Publications by authors named "Anasheh Sookezian"

Alkyl sulfonamides are an important class of bioactive molecules. Historical syntheses have relied on multistep sequences incorporating harsh reaction conditions. Photochemical methods have been limited to hydrosulfamoylation, installing only one substituent across an olefin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Alkene 1,2-dicarbofunctionalizations are highly sought-after transformations as they enable a rapid increase of molecular complexity in one synthetic step. Traditionally, these conjunctive couplings proceed through the intermediacy of alkylmetal species susceptible to deleterious pathways including β-hydride elimination and protodemetalation. Herein, an intermolecular 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization using alkyl -(acyloxy)phthalimide redox-active esters as radical progenitors and organotrifluoroborates as carbon-centered nucleophiles is reported.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The enantioselective syntheses of (-)-coniine, DAB-1, and nectrisine were achieved using a combination of enzyme-catalyzed and transition metal-catalyzed reactions.
  • Initial stereocenter creation was highly efficient, achieving over 99% enantioselectivity through enzyme-catalyzed hydrocyanation.
  • Challenges with natural enzyme compatibility were addressed by incorporating ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis and employing palladium-catalyzed reactions to produce the desired piperidine and pyrrolidine alkaloid products.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Reactions that directly install nitrogen into C-H bonds of complex molecules are significant because of their potential to change the chemical and biological properties of a given compound. Although selective intramolecular C-H amination reactions are known, achieving high levels of reactivity while maintaining excellent site selectivity and functional-group tolerance remains a challenge for intermolecular C-H amination. Here, we report a manganese perchlorophthalocyanine catalyst [MnIII(ClPc)] for intermolecular benzylic C-H amination of bioactive molecules and natural products that proceeds with unprecedented levels of reactivity and site selectivity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF