10.1016/j.tetlet.2009.06.069
The study presents a chemoenzymatic asymmetric synthesis of (9S,12S,13S)- and (9S,12RS,13S)-pinellic acids, which are significant due to their adjuvant activity for influenza vaccines. The synthesis involves several key steps and chemicals. Initially, 1,9-nonanediol is monoprotected with para-methoxybenzyl chloride (PMBCl) to form compound 3, which is then oxidized with pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) to yield aldehyde 4. The reaction of 4 with vinylmagnesium bromide produces allylic alcohol 5. A crucial step involves Novozyme 435-catalyzed acetylation of 5 with vinyl acetate, yielding (S)-acetate 6 and (R)-alcohol 5 with high enantiomeric excesses. Another significant component, (R)-cyclohexylideneglyceraldehyde 7, is reacted with CH3(CH2)4Li to form the anti-triol derivative 8, which is then protected with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride (TPSCl) to form silyl derivative 9. The acetal function of 9 is removed to yield diol 10, which is cleaved with NaIO4 to form aldehyde 11. The reaction of 11 with vinylmagnesium bromide produces allylic alcohol 12. A cross-metathesis reaction between (S)-5 and 12, catalyzed by Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst, yields diol 13. Further steps involve silylation, oxidative removal of PMB protection, oxidation to form acid 16, and final desilylation to obtain the target pinellic acids. This method highlights the use of biocatalysis and chiral templates for efficient asymmetric synthesis, offering a simpler and more efficient route to these biologically active compounds.