Natural product synthesis 1.2- stereogenic centers

Domino Michael/aldol addition processes unquestionably represent the largest group of domino transformations. Numerous synthetic applications - for example, in natural product synthesis as well as for the preparation of other bioactive compounds - have been reported. Thus, the procedure is rather flexible and allows the use of many different substrates [12]. In this process it is possible, in theory, to establish up to two new C-C-bonds and three new stereogenic centers in a single step. For example, Collin s group developed a three-component approach. 

The asymmetric arylation of ketone enolates represents an attractive method for the preparation of optically active carbonyl compounds with a stereogenic quaternary center at the a-position to the carbonyl group. Such types of compounds are important intermediates for natural product synthesis. Replacement of BINAP by 109 provides... 

Relative stereocontrol of the substrates with pre-existing stereogenic centers during PKR has been extensively studied, and the outcome of the reaction is now expected with high probability. Many fundamental factors for obtaining high degrees of stereoselectivity are defined in the course of early studies directed to the natural product synthesis. ... 

With a phenylsulfonyl group as X (Scheme 41) the intermediate, after rearrangement, will decompose directly to an aldehyde function, which reacts wiA excess alkyllithium to form an unsaturated alcohol. The often efficient transfer of chirality from C-1 of an optically active allylic alcohol to the newly created stereogenic centers at C-3 and/or C-4 is another valuable aspect of the 2,3-Wittig rearrangement which has already found extensive use in natural product synthesis. ... 

Radical cyclization reactions have proven to be a very efficient approach for polycyclic natural product synthesis. In many cases, the last step involves a reduction of a cyclic radical with formation of a new stereogenic center. Very good stereochemical control has been achieved with such polycyclic radicals. For example, Beckwith has reported a highly stereoselective formation of a quinolizidine ring (Scheme 19, Eq. 19.1) [41b]. This process is the key reaction in a four-step synthesis of epilupinine and the stereochemical outcome results from a stereoselective axial reduction by tin hydride of a bicyclic radical. In a related process, Tsai has prepared silylated hydroxyquinolizidine by radical cyclization to an acylsilane followed by a radical-Brook rearrangement (Scheme 19, Eq. 19.2) [42]. 

The field of natural product synthesis is definitely one of the most challenging and attractive areas of organic chemistry and numerous contributions focusing on the development of synthesis routes for natural products are reported constantly (2 ). Among the different types of transformations that are necessary to successfully achieve a complex total synthesis, those enabling the stereoselective introduction of a stereogenic center have attracted special interest. 

In the context of a natural product synthesis we explored, whether the cyclization to cis-3-vinyl-piperidinols can be effected under the asymmetric induction of resident stereogenic centers. To this end, the alkyne 27 was generated over 5 steps from homoserine lactone 26. 

The stereochemical outcome of the reaction is determined by the geometry of the transition state for the Claisen rearrangement a chairlike conformation is preferred,and it proceeds strictly by an intramolecular pathway. It is therefore possible to predict the stereochemical course of the reaction, and thus the configuration of the stereogenic centers to be generated. This potential can be used for the planning of stereoselective syntheses e.g the synthesis of natural products. 

The first examples of macrocyclization by enyne RCM were used in Shair s impressive biomimetic total synthesis of the cytotoxic marine natural product longithorone A (429) [180]. This unique compound features an unusual hep-tacyclic structure which, in addition to the stereogenic centers in rings A-E, is also chiral by atropisomerism arising from hindered rotation of quinone ring G through macrocycle F (Scheme 85). It was assumed that biosynthesis of 429 could occur via an intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction between [12]paracy-... 

The essence of asymmetric synthesis is producing a new stereogenic center in such a manner that the product consists of stereoisomers in unequal amount. In most cases, this can be achieved by the formation of a new sp3 stereocenter. There is also another type of asymmetric reaction in which the employed substrates contain either a stereogenic unit or a pro-stereogenic unit apart from the functional group, and asymmetric synthesis occurs even though the nature of the reaction is not directly related to the newly formed sp3 stereocenter. The Wittig reaction is invoked for the asymmetric synthesis of such molecules.47... 

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