Synthesis of carbocyclic and 4'-disubstituted nucleoside analogs and progress towards the synthesis of bipyrimidine-bridged bis-dioxocyclams

(−)-5-Benzyloxymethyl-5-ethoxy-5H-furan-2-one has been synthesized using chromium carbene chemistry; this versatile nucleoside template was then used for the total synthesis of (+)-neplanocin A. This synthesis showcased the development of a new reaction, a one-pot ring opening, intramolecular Wadsworth-Emmon reaction and was the first total synthesis of (+)-neplanocin A. During the synthesis insight was gained in the stereoselectivity of the cis-dihydroxylation of 5-benzyloxymethyl-5-ethoxy-5H-furan-2-one.; Benzyloxymethyl-5-ethoxy-5H-furan-2-one was also utilized in the de novo synthesis a series of 4′-disubstituted nucleoside analogs. The 4′-ethoxy-dideoxy- and 4 ′-ethoxy-dideoxydidehydronucleoside analogs were synthesized in good overall yield. Studies were performed on the synthesis of 4 ′-ethoxythymidine and 4′-ethoxy-2 ′-deoxythymidine to give the correct stereochemistry at the 2′- and 3′-positions. However, the desired diol could not be formed selectively. Synthesis of “unnatural” 2′,3′-α-OH diastereomers was examined but the synthesis was hindered by the instability of the intermediates during formation of the glycosidic bond.; Chromium carbene chemistry was also used to synthesize novel 5,12-dioxocyclams and studies were performed on the synthesis of bipyrimidine-bridged bis-dioxocyclams. The tetrakis(bromomethyl)bipyrimidine bridge was synthesized. Attempts were made to synthesize bipyrimidine-bridged bis-dioxocyclams; however, the reaction was hindered by low yields or purification problems.