Synthesis of 7-epineoptilocaulin, mirabilin B, and isoptilocaulin. A unified biosynthetic proposal for the ptilocaulin and batzelladine alkaloids. Synthesis and structure revision of netamines E and G

Abstract

(Chemical Equation Presented) Addition of guanidine to a 6-methylhexahydroindenone in MeOH at 85°C afforded 7-epineoptilocaulin. A similar reaction with a 6-propylhexahydroindenone afforded netamine E. MnO 2 oxidation of 7-epineoptilocaulin and netamine E afforded mirabilin B and netamine G, respectively. The netamines have the side chains trans, not cis as was initially proposed. A unified biosynthetic scheme for the batzelladines and ptilocaulin family is proposed. Conjugate addition of guanidine to a bis enone followed by an intramolecular Michael reaction of the enolate to the other enone, aldol reaction, dehydration, and enamine formation will lead to a tricyclic intermediate at the dehydroptilocaulin oxidation state. 1,4-Hydride addition will lead to ptilocaulin or 7-epineoptilocaulin depending on which face the hydride adds to. 1,2-Hydride addition will lead to isoptilocaulin. The key tricyclic intermediate was prepared from a tetrahydroindenone and guanidine and reduced with NaBH4 to give a mixture rich in ptilocaulin and isoptilocaulin. © 2008 American Chemical Society.