Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Cannabinoids via a Tandem Conjugate Addition/Enolate Alkylation Annulation with Ambiphilic Organoboronates

Org Lett. 2023 Feb 3;25(4):708-713. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c00090. Epub 2023 Jan 24.

Abstract

Cannabinoid research depends on synthesizing derivatives for structure-activity relationship studies. (-)-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol were synthesized via a tandem enantioselective conjugate addition/enolate alkylation annulation with a novel ambiphilic trifluoroborate in seven steps. A new class of alkenyl and aryl ambiphilic trifluoroborates were synthesized and showed great compatibility with various functional groups, high yields, and excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity. A novel benzo-fused cannabinoid analogue and tandem quaternary stereocenter-containing reaction products were synthesized with good to excellent enantioselectivity.