Symmetry-Driven Total Synthesis of Myrioneurinol

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jun 29;144(25):11088-11093. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c04487. Epub 2022 Jun 14.

Abstract

We report a total synthesis of the Myrioneuron alkaloid myrioneurinol enabled by the recognition of hidden symmetry within its polycyclic structure. Our approach traces myrioneurinol's complex framework back to a symmetrical diketone precursor, a double reductive amination of which forges its central piperidine unit. By employing an inexpensive chiral amine in this key desymmetrizing event, four stereocenters of the natural product including the core quaternary stereocenter are set in an absolute sense, providing the first asymmetric entry to this target. Other noteworthy strategic maneuvers include utilizing a bicyclic alkene as a latent cis-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl) synthon and a topologically controlled alkene hydrogenation. Overall, our synthesis proceeds in 18 steps and ∼1% yield from commercial materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / chemistry
  • Alkenes / chemistry
  • Amination
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings* / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Alkenes
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings
  • myrioneurinol