A Modular Approach to Aryl-C-ribonucleosides via the Allylic Substitution and Ring-Closing Metathesis Sequence. A Stereocontrolled Synthesis of All Four α-/β- and d-/l-C-Nucleoside Stereoisomers

Iridium(I)-catalyzed allylation of the enantiopure monoprotected copper(I) alkoxide, generated from (S)-5a, with the enantiopure allylic carbonates (R)-9a,b has been developed as the key step in a new approach to C-nucleoside analogues. The anomeric center was thus constructed via a stereocontrolled formation of the C–O rather than C–C bond with retention of configuration. The resulting bisallyl ethers 15a,b (≥90% de and >99% ee) were converted into C-ribosides 29a,b via the Ru-catalyzed ring-closing metathesis, followed by a diastereoselective dihydroxylation catalyzed by OsO4 or RuO4 and deprotection. Variation of the absolute configuration of the starting segments 5a and 9a,b allowed a stereocontrolled synthesis of all four α/β-d/l-combinations.