Synthetic studies towards garsubellin A: synthesis of model systems and potential mimics by regioselective lithiation of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione derivatives from catechinic acid

Abstract

Bridgehead lithiations have successfully been carried out on substrates derived from catechinic acid, which possess the core bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-1,3,5-trione structure present in garsubellin A. Using an external quench method, various electrophiles have been incorporated at the C-5 bridgehead position in a one-step process that appears to be sensitive to the substitution pattern on the bicyclic system. Regioselective lithiation at the C-3 sp² centre was achieved by changing the base used from LDA to LTMP. Following the introduction of a prenyl substituent by bridgehead substitution, annulation of a THF ring, analogous to that in garsubellin A, was possible via an epoxidation–ring opening sequence. Oxidative modification of the catechol substituent of the catechinic acid core was possible to give systems with muconic acid, ortho-quinone or furan 2-carboxylic acid side chains.