Experiments Directed toward the Total Synthesis of Polycyclic Terpenes

A synthetic sequence for the conversion of 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalenone (I) to the bridged tetracyclic compound, 2-methoxy-6-oxo-7,8a-ethano-12-oxo-6,7,8,8a,9,10-hexahydrophenanthrene (VII) is described.

A synthetic sequence for the conversion of 2-methoxycarbonylmethyl-6-methoxy-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalenone (II) to (±)-3, 16-dioxo-20-nor-hiba-5, (6)-ene is described.     

Structure-Antibacterial Activity Relationship for 9-O,9′-O-Demethyl (+)-virgatusin

The relationship between the antibacterial activity and structure of 9-O,9′-O-demethyl (+)-virgatusin (Virg 3) was examined. The conversion of hydroxy groups on the 9 and 9′ positions to amino groups increased the activity. It was found that the 3′-methoxy group was more important for higher activity than the 4′-methoxy group on the 7′-phenyl group, and that the 3,4-methylenedioxy group on the 7-phenyl group was necessary for activity.     

Syntheses of optically active 2-amino-4-oxobutyric acid and N,O-protected derivatives

Summary Strategies for the synthesis of optically active aspartaldehyde derivatives are reviewed. Most of them are using the chiral pool: allylglycine or naturally occurring homoserine, aspartic acid or methionme and side chain modifications. This will be developed in the first part. Some other original routes are also displayed in the second part. Different aspects of each strategy are discussed: the nature and number of steps, the problem of protecting groups, the price and availability of starting materials. Some synthetic applications of such interesting chiral synthons are shown in the last part.Abbreviations Ac acetyl - An Anisyl or 4-methoxy benzyl - Bn benzyl - Boc tert-butoxycarbonyl - BOP-PF₆ benzotriazol-l-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate - Cbz benzyloxycarbonyl - DCC dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - DIBAL diisobutyl aluminum hydride - DIPEA diisopropyl ethyl amine - DMF dimethyl formamide - DMSO dimethylsulfoxide - EDCI l-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride - HP 4-hydroxy phenyl - MP 4-methoxy phenyl - NCS N-chlorosuccinimide - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - PCC pyridinium chlorochromate - Pht phthaloyl - Ser serine - tBu tert-butyl - TEMPO 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-l-oxyl - TFA trifluoro acetic acid - Trityl triphenyl methyl - Val valine This paper is dedicated to RV.     

Sequential synthesis and C-N.m.r. spectra of methyl β-glycosides of (1→4)-β-d-xylo-oligosaccharides

The reaction of 2,3-di-O-acetyl-4-O-benzyl-α,β-d-xylopyranosyl bromide (2) with methyl 2,3-di-O-acetyl-β-d-xylopyranoside gave methyl O-(2,3-di-O-acetyl-4-O-benzyl-β-d-xylopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2,3-di-O-acetyl-β-d-xylopyranoside (22). Catalytic hydrogenolysis of 22 exposed HO-4′ which was then condensed with 2. This sequence of reactions was repeated three more times to afford, after complete removal of protecting groups, a homologous series of methyl β-glycosides of (1→4)-β-d-xylo-oligosaccharides. ¹³C-N.m.r. spectra of the synthetic methyl β-glycosides (di- to hexa-saccharide) are presented together with data for six other, variously substituted, homologous series of (1→4)-d-xylo-oligosaccharides.     

The effect of methyl jasmonate on accumulation of 2-phenylethylamine and putrescine in seedlings of common buckwheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagopyrum esculentum</Emphasis>)

The effects of exogenously applied methyl jasmonate on content of biogenic amines: putrescine, spermidine, tyramine, cadaverine and 2-phenylethylamine in seedlings of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) were investigated. The studies have shown that methyl jasmonate stimulates the conversion of l-phenylalanine into 2-phenylethylamine and increases the endogenous levels of putrescine in hypocotyls and cotyledons of buckwheat seedlings. Simultaneous feeding the seedlings with l-phenylalanine and methyl jasmonate has indicated that conversion of l-phenylalanine into 2-phenylethylamine can be one of possible reasons, caused by the methyl jasmonate suppression of anthocyanins synthesis in hypocotyls. To our knowledge, the stimulation of conversion of l-phenylalanine into 2-phenylethylamine by methyl jasmonate, as found in the present study, is described for the first time in higher plants.     

Conversion of hydroxylated and methylated dihydroflavonols into anthocyanins in a white flowering mutant of Petunia hybrida

A 3′, 4′-dihydroxy or a 3′, 4′, 5′-trihydroxy substitution pattern of dihydroflavonols is required for their conversion into the corresponding anthocyanins in a white flower of Petunia hybrida. The presence of a 5-hydroxyl group is not required. B-ring methylated dihydroflavonols were not converted into the corresponding anthocyanins. In case of a 4′-methoxy substituted dihydroflavonol a 4′-hydroxyanthocyanin is obtained, suggesting demethylation of this compound. The conversion of synthetic (±)-trans-2,3-dihydroflavonols into anthocyanins proceeded almost as well as with natural compounds. The results demonstrate that the cinnamic acid starter hypothesis for the origin of B-ring substituents is not correct for B-ring methylation.     

Synthesis of 4-trifluoromethylsteroids: A novel class of steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors

A concise synthetic approach to 4-trifluoromethyl steroids, a novel class of steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors, is described. Direct trifluoromethylation of steroid olefinic bromide with methyl fluorosulfonyl-difluoroacetate was used as a key step in the synthesis. The compound 4 exhibited highly inhibitory activity than Finasteride in in vitro assay.     

Metabolic rewiring of synthetic pyruvate dehydrogenase bypasses for acetone production in cyanobacteria

Designing synthetic pathways for efficient CO₂ fixation and conversion is essential for sustainable chemical production. Here we have designed a synthetic acetate‐acetyl‐CoA/malonyl‐CoA (AAM) bypass to overcome an enzymatic activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. This synthetic pathway utilizes acetate assimilation and carbon rearrangements using a methyl malonyl‐CoA carboxyltransferase. We demonstrated direct conversion of CO₂ into acetyl‐CoA‐derived acetone as an example in photosynthetic Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 by increasing the acetyl‐CoA pools. The engineered cyanobacterial strain with the AAM‐bypass produced 0.41 g/L of acetone at 0.71 m/day of molar productivity. This work clearly shows that the synthetic pyruvate dehydrogenase bypass (AAM‐bypass) is a key factor for the high‐level production of an acetyl‐CoA‐derived chemical in photosynthetic organisms.     

Enzymatic Synthesis of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives

Using Novozym 435 as catalyst, the syntheses of ethyl ferulate (EF) from ferulic acid (4-hydroxy 3-methoxy cinnamic acid) and ethanol, and octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) from p-methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethyl hexanol were successfully carried out in this study. A conversion of 87% was obtained within 2 days at 75 °C for the synthesis of EF. For the synthesis of OMC at 80 °C, 90% conversion can be obtained within 1 day. The use of solvent and high reaction temperature resulted in better conversion for the synthesis of cinnamic acid derivatives. Some cinnamic acid esters could also be obtained with higher conversion and shorter reaction times in comparison to other methods reported in the literature. The enzyme can be reused several times before significant activity loss was observed. Revisions requested 10 January 2006; Revisions received 17 January 2006     

TELOMERASE INHIBITORS – OLIGONUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHORAMIDATES AS POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

We have designed, synthesized, and evaluated using physical, chemical and biochemical assays various oligonucleotide N3′ → P5′ phosphoramidates, as potential telomerase inhibitors. Among the prepared compounds were 2′-deoxy, 2′-hydroxy, 2′-methoxy, 2′-ribo-fluoro, and 2′-arabino-fluoro oligonucleotide phosphoramidates, as well as novel N3′ → P5′ thio-phosphoramidates. The compounds demonstrated sequence specific and dose dependent activity with IC₅₀ values in the sub-nM to pM concentration range.     

From synthetic antigens to synthetic vaccines

The availability of synthetic antigens permitted a systematic elucidation of the molecular basis of antigenicity, as well as of other phenomena, and to establish the genetic control of immune response and its link to the major histocompatibility region of the species. Moreover, it allowed a conceptual approach to production of vaccines made up of synthetic fragments of relevant virus antigens. This was first demonstrated with a bacteriophage, MS-2, that can be efficiently inactivated with antibodies obtained with an immunogen in which a synthetic peptide corresponding to a sequence of 20 amino acid residues within its coat protein was covalently linked to a polymeric synthetic carrier. When the synthetic adjuvant N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (MDP) was chemically linked to the same molecule, the resulting immunogen was effective in aqueous solution. This approach has now been used for diphtheria: a synthetic peptide from the A-chain of the toxin, covalently attached together with MDP to the synthetic carrier multichain poly(DL-alanine) induced antibodies cross-reactive with the diphtheria toxin as well as protection against the dermonecrotic activity of the toxin. A similar approach has been described also by R. Arnon and her colleagues in our laboratory for influenza virus, making use of a peptide with sequence 91–108 of the hemagglutinin of type A H₃N₂ strains attached to tetanus toxoid. The results indicated that the conjugate led to partial protection against A/Texas mouse-adapted influenza virus.     

The nitrous acid deamination of glycosides and acetates of 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose

A procedure is described for the nitrous acid deamination of 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose hydrochloride (1), and reduction of the product with buffered borohydride, to afford crystalline 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (3) in 71% yield. Similar treatment of the methyl α-pyranoside (4) of 1 gives 59% of crystalline 3, and the same product is obtained in 44% yield from 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-α(or β)-D-glucopyranose hydrochloride (5 or 6) by the deamination-reduction sequence with subsequent deacetylation. These results provide a model, for a nonhydrolytic, depolymerization technique for structural characterization of glycosaminoglycans.     

Total synthesis of PGC2 methyl ester. Comparison with enzymatically produced material

The synthesis of PGC₂ methyl ester is described. Comparison of the synthetic material with the methyl ester prepared from natural PGC₂ showed the two to be identical, thus confirming the structure assignment. The physical and biological data of PGC₂ methyl ester are presented.Horton and Jones have recently shown that PGA₁ (Ic) and PGA₂ (Ia) are deactivated on incubation with cats blood (1,2). Jones has proposed that this deactivation involves the enzymic conversion of PGA (I) to an 11,12-double bond isomer (PGC, II) which is subsequently isomerized by base to the inactive PGB (III) (3). Structure assignment of the PGC's in the earlier study were based on chromatographic mobilities and uv and mass spectrometric properties. We report here a total synthesis of PGC₂ methyl ester (IIb). Comparison of the biological and physical properties of this material with those of diazomethane-esterified natural material confirms the earlier structure assignment for PGC₂ (IIa).     

Enzymatic synthesis of water-soluble derivatives of salicylic acid in organic media

A novel enzymatic method for preparing water-soluble derivatives of salicylic acid catalyzed by immobilized lipase was described. This study is the first to describe the enzymatic transesterification of methyl salicylate in organic solvents with different hydroxyl donors. The acyl-transfer between methyl salicylate and sorbitol was best supported by solvents of log P values –0.33 to 1.4. With Candida antarctica lipase in tert-amyl alcohol, a sorbitol conversion yield of 98% can be obtained by transesterification with sorbitol and methyl salicylate in one step.     

Synthesis of 4-Deoxy-4-C-hydroxymethyl-α-L-Lyxo-Pyranosyl Thymine

Abstract

The synthesis of 1-[4-deoxy-4-C-hydroxymethyl-α-L-lyxopyranosyl]thymine has been accomplished by two synthetic routes both starting from methyl 2, 3-O-isopropylidene-β-D-ribopyranoside. The first route makes use of a ring opening, ring closure reaction sequence to increase the proportion of the desired L-isomers. The second route utilizes the soft nucleophilic character of malonyl anions and ozonolytic cleavage of enol ether to introduce the branched chain. The newly obtained pyranosyl nucleoside obtains a ⁴C₁ conformation with an equatorially oriented thymine moiety.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of the polar metabolites of nifedipine in plasma, blood and urine

A relatively simple reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of the polar metabolites of nifedipine in biological fluids is described. After conversion of 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid 5-methyl ester (IV) into 5,7-dihydro-2-methyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-5-oxofuro[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (V) by heating under acidic conditions, V was extracted with n-pentane—dichloromethane (7:3) and analysed on a C₁₈ column with ultraviolet detection. Subsequently, 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid monomethyl ester (III) was extracted with chloroform and analysed on the same system. Limits of determination in blood were 0.1 μg/ml for III and 0.05 μg/ml for IV and V; these limits were two to ten times higher for urine. This inter-assay variability was always less than 7.5%.     

Effect of water activity on enzymatic synthesis of cephalexin

Summary In enzymatic synthesis of cephalexin (CEX) from 7-amino-3-deacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) and D--phenylglycine methyl ester (PGM) using an acylase fromXanthomonas citri, it was found that the synthetic activity and conversion yield were enhanced markedly by depressing the water activity (a _w ) of reaction system. This enhancement was probably resulted from the change of thermodynamic equilibrium and maximized at a range ofa _w from 0.96 to 0.97.     

Highly stereoselective acid-catalyzed homonucleophilic substitution reactions

Enantiomeric 3-O-methyltemazepam and 3-Oethyltemazepam were highly stereoselectively substituted by the 3-methoxy group of methanol in acidic anhydrous methanol and by the 3-ethoxy group of ethanol in acidic anhydrous ethanol, respectively. The stereoselectivity of the homonucleophilic substitution reactions was determined by circular dichroism spectropolarimetry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In anhydrous solutions containing 0.5 M D₂SO₄ at 50°C, for example, the stereoselectivity was ∼63:1 for enantiomeric 3-O-methyltemazepam in CD₃OD and ∼94:1 for enantiomeric 3-O-ethyltemazepam in C₂D₅OD. The high stereoselectivity at C3 position was primarily due to the presence of a methyl group at N1 position. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

1 This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

     

Activation of γ-Aminobutyrate Production by Chloroplastic H2O2 Is Associated with the Oxidative Stress Response

A series of N-substituted aryl and alkyl carbamates (RNHCOOR′; R: aryl, alkyl; R′: aryl, alkyl) was prepared and screened for inhibitory activity toward the germination of oat seeds. The activity of each compound was compared with that of chlorpropham (isopropyl 3-chlorocarbanilate). Some of the synthetic carbamates possessing the N-(phenylthio)methyl group, PhSCH₂NHCOOR´, showed inhibitory activity close or comparable to that of chlorpropham.