Abstract: Until recently, repetitive solid-phase synthesis procedures were used predominantly for the preparation of oligomers such as peptides, oligosaccharides, peptoids, oligocarbamates, peptide vinylogues, oligomers of pyrrolin-4-one, peptide phosphates, and peptide nucleic acids. However, the oligomers thus produced have a limited range of possible backbone structures due to the restricted number of building blocks and synthetic techniques available. Biologically active compounds of this type are generally not suitable as therapeutic agents but can serve as lead structures for optimization. “Combinatorial organic synthesis” has been developed with the aim of obtaining low molecular weight compounds by pathways other than those of oligomer synthesis. This concept was first described in 1971 by Ugi.[56f,g,59c] Combinatorial synthesis offers new strategies for preparing diverse molecules, which can then be screened to provide lead structures. Combinatorial chemistry is compatible with both solution-phase and solid-phase synthesis. Moreover, this approach is conducive to automation, as proven by recent successes in the synthesis of peptide libraries. These developments have led to a renaissance in solid-phase organic synthesis (SPOS), which has been in use since the 1970s. Fully automated combinatorial chemistry relies not only on the testing and optimization of known chemical reactions on solid supports, but also on the development of highly efficient techniques for simultaneous multiple syntheses. Almost all of the standard reactions in organic chemistry can be carried out using suitable supports, anchors, and protecting groups with all the advantages of solid-phase synthesis, which until now have been exploited only sporadically by synthetic organic chemists. Among the reported organic reactions developed on solid supports are Diels–Alder reactions, 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, Wittig and Wittig–Horner reactions, Michael additions, oxidations, reductions, and Pd-catalyzed CC bond formation. In this article we present a comprehensive review of the previously published solid-phase syntheses of nonpeptidic organic compounds.

Abstract: This review provides a personal account of the explorations of a research group in oligosaccharide and glycoconjugate construction. The journey began twenty years ago with the study of Diels–Alder reactions of complex dienes. By extending this methodology to aldehydo-type heterodienophile equivalents, access to unnatural glycals was gained (LACDAC reaction). From this point a broad-ranging investigation of the use of glycals in the synthesis of oligosaccharides and other glycoconjugates was begun. Mobilization of glycals both as glycosyl donors and glycosyl acceptors led to the strategy of glycal assembly. Several new glycosylation techniques were developed to provide practical underpinning for this logic of glycal assembly. Glycal-based paradigms have been shown to be nicely adaptable to solid phase supported synthesis. Moreover, glycal assembly—both in solution and on solid phases—has been used to gain relatively concise and efficient entry to a variety of biologically interesting and potentially valuable constructs. Some of these syntheses, particularly in the field of tumor antigens, have led to novel compounds which are in the final stages of preclinical assessment. This review presents an account of the chemical reasoning at the center of the program.

Abstract: Numerous studies, both in enzymatic and nonenzymatic catalysis, have been undertaken to understand the way by which metal ions, especially zinc ions, promote the hydrolysis of phosphate ester and amide bonds. Hydrolases containing one metal ion in the active site, termed mononuclear metallohydrolases, such as carboxypeptidase. A and thermolysin were among the first enzymes to have their structures unraveled by X-ray crystallography. In recent years an increasing number of metalloenzymes have been identified that use two or more adjacent metal ions in the catalysis of phosphoryl-transfer reactions (R-OPO3 + R′-OH R′-OPO3 + R-OH; in the case of the phosphatase reaction R′-OH is a water molecule) and carbonyl-transfer reactions, for example, in peptidases or other amidases. These dinuclear metalloenzymes catalyze a great variety of these reactions, including hydrolytic cleavage of phosphomono-, -di- and -triester bonds, phosphoanhydride bonds as well as of peptide bonds or urea. In addition, the formation of the phosphodiester bond of RNA and DNA by polymerases is catalyzed by a two-metal ion mechanism. A remarkable diversity is also seen in the structures of the active sites of these di- and trinuclear metalloenzymes, even for enzymes that catalyze very similar reactions. The determination of the structure of a substrate, product, stable intermediate, or a reaction coordinate analogue compound bound to an active or inactivated enzyme is a powerful approach to investigate mechanistic details of enzyme action. Such studies have been applied to several of the metalloenzymes reviewed in this article; together with many other biochemical studies they provide a growing body of information on how the two (or more) metal ions cooperate to achieve efficient catalysis.

Abstract: Copper is a bioessential element in biology with truly unique chemical characteristics in its two relevant oxidation states +I and +II. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the elucidation of the frequently surprising biochemistry of this trace element. Those advances were especially furthered through mutual stimulation involving results from biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine on one hand and the synthesis as well as the structural and spectroscopic characterization of low molecular weight model complexes on the other. The most notable features of protein-bound active copper are its almost exclusive function in the metabolism of O2 or N/O compounds (NO, N2O) and its frequent association with oxidizing organic and inorganic radicals such as tyrosyl, semiquinones, superoxide, or nitrosyl. This unique biological role of copper can be rationalized given its chemical and assumed evolutionary background.

Abstract: In order to replace a substituent at a single stereogenic center of a chiral molecule without racemization, a temporary center of chirality is first generated diastereoselectively, the original tetragonal center is then trigonalized by removal of a substituent, a new ligand is introduced, again diastereoselectively, and finally, the temporary center is removed. By means of these four steps (the “Self-Regeneration of Stereocenters”, SRS), 2- and 3-amino-, hydroxy-, and sulfanylcarboxylic acids have been successfully alkylated with formation of tertiary carbon centers and without the use of a chiral auxiliary. Use of this methodology has allowed the potential of these inexpensive chiral building blocks to be expanded considerably. This article aims to demonstrate (using, in part, examples from natural product syntheses) that chiral heterocyclic acetals with enamine, enol ether, enolate, dienolate, enoate, radical, and acyliminium functionalities and also those that are potential reactants for Michael additions and pericyclic processes (for example, electron-rich and electronpoor dienophiles and dienes) are now easily accessible, more often than not, in both enantiomeric forms. Stereogenic nitrogen atoms of aziridines, boron atoms of cyclic or linear systems, and stereogenic planes of π-complexes can also be used as the temporary chirality element in other approaches to the realization of the SRS principle. Enantiomerically pure derivatives of, for example, glycine, hydroxy- and sulfanylacetic acid, 3-aminopropanoic acid, and 3-oxocarboxylic acids can be prepared by resolution of racemic mixtures via diastereoisomeric salts or by chromatography on a chiral column. Hence, the extensive reactivity of compounds developed to test the SRS principle and, above all, the outstanding stereoselectivities of the reactions can be put to good use even when no suitable chiral precursor is available—even though this amounts to an abandonment of the principle! The readily available 2-tert-butyl-1,3-imidazolidin-3-one, -oxazolid-in-5-one, -dioxin-3-one, and -hydropyrimidinone (all of which contain a single stereogenic center at the acetal C atom) can thus be used in the preparation of a vast range of 2-amino- and 3-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and no chiral auxiliary has to be removed or regenerated during these procedures. (One example is the synthesis of 4-fluoro-MeBmt, a derivative of the C9 amino acid found in cyclosporin.) In the final chapter we will discuss the most useful findings gained from investigations into both the self-regeneration of stereocenters and the use of chiral acetals in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds (EPC synthesis): the formation and characteristics of complexes obtained from Li-enolates and other Li compounds with secondary amines; the application of α-alkoxy and α-amino-Li-alkoxides as in situ bases and sources of aldehydes in CC bond forming reactions with unstable enolates or nitronates; the significance of A1,3 effects on the stereochemical course of nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic reactions of N-acylated heterocycles and homo- or heterocyclic carboxylic ester enolates; and the effects of the amide protecting group on the reactivity of neighboring centers and on the stereoselectivity of the reactions at those centers. At the end of this article we have included an appendix containing tables, which are intended to summarize all the examples known in as complete a fashion as possible.

Abstract: The development of “soft” ionization methods in recent years has enabled substantial progress in the mass spectrometric characterization of macromolecules, in particular important biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids. In contrast to the still existing limitations for the determination of molecular weights by other ionization methods such as fast atom bombardment and plasma desorption, electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption have provided a breakthrough to macromolecules larger than 100 kDa. Whereas these methods have been successfully applied to determine the molecular weight and primary structure of biopolymers, the recently discovered direct characterization by ESI-MS of complexes containing noncovalent interactions (“noncovalent complexes”) opens new perspectives for supramolecular chemistry and analytical biochemistry. Unlike other ionization methods ESI-MS can be performed in homogeneous solution and under nearly physiological conditions of pH, concentration, and temperature. ESI mass spectra of biopolymers, particularly proteins, exhibit series of multiply charged macromolecular ions with charge states and distributions (“charge structures”) characteristic of structural states in solution, which enable a differentiation between native and denatured tertiary structures. In the first part of this article, fundamental principles, the present knowledge about ion formation mechanism(s) of ESI-MS, the relations between tertiary structures in solution and charge structures of macro-ions in the gas phase, and experimental preconditions for the identification of noncovalent complexes are described. The hitherto successful applications to the identification of enzyme–substrate and –inhibitor complexes, supramolecular protein–and protein–nucleotide complexes, double-stranded polynucleotides, as well as synthetic self-assembled complexes demonstrate broad potential for the direct analysis of specific noncovalent interactions. The present results suggest new applications for the characterization of supramolecular structures and molecular recognition processes that previously have not been amenable to mass spectrometry; for example, the sequence-specific oligomerization of polypeptides, antigen–antibody complexes, enzyme–and receptor–ligand interactions, and the evaluation of molecular specificity in combinatorial syntheses and self-assembled systems.

Abstract: Among the applications of low-valent titanium in organic synthesis, the reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds to produce alkenes (the McMurry reaction) is particularly prominent. Discovered at the beginning of the 1970s, it has been developed and tested repeatedly, for example in numerous syntheses of natural products. This alkene synthesis has become a standard reaction in the repertoire of preparative chemists. However, the possibilities of low-valent titanium are by no means limited to this process: the last few years have brought some spectacular applications of the conventional McMurry reaction (for example the synthesis of taxol) along with a considerable extension of the scope of reductive carbonyl couplings. Thus, diverse heterocycles are now accessible following novel and efficient pathways based on intramolecular cross-coupling of functional groups—some of which were hitherto considered to be inert to titanium. The use of this method for the synthesis of indole and pyrrole alkaloids illustrates the new possibilities. At the same time, considerably simplified methods for conducting McMurrytype reactions have been developed. Examples include the particularly convenient “instant” method, the first ketone–amide coupling reactions requiring only catalytic amounts of titanium salts, and the first application of commercially available titanium powder as a coupling agent. Last but not least, the detailed investigation of diverse classical McMurry reagents has afforded a deeper understanding of the nature and mode of action of low-valent titanium. Revision of some of the current conceptions of the process of reductive carbonyl coupling is thus indispensable.

Abstract: The understanding of noncovalent interactions in protein–ligand complexes is essential in modern biochemistry and should contribute toward the discovery of new drugs. In the present review, we summarize recent work aimed at a better understanding of the physical nature of molecular recognition in protein–ligand complexes and also at the development and application of new computational tools that exploit our current knowledge on structural and energetic aspects of protein–ligand interactions in the design of novel ligands. These approaches are based on the exponentially growing amount of information about the geometry of protein structures and the properties of small organic molecules exposed to a structured molecular environment. The various contributions that determine the binding affinity of ligands toward a particular receptor are discussed. Their putative binding site conformations are analyzed, and some predictions are attempted. The similarity of ligands is examined with respect to their recognition properties. This information is used to understand and propose binding modes. In addition, an overview of the existing methods for the design and selection of novel protein ligands is given.

Abstract: We review here studies defining the DNA alkylation properties of a class of potent antitumor antibiotics that includes CC-1065 and the duocarmycins, as well as investigations that delineate fundamental relationships between their structure, functional reactivity, and biological properties. In conjunction with the study of the natural products themselves, the examination of synthetic agents containing deep-seated structural changes, the unnatural enantiomers of the natural products, and related analogs has defined the structural basis for the sequence selective alkylation of duplex DNA and proved to be the key to understanding the fundamental relationships between chemical structure, functional reactivity, and biological properties. The characteristic DNA alkylation proceeds by reversible, stereoelectronically controlled adenine-N3 addition to the least substituted carbon of the activated cyclopropane within AT-rich minor groove sites. Both the natural and unnatural enantiomers alkylate DNA, and the sequence selectivity of both is controlled and dominated by the preferential noncovalent binding of the agents within the narrower, deeper, AT-rich minor groove and the steric accessibility to the alkylation site on penetration of this groove. Among the fundamental relationships between structure and properties, the most striking is the direct relationship between chemical or functional stability and biological potency. Within a short time, simplified and readily accessible synthetic agents rationally based on the natural product leads have been developed, which exhibit comparable and exceptional biological potency (IC50 = 50 to 51 pM) and improved efficacy. The fundamental relationships that have been defined to date can be expected to provide the foundation for future developments and advances.

Abstract: By the end of the last century there were already the first indications of the possible existence of Al1 halides. However, it was only through the pioneering works of W. Klemm, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on January 6, 1996, that detailed spectroscopic investigations became possible. Since the end of the 1970s the reactivity of AlX and GaX species in solid noble gases has been confirmed by numerous examples. In recent years formally monovalent Al and Ga species have been successfully synthesized on a preparative scale. In addition to the first halides, organometallic compounds with metal–metal bonds have been isolated and investigated with regard to their chemical properties. The fundamental importance of such species has been documented in this journal among others in the form of two highlight articles in which experimental and theoretical aspects have been examined with examples, and parallels and differences with respect to boron chemistry have been illustrated. This review is intended to give an account of the chronological development of this research area over the last few years, but an attempt is also made to categorize the experimental results achieved not only with respect to structure, thermodynamics, and reactivity, but also with the aid of quantum chemical calculations and by comparative considerations.

Abstract: The choice of protecting groups is one of the decisive factors in the successful realization of a complex, demanding synthetic project. The protecting groups used influence the length and efficiency of the synthesis and are often responsible for its success or failure. A wide range of blocking groups are currently available for the different functional groups; however, an overall strategy combining these different masking techniques in an advantageous and reliable manner has never been proposed or at best only for individual cases. This review attempts to make a contribution to filling this gap. First a very short overview of the most commonly used protecting groups will be given, in which they are classified according to their lability and not according to the functional group they protect. This classification clarifies coherent concepts for the development of blocking strategies. On the basis of this brief summary reliable strategies will then be illustrated and developed with selected examples from the recent literature by which protecting groups may be combined successfully and advantageously in synthetic projects of differing degrees of complexity and difficulty.

Abstract: Oxyfunctionalized molecules are principal building blocks in organic synthesis. In cellular processes highly efficient enzymes serve as selective catalysts for the formation of such synthetic units, for example the oxygenases oxyfunctionalize substrates by activating molecular oxygen. To date no comparable effective chemical oxidation system has been found. A useful photochemical process is the oxyfunctionalization of allylic substrates by sensitized photooxygenation, for which molecular oxygen and light serve as natural sources. This allylic oxidation of olefins by the ene reaction with singlet oxygen (Schenck reaction) figures as a highly versatile synthetic method. While the regioselectivity of this transformation has been studied for decades, only during the last years has attention focused on stereocontrol. Through these recent efforts it has become possible to control high stereoselectivity in the photooxygenation of organic substrates. This breakthrough has enhanced substantially the utility of singlet oxygen in diastereoselective synthesis.

Abstract: Although known since the 1950s, free-radical carbonylation has not received much attention until only recently. In the last few years the application of modern free-radical techniques has revealed the high synthetic potential of this reaction as a tool for introducing CO into organic molecules. Clearly now is the time for a renaissance of this chemistry. Under standard conditions (tributyltin hydride/CO) primary, secondary, as well as tertiary alkyl bromides and iodides can be efficiently converted into the corresponding aldehydes. Aromatic and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes can also be prepared from the parent aromatic and vinylic iodides. If the reaction is carried out in the presence of alkenes containing an electron-withdrawing substituent, the initially formed acyl radical subsequently adds to the alkene, leading to a general method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical ketones. This three-component coupling reaction can be extended successfully to allyltin-mediated reactions. Thus, β,γ-enones can be prepared from organic halides, CO, and allyltributylstannanes. In a remarkable one-pot procedure alkyl halides can be treated with a mixture of alkene, allyltributylstannane, and carbon monoxide in a four-component coupling reaction that provides β-functionalized δ,ϵ-unsaturated ketones by the formation of three new CC bonds. The reaction of 4-pentenyl radicals with CO leads to acyl radical cyclization, which provides a useful method for the synthesis of cyclopentanones. Certain useful one-electron oxidations can be combined efficiently with free-radical carbonylations. These findings and others discussed in this article clearly demonstrate that free-radical carbonylation can now be considered a practical alternative to transition metal mediated carbonylation.

Abstract: Palladium was used in organic synthesis for long time only as a heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenating unsaturated compounds. But in recent years palladium compounds have found broad application as homogeneous catalysts. In the last decade, homogeneous catalysis relying on transition metal complexes has led to innovations in organic synthesis. Complexes of various transition metals are now used for organic synthesis, and each metal has its own characteristic features. Palladium complexes are the most versatile and used extensively in organic synthesis, particularly for carbon–carbon bond formation. Palladium-catalyzed reactions can be classified into several groups based on their substrates: organic halides, allylic compounds, conjugated dienes, alkenes, and alkynes. Propargylic compounds undergo a variety of palladium-catalyzed transformations and make up one important class of these reactions. It is well known that copper and silver salts promote or catalyze several reactions of propargylic compounds. However, palladium compounds, particularly Pd0 complexes, show catalytic activities entirely different from those of silver and copper salts. Advances in the research on the palladium-catalyzed reactions of propargylic compounds in the last decade have made the scope of the reactions clear. The ready availability of numerous propargylic alcohols and their esters by the reaction of terminal alkynes with carbonyl compounds clearly enhances the synthetic utility of their reactions. Palladium complexes, in particular palladium phosphane complexes, are soluble in organic solvents and behave as active catalysts under homogeneous conditions.