The objective of this research was the development of new methods for the asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen containing compounds. As one part of this goal, 3,4-dihydroxyprolines and their derivatives were prepared from sulfinimines (N-sulfinyl imines). During this project new methods were developed for asymmetric hydroxylation and decarboxylation of 3-oxo-2-carboxylate pyrroldines. The application of this new methodology was realized by the total synthesis of the α- and β-glycosidases inhibitor (+)-lentginosine. It was also found that electrophiles regioselectively add to the 4-position of 3-oxo-2-carboxylate-5-substituted pyrrolidines. The addition is accomplished through lithium diisopropyl amide generation of the pyrrolidine dianion. This addition was also compatible with 3-oxo-2-phosophono-5-substituted pyrroldines. Furthermore air oxidation of these pyrrolidines give the corresponding pyrroles. This procedure represents the first general preparation procedure for 2-phonopyrroles, which have been examined as HIV protease inhibitors. A range of β-amino carbonyl compounds were prepared from N-sulfinyl β-amino Weinreb amides in a concise and efficient procedure. A general method for the preparation of a variety of β-amino carbonyl compounds arose from the addition of an assortment of organometallic reagents to the Weinreb amides. The N-sulfinl β-amino Weinreb amides are prepared by reaction of the potassium enolate of N-methoxy-N-methylacetamide with sulfinimines or lithium N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine with N-sulfinyl β-amino esters. / Chemistry

This thesis deals with the development and application of new synthetic methodology in organic chemistry. The first part describes the development of a new protocol for the synthesis of 3-pyrrolines by means of a microwave-assisted ring-expansion reaction of 2-vinylaziridines. In addition, this methodology is implemented as a key-step in a formal total synthesis of the antibiotic (-)-anisomycin. In the second part, a new methodology for the synthesis of arylglycines from Weinreb amides is described. In this procedure, a Grignard reagent is added to the iminium ion formed from the Weinreb amide upon treatment with a base. When a chiral amide is used, the nucleophilic addition proceeds with high diastereoselectivity. Finally, an easy and straightforward synthesis of α-amino amides via a base-mediated rearrangement of modified Weinreb amides into N,O-acetals is presented. Subsequent arylation, alkylation, alkenylation or alkynylation of this intermediate affords the corresponding α-amino amides in excellent yields. Furthermore, a more generalized protocol for the α-arylation of Weinreb amides lacking an α-amino moiety is also discussed. / QC 20100719