Synthesis 2009(17): 2970-2982  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1216929
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Total Synthesis of the Leucetta-Derived Alkaloid Calcaridine A

Panduka B. Koswatta, Rasapalli Sivappa, H. V. Rasika Dias*, Carl J. Lovely*
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Fax: +1(817)2723808; e-Mail: lovely@uta.edu; e-Mail: dias@uta.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 12 June 2009
Publication Date:
07 August 2009 (online)

Abstract

A biomimetically guided total synthesis of the Leucetta-derived aminoimidazole alkaloid, calcaridine A, is described. The synthesis relies on position selective metalations of a 4,5-diiodo­imidazole derivative to provide a tetrasubstituted imidazole. Subjection of this polysubstituted imidazole derivative to oxidative rearrangement with a Davis oxaziridine provides the corresponding imidazolone core of calcaridine A.

27

An approach involving the reduction of the ketone was not pursued.

29

Initially attempts to methylate with MeI/base were compromised by N-alkylation and the formation of the imidazolium salt.

30

Stereocontrol in rearrangements of substituted tetrahydrobenzimidazole derivatives suggested this to be the appropriate tactic.