Total synthesis of (-)-bitungolide F

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo9000146

An efficient total synthesis of (-)-bitungolide F (6) in 17 steps and 20.1% yield is described herein. Key steps involve a Myers asymmetric alkylation to introduce the C6 methyl with proper stereochemistry, a Claisen-like cyclization to construct the α,β-unsaturated β-lactone and a Julia-Kocienski olefination to assemble the conjugated diene moiety.

Full text of DOI:10.1021/jo9000146

Total Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide F
Yingpeng Su,† Yanfen Xu,† Junjie Han,† Jiyue Zheng,† Jing Qi,† Tuo Jiang,† Xinfu Pan,†
and Xuegong She*,†,‡
Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou UniVersity,
Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China, and State Key Laboratory for Oxo Synthesis and SelectiVe Oxidation,
Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
shexg@lzu.edu.cn
ReceiVed January 4, 2009
An efficient total synthesis of (-)-bitungolide F (6) in 17 steps and 20.1% yield is described herein. Key
steps involve a Myers asymmetric alkylation to introduce the C6 methyl with proper stereochemistry, a
Claisen-like cyclization to construct the R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone and a Julia-Kocienski olefination to
assemble the conjugated diene moiety.
Introduction
Natural products possessing R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone moi-
eties often exhibit useful pharmacological properties, which
include antitumor, antibacterial, and antigrowth effects.1-4
Bitungolides A-F (1-6) (Figure 1) were isolated by Tanaka
and co-workers from the Indonesian sponge Theonella of
swinhoei in 2002.5 Structurally, these compounds incorporate
a 5′-ethyl substituent on the R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone moiety
† Lanzhou University.
FIGURE 1. Structures of the bitungolides.
‡ Chinese Academy of Sciences.
(1) (a) Kobayashi, S.; Tsuchiya, K.; Harada, T.; Nishide, M.; Kurokawa, T.;
Nakagawa, T.; Shimada, N.; Kobayashi, K. J. Antibiot. 1994, 47, 697–702. (b)
Kobayashi, S.; Tsuchiya, K.; Kurokawa, T.; Nakagawa, T.; Shimada, N.; Iitaka,
Y. J. Antibiot. 1994, 47, 703–707. (c) Tsuchiya, K.; Kobayashi, S.; Nishikiori,
T.; Nakagawa, T.; Tatsuta, K. J. Antibiot. 1997, 50, 259–260. (d) Yoshida, T.;
Koizumi, K.; Kawamura, Y.; Matsumoto, K.; Itazaki, H. Japan Patent Kokai
5-310726, 1993. (e) Yoshida, T.; Koizumi, K.; Kawamura, Y.; Matsumoto, K.;
Itazaki, H. European Patent 560389 A1, 1993. (f) Yasui, K.; Tamura, Y.;
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527. (c) Aditychaudhury, N.; Das, A. K. J. Sci. Ind. Res. 1979, 38, 265–277. (d)
Siegel, S. M. Phytochemistry 1976, 15, 566–567. (e) Davies-Coleman, M. T.;
Rivett, D. E. A. Phytochemistry 1987, 26, 3047–3050. (f) Watt, J. M.; Brandwijik,
M. G. B. The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa;
Livingston: Edinburg, 1962; p 516.
as well as an anti 1,3-diol unit and two conjugated double bonds
attached to a substituted arene. The absolute stereochemistry
of bitungolide A (1) was determined unambiguously by X-ray
diffraction. The structures of analogues 2-6 were assigned by
spectral correlations to 1.
These compounds constitute a new class of Theonella
metabolites that exhibit cytotoxic effects against 3Y1 rat normal
fibroblast cells and inhibition toward dual-specificity phosophatase
VHR. In 2008, Ghosh and co-workers reported the first
asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-bitungolide F (6), which
confirmed its absolute stereochemistry.6 Shortly afterward, we
published an enantioselective synthetic approach toward the
(3) Kobayashi, M.; Higuchi, K.; Murakami, N.; Tajima, H.; Aoki, S.
Tetrahedron Lett. 1997, 38, 2859–2862.
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Se´venet, T.; Gue´ritte, F. J. Nat. Prod. 2004, 67, 858–862.
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Usui, T.; Osada, H.; Higa, T. J. Nat. Prod. 2002, 65, 1820–1823.
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1585.
10.1021/jo9000146 CCC: $40.75
Published on Web 03/09/2009
2009 American Chemical Society
J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74, 2743–2749 2743

Su et al.
SCHEME 1. Retrosynthetic Analysis
C1-C12 fragment of bitungolides A-E (1-5).7 As a continu-
ation of our previous synthesis efforts, herein we report a
detailed description of our asymmetric synthesis of (-)-
bitungolide F (6). Our route involves an uncommon Claisen-
like cyclization and a Julia–Kocienski olefination as key features.
Synthetic Strategy. Bitungolide F (6) bears a 5′-ethyl
substituted R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone moiety and a carbon chain
embodying three stereocenters. Construction of closely spaced
stereogenic centers was a challenging problem, especially for
the δ-lactone ring. Though ring-closing metathesis8 offered
wonderful advantages in forming cis-olefins in six-membered
rings, we intended to utilize other easily accessed methods for
construction of the R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone moiety.
According to our earlier synthetic experience with the
C1-C12 fragment of bitungolides A-E (1-5),7 two different
routes of ring closure including an acid-promoted cyclization
of cis-R,ꢀ-unsaturated ester 7 and an uncommon Claisen-like
cyclization9 of imide acetate 10 were proposed (Scheme 1). On
the basis of the postulation above, we targeted functionalized
imide alcohol 11 as the common precursor of 7 and 10.
Intermediate 11 could be produced from (-)-malic acid 15 via
a sequence of chirality-induced manipulations involving hy-
droxyl-directed reduction,10 a Myers asymmetric alkylation,11
and an Evans asymmetric aldol reaction.12
Results and Discussion
Synthesis of Acetonide Iodide 13. The synthesis of acetonide
iodide 13 began with known diol 16, which was obtained from
commercially available (-)-malic acid 15 via a known two-
step operation (Scheme 2).13 The resulting primary hydroxyl
group was selectively protected as ꢀ-hydroxyl silyl ether 17 in
90% yield. Claisen condensation of silyl ether 17 with 4 equiv
of the corresponding enolate of CH3COOt-Bu afforded δ-hy-
droxyl-ꢀ-keto ester 14 in 85% yield.14 Hydroxyl-directed 1,3-
anti reduction of the carbonyl group with Me4NBH(OAc)3 in
AcOH and CH3CN (1:1) at -20 °C for 10 h furnished
dihydroxyl ester 18 in 95% yield10 in a 96:4 diasteroselectivity.
Next, diol 18 was converted into acetonide 19 with 2,2-
(10) Evans, D. A.; Chapman, K. T.; Carreira, E. M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988,
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2744 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009

Total Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide F
SCHEME 2. Synthesis of Iodide 13
SCHEME 3. Synthesis of Alcohol 11
dimethoxypropane in 94% yield. In the reduction of ester 19 to
alcohol 20, the desired alcohol was obtained in low yield (30%)
accompanied by desilylated byproduct when 1.5 equiv of LiAlH4
was used. After many trials, 4 equiv of LiAlH4 at 0 °C for 30
min was optimal, minimizing desilylation and generating alcohol
20 in 96% yield. Iodination of alcohol 20 using Appel’s
conditions15 gave iodide 13 in 97% yield. Iodide 13 was found
to be very sensitive and decomposition often occurred at room
temperature, and thus it was used immediately upon formation
or storaged at -20 °C in the absence of light.
Synthesis of Key Intermediate 11. Our route to imide
alcohol 11 from iodide 13 is outlined in Scheme 3. Introduction
of the new chiral center in amide 21 was achieved via a standard
Myers asymmetric alkylation11 in which pseudoephedrine
propionate 12 was coupled to iodide 13 to generate amide 21
in both excellent yield (96%) and diastereoselectivity (99:1).
Cleavageoftheauxiliarygroupof21byLDAandborane-ammonia
complex successfully led to the formation of alcohol 22. Alcohol
22 was oxidized to aldehyde 23 using IBX/EtOAc16 instead of
IBX/DMSO17 due to easier laboratory operation and a more
reliable yield. The crude aldehyde 23 from the IBX/EtOAc
oxidation could be utilized directly for further reaction without
column purification or distillation. Subjection of aldehyde 23
to the Evans asymmetric aldol reaction12 under Crimmins
conditions18 efficiently constructed the syn configuration of the
neighboring stereocenters in imide alcohol 11 in 89% yield.
Initial Synthesis Efforts toward Bitungolide F: Acid-
Promoted Cyclization (Route A, Scheme 4). MOM-protection
of the free hydroxyl group of imide alcohol 11 generated MOM
ether 25 in 92% yield. Treatment of 25 with NaBH4 in THF/
H2O resulted in cleavage of the Evans template and furnished
alcohol 8 (90% yield).19 Oxidation of 8 with IBX/EtOAc
provided aldehyde 26, which was subjected to Horner-
Wadsworth-Emmons olefination using ethyl (di-o-tolylphospho-
no)acetate20 to give Z-enoate 27. Desilylation of ester 27
produced primary alcohol 28. DMP oxidation21 followed by a
Horner-Emmons reaction (Takacs modified procedure22) with
29 was supposed to result in the desired precursor 7. However,
to our surprise, an unexpected epimerization at C11 occurred.
The chemical shift of the acetal carbon was δ 98.5 ppm in its
13C NMR spectrum, indicating the product should be assigned
as syn-1,3-diol 30 according to literature precedent.23 We had
hoped to obtain epi-bitungolide F 31 for subsequent study of
bioactivity versus structure. Unfortunately, treatment of 30 with
(18) (a) Crimmins, M. T.; King, B. W.; Tabet, E. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc.
1997, 119, 7883–7884. (b) Crimmins, M. T.; King, B. W.; Tabet, E. A.;
Chaudhary, K. J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 894–902.
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Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 6757–6760.
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009 2745

Su et al.
SCHEME 4. Unsuccessful Route towards Bitungolide F
various protic and Lewis acids (e.g., aq HCl,24 PPTS,25 Dowex-
500W (H+),26 TMSBr, TMSI,27 AlCl3/NaI,28 and AcCl/EtOH29)
failed to effect the desired cyclization to 31. Therefore, an
alternative route to finish bitungolide F was undertaken.
lation. Reductive removal of the enol triflate with Pd(PPh3)4,
Et3N, and Et3SiH30 produced R,ꢀ-unsaturated δ-lactone 9 in 96%
yield. In this process, the addition of Et3N was indispensable;
otherwise, a desilylation took place.
Completed Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide
F
(6):
With lactone 9 in hand, we intended to construct the trans
C12-C13 double bond via a Julia-Kocienski olefination.
Deprotection of silyl ether 9 was explored using a suitable
fluoride source. However, treatment of 9 with TBAF generated
the desired alcohol 34 in 39% yield along with an unidentified
byproduct. Other reagents such as NH4F or NH4F/Et3N also
failed. Finally, we found that utilization of 20 equiv of
Et3N·3HF31 and 30 equiv of Et3N for TBDPS deprotection gave
alcohol 34 in 97% yield. Then IBX/EtOAc oxidation of alcohol
34 led to the corresponding aldehyde, which was subjected to
Julia-Kocienski olefination coupling32 with BT-sulfone 35. In
the formation of olefin 36, several bases (e.g., LiHMDS,
LiHMDS/HMPA, KHMDS, or LDA) were tested at -78 °C to
rt in THF (Table 1). We found that utility of LiHMDS gave
the most favorable E/Z (1.9/1) ratio. To our delight, mixtures
with unfavorable E/Z ratios could be converted into the desired
Uncommon Claisen-Like Cyclization (Route B, Scheme
5). In order to prepare potential substrate 10 for the uncommon
Claisen-like cyclization, the free hydroxyl group in Evans adduct
11 was acetylated to afford imide acetate 10. Gratifyingly,
treatment of 10 with 4 equiv of potassium hexamethyldisilazide
at -78 °C led to rapid expulsion of the oxazolidinone, giving
ꢀ-keto lactone 32 in 97% yield.9 It is noteworthy to mention
that an excellent yield could only obtained by appropriate
laboratory work-ups: extracts must be maintained under neutral
conditions (pH 6-7). The keto lactone 32 was easily converted
into the enol triflate 33 in 93% yield with Tf2O and Et3N. Three
equivalents of Et3N was necessary to prevent possible deaceta-
(23) (a) Rychnovsky, S. D.; Skalitzky, D. J. Tetrahedron Lett. 1990, 31, 945–
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1
compound 36 in toluene at 110 °C (E/Z ) 5:1 by H NMR),
while other regular methods (e.g., PhSH/AIBN, hν or I2/hexane
reflux) for converting the configuration of olefins resulted in
complex products.
Treatment of compound 36 with 50% aqueous TFA removed
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the acetonide protecting group,33 producing bitungolide F (6).
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1004–1015. (f) Ghosh, A. K.; Liu, W.; Xu, Y.; Chen, Z. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed.
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2746 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009

Total Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide F
SCHEME 5. Synthesis of Bitungolide F
TABLE 1. Condition Optimization of Julia-Kocienski Olefination
mg, 2 mmol) in a mixture of acetic acid and acetonitrile (v/v 1:1,
4 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -20 °C for
over 10 h. A saturated solution of sodium potassium tartrate (20
mL) and EtOAc (20 mL) was added followed by vigorous stir at rt
for 30 min. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3 × 15 mL).
The combined organic layers was washed with water (20 mL),
NaHCO3 (2 × 10 mL), and brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and
concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by
flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 6:1) to afford diol
base
LiHMDS
1.9/1
LiHMDS/HMPA
1/2.4
KHMDS
1/5
LDA
1.6/1
E/Z
Our synthetic bitungolide F (6) was identical in all respects (1H
and 13C NMR, MS, IR) to the natural product reported by
Tanaka’s group,5 except for its optical rotation, which had the
opposite sign but a similar absolute value ([R]20D ) -49, c 0.50,
CHCl3; lit. [R]D ) +43.0, c 0.85, CHCl3) to the natural product.
Our work further confirms the absolute stereochemistry of
bitungolide F as reported by Ghosh and co-workers.6
18 (870 mg, 95%, dr ) 96:4) as a colorless oil: [R]20 ) -1 (c
D
1
2.20, CHCl3); H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 1.06 (s, 9 H), 1.45
(s, 9 H), 1.55 (t, J ) 6.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.40 (m, 2 H), 2.88 (d, J ) 2.8
Hz, 1 H), 3.48 (d, J ) 3.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.56 (dd, J ) 10.0 Hz, J )
7.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.66 (dd, J ) 10.0 Hz, J ) 4.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.04 (m, 1
H), 4.27 (m, 1 H), 7.40(m, 6 H), 7.66 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (100
MHz, CDCl3) δ 19.2, 26.8, 28.1, 38.5, 42.5, 65.4, 67.9, 81.2, 127.7,
129.8, 133.1 (2), 135.5, 172.2; IR (KBr) νmax 3438, 3071, 2932,
1725, 1152, 1111, 704 cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS) calcd for
C26H38O5SiNa [M + Na]+ 481.2381, found 481.2373.
Syntheis of Amide 21 from Iodide 13. To a suspension of
lithium chloride (3.113 g, 74.1 mmol) and diisopropylamine (3.5
mL, 25.1 mmol) in THF (17 mL) was added n-butyllithium (1.92
M in hexanes, 12.2 mL, 23.3 mmol) via a syringe at -78 °C. The
resulting suspension was warmed to 0 °C within 30 min and then
recooled to -78 °C. A solution of amide 12 (2.709 g, 12.3 mmol)
in THF (33 mL, followed by a 2 mL rinse) at 0 °C was added via
a syringe. The mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 1 h, at 0 °C for
15 min, and at 23 °C for 5 min. The mixture was cooled to 0 °C,
and the iodide 13 (3.14 g, 5.8 mmol) in THF (7 mL, followed by
a 4 mL rinse) was added to the reaction via a syringe. After stirring
for 36 h at 0 °C, the reaction mixture was treated with saturated
NH4Cl (aq) (50 mL), and the resulting mixture was extracted with
EtOAc (3 × 50 mL). The combined organic extract was dried over
Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The
residue was purified by flash column chromatography (hexanes/
Conclusion
The total synthesis of (-)-bitungolide F (6) was completed
in 17 steps and 20.1% overall yield from commercially available
diol 16. The required stereochemical configuration at C9, C6,
C5, and C4 in (-)-bitungolide F (6) were secured, respectively,
via hydroxyl-directed 1,3-anti reduction, a Myers alkylation,
and an Evans syn-aldol reaction. A significant feature in this
synthetic venture concerned efficient construction of the R,ꢀ-
unsaturated δ-lactone moiety by an uncommon Claisen-like
cyclization, while the trans C12-C13 double bond was as-
sembled by Julia-Kocienski olefination. This work presents a
highly efficient method for the preparation of bitungolides. The
synthesis of bitungolides A-E is under investigation in our
laboratory.
Experimental Section
Synthesis of Dihydroxyl Ester 18 from ꢀ-Hydroxy Keto
Ester 14. To a stirred suspension of tetramethylammonium triac-
etoxyborohydride (2.630 g, 10 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was
added glacial acetic acid (5 mL). The mixture was stirred at rt for
30 min. After cooling to -20 °C, the ꢀ-hydroxy keto ester 14 (912
EtOAc, 3:1) to afford amide 21 (3.50 g, 96%, dr ) 99:1) as a
1
viscous yellow oil: [R]20 ) +23 (c 3.3, CH2Cl2); H NMR (3:1
D
rotamer ratio, asterisk denotes minor rotamer peaks, 300 MHz,
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009 2747

Su et al.
CDCl3) δ 0.88* (d, J ) 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.05 (d, J ) 6.9 Hz, 3 H),
1.08 (s, 9 H), 1.13 (d, J ) 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.34 (s, 6 H), 1.37-1.59
(m, 3 H), 1.61-1.65 (m, 3 H), 2.61 (m, 1 H), 2.84 (s, 3 H), 2.90*
(s, 3 H), 3.62 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 5.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (m, 2 H),
3.94 (m, 1 H), 4.05* (m, 1 H), 4.53 (m, 1 H), 4.70* (m, 1 H), 4.61
(d, J ) 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.55* (d, J ) 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.23* (m, 5 H),
7.34 (m, 11 H), 7.70 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (3:1 rotamer ratio, asterisk
denotes minor rotamer peaks, 75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 14.3, 17.4, 19.1,
24.7, 26.7, 29.9, 33.5, 34.5, 36.4, 66.5, 66.6, 67.5, 76.1, 99.9, 126.1,
126.7*, 127.3, 127.4, 127.5, 128.1, 128.5*, 129.4, 133.5, 133.6,
135.5, 142.4, 177.1*, 178.5; IR (KBr) νmax 2931, 2858, 1781, 1696,
1381, 1217, 1108, 1033, 703 cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS) calcd for
C38H53NO5SiNa [M + Na]+ 654.3585, found 654.3582.
Reduction of Amide 21 to Alcohol 22. To diisopropylamine
(3.2 mL, 22.7 mmol) in THF (16 mL) at -78 °C was added a
solution of n-butyllithium (1.92 M in hexanes, 11.6 mL, 22.2 mmol).
After the mixture stirred at -78 °C for 10 min and at 0 °C for 10
min, BH3-NH3 (705 mg, 22.7 mmol) was added in one portion.
The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 15 min and at rt for 15 min. A
solution of amide 21 (3.5 g, 5.5 mmol) in THF (15 mL) was added
via a syringe at 0 °C, and the mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The
reaction was quenched by slow addition of brine (20 mL) at 0 °C.
The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous phase was
extracted with EtOAc (4 × 30 mL). The combined organic layers
were washed with brine (25 mL) and dried over Na2SO4. After
concentration in vacuo, purification by flash column chromatog-
raphy (hexane/EtOAc, 4:1) provided alcohol 22 (2.518 g, 97%) as
a viscous colorless liquid: [R]20D ) -11 (c 1.0, CH2Cl2); 1H NMR
(300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 0.91 (d, J ) 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.06 (s, 9 H), 1.28
(m, 1 H), 1.34 (s, 3 H), 1.36 (s, 3 H), 1.43 (m, 1 H), 1.45-1.62
(m, 5 H), 3.45 (m, 2 H), 3.61 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 5.4 Hz, 1 H),
3.71 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (m, 1 H), 3.95 (m,
1 H), 7.39 (m, 6 H), 7.69 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ
16.6, 19.3, 24.8, 24.9, 26.8, 28.7, 32.9, 34.7, 35.5, 66.7, 67.0, 67.7,
68.0, 100.2, 127.6, 129.6, 133.8, 135.6, 135.7; IR (KBr) νmax 3410,
2933, 2859, 1378, 1224, 1111, 704 cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS) calcd
for C28H42O4SiNa [M + Na]+ 493.2745, found 493.2740.
Synthesis of Aldehyde 23 from Alcohol 22. To a solution of
alcohol 22 (712 mg, 1.5 mmol) in EtOAc (25 mL) was added IBX
(1.273 g, 4.5 mmol). The resulting suspension was refluxed for
2.5 h in ambient atmosphere. The reaction was cooled to rt and
filtered through a glass frit. The filter cake was washed with Et2O
(3 × 15 mL), and the combined filtrate was concentrated to dryness.
The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/
EtOAc, 15:1) to give aldehyde 23 (691 mg, 97%) as a colorless
liquid: [R]20D ) -24 (c 3.0, CH2Cl2); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 1.07 (s, 9 H), 1.11 (d, J ) 6.9 Hz, 3 H), 1.35 (s, 3 H), 1.36 (s,
3H), 1.51 (m, 4 H), 1.66 (m, 2 H), 2.35 (m, 1 H), 3.63 (dd, J )
10.5 Hz, J ) 4.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (dd, J ) 10.8 Hz, J ) 6.6 Hz, 1
H), 3.75 (m, 1 H), 3.95 (m, 1 H), 7.40 (m, 6 H), 7.71 (m, 4 H),
9.63 (d, J ) 4.2 Hz, 1 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 13.4,
19.2, 24.8 (2), 26.4, 26.8, 33.1, 34.5, 46.1, 66.5, 66.6, 67.6, 100.1,
127.6, 129.6, 133.6, 133.7, 135.6 (2), 204.9; IR (KBr) νmax 2933,
2858, 1726, 1377, 1224, 1111, 704 cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS) calcd
for C28H40O4SiNa [M + Na]+ 491.2588, found 491.2591.
Synthesis of Imide Alcohol 11 via Evans Asymmetric
Aldol Reaction. To a solution of oxazolidinone 24 (446 mg, 1.8
mmol) in CH2Cl2 (12 mL) at 0 °C was added dropwise TiCl4 (0.21
mL, 1.9 mmol), and the mixture was stirred for 5 min. Subsequently,
(-)-sparteine (1.057 g, 4.5 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (5 mL) was added to
the yellow slurry. The dark red enolate solution was stirred for 30
min at 0 °C followed by addition of aldehyde 23 (930 mg, 2.0
mmol) in CH2Cl2 (9 mL). The mixture was stirred for 1 h at 0 °C
and quenched with half-saturated NH4Cl (aq) (10 mL). The organic
layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with
CH2Cl2 (3 × 20 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over
Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The
residue was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/
EtOAc, 6:1) to give imide alcohol 11 (1.156 g, 89%, dr ) 96:4) as
a viscous yellow liquid: [R]20D ) +19 (c 1.48, CH2Cl2); 1H NMR
(300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 0.93 (d, J ) 6.9 Hz, 3 H), 1.00 (t, J ) 7.5
Hz, 3 H), 1.06 (s, 9 H), 1.30 (m, 3 H), 1.34 (s, 3 H), 1.36 (s, 3 H),
1.53 (m, 1 H), 1.67 (m, 4 H), 1.94 (m, 1 H), 2.72 (dd, J ) 12.9
Hz, J ) 9.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.38 (dd, J ) 12.9 Hz, J ) 3.0 Hz, 1 H),
3.57 (m, 1 H), 3.60 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 4.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (dd,
J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 5.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (m, 1 H), 3.93 (m, 1 H), 4.13
(m, 1 H), 4.16 (m, 2 H), 4.71 (m, 1 H), 7.25 (m, 2 H), 7.35 (m, 9
H), 7.68 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 11.9, 15.7, 18.4,
19.2, 24.8, 24.9, 26.7, 28.5, 33.0, 34.6, 36.2, 37.9, 46.1, 55.5, 65.9,
66.7, 67.0, 67.6, 75.7, 100.1, 127.3, 127.5 (2), 128.9, 129.3, 129.5,
133.6, 133.7, 135.1, 135.6 (2), 153.0, 176.7; IR (KBr) νmax 3419,
3070, 2933, 2858, 1468, 1427, 1380, 1225, 1111, 705 cm-1; HRMS
(ESIMS) calcd for C42H57NO7SiNa [M + Na]+ 738.3797, found
738.3804.
Synthesis of ꢀ-Keto Lactone 32 from Imide Acetate 10. The
imide acetate 10 (1.07 g, 1.41 mmol) was dissolved in THF (56
mL) and cooled to -78 °C. KHMDS (6.21 mL of a 0.91 M solution
in THF, 5.64 mmol) was added via a syringe within 2 min. After
stirring for 15 min, the reaction was quenched by the rapid addition
of saturated NH4Cl (30 mL). The mixture was allowed to warm to
rt. Addition of glacial acetic acid into the mixture gave the neutral
condition (pH 6-7). The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (4 ×
30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (10
mL), dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced
pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography
(hexanes/EtOAc, 3:1) to provide ꢀ-keto lactone 32 (793 mg, 97%)
1
as a viscous colorless oil: [R]20 ) -29 (c 0.8, CHCl3); H NMR
D
(300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 0.91 (d, J ) 7.2 Hz, 3 H), 0.96 (t, J ) 7.5
Hz, 3 H), 1.06 (s, 9 H), 1.30 (m, 1 H), 1.35 (s, 6 H), 1.44 (m, 1 H),
1.52 (m, 2 H), 1.80 (m, 5H), 2.51 (dm, J ) 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.37 (d,
J ) 19.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.54 (d, J ) 19.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.63 (dd, J ) 10.5
Hz, J ) 4.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 6.0 Hz, 1 H),
3.73 (m, 1 H), 3.94 (m, 1 H), 4.20 (dm, J ) 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.40 (m,
6 H), 7.70 (m, 4H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 11.5, 14.6, 16.9,
19.2, 24.8, 24.9, 26.7, 28.6, 32.8, 33.5, 34.7, 45.2, 49.9, 66.6, 67.6,
82.2, 100.2, 127.5 (2), 129.5, 133.6, 133.7, 135.6 (2), 167.5, 203.0;
IR(KBr) νmax 2932, 2859, 1665, 1610, 1380, 1222, 1110, 703 cm-1
;
HRMS (ESIMS) calcd for C34H48O6SiNa [M + Na]+ 603.3112,
found 603.3123.
Synthesis of δ-Lactone 9 from Triflate 33. To a solution of
triflate 33 (1.039 g, 1.459 mmol) in DMF (15 mL) were added
Pd(PPh3)4 (169 mg, 0.146 mmol), Et3N (0.81 mL, 5.836 mmol),
and triethylsilane (0.47 mL, 2.918 mmol). The resulting mixture
was heated at 75 °C for 45 min. The solution turned black, and
reation was monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture was quenched
with saturated NaHCO3 (30 mL) and diluted with Et2O (150 mL)
and water (30 mL). The aqueous was separated, and the organic
layer was washed with water (3 × 60 mL), dried over Na2SO4,
filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was
purified by flash column chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc, 8:1) to
provide δ-lactone 9 (790 mg, 96%) as a colorless oil: [R]20
)
D
-78 (c 3.00, CHCl3); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 0.90 (d, J )
6.6 Hz, 3 H), 0.96 (t, J ) 7.5 Hz, 3 H), 1.06 (s, 9 H), 1.27 (m, 1
H), 1.34 (s, 3 H), 1.35 (s, 3 H), 1.41 (m, 1 H), 1.50 (m, 2 H), 1.65
(m, 3 H), 1.85 (m, 2 H), 2.32 (m, 1 H), 3.61 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J
) 4.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.71 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (m,
1 H), 3.94 (m, 1 H), 3.99 (dd, J ) 10.5 Hz, J ) 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.04
(d, J ) 9.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.07 (dd, J ) 9.9 Hz, J ) 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.38
(m, 6 H), 7.69 (m, 4 H); 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 11.0, 14.7,
19.2, 20.1, 24.9, 26.8, 28.2, 33.0, 33.6, 34.7, 36.6, 66.7, 66.9, 67.7,
84.3, 100.1, 120.9, 127.5, 129.5, 133.7, 133.8, 135.6, 135.7, 151.0,
164.8; IR(KBr) νmax 2959, 2932, 2858, 1726, 1654, 1465, 1427,
1380, 1248, 1225, 1110,1061, 1023, 704 cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS)
calcd for C34H48O5SiNa [M + Na]+ 587.3163, found 587.3170.
Typical Procedure for Julia-Kocienski Olefination: Syn-
thesis of Olefin 36 from Alcohol 34. To a solution of alcohol 34
(33 mg, 0.101 mmol) in EtOAc (5 mL) was added IBX (85 mg,
0.303 mmol). The resulting suspension was refluxed in ambient
2748 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009

Total Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide F
atmosphere. After 2.5 h, the reaction was cooled to rt and filtered
through a glass frit. The filter cake was washed with Et2O (3 × 10
mL), and the combined filtrate was concentrated to yield the desired
aldehyde, which was directly used for further transformation without
purification. To a solution of the sulfone 35 (34 mg, 0.106 mmol)
in THF (3 mL) at -78 °C was added dropwise LiHMDS (1.0 M in
THF, 0.11 mL, 1.06 mmol). After the mixture was stirred for 30
min, a solution of the crude aldehyde in THF (1 mL) was added
dropwise. The reaction was stirred at -78 °C for 3 h, warmed to
rt, and stirred for 1 h. Saturated NH4Cl (aq) was added. The mixture
was then extracted with EtOAc (3 × 10 mL). The combined organic
layers was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and
concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by
flash column chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 8:1) to afford a
Synthesis of (-)-Bitungolide F (6) from Olefin 36. To a
solution of olefin 36 (5 mg, 0.012 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added
50% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (60 µL), and the mixture was
stirred at 35 °C for 4 h. The reaction was quenched with four drops
of Et3N. The mixture was concentrated to dryness under reduced
pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography
(hexane/EtOAc, 1:1) to afford compound 6 (4 mg, 88%) as a gray
solid: [R]20D ) -49 (c 0.38, CHCl3); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3)
δ 0.91 (d, J ) 6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.96 (t, J ) 7.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.29 (m, 2
H), 1.48 (m, 1 H), 1.67 (m, 2 H), 1.76 (m, 2 H), 1.91 (m, 2 H),
2.33 (m, 1 H), 3.97 (m, 1 H), 4.00 (dd, J ) 10.8 Hz, J ) 3.2 Hz,
1 H), 4.59 (m, 1 H), 5.90 (dd, J ) 15.2 Hz, J ) 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.04
(d, J ) 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.46 (dd, J ) 15.2 Hz, J ) 10.8 Hz, 1 H),
6.56 (d, J ) 16.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (dd, J ) 15.6 Hz, J ) 10.4 Hz,
1 H), 7.08 (dd, J ) 9.6 Hz, J ) 6.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.22 (t, J ) 7.2 Hz,
1 H), 7.31 (t, J ) 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.40 (d, J ) 7.6 Hz, 2 H); 13C
NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 11.0, 14.9, 20.1, 28.6, 33.6, 34.6, 36.6,
42.6, 69.4, 70.3, 84.5, 120.9, 126.4, 127.5, 128.6, 128.2, 130.4,
132.7, 136.1, 137.2, 151.1, 164.8; IR(KBr) νmax 3397, 2962, 2926,
2873, 1713, 1656, 1593, 1452, 1383, 1257, 1062, 1025, 991, 693
cm-1; HRMS (ESIMS) calcd for C24H32O4Na [M + Na]+ 407.2193,
found 407.2184.
1
mixture of two geometrical isomerides (E/Z ) 1.9/1 based on H
NMR). A solution of the mixture of two geometrical isomerides
(7 mg, 0.014 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was heated at 110 °C for
4 h. After cooling to rt, the solvent was concentrated under reduced
pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexane/
EtOAc, 8:1) to afford desired olefin 36 (5 mg, 56% for three steps,
E/Z ) 5/1) as a colorless liquid: [R]20D ) -88 (c 0.40, CHCl3); 1H
NMR (400 MHz, (CD3)2CO) δ 0.94 (d, J ) 6.8 Hz, 3 H), 0.94 (t,
J ) 7.2 Hz, 3 H), 1.29 (m, 2 H), 1.32 (s, 3 H), 1.38 (s, 3 H), 1.45
(m, 2 H), 1.71 (m, 3 H), 1.86 (m, 2 H), 2.47 (m, 1 H), 3.87 (m, 1
H), 4.04 (dd, J ) 10.0 Hz, J ) 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.47 (dm, J ) 15.2
Hz, 1H), 5.90 (dd, J ) 15.6 Hz, J ) 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.97 (d, J ) 9.6
Hz, 1 H), 6.42 (dd, J ) 15.2 Hz, J ) 10.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.61 (d, J )
16.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.90 (dd, J ) 15.6 Hz, J ) 10.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.21 (dd,
J ) 9.6 Hz, J ) 6.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.22 (t, J ) 6.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.32 (t,
J ) 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.46 (d, J ) 7.2 Hz, 2 H); 13C NMR (100 MHz,
(CD3)2CO) δ 11.2, 15.0, 20.9, 25.2, 25.9, 29.0, 33.7, 34.4, 37.2,
39.1, 67.3, 68.0, 84.9, 100.7, 121.4, 127.2, 128.4, 129.5, 129.7,
130.8, 133.0, 136.0, 138.4, 152.3, 164.6; IR(KBr) νmax 2962, 2928,
2873, 1724, 1596, 1462, 1379, 1249, 1223, 989, 693 cm-1; HRMS
(ESIMS) calcd for C27H36O4Na [M + Na]+ 447.2506, found
447.2500.
Acknowledgment. We are grateful for the generous financial
support by the NSFC (QT program, 20872054, 20732002),
NCET-05-0879.
Supporting Information Available: Experimental proce-
1
dures, spectral data, and copies of H and 13C NMR spectra.
This material is available free of charge via the Internet at
http://pubs.acs.org.
JO9000146
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 7, 2009 2749