Total synthesis of (+)-antofine and (-)-cryptopleurine.

ABSTRACT: The tylophorine alkaloid anticancer compounds antofine and cryptopleurine have been synthesized in optically active form. Both syntheses employ optically pure α-amino acids as the starting materials, require only seven steps from known 2-ethynylpyrrolidine or 2-ethynylpiperidine derivatives, and are free of protecting groups. Key steps include an alkyne hydration and a chromium carbene complex based net [5+5]-cycloaddition step. Alkyne hydration was accompanied by racemization of the resulting β-aminoketone under most of the conditions examined, and successful minimization of this side reaction was achieved through careful pH control and choice of metal additive. Final ring closure involves a Bischler-Napieralski reaction using a carbamate (antofine) or urea (cryptopleurine) precursor.

SUBMITTER: Ying W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3864684 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature