Total synthesis of flocoumafen via knoevenagel condensation and intramolecular ring cyclization: general access to natural products

Molecules. 2012 Feb 21;17(2):2091-102. doi: 10.3390/molecules17022091.

Abstract

The total synthesis and structure determination of cis- and trans-flocoumafen was described. The key synthetic steps involve Knoevenagel condensation with p-methoxybenzaldehyde, in situ decarboxylation and intramolecular ring cyclization to construct the tetralone skeleton. Stereospecific reduction of the O-alkylated ketone 13 afforded good yield of precusor alcohol 5. Final coupling of alcohol 5 with 4-hydroxy-coumarin yielded flocoumafen (1). Separation and structure determination of cis- and trans-flocoumafen through 2D NMR analyses-assisted computer simulation techniques for the evaluation of anticoagulant activities are reported for the first time. This method is useful for generating the core tetralone skeleton of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives and provides a generalized access to various warfarin type anticoagulants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Hydroxycoumarins / chemical synthesis*
  • 4-Hydroxycoumarins / chemistry*
  • Alkylation
  • Anticoagulants / chemistry
  • Benzaldehydes / chemistry
  • Biological Products / chemical synthesis*
  • Biological Products / chemistry*
  • Cyclization
  • Decarboxylation

Substances

  • 4-Hydroxycoumarins
  • Anticoagulants
  • Benzaldehydes
  • Biological Products
  • flocoumafen
  • 4-anisaldehyde
  • 4-hydroxycoumarin