Stereoselective Synthesis of 3,3-Diarylacrylonitriles as Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors

Current advances of tubulin inhibitors as dual acting small molecules for cancer therapy

Microtubule (MT)-targeting agents are highly successful drugs as chemotherapeutic agents, and this is attributed to their ability to target MT dynamics and interfere with critical cellular functions, including, mitosis, cell signaling, intracellular trafficking, and angiogenesis. Because MT dynamics vary in the different stages of the cell cycle, these drugs tend to be the most effective against mitotic cells. While this class of drug has proven to be effective against many cancer types, significant hurdles still exist and include overcoming aspects such as dose limited toxicities and the development of resistance. Newer generations of developed drugs attack these problems and alternative approaches such as the development of dual tubulin and kinase inhibitors are being investigated. This approach offers the potential to show increased efficacy and lower toxicities. This review covers different categories of MT-targeting agents, recent advances in dual inhibitors, and current challenges for this drug target.

Stereoselective synthesis of E-3-(arylmethylidene)-5-(alkyl/aryl)-2(3H)-furanones by sequential hydroacyloxylation-Mizoroki–Heck reactions of iodoalkynes

Stereoselective hydroacyloxylation of iodoalkynes with β-aryl cinnamic acids and subsequent Mizoroki–Heck reaction provides an efficient route to substituted 2(3H)-furanones.

Calcium carbide catalytically activated with tetra-n-butyl ammonium fluoride for Sonogashira cross coupling reactions

We report a novel method for the direct synthesis of mono- and bis-arylated alkynes utilizing catalytically activated CaC₂ as the alkyne component.

Highly diastereoselective addition of alkynylmagnesium chlorides to N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimines: a practical and general access to chiral alpha-branched amines

The addition of alkynylmagnesium chlorides to N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines proceeded with a remarkably high diastereoselectivity (dr > 13:1, mostly diastereopure), and with a general scope of both reaction partners. The high dr translated into simplified purification and higher optical purity for the synthesis of a wide array of chiral alpha-branched amines. The alkyne functionality also provides a multitude of opportunities for further synthetic transformations. The short asymmetric synthesis of (+)-angustureine 7 and (-)-cuspareine 10 was realized with use of this approach.