Rh(I)-Catalyzed 1,4-Conjugate Addition of Alkenylboronic Acids to a Cyclopentenone Useful for the Synthesis of Prostaglandins

J Org Chem. 2016 Nov 18;81(22):10832-10844. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b01913. Epub 2016 Oct 21.

Abstract

An efficient and trans-diastereoselective Rh(I)-catalyzed 1,4-conjugate addition reaction of alkenylboronic acids and a homochiral (R)-4-silyloxycyclopentenone useful for the synthesis of derivatives of prostaglandins E and F is described for the first time. The reaction functions under mild conditions and is particularly rapid (≤6 h) under low power (50 W) microwave irradiation at 30 °C in MeOH in the presence of a catalytic amount of KOH. Under these conditions, 3 mol % of [RhCl(COD)]2 is typically required to produce high yields. The method also functions without microwave irradiation at 3 °C in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of KOH. Under these conditions, only 1.5 mol % of [RhCl(COD)]2 is needed, but the reaction is considerably slower. The method accepts a range of aryl- and alkyl-substituted alkenylboronic acids, and its utility has been demonstrated by the synthesis of PGF (dinoprost) and tafluprost.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Boronic Acids / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Cyclopentanes / chemistry*
  • Hydroxides / chemistry
  • Microwaves
  • Potassium Compounds / chemistry
  • Prostaglandins / chemical synthesis*
  • Rhodium / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Boronic Acids
  • Cyclopentanes
  • Hydroxides
  • Potassium Compounds
  • Prostaglandins
  • Rhodium
  • cyclopentenone
  • potassium hydroxide