Asymmetric synthesis of α-amino acids via homologation of Ni(II) complexes of glycine Schiff bases. Part 2: Aldol, Mannich addition reactions, deracemization and (S) to (R) interconversion of α-amino acids

This review provides a comprehensive treatment of literature data dealing with asymmetric synthesis of α-amino-β-hydroxy and α,β-diamino acids via homologation of chiral Ni(II) complexes of glycine Schiff bases using aldol and Mannich-type reactions. These reactions proceed with synthetically useful chemical yields and thermodynamically controlled stereoselectivity and allow direct introduction of two stereogenic centers in a single operation with predictable stereochemical outcome. Furthermore, new application of Ni(II) complexes of α-amino acids Schiff bases for deracemization of racemic α-amino acids and (S) to (R) interconversion providing additional synthetic opportunities for preparation of enantiomerically pure α-amino acids, is also reviewed. Origin of observed diastereo-/enantioselectivity in the aldol, Mannich-type and deracemization reactions, generality and limitations of these methodologies are critically discussed.     

Preparation of an enantiomerically pure, highly porous metalloorganic crystal

We report the synthesis and the structure determination of tris-(4,5-diazo-spiro-bifluorene)ruthenium(II) chloride, a chiral building block whose racemic mixture solution spontaneously resolves and forms two crystalline, enantiomerically pure, porous networks composed exclusively of the Λ or Δ atropisomers. The extended chiral channels are occupied by water molecules (approximately 20% by weight) and the chloride counter-ions.     

Synthesis of enantiomeric pureCis-dichloroplatinum(II) amino acid complexes

The reaction of potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II) with six representative sulfurcontaining amino acids, namely,d- andl-cysteine,d- andl-methionine and its methyl ester hydrochloride gives the corresponding enantiomerically purecis-dichloroplatinum(II) complexes. This represents the first reported series of well-characterized enantiomerically pure platinum(II) complexes for bothd- andl-amino acids. The spectroscopic properties, including IR,¹H-NMR, and¹³C NMR, of these complexes and their configuration are discussed.     

Weak absolute helicity direction in Ni-salen by trans-cyclohexane-(1R,2R)-diamine

Helical Ni-salen foldamers were synthesized from enantiomerically pure cyclohexane-(1R,2R)-diamine, N,N′-bis-(N-phenyl (4-diphenylphosphine)-3-salicylidenato carboxamide)-(1R,2R)-cyclohexanediaminato-nickel(II). X-ray structural characterization of the absolute helicities observed confirms our earlier assertions, based on solution spectroscopic evidence, that trans-cyclohexane-diamine, a common component of chiral salen catalysts, is a weak director of absolute helicity for Ni-salen.     

Study of copper(II) and nickel(II) ternary complexes involving tertiary amines and phenyl or hydroxylphenyl substituted amino acids

Formation constants of ternary complexes MAL, where M = Cu(II) or Ni(II). A = 2.2′bipyridyl. 1, 10-phenanthroline, and L = 3.4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa), tyrosine, or phenylalanine have been determined by using the computer program SCOGS. It is observed that dopa coordinates with Cu(II)-A and Ni(II)-A through the aminocarboxylate and only over the pH range 3–8, though the ligand coordinates with free Cu(II) ion from the amino carboxylate end in the lower pH range (pH 2–4) and from the catechol end at the higher pH range (pH > 5). The visible spectrum of Cu-A-dopa is similar to that of Cu-A-phenylalanine or Cu-A-tyrosine over the entire pH range, confirming amino carboxylate coordination. Δ log K (K_MAL - log_KML) is found to be positive in all the six Cu(II) complexes. whereas it is negative in Ni(II) complexes. Release in the ternary complexes of the repulsion between the Cu(II) dπ electron and electrons delocalized over the phenyl ring has been proposed as a probable reason for the positive Δ log K.     

Axially chiral Ni(II) complexes of α‐amino acids: Separation of enantiomers and kinetics of racemization

Herein we present design, synthesis, chiral HPLC resolution, and kinetics of racemization of axially chiral Ni(II) complexes of glycine and di‐(benzyl)glycine Schiff bases. We found that while the ortho‐fluoro derivatives are configurationally unstable, the pure enantiomers of corresponding axially chiral ortho‐chloro‐containing complexes can be isolated by preparative HPLC and show exceptional configurational stability (t_1/2 from 4 to 216 centuries) at ambient conditions. Synthetic implications of this discovery for the development of new generation of axially chiral auxiliaries, useful for general asymmetric synthesis of α‐amino acids, are discussed.     

Asymmetric synthesis of α-amino acids via homologation of Ni(II) complexes of glycine Schiff bases; Part 1: alkyl halide alkylations

Alkylations of chiral or achiral Ni(II) complexes of glycine Schiff bases constitute a landmark in the development of practical methodology for asymmetric synthesis of α-amino acids. Straightforward, easy preparation as well as high reactivity of these Ni(II) complexes render them ready available and inexpensive glycine equivalents for preparing a wide variety of α-amino acids, in particular on a relatively large scale. In the case of Ni(II) complexes containing benzylproline moiety as a chiral auxiliary, their alkylation proceeds with high thermodynamically controlled diastereoselectivity. Similar type of Ni(II) complexes derived from alanine can also be used for alkylation providing convenient access to quaternary, α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids. Achiral type of Ni(II) complexes can be prepared from picolinic acid or via recently developed modular approach using simple secondary or primary amines. These Ni(II) complexes can be easily mono/bis-alkylated under homogeneous or phase-transfer catalysis conditions. Origin of diastereo-/enantioselectivity in the alkylations reactions, aspects of practicality, generality and limitations of this methodology is critically discussed.     

Synthesis of axially chiral benzamides utilizing tricarbonyl(arene)chromium complexes

Axially chiral N,N-diethyl 2,6-disubstituted benzamides were stereo-selectively prepared utilizing planar chiral (arene)chromium complexes as an enantiomerically active form by following two methods. Ortho-lithiation of the enantiomerically pure planar chiral tricarbonyl(N,N-diethyl 2-methylbenzamide)chromium complex followed by electrophilic quenching gave axially chiral 2-methyl-6-substituted N,N-diethyl benzamide chromium complexes. Photo-oxidative demetalation produced the chromium-free axially chiral benzamides as optically active compounds. An alternative method for the preparation of axial chiral benzamides is an enantioselective lithiation at the benzylic methyl of meso tricarbonyl(N,N-diethyl 2,6-dimethylbenzamide)chromium with appropriate chiral lithium amide base followed by quenching with alkyl halides.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a new family of chiral metal(II) citramalates

A new series of chiral carboxylate-bridged complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) has been synthesized by reaction of M(II) salts with (S)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-butanedioic acid ((S)-citramalic acid) under solvothermal conditions. The Mn(II) compound 1 is obtained as a crystalline powder, whereas the Co(II) and Ni(II) compounds (2 and 3 respectively) are obtained as single crystals. All the compounds crystallize in orthorhombic chiral space group P2₁2₁2₁. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural, and their structure consists in helicoïdal chains of M(II) centres linked by carboxylate bridges. The magnetic data indicate a rather weak coupling interaction between paramagnetic centres. The Mn(II) compound 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N = 2.64 K. The Co(II) and Ni(II) compounds show ferromagnetic interactions within the chains. For 3, the chains couple antiferromagnetically, which leads to a metamagnetic behaviour with T_N = 1.69 K.     

Cobalt and iron complexes of chiral C1- and C2-terpyridines: Synthesis, characterization and use in catalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrenes

Optically pure C₁- and C₂-terpyridine ligands (L) form cobalt(II) and iron(II) complexes of formula [Co(L)Cl₂] and [Fe(L)Cl₂], respectively, and Iron(III) complexes of formulas [Fe(L)Cl₃]. Structures of three new chiral cobalt(II) and one iron(III) complexes were analysed using X-ray crystal structure analysis. These complexes were shown to be precursor of efficient catalyst for cyclopropanation. Reaction with AgOTf converted the complex to active catalyst, which gave enantioselectivities of up to 76% ee for the trans-isomers and 83% ee for the cis-isomers of styrene cyclopropanes with ethyl diazoacetate. Hammett studies showed the active species for both cobalt and iron complexes to have a non-linear relationship to σ_p constant.     

Highly Enantioselective Production of Chiral Secondary Alcohols with Candida zeylanoides as a New Whole Cell Biocatalyst

The increasing demand for biocatalysts in synthesizing enantiomerically pure chiral alcohols results from the outstanding characteristics of biocatalysts in reaction, economic, and ecological issues. Herein, fifteen yeast strains belonging to three food originated yeast species Candida zeylanoides, Pichia fermentans, and Saccharomyces uvarum were tested for their capability for asymmetric reduction of acetophenone to 1‐phenylethanol as biocatalysts. Of these strains, C. zeylanoides P1 showed an effective asymmetric reduction ability. Under optimized conditions, substituted acetophenones were converted to corresponding optically active secondary alcohols in up to 99% enantiomeric excess and at high yields. The preparative scale asymmetric bioreduction of 4‐nitroacetophenone ( 1m ) by C. zeylanoides P1 gave (S)‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)ethanol ( 2m ) with 89% yield and > 99% enantiomeric excess. Compound 2m has been obtained in an enantiomerically pure and inexpensive form. Additionally, these results indicate that C. zeylanoides P1 is a promising biocatalyst for the synthesis of chiral alcohols in industry.     

Stereoselectivity in β-cyclodextrin complexation of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives

Structure–interaction relationships, stereoselectivity, and solubility enhancement in inclusion compexation of β-cyclodextrins (CDs) with some racemic and enantiomerically pure 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives (DHPs) were investigated. 1:1 and 1:2 (mole ratio) complexes were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), MS-FAB spectrometry, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, water and phase solubility. The solubility studies have revealed different complexation equilibria for optically pure DHP enantiomers, and corresponding racemic mixtures in water solutions. By means of ¹H-NMR chemical shift measurements, the inclusion of aromatic fragments of racemic and enantiomerically pure DHP molecules within the cavities of different CDs was elucidated. Considerable stereoselectivity in complexation interactions was observed. The results indicate the potential use of cyclodextrins as chiral selectors for enantiomeric resolution of 1,4-DHP calcium antagonists. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Synthesis of enantiopure (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol using whole-cell Lactobacillus paracasei biotransformation

Chromane, which has a fused cyclic structure, is a significant molecule that can be found in the structure of many important compounds. Lactobacillus paracasei BD101 was demonstrated as whole-cell biocatalyst for the synthesis of (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol with immense enantioselectivity. The conditions of asymmetric reduction were optimized one factor by one factor using L paracasei BD101 to achieve enantiomerically pure product and complete conversion. Using these obtained optimization conditions, asymmetric reduction of 6-chlorochroman-4-one was performed under environmentally friendly conditions; 6-chlorochroman-4-one, having a fused cyclic structure as previously noted to be difficult to asymmetric reduction with biocatalysts, was enantiomerically reduced to (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol with an enantiomeric excess >99% on a high gram scale. This study is the first example in the literature for the enantiopure synthesis of (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol using a biocatalyst. Also notably, the optical purity of (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol obtained in this study through asymmetric bioreduction using whole-cell biocatalyst is the highest value in the literature. In this study, (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol was produced on a gram scale by an easy, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method, which has shown the production of valuable chiral precursors for drug synthesis and other industrial applications. This study provides a convenient method for the production of (S)-6-chlorochroman-4-ol, which can meet the industrial green production demand of this chiral secondary alcohol.     

New metal complexes of N2S2 tetradentate ligands: Synthesis and spectral studies

New tetradentate ligands 2-(2-mercaptoethylthio)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)acetamide H₂L¹ and 2-chloro-2-(2-mercaptoethylthio)-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)acetamide H₂L² were synthesised from the reaction of 2-aminomethanepyridine with 1,4-dithian-2-one and 3-chloro-1,4-dithian-2-one, respectively. Monomeric complexes of these ligands, of general formulae K[Cr^III(Lⁿ)Cl₂], K₂[Mn^II(Lⁿ)Cl₂] and [M(Lⁿ)] (M = Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) or Hg(II); n = 1, 2) are reported. The mode of bonding and overall geometry of the complexes were determined through IR, UV-Vis, NMR and mass spectral studies, magnetic moment measurements, elemental analysis, metal content and conductance. These studies revealed octahedral geometries for the Cr(III), Mn(II) complexes, square planar for Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes and tetrahedral for the Fe(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes. The study of complex formation via molar ratio in DMF solution has been investigated and results were consistent to those found in the solid complexes with a ratio of (M:L) as (1:1).     

Asymmetric Autocatalysis Induced by Chiral Crystals of Achiral Tetraphenylethylenes

The achiral hydrocarbon tetraphenylethylene crystallizes in enantiomorphous forms (chiral space group: P2₁) to afford right- and left-handed hemihedral crystals, which can be recognized by solid-state circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis. Chiral organic crystals of tetraphenylethylene mediated enantioselective addition of diisopropylzinc to pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde to give, in conjunction with asymmetric autocatalysis with amplification of chirality, almost enantiomerically pure (S)- and (R)-5-pyrimidyl alkanols whose absolute configurations were controlled efficiently by the crystalline chirality of the tetraphenylethylene substrate. Tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene and tetrakis(p-bromophenyl)ethylene also show chirality in the crystalline state, which can also act as a chiral substrate and induce enantioselectivity of diisopropylzinc addition to pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde in asymmetric autocatalysis to give enantiomerically enriched 5-pyrimidyl alkanols with the absolute configuration correlated with that of the chiral crystals. Highly enantioselective synthesis has been achieved using chiral crystals composed of achiral hydrocarbons, tetraphenylethylenes, as chiral inducers. This chemical system enables significant amplification of the amount of chirality using spontaneously formed chiral crystals of achiral organic compounds as the seed for the chirality of asymmetric autocatalysis.     

Mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (CoM imitator) interaction studies with nickel(II) complexes of pyridyl groups containing tetradentate ligands: Synthesis, structure, spectra and redox properties

Nickel(II) complexes of N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(pyridyl-2yl-methyl)ethylene-diamine (L¹), N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(pyridyl-2-ylmethyl)-1,2-diaminopropane (L²) and N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(pyridyl-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane (L³) were prepared and their spectroscopic and redox properties studied. The distorted octahedral structure was determined for [NiL³ClCH₃OH](ClO₄) by using X-ray crystallography. The electronic spectral behavior of the complexes at different pHs was analyzed; it is shown that a new band grew at the expense of the other band intensity in acid media. The redox properties of ligands and their complexes show the peaks of Ni(II) → Ni(III) and Ni(II) → Ni(0) as these were detected at low concentration while Ni(II) → Ni(I) process was detectable clearly at high concentration. Furthermore, the interaction studies of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid as a simulator of coenzyme M reductase (CoM) with NiN₄ chromophores are discussed.     

Chiral bimetallic complexes from chiral salen metal complexes and mercury (II) halides and acetates: the anionic groups interact with Cu(II) in apical position

A series of chiral bimetallic complexes have been prepared containing both Cu(II) and Hg(II) metal centers. The complexes possess chiral salen ligands which host Cu(II) in the center of the cis-N₂O₂ chromophore and Hg(II) via two oxygen atoms of the chromophore. Halogen and acetate groups from mercury salts interact with the Cu(II) center. The X-ray crystallographic data of 11 reveals a short distance of Cl?Cu (3.22-3.26 Å). EPR study also discloses a strong interaction, in particular, of acetate group with Cu.     

Physico-chemical study of first row transition metal ions coordination compounds with N,N′-bis(2-tosylaminobenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropanol. The crystal structure of bis-azomethine and its cobalt(II) complex

The novel Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) coordination compounds with Schiff base ligand - N,N′-bis(2-tosylaminobenzylidene)-1,3-diaminopropanol have been synthesized and studied. The structures of bis-azomethine as well as Co(II) and Zn(II) mononuclear metallochelates have been determined by X-ray analysis. The magnetic properties of all complexes were studied and interpreted in terms of HDVV theory. It was shown that exchange interaction in binuclear copper(II) complexes was affected by tosyl groups.     

First synthesis of the two enantiomers of alpha-methyldiphenylalanine [(alphaMe)Dip] by HPLC resolution.

A strategy for the preparation of enantiomerically pure (R)- and (S)-alpha-methyldiphenylalanine, constrained phenylalanine analogs, is described. A racemic precursor was prepared in high yield from easily available starting products and subjected to HPLC resolution on a noncommercial chiral stationary phase. More than 600 mg of each enantiomer was isolated in optically pure form by using a 150 x 20 mm ID column containing mixed 10-undecenoate/3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate of cellulose covalently bonded to allylsilica gel and a mixture of n-hexane/2-propanol/acetone as the mobile phase.     

An enzymatic approach to the synthesis of optically pure (3R)- and (3S)-enantiomers of green tea flavor compound 3-hydroxy-3-methylnonane-2,4-dione

Both (3R)- and (3S)-enantiomers of the chiral green tea flavor compound 3-hydroxy-3-methylnonane-2,4-dione were synthesized by the combined use of acetylacetoin synthase and acetylacetoin reductase from Bacillus licheniformis. The first enzyme was utilized to catalyze the homo-coupling of 2,3-octanedione and obtain the enantioenriched (3R)-3-hydroxy-3-methylnonane-2,4-dione (ee 44%). The NADH-dependent acetylacetoin reductase was then employed for the diastereoselective (de > 95%) C2 carbonyl reduction of the sole (3R)-enantiomer of the above 2,4-dione, thus affording the syn diol (2S,3R)-2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylnonan-4-one in enantiomerically pure form. While this step allowed for the recovery of unreacted, optically pure (3S)-3-hydroxy-3-methylnonae-2,4-dione, the corresponding (3R)-enantiomer was obtained by subsequent TEMPO-mediated oxidation of the syn diol intermediate. Moreover, using the title compounds as analytical standards, predominance of the (3R) enantiomer in the natural flavor compound was finally demonstrated by chiral GC–MS analysis.