Synthesis and investigation on optical and electrochemical properties of 2,4-diaryl-9-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroacridines

Metal-free synthesis of functionalized tacrine derivatives and their evaluation for acetyl/butyrylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition

A mild and greener protocol was developed for C-C (C(sp3)-H functionalization) and C-N bond formation to synthesize functionalized tacrine derivatives using a biodegradable and reusable deep eutectic solvent [(DES) formed from N,N'-dimethyl urea and L-(+)-tartaric acid in a 3 : 1 ratio at 80 °C]. The condensation of 9-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridines with a variety of aromatic aldehydes gave unsaturated compounds via C(sp3)-H functionalization (at the C-4 position) with good yields. The substituted N-aryl tacrine derivatives were obtained from the condensed products of 9-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine with substituted anilines via the nucleophilic substitution reaction (SN2 type) in the DES with good yields. This is the first example of C4-functionalized tacrine derivatives, highlighting the dual capacity of the DES to serve as both a catalyst and a solvent for facilitating C-N bond formation on acridine. The generated compounds were evaluated for acetyl/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. It was found that the majority of the compounds reported here were significantly more potent inhibitors than the standard inhibitor tacrine (AChE IC50 = 203.51 nM; BChE IC50 = 204.01 nM). Among the compounds screened, 8m was found to be more potent with IC50 = 125.06 nM and 119.68 nM towards AChE and BChE inhibition respectively. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the compounds was tested using acarbose as a standard drug (IC50 = 23 100 nM) and compound 8j was found to be active with IC50 = 19 400 nM.

Cross-Coupling Reactions of Polyhalogenated Heterocycles

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of polyhalogenated heterocycles provide a convenient access to multifold arylated and alkynylated ring systems with a broad spectrum of physical and medicinal properties. Products include thiophenes, selenophenes, pyrroles, indoles, furans, benzofurans, pyrazoles, pyridines, quinolines, pyrimidines, pyrazines, naphthyridines, quinoxalines, and others. The regioselectivity of the coupling reactions is controlled by a combination of electronic and steric parameters. While a number of couplings can be carried out essentially under standard conditions, others require the use of more sophisticated ligands and a thorough optimization of the conditions, such as solvent, temperature, or reaction time. The present Account provides a personalized overview of coupling reactions of polyhalogenated heterocycles.

1 Introduction

2 Thiophenes

3 Selenophenes

4 Pyrroles and Indoles

5 Furans and Benzofurans

6 Pyrazoles

7 Pyridines

8 Quinolines

9 Pyrimidines and Pyrazines

10 Naphthyridines and Quinoxalines

11 Miscellaneous

12 Conclusions