Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Key Advanced Intermediates toward Simplified Acetogenin Analogues

The stereo- and enantiocontrolled synthesis of substituted β-hydroxy ethers based on glycol and catechol bearing an alkyne group and a series of substituents is reported. These substrates were designed to mimic the bis-THF array of annonaceous acetogenins and to provide an access to simplified and modified analogues. The key steps of the synthesis involve the condensation of the nonracemic mesylate of solketal with ethylene glycol and catechol, followed by an alkylation with a glycidyl derivative. Under appropriate conditions, the reaction is completely stereoselective and allows the synthesis of all the diastereomers. After the epoxide was opened with triethylsilylacetylene, the second epoxide was unmasked and reacted with a series of alkyl, aryl, amine, and alcohol reagents. A series of 28 analogues was prepared having a glycol or a catechol core, a stereodefined configuration of the flanking hydroxyl groups, and an acetylenic appendage suitable for a coupling to a lactone-bearing fragment.