Total Synthesis Of Prostaglandin J Natural Products and Their Intermediates

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to methods of preparing prostaglandin J natural products by stereoretentive metatheses reactions and intermediates used in the synthesis of these natural products, including the use of intermediates of Formula (I-A), where R.sup.1 is defined in the specification

##STR00001##

Claims

1. A compound of Formula (I): ##STR00061## wherein: R.sup.1 is one of (P-1), (P-2), (P-3), or (P-4) ##STR00062## R.sup.2 is H or an alcohol protecting group; and at least one carbon-carbon double bond has a Z/E-selectivity of 95/5 or higher.

2. The compound of claim 1, having a structure of Formula (I-A) or (I-B): ##STR00063## and exhibiting an enantiomeric excess of 95% or higher.

3. A method of making a compound of Formula (I) of claim 1 by coupling an allyl group and an -chain to a compound of Formula (II), ##STR00064## the method comprising adding to the compound of Formula (II): (a) an organocopper allyl source and (b) an aldehyde of Formula (O-1), (O-2), (O-3), or (O-4), respectively: ##STR00065## the reaction of the coupling of the compound of Formula (II), organocopper allyl source, and the aldehyde resulting in the formation of an aldol intermediate; and then (c) oxidizing the aldol intermediate to form the compound of Formula (I) of claim 1.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the compound Formula (II) has a structure of: ##STR00066## that exhibits an enantiomeric excess of 95% or higher, wherein the method results in the formation of a compound having a structure of Formula (I-A) or (I-B): ##STR00067## that exhibits an enantiomeric excess of 95% or higher.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the compound of Formula (I-A) or (I-B) has an enantiomeric purity corresponding to that of the compound of Formula (II-A) or (II-B), respectively.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the organocopper allyl source is derived from the admixture of a copper halide and an allyl Grignard reagent, optionally in the presence of an alkyl sulfide and alkali metal halide).

7. The method of claim 4, wherein oxidizing the aldol intermediate to the compound having a structure of Formula (I-A) or (I-B) comprises reacting the aldol intermediate with a sulfonylating agent and a base to form the compound of Formula (I-A) or (I-B).

8. A method of preparing a compound of Formula (VI-A) or Formula (VI-B): ##STR00068## wherein R.sup.1 is one of (P-1), (P-2), (P-3), or (P-4) ##STR00069## R.sup.1 is H or an alcohol protecting group. the method comprising: (a) subjecting a compound of Formula (I-A) or (I-B) ##STR00070## to conditions suitable for effecting a retro-Diels Alder reaction to form compounds corresponding to: ##STR00071## respectively.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the conditions suitable for effecting a retro-Diels Alder reaction comprise treating the compounds of Formula (I-A) and (IB) with a Lewis acid catalyst (e.g., methyl or ethyl aluminum chloride) in the optional presence of an olefin.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising: (b) reacting the compound of Formula (III-A) or (III-B) with a compound of Formula (ZO-1), or preferably (ZO-2), in the presence of a Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst: ##STR00072## where R.sup.3 is H or a C.sub.1-3alkyl; R.sup.4 is CH.sub.2OR.sup.2, an optionally protected carboxylato (COOH), optionally protected aldehyde (CHO), or a cyano (CN); under conditions effective to cross-metathesize the compound of compound (I-A) or (I-B) with the compound of Formula (IV) to form a compound of Formula (IV-A) or (IV-B) ##STR00073##

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst is a Grubbs metathesis catalyst.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising: (c) subjecting the compound of Formula (IVA) or Formula (IV-B) to conditions sufficient to convert R.sup.4 to a carboxylic acid group, COOH to form the compounds of Formula (VI-A) or (VI-B), respectively ##STR00074##

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present application is further understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the subject matter, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments of the subject matter; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods, devices, and systems disclosed. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows several .sup.12-Prostaglandin J Natural Products described in this disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows synthetic scheme for 15d-PGJ.sub.2 as set forth in Jiaming Li, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2019, 141, 154-158.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows strategies to construct cross-conjugated dienone structures.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows synthetic scheme for fuller range of prostaglandin J.sub.2 natural products as set forth in Jiaming Li, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2019, 141, 154-158.

[0031] FIGS. 5A-C shows illustrative Z-selective/stereoretentive Ruthenium catalysts useful in the presented methods.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows models of stereoselectivity for Z-selective and stereoretentive metathesis catalysts.

[0033] FIG. 7A shows improved route enabled by a three-component coupling/retro-Diels Alder strategy, this work. FIG. 7B shows stereodivergent synthesis of (+)- and ()-9.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows scheme for enzymatic resolution of ()-5

[0035] FIG. 9 presents synthetic schemes for stereoretentive metathesis reactions with (+)-9.

[0036] FIG. 10 shows synthetic schemes of 15d-PGJ.sub.2 and 15d-PGJ.sub.2 methyl ester

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present disclosure is directed to intermediates, including known intermediates having previously unavailable enantiopurities, useful in the preparation of prostaglandin J natural products, the methods of making these intermediates, and the methods of using these intermediates to prepare the prostaglandin J natural products.

[0038] As set forth above, previous methods resulted in a substantial loss of enantiopurity during the coupling of the hydrocarbon arms to the cyclopent-2-en-3-one ring system. In seeking to address this deficiency, the present inventors embarked on a substantial study in an effort to overcome this issue. During the course of these studies, the inventors recognized that the racemization of the relatively acidic C8 stereocenter of the reactive 2-alkylidene cyclopentenone moiety may have been responsible for this loss of enantiopurity. In order to prevent racemization, several approaches that used masked forms of this structural motif. The inventors considered schemes involving masked enone precursors, in which the enone could then be unmasked at the late stage of the syntheses using a retro-Diels-Alder reaction (for example, Iqbal, M., et al., Tetrahedron 2004, 60, 2531-2538; Iqbal, M., et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 2003, 44, 5741-5745; Eddolls, J. P., et al., Tetrahedron 2004, 60, 2539-2550; Iqbal, M., et al., Org. Biomol. Chem. 2008, 6, 4649-4661), a Saegusa-Ito oxidation (for example, Kim, N.-J.; Moon, H., et al., J. Org. Chem. 2010, 75, 7458-7460), or bisallylic alcohol oxidation (for example, see Brummond, K. M., et al., Org. Lett. 2004, 6, 149-152. (FIG. 3). The acidity of the enone -position (and the tendency for racemization) can be reduced by interrupting the conjugation of the -system in these masked forms. The retro-Diels-Alder reaction presented itself as a desirable approach since the 3-oxodicyclopentadiene starting material was readily available.

##STR00012##

General Embodiments

[0039] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include those compounds of the Formulae (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), and (VI), and their enantiomer-rich compositions designated Formula (I-A)/(I-B), Formula (II-A)/(II-B), Formula (III-A)/(III-B), Formula (IV-A)/(IV-B), Formula (V-A)/(V-B), and Formula (VI-A)/(VI-B), respectively:

##STR00013## ##STR00014## ##STR00015##

[0040] In the context of these compositions:

[0041] R.sup.1 is one of (P-1), (P-2), (P-3), or (P-4):

##STR00016##

[0042] R.sup.2 is independently H or an alcohol protecting group. Such alcohol protecting groups are known. Such protecting groups, plus a detailed description of techniques useful in adding and removing these of protecting groups are described in Greene & Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New 5 York, N Y, 1999, and Kocienski, Protective Groups, Thieme Verlag, New York, N.Y., 1994, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, or at least for their teaching of protecting groups and the methods of adding and removing them.

[0043] The compositions of Formula (I), (I-A), and (I-B) may be represented more specifically as

##STR00017## ##STR00018## ##STR00019##

[0044] The compositions of Formula (III), (III-A), and (III-B) may be represented more specifically as:

##STR00020## ##STR00021## ##STR00022##

[0045] The compositions of Formula (IV), (IV-A), and (IV-B) may be represented more specifically as:

##STR00023## ##STR00024## ##STR00025##

[0046] The compositions of Formula (V), (V-A), and (V-B) may be represented more specifically as:

##STR00026## ##STR00027## ##STR00028##

[0047] The compositions of Formula (VI), (VI-A), and (VI-B) may be represented more specifically as.

##STR00029## ##STR00030## ##STR00031##

These compounds of Formula (VI-B) correspond to the target prostaglandins as shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] In the context of these compositions, the olefin moieties are presented here as directed to specific cis and trans configurations. While individual molecules may comprise these configurations, mixtures of individual molecules present in compounds or compositions allow for the presence of minor amounts of the other isomer. For example, in certain embodiments, compositions (which may be referred to as compounds) include molecules in which the respective cis olefins may contain some trans content, and vice versa. In some embodiments, at least one nominally cis-configured carbon-carbon double bond has a Z/E-selectivity of 90/10 or higher. In preferred embodiments, at least one nominally cis-configured carbon-carbon double bond has a Z/E-ratio of 95/5, 96/4, 97/3, or 98/2, 99/1, or higher, essentially 100/0. In additional embodiments, each of the cis-configured carbon-carbon bonds independently has one of these Z/E ratios. Likewise, in some embodiments, the trans-configured carbon-carbon double bond in the -chain has an E/Z-selectivity of 90/10 or higher. In preferred embodiments, the trans-configured carbon-carbon double bond in the -chain has an E/Z of 95/5, 96/4, 97/3, or 98/2, 99/1, or higher, essentially 100/0. Again, in additional embodiments, each of the trans-configured carbon-carbon bonds independently has one of these E/Z ratios.

[0049] Likewise, the compounds of Formula (I-A)/(I-B), Formula (II-A)/(II-B), Formula (III-A)/(III-B), Formula (IV-A)/(IV-B), Formula (V-A)/(V-B), and Formula (VI-A)/(VI-B) are shown as single, pure enantiomers, but it should be recognized that these represent limits of enantiomeric purity. In some embodiments, these respective structures may reflect instead enantiomerically enriched compositions of Formula (I), Formula (II), Formula (III), Formula (IV), Formula (V), and Formula (VI), respectively. Within this context, each of the compositions designated Formula (I-A/B), (II-A/B), (III-A/B), (IV-A/B), (V-A/B), and (VI-A/B) may independently exhibit enantiomeric excesses of 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.8%, or higher. These highly enantiomerically pure intermediates can be used to generate correspondingly highly enantiomerically pure downstream derivatives, including highly enantiomerically pure prostaglandin J natural products. In some embodiments, the enanopurities of these compositions generally derive from the enantiomeric purities of the corresponding and orientations and the ability of the methods to make and retain the stereospecificity of these bonds. In these and other transformations, the retention of the enantiopurity are specific embodiments.

[0050] This disclosure also sets forth methods for making these intermediates, in racemic, enantioenriched, and enantiopure (>98% ee) forms. For examples, certain embodiments set forth herein include those methods of making a compound of Formula (I) (and its enriched enantiomers of nominal Formula (I-A) and (I-B)) by coupling an allyl group and an -chain to a compound of Formula (II),

##STR00032##

[0051] To access the enantio-enriched 3-oxodicyclopentadiene moiety, there are several reported methods including enzymatic resolution by lipases (Tanaka, K., et al., Synthesis 1995, 1995, 1237-1239) or keto reductases (Karki, K., et al., Synlett 2018, 29, 1723-1728), a Cocatalyzed asymmetric intermolecular Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR) of norbornadiene and alkynes ((a) Orgu, S., et al., Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 250-253. (b) Verdaguer, X., et al., J. Org. Chem. 2004, 69, 8053-8061), or kinetic resolution via a Cu-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (Chang, X., et al., Org. Lett. 2019, 21, 1191-1196). Each of these references cited are incorporated by reference herein for their teaching of the respective methods as applicable for use in the present reaction scheme. This disclosure exemplifies the lipase-mediated enzymatic resolution to synthesize enantiomerically pure starting materials, since racemic endo-3-oxodicyclopentadiene can be readily obtained through one-pot allylic photooxidation of dicyclopentadiene catalyzed by tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) as a photosensitizer. The details of this exemplification is set forth elsewhere herein and when considered in the context of other reactions represent separate embodiments of this disclosure.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, the transformation of compounds of Formula (II), (II-A), and (II-B) to of compounds of Formula (I), (I-A), and (I-B) to is accomplished by selective conjugate addition of an allyl group (for example, using an organocopper allyl source) to the respective racemic or chiral 3-oxodicyclopendadiene, and trapping the resulting enolate by subsequent addition of an aldehyde of Formula (O-1), (O-2), (O-3), or (O-4), respectively:

##STR00033##

This trapping results in the formation of an aldol intermediate that can be dehydrated to form the compound of Formula (I).

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the organocopper allyl source is a bis-allyl copper reagent, for example derived from the admixture of a copper halide (e.g., CuCl, CuBr, CuI) and an allyl Grignard reagent, typically in the presence of an organic sulfide (e.g., Me.sub.2S) and an alkali metal halide, especially a lithium halide such as LiCl. Such systems are also known as Gilman reagents, in which the reactive reagent is contemplated to be (allyl).sub.2CuLi, or equivalent Other sources of allyl (e.g., allyl lithium or allyl Grignard reagents) may be considered as well, but these are much less desirable for their lack of enone selectivity. The organocuprates are preferred as selective for conjugate addition with , enones, whereas, using the precursors of Formula (II), (II-A), or (II-B), the corresponding Grignard or allyl lithium would undesirably add to the carbonyl carbon. The stereochemistry of the conjugate addition by the Gilman reagents is controlled by steric factors providing the desired stereochemistry in the present scheme in high stereochemical yield.

[0054] The product of the 3-component coupling reaction results in the formation of a diastereomeric aldol intermediate which may or need not be isolated. In the case where the compound of Formula (II-A) is subjected to the reaction conditions with O-2 as the trapping aldehyde, the intermediate S-1 was identified as the major aldol diastereomer (see Examples), indicating that the mechanism proceeds through an anti-aldol process

##STR00034##

It is believed that analogous intermediates are generated in the other-mentioned reactions

[0055] Dehydration of these aldol intermediates results in the formation of compounds having a structure of Formulae (I), (I-A), or (I-B), respectively In certain embodiments, this transformation is accomplished by reacting the aldol intermediate with a sulfonylating agent and a base to form the desired product compound with complete retention of the enantiomeric purity. In certain preferred embodiments, these sulfonylating agents include optionally (per)fluorinated alkylsulfonyl chloride or an optionally substituted arylsulfonyl chloride, such as optionally substituted MsCl, TfCl, TsCl. Use of these reagents conveniently convert the aldol alcohol into a good leaving group for elimination with base. Preferred bases include non-nucleophilic bases, including hindered nitrogen bases, such as dimethylaminopyridine, 2,6-lutidine, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP), and diisopropylamine. These reagents together result in the effective elimination of water from the aldol intermediate to form the thermodynamically favored trans-exocyclic 2-alkylidene moiety.

##STR00035##

[0056] These reactions (3-component couplings arising from conjugate addition reactions) parallel the configurations reported in the inventors' earlier work (see Jiaming Li, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2019, 141, 154-158, including Scheme 2D; also WO2019222244, the entireties of which, including Supplemental Information, being incorporated by reference here their entireties)(see also FIG. 4),

##STR00036##

[0057] In independent embodiments, the compounds of Formula (I), or their enriched enantiomers Formula (IA) or (I-B) serve as useful precursors for the downstream reactions to form prostaglandin J natural products (or their protected derivatives) by steps which include the stereoretentive formation of the cyclopentenone ring structure and Z-selective or stereoretentive metathesis of the allyl group to form a Z-enriched olefin as is characteristic of these prostaglandin materials. These steps (retro-Diels Alder and Z-selective/stereoretentive metathesis) can be independently applied in either order. For example,

##STR00037##

[0058] For example, certain embodiments provide for the conversion of compounds of Formula (I), (I-A), and/or (I-B) to compounds of Formula (III), (III-A), and/or (III-B), respectively:

##STR00038##

by subjecting the compounds of Formula (I), (I-A), and/or (I-B) to conditions suitable for effecting a retro-Diels Alder reaction to form the compounds of Formula (III), (III-A), and/or (III-B), respectively. Preferably, these retro-Diels Alder reaction conditions include the use of Lewis acid catalysts, such as use of zinc chloride, boron trifluoride, tin tetrachloride, aluminum chloride, or organometallic derivative thereof. In preferred embodiments, the Lewis acid catalyst is an organoaluminum chloride, such as methyl or ethyl aluminum chloride(s), in the optional presence of an olefin (e.g., maleic anhydride). The use of these Lewis acid catalysts allows for the use of lower reaction temperatures otherwise associated with retro-Diels Alder reaction. Such reactions are similar to those developed by Grieco, P. A., et al., J. Org. Chem. 1989, 54, 6008-6010, which is incorporated by reference herein at least for its teaching of these methods. The use of Lewis acid catalysts is known to be useful in mitigating the otherwise aggressive temperature conditions associated with retro-Diels Alder reactions (see Nicolaou, K. C., et al., J. Org. Chem. 2019, 84, 365-378, which are all incorporated by reference herein for their teaching of alternative retro-Diels Alder conditions) and allowing for the desired conversions at temperatures of less than 100 C. or less than 90 C. or about 80 C. Using these catalysts and associated reaction conditions, the excellent enantiopurities now available in the compounds of Formula (I-A) or (I-B) can be retained in the product compounds of Formula (III-A) or (III-B), respectively.

[0059] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure also provide for the conversion of compounds of Formula (III), (III-A), and/or (III-B) to compounds of Formula (IV), (IV-A), and/or (IV-B), respectively:

##STR00039##

by reacting the compounds of Formula (III), (III-A), and/or (III-B) with a compound of Formula (ZO-1) or preferably (ZO-2), in the presence of a Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst:

##STR00040##

[0060] where R.sup.3 is H or a C.sub.1-3alkyl, preferably a C1 or C2 alkyl;

[0061] R.sup.4 is independently CH.sub.2OR.sup.2, an optionally protected carboxylate (COOH), optionally protected aldehyde (CHO), or a cyano (CN);

[0062] to form the compound of Formula (IV), (IV-A) or (IV-B), respectively.

[0063] As shown elsewhere herein, the use of the ZO-2 olefins are preferred to minimize unwanted side reactions resulting from the competitive coupling of the R.sup.3 containing olefin subunit with the allyl group of the compounds of Formula (III), (IIIA), or (III-B). These can used directly or generated in situ by the reaction cross-coupling of the olefin of (ZO-1). While the ZO-1 olefins can also be used directly as starting materials, as shown elsewhere herein these are preferably metathesized in the presence of a suitable Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst, preferably under high vacuum, before contacting with the compounds of Formula (III), (IIIA), or (III-B). The conditions of the prior metathesis are such that the more volatile R.sup.3CHCHR.sup.3 coproducts are preferentially removed. While R.sup.3 is set forth herein as H or C.sub.1-3alkyl, other options for R.sup.3 can be used, provided the olefin coproduct is preferentially removed during the metathesis.

[0064] Also, note that the nature of R.sup.3 (i.e., H or alkyl capped) may define the choice of the metathesis catalyst, as is known in the art.

[0065] Also, in its most general sense, R.sup.4 can be any substituent capable of later conversion to the targeted carboxylic acid group. The options presented here represent convenient options for this purpose. As shown herein, R.sup.4 is CH.sub.2OH is suitable for this purpose, and being the simplest option, is preferred. However, groups such as the corresponding protected alcohols, optionally protected carboxylato (COOH), optionally protected aldehyde (CHO), and a cyano (CN) are also suitable alternatives. Alcohol, aldehyde, and carboxylic acid protective groups are well known, as are the methods for adding and removing them. Again, see Greene & Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New 5 York, N Y, 1999, and Kocienski, Protective Groups, Thieme Verlag, New York, N.Y., 1994, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference at least these disclosures. In the case where the Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst tolerates the alcohol, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid end groups, as has been shown to be the case for many of these metathesis catalysts, their protection is not required.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst (and the associated metathesis reaction conditions) with the allyl moiety and the ZO-1 or ZO-2 olefins to provide for the formation of the cis-olefin with a Z/E selectivity of at least 90/10, and in most preferred embodiment of at least 95/5, at least 96/4, at least 97/3, at least 98/2, at least 99/1, at least 99.5/0.5, or practically 100/0.

[0067] In some embodiments, the Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst is a Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst based on Group 8 metals (e.g., Ru and Os), preferably based on ruthenium. These catalysts may also be characterized as Z-selective or stereoretentive Grubbs or Grubbs/Hoveyda olefin metathesis catalysts. Some such catalysts are described in the following references, each of which is incorporated by references herein, at least for their teachings of these catalysts and the conditions of their use: (a) Rosebugh, L. E. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 1276-1279; (b) Montgomery, T. P., et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 11024-11036. (c) Ahmed, T. S, et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 11213-11216. (d) Ahmed, T. S., et al., Chem. Sci. 2018, 9, 3580-3583. (e) Jung, K., et al., Macromolecules 2018, 51, 4564-4571; Keitz, B. K., et al., Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 9686; Keitz, B. K., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 693; Keitz, B. K., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 2040; Endo, K., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 8525. Also, such catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,265,691; 9,938,253; 9,920,086; 9,795,953; 9,676,676; 9,586,981; 9,457,347; 9,303,100; 8,716,488; 8,039,566; and 7,094,898; and U.S. Patent Application Publ. No. 20200102285, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for their teachings of these catalysts and the conditions of their use. Representative catalysts include, but are not limited to, those exemplified in this work:

[0068] Z-Selective Metathesis Catalysts:

##STR00041##

[0069] Stereoretentive Metathesis Catalysts:

##STR00042##

See also FIGS. 5A-C.

[0070] The relevant utilities of these different types of catalysts is well understood. A series of cyclometalated ruthenium-based catalysts (e.g., Ru-1, Ru-2, above) is described at least in (a) Endo, K., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 8525-8527; (b) Keitz, B. K.; Endo, K, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 693-699; (a)) that enabled Z-selective metathesis through a favored syn-metallacyclobutane intermediate (FIG. 6, Path A). More recently, catechodithiolate-based catalyst Ru-3 and its dithiolate variants were developed that showed high Z-selectivity in ring-opening metathesis polymerizations, ring-opening cross-metathesis, and cross-metathesis with Z-olefins. See. e.g., (a) Khan, R. K. M., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 10258-10261. (b) Hoveyda, A. H., J. Org. Chem. 2014, 79, 4763-4792. (c) Koh, M. J, et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 1968-1972. (d) Koh, M. J., et al., Nature 2015, 517, 181-186.) In fact, high kinetic E-selectivity in cross metathesis with E-starting materials was also observed with Ru-3, the sIPr analogue Ru-4, and other less bulky fast-initiating analogues developed, that defined these catalysts as stereoretentive; see, e.g., (a) Johns, A. M., et al., Org. Lett. 2016, 18, 772-775. (b) Ahmed, T. S., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 1532-1537. The origin of the stereoretention was attributed to the formation of a side-bound metallacyclobutane intermediate, of which the -substituents are forced down to minimize steric interactions with the bulky N-aryl groups of the NHC. As a result, when starting with Z-alkenes, the -substituent points down to generate Z-alkene products (FIG. 6, Path B, see also Li, J, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019, 141, 154-158, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). When starting with E-alkenes, however, the -substituent has to point up into the open space between two N-aryl groups, leading to the generation of E-alkene products, albeit with slower rates (FIG. 6, Path C). Cross-metathesis between two terminal alkenes is not possible with stereoretentive metathesis catalysts, however, because the intermediate methylidene species are unstable and lead to catalyst decomposition. (Koh, M. J., et al., Nature 2015, 517, 181-186). A methylene capping strategy was recently reported as a remedy to this problem, enabling the cross-metathesis of two terminal alkenes. See, e.g., Xu, C., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 10919-10928.

[0071] In some other embodiments, the Z-selective olefin metathesis catalyst is a Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis catalyst based on Group 6 metals (e.g., Cr, Mo, and W), preferably based on Mo or W. These catalysts may also be characterized as Z-selective or stereoretentive Schrock-type olefin metathesis catalyst, including monoalkoxide pyrrolide (MAP) tungsten (W) and molybdenum (Mo) catalysts. Such catalysts are described in the following references, each of which is incorporated by references herein, at least for their teachings of these catalysts and the conditions of their use: Stereoretentive metathesis using Mo, W: (a) Couturier, J.-L., et al., Int. Ed. Engl. 1992, 31, 628-631. (b) Lam, J. K., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 15774-15783. (c) Nguyen, T. T., et al., Science 2016, 352, 569-575; (d) Shen, X., et al., Nature 2017, 541, 380-385. (e) Koh, M. J., et al., Nature 2017, 542, 80-85. Also, such stereoretentive and Z-selective catalysts are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,343,153; 0,173,208; 10,106,566; 10,072,036; 9,919,299; 9,850,268; 9,771,386; 9,713,808; 9,701,702; 9,446,394; 9,441,059; 9,409,938; 9,315,604; 9,206,211; 9,085,595; 9,079,173; 9,073,801; 8,598,400; 8,546,500; 8,362,311; 7,652,145; 7,378,528; 7,294,717; 6,787,620; 6,635,768; and 6,552,139, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for their teachings of these catalysts and the conditions of their use.

[0072] In some embodiments, the compounds of Formula (I), (I-A), and/or (I-B) are subjected to Z-selective or stereoretentive olefin metathesis conditions as set forth above to form the compounds of Formula (V), (V-A), and/or (V-B), before being subjecting to the retro-Diels Alder reaction conditions also set forth above to form the compounds of Formula (IV), (IV-A), and/or (IV-B) under the same or similar conditions described for each of these respective steps.

##STR00043##

[0073] Once prepared, the compounds of Formula (IV), (IV-A), and/or (IV-B) can be converted to their corresponding prostaglandin J natural products of Formula (VI), (VI-A), and/or (VI-B), or derivatives thereof, by known methods.

[0074] For example, procedures for the removal of the respective protecting groups from any alcohol, aldehyde, or carboxylic acid are known, as set forth above.

[0075] The conversion of cyano groups to carboxylic acid groups by acid or base catalyzed hydration are also known.

[0076] The oxidation of primary alcohols (CH.sub.2OH=>COOH) known to be catalyzed directly by oxidizing reagents including KMnO.sub.4, Jones oxidation reagent (CrO.sub.3 and sulfuric acid), or PDC (pyridinium dichromate) in DMF, or by stepwise oxidation of the alcohol to the aldehyde (e.g., by e.g. iodobenzoic acid (IBX) oxidation, Dess-Martin periodinane, or TEMPO/NaOCl) and then the carboxylic acid (e.g., by Pinnick oxidation using sodium chlorite). Some of these reagents are extremely aggressive (KMnO.sub.4) or hazardous (CrO.sub.3 and sulfuric acid) and the milder reagents are preferred if only to avoid these issues. Preferred methods are discussed elsewhere herein.

[0077] Exemplary Description of Synthesis of Enantiopure 15d-PGJ.sub.2

[0078] While comments made in this section are specifically directed to the use of compounds of Formulae (I-A) to (IV-A) where R.sup.1 is P.sub.2, it should be appreciated that such methods/teachings are applicable also to the other compositions set forth elsewhere herein. Also, the reader is referred to FIGS. 7-11 for the number designations of the specific compounds set forth in this section.

[0079] The following represents an exemplary process for the preparation of enantiopure 15d-PGJ.sub.2. It is not intended to supersede the more general teachings, but it is useful for illustrating the nature of some of the transformations set forth herein. To the extent that

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 7A/B, starting from enantiopure 3-oxodicyclopentadiene ((+)-5, the intermediate (+)-9 can be obtained in high enantioselectivity (FIGS. 7A/B, 8, >99% ee), providing access to enantiopure 15d-PGJ.sub.2 and other prostaglandin J intermediates The steps, methods, and intermediates set forth in the following descriptions are representative of the more general concepts described elsewhere herein. The following then provides additional non-limiting embodiments of the foregoing descriptions.

[0081] Of the several methods of preparing the enantio-enriched 3-oxodicyclopentadiene moiety, this disclosure exemplifies a lipase-mediated enzymatic resolution of racemic endo-3-oxodicyclopentadiene ()-5 to synthesize enantiomerically pure 5. Upon reduction of the racemic form with DIBAL-H, the endo-alcohol ()-6 was obtained in excellent yield. Kinetic resolution was successfully performed on 4.0 g scale when ()-6 was treated with vinyl acetate (0.6 equiv) in tert-butyl methyl ether in the presence of commercially available lipase PS-on-Celite (10% w/w of the substrate). endo-Acetate ()-7 (48% yield) was separated from endo-alcohol (+)-6 (49% yield) after 48 h at 37 C. Treating ()-7 with 1 equiv of K2CO3 in methanol liberated the endo-alcohol ()-6. Both enantiopure (+)- and ()-5 were obtained (>99% ee, FIG. 8) by oxidation of the endo-alcohol enantiomers by TPAP and NMO, in the presence of 4 molecular sieves in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeCN. (see Mehta, G., et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1999, 40, 991-994). Alternatively, (+)-6 can also be oxidized using conditions reported by in Hoover, J. M., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2011, 133, 16901-16910, resulting in ()-5 in higher yield (97% yield, FIG. 8).

[0082] Then (+)- and ()-5 were subjected to tandem conjugate addition/aldol conditions (FIG. 9). A regio- and stereoselective conjugate addition by diallyl cuprate installed the allyl group and formed an enolate intermediate that was trapped by subsequent addition of trans-2-octenal. After elimination with MsCl and excess DMAP, the resulting mixture of aldol diastereomers, S1 vida infra) can be converted to the thermodynamically favored E-alkenes in good yield. Both enantiomers of 9 were readily obtained in high enantioselectivity (>99% ee, FIG. 9), by a Lewis acid catalyzed retro-Diels-Alder reaction developed by Grieco, using EtAlCl.sub.2 and a stoichiometric amount of maleic anhydride at a lower temperature (80 C.) than the thermally induced conditions (>160 C.). In the synthesis described in Jiaming Li, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2019, 141, 154-158 (the Li synthesis), the preparation of (+)-9 suffered from racemization due to the acidity of the enone -position. The masked enone allowed us to access (+)-9 with excellent enantioselectivity. The reaction sequences reported herein are performed on a larger scale (1.6 g starting material), and the overall yields of the three-component coupling step are greatly improved compared to the Li synthesis. In addition, the enantio-enriched enone (+)-5 was used as the limiting reagent (FIG. 7B). This feature is an important improvement and an additional embodiment of this disclosure

[0083] By contrast, excess (R)-12 was required (FIG. 2) in the Li synthesis report of three-component coupling reactions, presumably because the OBoc group was labile under the reaction conditions and the reaction scale was limited.

[0084] Stereoretentive olefin metathesis was critical to the success of the Li synthesis of 15d-PGJ2 in which high Z-selectivity was achieved using Ru-1. In this synthesis, (+)-9 with excess Z-alcohol 13 in the presence of 5 mol % Ru-1 under static vacuum in order to remove any volatile byproducts (1-butene, cis-3-hexene) and to favor the formation of 10. Under these conditions, the major product obtained was 11 from the reaction with propylidene (53% yield, FIG. 9), which was difficult to convert into the desired product 10 by a second cross-metathesis with alcohol 13. So, high vacuum was found to be necessary to effectively remove cis-3-hexene (bp 66-68 C.) from the reaction mixture. A one-pot homodimerization/stereoretentive metathesis method proved to be a more feasible approach, and formation of 11 could be avoided when the homodimerization step gave full conversion to afford symmetrical diol 14. The primary alcohol product 10 was obtained in 99% yield and >99% ee with high Z-selectivity (>99:1 Z/E, FIG. 9) by this procedure.

[0085] Finally, oxidation of 10 with PCC followed by Pinnick oxidation provided enantiopure 15d-PGJ2 (2) (41.0 mg, 65% yield over two steps). The enantiopurity of 2 was confirmed by synthesis of the methyl ester derivative 15 using (trimethylsilyl) diazomethane, which was obtained in 72% yield and >99% ee (FIG. 10).

Terms

[0086] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying Figures and Examples, all of which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific products, methods, conditions or parameters described or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of any claimed disclosure. Similarly, unless specifically otherwise stated, any description as to a possible mechanism or mode of action or reason for improvement is meant to be illustrative only, and while believed to be true at the time of writing, any invention disclosed herein is not to be constrained by the correctness or incorrectness of any such suggested mechanism or mode of action or reason for improvement. Throughout this text, it is recognized that the descriptions refer to compositions and methods of making and using said compositions. That is, where the disclosure describes or claims a feature or embodiment associated with a composition or a method of making or using a composition, it is appreciated that such a description or claim is intended to extend these features or embodiment to embodiments in each of these contexts (i.e., compositions, methods of making, and methods of using).

[0087] In the present disclosure the singular forms a, an, and the include the plural reference, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a material is a reference to at least one of such materials and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0088] When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the descriptor about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. In general, use of the term about indicates approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the disclosed subject matter and is to be interpreted in the specific context in which it is used, based on its function. The person skilled in the art will be able to interpret this as a matter of routine. In some cases, the number of significant figures used for a particular value may be one non-limiting method of determining the extent of the word about. In other cases, the gradations used in a series of values may be used to determine the intended range available to the term about for each value. Where present, all ranges are inclusive and combinable. That is, references to values stated in ranges include every value within that range.

[0089] It is to be appreciated that certain features of the disclosure which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. That is, unless obviously incompatible or specifically excluded, each individual embodiment is deemed to be combinable with any other embodiment(s) and such a combination is considered to be another embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as solely, only and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a negative limitation. Finally, while an embodiment may be described as part of a series of steps or part of a more general structure, each said step may also be considered an independent embodiment in itself, combinable with others.

[0090] The transitional terms comprising, consisting essentially of, and consisting are intended to connote their generally in accepted meanings in the patent vernacular; that is, (i) comprising, which is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by, is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; (ii) consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim; and (iii) consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Embodiments described in terms of the phrase comprising (or its equivalents), also provide, as embodiments, those which are independently described in terms of consisting of and consisting essentially of. For those embodiments provided in terms of consisting essentially of, the basic and novel characteristic(s) is the facile operability of the methods (or the systems used in such methods), under conditions or reagents comparable to those recited.

[0091] When a list is presented, unless stated otherwise, it is to be understood that each individual element of that list, and every combination of that list, is a separate embodiment. For example, a list of embodiments presented as A, B, or C is to be interpreted as including the embodiments, A, B, C, A or B, A or C, B or C, or A, B, or C.

[0092] Throughout this specification, words are to be afforded their normal meaning, as would be understood by those skilled in the relevant art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which any invention disclosed herein belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions disclosed, representative illustrative methods and materials are described herein.

[0093] Enantiomeric excess (ee) is a measurement of purity used for chiral substances. It reflects the degree to which a sample contains one enantiomer in greater amounts than the other. A racemic mixture has an ee of 0%, while a single completely pure enantiomer has an ee of 100%. A sample with 70% of one enantiomer and 30% of the other has an ee of 40% (70%-30%). A sample of a chemical is considered enantiopure (also termed enantiomerically pure) when it has, within the limits of detection, molecules of only one chirality. As used herein refers to a composition exhibiting an enantiomeric excess of at least 99%.

[0094] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described circumstance may or may not occur, so that the description includes instances where the circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase optionally substituted means that a non-hydrogen substituent may or may not be present on a given atom, and, thus, the description includes separate embodiments where a non-hydrogen substituent is present and those where a non-hydrogen substituent is not present.

EXAMPLES

[0095] The following Examples are provided to illustrate some of the concepts described within this disclosure. While each Example is considered to provide specific individual embodiments of composition, methods of preparation and use, none of the Examples should be considered to limit the more general embodiments described herein.

[0096] In the following examples, efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g. amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental error and deviation should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, temperature is in degrees C., pressure is at or near atmospheric.

Example 1: General Information

[0097] Unless noted in the specific procedure, reactions were performed in flame-dried glassware under argon atmosphere. All metathesis reactions were carried out under air-free conditions in dry glassware in a Vacuum Atmospheres Glovebox filled with N.sub.2. General solvents were purified by passing through solvent purification columns. Commercially available substrates were used as received. All solvents and substrates were sparged with Ar before bringing into the glovebox and filtered over basic alumina (Brockmann I) prior to use. Reaction progress was monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using E. Merck silica gel 60 F254 precoated plates (0.25 mm) and visualized by UV fluorescence quenching, potassium permanganate, or p-anisaldehyde staining. Silicycle SiliaFlash P60 Academic Silica gel (particle size 0.040-0.063 mm) was used for flash chromatography. Analytical chiral IPLC was performed with an Agilent 1100 Series HPLC utilizing Chiralcel OD-H and OJ-H columns (4.6 mm25 cm) obtained from Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. with visualization at 254 nm. Analytical SFC was performed with a Mettler SFC supercritical CO2 analytical chromatography system utilizing Chiralcel OD-H column (4.6 mm25 cm) obtained from Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd. with visualization at 210 nm. GC conversion data was obtained using an HP-5 capillary column with an Agilent 6850 FID gas chromatograph. .sup.1H and .sup.13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Inova 500 spectrometer (500 MHz and 126 MHz, respectively), a Bruker AV III HD spectrometer equipped with a Prodigy liquid nitrogen temperature cryoprobe (400 MHz and 101 MHz, respectively), or a Varian Mercury 300 spectrometer (300 MHz and 75 MHz, respectively) and are reported in terms of chemical shift relative to residual CHCl.sub.3 ( 7.26 and 77.16 ppm, respectively). Data for .sup.1H NMR spectra are reported as follows: chemical shift ( ppm) (multiplicity, coupling constant (Hz), integration). Abbreviations are used as follows: s=singlet, bs=broad singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, quint=quintet, m=complex multiplet. Infrared (IR) spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 1000 spectrometer using neat samples on ATR diamond, and are reported in frequency of absorption (cm.sup.1). High-resolution mass spectra HRMS were acquired from the Caltech Mass Spectral Facility using fast-atom bombardment (FAB+), electrospray ionization (TOF ES+) or electron impact (EI+), and an Agilent 6200 Series TOF with an Agilent G1978A Multimode source in electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), or mixed (MM) ionization mode. Optical rotations were measured on a Jasco P-2000 polarimeter using a 100 mm pathlength cell at 589 nm.

[0098] The following reactions (as represented in the various embodiments set forth in the descriptions and Figures) carried out under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) at temperatures varying from 20 C. to 40 C. The reaction times varies from several minutes to several hours, depending in part on the nature of the compositions or in some cases merely for convenience. Several representative examples described as follows, though these procedures can be modified as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and so should be considered exemplary rather than limiting.

Example 2. Experimental Procedures and Characterization Data

[0099] The readers is referred to FIGS. 7-11 for the schemes associated with these procedures

Example 2. 1. Preparation of ()-6

[0100] ##STR00044##

[0101] Racemic enone ()-5 was obtained from photooxygenation of dicyclopentadiene catalyzed by tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) according to Mihelich, E. D., et al., J. Org. Chem. 1983, 48, 4135-4137. In a 500 mL round bottom flask, ()-5 (13.2 g, 8.9 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous toluene (150 mL) under argon atmosphere. The solution was cooled to 78 C., and a solution of DIBAL-H (1.0 M solution in toluene, 13.4 mL, 13.4 mmol, 1.5 equiv) was added dropwise. After 1.5 h, MeOH (50 mL) was added (dropwise at beginning to avoid splashing). The reaction mixture was warmed to ambient temperature, poured into a saturated NaK tartrate solution (150 mL), and the biphasic solution was stirred overnight. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3200 mL). The combined organic phases were dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash column chromatography on silica gel (SiO.sub.2, 10:1 to 4:1 hexanes/EtOAc) afforded compound ()-6 as a white solid (10.9 g, 81% yield).

[0102] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.3 (KMnO.sub.4).

[0103] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 6.15 (dd, J=5.7, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.81 (dd, J=5.7, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 5.59 (s, 2H), 4.67 (t, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (dd, J=7.6, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 2.99-2.87 (m, 3H), 1.51 (ddt, J=46.0, 8.0, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 1.23 (d, J=9.6 Hz, 1H)

Example 2.2. Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution

[0104] ##STR00045##

[0105] In a 250 mL round bottom flask, ()-6 (4.8 g, 32.4 mmol) was dissolved in MTBE (100 mL, 0.33 M), and vinyl acetate (1.78 mL, 19.4 mmol, 0.6 equiv) was added via syringe. Lipase PS (10% on celite, 480 mg, 10 wt %) was added to the flask. The flask was sealed with a septum and kept under argon atmosphere and placed in 37 oC oil bath. After 48 h, the reaction mixture was filtered through celite and concentrated. Column chromatography (SiO.sub.2, 10:1 to 4:1 hexanes/EtOAc) afforded white solids ()-7 (2.93 g, 48% yield) and (+)-6 (2.36 g, 49% yield).

[0106] For ()-7: TLC (10:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.68 (KMnO.sub.4).

[0107] For ()-7: .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 5.98 (dd, J=5.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (dd, J=5.6, 3.1 Hz, 1H), 5.70 (dt, J=5.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 5.55 (dt, J=5.8, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 5.44 (dq, J=9.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (ddt, J=7.6, 3.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.08 (ddd, J=8.9, 7.7, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 2.89 (ddp, J=4.3, 2.9, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 2.76 (s, 1H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 1.46 (ddt, J=39.3, 8.2, 1.7 Hz, 2H).

[0108] For (+)-6: TLC (10:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.28 (KMnO.sub.4).

[0109] For (+)-6: .sup.1H NMR spectrum data matched ()-6.

[0110] For (+)-6: [].sub.D.sup.23: +117.9 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

Example 2.3. Preparation of Enone (+)-5

[0111] ##STR00046##

[0112] To a stirred solution of ()-7 (2.8 g, 14.7 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (2.03 g, 14.7 mmol, 1 equiv). The solution was stirred for 12 h and was concentrated, then dissolved in water (30 mL) and extracted by Et.sub.2O (30 mL). Column chromatography (SiO.sub.2, 4:1 hexenes/EtOAc) afforded ()-6 as a white solid (2.04 g, 98%). Spectrum data matched ()-6. [].sub.D.sup.23: 138.1 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

[0113] A 100 mL round bottom flask containing 4A molecular sieves (9.0 g) was flame-dried under vacuum. ()-6 (2.01 g, 13.6 mmol) and NMO (N-methylmorpholine N-oxide, 3.19 g, 27.2 mmol, 2 equiv) were added and dissolved in MeCN (3 mL) and CH.sub.2C2 (27 mL). TPAP (Tetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate, 150 mg, 0.42 mmol, 0.03 equiv) was then added and the reaction was stirred under argon for 1 hour, and the reaction progress was monitored by GC. The reaction mixture was filtered over celite and concentrated. Column chromatography (SiO.sub.2, 4:1 hexenes/EtOAc) afforded (+)-5 as a white solid (1.24 g, 63%). NMR spectrum data matched (+)-5.

[0114] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.35 (UV).

[0115] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.38 (dd, J=5.7, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 5.95 (ddd, J=7.8, 5.6, 2.3 Hz, 2H), 5.78 (dd, J=5.7, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 3.42 (dddd, J=5.6, 4.2, 2.6, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 3.22 (dt, J=4.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 2.97 (ddt, J=4.2, 2.7, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 2.80 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 1.68 (dd, J=54.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H).

[0116] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 210.9, 164.7, 137.1, 132.7, 52.9, 50.4, 48.4, 45.1, 44.2.

[0117] FTIR (ATR): 2990. 2972, 1683, 1576, 1347, 1333, 1294, 1251, 1224, 1194, 1178, 1120, 1091, 1018, 959, 853, 817, 784, 739, 721, 652 cm.sup.1.

[0118] HRMS (FAB+, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.10H.sub.11O [M+H].sup.+ 147.0810, found: 147.0809.

[0119] [].sub.D.sup.23: +136.6 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

Example 2.4. Preparation of Enone ()-5

[0120] A. Oxidation with TPAP, NMO

##STR00047##

[0121] A 100 mL round bottom flask containing 4A molecular sieves (9.0 g) was flame-dried under vacuum. (+)-6 (2.00 g, 13.5 mmol) and NMO (3.16 g, 27 mmol, 2 equiv) were added and dissolved in MeCN (3 mL) and CH.sub.2C2 (27 mL). TPAP (142 mg, 0.41 mmol, 0.03 equiv) was then added and the reaction was stirred under argon for 1 hour, and the reaction progress was monitored by GC. The reaction mixture was filtered over celite and concentrated. Column chromatography (SiO.sub.2, 4:1 hexenes/EtOAc) afforded ()-5 as a white solid (1.41 g, 71%).

[0122] B. Oxidation Using Stahl's Conditions:

##STR00048##

[0123] An oven-dried, 200 mL round-bottomed flask was charged with alcohol (+)-6 (2.01 g, 13.6 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and anhydrous MeCN (100 mL). The solution was vigorously stirred (>700 rpm) open to air while being treated with .sup.MeObpy (147 mg, 0.68 mmol, 0.05 equiv), Cu(MeCN).sub.4OTf (256 mg, 0.68 mmol, 0.05 equiv), ABNO (9-Azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane N-Oxyl, 0.04 M in MeCN, 3.4 mL, 135.6 mol, 0.01 equiv), and then NMI (N-methylimidazole, 110 L, 1.36 mmol, 0.10 equiv) via microsyringe. The resulting brick-red reaction mixture was vigorously stirred and exposed to air at ambient temperature until the reaction mixture turned blue-green in an hour, at which point TLC analysis indicated the complete consumption of starting material. The reaction mixture was diluted with Et.sub.2O (50 mL), and filtered through Celite, washing with 50% EtOAc/hexanes. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the crude residue was directly purified by flash chromatography (SiO.sub.2, 4:1 hexenes/EtOAc) to afford ()-5 (1.92 g, 97% yield) as a white solid.

[0124] Within the context of this transformation, other source of Cu(CH.sub.3CN).sub.4 may be considered (e.g., having counterions of mesylate, triflate, tosylate, BF.sub.4.sup., PF.sub.6.sup., SbF.sub.6.sup., etc.) in concert with other co-catalysts including TEMPO and other bipyridines, as well as the ABNO and NMI recited above.

[0125] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.35 (UV).

[0126] .sup.1H NMR spectrum data matched (+)-5.

[0127] [].sub.D.sup.23: 121.9 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

[0128] HPLC Conditions: 5% IPA, 1.0 mL/min, Chiralcel OJ-H column, =254 nm, t.sub.R(min)=7. 8 (()-5), 8.3 ((+)-5)

Example 2.5. Preparation of (+)- and ()-8

[0129] ##STR00049##

[0130] A 250 mL flask was charged with CuI (2.56 g, 13.44 mmol, 1.2 equiv) and flame-dried under vacuum. After cooling to room temperature, anhydrous THF (100 mL) and Me.sub.2S (5 mL) were added, and the solution was vigorously stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature until a yellow homogeneous solution was formed. At 78 C., allylmagnesium bromide (12.3 mL, 1.0 M solution in THF, 12.3 mmol, 1.1 equiv) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was stirred at 78 C. for 1 hour and a solution of (+)-5 (1.637 g, 11.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in THE (5 mL) was added slowly. After 30 minutes stirring at the same temperature, a solution of trans-2-octenal (2.826 g, 22.4 mmol, 2.0 equiv) in THE (3 mL) was added slowly. The reaction was stirred for additional 1 hour at 78 oC, and a solution of saturated NH.sub.4Cl and NH.sub.3.H.sub.2O (100 mL, 9:1 NH.sub.4Cl/NH.sub.3.H.sub.2O) was added. The biphasic solution was warmed to room temperature and was vigorously stirred until a homogeneous dark blue solution was formed in the aqueous phase. The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with 20 mL saturated NH.sub.4Cl solution. The combined aqueous phase was extracted with Et.sub.2O (3100 mL). The combined organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO.sub.2, hexanes/EtOAc 15:1) to give a mixture of diastereomers of the aldol products (3.6 g).

[0131] A portion of the reaction mixture was taken out and the major diastereomer was isolated as follow:

##STR00050##

[0132] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.33 (p-anisaldehyde).

[0133] 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 6.18 (dd, J=5.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.10 (dd, J=5.8, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 5.80 (dddd, J=15.7, 11.0, 8.1, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 5.63 (dt, J=15.3, 6.7 Hz, 1H), 5.30 (ddt, J=15.3, 8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 5.13-5.06 (m, 2H), 4.18 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (td, J=8.2, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (ddt, J=4.5, 3.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 3.09 (ddd, J=10.2, 4.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (tt, J=2.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 2.64 (ddd, J=9.9, 5.6, 4.1 Hz, 1H), 2.40 (dddd, J=13.3, 5.5, 3.8, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 2.12-1.97 (m, 4H), 1.57 (dt, J=8.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 1.51-1.42 (m, 2H), 1.41-1.22 (m, 6H), 0.87 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

[0134] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 136.3, 135.8, 134.0, 129.8, 117.2, 73.1, 61.8, 56.6, 52.5, 47.2, 45.9, 45.5, 40.9, 40.4, 32.3, 31.6, 28.8, 22.6, 14.1. (The carbonyl peak was not observed below 219 ppm)

[0135] FTIR (ATR): 3465, 3073, 2957, 2925, 2857, 1709, 1640, 1600, 1439, 1413, 1338, 1249, 1224, 1090, 973, 911, 836, 733 cm.sup.1.

[0136] HRMS (FAB+, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.21H.sub.29O.sub.2 [M+HH2].sup.+ 313.2168, found: 313.2158.

[0137] [].sub.D.sup.23: +28.1 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

##STR00051##

[0138] Kobayashi et al. (J. Org. Chem. 2002, 67, 7110-7123) established that for compounds S1 (anti-aldols), .sup.3J.sub.Ha-Hb is in the range of 8.4 to 9.7 Hz, while for the corresponding syn-aldols .sup.3J.sub.Ha-Hb is around 3 Hz. The stereochemistry of H.sub.b was also confirmed by nOe analysis of S.

[0139] Without further separation, the crude aldol product was dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (200 mL) and cooled to 0 C. DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine, 20.5 g, 168 mmol, 15.0 equiv) and MsCl (2.6 mL, 33.6 mmol, 3.0 equiv) were added sequentially. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature and was stirred for 16 h before washed with 1 M HCl (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3100 mL). The combined organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 20:1) to give (+)-8 (2.55 g, 77% yield over 2 steps) as a yellow liquid.

##STR00052##

[0140] TLC (10:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.48 (UV).

[0141] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 6.70 (dd, J=10.7, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 6.20-6.04 (m, 2H), 5.97 (qd, J=5.6, 2.7 Hz, 2H), 5.79 (ddt, J=17.1, 10.2, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 5.14-5.05 (m, 2H), 3.24 (tq, J=2.8, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 3.01 (dp, J=4.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 2.97 (dd, J=8.6, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.64-2.56 (m, 2H), 2.35-2.26 (m, 1H), 2.22-2.07 (m, 3H), 1.49-1.37 (m, 4H), 1.35-1.23 (m, 4H), 0.89 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 3H).

[0142] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 209.8, 146.8, 141.1, 136.1, 136.0, 133.5, 132.7, 126.3, 117.1, 54.0, 51.5, 47.4, 47.2, 43.7, 41.2, 40.3, 33.5, 31.4, 28.5, 22.5, 14.0.

[0143] FTIR (ATR): 3062, 2957, 2928, 2858, 1701, 1625, 1600, 1438, 1341, 1293, 1202, 1178, 1122, 973, 912, 727, 698 cm.sup.1.

[0144] HRMS (FAB+, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.21H.sub.29O [M+H].sup.+ 297.2218, found: 297.2214.

[0145] [].sub.D.sup.23: +150.4 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

##STR00053##

[0146] A 250 mL flask was charged with CuI (571 mg, 3 mmol, 1.2 equiv) and flame-dried under vacuum. After cooling to room temperature, anhydrous THE (25 mL) and Me.sub.2S (1 mL) were added, and the solution was vigorously stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature until a yellow homogeneous solution was formed. At 78 C., allylmagnesium bromide (2.75 mL, 1.0 M solution in THF, 2.75 mmol, 1.1 equiv) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was stirred at 78 C. for 1 hour and a solution of ()-5 (365 mg, 2.5 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in THE (2 mL) was added slowly. After 30 minutes stirring at the same temperature, a solution of trans-2-octenal (631 mg, 5.0 mmol, 2.0 equiv) in THE (1 mL) was added slowly. The reaction was stirred for additional 1 hour at 78 oC, and a solution of saturated NH.sub.4Cl and NH.sub.3.H.sub.2O (25 mL, 9:1 NH.sub.4Cl/NH.sub.3.H.sub.2O) was added. The biphasic solution was warmed to room temperature and was vigorously stirred until a homogeneous dark blue solution was formed in the aqueous phase. The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with 10 mL saturated NH4Cl solution. The combined aqueous phase was extracted with Et.sub.2O (330 mL). The combined organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO.sub.2, hexanes/EtOAc 15:1) to give a mixture of diastereomers of the aldol products (790 mg).

[0147] Without further separation, the crude aldol product was dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (40 mL) and cooled to 0 C. DMAP (4.58 g, 37.5 mmol, 15.0 equiv) and MsCl (0.58 mL, 7.5 mmol, 3.0 equiv) were added sequentially. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature and was stirred for 16 h before washed with 1 M HCl (40 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (340 mL). The combined organic phase was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 20:1) to give ()-8 (559 mg, 75% yield over 2 steps) as a yellow liquid. Characterization data matched (+)-8. [].sub.D.sup.23: 193.4 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

Example 2.6. Preparation of (+)- and ()-9

[0148] ##STR00054##

[0149] In a 100 mL round bottom flask, (+)-8 (1.64 g, 5.54 mmol, 1.0 equiv) was dissolved in DCE (dichloroethane, 50 mL). Maleic anhydride (5.4 g, 55.4 mmol, 10.0 equiv) and EtAlCl.sub.2 (6.0 mL, 1.0 M solution in hexanes, 6.0 mmol, 1.1 equiv) were added sequentially. A reflux condenser was attached and the reaction mixture was warmed to reflux under argon. After 2 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled down, concentrated and directly loaded on silica gel. Purification by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 15:1) afforded (+)-9 (760 mg, 60% yield, >99% ee by chiral HPLC analysis) as a colorless liquid. Spectral data (.sup.1H NMR, .sup.13C NMR, HRMS, IR) matched with the published data (Li, J., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019, 141, 154-158).

[0150] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.56 (UV).

[0151] 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.50 (ddd, J=6.0, 2.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dt, J=10.7, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.35 (dd, J=6.0, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.33-6.15 (m, 2H), 5.81-5.64 (m, 1H), 5.11-5.01 (m, 2H), 3.60 (ddq, J=8.5, 4.1, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.58 (m, 1H), 2.24 (dddd, J=13.4, 9.7, 6.8, 1.5 Hz, 3H), 1.54-1.37 (m, 2H), 1.38-1.22 (m, 4H), 0.96-0.84 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

[0152] .sup.13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 197.5, 160.6, 147.1, 135.4, 134.9, 134.3, 131.8, 125.7, 117.8, 43.2, 37.4, 33.6, 31.5, 28.6, 22.6, 14.1.

[0153] FTIR (ATR): 2956, 2926, 2856, 1692, 1631, 1580, 1440, 1338, 1280, 1207, 1102, 977, 915, 871, 839, 801, 753, 730, 666 cm.sup.1.

[0154] HRMS (FAB+, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.16H.sub.21O [M+HH2].sup.+ 229.1586, found: 229.1581.

[0155] [].sub.D.sup.23: +150.4 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

##STR00055##

[0156] In a 50 mL round bottom flask, ()-8 (667 mg, 2.25 mmol, 1.0 equiv) was dissolved in DCE (20 mL). Maleic anhydride (2.2 g, 22.5 mmol, 10.0 equiv) and EtAlCl.sub.2 (2.5 mL, 1.0 M solution in hexanes, 2.5 mmol, 1.1 equiv) were added sequentially. A reflux condenser was attached and the reaction mixture was warmed to reflux under argon. After 2 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled down, concentrated and directly loaded on silica gel. Purification by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 15:1) afforded ()-9 (361 mg, 70% yield, >99% ee by chiral HPLC analysis) as a colorless liquid. Characterization data matched (+)-9. [].sub.D.sup.23: 122.9 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

[0157] HPLC Conditions: 5% IPA, 1.0 mL/min, Chiralcel OD-H column, =254 nm, t.sub.R(min)=5.9 ((+)9), 8.2-8.3 (()-9)

Example 2.7. Preparation of 10

[0158] A. One-Pot Homodimerization/Stereoretentive Metathesis Method:

##STR00056##

[0159] In a nitrogen-filled glovebox, cis-5-octen-1-ol (205 mg, 1.6 mmol, 8.0 equiv) was dissolved in toluene (2 mL) in a 50 mL Schlenk flask and a solution of catalyst Ru-1 (13.5 mg, 16 mol, 1 mol %) in THE (0.8 mL) was added. The Schlenk flask was sealed and brought out of the glovebox, and then connected to high vacuum. The valve was gradually opened (Caution: open slowly and stir well to avoid splashing). After 15 minutes stirring, the flask was refilled with argon and sealed, and was brought back into the glovebox. The residue was diluted with THE (0.5 mL), and an aliquot was taken for GC analysis (conversion of the homodimerization step was >98% by GC analysis). A solution of (+)-9 (46 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in THE (0.5 mL) was added into the Schlenk flask and an additional portion of catalyst Ru-1 (8.5 mg, 10 mol, 5 mol %) solution in THE (0.5 mL) was added. The Schlenk flask was sealed and brought out of glovebox. The reaction was stirred for 16 h at 40 C. before being quenched with a few drops of ethyl vinyl ether. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 2:1) to give 10 (60 mg, 99%, >99:1 Z/E, >99% ee by chiral HPLC analysis). Spectral data (H NMR, .sup.13C NMR, HRMS, IR) matched with the published data.

[0160] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.2 (UV).

[0161] 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.48 (ddd, J=6.0, 2.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dt, J=11.0, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 6.34-6.19 (m, 3H), 5.52-5.44 (m, 1H), 5.38-5.30 (m, 1H), 3.63 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 3.60-3.55 (m, 1H), 2.60 (dddd, J=14.0, 6.2, 4.3, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 2.30 (dtd, J=14.4, 8.6, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 2.25-2.17 (m, 2H), 2.01 (qd, J=7.3, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 1.59-1.49 (m, 3H), 1.48-1.37 (m, 4H), 1.34-1.29 (m, 4H), 0.89 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

[0162] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 197.6, 160.9, 147.0, 135.4, 135.3, 132.6, 131.8, 125.8, 125.3, 62.9, 43.7, 33.6, 32.5, 31.5, 30.9, 28.6, 27.2, 25.8, 22.6, 14.2.

[0163] FTIR (ATR): 3445, 2960, 2930, 2862, 1690, 1629, 1580, 1447, 1264, 1207, 1054, 979, 732 cm.sup.1.

[0164] HRMS (TOF, ES+, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.20H.sub.31O.sub.2 [M+H].sup.+ 303.2319, found: 303.2320.

[0165] [].sub.D.sup.23: +142.6 (c=0.5, CHCl.sub.3).

[0166] HPLC Conditions: 10% IPA, 1.0 mL/min, Chiralcel OD-H column, =210 nm, tR (min): major=9.64, minor=13.83

[0167] B. Stereoretentive Cross-Metathesis Method:

##STR00057##

[0168] In a nitrogen-filled glovebox, (+)-9 (49 mg, 0.21 mmol, 1.0 equiv) and cis-5-octen-1-ol (205 mg, 1.6 mmol, 7.6 equiv) were dissolved in THE (0.5 mL) in a 1-dram vial, and the solution was transferred to a 50 mL Schlenk flask. A solution of catalyst Ru-1 (8.5 mg, 10 mol, 5 mol %) in THE (0.5 mL) was added. The Schlenk flask was sealed and brought out of the glovebox, and freeze-pump-thaw for one time to keep it under static vacuum. The reaction was stirred for 16 h at 40 C. before being quenched with a few drops of ethyl vinyl ether. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 10:1 to 2:1) to give 10 (30 mg, 47%, >99:1 Z/E) and 11 (29 mg, 53%, >99:1 Z/E) as two major products.

##STR00058##

[0169] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.6 (UV).

[0170] 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.48 (ddd, J=5.9, 2.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dt, J=11.2, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.39-6.17 (m, 3H), 5.53-5.43 (m, 1H), 5.34-5.24 (m, 1H), 3.56 (ddq, J=8.6, 4.1, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.70-2.47 (m, 1H), 2.34-2.17 (m, 3H), 1.99 (pd, J=7.5, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (p, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (tt, J=5.6, 2.8 Hz, 4H), 0.93 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 0.89 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

[0171] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 197.6, 160.9, 146.8, 135.4, 134.6, 131.7, 125.8, 124.3, 43.8, 33.6, 31.5, 30.8, 28.6, 22.6, 20.8, 14.3, 14.1.

[0172] FTIR (ATR): 2959, 2927, 2856, 2360, 1693, 1632, 1579, 1459, 1376, 1337, 1294, 1203, 1100, 1069, 1020, 976, 923, 867, 834, 805, 728, 668 cm.sup.1.

[0173] HRMS (ESI, m/z): calc'd for C18H270 [M+H]+ 259.2056, found: 259.2207.

[0174] [].sub.D.sup.23: +210.8 (c=1.0, CHCl).

Example 2.8. Preparation of 15-deoxy-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (2)

[0175] ##STR00059##

[0176] Pyridinium chlorochromate (129 mg, 0.6 mmol, 3.0 equiv) was added to a solution of 10 (60 mg, 0.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2 mL) at room temperature. The reaction progress was monitored by TLC. The reaction mixture was diluted with Et.sub.2O (2 mL) after stirring for 1 h. The resulting solution was filtered through a short pad of celite, concentrated, and subjected to the next step without further purification.

[0177] The residue was dissolved in t-BuOH (3 mL) at room temperature, 2-methyl-2-butene (210 L, 2.0 mmol, 10 equiv), a solution of NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4.H.sub.2O (41.4 mg, 0.3 mmol, 1.5 equiv) in H.sub.2O (0.72 mL), and a solution of NaClO.sub.2 (80%, 33.6 mg, 0.3 mmol, 1.5 equiv) in H.sub.2O (0.72 mL) were added sequentially. After stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was diluted with a solution of NaH.sub.2PO.sub.4.H.sub.2O (648 mg) in H.sub.2O (12 mL) and was extracted with EtOAc (510 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Flash column chromatography (SiO.sub.2, CH.sub.2C2/MeOH 20:1) afforded pure compound 2 (41.0 mg, 65% yield over 2 steps) as a colorless oil. Spectral data (H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, IR) matched with the published data.

[0178] TLC (100% EtOAc): Rf=0.70 (UV).

[0179] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.47 (dd, J=6.0, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1H), 6.38-6.19 (m, 3H), 5.50-5.33 (m, 2H), 3.62-3.55 (m, 1H), 2.63-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.38-2.26 (m, 3H), 2.23 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.05 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.68 (p, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (p, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.37-1.25 (m, 4H), 0.90 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

[0180] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 197.6, 177.9, 160.8, 147.2, 135.5, 135.1, 131.9, 131.5, 126.2, 125.8, 43.6, 33.6, 33.2, 31.6, 30.8, 28.6, 26.7, 24.6, 22.6, 14.2.

[0181] FTIR (ATR): 2960, 2928, 2850, 1708, 1692, 1629, 1456, 1265, 1207, 978, 734, 703 cm.sup.1.

[0182] HRMS (TOF, ES+, m/z): calc'd for C20H2903 [M+H].sup.+ 317.2111, found: 317.2127.

[0183] [].sub.D.sup.23: +154.4 (c=1.0, CHCl.sub.3).

Example 2.9. Preparation of 15-deoxy-12,14-prostaglandin J2 methyl ester (15)

[0184] ##STR00060##

[0185] In a 1-dram vial, 15d-PGJ.sub.2 (2) (8.0 mg, 25 mol, 1.0 equiv) was dissolved in C.sub.6H6/MeOH (3:2, 0.75 mL) at 23 C. A solution of trimethylsilyldiazomethane (20 L, 2.0 M in hexanes, 40 mol, 1.5 equiv) (yellow color persists). After stirring for 2 hours, the reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO2, hexanes/EtOAc, 4:1) to give 15 (6.0 mg, 72% yield, >99% ee) as a colorless oil.

[0186] TLC (4:1 hexanes/EtOAc): Rf=0.28 (UV).

[0187] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 7.47 (ddd, J=6.0, 2.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dt, J=11.0, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.37-6.17 (m, 3H), 5.50-5.31 (m, 2H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.57 (ddt, J=8.7, 3.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.64-2.56 (m, 1H), 2.33-2.18 (m, 5H), 2.03 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.66 (p, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.46 (p, J=7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.31 (ddt, J=9.3, 5.3, 3.6 Hz, 4H), 0.89 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

[0188] .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3): 197.5, 174.0, 160.8, 147.1, 135.5, 135.2, 131.8, 131.6, 126.1, 125.8, 51.7, 43.6, 33.6, 33.5, 31.6, 30.9, 28.6, 26.8, 24.8, 22.6, 14.1.

[0189] FTIR (ATR): 2953, 2927, 2856, 2360, 2342, 1736, 1694, 1632, 1579, 1436, 1364, 1205, 1090, 979, 836, 729, 668 cm.sup.1.

[0190] HRMS (ESI, m/z): calc'd for C.sub.21H.sub.31O.sub.3 [M+H].sup.+ 331.2268, found: 331.2720. [].sub.D.sup.23: +72.1 (c=0.2, CHCl.sub.3).

[0191] SFC Conditions: 10% IPA, 4.0 mL/min, Chiralcel OD-H column, =254 nm, tR (min)=6.27, 7.09

[0192] Each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety, for all purposes, or at least for the purposes or in the context where it was cited or referenced.