We have examined peptide-based catalysts for the site-selective thiocarbonylation of a protected form of vancomycin. Several catalysts were identified that either enhanced or altered the inherent selectivity profile exhibited by the substrate. Two catalysts, one identified through screening, and another through rational design, were demonstrated to be effective on 0.50-gram scale. Deoxygenations led ultimately to two new deoxy-vancomycin derivatives, and surprising conformational consequences of deoxygenation were revealed for one of the new compounds. These effects were mirrored in the biological activities of the new analogs, and support a structural role for certain hydroxyls in the native structure.

Alkynes bearing propargylic, homopropargylic, and bis-homopropargylic hydroxyl groups are shown to serve as precursors for ketone or α-hydroxy ketone functionality. The approach hinges on the intermediacy of vinylsilanes created through regioselective hydrosilylation catalyzed by the complex [Cp*Ru(MeCN) 3 ]PF 6 . Several oxidative pathways of linear and cyclic vinylsilanes are studied, and the possibility of diastereoselective epoxidation of cyclic vinylsilanes is demonstrated. The sequences constitute the equivalent of stereoselective aldol, homo-aldol, and bishomo-aldol type processes. The method is applied to a short synthesis of the piperidine alkaloid, spectaline.

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