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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Efficient Construction of Drug-like Bispirocyclic Scaffolds Via Organocatalytic Cycloadditions of α-Imino γ-Lactones and Alkylidene Pyrazolones
Published on: February 7, 2019
Exploring NiCl2, PdCl2 and PtCl2 as a catalyst for [3 + 2] cycloaddition in Kopsane alkaloid synthesis by density
Sanghee Yoon1, Pratanphorn Nakliang1, Bilal Shaker1
1Global AI Drug Discovery Center, College of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Density functional theory (DFT) explored nickel, palladium, and platinum catalysts for Kopsane alkaloid synthesis. Nickel catalysts show promise for efficient and selective synthesis, offering a sustainable alternative to platinum.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Kopsane alkaloids feature a complex heptacyclic structure with notable biological activities.
- Previous synthesis relied on platinum catalysts, which are costly and toxic.
- Sustainable alternatives for Kopsane alkaloid synthesis are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MCl2 (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition for Kopsane alkaloid synthesis using DFT.
- To evaluate the potential of nickel and palladium as sustainable alternatives to platinum catalysts.
- To understand the mechanism of diastereoselectivity in the cycloaddition reaction.
Main Methods:
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed.
- Reaction pathways and transition states for [3+2] cycloaddition were analyzed.
- Energy gaps between transition states were calculated to predict diastereoselectivity.
Main Results:
- Reaction characteristics were consistent across NiCl2, PdCl2, and PtCl2 catalysts.
- The second cyclization step was identified as the diastereoselectivity-determining step.
- NiCl2 exhibited a significant energy gap (5.57 kcal/mol), suggesting high diastereoselectivity comparable to PtCl2 (12.25 kcal/mol), while PdCl2 showed a smaller gap (1.45 kcal/mol).
Conclusions:
- NiCl2 presents a viable and sustainable alternative to PtCl2 for Kopsane alkaloid synthesis.
- DFT calculations provide theoretical evidence for optimizing catalyst design.
- This study paves the way for more efficient and cost-effective synthesis of biologically active Kopsane alkaloids.
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