Synthesis of Substituted Imidazoles via Organocatalysis

Tuning Regioselectivity in the [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Sulfonium Salts with Binucleophilic N-Aryl Amidines

A tunable reaction manifold of alkynyl sulfonium salts with binucleophilic N-aryl amidines in the absence of any transition metal catalyst is first reported. This methodology involves sequential addition/cyclization that is perfectly tuned by stepwise addition of K2CO3, affording a plethora of valuable 1,2,4- and 1,2,5-trisubstituted imidazoles in good yields with high regioselectivity. Importantly, trapping and isolation of the reactive intermediate unveiled the reaction mechanism of β-attack on the triple bond in this [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.

Catalytic I2-moist DMSO-mediated synthesis of valuable α-amidohydroxyketones and unsymmetrical gem-bisamides from benzimidates

We developed an efficient and straightforward I₂-catalyzed strategy for the synthesis of functionalized α-amidohydroxyketones and symmetrical and unsymmetrical bisamides using incipient benzimidate scaffolds as starting materials and moist-DMSO as a reagent and solvent. The developed method proceeds through chemoselective intermolecular N-C-bond formation of benzimidates and the α-C(sp³)-H bond of acetophenone moieties. The key advantages of these design approaches include broad substrate scope and moderate yields. High-resolution mass spectrometry of the reaction progress and labeling experiments provided suitable evidence regarding the possible mechanism. ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance titration revealed notable interaction between the synthesized α-amidohydroxyketones and some anions as well as biologically important molecules, which revealed a promising recognition property of these valuable motifs.

Discovery of Potent and Exquisitely Selective Inhibitors of Kinase CK1 with Tunable Isoform Selectivity

Casein kinases 1 (CK1) are key signaling molecules that have emerged recently as attractive therapeutic targets in particular for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Herein, we report the identification of a new class of potent and highly selective inhibitors of CK1α, δ and ϵ. Based on their optimal in vitro and in vivo profiles and their exclusive selectivity, MU1250, MU1500 and MU1742 were selected as quality chemical probes for those CK1 isoforms. At proper concentrations, MU1250 and MU1500 allow for specific targeting of CK1δ or dual inhibition of CK1δ/ϵ in cells. The compound MU1742 also efficiently inhibits CK1α and, to our knowledge, represents the first potent and highly selective inhibitor of this enzyme. In addition, we demonstrate that the central 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-imidazole pharmacophore can be used as the basis of highly selective inhibitors of other therapeutically relevant protein kinases, e.g. p38α, as exemplified by the compound MU1299.

Metal-Free Atom-Economical Synthesis of Tetra-Substituted Imidazoles via Flavin-Iodine Catalyzed Aerobic Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Amidines and Chalcones

Herein, we demonstrated the oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling between amidines and chalcones catalyzed by flavin and iodine. The riboflavin-iodine catalytic system played multiple roles in substrate- and O₂-activation, enabling the facile and atom-economical synthesis of tetra-substituted imidazoles in good yields (60-87%). This metal-free reaction consumed only 1 equiv of molecular oxygen and generated 2 equiv of environmentally benign H₂O as the only byproduct.

Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed Highly Selective 1,3-Insertion Reactions Using N-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-Triazoles with Heteroaryl Ethers or Heteroaryl Alcohols

The transformation of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles via insertion/rearrangement is achieved using 2-hydroxybenzimidazole or 2-alkoxybenzothiazole over 3 mol % Rh₂(Oct)₄ for the synthesis of α-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)amino) ketones or (Z)-2-alkoxy-2-phenylethenamines. This regio- and stereoselective reaction proceeds under mild conditions, is tolerant of functional groups, and has a broad substrate scope. Notably, while the general rhodium-catalyzed reaction involves sigmatropic rearrangement from an allyl vinyl ether, the present synthetic methodology prevents rearrangement owing to the benzimidazole group, allowing access to (Z)-olefins.

A Sensitive Fluorescent Sensor for Highly Sensitive Detection of Water in Organic Solvents Based on Substituted Imidazole

A novel substituted imidazole derivative 1a with carboxyl and quinoline structure has been designed and synthesized. And our initial discovery is that this compound can effectively detect water in ethanol. And the metal in solution couldn't affect the absorption and fluorescence Spectra of 1a. With the addition of water, the energy band appears a red-shift from 330nm to 355nm in the absorption spectra. And the emission spectrum undergoes an important change in its fluorescent effect in the presence of water. Furthermore, absorption peak of 1a displays a red-shift with increasing pH from 2.31 to 10.72. All available data (absorption and emission) strongly support the possible mechanism. Due to the pronounced fluorescence changing property, the substituted imidazole derivative 1a could be utilized as fluorescent probes for detecting water in ethanol.

Recent advances in the synthesis of α-amino ketones

Due to the importance of the amino ketone motif in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, the number of protocols developed in recent years has considerably increased. This review serves to collate and critically evaluate novel methodologies published since 2011 towards this high value synthon. The chapters are divided by the requisite functionality in the starting material, and an emphasis is placed on discussing functional group compatibility and resultant product substitution patterns. Throughout, applications to medicinal targets are highlighted and mechanistic details are presented, and we further provide a short outlook for future development and emerging potential within this area.

Tetrabutylammonium Bromide (TBAB) Catalyzed Synthesis of Bioactive Heterocycles

During the last two decades, tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) has gained significant attention as an efficient metal-free homogeneous phase-transfer catalyst. A catalytic amount of TBAB is sufficient to catalyze various alkylation, oxidation, reduction, and esterification processes. It is also employed as an efficient co-catalyst for numerous coupling reactions. It has also acted as an efficient zwitterionic solvent in many organic transformations under molten conditions. In this review, we have summarized the recent developments on TBAB-catalyzed protocols for the efficient synthesis of various biologically promising heterocyclic scaffolds.

Synthesis of α-Amidoketones through the Cascade Reaction of Carboxylic Acids with Vinyl Azides under Catalyst-Free Conditions

An efficient synthesis of α-amidoketone derivatives through the cascade reactions of carboxylic acids with vinyl azides is presented. Compared with literature protocols, notable features of this new method include catalyst-free conditions, broad substrate scope, good tolerance of a wide range of functional groups, and high efficiency. In addition, the synthetic potential of this method as a tool for late-stage modification was convincingly manifested by its application in the structural elaborations of a number of carboxylic acid drug molecules.

α-Amidoaldehydes as Substrates in Rhodium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkyne Hydroacylation: The Synthesis of α-Amidoketones

We show that readily available α‐amidoaldehydes are effective substrates for intermolecular Rh‐catalyzed alkyne hydroacylation reactions. The catalyst [Rh(dppe)(C₆H₅F)][BAr^F₄] provides good reactivity, and allows a broad range of aldehydes and alkynes to be used as substrates, delivering α‐amidoketone products. High yields and high levels of regioselectivity are achieved. The use of α‐amidoaldehydes as substrates establishes that 1,4‐dicarbonyl motifs can be used as controlling groups in Rh‐catalyzed hydroacylation reactions.

Imines as acceptors and donors in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis

The synthetic potential of imines as electrophiles or as a source of nucleophilic coupling partner in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis for the synthesis of various nitrogen heterocycles and functionalized amines is highlighted in this Feature Article. Electrophilic imines are suitable candidates for intercepting the NHC-derived acyl anions, homoenolate equivalents, and (di)enolates for the synthesis of α-amino ketones and a variety of lactam derivatives. Moreover, enamines generated from imines bearing α-hydrogen could be trapped with α,β-unsaturated acylazoliums for the synthesis of functionalized dihydropyridinones. NHCs are also useful for the umpolung of imines for the generation of aza-Breslow intermediates thus leading to the synthesis of indoles, quinolines, dihydroquinoxalines etc. A concise account of the diverse reactivity of imines in NHC catalysis has been presented.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of bromido[3-ethyl-4-aryl-5-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)-1-propyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(i) complexes

Bromido[3-ethyl-4-aryl-5-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)-1-propyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(i) complexes (8a-h) with methoxy, methyl and fluorine substituents at different positions of the 4-aryl ring were synthesized and characterized. The relevance of the 2-methoxypyridin-5-yl residue and the substituents at the 4-aryl ring with regard to the activity against a series of cell lines was determined. Particularly against the Cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell line A2780cis, the most active bromido[3-ethyl-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)-1-propyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]gold(i) complex 8c was more active than Auranofin. It also inhibited thioredoxin reductase more effectively and induced high amounts of reactive oxygen species in A2780cis cells. Furthermore, its influence on non-cancerous SV 80 lung fibroblasts was lower than that of Auranofin. This fact, together with a high accumulation rate in tumor cells, determined on the example of MCF-7 cells, makes this complex an interesting candidate for further extensive studies.

A new tandem synthesis of bis(β,β'-dialkoxy carbonyl) compounds by oxidative cleavage of aziridines under metal-free conditions

An efficient and new approach has been developed to synthesize bis(β,β'-dialkoxy carbonyl) derivatives through the reaction between N-tosylaziridines and malonate esters under ambient air using tBuOK in DMSO solvent. A plausible reaction pathway has been predicted. Control experiments suggested that the reactions proceed through the formation of α-aminoketones. This reaction offers a broad substrate scope, metal-free synthesis, excellent regioselectivity, easily accessible reactants, and simple operation. A gram-scale synthesis demonstrates the potential applications of the present method.

One-Step Synthesis of 2,5-Diaminoimidazoles and Total Synthesis of Methylglyoxal-Derived Imidazolium Crosslink (MODIC)

Here we describe a general method for the synthesis of 2,5-diaminoimidazoles, which involves a thermal reaction between α-aminoketones and substituted guanylhydrazines without the need for additives. As one of the few known ways to access the 2,5-diaminoimidazole motif, our method greatly expands the number of reported diaminoimidazoles and further supports our previous observations that these compounds spontaneously adopt the non-aromatic 4(H) tautomer. The reaction works successfully on both cyclic and acyclic amino ketone starting materials, as well as a range of substituted guanylhydrazines. Following optimization, the method was applied to the efficient synthesis of the advanced glycation end product (AGE) methylglyoxal-derived imidazolium crosslink (MODIC). We expect that this method will enable rapid access to a variety of biologically important 2,5-diaminoimidazole-containing products.

Programmed synthesis of triarylnitroimidazoles via sequential cross-coupling reactions

Transition-metal-catalyzed programmed sequential arylation of 2-chloro-4-nitro-1H-imidazoles was achieved.

Catalytic Enantioselective Aza-Benzoin Reactions of Aldehydes with 2H-Azirines

The unprecedented enantioselective aza-benzoin reaction of aldehydes with 2H-azirines was developed by utilizing a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene as the catalyst. A wide range of corresponding aziridines can be obtained in good yields with high enantioselectivities. The obtained optically active aziridines should be useful in the synthesis of other valuable molecules.

1,3-Di-n-butylimidazolium tribromide [BBim]Br3: An efficient recyclable catalyst mediated synthesis of N-substituted azepines and their biological evaluation-interaction study with human serum albumin

A majority of previously reported methods suffer from insufficient yields as well as more complicated experimental procedures, a smaller amount of isolated yields involving time-consuming and tiresome work-up with the use of metal catalyst and restricted scope of substrates. To overcome these issues, an environmentally benign, ionic liquid endorsed multi-component protocol to N-substituted azepines has been exploited by means of coupling aromatic amines, dimethyl/diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate, 2,5-dimethoxytetrahydrofuran using 1,3-Di-n-butylimidazolium tribromide [BBim]Br₃. The catalyst can be recycled and reused for subsequent reactions. The reactivated ionic liquid could be further reused twice as an accelerator All the synthesized compounds were further screened for their antimicrobial properties against three gram positive, four gram negative, and five fungal strains with chloromycin, norflaxacin, and fluconazole as reference drugs. Most of the tested compounds presented significant potency, especially, compound 4e displayed significant antibacterial activity (MIC=1-16μg/mL) whereas compound 4k showed momentous antifungal efficacy (MIC=2-32μg/mL). In addition binding behavior of compound 4e was investigated by binding study between calf thymus DNA and compound 4e by UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and further research about HSA interactions were carried out. The observed wavelength showed a constancy thus revealing the occurrence of non-covalent π-π stacking interactions of compound 4e and HSA.

Mechanistic Pathways in Amide Activation: Flexible Synthesis of Oxazoles and Imidazoles

The preparation of substituted aminooxazoles and aminoimidazoles from α-arylamides and α-aminoamides through triflic anhydride-mediated amide activation is reported. These reactions proceed via the intermediacy of nitrilium adducts and feature N-oxide-promoted umpolung of the α-position of amides as well as a mechanistically intriguing sequence that results in sulfonyl migration from nitrogen to carbon. Quantum-chemical mechanistic analysis sheds light on the intricacies of the process.

Recent advances in N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed achiral synthesis

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have emerged as powerful and elegant organocatalysts in a variety of newly developed and unprecedented enantioselective transformations due to their unique umpolung capacity. As a supplement to conventional enantioselective organocatalysis, NHC-induced non-asymmetric catalysis has gradually attracted much interest in recent years. Herein, this review aims to reveal the recent developments in NHC-promoted non-asymmetric umpolung transformations resulting in the expeditious construction of versatile achiral natural heterocycles, carbocycles and acylated products.

Controllable access to multi-substituted imidazoles via palladium(ii)-catalyzed C–C coupling and C–N condensation cascade reactions

A novel and efficient protocol for the controllable synthesis of various di-, tri- and tetra-substituted imidazoles via cascade palladium catalyzed C–C coupling followed by intramolecular C–N bond formation was developed.

Imidazole synthesis by transition metal free, base-mediated deaminative coupling of benzylamines and nitriles

An unprecedented transition metal free, base-mediated deaminative coupling of benzylamines and nitriles is reported. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of 2,4,5-tri-substituted imidazoles with liberation of NH₃.

One-Pot Synthesis of 2,4,5-Trisubstituted Imidazoles via [2 + 2 + 1] Cycloannulation of 1,3-Bishet(aryl)-monothio-1,3-diketones, α-Substituted Methylamines and Sodium Nitrite through α-Nitrosation of Enaminones

An efficient one-pot synthesis of a series of diversely functionalized trisubstituted 4(5)het(aroyl)-2,5(4)-het(aryl)/alkylimidazoles from readily available 1,3-bishet(aryl)monothio-1,3-diketones has been reported. This novel sequential one-pot, three step protocol, wherein three new carbon nitrogen bonds are formed in contiguous fashion, involves in situ generation of enaminones by reaction of monothio-1,3-diketones with α-substituted methylamines, followed by their α-nitrosation with sodium nitrite and subsequent base mediated intramolecular heterocyclization of the resulting α-hydroxyiminoimines to trisubstituted imidazoles in high yields under mild conditions. These newly prepared 4(5)-het(aroyl)-5(4)-het(aryl)/alkylimidazoles are shown to exist as tautomeric mixture, however, their subsequent alkylation with methyl iodide in the presence of potassium carbonate affords 1-N-methy-2,5-bishet(aryl)-4-het(aroyl)imidazoles in highly regioselective fashion in most of the cases. Synthesis of few 4(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5(4)-substituted imidazoles, which are known to be good coordinating ligands, has also been reported. A probable mechanism for the formation of these imidazoles from hydroxyiminoimine intermediates has also been suggested.

N-Bromosuccinimide promoted and base switchable one pot synthesis of α-imido and α-amino ketones from styrenes

An N-Bromosuccinimide (NBS) promoted one pot strategy for the synthesis of α-amino functionalized aryl ketones starting from commercially available styrenes has been developed.

Catalytic transformation of esters of 1,2-azido alcohols into α-amido ketones

The esters of 1,2-azido alcohols were transformed into α-amido ketones without external oxidants through the Ru-catalyzed formation of N–H imines with the liberation of N₂ followed by intramolecular migration of the acyl moiety.

One-pot, two-step conversion of alkynes to α-amino (α,α-diamino) ketones with a DMF-activated N-bromoimide strategy

A simple, one-pot, two-step cascade reaction for the synthesis of α-amino ketones has been developed.