Total synthesis of the α-subunit of human glycoprotein hormones: toward fully synthetic homogeneous human follicle-stimulating hormone.

Described herein is the first total chemical synthesis of the unique α-subunit of the human glycoprotein hormone (α-hGPH). Unlike the biologically derived glycoprotein hormones, which are isolated as highly complex mixtures of glycoforms, α-hGPH obtained by chemical synthesis contains discrete homogeneous glycoforms. Two such systems have been prepared. One contains the disaccharide chitobiose at the natural N-glycosylation sites. The other contains dodecamer oligosaccharides at these same sites. The dodecamer sugar is a consensus sequence incorporating the key features associated with human glycoproteins.

Concise syntheses of (-)-galanthamine and (+/-)-codeine via intramolecular alkylation of a phenol derivative.

Suzuki coupling of 7 to 8 gave the biphenyl derivative 9. Reaction of 9 with ethyl vinyl ether/bromine/base gave 10, which on treatment with CsF/DMF at 130 degrees C resulted in the cross-conjugated 2,5-cyclohexadienone 6. Acid hydrolysis of 6 gave 11, which was reductively aminated to give (+/-)-narwedine 2. Since 2 has been converted into (-)-galanthamine 1 in two steps, this synthesis proceeds in eight steps with an overall yield of 63%. Also treatment of the cross-conjugated cyclohexadienone 6 with nitromethane/base gave 12, which was reduced to provide 13. Reduction of the nitro group in 13 to an amine, followed by reductive amination under acidic conditions, arrives at the codeine skeleton 15. Elaboration of 15 into (+/-)-codeine proceeds via the previously unknown alpha-epoxide derivative 18. This is the shortest synthesis of codeine (13 steps, 20% overall yield) and, for the first time, allows access to codeine without having to reduce codeinone.