Stereoselective Synthesis and Structural Confirmation of the Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediator Resolvin E4

J Org Chem. 2021 Feb 19;86(4):3535-3545. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02913. Epub 2021 Feb 3.

Abstract

Herein, we report the stereoselective and convergent synthesis of resolvin E4, a newly identified specialized pro-resolving mediator. This synthesis proves the absolute configuration and exact olefin geometry. Key elements of the successful strategy include a highly stereoselective MacMillan organocatalytic oxyamination, a Midland Alpine borane reduction, and the use of a 1,4-pentadiyne unit as a linchpin building block. The application of reaction telescoping in several of the synthetic transformations enabled the preparation of the resolvin E4 methyl ester in 10% yield over 10 steps (longest linear sequence). The physical property (UV-Vis and LC-MS/MS) data of synthetic resolvin E4 matched those obtained from biologically produced material.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids*
  • Fatty Acids
  • Molecular Structure
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids