Preparation of 2'-Deoxy-2'-spirocyclopropylcytidine via an Alternative Cyclopropanation Reaction.

Herein we report the preparation of 2'-deoxy-2'-spirocyclopropylcytidine via an alternative cyclopropanation reaction starting from γ-silyl tertiary alcohols. Activation of the hydroxyl function with thionyl chloride in the presence of 4-DMAP allows the ring-closing step under mild conditions. Participation of the uracil moiety in the cyclization step is proposed.

Transition-metal-free BF3-mediated regioselective direct alkylation and arylation of functionalized pyridines using Grignard or organozinc reagents.

A formal regioselective cross-coupling of various pyridines with alkyl and aryl groups can be achieved by a BF3·OEt2-mediated addition of Grignard or organozinc reagents to pyridines bearing various substituents (chloro, bromo, cyano, vinyl, phenyl, carbethoxy, nitro, etc.) followed by an oxidative aromatization mediated by chloranil. Good regioselectivity and wide functional group tolerance make this method very versatile for the preparation of polyfunctional pyridines. No transition-metal catalyst is required in these coupling reactions.

Jacobsen protocols for large-scale epoxidation of cyclic dienyl sulfones: application to the (+)-pretazettine core.

A Jacobsen epoxidation protocol using H2O2 as oxidant was designed for the large-scale preparation of various epoxy vinyl sulfones. A number of cocatalysts were screened, and pH control led to increased reaction rate, higher turnover number, and improved reliability.

Asymmetric synthesis of all eight seven-carbon dipropionate stereotetrads.

Enantiopure cycloheptadienyl sulfones 6 and 7 are diastereoselectively epoxidized to yield epoxyvinyl sulfones 8, 9, 14, and 16 in high yields and diastereomeric ratios. Syn and anti methylation of epoxides 8, 9, 14, and 16 enables access to all eight possible diastereomeric stereotetrads, seven of which are commonly found in polypropionate natural products. Anti methylations of the above epoxides are possible by either the reaction of methyl organometallics promoted by copper(I), or via reaction with trimethylaluminum to yield stereotetrads 11, 12, 22, and 24. Syn methylations are achieved via Lawton SN2' reaction in the case of stereotetrads 10, 15, and 38, while stereotetrad 13 is accessed by an oxidation/reduction alcohol inversion sequence from stereotetrad 11. All stereotetrads were obtained in high diastereomeric ratios and yields, and their relative stereochemistry was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Oxidative cleavage of the cyclic stereotetrads yields termini-differentiated acyclic heptanyl stereotetrads ready for use in building larger fragments in the course of target syntheses.