The stereoselective synthesis of the key intermediate for altemicidin has been accomplished. The synthesis commenced with a bicyclo[3.3.0] framework, which was readily obtained via an intramolecular C-H insertion reaction. A Curtius rearrangement was employed as a key step to stereoselectively construct the beta-hydroxyl alpha-disubstituted-alpha-amino acid structure. Synthesis of vinylogous urea was achieved using hydrolysis of nitrile intermediate.
Total synthesis of SB-203207 (1) was achieved, beginning with a desymmetrical C–H insertion reaction of a diazoester bearing our recently developed chiral auxiliary. Utilizing the optically active bicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring, four stereogenic centers were efficiently constructed in sequence. Finally, mild oxidation of 27 to carboxylic acid via a cyanohydrin intermediate and hydrolysis of cyanide to carboxyamide