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The first total synthesis of anti-inflammatory cyclic peptide fanlizhicyclopeptide B based on the Mitsunobu reaction is reported. The pre-made Fmoc-Tyr-OAllyl building block was coupled to the Wang resin via the Mitsunobu reaction catalyzed by triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate. After the remaining amino acids were assembled, macrocyclization was realized on solid support. Finally, the crude product was cleaved from resin and then purified by preparative reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) to provide the pure target fanlizhicyclopeptide B.

A concise enantioselective total synthesis of the neoclerodane diterpene (−)‐salvinorin A is reported. The stereogenic center at C‐12 was installed by catalytic asymmetric propargylation with excellent enantioselectivity, and the remaining six stereogenic centers were set up highly diastereoselectively under substrate control. As for our previous synthesis of racemic salvinorin A, two intramolecular Diels‐Alder reactions were applied to generate the tricyclic core. A chemoselective Mitsunobu inversion of a syn 1,2‐diol allowed for further streamlining of the original reaction sequence by two steps. Overall, (−)‐salvinorin A was synthesized in only 16 steps starting from 3‐furaldehyde with 1.4 % total yield. Furthermore, an alternative intramolecular Diels‐Alder strategy employing a 2‐bromo‐1,3‐diene moiety was investigated., A divine sage: The potent KOR agonist (−)‐salvinorin A was synthesized in only sixteen steps by modification of our previous route to the racemic title compound. Transition to asymmetric synthesis succeeded by a highly enantioselective propargylation to install the stereogenic center at C‐12. Shortening of the original reaction sequence by two steps was finally achieved using a chemoselective Mitsunobu esterification of a cyclic syn 1,2‐diol. Furthermore, an alternative intramolecular Diels‐Alder strategy employing a 2‐bromo‐1,3‐diene moiety was investigated.

A polystyrene-supported version of the Denton catalyst for redox-neutral Mitsunobu reactions, (2-hydroxybenzyl)diphenylphosphine oxide, has been developed and used in catalytic inversion of enantiopure secondary alcohols (21 examples, up to 97% yield and 98% ee) with 2-nitrobenzoic and 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acids. The use in the reaction of alternative pronucleophiles has also been explored (8 successful and 3 unsuccessful examples). The functional resin shows high recyclability (10 cycles, 30 days operation) and can be re-activated by simple treatment with butylamine with further extension of its useful life.

The mechanism of the redox-neutral organocatalytic Mitsunobu reaction, catalyzed by (2-hydroxybenzyl)diphenylphosphine oxide, reported by Denton et al., has been studied computationally with ωB97X-D density functional theory. We discovered that the nucleophilic substitution reaction between carboxylate and alkoxyphosphonium ions, to reform the phosphine oxide catalyst, is the rate-determining step of the overall process and is significantly accelerated compared with a general-acid-catalyzed SN2 reaction. The (2-hydroxybenzyl)diphenylphosphine oxide is regenerated and activated in every catalytic cycle via intramolecular dehydration/cyclization. We also designed several phosphine oxide catalysts that we predict to be more effective catalysts.

N′-Alkyl hydrazides were effectively synthesized by routes featuring installation, alkylation, and removal of a trifluoroacetyl group. A set of amino acid derived hydrazides were acylated using trifluoroacetic anhydride, and the resulting trifluoroacetyl hydrazides were alkylated with alcohols in Mitsunobu reactions and with alkyl halides under alkaline conditions. Removal of the trifluoroacetyl group was affected under reductive and hydrolytic conditions to provide the respective N′-alkyl hydrazides. This three-step process may be performed without isolation of intermediates to yield N′-alkyl hydrazide after a single chromatographic purification.

Crystal engineered organic frameworks assembled using hydrogen bonding are known, and examples constructed from hydroxypyridine/pyridone as the dominant source of hydrogen bonding have been reported. Less explored are analogous systems based on maleic hydrazide. Herein, a two-step route (Mitsunobu followed by Schiff base reactions) to asymmetrically substituted pyridazinones from maleic hydrazide (step 1) is reported with 2-, 3-, or 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (step 2). Upon reaction with 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, single crystals suitable for analysis via X-ray diffraction were obtained. Careful examination of this solid state structure and comparison with a large number of related structures in the Cambridge Structural Database revealed a pyridazinone (vs. pyridazinol) core and persistent [Formula: see text] “head-to-tail” hydrogen bonded dimers. Although these pyridazinones were originally considered suitable for use as ligands for metal cation coordination, challenges in achieving this outcome were encountered.

The Mitsunobu reaction is a powerful transformation for the one-pot activation and substitution of aliphatic alcohols. Significant efforts have focused on modifying the classic conditions to overcome problems associated with purification from phosphine-based byproducts. Herein, we report a phosphine free method for alcohol activation and substitution that is mediated by sulfuryl fluoride. This new method is effective for a wide range of primary alcohols using phthalimide, di-tert-butyl-iminodicarboxylate, and aromatic thiol nucleophiles in 74 % average yield. Activated carbon nucleophiles and a deactivated phenol were also effective for this reaction in good yields. Secondary alcohols were also successful substrates using aryl thiols, affording the corresponding sulfides in 56 % average yield with enantiomeric ratios up to 99:1. This new protocol has a distinct synthetic advantage over many existing phosphine-based methods as the byproducts are readily separable. This feature was exploited in several examples that did not require chromatography for purification. Furthermore, the mild reaction conditions enabled further in situ derivatization for the one-pot conversion of alcohols to amines or sulfones. This method also provides a boarder nucleophile scope compared to existing phosphine-free methods.

Phosphine mediated deoxygenative nucleophilic substitutions, such as the Mitsunobu reaction, are of great importance in organic synthesis. However, the conventional protocols require stoichiometric oxidants to trigger the formation of the oxyphosphonium intermediates for the subsequent nucleophilic additions. Through dual catalysis of photoredox and cobaloxime, we realized a radical strategy for the catalytic formation of acyloxyphosphonium ions that enables direct amidation. The deoxygenative protocol exhibits a broad scope and has been used in the late-stage amidation of drug molecules. In addition to batch reactions, a continuous-flow reactor was developed, enabling rapid peptide synthesis on gram scale. The successful assembly of a tetrapeptide on the solid support further demonstrated the versatility of this photocatalytic system. Moreover, experimental and computational studies are consistent with the hypothesis of acyloxyphosphonium ions being formed as the key intermediates.

The dialkylation of 2,14-dithiacalix[4]arene was studied employing various synthetic procedures known for the parent macrocycles (thiacalixarenes and/or classical calixarenes). The best results for distal dialkylation were achieved using the Mitsunobu reaction with the corresponding alcohols. Interestingly, due to the lower symmetry of the starting compound, the dialkylated derivatives represent inherently chiral systems. The introduction of chiral substituents thus leads to mixtures of diastereomers potentially useful for the separation of individual stereoisomers as demonstrated by chiral HPLC. The conformational behavior of the novel compounds was studied both in solution (NMR) and in the solid state (X-ray).

A practical method is developed to access chiral arylalkyl carbinols with a high yield from racemic alcohols. A one-pot enzyme mediated Kinetic Resolution followed by Mitsunobu esterification of the unreacted enantiomer of alcohol with metal acetate results in a nearly complete formation of chiral acetate. Substitution with AgOAc was found to be the most efficient, and the use of sub stoichiometric amounts of AgNO3 and excess of NaOAc affords comparable results; the protocol was further extended to introduce azide as a nucleophile.

The first total synthesis of caprazamycin A (1), a representative liponucleoside antibiotic, is described. Diastereoselective aldol reactions of aldehydes 12 and 25–27, derived from uridine, with diethyl isocyanomalonate 13 and phenylcarbamate 21 were investigated using thiourea catalysts 14 or bases to synthesize syn-β-hydroxyamino acid derivatives. The 1, 4-diazepanone core of 1 was constructed using a Mitsunobu reaction, and the fatty acid side chain was introduced using a stepwise sequence based on model studies. Notably, global deprotection was realized using palladium black and formic acid without hydrogenating the olefin in the uridine unit.

Starting from a chiral secondary alcohol, novel enantiopure 1,4-aminoalkylphenols (AAPs) were prepared by exploiting conventional organic transformations such as the Mitsunobu reaction, Eschweiler--Clarke N-methylation, and demethylation of anisoles. The catalytic activity of the 1,4-AAPs was investigated in enantioselective Et$_{2}$Zn addition to benzaldehyde. They were found to accelerate the Et$_{2}$Zn addition to benzaldehyde. High yields and enantioselectivities (e.g., 95% yield and 82% ee) were achieved.

International audience; The N-alkylation of diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) represents a fundamental step to ensure solubility and further processability. Commonly used nucleophilic substitution in halogenated derivatives is replaced in this work by the Mitsunobu reaction affording unprecedented DPPs with α-branched and chiral chains.

Flavan-4-ols are a subclass of flavonoids that are present in complex molecules with application in the industrial sector as pigments, antioxidants, or antimitotics, among many others. The most traditional way to achieve their synthesis is from naturally abundant flavanones, asymmetric transfer hydrogenation reactions or bioreduction being well known strategies, while their preparation from racemic flavan-4-ols has been less explored. In this article, we have focused on the synthesis of a series of trans-flavan-4-ols bearing different substitution patterns in the aromatic ring to explore later the potential of lipases as biocatalysts for stereoselective acylation reactions. Therefore, a series of flavanones have been chemically prepared, starting from the corresponding benzaldehydes by aldol condensation with 2′-hydroxyacetophenone in a strongly basic medium, and later transformed into the corresponding racemic trans-flavan-4-ols following a carbonyl reduction, Mitsunobu reaction, and ester deprotection sequence. A screening of lipases and optimization of the reaction conditions for the stereoselective acylation of racemic 2-phenylchroman-4-ol were performed before expanding the best reaction conditions to the kinetic resolution of other 2-arylchroman-4-ols. Interestingly, the combination of AK lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens as enzyme and vinyl acetate as both acyl donor and solvent allowed the performance of highly asymmetric transformations (E &gt, 200, 50–99% eeS and &gt, 99% eeP) under mild reaction conditions (30 °C and 250 rpm).

Azodicarboxylate esters are common reagents in organic synthesis laboratories due to their utility in the Mitsunobu reaction. They can also be regarded as possible starting compounds for C–H functionalization, which up until now has been mainly achieved by transition-metal-catalyzed reactions. We have developed a novel reaction involving the quantitative coupling of 8-hydroxyquinoline or phenol with azodicarboxylate esters. The functionalization proceeds under mild base-catalyzed conditions selectively, and either the ortho-position of 8-hydroxyquinoline or para-position of the phenol/naphthol is involved in the reaction. This type of transformation can be considered as “hydrazo coupling” (by analogy with azo coupling). Herein, we discuss a plausible mechanism for this catalyzed substitution, backing up our findings with deuterium NMR experiments and by varying the starting compounds and bases. Using Boc-NN-Boc as a substrate, we have developed the convenient and efficient synthesis of (8-hydroxyquinolin-7-yl)hydrazines, as well as demonstrating a new stereoselective route for the synthesis of medicinally important 4-hydroxyphenylhydrazine for laboratory use, which almost doubles the yield of the common industrial process and reduces the number of synthetic steps. A new “one-pot” procedure for the synthesis of aromatic 8-hydroxyquinolin-7-yl hydrazones was applied.

This report features the first catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of a sesquiterpene, (+)-ar-macrocarpene (1), in 7 steps with 42.1% overall yields from commercially available inexpensive 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane 1,3-dione. This strategy relies on a key [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement effecting reductive transposition through allylic diazene rearrangement (ADR) in a single step from intermediate allylic alcohol (+)-12 under the Mitsunobu reaction conditions with o-nitrobenzenesulfonyl hydrazide (o-NBSH). Enantioselective reduction of α-bromo vinylogous ester 16 under the Corey-Bakshi-Shibata reduction conditions forges the required stereocenter in the allylic alcohol (+)-12 in a highly enantioenriched manner (95% ee).

Spatially resolved functionalization of 2D materials is highly demanded but very challenging to achieve. The chemical patterning is typically tackled by preventing contact between the reagent and material, which brings various accompanying challenges. Photochemical transformation on the other hand inherently provides remote high spatiotemporal resolution using the cleanest reagent-a photon. Herein, we combine two competing reactions on a graphene substrate to create functionalization patterns on a micrometer scale via the Mitsunobu reaction. The mild reaction conditions allow introduction of covalently dynamic linkages, which can serve as reversible labels for surface- or graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy characterization of the patterns prepared. The proposed methodology thus provides a pathway for local introduction of arbitrary functional groups on graphene.

The final two steps used to prepare greater than 1 kg of a compound evaluated as a treatment for type 2 diabetes are reported. The application of a palladium-catalyzed C–O coupling presented significant challenges due to the nature of the reactants, impurities produced, and noncrystalline coupling intermediate. Process development was able to address these limitations and enable production of kilogram quantities of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in greater efficiency than a Mitsunobu reaction for formation of the key bond. The development of a sequence that telescopes the coupling with the subsequent ester hydrolysis to yield the API and the workup and final product crystallization necessary to produce high-quality drug substance without the need of column chromatography are discussed.

The stereospecific substitution of non-derivatized and non-allylic enantioenriched alcohols with only water as a by-product would enable the use of readily available alcohols as substrates for green and sustainable transformations. However, the poor leaving group ability of the OH group has hampered the development of such a process. Denton and co-workers recently described the use of (2-hydroxybenzyl)diphenylphosphine oxide as a catalyst of a redox-neutral and zero-waste-generating Mitsunobu reaction. This innovative process constitutes the first intermolecular stereospecific substitution of non-allylic alcohols, and might find industrial applications.

(1R,5S)-1-Hydroxy-3,6-dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-2-one, available by an efficient catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose, has been applied as a chiral building block in the synthesis of seven new nucleoside analogues, with structural modifications on the nucleobase moiety and on the carboxyl- derived unit. The inverted configuration by Mitsunobu reaction used in their synthesis was verified by 2D-NOESY correlations, supported by the optimized structure employing the DFT methods. An in silico screening of these compounds as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase has been carried out in comparison with both remdesivir, a mono-phosphoramidate prodrug recently approved for COVID-19 treatment, and its ribonucleoside metabolite GS-441524. Drug-likeness prediction and data by docking calculation indicated compound 6 [=(3S,5S)-methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)-3-(6-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-9H-purin-9-yl)tetrahydrofuran-3-carboxylate] as the best candidate. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation showed a stable interaction of structure 6 in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex and a lower average atomic fluctuation than GS-441524, suggesting a well accommodation in the RdRp binding pocket.

A combination of the Mitsunobu reaction and Glaser coupling was used to achieve a new glycoazobenzene macrocycle. This photosensitive macrocycle can be efficiently and reversibly switched between two stable conformational isomers, which are characterized with photoswitchable shape, chiroptical and solubility behaviour.

The Mitsunobu reaction is widely regarded as the pre-eminent method for performing nucleophilic substitutions of alcohols with inversion of configuration. However, its applicability to large-scale synthesis is undermined by the fact that alcohol activation occurs at the expense of two stoichiometric reagents - a phosphine and an azodicarboxylate. The ideal Mitsunobu reaction would be sub-stoichiometric in the phosphine and azodicarboxylate species and employ innocuous terminal oxidants and reductants to achieve recycling. This Review article provides a summary and analysis of recent advances towards the development of such catalytic Mitsunobu reactions.

Herein we disclose an efficient strategy for the convergent synthesis of 1′,2′-cis-disubstituted carbocyclic ribo-nucleoside analogues. Starting from an enantiomerically pure cyclopentenol precursor, the key step for the preparation of the highly functionalized carbocyclic building block is an asymmetric dihydroxylation. Employing different variants of the Mitsunobu protocol, the condensation with all-natural nucleobases or their precursors affords a series of ribo-configured carbocyclic 1′,2′-cis-disubstituted nucleoside analogues.

Based on the features of its crystallization, racemic 3-(2,3-dimethylphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol 2 , the synthetic precursor of the chiral drug xibenolol 1 , was resolved into pure enantiomers by the direct method of entrainment. The enantiomers of diol 2 through a Mitsunobu reaction were converted into the nonracemic 1,2-epoxy-3-(2,3-dimethylphenoxy)propanes ( S )- and ( R )- 3 , and then into the xibenolol enantiomers. Single crystals of (+)- and (−)- 1 ·HCl were studied by X-ray diffraction. On the basis of the Flack parameter, the absolute ( R )- and ( S )-configurations were assigned to these compounds and to the other intermediate chiral substances.

Lanthanide(III)-catalyzed aryl-Claisen rearrangement of substrates bearing halo-substituted allyl groups, specifically 2-bromoallyl aryl ethers, afford ortho-2-bromoallylphenols. Aryl ether substrates were synthesized from brominated allylic alcohols via Mitsunobu reaction, Cu(II)-catalyzed arylation using potassium aryltrifluoroborate salts, or SNAr reaction. Aryl-Claisen rearrangements proceeded in moderate to excellent yields using Eu(III) catalysis. The alkenylbromide functionality remains intact, illustrating the compatibility of synthetically important alkenylhalides during C–O/C–C σ-bond migration processes. Subsequent derivatization of the ortho-2-bromoallylphenol products through O-alkylation or C-arylation/alkenylation via Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling demonstrate the potential to access densely-functionalized molecules.

Racemic 3-(4-indolyloxy)-1,2-propanediol 2 has been effectively resolved into (S)- and (R)-enantiomers by a preferential crystallization procedure. Non-racemic (S)-2 was converted into (S)-4-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-1H-indole (S)-4 via a Mitsunobu reaction and then into (S)-pindolol (S)-1. The crystalline (S)-1 was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A large number of symmetry independent molecules (Z′ = 6) led to a weakening of the system of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which combined with a loose packing (PI = 64.6%), may be the cause of the abnormally low melting point of (S)-1 as compared with rac-1.

The total synthesis of four actinoranone stereoisomers led to unambiguous assignment of relative and absolute stereochemistry of the natural product. Key features of the convergent, fully stereocontrolled route include the use of a Negishi carbozirconation/iodination, a Friedel-Crafts cyclization, a Felkin-controlled addition reaction, a Mitsunobu reaction, and a late-stage C-H oxidation.

Simplifying access to synthetic nucleosides is of interest due to their widespread use as biochemical or as anticancer and antiviral agents. Herein we provide a full and in-depth report on a direct stereoselective method to access an expansive range of both natural and synthetic nucleosides up to a gram scale, through direct glycosylation of nucleobases with 5-O-tritylribose and other C5-modified ribose derivatives. The reaction proceeds via nucleophilic epoxide ring opening of an in situ formed 1,2-anhydrosugar (termed "anhydrose") using modified Mitsunobu reaction conditions. We present the scope of the reaction in the synthesis of diverse nucleosides as well as other 1-substituted riboside derivatives. In addition, we provide mechanistic insight into the formation of this key glycosyl donor intermediate.

This research reports the successful asymmetric synthesis of both a 9-hydroxy-5′-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxane framework and a highly functionalised benzofuran scaffold. Both synthetically desirable structures are the result of a Lewis acid catalysed addition of an aryl nucleophile to 1,4-benzodioxane hemiacetals and offer a route towards the synthesis of a number of naturally occurring neolignans.

The 2-arylcyclopropylamine (ACPA) motif is often seen in biologically active compounds. This review focuses on the synthesis of biologically active ACPAs and categorizes, by reaction type, the synthetic methods used toward such compounds. 1 Introduction 2 Cyclopropanation Using Diazo Compounds 2.1 Styrene 2.2 Cinnamate 2.3 Vinyl Phthalimide 2.4 Vinyl Acetamide 2.5 Oxazolone 2.6 Diketopiperazine 3 Cyclopropanation Using Ylides 3.1 Cinnamate 3.2 Nitrostyrene 3.3 Oxirane 3.4 Nitroacetate 4 Transformation of Cyclopropanes 4.1 Iodocyclopropane 4.2 Aminocyclopropane 5 Miscellaneous Methods 5.1 Kulinkovich Reaction 5.2 Three-Component Reaction 5.3 Intramolecular Nucleophilic Cyclization 5.4 Intramolecular Mitsunobu Reaction 5.5 Rearrangement from Cyclobutanone 6 Summary

A concise and efficient enantioselective synthesis of both enantiomers of bepridil, a calcium channel blocker, is reported. Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution method was utilized to resolve racemic 2-(isobutoxymethyl)oxirane. The incorporation of the succinimide moiety by the Mitsunobu reaction, which was investigated in detail, occurred without any loss of enantioselectivity. Using this strategy, both enantiomers of the target molecule were obtained in good yield and with high enantiopurity (ee > 99%).

We revealed intramolecular oxidative arylations in 7-azaindoles and pyrroles that, for the first time, provided direct access to 7-azaindole- or pyrrole-fused isoindolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines. In addition, N-benzylation of 7-azaindoles or pyrroles with sterically hindered sec-benzyl alcohols by Mitsunobu reaction followed by intramolecular oxidative arylation allowed access to chiral congeners of fused isoindolines that have little precedence. A new opportunity in the design and synthesis of fluorene-based organic emitters is demonstrated in the preparation of novel fused N-heterocycle tethered fluorenes, including a chiral fluorene architecture.

The synthesis of a series of new alkylsulfanyl phthalazinone and phthalazine derivatives is described. The target compounds were efficiently synthesized in a four step sequence, consisting of (1) cyclization of 2-formylbenzoic acid with hydrazine hydrate to form phthalazinone, (2) the direct bromination of phthalazinone core with KBr3, (3) alkylation of the obtained 4-bromolactam (Mitsunobu procedure) to make N- and also O-alkyl derivatives and finally (4) palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions of 2-alkyl-4-bromophthalazinone and 1-alkyloxy-4-bromophthalazine derivatives with aliphatic mercaptanes. Furthermore, the synthesis of 2-methyl-8-(propan-2-yl)sulfanyl-pyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-1(2H)-one from 2-methyl-pyrido[3,4-d]pyridazin-1(2H)-one via bromination reaction with KBr3 and subsequent sulfanylation by isopropyl mercaptan under catalyzed coupling reaction conditions is also described.

A convergent three-step method for the synthesis of 2-substituted chromans is described. These results have been accomplished via the Heck coupling of readily accessible allylic alcohols and 2-iodophenols, followed by reduction and Mitsunobu cyclization. The utility and generality of this method is demonstrated through the synthesis of a series of 2-aryl-, 2-heteroaryl- and 2-alkylchromans, as well as an azachroman derivative. The asymmetric version of this approach via a Noyori-catalyzed ketone reduction and subsequent cyclization is likewise highlighted.

Nannocystin A, a structurally unique 21-membered macrocyclic depsipeptide with low nanomolar inhibitory activity against elongation factor 1A, was synthesized according to a strategy involving the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, Sharpless epoxidation, olefin metathesis, the Mitsunobu reaction, and a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Suzuki coupling of a highly complex cyclization substrate. The overall synthesis is efficient and paves the way for preparation of analogues for drug development efforts.

(R)-(+)-Carolinic acid was prepared in seven steps and 59% yield from inexpensive benzyl l -lactate, the configuration of which was inverted by a Mitsunobu reaction with trifluoroacetate. The resulting benzyl d -lactate was cyclised by a domino addition–Wittig alkenation reaction with Ph3PCCO. The product tetronic acid was acylated with a second equivalent of this ylide to give a 3-acylylidenetetronic acid, which was olefinated directly with tert-butyl glyoxylate. The product alkene was hydrogenated and deprotected to afford pure crystalline (R)-(+)-carolinic acid, which proved inactive against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli mutant D21f2.

Reaction of 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4,5-tetrazines with water and PEt3 forms the corresponding 1,4-dihydrotetrazine and OPEt3. Thus PEt3, as a stoichiometric reductant, reduces water, and the resulting two reducing equivalents serve to doubly hydrogenate the tetrazine. A variety of possible initial interactions between electron-deficient tetrazine and electron-rich PR3, including a charge transfer complex, were evaluated by density functional calculations which revealed that the energy of all these make them spectroscopically undetectable at equilibrium, but one of these is nevertheless suggested as the intermediate in the observed redox reaction. The relationship of this to the Mitsunobu reaction, which absorbs the components of water evolved in the conversion of alcohol and carboxylic acid to ester, with desirable inversion at the alcohol carbon, is discussed. This enables a modified Mitsunobu reaction, with tetrazine replacing EtO2CN=NCO2Et (DEAD), which has the advantage that dihydrotetrazine can be recycled to tetrazine by oxidation with O2, something impossible with the hydrogenated DEAD. For this tetrazine version, a betaine-like intermediate is undetectable, but its protonated form is characterized, including by X-ray structure and NMR spectroscopy.

Racemic 3-(2-ethylphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol 2 has been effectively resolved into ( S )- and ( R )-enantiomers by a preferential crystallization procedure. Non-racemic diols 2 , obtained via a Mitsunobu reaction, have been converted into the non-racemic 1,2-epoxy-3-(2-ethylphenoxy)propanes ( S )- and ( R )- 5 and then into non-racemic 3-(2-ethylphenoxy)-1(1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-1-ylamino)-2-propanols 1 . The characteristics of all four stereoisomers, ( S , S )- 1 (SR 59230), ( R , R )- 1 (SR 59483), ( R , S )- 1 and ( S , R )- 1 (SR 59231) and their hydrogen oxalates with a 1:1 composition have been presented. The crystalline oxalates ( S , S )- 1 ·C 2 H 2 O 4 (SR 59230A) and ( R , S )- 1 ·0.5C 2 H 2 O 4 were studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction.

A stereoselective synthesis of 14-membered macrolide hamigeromycin E (6) has been studied by employing ortho-lithiated formylation, Barbier allylation, Julia–Kocienski olefination, Mitsunobu esterification, and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions. The final RCM reaction did not provide the target molecule. This study has prompted us to synthesize a stereoisomer of zeaenol and accomplish the total synthesis with the above protocols.

In this Letter, an enantioselective synthesis of (3R,5R)-sonnerlactone and (3R,5S)-sonnerlactone have been described. Stereochemistry at C-5 position was fixed using a suitable proline catalyzed reaction during the synthesis of aliphatic segment. To accomplish this target, Mitsunobu reaction for inversion of a stereocentre and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) for macrocyclic ring formations have been applied as key transformations.

An efficient synthesis of 17-α-estradiol 1 is described. Utilization of in situ IR allowed for an online monitoring of the key Mitsunobu reaction and development of a safe and reliable synthesis of 17-α-estradiol 1 in 78% overall yield over three steps. Benzoylation of 17-β-estradiol 2 is conducted at high regioselectivity under phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions, followed by a Mitsunobu reaction to invert the chiral center at C-17 and provide intermediate 5, containing the core structure of 17-α-estradiol 1. Finally, the desired active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is prepared by saponification of the remaining esters.