Basic Heterocycles Research Articles

Discovery and Development of the Enantioselective Minisci Reaction.

ConspectusThe class of reactions now known as Minisci reactions is broadly defined as the addition of nucleophilic carbon-based radicals to basic heteroarenes with subsequent rearomatization to form a new carbon-carbon bond. Since the pioneering work of Minisci in the 1960s and 1970s, these reactions are now widely used in medicinal chemistry due to the ubiquity of basic heterocycles in druglike molecules. One of the long-standing challenges of Minisci chemistry has been that of regioselectivity due to the mixtures of positional isomers commonly obtained on many substrates if there is a choice between similarly activated sites. At the outset of the work described herein, we hypothesized that it may be possible to tackle this using a catalytic strategy whereby a bifunctional Brønsted acid catalyst simultaneously activates the heteroarene and engages attractive non-covalent interactions with the incoming nucleophile, resulting in a proximal attack. Using chiral BINOL-derived phosphoric acids, we not only were able to achieve this goal of regiocontrol but also discovered that we could control the absolute stereochemistry at the new stereocenter formed when prochiral α-amino radicals were employed. At the time, this discovery was unprecedented in the context of Minisci reactions.This Account details the discovery of this protocol and the further development, expansion, and investigations into the mechanism that we have carried out since then, several in collaboration with other research groups. Collaborative efforts have involved an expansion of the scope to diazines guided by multivariate statistical analysis through the development of a predictive model (collaboration with Sigman). Also, a mechanistic study involving detailed DFT analysis (collaboration with Goodman and Ermanis) unveiled the selectivity-determining step as being the deprotonation of a key cationic radical intermediate by the associated chiral phosphate anion. We have additionally carried out a number of synthetic developments of the protocol such as removing the need to prefunctionalize the radical nucleophile; hydrogen-atom transfer can be used to enable a formal coupling of two C-H bonds to form a C-C bond while retaining high enantio- and regioselectivity. Most recently, we have been able to expand the protocol so that α-hydroxy radicals can be used: until this point, all examples had concerned α-amino radicals. Again, HAT was used to generate the α-hydroxy radicals, and DFT studies carried out in collaboration (Ermanis) provided mechanistic insights.Since our original report, there have appeared a number of exciting developments from other research groups whereby the protocol has been applied to new substrates or using different precursors to generate the requisite α-amino radical. There have also been several examples in which alternative photocatalyst systems have been used to reduce the redox-active esters in the original enantioselective Minisci protocol. While primarily an Account, these contributions from other research groups will be covered briefly for context toward the end of the article.

Regioselective approach to colchiceine tropolone ring functionalization at C(9) and C(10) yielding new anticancer hybrid derivatives containing heterocyclic structural motifs

The influence of base type, temperature, and solvent on regioselective C(9)/C(10) “click” modifications within the tropolone ring of colchiceine (2) is investigated. New ether derivatives of 2, bearing alkyne, azide, vinyl, or halide aryl groups enable assembly of the alkaloid part with heterocycles or important biomolecules such as saccharides, geldanamycin or AZT into hybrid scaffolds by dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) or Heck reaction. Compared to colchicine (1) or colchiceine (2), ether congeners, as e.g. 3e [IC50s( 3e) ∼ 0.9 nM], show improved or similar anticancer effects, whereby the bulkiness of the substituents and the substitution pattern of the tropolone proved to be essential. Biological studies reveal that expanding the ether arms by terminal basic heterocycles as quinoline or pyridine, decreases the toxicity in HDF cells at high anticancer potency (IC50s ∼ 1–2 nM). Docking of ether and hybrid derivatives into the colchicine pocket of αGTP/β tubulin dimers reveals a relationship between the favourable binding mode and the attractive anticancer potency.

A selective and inert stationary phase combining triptycene with tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate for capillary gas chromatography

This work reports a selective and inert triptycene-based stationary phase (TPT) combining the triptycene framework with tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) units for capillary gas chromatography (GC). The TPT stationary phase was physically coated onto a capillary column by static coating method with the column efficiency of 4200 plates/m and moderate polarity. As demonstrated, the TPT column exhibited high inertness towards organic bases, including basic heterocycles, aliphatic and aromatic amines, showing distinct advantages over the TPGS and commercial columns. Also, the TPT column displayed high-resolution performance towards the isomers of methylpyridines, toluidines, xylidines and alkanes (C6–C8). Moreover, it showed excellent separation repeatability and reproducibility with RSD values in the range of 0.03%-0.07% for run-to-run, 0.12%–0.18% for day-to-day and 2.3%–3.6% for column-to- column (n = 4). Its applications to purity test of chemical products and to GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of Artemisia annua L. demonstrated its good potential for practical analyses. The present work has novelty in constructing highly selective and inert stationary phases and providing a feasible strategy for concurrently addressing the related problems in GC analyses. Its methodology and findings is of important value in terms of fundamental researches and practical applications.

Acidic Stabilization of the Dual-Aromatic Heterocyclic Anions

Recently, we discovered that the delocalization of nitrogen lone-pair electrons (NLPEs) in five-membered nitrogen heterocycles created a second σ-aromaticity in addition to the prototypical π-aromaticity. Such dual-aromatic compounds, such as the pentazole anion, were proved to have distinct chemistry in comparison to traditional π-aromatics, such as benzene, and were surprisingly unstable, susceptible to electrophilic attack, and relatively difficult to obtain. The dual-aromatics are basic in nature, but prefer not to be protonated when confronting more than three hydronium/ammonium ions, which violates common sense understanding of acid−base neutralization for a reason that is unclear. Here, we carried out 63 test simulations to explore the stability and reactivity of three basic heterocycle anions (pentazole anion N5¯, tetrazole anion N4C1H1¯, and 1,2,4-triazole anion N3C2H2¯) in four types of solvents (acidic ions, H3O+ and NH4+, polar organics, THF, and neutral organics, benzene) with different acidities and concentrations. By quantum mechanical calculations of the electron density, atomistic structure, interatomic interactions, molecular orbital, magnetic shielding, and energetics, we confirmed the presence of dual aromaticity in the heterocyclic anions, and discovered their reactivity to be a competition between their basicity and dual aromaticity. Interestingly, when the acidic ions H3O+/NH4+ are three times more in number than the basic heterocyclic anions, the anions turn to violate acid−base neutralization and remain unprotonated, and the surrounding acidic ions start to show a significant stabilization effect on the studied heterocyclic anions. This work brings new knowledge to nitrogen aromatics and the finding is expected to be adaptable for other pnictogen five-membered ring systems.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Novel Triazole Linked Chromone Biheterocycle Analogs

The current work focused on the synthesis of novel chromone biheterocycle analogs followed by its characterization through physico-chemical and spectral techniques like FTIR, mass and NMR spectroscopy. The basic triazole heterocycle and its analogs have different biological properties. At the point when one biological active molecule is connected to another, the resultant shows improved potency (biheterocycles). Chromone and triazole are selected in this study to develop new efficient, simple, economically viable and biologically active synthetic compounds. All the novel derivatives of triazole linked chromone biheterocycles were synthesized via a click chemistry procedure and screened for in vitro antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant studies. Among them, the compounds CRN-F (IC50 = 35.97), CRN-H (IC50 = 28.76) and CRN-J (IC50 = 29.72) have significant free radical scavenging activity in comparison with the ascorbic acid as control standard (IC50 = 23.07). Some of these novel derivatives exhibited moderate antimicrobial and antifungal activity compared to that of the reference standards. Hence, the novel chromone biheterocycle analogs played a protective role against oxidative damage.

Iron-Nickel Dual-Catalysis: A New Engine for Olefin Functionalization and the Formation of Quaternary Centers.

Alkene hydroarylation forms carbon-carbon bonds between two foundational building blocks of organic chemistry: olefins and aromatic rings. In the absence of electronic bias or directing groups, only the Friedel-Crafts reaction allows arenes to engage alkenes with Markovnikov selectivity to generate quaternary carbons. However, the intermediacy of carbocations precludes the use of electron-deficient arenes, including Lewis basic heterocycles. Here we report a highly Markovnikov-selective, dual-catalytic olefin hydroarylation that tolerates arenes and heteroarenes of any electronic character. Hydrogen atom transfer controls the formation of branched products and arene halogenation specifies attachment points on the aromatic ring. Mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-substituted alkenes yield Markovnikov products including quaternary carbons within nonstrained rings.

Redox-Neutral Photocatalytic Cyclopropanation via Radical/Polar Crossover.

A benchtop stable, bifunctional reagent for the redox-neutral cyclopropanation of olefins has been developed. Triethylammonium bis(catecholato)iodomethylsilicate can be readily prepared on multigram scale. Using this reagent in combination with an organic photocatalyst and visible light, cyclopropanation of an array of olefins, including trifluoromethyl- and pinacolatoboryl-substituted alkenes, can be accomplished in a matter of hours. The reaction is highly tolerant of traditionally reactive functional groups (carboxylic acids, basic heterocycles, alkyl halides, etc.) and permits the chemoselective cyclopropanation of polyolefinated compounds. Mechanistic interrogation revealed that the reaction proceeds via a rapid anionic 3- exo- tet ring closure, a pathway consistent with experimental and computational data.

Polyamines and Related Nitrogen Compounds in the Chemotherapy of Neglected Diseases Caused by Kinetoplastids.

Neglected diseases due to the parasitic protozoa Leishmania and Trypanosoma (kinetoplastids) affect millions of people worldwide, and the lack of suitable treatments has promoted an ongoing drug discovery effort to identify novel nontoxic and cost-effective chemotherapies. Polyamines are ubiquitous small organic molecules that play key roles in kinetoplastid parasites metabolism, redox homeostasis and in the normal progression of cell cycles, which differ from those found in the mammalian host. These features make polyamines attractive in terms of antiparasitic drug development. The present work provides a comprehensive insight on the use of polyamine derivatives and related nitrogen compounds in the chemotherapy of kinetoplastid diseases. The amount of literature on this subject is considerable, and a classification considering drug targets and chemical structures were made. Polyamines, aminoalcohols and basic heterocycles designed to target the relevant parasitic enzyme trypanothione reductase are discussed in the first section, followed by compounds directed to less common targets, like parasite SOD and the aminopurine P2 transporter. Finally, the third section comprises nitrogen compounds structurally derived from antimalaric agents. References on the chemical synthesis of the selected compounds are reported together with their in vivo and/or in vitro IC50 values, and structureactivity relationships within each group are analyzed. Some favourable structural features were identified from the SAR analyses comprising protonable sites, hydrophobic groups and optimum distances between them. The importance of certain pharmacophoric groups or amino acid residues in the bioactivity of polyamine derived compounds is also discussed.

Insights into mechanism and selectivity in ruthenium(ii)-catalysed ortho-arylation reactions directed by Lewis basic groups

We report a detailed study of the mechanism and selectivity of ruthenium-catalysed C–H arylation reactions directed by Lewis basic heterocycles.

Computational Modeling of Polymeric Physicochemical Properties for Formulation Development of a Drug Containing Basic Functionality

In the present research, predictive models were developed by correlating polymeric properties with characteristics of a formulation containing a drug with basic heterocycle (glipizide). Glipizide tablets containing different polymers from 3 categories (immediate, moderate, and extended release) were prepared and evaluated. Dissolution kinetics indicated Korsmeyer-Peppas as the best-fit model, whereas transportability was influenced by release rate and hydrophobicity of the drug. Calculated polymeric descriptors were correlated with formulation properties for the development of predictive quantitative structure-property relationship models. Regression coefficients and subsequent validation of developed models indicated potential predictability of the model for formulation properties containing any drug with basic heterocycle. Such models could also help to decide the formulation composition for desired characteristics with saving of time and formulation cost.

Tetrabutylammonium Fluoride as a Mild and Versatile Reagent for Cleaving Boroxazolidones to Their Corresponding Free α‐Amino Acids

Protection of α‐amino acids with 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN) to give their corresponding boroxazolidones is highly attractive, as it concurrently masks both the amino and the carboxylic acid functionalities. However, the harsh methods required for deprotection of these boroxazolidones have limited their use. Herein, we report that tetrabutylammonium fluoride serves as a mild and versatile reagent that can be used to cleave boroxazolidones to their corresponding free α‐amino acids. The reaction conditions were explored, including the use of various nucleophilic fluoride sources, solvents, and reaction temperatures. Nucleophilic fluoride sources comprising an ammonium cation proved superior to other countercations. The scope of the reaction was extended to the cleavage of B,B‐diphenyl‐ and B,B‐diethyl boroxazolidone complexes. Furthermore, a wide range of α‐amino acid side‐chain functionalities were shown to be compatible, including acids, esters, amides, thiols, thioethers, alkynes, phenols, basic heterocycles, and important biorelevant molecules such as glutathione, (S)‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine, and l‐biocytin.

Novel FFA1 (GPR40) agonists containing spirocyclic periphery: polar azine periphery as a driver of potency

A series of nine compounds based on 3-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]propanoic acid core containing a 1-oxa-9-azaspiro[5.5]undecane periphery was designed, synthesized and evaluated as free fatty acid 1 (FFA1 or GPR40) agonists. The spirocyclic appendages included in these compounds were inspired by LY2881835, Eli Lilly’s advanced drug candidate for type II diabetes mellitus that was in phase I clinical trials. These polar spirocyclic, fully saturated appendages (that are themselves uncharacteristic of the known FFA1 ligand space) were further decorated with diverse polar groups (such as basic heterocycles or secondary amides). To our surprise, while seven of nine compounds were found to be inactive (likely due to the decrease in lipophilicity, which is known to be detrimental to FFA1 ligand affinity), two compounds containing 2-pyridyloxy and 2-pyrimidinyloxy groups were found to have EC50 of 1.621 and 0.904 µM, respectively. This result is significant in the context of the worldwide quest for more polar FFA1 agonists, which would be devoid of liver toxicity effects earlier observed for a FFA1 agonist fasiglifam (TAk-875) in clinical studies.

Dual C-F, C-H Functionalization via Photocatalysis: Access to Multifluorinated Biaryls.

Multifluorinated biaryls are challenging to synthesize and yet are an important class of molecules. Because of the difficulty associated with selective fluorination, this class of molecules represent a formidable synthetic challenge. An alternative approach to selective fluorination of biaryls is to couple an arene that already possesses C-F bonds in the desired location. This strategy has been regularly utilized and relies heavily on traditional cross-coupling strategies that employ organometallics and halides (or pseudohalides) in order to achieve the coupling. Herein we report conditions for the photocatalytic coupling via direct functionalization of the C-F bond of a perfluoroarene and C-H bond of the other arene to provide an expedient route to multifluorinated biaryls. The mild conditions and good functional group tolerance enable a broad scope, including access to the anti-Minisci product of basic heterocycles. Finally, we demonstrate the value of the C-F functionalization approach by utilizing the high fluorine content to systematically build complex biaryls containing between two and five Caryl-F bonds via the synergistic use of photocatalysis and SNAr chemistry.

The synthesis of 4-thiazolidinone derivatives using 2-(4-R-2-formylphenoxy)-N-(R’-phenyl)acetamides and their anti-inflammatory activity

The research is devoted to the rational design of new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using the 4-thiazolidinone “core”. A series of 2-(4-R-2-formylphenoxy)-N-(R’-phenyl)acetamides has been synthesized from salicylic aldehydes for structural modifications of basic heterocycles. The aldehydes obtained are active carbonyl agents and suitable “building blocks” for the focused synthesis of biologically active compounds. Ylidene derivatives of 2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone and 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)imino-4-thiazolidone have been synthesized in the Knoevenagel reaction conditions. The one-pot reaction between 3(5)-merkapto-1,2,4-triazoles, chloroacetic acid and the salicylic aldehyde derivatives synthesized have been used for the synthesis of 5-ylidene-thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazol-6-one. Parameters of acute toxicity and the anti-exudative activity (carrageenin paw edema test) have been studied for the ylidene derivatives synthesized. It has been found that all compounds synthesized demonstrate the anti-exudative activity, and some “structure – acute toxicity – anti-exudative activity” relationships have been analyzed. Based on the results of in vivo studies the lead compound – 4-{2-[4-chloro-2-(6-oxothiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole-5-ylidenemethyl)-phenoxy]- acetylamino}-benzoic acid ethyl ester that demonstrates the anti-exudative activity equivalent to the classic NSAID Diclofenac has been identified, it has a low level of toxicity and can be recommended for the profound study.

ChemInform Abstract: Methods of Synthesis and Properties of Thiazolopyridines

AbstractReview: 75 refs.

Sulfonium salts as leaving groups for aromatic labelling of drug-like small molecules with fluorine-18.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is unique in that it allows quantification of biochemical processes in vivo, but difficulties with preparing suitably labelled radiotracers limit its scientific and diagnostic applications. Aromatic [18F]fluorination of drug-like small molecules is particularly challenging as their functional group compositions often impair the labelling efficiency. Herein, we report a new strategy for incorporation of 18F into highly functionalized aromatic compounds using sulfonium salts as leaving groups. The method is compatible with pharmacologically relevant functional groups, including aliphatic amines and basic heterocycles. Activated substrates react with [18F]fluoride at room temperature, and with heating the reaction proceeds in the presence of hydrogen bond donors. Furthermore, the use of electron rich spectator ligands allows efficient and regioselective [18F]fluorination of non-activated aromatic moieties. The method provides a broadly applicable route for 18F labelling of biologically active small molecules, and offers immediate practical benefits for drug discovery and imaging with PET.

Methods of synthesis and properties of thiazolopyridines

The review systematizes the theoretical and experimental data concerning methods of synthesis of condensed thiazolopyridines, which at present have been insufficiently studied, the prospects for their application in the directed synthesis of new physiologically active substances. The recent developments in their pharmacology have been also analyzed. The available methods for the synthesis of condensed thiazolopyridines can be divided into two fundamentally different approaches. The first approach is based on annelation of the thiazolidine or thiazole cycle to the pyridine ring, and the second one use pyridine derivatives as starting materials; their functional groups make it possible to change the pyridine ring. Methods for obtaining thiazolopyridines using solid media carriers, and their synthesis with domino reactions deserve a particular attention. Generalization of the scientific data published confirms that the condensed thiazolopyridines exhibit various biological effects. In particular, they are characterized by analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal activities. Due to the inhibitory action on integrally linked kinase the specified class of compounds can eliminate the hyperproliferative disorders in the living organisms. It has been found that these derivatives exhibit the antidiabetic, antibacterial and anti-tuberculosis action. It is known that derivatives of thiazolopyridines have shown a positive effect in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Thiazolopyridine derivatives containing the α-amino phosphonate residue at 2 position of the basic heterocycle exhibit a significant anticancer effect.

ChemInform Abstract: 1,3‐Diyne Chemistry: Synthesis and Derivations

AbstractReview: [58 refs.

Non-Directed Allylic C-H Acetoxylation in the Presence of Lewis Basic Heterocycles.

We outline a strategy to enable non-directed Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization in the presence of Lewis basic heterocycles. In a high-throughput screen of two Pd-catalyzed C-H acetoxylation reactions, addition of a variety of N-containing heterocycles is found to cause low product conversion. A pyridine-containing test substrate is selected as representative of heterocyclic scaffolds that are hypothesized to cause catalyst arrest. We pursue two approaches in parallel that allow product conversion in this representative system: Lewis acids are found to be effective in situ blocking groups for the Lewis basic site, and a pre-formed pyridine N-oxide is shown to enable high yield of allylic C-H acetoxylation. Computational studies with density functional theory (M06) of binding affinities of selected heterocycles to Pd(OAc)2 provide an inverse correlation of the computed heterocycle-Pd(OAc)2 binding affinities with the experimental conversions to products. Additionally, 1H NMR binding studies provide experimental support for theoretical calculations.

Simplified aminocoumarin analogues as anticancer agents: Amino isosteric replacement in the noviose moiety resulted in substantial enhancement of antiproliferative activity

Abstract Simplified aminocoumarin analogues, either noviosylated or simple basic heterocycle attached 3-amido-coumarin compounds, are known to be promising anticancer agents targeting the C-terminal ATP-binding site of Hsp90. In this study, 3′-amino isosteric replacement in the noviose moiety of two known noviose containing Hsp90 C-terminal inhibitors was synthetically realized for the first time. In vitro evaluation of these compounds suggested that the introduction of a basic amino group into the noviose subunit resulted in significant improvement of their cytotoxicities.