Synthesis 2018; 50(04): 859-871
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1589134
paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Scope and Optimization of the Double Knorr Cyclization: Synthesis of Novel Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Tricyclic 1,8-Diazaanthraquinones

Allan M. Prior
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA   Email: dianqing@hawaii.edu
,
Dianqing Sun*
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 34 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA   Email: dianqing@hawaii.edu
› Author Affiliations
This work was supported by Hawaii Community Foundation grant (15ADVC-74422 and 16ADVC-78728) and UHH DKICP RTRF fund.
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Publication History

Received: 13 September 2017

Accepted after revision: 19 October 2017

Publication Date:
20 November 2017 (online)


Abstract

The Knorr cyclization of β-ketoanilides to form 2-quinolones in the presence of acid is well documented chemistry. Double Knorr cyclization is rare, with very few examples appearing in the literature to date. The double Knorr methodology can provide access to tricyclic 1,8-diazaanthraquinones, a scaffold seen in the diazaquinomycin family. The optimized synthesis of diazaquinomycin A and structural analogues thereof via double Knorr cyclization of di-β-ketoanilide precursor substrates is reported. The scope and generality of the double Knorr cyclization were investigated along with an optimization study. The double Knorr cyclization was found to be sensitive to steric bulk on precursor substrates. In addition, the presence of a 5-hydroxy group on the 1,3-di-β-ketoanilide facilitated the double Knorr cyclization, possibly due to its stabilizing effect on the carbocation intermediates formed during the reaction.

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