A four component reaction involving the coupling of functionalized aldehydes, amines, acid chlorides, and [pi]- and organometallic nucleophiles has been developed to prepare multifunctional substrates that may be employed in subsequent ring-forming reactions to generate diverse arrays of functionalized heterocyclic scaffolds. Allyl metals, Grignard reagents, silyl ketene acetals, silyl enol ethers, and silyloxy furans have been utilized as the nucleophile in the four component reaction (4CR). The 4CR has been sequenced with intramolecular Heck reactions, Diels-Alder and [3+2] cycloadditions, ring closing metathesis (RCM), and Dieckmann condensations to provide a number of diverse heterocyclic structures. The practical utility of this approach to diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) was further exemplified by its application to the first total synthesis of the isopavine alkaloid roelactamine, which was completed in only four steps from commercially available materials. The application of this methodology towards the synthesis of the Aspidosperma alkaloids rosicine and pseudotabersonine is also presented. To this end, an imine pentadienylation/double RCM strategy has been adopted to rapidly access the pentacyclic core of the aspidospermine alkaloids. This sequence involved the use of a pentadienyl aluminum reagent, which was found to react with aryl imines to give branched products in good yields. / text

This research focused on the synthesis of novel ogranoboron reagents in efforts to perform a variety of synthetic transformations, and additionally, the development of new methodologies to generate drug-like scaffolds. Initially, three novel tripod ligands were synthesized, and two were effectively chelated to boron to provide the desired organoborates. Such organoborates were employed in nucleophilic additions where they were found to be ineffective, whereas some activity was observed in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions. An additional project on organoboron compounds was conducted and focused on the development of organoboron frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) to facilitate the storage and transfer of hydrogen, nucleophilic addition reactions, and Claisen rearrangements. A new method for synthesizing a pyrrolidine diol unit was accomplished, and this intermediate was utilized to synthesize two FLPs. The reactivity of the FLPs with small molecules was assessed, and the pyrrolidine diol unit was subsequently evaluated for its ability to undergo a multicomponent reaction (MCR) to yield compounds possessing beneficial biological activity. Further research in this area was conducted, and a 5-aminoimidazole scaffold was synthesized employing a new MCR which is more efficient than previously reported methodologies. 5-Aminoimidazoles are frequently found in compounds which possess desirable biological activity, and this novel method was employed to generate a library of eleven 5-aminoimidazoles. Additionally, two post condensation modification reactions were developed. During initial studies, a side product was observed which was identified as a dihydrotriazine, which is another biologically appealing chemotype. Therefore, an enhanced method of synthesizing this product was developed, and a library of eleven dihydrotriazines was produced. In summary, novel organoboron reagents were synthesized, and their activity was evaluated. The pyrrolidine diol utilized to synthesize FLPs was applied towards an MCR. Furthermore, a novel MCR was developed for the synthesis of 5-aminoimidazoles, and an enhanced protocol for the synthesis of dihydrotriazines was found.

Thesis advisor: Amir H. Hoveyda / Chapter 1. Ligand-Controlled Site-Selective NHC–Cu-Catalyzed Protoboration of Monosubstituted Allenes. Site-selective proto–boryl additions to monosubstituted allenes promoted by NHC–Cu complexes are disclosed. Synthetically useful 1,1-disubstituted and Z-trisubstituted alkenylboron compounds are afforded in high efficiency (71%–92% yield) and site selectivity (88% to >98%) through proper choice of NHC ligands. Mechanistic study with the assistance of DFT calculations indicates that protonation of 2-boron-substituted allylcopper complex occurs through six-membered cyclic transition state. The utility of this protocol is demonstrated through application to fragment synthesis of an antibiotic macrolide natural product elansolid A. Chapter 2. Cu-Catalyzed Chemoselective Copper–Boron Additions to Monosubstituted Allenes Followed by Allyl Additions to Carbonyl Compounds. The first examples of catalytic generation of 2-boron-substituted allylcopper species and their in situ use for C–C bond formation are described. The reactions are performed in the presence of bisphosphine– or NHC–Cu complexes at 22 oC. High-value alcohol-containing alkenylboron compounds are provided in high efficiency (68–92% yield after oxidation) and stereoselectivity (88:12 to >98:2 dr). The reactions proceed with exclusive γ-addition mode through a cyclic six-membered transition state. Enantioselectivity can be achieved with chiral bisphosphine ligands in up to 97:3 enantiomeric ratio. Chapter 3. Chemo-, Site- and Enantioselective Copper–Boron Additions to 1,3-Enynes Followed by Site- and Diastereoselective Additions of the Resulting Allenylcopper Complexes to Aldehydes. Catalytic enantioselective multicomponent reactions involving 1,3-enynes, aldehydes and B2(pin)2 are described. The resulting products contain a primary C–B(pin) bond, as well as alkyne- and hydroxyl-substituted tertiary stereogenic centers. A critical feature is high enantioselectivity of the initial Cu–B addition to an alkyne-substituted terminal alkene. The key mechanistic issues are investigated by DFT calculations. Reactions are promoted in the presence of the Cu complex of an enantiomerically pure C1-symmetric bisphosphine and are complete in 8 h at ambient temperature. Products are generated in 66–94% yield (after oxidation or catalytic cross-coupling), 90:10 to >98:2 diastereomeric ratio, and 85:15–99:1 enantiomeric ratio. Aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkenyl-, and alkyl-substituted aldehydes and enynes are suitable substrates. Utility is demonstrated through catalytic alkylation and arylation of the organoboron compounds as well as applications to synthesis of fragments of tylonolide and mycinolide IV. Chapter 4. Multifunctional Alkenylboron Compounds through Single-Catalyst-Controlled Multicomponent Reactions and Their Applications in Scalable Natural Product Synthesis. A facile multicomponent catalytic process that begins with a chemo-, site- and diastereoselective copper–boron addition to a monosubstituted allene followed by addition of the resulting boron-substituted organocopper intermediate to an allylic phosphate, generating products that contain a stereogenic center, a monosubstituted alkene and an easily functionalizable Z-trisubstituted alkenylboron group in up to 89% yield with >98% branch selectivity and stereoselectivity and an enantiomeric ratio greater than 99:1. The copper-based catalyst is derived from a robust heterocyclic salt that can be prepared in multigram quantities from inexpensive starting materials and without costly column chromatography purification. The utility of the method is demonstrated through enantioselective synthesis of gram quantities of two natural products, rottnestol and herboxidiene/GEX1A. Chapter 5. Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Allyl and Propargyl 1,6-Conjugate Additions through 3,3’-Reductive Elimination. Catalytic enantioselective 1,6-conjugate additions of allyl-type nucleophiles promoted by NHC–Cu complexes are reported. Propargyl and 2-boron allyl 1,6-conjugate products are formed in high efficiency, diastereo- and enantioselectivity. The unique mechanistic feature is that the transformations proceed through Cu-catalyzed 3,3’-reductive elimination, that is unprecedented for copper catalysis. Further mechanistic study and application to complex molecule synthesis will be conducted. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

While unprotected amino aldehydes are typically not isolable due to imine formation and consequent polymerization, stable unprotected aziridine aldehydes are useful and available reagents. Moreover, reversible hemiacetal and hemiaminal formation enable these compounds to reveal both their electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups. This exceptional arrangement allows for aziridine aldehyde dimers to participate in and disrupt the mechanisms of an array of well-known organic reactions, including isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. The scope and selectivity patterns of aziridine aldehyde induced amino acid or peptide macrocyclization have been investigated. A small library of constrained tri-, tetra-, and penta-peptide macrocycles – representing the most difficult cyclic peptides to synthesize – has been prepared. The scope of aziridine aldehyde participation in multicomponent reactions was also expanded to Ugi and Passerini reactions that do not employ tethered amine and acid functional groups. In order to facilitate cellular imaging of peptide macrocycles a fluorescent isocyanide reagent was prepared and applied to prepare mitochondrial targeting macrocycles. Thioester isocyanide reagents were synthesized to enable rapid assembly of cycle-tail peptides through ligation technology.

While unprotected amino aldehydes are typically not isolable due to imine formation and consequent polymerization, stable unprotected aziridine aldehydes are useful and available reagents. Moreover, reversible hemiacetal and hemiaminal formation enable these compounds to reveal both their electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups. This exceptional arrangement allows for aziridine aldehyde dimers to participate in and disrupt the mechanisms of an array of well-known organic reactions, including isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. The scope and selectivity patterns of aziridine aldehyde induced amino acid or peptide macrocyclization have been investigated. A small library of constrained tri-, tetra-, and penta-peptide macrocycles – representing the most difficult cyclic peptides to synthesize – has been prepared. The scope of aziridine aldehyde participation in multicomponent reactions was also expanded to Ugi and Passerini reactions that do not employ tethered amine and acid functional groups. In order to facilitate cellular imaging of peptide macrocycles a fluorescent isocyanide reagent was prepared and applied to prepare mitochondrial targeting macrocycles. Thioester isocyanide reagents were synthesized to enable rapid assembly of cycle-tail peptides through ligation technology.

Small-molecule libraries with enhanced structural diversity are of value in drug discovery campaigns where novel biologically active hits are desired. As such, multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have proven fruitful to enhance the molecular diversity of chemical collections and expedite forward progression of the drug discovery chain. Bicalutamide (Casodex), an anticancer drug, and Telaprevir (Incivek), an antiviral, are two examples of marketed drugs that can be synthesized using an MCR. The research topic of this dissertation involves the design, discovery, and development of novel MCRs and new combinations of MCRs with post-condensation modifications to generate over twenty-five new drug-like scaffolds in an operationally friendly, atom-economical, time- and cost-effective fashion. The developed chemical methodologies possess inherent 'iterative efficiency','high exploratory power', and 'bond forming efficiency' that allow them to quickly explore chemical space and navigate the 'hypothesis-synthesis-screening' loop that is key for a medicinal chemistry project. The prepared molecules were submitted to the Community for Open Antimicrobial Drug Discovery (CO-ADD) for antimicrobial screening against pathogens that are known to cause drug-resistance infections.

Le motif γ-butyrolactone est une entité naturelle très répandue et présente dans de nombreuses molécules à activité biologique. La substitution du cycle à cinq chaînons définit plusieurs classes de composés auxquels les acides paraconiques (portant une fonction acide carboxylique en position β du carbonyle) appartiennent. Ces composés possèdent des activités antitumorales et antibiotiques et représentent une unité structurale intéressante pour la synthèse de molécules à intérêt pharmaceutique. Cependant, la synthèse multicomposant de γ-butyrolactones a été très peu décrite jusqu'à présent. En se basant sur la réactivité sélective des organozinciques aromatiques, il a été supposé qu'une gamme d'acides paraconiques 2,3-polysubstitués pourrait être accessible à partir d'un organozincique, d'un composé carbonylé et d'un accepteur de Michael via une séquence domino métallo-catalysée impliquant la formation de trois liaisons simples par l'intermédiaire d'une addition conjuguée, d'une réaction d'aldolisation et d'une transestérification intramoléculaire aboutissant à la formation du cycle lactone. La réaction développée sur cette base a permis l'accès à une large gamme d'acides paraconiques 2,3-polysubstitués caractérisés par une chaîne benzyle fonctionnalisée en β du carbonyle. Une étude dédiée à la mise en lumière du mécanisme de cette réaction a été effectuée. L'activité antitumorale in vitro de ces composés a été testée sur différentes lignées de cellules cancéreuses (KB, HCT116, MCF7, HL60). Ces tests ont permis de mettre en évidence une molécule à activité intéressante, sur laquelle des tests supplémentaires ont été effectués (PC3, SK-OV3, MCF7R, HL60R, MRC5, EPC, mécanisme d'action) et des IC50 de 0,6 à 6 µM ont été mesurées sur la plupart de ces lignées. Une extension de la réaction à partir de dérivés ortho-bisubstitués a permis d'obtenir une gamme de lactones tricycliques ortho-condensées avec de bons rendements et de manière diastéréosélective, par un procédé domino. Ces différents composés présentent le motif tricyclique ABC, caractéristique de la structure des strigolactones, hormones jouant un rôle fondamental dans le processus de germination des plantes / The γ-butyrolactone scaffold is a widespread naturally occurring motif, present in numerous compounds possessing biological activities. In this context, paraconic acids (bearing a carboxylic acid function at the position β to the carbonyl), constitute an important group of γ-butyrolactones that both display antitumor and antibiotic activities, but also represent relevant building blocks for the synthesis of diverse pharmacologically active compounds. However, the multicomponent synthesis of γ-butyrolactones has been only scarcely reported so far. Considering the selective reactivity of organozinc reagents, it was assumed that a range of 2,3-polysubstituted paraconic acids should be synthesized from an organozinc reagent, a carbonyl compound and a Michael acceptor through a metallo-catalyzed domino reaction involving the formation of three single bonds. This reaction allowed for the access to a wide range of 2,3-polysubstituted paraconic acids characterized by an unprecedented functionalized benzyl side chain in position β of the carbonyl. A study devoted to the elucidation of the mechanism of this reaction was carried out. The in vitro antitumor activity of a representative set of these compounds has been evaluated against various cancer cell lines (KB, HCT116, MCF7, HL60). These tests permitted to highlight a lead molecule, which was submitted to additional tests (PC3, SK-OV3, MCF7R, HL60R, MRC5, EPC, mechanism of action). IC50 between 0.6 and 6 µM have been measured for this compound. An extension of the reaction to ortho-bisubstituted compounds allowed for the domino diastereoselective synthesis of a range of ortho-condensed tricyclic lactones with good yields. Those compounds exhibit the tricyclic ABC pattern of strigolactones, hormones playing a fundamental role in the germination process of plants

Thesis advisor: Amir H. Hoveyda / Chapter 1. We have developed a single-vessel catalytic protocol for double protoboryl additions to terminal alkynes with B2(pin)2 promoted by Cu complex derived from chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), to achieve enantiomerically enriched versatile vicinal diborons. Since an alkenyl(pinacolato)boron, which was in situ generated by the first protoboration of a terminal alkyne, can serve as an effective substrate for the second protoboration (alkenylboron can allow delocalization of π electrons of olefin to a partially vacant p orbital on boron), single-vessel catalytic process with 2 equiv. of B2(pin)2 in the presence of sulfonate-bearing chiral NHC–Cu complex, affords enantiomerically enriched 1,2-diborons in up to 93% yield and 97.5:2.5 enantiomeric ratio (e.r.). Site-selective Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling with alkenyl bromide shows the versatility of the resulting diboron compounds, which delivers the coupling product efficiently. Interestingly, only the less hindered, primary C–B bond on vicinal diboron compound participates in the cross coupling. Chapter 2. Cu-catalyzed protocol for selective formation of α-alkenylborons has been demonstrated. With achiral NHC–Cu complex, readily prepared from commercially available imidazolinium salt, various terminal alkynes are converted to internal alkenylborons in up to 93% yield with high to exclusive α selectivity. Propargyl ethers, amides and aryl alkynes are proved to be suitable substrates. Utility of α-alkenylborons is demonstrated by conversion to methyl ketone and synthesis of cyclic alkenylboron compound. In addition, when Cu complex bearing a stronger electron-donating NHC is used, the site selectivity of protoboration reaction becomes reversed, which delivers the alternative isomer, β-alkenylboron efficiently. By altering the steric and electronic nature of NHC, site selectivity is dramatically changed. Mechanistic basis for site selectivity is presented. Chapter 3. Efficient and selective protocol for synthesis of enantiomerically enriched silylborons is described. In the presence of achiral NHC–Cu complex, site- and stereoselective protosilyl additions to terminal alkynes afford a wide range of alkyl- and aryl-substituted (E)-β-alkenylsilanes. Chiral monodentate NHC−Cu complex promotes enantioselective protoboration of alkyl- or alkenyl-bearing alkenylsilanes, delivering vicinal borosilanes with up to 96.5:3.5 e.r. When an alkene bearing both silyl and aryl groups is utilized, on the other hand, geminal silylboron is obtained with high enantio- (93:7–98.5:1.5 e.r.) and site selectivity (up to >98% geminal). In this case, we have reasoned that the electronic attribute of aryl unit is more dominant than the silyl group to control site selectivity. To demonstrate the utility of the Cu-catalyzed transformation, we have illustrated the formal synthesis of bruguierol A, natural product active against Gram-positive and also Gram-negative bacteria. The key intermediate geminal borosilane is provided by sequential NHC–Cu-catalyzed protosilylation and protoboration of terminal alkyne in 77% overall yield with 97.5:2.5 e.r. and 97% site selectivity. Additionally, stereochemical models to account for levels and trends in site- and enantioselectivity are proposed. Chapter 4. New methods for enantioselective protonation of 2-B(pin)-bearing allylcopper, which is in situ generated by site-selective Cu–B addition to 1,1-disubstituted allene, are presented. Transformations are promoted by a chiral NHC–Cu complex, affording an alkenylboron containing α-carbon stereogenic center. Enantiomerically enriched aryl-, heteroaryl- and silyl-bearing alkenylborons are generated in high yield (up to 98%) and selectivities (up to >98% site selectivity and 96.5:3.5 e.r.). To explore the utility of enantiomerically enriched alkenylborons, we have developed Cu-catalyzed enantioselective allylic alkenyl addition to allylic phosphate. A chiral NHC–Cu complex promotes the allylic substitution of enantiomerically enriched alkenylboronic acid with ally phosphate to deliver 1,4-diene in 62% yield with 96:4 d.r. (>98% stereoselectivity). Chapter 5. We have developed a single-vessel, multicomponent process to synthesize N-bearing quaternary carbon stereogenic centers with exceptional diastereo- (>98:2 d.r. for all cases) and high enantioselectivity (88:12 to >99:1 e.r. except one case). Especially, protecting group-free ketoimine (“N–H” ketoimine), which can be prepared by alkylation of a readily available nitrile, has been utilized for the study. The transformation of “N–H” ketoimine is very useful because the obtained amine has no protecting group, which allows us to avoid the deprotection step as well as to be able to choose appropriate protecting group for subsequent chemical reactions. By oxidation of α-tertiary carbamine with NaBO3, β-amino ketones (Mannich reaction product) are obtained in up to 83% yield. A stereochemical model to account for the level of diastereo- and enantioselectivity are presented using DFT calculations. To show the utility of the present method, we have synthesized a medicinally active compound, which was studied for Alzheimer’s disease. The Cu-catalyzed protocol delivers the core structure of the target molecule with exclusive diastereo- and enantioselectivity (>98:2 d.r. and 99.5:0.5 e.r.). / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2016. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Orientador: Luiz Carlos da Silva Filho / Resumo: Derivados de cumarina representam uma grande e importante classe de produtos naturais com diversas atividades biológicas. Entretanto, com a eletrônica orgânica e a utilização de novos materiais como absorvedores de luz, derivados de cumarina têm despertado grande interesse da comunidade científica. As cumarinas possuem grande absorção na região visível e alto rendimento quântico de fluorescência, o que sugere ser um material promissor para aplicação como corantes em células solares. Entre os métodos de síntese de cumarina descritos na literatura, podemos citar a reação de Knoevenagel, Pechmann e Perkin. A reação multicomponente (RMC) é outro método de síntese dos derivados de cumarina e foi desenvolvido pelo nosso grupo de pesquisa. As RMCs ocorrem entre três ou mais reagentes em uma única etapa reacional, no mesmo frasco. Os compostos de interesse foram obtidos através dos reagentes de partida: 4-aminocumarina, derivados de aldeído e benzoilacetato de etila, catalisados por ácidos de Lewis. A reação ocorreu na presença de NbCl5, em N2, sob refluxo, em DCM, DCE, MeCN, MeOH ou THF durante 5, 24 ou 48 h. Essas foram as condições reacionais estudadas para se estabelecer protocolos de síntese para a formação dos produtos de interesse. Os resultados mais promissores foram obtidos em 24 h, com DCE e NbCl5, com rendimentos que variam entre 38 e 58%. As caracterizações ópticas mostraram um comprimento de onda de absorção em torno de 355 nm, emissão de fluorescência em torno de 420 nm... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Coumarin derivatives represent a large and important class of natural products with diverse biological activities. However, with organic electronics and the use of new materials as light absorbers, coumarin derivatives have aroused great interest from the scientific community. Coumarins have high absorption in the visible region and high fluorescence quantum yield, which suggests to be a promising material for application as dyes sensitized solar cells. Among the methods of coumarin synthesis described in the literature, we can mention the reaction of Knoevenagel, Pechmann and Perkin. The multicomponent reaction (MCR) is another method of synthesis of coumarin derivatives and was developed by our research group. MCRs occur between three or more reactants in a single reaction step, in the same flask. Compounds of interest were obtained from the starting reagents: 4-aminocoumarin, aldehyde derivatives and ethyl benzoylacetate, catalysed by Lewis acids. The reaction occurred in the presence of NbCl5, in N2, under reflux in DCM, DCE, MeCN, MeOH or THF for 5, 24 or 48 h. These were the reactional conditions studied to establish synthesis protocols for the formation of the products of interest. The most promising results were obtained in 24 h with DCE and NbCl5 with yields ranging from 38 to 58%. The optical characterizations showed an absorption wavelength around 355 nm, fluorescence emission around 420 nm and fluorescence quantum yield reaching 0.129%. Also, the reactants: furan-... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Na primeira parte deste trabalho apresentamos uma forma eficiente para sintetizar quinze novos compostos α-amino-1,3-dicarbonílicos através da reação multicomponente de Ugi. Para estas sínteses foi utilizado o microrreator de fluxo contínuo, um aparelho que possibilita uma excelente transferência de calor, de massa e alta relação superfície / volume. Algumas das vantagens em se utilizar um microrreator de fluxo contínuo na síntese são: redução do tempo de reação, aumento de rendimento, seletividade das reações e menor geração de resíduos. Foi possível assim estudar as reações químicas em condições inéditas, variando parâmetros como: temperatura, pressão, tempo de residência e relação estequiométrica. Um comparativo de rendimento da síntese de quatro moléculas foi realizado e pôde-se notar a eficiência do equipamento utilizado, pois os rendimentos obtidos foram superiores quando as mesmas moléculas foram sintetizadas através da reação one-pot. Um scale-up da reação de Ugi também foi realizado e apresentou um resultado satisfatório. Na segunda parte alguns destes compostos foram utilizados como intermediários na formação de uma ligação amídica e também aplicamos a metodologia relacionada à cicloadição catalisada por cobre entre alquinos e azidas na síntese de cinco novos compostos 1,2,3-triazóis. Este foi o primeiro trabalho realizado no Laboratório de Compostos Heterocíclicos da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas utilizando o microrreator de fluxo contínuo e este equipamento atendeu as necessidades deste trabalho com efetividade. / The first part of this work we present an efficient way to synthesize fifteen new α-amino-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds through the multicomponent Ugi reaction. For these syntheses was used the continuous flow micro-reactor, an equipment that allows an excellent transfer of heat, mass and high surface / volume ratio. Some of the advantages of using a continuous flow micro-reactor in the synthesis are: reduction of reaction time, increase of yield, selectivity of reactions and less generation of residues. It was possible to study the chemical reactions under new conditions, varying parameters such as: temperature, pressure, residence time and stoichiometric ratio. A yield comparison of the synthesis of four molecules was carried out and it was possible to note the efficiency of the equipment used, because the obtained yields were superior when the same molecules were synthesized through the one-pot reaction. A scale-up of the Ugi reaction was also performed and presented a satisfactory result. In the second part some of these compounds were used as intermediates in the formation of an amide bond and we also apply the methodology related to the copper catalyzed cycloaddition between alkynes and azides in the synthesis of five new 1,2,3-triazoles compounds. It was the first work performed in the Laboratory of Heterocyclic Compounds of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences using the continuous flow micro-reactor and this equipment met the needs of this work with effectiveness.