Reinvestigation of the Biomimetic Cyclization of 3,5-Diketo Esters: Application to the Total Synthesis of Cyercene A, an α-Methoxy-γ-Pyrone-Containing Polypropionate

The biomimetic cyclization of 3,5-diketo esters was reinvestigated for the synthesis of α-methoxy-γ-pyrones. 3,5-Diketo esters were selectively synthesized via the aldol reaction of commercially available methyl 2-methyl-3-oxopentanoate with an aldehyde followed by the oxidation with AZADOL® and PhI(OAc)2. The DBU-promoted intramolecular transesterification of 3,5-diketo esters showed excellent reactivity in MeOH, to give the corresponding γ-hydroxy-α-pyrones in high yields under mild reaction conditions. Based on the present cyclization scheme, the total synthesis of cyercene A was achieved.

Synthesis and biological activities of the respiratory chain inhibitor aurachin D and new ring versus chain analogues

Aurachins are myxobacterial 3-farnesyl-4(1H)-quinolone derived compounds initially described as respiratory chain inhibitors, more specifically as inhibitors of various cytochrome complexes. They are also known as potent antibiotic compounds. We describe herein the first synthesis of aurachin D through a key Conrad–Limpach reaction. The same strategy was used to reach some ring as opposed to chain analogues, allowing for the description of structure–activity relationships. Biological screening of the analogues showed antiparasitic, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The strongest activity was found on Plasmodium falciparum with a selectivity index of 345, compared to Vero cells, for the natural product and its geranyl analogue. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by aurachins in human U-2 OS osteosarcoma cells was studied, showing the best activity for aurachin D and a naphthalene analogue, yet without totally explaining the observed cytotoxic activity of the compounds. Finally, a synthetic entry is given to the complete carboheterocyclic core of aurachin H through the N-oxidation/epoxidation of aurachin D and a shorter chain analogue, followed by subsequent biomimetic cyclization.

Drimenol: A Versatile Synthon for Compounds with trans-Drimane Skeleton

Several reviews have been published on sesquiterpenes, and on drimane-type sesquiterpenes, going through drimenol and related compounds among others. However, to our knowledge, this is the first review exclusively on drimenol. Although, the main focus is on drimenol as a synthon for other drimane-type compounds, synthetic routes to obtain racemic and (-)-drimenol are summarized, as well as its isolation and determination of its configuration, in the early fifties. The reviewed synthetic routes start from natural (-)-drimenol as chiral synthon in most of cases, nevertheless total syntheses are considered as well. The strategies where racemic drimenol is involved begin with biomimetic cyclization of trans-farnesol. Microbiological procedures to functionalize the A ring of drimenol are also commented. The revision is classified according to the chemical structure of the final product, which mainly correspond to structures of natural occurrence, although other related derivatives are also analyzed.

Biomimetic Cyclization of Geraniol Derivatives, a Useful Tool in the Total Synthesis of Bioactive Monocyclic Terpenoids

This review is a detailed account of authors’ work in the field of biomimetic cyclization of geraniol-like dienes. The very high regio- and enantioselectivity achieved made these elegant reactions a viable tool for the synthesis of monocyclic building blocks used in the synthesis of valued terpenoids, like the precious aroma and perfume constituents’ ionones and irones.