Domino N2-Extrusion–Cyclization of Alkynylarylketone Derivatives for the Synthesis of Indoloquinolines and Carbocycle-Fused Quinolines

Silver-Catalyzed and Base-Mediated Double Cyclization for the Streamlined Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]naphtho[2,3-d]oxazole from ortho-Alkynylarylketones

We report a novel silver-catalyzed and base-mediated double cyclization strategy for the streamlined synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]naphtho[2,3-d]oxazoles from ortho-alkynylarylketones. The transformation proceeds through an initial ketonization step catalyzed by silver trifluoroacetate (AgTFA), generating a reactive 1,5-diketone intermediate, followed by a sequential double cyclization under basic conditions. This method affords a broad range of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b]naphtho[2,3-d]oxazoles with good functional group tolerance in moderate-to-good yields. Moreover, this methodology also enhances the synthetic utility of ortho-alkynylarylketones, expanding their applicability in constructing diverse fused heterocycles.

Novel access to α-carbolines with biological applications

In recent years, the 9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole nuclei, also named α-carboline which is found in many organic compounds such as natural products, pharmaceuticals, and materials, have intensively stimulated the research of new synthetic pathways. After a brief report published in 2015 describing novel accesses and biological applications of α-carbolines, this update reports between 2015 and 2023 on the emergence of original syntheses to this heterocyclic nucleus. Examples representing these processes are described and the biological activities of α-carbolines are mentioned when they have been prepared for therapeutic purposes.

Indoloquinoline Alkaloids as Antimalarials: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities

Malaria infections affect almost half of the world's population, with over 200 million cases reported annually. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a plant native to West Africa, has long been used across various regions of Africa for malaria treatment. Chemical analysis has revealed that the plant is abundant in indoloquinolines, which have been shown to possess antimalarial properties. Cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, and isocryptolepine are well-studied indoloquinoline alkaloids known for their potent antimalarial activity. However, their structural rigidity and associated cellular toxicity are major drawbacks for preclinical development. This review focuses on the potential of indoloquinoline alkaloids (cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, and isocryptolepine) as scaffolds in drug discovery. The article delves into their antimalarial effects in vitro and in vivo, as well as their proposed mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationship studies. Several studies aim to improve these leads by reducing cytotoxicity while preserving or enhancing antimalarial activity and gaining insights into their mechanisms of action. These investigations highlight the potential of indoloquinolines as a scaffold for developing new antimalarial drugs.

Unveiling Route for the Synthesis of Tröger's Bases Through Azide Rearrangement

This study introduces a novel method for producing Tröger's bases by utilizing the rearrangement chemistry of benzyl azide. This method offers a convenient and adaptable pathway for synthesizing these important molecular structures with potential for further advancements. By reacting benzyl azide derivatives with TfOH under the presence of water, this process generates iminium ion, formaldehyde, and aniline intermediates in situ. Notably, this conversion is reversible under acidic conditions, allowing for the regeneration of the iminium ion and ultimately leading to the formation of the desired Tröger's base product. Additionally, this method could decrease the risk of exposure to an excess amount of formaldehyde.

Synthesis of Tetrahydro-5H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines through Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Aza-o-quinone Methides with Indoles

A variety of tetrahydro-5H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines were prepared in 40-97% yields through a copper(II)-catalyzed cascade reaction of aza-o-quinone methides generated in situ from 2-(chloromethyl)anilines and indoles. Experimental results showed that the reaction underwent double 1,4-additions and sequential intramolecular cyclization. The present method features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and easy gram scalable preparation of indolo[2,3-b]quinolines.

A Compilation of Synthetic Strategies to Access the Most Utilized Indoloquinoline Motifs

Indoloquinoline alkaloids constitute an important class of aromatic heterocycles consisting of quinoline and indole fused together in various orientations. These compounds, both natural and synthetic, often display various bioactivities which have established them to be one of the interesting medicinal targets. This class of compounds have stimulated much interest among synthetic and medicinal chemists as evidenced by growth in the number of synthetic methods to prepare and study this class of alkaloids. This review compiles the synthetic strategies and methods currently known in the literature for the construction of four important indoloquinoline skeletons.

Ag(I)-Catalyzed/Acid-Mediated Cascade Cyclization of ortho-Alkynylaryl-1,3-dicarbonyls to Access Arylnaphthalenelactones and Furanonaphthol Libraries via Aryl-Disengagement

ortho-Alkynylarylketone derivatives were employed as key precursors for a one-pot synthesis of arylnaphthalenelactone and furanonaphthol libraries. In this work, we discovered a cost-effective protocol to prepare arylnaphthalenelactones in one-pot using inexpensive starting material, malonate ester, which was conveniently functionalized leading to a variety of structures. Moreover, we also found an unexpected oxy-dearylation reaction which could be used to synthesize furanonaphthol analogs. These novel methods could be applied to a broad range of substrates to give the corresponding products in up to 83% yield. Notably, these classes of compounds exhibited more significant inhibition against protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) enzyme than a standard compound, ursolic acid.

Triflic acid-mediated N-heteroannulation of β-anilino-β-(methylthio)acrylonitriles: a facile synthesis of 4-amino-2-(methylthio)quinolines

Various functionalised 4-amino-2-(methylthio)quinolines are synthesised through triflic acid-mediated N-heteroannulation of α-functionalized-β-anilino-β-(methylthio)acrylonitriles for the first time. The N-heteroannulation process is highly chemoselective and has mild reaction conditions. However, this process fails in the absence of the β-methylthio group in the acrylonitriles. In addition, a new double N-heteroannulation process is demonstrated to synthesise indolo[3,2-c]quinolines from non-heterocyclic precursors. Natural product isocryptolepine is synthesised in four steps from an acyclic precursor.

Synthesis of Benzoazepine Derivatives via Azide Rearrangement and Evaluation of Their Antianxiety Activities

A new synthetic method for the construction of benzoazepine analogues has been developed employing ortho-arylmethylbenzyl azide derivatives as precursors using an azide rearrangement reaction. In this work, 14 benzoazepine compounds were successfully synthesized in moderate to excellent yields. All synthetic benzoazepines were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against normal human kidney cell line (HEK cell). The results showed that compound 18c had the lowest cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 65.68 μM) among tested compounds, which was comparable with the antianxiety drug diazepam (IC₅₀ = 87.90 μM). Based on the cytotoxicity results, five benzoazepine analogues (compounds 18c, 18h, 18j, 18n, and 18p) were selected to determine the antianxiety effect on stressed rats using elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) methods. Interestingly, compound 18c showed better anxiolytic activity than diazepam without a sedative effect by showing superior hyperlocomotor activity. Therefore, this discovery could pave the way for drug development to treat patients with anxiety disorder.

Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral 4-Aryl α-Carbolines via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

The first catalytic asymmetric construction of axially chiral 4-aryl α-carboline skeletons has been accomplished through an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed atroposelective formal [3 + 3] annulation of 4-nitrophenyl 3-arylpropiolates with 2-sulfonamidoindolines. The synthetic utility of the title compounds has been demonstrated by the diverse late-stage structural modifications. Density functional theory calculations were also conducted to illuminate the key factors for controlling the origin of the enantioselectivity. This strategy not only provides an efficient pathway to access axially chiral α-carboline atropisomers but also offers a novel catalytic enantioselective mode for the construction of axially chiral heterobiaryls by using NHC-bound alkynyl acylazoliums.

PhI(OAc)2-mediated intramolecular oxidative C-N coupling and detosylative aromatization: an access to indolo[2,3-b]quinolines

A PIDA mediated intramolecular oxidative C–N coupling and subsequent detosylative aromatization to afford indolo[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives has been developed. This tandem reaction provided an efficient method for the synthesis of valuable indolo[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives.

Under mild conditions, PIDA mediated oxidant C–N coupling to afford indolo[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives has been developed with a decent substrate scope.

Synthesis of fully substituted pyrazoles from pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates and hydrazonoyl chlorides via a [[3 + 3] - 1] pathway

A novel and practical protocol for the synthesis of fully substituted pyrazoles from pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates and hydrazonoyl chlorides in excellent yields under mild conditions is described. The transformation proceeds via an unusual [[3 + 3] - 1] pathway, which involves a formal [3 + 3] cascade cyclization followed by a spontaneous ring-contraction/sulfur extrusion reaction from 4H-1,3,4-thiadiazine intermediates.

Construction of 5-Aminotetrazoles via in Situ Generation of Carbodiimidium Ions from Ketones Promoted by TMSN3/TfOH

A novel synthetic approach for the synthesis of 5-aminotetrazoles has been developed by employing simple ketones as substrates. This methodology involved the N₂-extrusion/aryl migration of azido complexes as the key step for the in situ generation of carbodiimidium ion, which could further react with hydrazoic acid and cyclize intramolecularly to provide 5-aminotetrazoles in good to excellent yields. In addition, the regioselectivity of the reaction was studied and rationalized by density functional theory calculations.