Spontaneous resolution of Julia-Kocienski intermediates facilitates phase separation to produce Z- and E-monofluoroalkenes

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Apr 22;137(15):5199-203. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b02112. Epub 2015 Apr 8.

Abstract

The monofluoroalkene motif is important in drug development as it serves as a peptide bond isostere and is found in a number of biologically active compounds with various pharmacological activities. Direct olefination of carbonyl compound is a straightforward way to prepare monofluoroalkenes; however, these methods often result in a mixture of Z- and E-isomers that cannot be easily separated. We discovered a unique spontaneous resolving reaction that simultaneously addresses the problems in the synthesis and separation of Z- and E-monofluoroalkenes. The reaction is accompanied by a highly efficient spontaneous kinetic resolution and phase labeling of monofluoroalkene precursors which allows the separation of Z- and E-monofluoroalkenes by liquid-liquid extraction. The application of the method is demonstrated by the synthesis and separation of potential anticancer agents, which are inseparable by HPLC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkenes / chemistry
  • Alkenes / isolation & purification*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / isolation & purification*
  • Kinetics
  • Liquid-Liquid Extraction
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated