Late-stage C-H functionalization of complex alkaloids and drug molecules via intermolecular rhodium-carbenoid insertion

Nat Commun. 2015 Jan 12:6:5943. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6943.

Abstract

Alkaloids constitute a large family of natural products possessing diverse biological properties. Their unique and complex structures have inspired numerous innovations in synthetic chemistry. In the realm of late-stage C-H functionalization, alkaloids remain a significant challenge due to the presence of the basic amine and a variety of other functional groups. Herein we report the first examples of dirhodium(II)-catalysed intermolecular C-H insertion into complex natural products containing nucleophilic tertiary amines to generate a C-C bond. The application to a diverse range of alkaloids and drug molecules demonstrates remarkable chemoselectivity and predictable regioselectivity. The capacity for late-stage diversification is highlighted in the catalyst-controlled selective functionalizations of the alkaloid brucine. The remarkable selectivity observed, particularly for site-specific C-H insertion at N-methyl functionalities, offers utility in a range of applications where efficient installation of synthetic handles on complex alkaloids is desired.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemistry*
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Drug Design
  • Hydrogen / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Rhodium / chemistry*
  • Strychnine / analogs & derivatives
  • Strychnine / chemistry

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Amines
  • Biological Products
  • brucine
  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen
  • Rhodium
  • Strychnine