Design and synthesis of nature-inspired chromenopyrroles as potential modulators of mitochondrial metabolism

Chromenopyrrole derivatives with multiple stereocenters and variable ring fusion pattern are found in many natural products and biologically appealing molecules. By employing a build/couple/pair strategy, we have recently reported on the discovery of a serendipitous cascade to access a diverse collection of chromenopyrroles. This protocol features a one-pot cascade that includes the generation of azomethine ylide and intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition. Phenotypic screening of the developed pilot library enabled the identification of chemical probes that efficiently suppress mitochondrial membrane potential, elevate reactive oxygen species content, and deplete ATP content in a hepatoma cell line (Hepa1-6), without affecting the proliferation of T- or B-cells. This selective targeting represents a new approach for the treatment of cancer. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Total synthesis of (-)-isoavenaciolide

An enantioselective approach to (-)-isoavenaciolide was achieved starting from 1- undecyn-3-ol. The synthesis relied upon the preparation of a chiral 4-silyloxy-2-alkenylborane by hydroboration of a protected 2,3-allenol and subsequent stereoselective addition to 2- thiophenecarboxaldehyd