Systematic Review on 1,2,3-Oxadiazoles, 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles, and 1,2,5-Oxadiazoles in the Antimycobacterial Drug Discovery

Tuberculosis remains a leading global health threat, exacerbated by the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains. The search for novel therapeutic agents is critical in addressing this challenge. This review systematically summarizes the potential of oxadiazole derivatives as promising candidates in antimycobacterial drug discovery. We focus on various classes of oxadiazoles, especially 1,2,3-oxadiazoles, 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, and 1,2,5-s in structure-activity relationship studies are discussed, emphasizing the mechanisms of antimycobacterial action. Additionally, the synergistic potential of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in enhancing the efficacy of existing tuberculosis treatment with ethionamide is also discussed. By integrating insights from recent research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of oxadiazoles in the fight against tuberculosis, paving the way for future investigations and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

DFT investigations on the influence of stacking on the electronic structure, absorption, and non-linear optical properties of 3,5-bis[4-(4-methylphenylcarbonyloxy)phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazole

CONTEXT

1,2,4-Oxadiazole serves as a fundamental building block driving advancements across diverse scientific and technological arenas, contributing to the creation of innovative materials for various applications including devices, sensors, medications, agrochemicals, and biomedical instruments. Employing density functional theory (DFT) methods, we investigate the impact of different conformers of an oxadiazole substituted derivative, specifically 3,5-bis[4-(4-methylphenylcarbonyloxy)phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazole, in both monomeric and stacked configurations (dimeric and tetrameric). We analyze the electronic structures of various conformers, including assessment of HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, to detect the influence of diverse substituents and stacking arrangements. We have also explored the stability of stacked structure in explicit solvent environment. Additionally, we examine absorption spectra, non-linear optical properties, and electronic circular dichroism to evaluate the potential applications of these molecules in optoelectronic devices. Our calculations showed that all the conformers were thermodynamically stable within an energy difference of 2.64 kcal mol-1. The study also suggests possible application of the material in optical and electronic devices.

METHODS

DFT calculations were carried out using the CAM-B3LYP and wB97XD functionals with a 6-31 + G* all-electron basis set, paired with the SCRF/PCM solvation model, implemented in the Gaussian 09 package. Equilibrium structure was achieved by performing NPT and NVT simulations using the Gromacs package.

Mechanochemical Conditions for Intramolecular N-O Couplings via Rhodium Nitrenoids Generated from N-Acyl Sulfonimidamides

Starting from N-acyl sulfonimidamides, mechanochemically generated rhodium nitrenoids undergo intramolecular N-O couplings to provide unprecedented 1,3,2,4-oxathiadiazole 3-oxides in good to excellent yields. The cyclization proceeds efficiently with a catalyst loading of only 0.5 mol % in the presence of phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA) as oxidant. Neither an inert atmosphere nor additional heating is required in this solvent-free procedure. Under heat or blue light, the newly formed five-membered heterocycles function as nitrene precursors reacting with sulfoxides as exemplified by the imidation of dimethyl sulfoxide.

Aqueous degradation of tioxazafen: Kinetics, products, pathways, and toxicity

Tioxazafen (TXF) is the first 1,2,4-oxadiazole nematicide. In the present study, the aqueous degradation of TXF was investigated in terms of hydrolysis and photolysis. Under the irradiation of simulated sunlight, TXF degraded very fast in ultrapure water and buffers with half-lives (t1/2s) <8.3 min. A sole photoproduct (PP) PP228a was isolated, and identified by spectroscopic means (UV, IR, HRMS, and 1H NMR) to be the thiophen-3-yl isomer converted from its thiophen-2-yl parent. Comparing with TXF, PP228a had quite extended t1/2s ranging from 6.9 to 7.9 d. The photolysis kinetics of TXF and PP228a showed no pH-dependence, and varied for each individual compound as affected by nitrate, fulvic acid, and humic acid. Besides, both compounds were hydrolytically stable. 6 PPs of PP228a were identified, with two of them being its isomers. The mechanisms involved in the process included the biradical photosensitization, photoinduced electron transfer, and ring contraction-ring expansion reactions. The 48 h-EC50 to Daphnia magna was 0.808 mg/L for PP228a comparing to >1.12 mg/L for TXF, while the results of Vibrio fischeri assays indicated that one or more PPs of PP228a might have higher toxicity.

I2-catalyzed tandem sp3 C-H oxidation and annulation of aryl methyl ketones with amidoximes for the synthesis of 5-aroyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

A metal-free, iodine-catalyzed protocol has been developed for constructing biologically significant 5-aroyl 1,2,4-oxadiazole scaffolds using aryl methyl ketones and amidoximes. The strategy produces structurally diverse 5-aroyl 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in good to excellent yields, with a broad substrate scope that includes drug derived substrates. The reaction proceeds through iodine/DMSO-mediated oxidation of aryl methyl ketones, followed by imine formation and subsequent cyclization to yield the desired products. Additionally, this protocol has successfully produced the carbonyl analogs of ataluren and tioxazafen and has facilitated some intriguing late-stage transformations.

BSA Binding and Aggregate Formation of a Synthetic Amino Acid with Potential for Promoting Fibroblast Proliferation: An In Silico, CD Spectroscopic, DLS, and Cellular Study

This study presents the chemical synthesis, purification, and characterization of a novel non-natural synthetic amino acid. The compound was synthesized in solution, purified, and characterized using NMR spectroscopy, polarimetry, and melting point determination. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated its ability to form aggregates with an average size of 391 nm, extending to the low micrometric size range. Furthermore, cellular biological assays revealed its ability to enhance fibroblast cell growth, highlighting its potential for tissue regenerative applications. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy showed the ability of the synthetic amino acid to bind serum albumins (using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model), and CD deconvolution provided insights into the changes in the secondary structures of BSA upon interaction with the amino acid ligand. Additionally, molecular docking using HDOCK software elucidated the most likely binding mode of the ligand inside the BSA structure. We also performed in silico oligomerization of the synthetic compound in order to obtain a model of aggregate to investigate computationally. In more detail, the dimer formation achieved by molecular self-docking showed two distinct poses, corresponding to the lowest and comparable energies, with one pose exhibiting a quasi-coplanar arrangement characterized by a close alignment of two aromatic rings from the synthetic amino acids within the dimer, suggesting the presence of π-π stacking interactions. In contrast, the second pose displayed a non-coplanar configuration, with the aromatic rings oriented in a staggered arrangement, indicating distinct modes of interaction. Both poses were further utilized in the self-docking procedure. Notably, iterative molecular docking of amino acid structures resulted in the formation of higher-order aggregates, with a model of a 512-mer aggregate obtained through self-docking procedures. This model of aggregate presented a cavity capable of hosting therapeutic cargoes and biomolecules, rendering it a potential scaffold for cell adhesion and growth in tissue regenerative applications. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of this synthetic amino acid for tissue regenerative therapeutics and provide valuable insights into its molecular interactions and aggregation behavior.

Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds as PPAR-α ligand agonists: a new strategy for the design of antitumour compounds

Modulation of PPAR-α by natural ligands is a novel strategy for the development of anticancer therapies. A series of 16 compounds based on the structure of 3-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-(thiophen-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (natural compound) with antitumour potential were designed and synthesised. The cytotoxicity and PPAR agonist activity of these synthetic 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were evaluated in the A-498 and DU 145 tumour cell lines. Preliminary biological evaluation showed that most of these synthetic 1,2,4-oxadiazoles are less cytotoxic (sulforhodamine B assay) than the positive control WY-14643. Regarding the PPAR-α modulation, compound 16 was the most active, with EC50 = 0.23-0.83 μM (PPAR-α). Additionally, compound 16 had a similar activity to the natural compound (EC50 = 0.18-0.77 μM) and was less toxic in the RPTEC and WPMY-1 cell lines (non-tumour cells) (CC50 = 81.66-92.67 μM) than the natural compound. Looking at the link between chemical structure and activity, our study demonstrates that changes to the natural 1,2,4-oxadiazole at the level of the thiophenyl residue can lead to new agonists of PPAR-α with promising anti-tumour activity.

Expanding the Library of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives: Discovery of New Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) Antagonists/Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) Agonists

Compounds featuring a 1,2,4-oxadiazole core have been recently identified as a new chemotype of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists. With the aim to expand this class of compounds and to understand the building blocks necessary to maintain the antagonistic activity, we describe herein the synthesis, the pharmacological evaluation, and the in vitro pharmacokinetic properties of a novel series of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives decorated on the nitrogen of the piperidine ring with different N-alkyl and N-aryl side chains. In vitro pharmacological evaluation showed compounds 5 and 11 as the first examples of nonsteroidal dual FXR/Pregnane X receptor (PXR) modulators. In HepG2 cells, these compounds modulated PXR- and FXR-regulated genes, resulting in interesting leads in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Moreover, molecular docking studies supported the experimental results, disclosing the ligand binding mode and allowing rationalization of the activities of compounds 5 and 11.

Palladium-Mediated Synthesis of [Carbonyl-11C]acyl Amidines from Aryl Iodides and Aryl Bromides and Their One-Pot Cyclization to 11C-Labeled Oxadiazoles

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly valuable imaging technique with many clinical applications. The possibility to study physiological and biochemical processes in vivo also makes PET an important tool in drug discovery. Of importance is the possibility of labelling the compound of interest with a positron-emitting radionuclide, such as carbon-11. Carbonylation reactions with [¹¹C]carbon monoxide ([¹¹C]CO) has been used to label a number of molecules containing a carbonyl derivative, such as amides and esters, with carbon-11. Presented herein is the palladium-mediated carbonylative synthesis of [carbonyl-¹¹C]acyl amidines and their subsequent cyclization to ¹¹C-labeled 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. Starting from amidines, [¹¹C]CO, and either aryl iodides or aryl bromides, [carbonyl-¹¹C]acyl amidines were synthesized and isolated in good to very good radiochemical yields (RCY). The ¹¹C-labeled 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized without the isolation of the intermediate [carbonyl-¹¹C]acyl amidines and isolated in useful RCYs, including the NF-E2-related factor 2 activator DDO-7263. 3-Phenyl-5-(4-tolyl)-1,2,4-(5-¹¹C)oxadiazole was synthesized and isolated with a clinically relevant molar activity. The broadened substrate scope, together with the good RCY and high A_m, demonstrates the utility of this method for the incorporation of carbon-11 into acyl amidines and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, structural motifs of pharmacological interest.

Synthesis, X-ray diffraction analysis, quantum chemical studies and α-amylase inhibition of probenecid derived S-alkylphthalimide-oxadiazole-benzenesulfonamide hybrids

Sulphonamide and 1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties are present as integral structural parts of many drugs and pharmaceuticals. Taking into account the significance of these moieties, we herein present the synthesis, single-crystal X-ray analysis, DFT studies, and α-amylase inhibition of probenecid derived two S-alkylphthalimide-oxadiazole-benzenesulfonamide hybrids. The synthesis has been accomplished in high yields. The final structures of both hybrids have been established completely with the help of different spectro-analytical techniques, including NMR, FTIR, HR-MS, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. In an effort to confirm the experimental findings, versatile quantum mechanical calculations and Hirshfeld Surface analysis have been performed. α-Amylase inhibition assay has been executed to investigate the enzyme inhibitory potential of both hybrids. The low IC50 value (76.92 ± 0.19 μg/mL) of hybrid 2 shows the good α-amylase inhibition potential of the respective compound. Ultimately, the binding affinities and features of the two hybrids are elucidated utilising a molecular docking technique against the α-amylase enzyme.

Heterocyclic Compounds as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors with Special Emphasis on Oxadiazoles as Potent Anti-Diabetic Agents

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, often known as gliptins, have been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They may be combined with other medications as an additional treatment or used alone as a monotherapy. In addition to insulin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and metformin, these molecules appear as possible therapeutic options. Oxadiazole rings have been employed in numerous different ways during drug development efforts. It has been shown that including them in the pharmacophore increases the amount of ligand that may be bound. The exceptional hydrogen bond acceptor properties of oxadiazoles and the distinct hydrocarbon bonding potential of their regioisomers have been established. Beside their anti-diabetic effects, oxadiazoles display a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, we made the assumption that molecules containing oxadiazole rings may afford a different approach to the treatment of diabetes, not only for controlling glycemic levels but also for preventing atherosclerosis progression and other complications associated with diabetes. It was observed that oxadiazole fusion with benzothiazole, 5-(2,5,2-trifluoroethoxy) phenyl, β-homophenylalanine, 2-methyl-2-{5-(4-chlorophenyl), diamine-bridged bis-coumarinyl, 5-aryl-2-(6′-nitrobenzofuran-2′-yl), nitrobenzofuran, and/or oxindole leads to potential anti-diabetic activity.

Antitumoral activity of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles compounds isolated from the Neowerdermannia vorwerkii in liver and colon human cancer cells

Two unknown 1,2,4-oxadiazoles (3-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-(thiophen-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole and 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole) and one known 1,2,4-oxadiazole (5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole) were isolated from tubers of Neowerdermannia vorwerkii, collected from the San Juan Huancollo, Ingavi province, La Paz, Bolivia. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through NMR and HRMS spectroscopic analyses. All compounds showed apoptotic capacity against the SK-HEP-1 and Caco-2 tumour cells. 5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole and 5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2, 4-oxadiazole showed slight apoptotic capacities, with an IC₅₀ between 17.46 ± 0.75 to 15.91 ± 0.62 μM and 39.29 ± 0.98 to 34.81 ± 0.70 μM, respectively. 3-(pyridin-3-yl)-5-(thiophen-3-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole showed a higher apoptotic capacity with an IC₅₀ in the range of 0.98 ± 0.11 to 0.76 ± 0.03 μM, similar to that of the positive control (Dimethylenastron).

Biological activity of oxadiazole and thiadiazole derivatives

Abstract

The 5-membered oxadiazole and thiadiazole scaffolds are the most privileged and well-known heterocycles, being a common and essential feature of a variety of natural products and medicinal agents. These scaffolds take up the center position and are the core structural components of numerous drugs that belong to different categories. These include antimicrobial, anti-tubercular, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiepileptic, antiviral, and anticancer agents. In this review, we mostly talk about the isomers 1,2,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole because they have important pharmacological properties. This is partly because they are chemical and heat resistant, unlike other isomers, and they can be used as bio-isosteric replacements in drug design. We are reviewing the structural modifications of different oxadiazole and thiadiazole derivatives, more specifically, the anti-tubercular and anticancer pharmacological activities reported over the last 5 years, as we have undertaken this as a core area of research. This review article desires to do a thorough study and analysis of the recent progress made in the important biological isomers 1,2,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazol. This will be a great place to start for future research.

Key points

• Five-membered heterocyclic compound chemistry and biological activity recent survey.

• Synthesis and pharmacological evolution of 1,2,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole are discussed in detail.

• The value and significance of heterocyclic compounds in the field of drug designing are highlighted.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11969-0.

A Water Soluble 2-Phenyl-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole Based Probe: Antimicrobial Activity and Colorimetric/Fluorescence pH Response

The growing demand of responsive tools for biological and biomedical applications pushes towards new low-cost probes easy to synthesize and versatile. Current optical probes are theranostic tools simultaneously responsive to biological parameters/analyte and therapeutically operating. Among the optical methods for pH monitoring, simple small organic molecules including multifunctional probes for simultaneous biological activity being highly desired by scientists and technicians. Here, we present a novel pH-responsive probe with a three-ring heteroaromatic pattern and a flexible cationic chain. The novel molecule shows real-time naked-eye colorimetric and fluorescence response in the slightly acidic pH range besides its excellent solubility both in the organic phase and in water. In addition, the small probe shows significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Escherichia coli. Single-crystal X-ray study and density functional theory (DFT) calculations rationalize the molecule spectroscopic response. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) elucidate the interactions between the probe and a model cell membrane.

Electrochemical synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from amidoximes through dehydrogenative cyclization

A convenient and efficient method for the generation of the iminoxy radical through anodic oxidation was developed for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from N-benzyl amidoximes. The transformation proceeds through 1.5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer (1,5-HAT) and intramolecular cyclization. The process features simple operation, mild conditions, broad substrate scope and high functional group compatibility, and provides a facile and practical way for the preparation of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles.

SET activation of nitroarenes by 2-azaallyl anions as a straightforward access to 2,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

The use of nitroarenes as amino sources in synthesis is challenging. Herein is reported an unusual, straightforward, and transition metal-free method for the net [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of 2-azaallyl anions with nitroarenes. The products of this reaction are diverse 2,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles (>40 examples, up to 95% yield). This method does not require an external reductant to reduce nitroarenes, nor does it employ nitrosoarenes, which are often used in N-O cycloadditions. Instead, it is proposed that the 2-azaallyl anions, which behave as super electron donors (SEDs), deliver an electron to the nitroarene to generate a nitroarene radical anion. A downstream 2-azaallyl radical coupling with a newly formed nitrosoarene is followed by ring closure to afford the observed products. This proposed reaction pathway is supported by computational studies and experimental evidence. Overall, this method uses readily available materials, is green, and exhibits a broad scope.

Synthesis of 5-arylacetylenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles and their transformations under superelectrophilic activation conditions

Acetylene derivatives of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, i.e., 5-(2-arylethynyl)-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, have been obtained, for the first time reported, from 5-(2-arylethenyl)-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles by their bromination at the carbon–carbon double bond followed by di-dehydrobromination with NaNH₂ in liquid NH₃. The reaction of the acetylenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with arenes in neat triflic acid TfOH (CF₃SO₃H) at room temperature for 1 h resulted in the formation of E/Z-5-(2,2-diarylethenyl)-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles as products of regioselective hydroarylation of the acetylene bond. The addition of TfOH to the acetylene bond of these oxadiazoles quantitatively resulted in E/Z-vinyl triflates. The reactions of the cationic intermediates have been studied by DFT calculations and the reaction mechanisms are discussed.

Furazans in Medicinal Chemistry

Incorporation of heterocycles into drug molecules can enhance physical properties and biological activity. A variety of heterocyclic groups is available to medicinal chemists, many of which have been reviewed in detail elsewhere. Oxadiazoles are a class of heterocycle containing one oxygen and two nitrogen atoms, available in three isomeric forms. While the 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles have seen widespread application in medicinal chemistry, 1,2,5-oxadiazoles (furazans) are less common. This Review provides a summary of the application of furazan-containing molecules in medicinal chemistry and drug development programs from analysis of both patent and academic literature. Emphasis is placed on programs that reached clinical or preclinical stages of development. The examples provided herein describe the pharmacology and biological activity of furazan derivatives with comparative data provided where possible for other heterocyclic groups and pharmacophores commonly used in medicinal chemistry.

An efficient synthesis tetrazole and oxadiazole analogues of novel 2'-deoxy-C-nucleosides and their antitumor activity

Various tetrazole and oxadiazole C-nucleoside analogues were synthesized starting from pure α- or β-glycosyl-cyanide. The synthesis of glycosyl-cyanide as key precursor was optimized on gram-scale to furnish crystalline starting material for the assembly of C-nucleosides. Oxadizole C-nucleosides were synthesized via two independent routes. First,  the glycosyl-cyanide was converted into an amidoxime which upon ring closure offered an alternative pathway for the assembly of 1,2,4-oxadizoles in an efficient manner. Second, both anomers of glycosyl-cyanide were transformed into tetrazole nucleosides followed by acylative rearrangement to furnish 1,3,4-oxadiazoles in high yields. These protocols offer an easy access to otherwise difficult to synthesize C-nucleosides in good yield and protecting group compatibility. These C-nucleosides were evaluated for their antitumor activity. This work paves a path for facile assembly of library of new chemical entities useful for drug discovery.

New Potential Biologically Active Compounds: Synthesis and Characterization of Urea and Thiourea Derivativpes Bearing 1,2,4-oxadiazole Ring

Background:

Urea, thiourea, and 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds are of great interest due to their different activities such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, fungicidal, herbicidal, diuretic, antihelminthic and antitumor along with antimicrobial activities.

Objective:

In this work, we provide a new series of potential biologically active compounds containing both 1,2,4-oxadiazole and urea/thiouprea moiety.

Materials and Methods:

Firstly, 5-chloromethyl-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles (3a-j) were synthesized from the reaction of different substituted amidoximes (2a-j) and chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of pyridine by conventional and microwave-assisted methods. In the conventional method, 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained in two steps. O-acylamidoximes obtained in the first step at room temperature were heated in toluene for an average of one hour to obtain 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. The yields varied from 70 to 96 %. 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained under microwave irradiation in a single step in a 90-98 % yield at 160 °C in five minutes. 5-aminomethyl-3-aryl-1,2,4- oxadiazoles (5a-j) were obtained by Gabriel amine synthesis in two steps from corresponding 5-chloromethyl-3- aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles. Finally, twenty new urea (6a-j) and thiourea (7a-j) compounds bearing oxadiazole ring were synthesized by reacting 5-aminomethyl-3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with phenyl isocyanate and isothiocyanate in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at room temperature with average yields (40-70%).

Results and Discussions:

An efficient and rapid method for the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from the reaction of amidoximes and acyl halides without using any coupling reagent under microwave irradiation has been developed, and twenty new urea/thiourea compounds bearing 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring have been synthesized and characterized.

Conclusion:

We have synthesized a new series of urea/thiourea derivatives bearing 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring. Also facile synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from amidoximes and acyl chlorides under microwave irradiation was reported. The compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis techniques.

Discovery of highly potent and selective antiparasitic new oxadiazole and hydroxy-oxindole small molecule hybrids

A series of highly active hybrids were discovered as novel antiparasitic agents. Two heterocyclic scaffolds (1,2,4-oxadiazole and 3-hydroxy-2-oxindole) were linked, and the resulting compounds showed in vitro activities against intracellular amastigotes of two protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum. Their cytotoxicity was assessed using HFF-1 fibroblasts and HepG2 hepatocytes. Compounds 5b, 5d, 8h and 8o showed selectivity against L. infantum (IC₅₀ values of 3.89, 2.38, 2.50 and 2.85 μM, respectively). Compounds 4c, 4q, 8a and 8k were the most potent against T. cruzi, exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 6.20, 2.20, 2.30 and 2.20 μM, respectively. Additionally, the most potent anti-T. cruzi compounds showed in vitro efficacies comparable or superior to that of benznidazole. These easy-to-synthesize molecules represent novel chemotypes for the design of potent and selective lead compounds for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis drug discovery.

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Mechanism of DDQ-Mediated Oxidative Cyclization of N-Aroylhydrazones

The controversial single-electron-transfer process, frequently proposed in many 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ)-mediated reactions, was investigated experimentally and theoretically using the oxidative cyclization of aroylhydrazone with DDQ. DDQ-mediated oxadiazole formation involves several processes, including cyclization to form an oxadiazole ring and N-H bond cleavage, either by proton, hydride, or hydrogen atom transfer. The detailed mechanistic study using the M06-2X density functional theory, and the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set, suggests that the pathways involving radical ion pair (RIP) intermediates, which resulted from single-electron transfer (SET), were found to be energetically nearly identical to the pathway without the SET. The substituent-dependent reactivity of oxadiazole formation was consistent with the free energy profiles of both pathways, with or without the SET. This result indicates that in addition to the electron-transfer pathway, the nucleophilic addition/elimination pathway for DDQ should be considered as a possible mechanism of the oxidative transformation reaction using DDQ.

Novel 3'-Substituted-1',2',4'-Oxadiazole Derivatives of 18βH-Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Their O-Acylated Amidoximes: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Potential In Vitro and In Vivo

A series of novel 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives containing 3'-(alkyl/phenyl/pyridin(-2″, -3″, and -4″)-yl)-1',2',4'-oxadiazole moieties at the C-30 position were synthesized by condensation of triterpenoid's carboxyl group with corresponding amidoximes and further cyclization. Screening of the cytotoxicity of novel GA derivatives on a panel of tumor cell lines showed that the 3-acetoxy triterpenoid intermediates-O-acylated amidoxime 3a-h-display better solubility under bioassay conditions and more pronounced cytotoxicity compared to their 1',2',4'-oxadiazole analogs 4f-h (median IC50 = 7.0 and 49.7 µM, respectively). Subsequent replacement of the 3-acetoxy group by the hydroxyl group of pyridin(-2″, 3″, and -4″)-yl-1',2',4'-oxadiazole-bearing GA derivatives produced compounds 5f-h, showing the most pronounced selective toxicity toward tumor cells (median selectivity index (SI) > 12.1). Further detailed analysis of the antitumor activity of hit derivative 5f revealed its marked proapoptotic activity and inhibitory effects on clonogenicity and motility of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells in vitro, and the metastatic growth of B16 melanoma in vivo. Additionally, the comprehensive in silico study revealed intermediate 3d, bearing the tert-butyl moiety in O-acylated amidoxime, as a potent anti-inflammatory candidate, which was able to effectively inhibit inflammatory response induced by IFNγ in macrophages in vitro and carrageenan in murine models in vivo, probably by primary interactions with active sites of MMP9, neutrophil elastase, and thrombin. Taken together, our findings provide a basis for a better understanding of the structure-activity relationship of 1',2',4'-oxadiazole-containing triterpenoids and reveal two hit molecules with pronounced antitumor (5f) and anti-inflammatory (3d) activities.

Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and molecular docking of substituted 3-(2-methylbenzofuran-3-yl)-5-(phenoxymethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

A series of new benzofuran/oxadiazole hybrids (8a-n) was synthesized from 2H-chromene-3-carbonitriles (3a-c) through the multistep synthetic methodology, and these hybrids are known to exhibit anticancer activities. All the compounds were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against the HCT116 and MIA PaCa2 cell lines. Compounds 6a (IC₅₀ : 9.71 ± 1.9 μM), 6b (IC₅₀ : 7.48 ± 0.6 μM), and 6c (IC₅₀ : 3.27 ± 1.1 μM) displayed a significant cytotoxic activity, whereas compounds 8d and 8e exhibited good activity against both cell lines. The depletion of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) induces apoptosis through the inhibition of basal NF-κB activity in HCT116 colon cancer cells and MIA PaCa2 pancreatic cancer cells. Molecular docking of compounds 6a, 6b, 6c, 8d, and 8e with GSK3β demonstrated the best binding affinity, correlating with the biological activity assay. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationship of these novel compounds reveals promising features for their use in anticancer therapy.

Facile synthesis of N-1,2,4-oxadiazole substituted sulfoximines from N-cyano sulfoximines

A divergent approach has been successfully developed for the synthesis of N-1,2,4-oxadiazole substituted sulfoximines starting from N-cyano sulfoximines. This method has a wide degree of substrate scope that includes aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, fluoroalkyl and saturated heterocyclic compounds. Excellent functional group tolerability was also observed. Extension of this methodology to nucleosides, amino acids and dipeptides was found to be successful. A gram scale reaction was also established. The major part of this method is metal free and the utility of environmentally friendly solvents such as 2-methyl THF and ionic liquids is an added advantage.

Metal Complexes of Oxadiazole Ligands: An Overview

Oxadizoles are heterocyclic ring systems that find application in different scientific disciplines, from medicinal chemistry to optoelectronics. Coordination with metals (especially the transition ones) proved to enhance the intrinsic characteristics of these organic ligands and many metal complexes of oxadiazoles showed attractive characteristics for different research fields. In this review, we provide a general overview on different metal complexes and polymers containing oxadiazole moieties, reporting the principal synthetic approaches adopted for their preparation and showing the variety of applications they found in the last 40 years.

Strategies against Nonsense: Oxadiazoles as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs)

This review focuses on the use of oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) to rescue the functional full-length protein expression in mendelian genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. These mutations in specific genes generate premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for the translation of truncated proteins. After a brief introduction on nonsense mutations and their pathological effects, the features of various classes of TRIDs will be described discussing differences or similarities in their mechanisms of action. Strategies to correct the PTCs will be presented, particularly focusing on a new class of Ataluren-like oxadiazole derivatives in comparison to aminoglycosides. Additionally, recent results on the efficiency of new candidate TRIDs in restoring the production of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein will be presented. Finally, a prospectus on complementary strategies to enhance the effect of TRIDs will be illustrated together with a conclusive paragraph about perspectives, opportunities, and caveats in developing small molecules as TRIDs.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles by Tandem Reaction of Nitroalkenes with Arenes and Nitriles in the Superacid TfOH

The tandem reaction of nitroalkenes with arenes and nitriles in the superacid CF₃SO₃H (TfOH) results in the formation of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives in yields up to 96%. This reaction proceeds via the consequent interaction of arenes and nitriles, as nucleophiles, with intermediate cationic species derived by the protonation of nitroalkenes in TfOH. This is novel and general synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, which are very important compounds for medicinal chemistry.