Stereoselective Olefin Metathesis Reactions Catalyzed by Molybdenum Monoaryloxide Monopyrrolide Complexes

Abstract

Chapter 1: Efficient Z-Selective Cross-Metathesis of Secondary Allylic Ethers Efficient Z-selective cross-metathesis of secondary allylic ethers were catalyzed by monoaryloxide monopyrrolide molybdenum complexes. Reactions involving both silyl and benzyl protected ethers were demonstrated, as well as ethers containing alkyl, aryl and alkynyl substituents. Mechanistic studies were performed, and the reactions were applied to the total synthesis of several ene-diyne natural products. Chapter 2. Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Disorazole C1 The stereoselective total synthesis of disorazole C1 is reported. The synthesis was completed in 12 longest linear steps. Our synthesis demonstrates the utility of Z-selective cross-metathesis to form both alkenyl borons and alkenyl halides. Another key transformation was a one-pot Suzuki-dimerization reaction to form a symmetric 30 membered ring in relatively high yield. Chapter 3. Stereoselective Cross-Metathesis to Form Trisubstituted Alkenes Initial studies into the stereoselective formation of trisubstituted olefins through molybdenum catalyzed cross-metathesis have been performed. Our mechanistic understanding of the reaction lead us to focus on the synthesis of alkenyl halides, which can be obtained in up 90% yield and 75:25 E:Z selectivity. Chapter 4: Ring-Closing Metathesis in the Synthesis of Natural Products Development of highly efficient and selective ring-closing metathesis reactions have enabled collaborators to successfully implement routes in total synthesis endeavors. A diastereoselective seven-membered ring-closing metathesis enabled the successful synthesis of (±)-tetrapetalone A methyl-aglycon. An enantioselective ring-closing metathesis to form a six membered ring has provided access to enantioenriched aspidosperma alkaloids.