As part of a program directed toward the study of the reactivity of unprotected benzoicacids with polar organometallics, the total racemic synthesis of apogossypol analogues bymetalation reactions was studied as well as the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction ofortho-fluoro- and ortho-methoxybenzoic acids (SNArAB reaction).Gossypol (1,1’,6,6’,7,7’-hexahydroxy-5,5’-di-iso-propyl-3,3’-diméthyl-2,2’-binaphtalène-8,8’-dicarboxaldéhyde) which is the main pigment of cotton seed, displaysmultiple pharmacological applications. It is a potent anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein inhibitor.The racemic route developed herein allows the replacement of the iso-propyl groups byvirtually any alkyl groups, providing a series of 5,5’-dides-iso-propyl-5,5’-dialkylapogossypolderivatives. Lateral metalation of 4-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-8-methyl-2-naphthoic acid withLTMP is the key step of the synthesis. Atroposelective synthesis of apogossypol analoguewas also examined. The strategy relies on the “lactone concept” and involves a functionalizedlactone as a key intermediateThe influence of halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br) and methoxy groups on the 1,2-addition/SNArAB selectivity was examined. Treatment of 2-fluoro-6-halobenzoic acids withorganolithiums or Grignard reagents gives ipso-substituted products in excellent yields. Themethod allows the efficient preparation of 3-halo-[1,1’-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acids and doesnot require protection of the carboxylate. Interestingly, the presence of an additional methoxyin C3 reduces the nucleophilic addition of the organometallic species to the carboxylate and2,3-dimethoxybenzoic acid affords ipso-substituted products in good yields.
