The catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization of homofarnesol to ambrox

Na Luo, Mathias Turberg, Markus Leutzsch, Benjamin Mitschke, Sebastian Brunen, Vijay N. Wakchaure, Nils Nöthling, Mathias Schelwies, Ralf Pelzer and Benjamin List ()
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Na Luo: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Mathias Turberg: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Markus Leutzsch: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Benjamin Mitschke: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Sebastian Brunen: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Vijay N. Wakchaure: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Nils Nöthling: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung
Mathias Schelwies: BASF SE
Ralf Pelzer: BASF SE
Benjamin List: Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung

Nature, 2024, vol. 632, issue 8026, 795-801

Abstract: Abstract Polyene cyclizations are among the most complex and challenging transformations in biology. In a single reaction step, multiple carbon–carbon bonds, ring systems and stereogenic centres are constituted from simple, acyclic precursors1–3. Simultaneously achieving this kind of precise control over product distribution and stereochemistry poses a formidable task for chemists. In particular, the polyene cyclization of (3E,7E)-homofarnesol to the valuable naturally occurring ambergris odorant (−)-ambrox is recognized as a longstanding challenge in chemical synthesis1,4–7. Here we report a diastereoselective and enantioselective synthesis of (−)-ambrox and the sesquiterpene lactone natural product (+)-sclareolide by a catalytic asymmetric polyene cyclization by using a highly Brønsted-acidic and confined imidodiphosphorimidate catalyst in the presence of fluorinated alcohols. Several experiments, including deuterium-labelling studies, suggest that the reaction predominantly proceeds through a concerted pathway in line with the Stork–Eschenmoser hypothesis8–10. Mechanistic studies show the importance of the enzyme-like microenvironment of the imidodiphosphorimidate catalyst for attaining exceptionally high selectivities, previously thought to be achievable only in enzyme-catalysed polyene cyclizations.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07757-7

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