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Although biocatalysis has garnered widespread attention in both industrial and academic realms, the enzymatic synthesis of chiral oxetanes remains an underdeveloped field. Halohydrin dehalogenases (HHDHs) are industrially relevant enzymes that have been engineered to accomplish the reversible transformation of epoxides. In this study, a biocatalytic platform was constructed for the stereoselective kinetic resolution of chiral oxetanes and formation of 1,3‐disubstituted alcohols. HheC from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 was engineered to identify key variants capable of catalyzing the dehalogenation of γ‐haloalcohols (via HheC M1‐M3) and ring opening of oxetanes (via HheC M4‐M5) to access both (R)‐ and (S)‐configured products with high stereoselectivity and remarkable catalytic activity, yielding up to 49 % with enantioselectivities exceeding 99 % ee and E>200. The current strategy is broadly applicable as demonstrated by expansion of the substrate scope to include up to 18 examples for dehalogenation and 16 examples for ring opening. Additionally, the functionalized products are versatile building blocks for pharmaceutical applications. To shed light on the molecular recognition mechanisms for the relevant variants, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed. The current strategy expands the scope of HHDH‐catalyzed chiral oxetane ring construction, offering efficient access to both enantiomers of chiral oxetanes and 1,3‐disubstituted alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxetane synthase (TmCYP1), a novel cytochrome P450 enzyme from Taxus×media cell cultures, has been functionally characterized to efficiently catalyse the formation of the oxetane ring in tetracyclic taxoids. Transient expression of TmCYP1 in Nicotiana benthamiana using 2α,5α,7β,9α,10β,13α‐hexaacetoxytaxa‐4(20),11(12)‐diene (1) as a substrate led to the production of a major oxetane derivative, 1β‐dehydroxybaccatin IV (1 a), and a minor 4β,20‐epoxide derivative, baccatin I (1 b). However, feeding the substrate decinnamoyltaxinine J (2), a 5‐deacetylated derivative of 1, yielded only 5α‐deacetylbaccatin I (2 b), a 4β,20‐epoxide. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of substrate‐feeding, 2H and 18O isotope labelling experiments, and density functional theory calculations. This reaction could be an intramolecular oxidation‐acetoxyl rearrangement and the construction of the oxetane ring may occur through a concerted process; however, the 4β,20‐epoxide might be a shunt product. In this process, the C5‐O‐acetyl group in substrate is crucial for the oxetane ring formation but not for the 4(20)‐epoxy ring formation by TmCYP1. These findings provide a better understanding of the enzymatic formation of the oxetane ring in paclitaxel biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (R,R)-Teth-TsDPEN-Ru(II) complex promoted the one-pot double C=O reduction of α-alkyl-β-ketoaldehydes through asymmetric transfer hydrogenation/dynamic kinetic resolution (ATH-DKR) under mild conditions. In this process, ten anti-2-benzyl-1-phenylpropane-1,3-diols (85:15 to 92:8 dr) were obtained in good yields (41–87%) and excellent enantioselectivities (>99% ee for all compounds). Notably, the preferential reduction of the aldehyde moiety led to the in situ formation of 2-benzyl-3-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-1-one intermediates. These intermediates played a crucial role in enhancing both reactivity and stereoselectivity through hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a catalyst, oxidant, and coupling‐reagent free strategy to access 4‐membered heterocycles, representing a unique example of visible‐light triggered intramolecular cyclization of propargylic alcohols and amines to access oxetanones and azetidinones respectively. Despite the direct 4‐endo‐dig cyclization from these starting materials has proven to be unfavorable, the formation of key p‐quinone methide intermediacy allows an efficient bypass for regioselective 4‐exo‐trig cyclization, resulting in the formation of the desired 4‐membered heterocycles. This mild and operationally simple protocol facilitates the synthesis of products with distinct substitution patterns such as quaternary α‐carbons, and enables late‐stage functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is a Paternò–Büchi reaction of aromatic double bonds with quinones under visible light irradiation. The reactions of aromatics with quinones exposed to blue LED irradiation yielded oxetanes at −78 °C, which was attributed to both the activation of double bonds in aromatics and the stabilization of oxetanes by thiadiazole, oxadiazole, or selenadiazole groups. The addition of Cu(OTf)2 to the reaction system at room temperature resulted in the formation of diaryl ethers via the copper-catalyzed ring opening of oxetanes in situ. Notably, the substrate scope was extended to general aromatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the regioselective ring opening of oxetanes using zirconocene and photoredox catalysis. The researchers aimed to explore a less explored radical mechanism for ring opening and found that the regioselectivity of the reaction was different compared to previous methods. They also investigated the generality of the reaction and found that various functional groups were tolerated, producing moderate to good yields of the desired products. Ongoing investigations into the mechanism and other transformations using zirconocene and photoredox catalysis are being conducted, with support from the Materials Characterization Central Laboratory of Waseda University. [Extracted from the article]

A general approach to 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes by reduction of spirocyclic oxetanyl nitriles was developed. The mechanism, scope, and scalability of this transformation were studied. The core was incorporated into the structure of the antihistamine drug Rupatidine instead of the pyridine ring, which led to a dramatic improvement in physicochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is a Paternò–Büchi reaction of aromatic double bonds with quinones under visible light irradiation. The reactions of aromatics with quinones exposed to blue LED irradiation yielded oxetanes at −78 °C, which was attributed to both the activation of double bonds in aromatics and the stabilization of oxetanes by thiadiazole, oxadiazole, or selenadiazole groups. The addition of Cu(OTf)2 to the reaction system at room temperature resulted in the formation of diaryl ethers via the copper-catalyzed ring opening of oxetanes in situ. Notably, the substrate scope was extended to general aromatics.

Prenylation is a ubiquitous late‐stage modification in nature that often confers significantly improved bioactivity for secondary metabolites. While this lipophilic modification renders enhanced potency, the lipophilic tag(s) can diminish bioavailability and adversely alter drug transportation and metabolism. Thus, a functional‐group‐tolerant, mild, and selective late‐stage C−H functionalization of prenyl tags would present a great potential in drug discovery programs but could also impact other fields, such as agrochemistry and chemical biology. Herein we report an exocyclic‐strain‐driven cross‐metathesis reaction of prenyl tags, a formal double C−H oxidation protocol, that can be used for the selective late‐stage derivatization of prenylated compounds and natural products. This methodology avoids the need for prefunctionalization of target molecules and affords ready access to an unprecedented library of oxo‐ and aza‐prenylated complex molecules. Thus, in a broader context, this methodology extends late‐stage functionalization beyond that available to nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Membered heterocycles are low molecular weight polar scaffolds with intriguing potential for drug discovery. Despite their unquestionable value, methods to access such heterocycles remain scant. Here, we describe the generation of oxetane- and azetidine- benzylic carbocations as a general strategy to access valuable 3,3-disubstituted derivatives.

Literature known energetic oxetane derivatives have a nitrogen content of up to 49.98 %. Through the introduction of azide and tetrazole functionalities attached to an oxetane ring, energetic oxetanes with higher nitrogen contents than previously reported in the literature were obtained. The newly synthesized oxetane derivatives were extensively characterized via 1H NMR, 13C{1H} NMR, 14N NMR, 15N NMR, 1H‐15N HMBC, FT‐IR spectroscopy and/or DTA. Their crystal structures were elucidated using X‐ray diffraction, their sensitivities towards impact, friction and electrostatic discharge were determined and their energetic properties were calculated using the EXPLO5 code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxetanocin A and albucidin are two oxetane natural products. While the biosynthesis of oxetanocin A has been described, less is known about albucidin. In this work, the albucidin biosynthetic gene cluster is identified in Streptomyces. Heterologous expression in a nonproducing strain demonstrates that the genes alsA and alsB are necessary and sufficient for albucidin biosynthesis confirming a previous study (Myronovskyi et al. Microorganisms2020, 8, 237). A two‐step construction of albucidin 4′‐phosphate from 2′‐deoxyadenosine monophosphate (2′‐dAMP) is shown to be catalyzed in vitro by the cobalamin dependent radical S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) enzyme AlsB, which catalyzes a ring contraction, and the radical SAM enzyme AlsA, which catalyzes elimination of a one‐carbon fragment. Isotope labelling studies show that AlsB catalysis begins with stereospecific H‐atom transfer of the C2′‐pro‐R hydrogen from 2′‐dAMP to 5′‐deoxyadenosine, and that the eliminated one‐carbon fragment originates from C3′ of 2′‐dAMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalyst-free [2 + 2] photocycloaddition between benzils and simple olefins is reported. The adoption of visible light proved essential for the transformation, as shorter wavelengths led to uncontrolled decomposition. When cyclic olefins were used, the reaction occurred smoothly to afford the expected oxetanes regio- and stereoselectively after 24 h of irradiation. In contrast, in the case of acyclic olefins, longer reaction times were typically required and small amounts (ca. 20%) of [4 + 2] photocycloadducts and by-products deriving from competitive hydrogen atom abstraction were observed. The selectivity of the transformation could be consistently improved by decreasing the reaction temperature, thus restoring the desired [2 + 2] reactivity. An overall mechanistic picture is also offered based on the chemical and photophysical quenching experiments and the stereochemical output is rationalized based on Griesbeck models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A novel free fatty acid mimetic based on the spirocyclic oxetane pyrazolone 1-oxa-6,7-diazaspiro[3.4]oct-7-en-5-one scaffold has been obtained in seven steps. The key stages are based upon the toolbox of diazo chemistry, including the F SAFE diazo transfer and RhII-catalyzed O–H insertion followed by base-triggered oxetane closing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Oxy ketones, easily accessible by conventional routes, can be selectively deprotonated generating an enolate intermediate, which upon treatment with paraformaldehyde undergoes an aldol–Tishchenko reaction, leading to relevant 1,2,3-triol fragments in a totally diastereoselective manner. The excellent stereocontrol in the generation of a quaternary stereocenter is attributed to stereoelectronic effects in the Evans intermediate. This methodology allows overcoming some limitations of our previously reported strategy, based on the reaction of α-lithiobenzyl ethers with esters and paraformaldehyde, broadening the scope of the obtained polyols. Synthetic applications of this process include the preparation of a new dilignol model and some functionalized oxetanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and application of a series of crosslinkable bis (diphenylamine)-substituted mixed dihydroindeno[1,2-b]fluorenes as model systems for the fabrication of solutionprocessed, multilayer organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is described. Introducing a novel functionalization approach by C(sp³)-C(sp²) Suzuki-Miyaura reactions, the synthesis is based on a modular strategy, leading to eight nearly isoelectronic derivatives that allow for the observation of structure-property relationships in the context of crosslinkable hole-transport materials, e. g., for use in OLEDs. By systematically altering structural parameters, such as the number of crosslinkable oxetane moieties per molecule (2-6 moieties) and their position of attachment (geminal and/or lateral), process-relevant thermal properties such as thermal stability (Td95, 170-350°C) and glasstransition temperature (15-100°C) can be influenced and allow for the investigation of their impact on the crosslinking behavior and the resulting device performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxetanes are key synthons for asymmetric synthesis and also effective in directing ortho‐lithiation. This work first reports the solution and the solid‐state structure of an ortho‐lithiated aryloxetane (1‐Li) in the presence/absence of a bidentate ligand such as N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1‐Li revealed a singular crystallographic structure in which the asymmetric unit comprises a core where the lithium atom is coordinated to the nitrogen atom of half a molecule of TMEDA and intramolecularly stabilised by the oxetane ring oxygen. This aggregation state is unprecedented in ortho‐lithiated arenes. Variable temperatures multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 7Li, 13C) mono‐ and two‐dimensional NMR studies and DFT computations supported the coexistence in solution of three chelated bridged dimeric aggregates, in slow equilibration at 180 K. The major isomer is an heterochiral aggregate on the basis of 1H,7Li‐HOESY and 1H,1H‐NOESY experiments. Conclusions were supported by the preparation of enantiomerically enriched (S)‐1‐Li. The privileged formation of homochiral aggregates from racemic mixtures may also have implications for the development of chiral resolution processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel 16-substituted estrone hybrids were synthesized. • Certain compounds proved to be antiproliferative against human cancer cell lines. • The ascorbic or salicylic acid hybrids exerted comparable action to that of cisplatin. To prepare new type of estrane hybrid molecules, we chose 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxy-17β,16β-epoxymethylene-estra-1,3,5(10)-trienes as starting materials (2 and 5). These steroid oxetanes were transformed with ethylene glycol in the presence of BF 3.OEt 2 into 3-methoxy- and 3-benzyloxy-16β-(2′-oxa-4′-hydroxy)butyl-17β-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17β-ols (3a and 6a). Iodination of the terminal hydroxy group afforded iodo derivatives 3b and 6b , which underwent one-pot 3- O -alkylation with unprotected ascorbic acid to yield 3c and 6c. The same process with salicylic acid led to 2- O -alkylated salicylic acid derivatives 3d and 6d. Iodo derivatives 3b and 6b underwent nucleophilic exchange reaction with NaN 3 furnishing the corresponding azido compounds 3e and 6e. These compounds were subjected to azide–alkyne CuAAC reactions with phenylacetylene and their p -substituted derivatives to form 1,4-substituted triazoles 3f-h and 6f-h. The reduction of 3e and 6e with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of Raney Ni provided the corresponding amino derivatives 3i and 6i. These compounds were reacted further with varied substituted benzoic acids to deliver terminal benzamido derivatives 3j-m and 6j-m. We determined the in vitro antiproliferative activities of compounds 2 , 5 , 3a-m and 6a-m by means of MTT assays on a panel of human adherent cancer cell lines A2780, MCF-7, MB-231 and SiHa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NiCl2(PEt3)2‐catalyzed regioselective C−H coupling of 8‐aminoquinoline‐derived benzamides with oxetanes has been developed. The reaction proceeds with concomitant removal of the 8‐aminoquinoline auxiliary to directly form the corresponding seven‐membered benzolactones, which frequently occur in natural products and bioactive molecules. Additionally, no stereochemical erosion is observed during the course of the reaction, and the use of enantioenriched and substituted oxetane thus provides a new avenue to the optically active benzolactone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compact and versatile oxetane motifs have gained significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry campaigns. This review presents an overview of the diverse applications of oxetanes in clinical and preclinical drug candidates targeting various human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and others. Special attention is given to biologically active oxetane-containing compounds and their disease-related targets, such as kinases, epigenetic and non-epigenetic enzymes, and receptors. The review also details the effect of the oxetane motif on important properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, pKa, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, metabolic stability, conformational preferences, toxicity profiles (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP) suppression and human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition), pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, potency, and target selectivity. We anticipate that this work will provide valuable insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules, enabling their effective application in combating a wide range of human diseases. [Display omitted] • Summarize the disease-related targets for oxetane-containing (pre)clinical drug candidates. • Highlight the contribution of an oxetane motif towards potency, target selectivity and drug-like properties. • Provide important insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mild and sustainable synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted oxetanes has been achieved through the use of a flow microreactor system. By controlling the residence time a highly unstable intermediate such as 2-phenyloxetan-2-yl lithium can be generated and trapped with various electrophiles affording in moderate to good yields 2-substituted-2-phenyloxetanes at higher temperatures with respect to macrobatch-mode where –78 °C is required.

Abstract Studies on the mechanism and intermediate products in the Friedel–Crafts reaction between oxetanols and phenols are presented. The formation of O -alkylated intermediates is identified using 1H NMR spectroscopy, in a reversible formation of the kinetic oxetane ether products. An interesting relationship between the electronic nature of the nucleophile and the degree of O -alkylation is uncovered. For phenols substituted with an electron withdrawing group such as CN, oxetane ethers are the only products isolated regardless of reaction time. Increasing the electron rich nature of the phenol leads to an increased proportion of the thermodynamic C -alkylated Friedel–Crafts products after just 1 h and as the sole product/s after extended reaction times. These studies have enabled a more complete catalytic cycle to be proposed. Using the same lithium catalyst and carefully selected reaction times, several examples of oxetane ethers are successfully isolated as novel bioisosteres for ester groups. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a photochemical reaction using two starting materials, a cyclopent-2-enone and an alkene, which are transformed in a controlled manner via the initial [2+2]- photocycloaddition adducts into cyclobutene aldehydes (conveniently trapped as stable acetals) or unprecedented angular tricyclic 4:4:4 oxetane-containing skeletons. These compounds are formed through tandem or triple cascade photochemical reaction processes, respectively. Small libraries of each compound class were prepared, thus suggesting that this photochemistry approach opens new opportunities for synthesis design and for widening molecular diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Diels–Alder adducts of levoglucosenone with isoprene, butadiene and piperylene in the presence of AlCl 3 smoothly react with acetaldehyde or benzaldehyde to give products of the ene reaction, the hydroxy group of the primary intermediates participating in the formation of semiketal moiety. The yields of the reaction products depend both on the Lewis acid used (AlCl , BF ·Et O, ZnBr , SnCl or EtAlCl 2) and on the nature of the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two geometric isomers of 2-(tert-butyl)-4-phenyloxetane have, for the first time, been prepared starting from the commercially available 4,4-dimethyl-1-phenylpentane-1,3-dione. The latter was reduced with NaBH4 to give a mixture of diastereomeric syn and anti diols which were then stereospecifically cyclized into the corresponding oxetanes with an overall yield for the two steps of 69.6%. The newly synthesized stereoisomeric four-membered oxygenated heterocycles were separated by column chromatography on silica gel and fully spectroscopically characterized.

3-Sulfanyl-oxetanes are presented as promising novel bioisosteric replacements for thioesters or benzyl sulfides. From oxetan-3-ols, a mild and inexpensive Li catalyst enables chemoselective C@OH activation and thiol alkylation. Oxetane sulfides are formed from various thiols providing novel motifs in new chemical space and specifically as bioisosteres for thioesters due to their similar shape and electronic properties. Under the same conditions, various p-activated secondary and tertiary alcohols are also successful. Derivatization of the oxetane sulfide linker provides further novel oxetane classes and building blocks. Comparisons of key physicochemical properties of the oxetane compounds to selected carbonyl and methylene analogues indicate that these motifs are suitable for incorporation into drug discovery efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The [2 + 2] photocycloaddition between an electronically excited carbonyl compound and an alkene leading to oxetanes (Paternò-Büchi reaction) is one of the most investigated organic photochemical reaction. Regio-, stereo- and site selectivities are discussed as a consequence of the reaction mechanism. Spin multiplicity and electron transfer have a significant impact on the outcome of the reaction. Typical carbonyl and alkene reaction partners are presented indicating scope and limitation of the reaction. The Paternò-Büchi reaction possesses particular interest for being applied to organic synthesis, considering the difficulty for non-photochemical reactions to obtain oxetanes, with or without stereoselectivity. Mechanistic details are particularly focused. It has been applied as key step in various multi-step syntheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-membered oxygen ring (oxetane) can be readily grafted into native peptides and proteins through site-selective bis-alkylation of cysteine residues present as disulfides under mild and biocompatible conditions. The selective installation of the oxetane graft enhances stability and activity, as demonstrated for a range of biologically relevant cyclic peptides, including somatostatin, proteins, and antibodies, such as a Fab arm of the antibody Herceptin and a designed antibody DesAb-Aβ against the human Amyloid-β peptide. Oxetane grafting of the genetically detoxified diphtheria toxin CRM197 improves significantly the immunogenicity of this protein in mice, which illustrates the general utility of this strategy to modulate the stability and biological activity of therapeutic proteins containing disulfides in their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,4-Dioxepines result from the decomposition of α-diazo-β-keto esters in the presence of oxetanes using the catalytic combination of the (cyclopentadienyl)ruthenium complex [CpRu(CH3CN)3][BArF] and 1,10-phenanthroline. The regioselective [4+3] insertions follow an SN1-like mechanism and occur yet enantiospecifically ( es 74%). The retention of configuration was ascertained by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and solid state analyses. Furans, products of [4+1] insertions, are only observed as traces in the above protocol. To promote their formation under CpRu catalysis, it is necessary to use a two-step process with γ-halogenated alcohols as substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquitous use of π-rich five-membered heterocycles has driven the development of new methods for their synthesis for more than a century. Here, we disclose a general and reliable reaction manifold for the construction of highly substituted heterocycles through a facile Lewis-acid-catalyzed oxetane rearrangement. Notably, this methodology employs a keto-oxetane motif as a 1,4-dicarbonyl surrogate, which can be synthesized using robust alkylation or alkenylation reactions, and thus obviates the need to access 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds via umpoled starting materials. We harnessed this reactivity to generate a broad range of substituted furans and pyrroles, and extended this methodology to produce benzo-fused versions thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved synthesis of the bicyclic spiro compound 2-oxa-6-azaspiro[3.3]heptane is presented. While this compound is often isolated as an oxalate salt, its isolation as a sulfonic acid salt yields a more stable and more soluble product. With these improved properties access to a wider range of reaction conditions with the spirobicyclic 2-oxa-6-azaspiro[3.3]heptane has been enabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxetanes are four-membered ring oxygen heterocycles that are advantageously used in medicinal chemistry as modulators of physicochemical properties of small molecules. Herein, we present a simple method for the incorporation of oxetanes into proteins through chemoselective alkylation of cysteine. We demonstrate a broad substrate scope by reacting proteins used as apoptotic markers and in drug formulation, and a therapeutic antibody with a series of 3-oxetane bromides, enabling the identification of novel handles (S-to-S/N rigid, non-aromatic, and soluble linker) and reactivity modes (temporary cysteine protecting group), while maintaining their intrinsic activity. The possibility to conjugate oxetane motifs into full-length proteins has potential to identify novel drug candidates as the next-generation of peptide/protein therapeutics with improved physicochemical and biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore regioselectivity and stereoselectivity in the Paternò-Büchi reaction of pyrrole derivatives. The formation of a bicyclic oxetane in the Paternò-Büchi reaction of 2-siloxypyrrole with benzophenone was reported for the first time, and a mechanism involving the distribution of the intermediary triplet diradicals was proposed to account for the regioselectivity of the reaction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two geometric isomers of 2-(tert-butyl)-4-phenyloxetane have, for the first time, been prepared starting from the commercially available 4,4-dimethyl-1-phenylpentane-1,3-dione. The latter was reduced with NaBH4 to give a mixture of diastereomeric syn and anti diols which were then stereospecifically cyclized into the corresponding oxetanes with an overall yield for the two steps of 69.6%. The newly synthesized stereoisomeric four-membered oxygenated heterocycles were separated by column chromatography on silica gel and fully spectroscopically characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-step stereoselective chemoenzymatic synthesis of optically active -aryl-substituted oxygen heterocycles was developed, exploiting a whole-cell mediated asymmetric reduction of α,β -, and γ-chloroalkyl arylketones followed by a stereospecific cyclization of the corresponding chlorohydrins into the target heterocycles. Among the various whole cells screened (baker's yeast, Kluyveromyces marxianus CBS 6556, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 7336, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 20016), baker's yeast was the one providing the best yields and the highest enantiomeric ratios (up to 95:5 er) in the bioreduction of the above ketones. The obtained optically active chlorohydrins could be almost quantitatively cyclized in a basic medium into the corresponding -aryl-substituted cyclic ethers without any erosion of their enantiomeric integrity. In this respect, valuable, chiral non-racemic functionalized oxygen containing heterocycles (e.g., (S)-styrene oxide, (S)-2-phenyloxetane, (S)-2-phenyltetrahydrofuran), amenable to be further elaborated on, can be smoothly and successfully generated from their prochiral precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First reported multigram scale synthesis of seven new building blocks of 1-oxaspiro[3.3]heptane family. • Operationally simple methods were used at each step. • 2D NMR spectra of 1-oxaspiro[3.3]heptan-6-one and 1-oxaspiro[3.3]heptan-6-amine were studied in detail. A decagram-scale synthesis of seven new building blocks of 1-oxaspiro[3.3]heptane family is described. This general approach requires 6 to 13 operationally simple steps starting from commercially available and inexpensive 3-oxocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid. Expedient synthetic routes enable the straightforward access to these novel modules. Finally, the generation of virtual combinatorial library using the LLAMA software showed that building blocks described here demonstrated the high propensity to populate the lead-like chemical space. Like pigeons delivering letters, the newly 1-oxaspiro[3.3]heptane family scaffolds could deliver their functionality to drug-like compounds that are expected to be important in drug discovery and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paternò-Büchi reaction is a photochemical reaction between a carbonyl compound and an alkene to give the corresponding oxetane. In this review the mechanism of the reaction is discussed. On this basis the described use in the reaction with electron rich alkenes (enolethers, enol esters, enol silyl ethers, enanines, heterocyclic compounds has been reported. The stereochemical behavior of the reaction is particularly stressed. We pointed out the reported applications of this reaction to the synthesis of naturally occuring compounds.

The first photocycloadditions of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes to methylated isoxazoles are reported. The reactions lead solely to the exo-adducts with high regio- and diastereoselectivities. Ring methylation of the isoxazole substrates is crucial for high conversions and product stability. The 6-arylated bicyclic oxetanes 9a–9c were characterized by X-ray structure analyses and showed the highest thermal stabilities. All oxetanes formed from isoxazoles were highly acid-sensitive and also thermally unstable. Cleavage to the original substrates is dominant and the isoxazole derived oxetanes show type T photochromism.

A series of novel N-Bn-protected spirocyclic β-proline esters were prepared using [3+2] cycloaddition and subsequently converted into their corresponding aldehydes. In addition, two novel N-Cbz-protected spirocyclic β-proline esters were prepared using intramolecular cyclization starting from simple precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first examples of 3,3-diaryloxetanes are prepared in a lithium-catalyzed and substrate dependent divergent Friedel-Crafts reaction. para-Selective Friedel-Crafts reactions of phenols using oxetan-3-ols afford 3,3-diaryloxetanes by displacement of the hydroxy group. These constitute new isosteres for benzophenones and diarylmethanes. Conversely, ortho-selective Friedel-Crafts reactions of phenols afford 3-aryl-3-hydroxymethyl-dihydrobenzofurans by tandem alkylation-ring-opening reactions; the outcome of the reaction diverging to structurally distinct products dependent on the substrate regioselectivity. Further reactivity of the oxetane products is demonstrated, suitable for incorporation into drug discovery efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring-opening reactions of oxetanes yield important functionalized products depending upon the nature of nucleophiles as well as substitution pattern on the oxetane ring. Ring opening of oxetanes can be carried out under a variety of reaction conditions. In this review article, an up-to-date overview of major synthetic methodologies involved in the ring opening of oxetanes as well as their synthetic applications has been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel process for the reductive magnesiation of 2-substituted oxetanes and the metalative cyclization of ω-alkynyl oxetanes is developed using n-propylmagnesium chloride in the presence of an iron catalyst. The generated intermediate organomagnesium compounds react with electrophiles. The reactions of 2,3-disubstituted oxetanes and their subsequent allylation with allyl halides in the presence or absence of copper(I) cyanide as the catalyst is studied with a unique switching of stereoselectivity being observed in the absence or presence of copper(I) cyanide . In addition, it is found that the metalative cyclization of 3-substituted 2-alkynyl oxetanes proceeds in an anti-selective manner starting from both syn- and anti-substrates. In all cases, the stereochemistry at the 2-position of the oxetanes is lost during the reactions suggesting the involvement of a radical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the synthesis of novel four-membered cyclic oxaphosphetanes from bishydroxyphosphinic acids is reported. Investigations showed that the conversion proceeds through an intramolecular Mitsunobu cyclisation of bishydroxyphosphinic acids with a mixture of triphenylphosphine and diisopropylazodicarboxylate (DIAD) in toluene-CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The treatment of two diastereomers of bishydroxymethylphosphinic acids (dl pair and meso) with a mixture of triphenylphosphine and DIAD gives only one stereoisomer of the cyclic oxaphosphetane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented enantioselective oxetane opening with chloride provides access to a range of highly functionalized three-carbon building blocks. The excellent enantiocontrol is enabled not only by a new catalyst, but also by the unusual use of wet molecular sieves for the controlled release of HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxetanes are versatile building blocks in drug-related synthesis to induce property-modulating effects. Whereas related oxiranes are widely used in coupling chemistry with carbon dioxide (CO2) to afford value-added commodity chemicals, oxetane/CO2 couplings remain extremely limited despite the recent advances in the synthesis of these four-membered heterocycles. Here we report an effective one-pot three-component reaction (3CR) strategy for the coupling of (substituted) oxetanes, amines and CO2 to afford a variety of functionalized carbamates with excellent chemoselectivity and good yields. The process is mediated by an aluminium-based catalyst under relatively mild conditions and the developed catalytic methodology can be applied to the formal synthesis of two pharmaceutically relevant carbamates with the 3CR being a key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]