Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Efficient Construction of Drug-like Bispirocyclic Scaffolds Via Organocatalytic Cycloadditions of α-Imino γ-Lactones and Alkylidene Pyrazolones
Published on: February 7, 2019
High-yielding synthesis of sphingoid-type bases
Catherine Séguin1, Franck Ferreira, Candice Botuha
1UPMC-Univ Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7201, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire (FR 2769), case 183, 4 place Jussieu, F-75005 Paris, France.
Researchers developed an efficient synthesis for sphingoid-type bases using stereoselective reactions. This new method provides high yields for important bioactive compounds like sphinganine.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Synthetic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Sphingoid bases are crucial components of cell membranes.
- Their synthesis is challenging due to complex stereochemistry.
- Bioactive sphingoid derivatives have therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and stereoselective synthesis of sphingoid-type bases.
- To apply the methodology to synthesize biologically relevant compounds.
- To achieve high overall yields in a concise synthetic route.
Main Methods:
- Stereoselective addition of racemic 3-alkoxy allenylzinc to N-tert-butylsulfinyl imines.
- Key application of a cross-metathesis reaction.
- A six-step synthetic sequence from readily available starting materials.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of sphinganine.
- Preparation of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, including clavaminol H hydrolysis product and spisulosines.
- High overall yields exceeding 56% achieved for all synthesized compounds.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology is efficient for synthesizing diverse sphingoid-type bases.
- This approach offers a reliable route to complex bioactive molecules.
- The synthesis is scalable and provides high yields, facilitating further research.
Related Concept Videos
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Preparation of 1° Amines: Gabriel Synthesis
Strong bases like NaOH or KOH deprotonate the phthalimide to form the corresponding anion, which acts as a nucleophile. Further, the anion attacks an...
Esters to Carboxylic Acids: Saponification
The reaction requires a base in stoichiometric amounts, which participates in the reaction and is not regenerated later. So, the base acts as a...
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Sulfonation of Benzene
Preparation of Alkynes: Alkylation Reaction
Alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary alkyl halides in the presence of a strong base like sodium amide is one of the common methods for the synthesis of longer carbon-chain alkynes. For example, treatment of 1-propyne with sodium amide followed by reaction with ethyl bromide yields 2-pentyne.
Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids

