by a combination of bulky residues in the active site and a lateral shift in the positioning of the FAD cofactor within the enzyme. Substrate modeling suggests that TcsD utilizes a novel set of hydrogen bond donors for substrate activation and positioning, preventing dehydrogenation at the α,β position of substrates. From the structural and biochemical characterization of TcsD, key residues that contribute to regioselectivity and are unique to the protein family were determined and used to identify other putative γ,δ-ACADs that belong to diverse natural product biosynthetic gene clusters. These predictions are supported by the demonstration that a phylogenetically distant homolog of TcsD also regioselectively oxidizes α,β-unsaturated substrates. This work exemplifies a powerful approach to understand unique enzymatic reactions and will facilitate future enzyme discovery, inform enzyme engineering, and aid natural product characterization efforts.