Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of Hydromorphone by an Oxidative Dearomatization/Intramolecular [4 + 2] Cycloaddition Sequence: A Second-Generation Approach

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/acs.joc.6b01990

A second-generation approach to the synthesis of hydromorphone by oxidative dearomatization/Diels-Alder cycloaddition was investigated. Detailed analysis of the stereochemical outcome of the [4 + 2] cycloaddition was performed first on a truncated model system as well as on the material leading to ent-hydromorphone. The stereochemical assignments were made by NMR and X-ray methods. The second-generation synthesis of hydromorphone was completed in both enantiomeric series. Improvements in the dearomatization conditions were attained using hypervalent iodine reagents instead of Pb(OAc)₄. Electrochemical methods of oxidative dearomatization were also investigated. New conditions enabling the rearomatization of ring A from the methoxyketal were developed, and a formal synthesis of the natural enantiomer of hydromorphone was completed. Experimental and spectral data are provided for all new compounds.