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Harry J Martin

Publications and source records attributed to Harry J Martin.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Synthesis of analogue structures of the p-quinone methide moiety of kendomycin.

[reaction: see text] The synthesis of two model p-quinone methide ring systems of the antibiotic and antiosteoporotic compound kendomycin is reported. Two approaches were examined in detail, and the two-step (i) demethylation and (ii) DMDO oxidation were found to be reliable and generally applicable. Additionally, it was found that oxidation of a benzofuran by NaIO(4) on silica produced a long-lived semiquinone radical.

Catalysis↗

Toward the synthesis of the carbacylic ansa antibiotic kendomycin.

The convergent synthesis of a benzofuran analog of the carbacyclic ansa compound kendomycin has been achieved by assembling three major fragments by means of epoxide opening and directed ortho lithiation. The crucial tetrahydropyran ring was formed by a highly stereoselective cationic cyclization. Analysis of all synthesized tetrahydropyran-arene compounds reveals a hindered sp(2)-sp(3) rotation, which results in rotational isomers or atropisomers affecting macrocyclization reactions. The latter could only be achieved by means of Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

New mechanistic studies on the proline-catalyzed aldol reaction.

The mechanism of the proline-catalyzed aldol reaction has stimulated considerable debate, and despite limited experimental data, at least five different mechanisms have been proposed. Complementary to recent theoretical studies we have initiated an experimental program with the goal of clarifying some of the basic mechanistic questions concerning the proline-catalyzed aldol reaction. Here we summarize our discoveries in this area and provide further evidence for the involvement of enamine intermediates.

Aldehydes↗

Lessons learned from macrolide synthesis.

The highlights of three macrolide syntheses recently completed in our laboratory are described. In the epothilone B synthesis we developed the "early epoxide approach," which resulted in the first completely stereocontrolled synthesis of this natural product. In the laulimalide synthesis our contribution was the auxiliary controlled ene-macrocyclization and Sharpless' kinetic resolution for achieving a regioselective epoxidation of two pseudo-enantiomorphic allylic alcohol subunits. The tartrolon B synthesis was the first to be completed. In this case, a substrate controlled aldol addition was used to assemble the entire carbon skeleton of the compound.

Borates↗

A novel approach toward the synthesis of kendomycin: selective synthesis of a C-aryl glycoside as a single atropisomer.

[reaction: see text] A convergent and concise route to an advanced precursor 2b of kendomycin (1) has been developed by applying a S(N)1 ring cyclization as a key step. The resulting C-aryl glycoside was initially isolated as a rotameric mixture, but after MOM protection of the o-hydroxyl of the phenol, the conformation was frozen to the desired kendomycin-like atropisomer.

Glycosides↗

Quantum mechanical predictions of the stereoselectivities of proline-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular aldol reactions.

Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to predict the ratio of four stereoisomeric products expected from two complex reactions involving the aldol reactions of cyclohexanone with benzaldehyde or with isobutyraldehyde catalyzed by (S)-proline. Experimental tests of these predictions provide an assessment of the state-of-the-art in quantum mechanical prediction of products of complex organic reactions in solution.

Alcohols↗

The proline-catalyzed direct asymmetric three-component Mannich reaction: scope, optimization, and application to the highly enantioselective synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols.

We have developed proline-catalyzed direct asymmetric three-component Mannich reactions of ketones, aldehydes, and amines. Several of the studied reactions provide beta-amino carbonyl compounds (Mannich products) in excellent enantio-, diastereo-, regio-, and chemoselectivities. The scope of each of the three components and the influence of the catalyst structure on the reaction are described. Reaction conditions have been optimized, and the mechanism and source of asymmetric induction are discussed. We further present application of our reaction to the highly enantioselective synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohols.

Aldehydes↗