Arylboronic Acids and Arylpinacolboronate Esters in Suzuki Coupling Reactions Involving Indoles. Partner Role Swapping and Heterocycle Protection

Handling fluorinated gases as solid reagents using metal-organic frameworks

Fluorine is an increasingly common substituent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals because it improves the bioavailability and metabolic stability of organic molecules. Fluorinated gases represent intuitive building blocks for the late-stage installation of fluorinated groups, but they are generally overlooked because they require the use of specialized equipment. We report a general strategy for handling fluorinated gases as benchtop-stable solid reagents using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Gas-MOF reagents are prepared on gram-scale and used to facilitate fluorovinylation and fluoroalkylation reactions. Encapsulation of gas-MOF reagents within wax enables stable storage on the benchtop and controlled release into solution upon sonication, which represents a safer alternative to handling the gas directly. Furthermore, our approach enables high-throughput reaction development with these gases.

Sulfonium-based precise alkyl transposition reactions

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a sulfonium-based cofactor, plays an important role in numerous biological processes as methyl donor. Inspired by the function of sulfonium motif in this nature's synthetic toolkit, we here present an aryne-activation strategy that the sulfonium intermediates in situ generated from thioethers display unique reactivity toward alkyl group transposition. Experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the reaction occurs in an intermolecular fashion where the TfO--incorporated [K(18-crown-6)] complex acts as a key promoter for this thermodynamically favored process. Next, a series of robust, easy-to-prepare sulfonium salts are designed and developed as electrophilic alkylation reagents accordingly. Both systems feature for broad scope, excellent selectivity, and simple operation. Moreover, we highlight the synthetic value through molecular editing and late-stage modification of complex scaffolds or even active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Synthesis of C7-Functionalized Indoles through an Aromaticity Destruction-Reconstruction Process

A process for the synthesis of C7-functionalized indoles using para-substituted 2-alkynylanilines as starting materials was reported. The process involves a dearomatization, an 1,2-addition by organic lithium or Grignard reagents, an aromatization-driven allylic rearrangement, and a cyclization. A variety of groups including alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups were selectively installed at the C7 site of indoles leading to the formation of 2,5,7-trisubstituted indoles.

A regioselective C7 bromination and C7 palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling arylation of 4-substituted NH-free indazoles

A direct and efficient regioselective C7-bromination of 4-substituted 1H-indazole has been achieved. Subsequently, a successful palladium-mediated Suzuki–Miyaura reaction of C7-bromo-4-substituted-1H-indazoles with boronic acids has been performed under optimized reaction conditions. A series of new C7 arylated 4-substituted 1H-indazoles was obtained in moderate to good yields.

A regioselective C7-bromination of 4-substituted 1H-indazoles followed by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction with boronic acids is described.

Efficient microwave-assisted Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of 3-bromo pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-one: towards a new access to 3,5-diarylated 7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives

A convenient and efficient synthetic route to C3-arylated 7-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives has been reported starting from 3-bromo-7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one through a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. The arylation (heteroarylation) strategy can be performed using a wide variety of aryl and heteroaryl boronic acids and requiring a tandem catalyst XPhosPdG2/XPhos to avoid the debromination reaction. These optimized conditions were successfully extended to the synthesis of 7-, 8- and 9-arylated pyrimido[1,2-b]indazol-2-ones from their corresponding brominated starting materials. Furthermore, the second C-5 arylation of C3-arylated pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-ones was achieved under standard Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling conditions, after activating the C–O bond of the lactam function with PyBroP, giving access to a small library of 3,5-diarylated 7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in good to excellent yields. The interest of this approach has been highlighted by the synthesis of a known anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, a preliminary biological evaluation has revealed that a number of derivatives display micromolar IC₅₀ values against monoamine oxidase B, an important target in the field of neurodegenerative disorders.

A convenient and efficient synthetic route to C3-arylated 7-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives has been reported starting from 3-bromo-7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-one through a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Highly Chemoselective Reduction of Isatins: Synthesis of Indolin-3-ones and Indolines

A chemo- and site-selective reduction reaction of isatin derivatives using catalyst B(C₆F₅)₃ and hydrosilanes is described. This transformation is operationally simple, proceeds under mild conditions, and is resistant to various functional groups. Thus, this efficient reaction using a combination of B(C₆F₅)₃ and BnMe₂SiH or B(C₆F₅)₃ and Et₂SiH₂ could potentially be utilized to produce various indolin-3-ones and indolines, without the need for multistep procedures and metal catalysis conditions.

Synthesis of Tridentate [1,2,4] Triazinyl-Pyridin-2-yl Indole Lewis Basic Complexants via Pd-Catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling

Full closure of the nuclear fuel cycle is predicated, in part, on defining efficient separations processes for the effective speciation of the neutron-absorbing lanthanides from the minor actinides post-PUREX. Pursuant to the aforementioned, a class of tridentate, Lewis basic procomplexants have been prepared leveraging a Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling between 6-bromo-[1,2,4]-triazinylpyridine derivatives and various protected indole-boronic acids to afford functionalized 2-[6-(5,6-diphenyl-[1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)-pyridin-2-yl]-1H-indoles. A highly active catalyst/ligand system with low loadings was employed rapidly affording 26 examples in yields as high as 85%. Method optimization, substrate and indole scope, comparative analysis between coupling reagents, and a scale-up experiment are reported.

Improvement of Aglycone π-Stacking Yields Nanomolar to Sub-nanomolar FimH Antagonists

Antimicrobial resistance has become a serious concern for the treatment of urinary tract infections. In this context, an anti-adhesive approach targeting FimH, a bacterial lectin enabling the attachment of E. coli to host cells, has attracted considerable interest. FimH can adopt a low/medium-affinity state in the absence and a high-affinity state in the presence of shear forces. Until recently, mostly the high-affinity state has been investigated, despite the fact that a therapeutic antagonist should bind predominantly to the low-affinity state. In this communication, we demonstrate that fluorination of biphenyl α-d-mannosides leads to compounds with perfect π-π stacking interactions with the tyrosine gate of FimH, yielding low nanomolar to sub-nanomolar K_D values for the low- and high-affinity states, respectively. The face-to-face alignment of the perfluorinated biphenyl group of FimH ligands and Tyr48 was confirmed by crystal structures as well as ¹ H,¹⁵ N-HSQC NMR analysis. Finally, fluorination improves pharmacokinetic parameters predictive for oral availability.

Synthesis of 4-substituted pyrazole-3,5-diamines via Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and iron-catalyzed reduction

A general and efficient synthesis of 4-substituted-1H-pyrazole-3,5-diamines was developed to access derivatives with an aryl, heteroaryl, or styryl group, which are otherwise relatively difficult to prepare. The first step is based on the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction utilizing the XPhos Pd G2 precatalyst. The coupling reactions of 4-bromo-3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrazole with the electron-rich/deficient or sterically demanding boronic acids enabled the production of the corresponding dinitropyrazoles. The subsequent iron-catalyzed reduction of both nitro groups with hydrazine hydrate accomplished the synthesis. The additional demethylation of the 4-methoxystyryl derivative allowed the production of the carboanalog of CAN508 reported as a selective CDK9 inhibitor.

Prodruggability of carbohydrates — oral FimH antagonists

The bacterial lectin FimH is a promising therapeutic target for the nonantibiotic prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. In this communication, an ester prodrug approach is described to achieve oral bioavailability for FimH antagonists. By introducing short-chain acyl promoieties at the C-6 position of a biphenyl α-d-mannopyranoside, prodrugs with an excellent absorption potential were obtained. The human carboxylesterase 2 was identified as a main enzyme mediating rapid bioconversion to the active principle. Despite their propensity to hydrolysis within the enterocytes during absorption, these ester prodrugs present a considerable progress in the development of orally available FimH antagonists.

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Amino Skipped Diynes

The Cu-catalyzed synthesis of nonracemic 3-amino skipped diynes via an enantiodetermining C-C bond formation is described using StackPhos as ligand. Despite challenging issues of reactivity and stereoselectivity inherent to these chiral skipped diynes, the reaction tolerates an extremely broad substrate scope with respect to all components and provides the title compounds in excellent enantiomeric excess. The alkyne moieties are demonstrated here to be useful synthetic handles, and 3-amino skipped diynes are convenient building blocks for enantioselective synthesis.

FimH antagonists: bioisosteres to improve the in vitro and in vivo PK/PD profile

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), predominantly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), belong to the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide. The attachment of UPEC to host cells is mediated by FimH, a mannose-binding adhesin at the tip of bacterial type 1 pili. To date, UTIs are mainly treated with antibiotics, leading to the ubiquitous problem of increasing resistance against most of the currently available antimicrobials. Therefore, new treatment strategies are urgently needed. Here, we describe the development of an orally available FimH antagonist. Starting from the carboxylate substituted biphenyl α-d-mannoside 9, affinity and the relevant pharmacokinetic parameters (solubility, permeability, renal excretion) were substantially improved by a bioisosteric approach. With 3'-chloro-4'-(α-d-mannopyranosyloxy)biphenyl-4-carbonitrile (10j) a FimH antagonist with an optimal in vitro PK/PD profile was identified. Orally applied, 10j was effective in a mouse model of UTI by reducing the bacterial load in the bladder by about 1000-fold.

A convenient eco-friendly system for the synthesis of 5-sulfenyl tetrazole derivatives of indoles and pyrroles employing CeCl3·7H2O in PEG-400

The use of CeCl₃·7H₂O in PEG-400 for the convenient synthesis of 5-sulfenyl tetrazoles derived from indoles and pyrroles, is reported. The scope and limitations of the transformation were also studied.

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of unprotected, nitrogen-rich heterocycles: substrate scope and mechanistic investigation

The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of unprotected, nitrogen-rich heterocycles using precatalysts P1 or P2 is reported. The procedure allows for the reaction of variously substituted indazole, benzimidazole, pyrazole, indole, oxindole, and azaindole halides under mild conditions in good to excellent yields. Additionally, the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of unprotected azoles on Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions is described based on evidence gained through experimental, crystallographic, and theoretical investigations.

Synthesis of new quinolinequinone derivatives and preliminary exploration of their cytotoxic properties

A series of 7-amino- and 7-acetamidoquinoline-5,8-diones with aryl substituents at the 2-position were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as potential NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) -directed antitumor agents. The synthesis of lavendamycin analogues is illustrated. Metabolism studies demonstrated that 7-amino analogues were generally better substrates for NQO1 than 7-amido analogues, as were compounds with smaller heteroaromatic substituents at the C-2 position. Surprisingly, only two compounds, 7-acetamido-2-(8'-quinolinyl)quinoline-5,8-dione (11) and 7-amino-2-(2-pyridinyl)quinoline-5,8-dione (23), showed selective cytotoxicity toward the NQO1-expressing MDA468-NQ16 breast cancer cells versus the NQO1-null MDA468-WT cells. For all other compounds, NQO1 protected against quinoline-5,8-dione cytotoxicity. Compound 22 showed potent activity against human breast cancer cells expressing or not expressing NQO1, with respective IC50 values of 190 nM and 140 nM and a low NQO1-mediated reduction rate, which suggests that the mode of action of 22 differs from that of lavendamycin and involves an unidentified target(s).

Discovery of novel α₁-adrenoceptor ligands based on the antipsychotic sertindole suitable for labeling as PET ligands

The synthesis and in vitro preclinical profile of a series of 5-heteroaryl substituted analogs of the antipsychotic drug sertindole are presented. Compounds 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-5-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-indole (Lu AA27122, 3i) and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-3-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)-1H-indole (3l) were identified as high affinity α(1A)-adrenoceptor ligands with K(i) values of 0.52 and 0.16 nM, respectively, and with a >100-fold selectivity versus dopamine D(2) receptors. Compound 3i showed almost equal affinity for α(1B)- (K(i)=1.9 nM) and α(1D)-adrenoceptors (K(i)=2.5 nM) as for α(1A), as well as moderate affinity for 5-HT(1B) (K(i)=13 nM) and 5-HT(6) (K(i)=16 nM) receptors, whereas 3l showed >40-fold selectivity toward all other targets tested. Based on in vitro assays for assessment of permeability rates and extent, it is predicted that both compounds enter the brain of rats, non-human primates, as well as humans, and as such are good candidates to be carried forward for further evaluation as positron emission tomography (PET) ligands.

Scope of the two-step, one-pot palladium-catalyzed borylation/Suzuki cross-coupling reaction utilizing bis-boronic acid

The use of bis-boronic acid for the direct synthesis of boronic acids has greatly facilitated the two-step, one-pot borylation/Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between aryl and heteroaryl halides. With use of Buchwald's second-generation XPhos preformed catalyst, high yields of cross-coupled products were obtained for most substrates. The method also allows an efficient two-step, one-pot synthesis, providing access to three distinct cross-coupled products after column chromatography. The method also provides a rapid and convenient route to teraryl compounds.

FimH antagonists: structure-activity and structure-property relationships for biphenyl α-D-mannopyranosides

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which encode filamentous surface-adhesive organelles called type 1 pili. FimH is located at the tips of these pili. The initial attachment of UPEC to host cells is mediated by the interaction of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of FimH with oligomannosides on urothelial cells. Blocking these lectins with carbohydrates or analogues thereof prevents bacterial adhesion to host cells and therefore offers a potential therapeutic approach for prevention and/or treatment of UTIs. Although numerous FimH antagonists have been developed so far, few of them meet the requirement for clinical application due to poor pharmacokinetics. Additionally, the binding mode of an antagonist to the CRD of FimH can switch from an in-docking mode to an out-docking mode, depending on the structure of the antagonist. In this communication, biphenyl α-D-mannosides were modified to improve their binding affinity, to explore their binding mode, and to optimize their pharmacokinetic properties. The inhibitory potential of the FimH antagonists was measured in a cell-free competitive binding assay, a cell-based flow cytometry assay, and by isothermal titration calorimetry. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic properties such as log D, solubility, and membrane permeation were analyzed. As a result, a structure-activity and structure-property relationships were established for a series of biphenyl α-D-mannosides.

The Suzuki reaction applied to the synthesis of novel pyrrolyl and thiophenyl indazoles

The paper describes the Suzuki cross-coupling of a variety of N and C-3 substituted 5-bromoindazoles with N-Boc-2-pyrrole and 2-thiopheneboronic acids. The reactions, performed in the presence of K(2)CO(3), dimethoxyethane and Pd(dppf)Cl(2) as catalyst, gave the corresponding adducts in good yields. The methodology allows the facile production of indazole-based heteroaryl compounds, a unique architectural motif that is ubiquitous in biologically active molecules.

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 3-pyridyl triflates with 1-alkenyl-2-pinacol boronates

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-type couplings of 3-pyridyl triflates with alkenyl pinacol boronates proceed in good to excellent yield. Optimized conditions use Pd(PPh(3))(4) (10 mol %) as catalyst with K(3)PO(4) (3 equiv) as base in dioxane.

Design and synthesis of substrate mimetics based on an indole scaffold: potential inhibitors of 17β-HSD type 1

BACKGROUND

Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1) acts at a pre-receptor level. It catalyzes NADPH-dependent reduction of the weak estrogen estrone into the most potent estrogen estradiol, which exerts its proliferative effects via estrogen receptors. Overexpression of 17β-HSD1 in estrogen-responsive tissues is related to the development of hormone-dependent diseases, such as breast cancer and endometriosis. 17β-HSD1 thus represents an attractive target for development of new drugs.

METHODS

We designed and synthesized a series of 3-, 5- and 6-phenyl indole derivatives as mimetics of the steroid substrate estrone. All of these compounds were evaluated for inhibition of recombinant human 17β-HSD1 from Escherichia coli, at concentrations of 0.6 μM and 6.0 μM.

RESULTS

Among 14 indole derivatives, compound 9 was an initial hit inhibitor of 17β-HSD1, with moderate inhibition (64% at 6 μM). Molecular docking into the crystal structure of 17β-HSD1 (1A27) revealed that this 5-phenyl indole derivative binds to 17β-HSD1 similarly to co-crystalized E2. Compound 9 forms two H-bonds with 17β-HSD1: one between the indole nitrogen and His222, and the second between the phenolic OH group and catalytic Tyr155.

CONCLUSIONS

The indole scaffold is one of the possible starting points for the design of substrate mimetics of the steroid substrate estrone. Our study shows that these 6- and, especially, 5-phenol indole derivatives can act as moderate inhibitors of 17β-HSD1. Based on inhibition assays and docking simulations, we can infer further improvements of the 5-phenol indole derivatives that might result in better inhibition profiles.

Indol-2-yl ethanones as novel indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a heme dioxygenase which has been shown to be involved in the pathological immune escape of diseases such as cancer. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of a novel series of IDO inhibitors based on the indol-2-yl ethanone scaffold is described. In vitro and in vivo biological activities have been evaluated, leading to compounds with IC(50) values in the micromolar range in both tests. Introduction of small substituents in the 5- and 6-positions of the indole ring, indole N-methylation and variations of the aromatic side chain are all well tolerated. An iron coordinating group on the linker is a prerequisite for biological activity, thus corroborating the virtual screening results.

Scope of the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of potassium heteroaryltrifluoroborates

A wide variety of bench-stable potassium heteroaryltrifluoroborates were prepared, and general reaction conditions were developed for their cross-coupling to aryl and heteroaryl halides. The cross-coupled products were obtained in good to excellent yields. This method represents an efficient and facile installation of heterocyclic building blocks onto preexisting organic substructures.

Palladium- and nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings of unsaturated halides bearing relatively acidic protons with organozinc reagents

A wide range of polyfunctional aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, and benzylic zinc reagents were coupled with unsaturated aryl halides bearing an acidic NH or OH proton, using Pd(OAc)2 (1 mol %) and S-Phos (2 mol %) as catalyst without the need of protecting groups. A similar nickel-catalyzed reaction is described. The relative kinetic basicity of organozinc compounds as well as their stability toward acidic protons is also described.

Highly efficient Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of heterocyclic substrates through rational reaction design

A dicyclohexyl(2-sulfo-9-(3-(4-sulfophenyl)propyl)-9H-fluoren-9-yl)phosphonium salt was synthesized in 64% overall yield in three steps from simple commercially available starting materials. The highly water-soluble catalyst obtained from the corresponding phosphine and [Na(2)PdCl(4)] enabled the Suzuki coupling of a broad variety of N- and S-heterocyclic substrates. Chloropyridines (-quinolines) and aryl chlorides were coupled with aryl-, pyridine- or indoleboronic acids in quantitative yields in water/n-butanol solvent mixtures in the presence of 0.005-0.05 mol % of Pd catalyst at 100 degrees C, chloropurines were quantitatively Suzuki coupled in the presence of 0.5 mol % of catalyst, and S-heterocyclic aryl chlorides and aryl- or 3-pyridylboronic acids required 0.01-0.05 mol % Pd catalyst for full conversion. The key to the high activity of the Pd-phosphine catalyst is the rational design of the reaction parameters (i.e., the presence of water in the reaction mixture, good solubility of reactants and catalyst in n-butanol/water (3:1), and the electron-rich and sterically demanding nature of the phosphine ligand).

Negishi cross-couplings of unsaturated halides bearing relatively acidic hydrogen atoms with organozinc reagents

A wide range of polyfunctional aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, and benzylic zinc reagents were coupled with unsaturated halides bearing an acidic NH or OH function, using Pd(OAc)(2) (1 mol %) and S-Phos (2 mol %) as catalyst without the need of protecting groups.