Total Syntheses of Taliscanine, Velutinam, and Enterocarpam II

Visible light-driven photocatalytic sulfonative oxidation of benzyl secondary amines

A method for the α-oxidation and sulfonation of benzyl secondary amines was developed utilizing Ir(III) or Eosin Y as the photocatalyst in the presence of O2 as a green oxidant. Using commercial substrates, 37 products from cyclic and acyclic benzylamines were achieved with good functional group compatibility in 48-87% yields. Furthermore, tetrahydroisoquinoline protected by an Ac or a Boc group was oxidized under standard conditions.

Preparation of Aminals under Continuous Flow Conditions

A laboratory experiment was developed for the continuous flow preparation of an aminal derived from the condensation of furfural with morpholine. The experiment introduces the students to concepts of green chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and continuous flow. A cheap and easy setup allows the heterogeneous catalyst reactor to be built in class. The use of furfural reinforces the importance of green chemistry by using one of the key synthons obtained from biomass.

A deconstruction-reconstruction strategy to access 1-naphthol derivatives: application to the synthesis of aristolactam scaffolds

A deconstruction-reconstruction strategy for the synthesis of multisubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is delineated herein. The deconstruction step enables the synthesis of o-cyanomethylaroyl fluorides that are bifunctional substrates holding both a pro-nucleophile and an electrophile. The construction step involves a formal [4 + 2] benzannulation using o-cyanomethylaroyl fluorides and active methylenes. The utility of this synthetic method is also demonstrated by the synthesis of a tetracyclic aristolactam derivative.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydroboration Reaction of Novel Methylene Isoindolinone Compounds through Microwave Irradiation and Their Antileishmanial and Antitoxoplasma Activities

The aim of this study was devoted into molecular docking calculations to discover the potential antileishmania and antitoxoplasma activities of newly synthesized compounds obtained by applying a practical and simple method under microwave irradiation. All these compounds were tested in vitro for their biological activity against Leishmania major promastigotes, amastigotes, and Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Compounds 2a, 5a, and 5e were the most active against both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes, with IC₅₀ values of less than 0.4 μM mL^-1. Compounds 2c, 2e, 2h, and 5d had a strong antitoxoplasma activity of less than 2.1 μM mL^-1 against T. gondii. We can conclude that aromatic methyleneisoindolinones are potently active against both L. major and T. gondii. Further studies for mode of action evaluation are recommended. Compounds 5c and 5b are the best drug candidates for antileishmania and antitoxoplasma due to their SI values being over 13. The docking studies of compounds 2a-h and 5a-e against pteridine reductase 1 and T. gondii enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase reveal that compound 5e may be an effective antileishmanial and antitoxoplasma drug discovery initiative.

Synthesis of 3-(2-oxopropyl)-2-arylisoindolinone derivatives via a three-component reaction of diaryliodonium salts with 2-formylbenzonitriles and phenylacetylenes

A copper-catalyzed multicomponent cascade cyclization using readily available substrates, including 2-formylbenzonitriles, phenylacetylenes, and diaryliodonium salts, is achieved. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility, giving rise to a range of 3-(2-oxopropyl)-2-arylisoindolinones in moderate to good yields.

First Total Syntheses of Natural Phenanthrene Alkaloids, Uvariopsamine, Noruvariopsamine, 8-Hydroxystephenanthrine, 8-Methoxyuvariopsine, Thalihazine, and Secophoebine, and Their Potential as Antimalarial Agents

The first total syntheses of natural phenanthrene alkaloids, namely, uvariopsamine (1), noruvariopsamine (2), 8-hydroxystephenanthrine (3), 8-methoxyuvariopsine (4), thalihazine (5), and secophoebine (6), have been realized. In addition, their in vitro antimalarial activity against the multidrug-resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum and in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human nasopharynx carcinoma (KB), small cell lung cancer (NCI-H187), and breast cancer (MCF7) human cancer cell lines were investigated. All the phenanthrene alkaloids showed significant antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ 1.07-7.41 µM), and most compounds displayed low to no toxicity against the three cancer cell lines tested. Particularly, 3 exhibited the best antimalarial activity with an IC₅₀ value of 1.07 µM, no toxicity to NCI-H187 (IC₅₀ > 50 µM), and low toxicity against KB (IC₅₀ 24.53 µM) and MCF7 (IC₅₀ 42.67 µM) cell lines.

Influence of ligand geometry on cholinesterase enzyme - A comparison of 1-isoindolinone based structural analog with Donepezil

Donepezil (DNPZ) is one of the few FDA-approved widely used medication in the clinical care of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. To investigate the effect of geometry and to find the significance of an enol form if any in DNPZ on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, we changed the tetrahedral geometry of DNPZ to planar trigonal pyramidal geometry by replacing the α-carbon atom next to ketone functionality with a nitrogen atom. To mimic 1-indanone in DNPZ, we selected 1-isoindolinone framework to synthesize 25 new DNPZ derivatives and characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy methods. Drug likeliness profile for each compound was predicted using Molinspiration online software following Lipinski's rule. Commercially available assay kits were used to measure AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory effects. NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line was used to measure cytotoxic and proliferation effects using LDH and MTT assay, respectively. Compound #20 was selected for comparative computational docking, modelling and physicochemical studies. Our results show that DNPZ with tetrahedral geometry has 3-fold higher AChE inhibition as compared to compound #20 with planar trigonal pyramidal geometry. Our approach may be useful as a novel indirect method to study the significance of the enol form in DNPZ (or similar compounds), since constant interconversion between the keto and enol forms does not permit a direct determination of the effect of the enol form of DNPZ in vivo. Overall, we conclude that the tetrahedral is a better fit and any change in geometry significantly drives down the cholinesterase inhibitory effect of DNPZ.

Transition metal-free advanced synthetic approaches for isoindolinones and their fused analogues

The transition metal-free synthetic protocols of isoindolinone and its fused analogues are highlighted in this review since 2007 to 2021.

Isoindolinone Synthesis via One-Pot Type Transition Metal Catalyzed C-C Bond Forming Reactions

Isoindolinone structure is an important privileged scaffold found in a large variety of naturally occurring as well as synthetic, biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds. Owing to its crucial role in a number of applications, the synthetic methodologies for accessing this heterocyclic skeleton have received significant attention during the past decade. In general, the synthetic strategies can be divided into two categories: First, direct utilization of phthalimides or phthalimidines as starting materials for the synthesis of isoindolinones; and second, construction of the lactam and/or aromatic rings by different catalytic methods, including C-H activation, cross-coupling, carbonylation, condensation, addition and formal cycloaddition reactions. Especially in the last mentioned, utilization of transition metal catalysts provides access to a broad range of substituted isoindolinones. Herein, the recent advances (2010-2020) in transition metal catalyzed synthetic methodologies via formation of new C-C bonds for isoindolinones are reviewed.

Diastereoselective auxiliary- and catalyst-controlled intramolecular aza-Michael reaction for the elaboration of enantioenriched 3-substituted isoindolinones. Application to the synthesis of a new pazinaclone analogue

A new asymmetric organocatalyzed intramolecular aza-Michael reaction by means of both a chiral auxiliary and a catalyst for stereocontrol is reported for the synthesis of optically active isoindolinones. A selected cinchoninium salt was used as phase-transfer catalyst in combination with a chiral nucleophile, a Michael acceptor and a base to provide 3-substituted isoindolinones in good yields and diastereomeric excesses. This methodology was applied to the asymmetric synthesis of a new pazinaclone analogue which is of interest in the field of benzodiazepine-receptor agonists.

Total synthesis of aristolactam alkaloids via synergistic C-H bond activation and dehydro-Diels-Alder reactions

A concise total synthesis of aristolactam alkaloids by a synergistic combination of C-H bond activation and dehydro-Diels-Alder reactions is described. To achieve the synthesis two new synthetic methodologies, namely the oxidative cyclization of benzamides with vinyl sulfone leading to 3-methyleneisoindolin-1-ones via a ruthenium-catalyzed C-H bond activation, and a dehydro-Diels-Alder reaction followed by the fluoride ion mediated desulfonylation of 3-methyleneisoindolin-1-ones with benzynes, were developed. The method presented allows the opportunity for the construction of all the rings of aristolactams from easily available starting materials.

Heteroannulation enabled by a bimetallic Rh(iii)/Ag(i) relay catalysis: application in the total synthesis of aristolactam BII

A Rh(iii)/Ag(i) relay catalysis allowed the construction of 3-alkylidene isoindolinones and 3-alkylidene isobenzofuranones. The synthetic application in the total synthesis was accomplished.

Tandem C(sp3)-H Arylation/Oxidation and Arylation/Allylic Substitution of Isoindolinones

Isoindolinones comprise an important class of medicinally active compounds. Herein we report a straightforward functionalization of the isoindolinones with aryl bromides (22 examples) using a Pd(OAc)2/NIXANTPHOS-based catalyst system. Additionally 3-aryl 3-hydroxy isoindolinone derivatives, which exhibit anti-tumor activity, can be accessed via a tandem reaction. Thus, when the arylation product is exposed to air under basic conditions, in situ oxidation takes place to install the 3-hydroxyl group. Furthermore, a tandem arylation/allylic substitution reaction is advanced in which both the arylation and allylic substitution are catalyzed by the same palladium catalyst. Finally, a tandem arylation/alkylation procedure is presented. These tandem reactions enable the synthesis of a variety of structurally diverse isoindolinone derivatives from common starting materials.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, and potential antimicrobial and anticancer activities of novel 2-aminoisoindoline-1,3-dione derivatives

In an effort to establish new drug candidates with improved antimicrobial and anticancer activities, we report here synthesis, molecular modeling, and in vitro biological evaluation of novel substituted N-amino phthalamide derivatives (3a-b, 4a-b, 5a-j, and 6). Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were described by IR, (1)H &(13)CNMR and LC-MS spectral data. The novel compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against four types of Gm+ve and two for Gm-ve types, and antifungal activity against three fungi microorganisms by well diffusion method. Of these novel compounds, Schiff bases showed mostly promising antibacterial activity compared to reference drugs. A successful step was done for explanation of their mode of action through molecular docking of most active molecules at DNA gyrase B enzyme and further were biologically tested. Moreover, the antiproliferative activity was tested against two human carcinoma cell lines (Human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7)) showing promising anticancer activity compared to doxorubicin drug. The data from structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that the lypophilic properties of these compounds might be essential parameter for their activity and suggest that 2-amino phthalamide scaffold derivatives 5g and 5h exhibited good antimicrobial and anticancer activities and might used as leads for further optimization.

Asymmetric tandem hemiaminal-heterocyclization-aza-Mannich reaction of 2-formylbenzonitriles and amines using chiral phase transfer catalysis: an experimental and theoretical study

The first asymmetric synthesis of 3-amino-substituted isoindolinones was accomplished via cascade hemiaminal-heterocyclization-intramolecular aza-Mannich reaction of amines and 2-formylbenzonitriles using chiral phase transfer conditions (PTC).

Synthesis, Antimicrobial, Antiquorum-Sensing, and Cytotoxic Activities of New Series of Isoindoline-1,3-dione, Pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoindole, and Pyridine Derivatives

New series of isoindoline-1,3-diones 2-9, pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoindoles 10-14, and pyridines 16-18 were synthesized. Twenty of the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. coli. Compound 5 was proved to be the most active member in this study, showing the highest antibacterial activity against the three selected microorganisms. The antifungal activity of these compounds was also tested against C. albicans and A. flavus 3375. Compounds 4, 5, 8, and 17a exhibited the best antifungal activity against A. flavus 3375. The same compounds were examined for their antiquorum-sensing activity against Ch. violacium ATCC 12472, whereas compound 5 displayed strong antiquorum-sensing activity. The in vitro cytotoxicity testing of compounds 4-9 and 17a against human normal lung fibroblast (W138) cell line revealed that compounds 4, 5, and 8 are the least cytotoxic analogs in this study. In vivo acute toxicity testing of compounds 4, 5, and 8 was performed. The DNA-binding affinity of compounds 4-9 and 17a was also tested and the obtained results showed that all tested compounds have moderate DNA-binding affinity.

Total synthesis of the aristolochic acids, their major metabolites, and related compounds

Plants from the Aristolochia genus have been recommended for the treatment of a variety of human ailments since the time of Hippocrates. However, many species produce the highly toxic aristolochic acids (AAs), which are both nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. For the purposes of extensive biological studies, a versatile approach to the synthesis of the AAs and their major metabolites was devised based primarily on a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. The key to success lies in the preparation of a common ring-A precursor, namely, the tetrahydropyranyl ether of 2-nitromethyl-3-iodo-4,5-methylendioxybenzyl alcohol (27), which was generated in excellent yield by oxidation of the aldoxime precursor 26. Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 27 with a variety of benzaldehyde 2-boronates was accompanied by an aldol condensation/elimination reaction to give the desired phenanthrene intermediate directly. Deprotection of the benzyl alcohol followed by two sequential oxidation steps gave the desired phenanthrene nitrocarboxylic acids. This approach was used to synthesize AAs I-IV and several other related compounds, including AA I and AA II bearing an aminopropyloxy group at position-6, which were required for further conversion to fluorescent biological probes. Further successful application of the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction to the synthesis of the N-hydroxyaristolactams of AA I and AA II then allowed the synthesis of the putative, but until now elusive, N-acetoxy- and N-sulfonyloxy-aristolactam metabolites.

Synthesis of N-aryl substituted, five- and six-membered azacycles using aluminum-amide complexes

N-Aryl substituted, five- and six-membered azacycles, isoindoles and tetrahydroisoquinolines, were synthesized from the reaction of corresponding cyclic ethers (n = 1, 2) with dimethylaluminum-amide reagents.

The chemistry of isoindole natural products

This review highlights the chemical and biological aspects of natural products containing an oxidized or reduced isoindole skeleton. This motif is found in its intact or modified form in indolocarbazoles, macrocyclic polyketides (cytochalasan alkaloids), the aporhoeadane alkaloids, meroterpenoids from Stachybotrys species and anthraquinone-type alkaloids. Concerning their biological activity, molecular structure and synthesis, we have limited this review to the most inspiring examples. Within different congeners, we have selected a few members and discussed the synthetic routes in more detail. The putative biosynthetic pathways of the presented isoindole alkaloids are described as well.

Total synthesis of aristolactams via a one-pot suzuki-miyaura coupling/aldol condensation cascade reaction

A direct one-pot synthesis of phenanthrene lactams, which employs a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling/aldol condensation cascade reaction of isoindolin-1-one with 2-formylphenylboronic acid, has been developed. The approach is used to efficiently produce a number of natural aristolactams, such as aristolactam BII (cepharanone B), aristolactam BIII, aristolactam FI (piperolactam A), N-methyl piperolactam A, and sauristolactam.

Chromene chromium carbene complexes in the syntheses of naphthopyran and naphthopyrandione units present in photochromic materials and biologically active natural products

The carbene complex 5-(2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene)methoxylmethylene chromium pentacarbonyl will undergo a benzannulation reaction with phenylacetylene, 1-pentyne, 3-hexyne, and trimethylsilylacetylene to give 7-hydroxy-10-methoxy-3H-naphtho[2.1-b]pyrans as the primary product. These compounds are difficult to obtain pure due to their sensitivity to air. If the benzannulation reaction is performed in conjunction with protection of the phenol function at C-7, then good to excellent yields of 7-alkoxy-10-methoxy-3H-naphtho[2.1-b]pyrans are afforded. If the 7-hydroxy products are captured by triflic anhydride, then the resulting aryl triflate can be used to access 3H-naphtho[2.1-b]pyrans bearing C-7 carbon substituents. The 7-hydroxy products can be oxidized to 3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-7,10-diones which are stable. The chromenyl carbene complex reacts with 1,6-bis(triisopropylsilyl)-1,3,5-hexatriyne to give a 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzo[de]chromene, a product type that has not been seen before in the reaction of Fischer carbene complexes with alkynes. A mechanism is proposed for this process that involves alpha,beta-hydride elimination from a chromacyclobutane intermediate. Chromenyl tungsten complexes react with alkynes to give products that result from cyclization without CO insertion.