Discovery and characterization of potent spiro-isoxazole-based cereblon ligands with a novel binding mode

The vast majority of current cereblon (CRBN) ligands is based on the thalidomide scaffold, relying on glutarimide as the core binding moiety. With this architecture, most of these ligands inherit the overall binding mode, interactions with neo-substrates, and thereby potentially also the cytotoxic and teratogenic properties of the parent thalidomide. In this work, by incorporating a spiro-linker to the glutarimide moiety, we have generated a new chemotype that exhibits an unprecedented binding mode for glutarimide-based CRBN ligands. In total, 16 spirocyclic glutarimide derivatives incorporating an isoxazole moiety were synthesized and tested for different criteria. In particular, all ligands showed a favorable lipophilicity, and several were able to outperform the binding affinity of thalidomide as a reference. In addition, all compounds showed favorable cytotoxicity profiles in myeloma cell lines and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The novel binding mode, which we determined in co-crystal structures, provides explanations for these improved properties: The incorporation of the spiro-isoxazole changes both the conformation of the glutarimide moiety within the canonical tri-trp pocket and the orientation of the protruding moiety. In this new orientation it forms additional hydrophobic interactions and is not available for direct interactions with the canonical neo-substrates. We therefore propose this chemotype as an attractive building block for the design of PROTACs.

Entry to new spiroheterocycles via tandem Rh(II)-catalyzed O-H insertion/base-promoted cyclization involving diazoarylidene succinimides

A facile approach to novel medicinally relevant spiro heterocyclic scaffolds (namely furan-2(5H)-ones, tetrahydrofurans and pyrans spiro-conjugated with the succinimide ring) has been developed. The protocol consists of Rh(II)-catalyzed insertion of heterocyclic carbenes derived from diazoarylidene succinimides (DAS) into the O-H bond of propiolic/allenic acids or brominated alcohols, followed by base-promoted cyclization to afford the target spirocyclic compounds in good to high yields.

Access to Spiro Bis-β-lactams via a Metal-Free Microwave-Assisted Wolff Rearrangement/Staudinger [2+2] Cycloaddition Cascade Involving 3-Diazotetramic Acids and Imines

Herein, we report the study of the thermally promoted reaction of 3-diazotetramic acids with imines as a rapid route to a novel spiro heterocyclic scaffold, spiro bis-β-lactams (2,6-diazaspiro[3.3]heptane-1,5-diones). The transformation proceeds via metal-free microwave-assisted Wolff rearrangement of the diazo reagent followed by Staudinger [2+2] cycloaddition of the heterocyclic ketenes with Shiff bases. This methodology enables the preparation of diastereomerically pure spiro bis-β-lactams in high yields and provides an avenue for exploring new versions of the privileged β-lactam core for drug design.

Utilizing Allenic Acids and Heterocyclic Diazo Compounds in the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Spirocyclic Butenolides and β-Methylidene 2-Furanones

Herein, we report a novel approach for the assembly of spirocyclic Δα,β-butenolides and β-methylidene 2-furanones via Rh(II)-catalyzed O-H insertion of heterocyclic diazo compounds into allenic acids followed by base-promoted cyclization. Utilizing various diazo heterocycles, including α-diazo homophthalimides, 3-diazo tetramic acids, and diazo oxindoles, diverse spirocyclic scaffolds were produced. The research revealed that the allenic acid substitution pattern is decisive for the product type, enabling extraordinary target compound switching between two types of spirocyclic 2-furanones with exo- and endocyclic C═C bonds.

Chemo- and Diastereoselective Entries into All-Carbon α-Quaternary Aldehydes via C-C Insertion of 4-Diazoisoquinolin-3-ones into C-CHO Bonds

Herein, we describe a chemo- and diastereoselective formal C-C insertion reaction of 1,2-disubstituted 4-diazo-3(2H)-isoquinolones and 4-diazoisochroman-3-one into C-CHO bonds of aldehydes, delivering all-carbon α-quaternary aldehydes bearing medicinally important 1,4-dihydro-3(2H)-isoquinolone scaffold. Our protocol is enabled by the preferential 1,2-carbon migration over more common 1,2-H shift. The corresponding reaction tolerates a wide range of functionalities in both aldehyde and diazo components, giving the target homologated aldehydes in generally high yields. The synthetic utility of this method has been further showcased by some transformations of the formyl moiety.

Diazo Tetramic Acids Provide Access to Natural-Like Spirocyclic Δα,β-Butenolides through Rh(II)-Catalyzed O-H Insertion/Base-Promoted Cyclization

3-Diazotetramic acids were found to be valid substrates for the recently discovered approach toward natural-like Δα,β-spirobutenolides via Rh(II)-catalyzed O-H insertion into propiolic acids followed by base-promoted intramolecular Michael addition. The target Δα,β-spirobutenolides were obtained in generally high yields and, in the case of chiral 5-monosubstituted 3-diazotetramic acids, high diastereoselectivity. The synthesis of Δα,β-spirobutenolides that we report here was virtually insensitive to the structure of the propiolic acids though it was somewhat sensitive to the structure of the 3-diazotetramic acids, thereby demonstrating quite a large scope. Thus, a new class of α-diazocarbonyl compounds suitable for the realization of the approach outlined above was identified.

A novel spirocyclic scaffold accessed via tandem Claisen rearrangement/intramolecular oxa-Michael addition

A straightforward access to novel spiro[benzofuran-2,3'-pyrrolidine]-2',5'-diones based on the Rh₂(esp)₂-catalyzed insertion of carbenes derived from diazo arylidene succinimides (DAS) into the O-H bond of phenols is described. The initial adducts underwent a thermally promoted Claisen rearrangement followed by DABCO-catalyzed intramolecular 5-exo-trig oxa-Michael addition.

One-Pot Sequence of Staudinger/aza-Wittig/Castagnoli-Cushman Reactions Provides Facile Access to Novel Natural-like Polycyclic Ring Systems

Realization of the one-pot Staudinger/aza-Wittig/Castagnoli-Cushman reaction sequence for a series of azido aldehydes and homophthalic anhydrides is described. The reaction proceeded at room temperature and delivered novel polyheterocycles related to the natural product realm in high yields and high diastereoselectivity. The methodology has been extended to three other cyclic anhydrides. These further unravel the potential of the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction in generating polyheterocyclic molecular scaffolds.

Facile and diastereoselective arylation of the privileged 1,4-dihydroisoquinolin-3(2H)-one scaffold

A practically convenient and streamlined protocol for the trans-diastereoselective introduction of an aryl substituent at position 4 of the 1,4-dihydroisoquinol-3-one (1,4-DHIQ) scaffold is presented. The protocol involves direct Regitz diazo transfer onto readily available 3(2H)-isoquinolones followed by TfOH-promoted hydroarylation by an arene molecule. Screening of the novel 1,2,4-trisubstituted 1,4-DHIQs against cancer cell lines confirmed high cytotoxicity of selected analogs, which validates this new chemotype for further investigations as anticancer cytotoxic agents.

Unexpected Ring Contraction of Homophthalic Anhydrides under Diazo Transfer Conditions

An attempted Regitz diazo transfer onto homophthalic anhydride led to the discovery of an unexpected ring contraction, which gave N-sulfonyl phthalide-3-carboxamide derivatives. The reaction is thought to proceed via a [3 + 2] cycloaddition of the substrate's enol form and the azide followed by a two-step fragmentation of the intermediate 1,2,3-triazoline with a loss of the nitrogen molecule.

Unusual highly diastereoselective Rh(II)-catalyzed dimerization of 3-diazo-2-arylidenesuccinimides provides access to a new dibenzazulene scaffold

Formation of unusual unsymmetrical dimers or/and indenes via Rh2(esp)2-catalyzed decomposition of 3-diazo-2-arylidenesuccinimides has been investigated. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions, and its result was shown to strongly depend on the nature of the substituents in the diazo substrate. The new reaction provides access to dibenzoazulenodipyrrole and indenopyrrole derivatives in moderate to high yield. Dibenzoazulenodipyrroles bearing alkyl substituents at the nitrogen atom showed pronounced cytotoxocity against the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line while N-aryl analogs were non-cytotoxic.

Dicarboxylic Acid Monoesters in β- and δ-Lactam Synthesis

A N-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)-N-(phenylsulfonyl)glycine monomethyl ester of the respective dicarboxylic acid was involved in a reaction with imines promoted by acetic anhydride at an elevated temperature. Instead of the initially expected δ-lactam products of the Castagnoli–Cushman-type reaction, medicinally important 3-amino-2-azetidinones were obtained as the result of cyclization, involving a methylene group adjacent to an acid moiety. In contrast, replacing alcohol residue with hexafluoroisopropyl in the same substrate made another methylene group (adjacent to the ester moiety) more reactive to furnishing the desired δ-lactam in the Castagnoli–Cushman fashion.

A General Way to Spiro-Annulated 2-Benzoxepines via Rh2(esp)2-Catalyzed [5+2] Cycloaddition of Diazo Arylidene Succinimides to Ketones

The formation of spirocyclic 2-benzoxepines by Rh2(esp)2-catalyzed decomposition of diazo arylidene succinimides in the presence of ketones was investigated. This transformation, which is a formal [5+2] cycloaddition of styryl rhodium carbenes to the carbonyl group, occurs in high yields under mild conditions, with high carbonyl substrate tolerance and diastereoselectivity. The developed general method opens access to rare spiro (hetero)cyclic scaffolds with great potential in drug discovery.

Metal-Free Synthesis of 1,5-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazoles

A three-component synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles from α-acetyl-α-diazomethane sulfonamides, primary aliphatic amines, and aromatic aldehydes is presented. The 1,2,3-triazoles can be accessed in two alternative variants, depending on the substitutions in the sulfonamide portion of the diazo reagent. In one variant, intermediate 1,2,3-triazoline-4-sulfonamides are isolated chromatographically and then subjected to thermally promoted aromatization with elimination of sulfur(IV) oxide and amine. In the other variant, both chemical transformations take place in a single step conducted at room temperature.

Diastereoselective Formal [5+2] Cycloaddition of Diazo Arylidene Succinimides-Derived Rhodium Carbenes and Aldehydes: A Route to 2-Benzoxepines

We report on a facile method for the preparation of 2-benzoxepine derivatives as a result of Rh(II)-catalyzed decomposition of diazo arylidene succinimides in the presence of aldehydes. The process is thought to involve the formation of styryl carbonyl ylide which undergoes 1,7-electrocyclization and subsequent 1,5-hydrogen shift. In some cases, the competition of the target reaction and [3+2] dipolar cycloaddition of the intermediate carbonyl ylide to another molecule of diazo substrate was observed. Generally, the desired 2-benzoxepines were isolated in good to high yields and high diastereoselectivity. The developed original approach toward a 2-benzoxepine core via formal [5+2] cycloaddition of styryl carbenoids and aldehydes significantly expands the arsenal of synthetic methods for producing this scaffold.

Metal-free Three-Component Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoline-4-sulfonamides

A new type of diazo compounds, namely, CH-diazomethane sulfonamides (generated in situ from readily available α-acetyl-α-diazomethane sulfonamides), was employed in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction with imines (also formed in situ from primary amines and aldehydes). The reaction gave hitherto undescribed 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoline-4-sulfonamides, which were obtained in good to excellent yields with complete trans diastereoselectivity. These new sulfonamides based on the nonaromatic 1,2,3-triazoline core are rather attractive from a medicinal chemistry standpoint in light of the strong emphasis recently put on the nonflat, more saturated (higher Fsp3) scaffolds for lead-generation libraries. The oxidative aromatization of 1,2,3-triazoline-4-sulfonamides by manganese(IV) oxide gave nearly quantitative yields of 1,2,3-triazole-4-sulfonamides, of which only two examples have been reported in the literature.

Tricyclic 2-benzazepines obtained via an unexpected cyclization involving nitrilium ylides

Attempted use of (E)-3-arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones in the Rh(ii)-catalyzed condensation with nitriles to form 1,3-oxazoles led to an unexpected outcome. The nitrilium ylide species thought to form on Rh(ii)-catalyzed decomposition of diazo compounds underwent a cyclization onto the nearby arylidene moiety followed by 1,5-hydride shift. This led to the formation of a 2-benzazepine core which has special significance for drug discovery and can be considered a privileged scaffold.

Investigation of 3-sulfamoyl coumarins against cancer-related IX and XII isoforms of human carbonic anhydrase as well as cancer cells leads to the discovery of 2-oxo-2H-benzo[h]chromene-3-sulfonamide - A new caspase-activating proapoptotic agent

Herein we report the synthesis of a set of seventeen 3-sulfonamide substituted coumarin derivatives. Prepared compounds were tested in vitro for inhibition of four physiologically relevant isoforms of the metalloenzyme human carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1). Several coumarin sulfonamides displayed low nanomolar K_I values against therapeutically relevant hCA II, IX, and XII, whereas they did not potently inhibit hCA I. Some of these compounds exerted a concentration-dependent antiproliferative action toward RT4 human bladder cancer and especially A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cell lines. In the meantime, the viability of non-tumorigenic hTERT immortalized human foreskin fibroblast cell line Bj-5ta was not significantly affected by the obtained derivatives. Interestingly, compound 10q (2-oxo-2H-benzo [h]chromene-3-sulfonamide) showed a profound and selective dose-dependent inhibition of A431 cell growth with low nanomolar IC₅₀ values. We demonstrated that 10q possessed a concentration-dependent apoptosis induction activity associated with caspase 3/7 activation in cancer cells. As carbonic anhydrase isoforms in question were not potently inhibited by this compound, its antiproliferative effects likely involve other mechanisms, such as DNA intercalation. Compound 10q clearly represents a viable lead for further development of new-generation anticancer agents.

Continued Exploration of Trifunctional Alkyl 4-Chloro-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates: Streamlined Entry into [1,2,3]Triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzoxazines and [1,2,3]Triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzoxazepines

Further exploration of the trifunctional character of previously introduced alkyl 4-chloro-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates in reactions with N-protected substituted o-aminophenols followed by deprotection provided a convenient entry into [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzoxazines, which are of high medicinal importance, as documented in the literature. The same approach applied to N-protected substituted o-(aminomethyl)phenols afforded [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]benzoxazepines, which are practically unexplored compounds from a medicinal chemistry perspective. The syntheses start with SN2-type alkylation of the phenol. Removal of the protecting group triggers imine formation followed by Wolff 1,2,3-triazole synthesis.

Unexpected formal [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of chalcone imines and homophthalic anhydrides: preparation of dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones

A series of medicinally important dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones have been prepared via a novel [4 + 2]-formal cycloaddition reaction of chalcone imines and homophthalic anhydrides, which is a rare example of lactam construction from an imine acting as a four-atom building block. In contrast to previous studies on the reactivity of homophthalic anhydrides towards similar substrates, N-tosyl chalcone imines, we found the possibility of switching chemoselectivity by changing substituents at the nitrogen atom, which leads to the formation of heterocycles instead of the expected carbocycles. This reaction is very similar in appearance to the classic 1,2-addition of cyclic anhydrides to imines, often referred to as the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction, but differs in mechanistic details (representing a 1,4-reaction of imine). The developed atom-economical, stereoselective and catalyst- and chromatography-free protocol provided facile access to 28 structurally diverse heterocyclic products (in up to 88% yield) including synthetically challenging annelated tricyclic and previously unreported pentaaryl-substituted dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones.

Natural-Like Spirocyclic Δα,β -Butenolides Obtained from Diazo Homophthalimides

α-Diazo homophotalimides were reacted with various propiolic acids on Rh₂ (esp)₂ catalysis. The resulting propiolate esters were transformed into novel, heterocyclic Δ^α,β -spirobutenolides in good to excellent product yields. The approach represents a fundamentally novel entry into natural-like Δ^α,β -spirobutenolides present in many biologically active natural products as well as fully synthetic compounds endowed with diverse biological activities. The Δ^α,β -spirobutenolides thus obtained were shown to inhibit thioredoxin reductase, a selenocysteine enzyme target for cancer. Moreover, for the best compound in the series (TrxR IC₅₀ 1.49±0.08 μM), by using MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry it was shown that it selectively binds selenocysteine in the presence of a 10-fold excess of cysteine. This validates the new compound as a promising lead for anticancer therapy development.

Diazocarbonyl and Related Compounds in the Synthesis of Azoles

Diazocarbonyl compounds have found numerous applications in many areas of chemistry. Among the most developed fields of diazo chemistry is the preparation of azoles from diazo compounds. This approach represents a useful alternative to more conventional methods of the synthesis of azoles. A comprehensive review on the preparation of various azoles (oxazoles, thiazoles, imidazoles, pyrazoles, triazoles, and tetrazoles) from diazocarbonyl and related compounds is presented for the first time along with discussion of advantages and disadvantages of «diazo» approaches to azoles.

CH-Diazomethane Sulfonamides Generated in Situ for Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition of Alkynes: An Entry into Novel Pyrazole-Fused Five-Membered Sultams

Previously reported CH-diazomethane sulfonamides carrying various propargylic groups are generated in situ from their acetyl precursors. Without purification, these compounds undergo a slow, albeit clean and efficient, intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition to give pyrazole-fused five-membered sultams. The latter are the first analogues of medicinally important (hetero)arene-fused five-membered sultams containing a five-membered nitrogenous heterocycle. The newly introduced scaffold can be further elaborated into N-arylated derivatives using the Chan–Evans–Lam protocol. The resulting compounds incorporate more than one privileged moiety and are highly suitable for interrogation of protein targets via biological screening.

Spirocyclizations Involving Oxonium Ylides Derived from Cyclic α-Diazocarbonyl Compounds: An Entry into 6-Oxa-2-azaspiro[4.5]decane Scaffold

New types of cyclic diazo compounds capable of Rh(II)-catalyzed spirocyclizations with tetrahydrofuran have been discovered. The formation of the spirocyclic framework is thought to proceed via the formation of Rh(II) carbene species followed by interaction with the Lewis basic oxygen atom of tetrahydrofuran to give oxonium ylide species. The latter evolves predominantly via the Stevens type rearrangement leading to an [n + 1] ring expansion of the tetrahydrofuran moiety, which results in the formation of a medicinally relevant 6-oxa-2-azaspiro[4.5]decane scaffold. The spirocyclization process was often observed in competition with mechanistically distinct C-H insertion into a tetrahydrofuran molecule. This competing process gave compounds based on the 3-(tetrahydrofur-2-yl)pyrrolidine scaffold, which are also relevant from the medicinal chemistry standpoint. These findings enrich the available arsenal of metal-catalyzed spirocyclization methods based on the use of cyclic diazo compounds.

(E)-3-Arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones: Preparation and Use in RhII-Catalyzed X–H Insertion Reactions towards Novel, Medicinally Important Michael Acceptors

The use of readily available 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones in high yielding direct diazo-transfer reactions and subsequent involvement of the resulting diazo compounds in RhII-catalyzed O–H, S–H, and N–H insertion reactions delivered 4-substituted 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones of defined regiochemistry and geometrical configuration. These products are intended to be studied as Michael acceptors capable of inhibiting thioredoxin reductase, a promising cancer target.

Dialkyl Diazomalonates in Transition-Metal-Free, Thermally Promoted, Diastereoselective Wolff β-Lactam Synthesis

Metal-free, thermally promoted synthesis of 3-alkoxy-3-alkoxycarbonyl-2-azetidinones via the Wolff-Staudinger β-lactam synthesis using dialkyl diazomalonates is described. The reaction appears fairly general and delivers only one diastereomer.

Facile One-Pot Access to α-Diazo-β-ketosulfones from Sulfonyl Chlorides and α-Haloketones

A convenient one-pot approach to the preparation of α-diazo-β-ketosulfones from sulfonyl chlorides is described. It involves the conversion of the sulfonyl chloride to sodium sulfinate, alkylation of the latter with α-haloketones followed by diazo transfer using the ‘sulfonyl-azide-free’ (‘SAFE’) protocol in aqueous medium. The simple and expedient method relies on readily available starting materials and provides facile access to a wide variety of valuable diazo reagents for organic synthesis.

Realizing the Trifunctional Potential of Alkyl 4-Chloro-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates: Convenient Assembly of 6,7-Dihydro-4H-[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]thiazine Core

The first example of exploiting the trifunctional character of alkyl 4-chloro-2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates in the reactions with vicinal N,S-bis-nucleophiles leading to the formation of bicyclic 6,7-dihydro-4H-[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-c][1,4]thiazines is presented. The key to the successful realization of the atom-economical synthetic strategy is the initial S N 2 event, which facilitates the subsequent domino 1,2,3-triazole formation via the Wolff reaction. Equally important is the choice of sodium acetate as the base: acetic acid formed in the course of the initial nucleophilic substitution acts as an efficient catalyst for the Wolff reaction, which suppresses the competing, unwanted fragmentation path (observed when other bases are used).

α-Diazoacetamides in Sc(OTf)3-Catalyzed Tiffeneau–Demjanov Ring Expansion: Application towards the Synthesis of Rare Bicyclic Pyrazoles

A novel Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed Tiffeneau–Demjanov ring expansion of six-membered cyclic ketones has been developed. The resulting seven-membered cyclic β-keto carboxamides were found to be versatile precursors to rare bicyclic pyrazoles obtained in modest to good yields via condensation with aryl hydrazines in the presence of Lawesson’s reagent.

Practical Application of the Aqueous ‘Sulfonyl-Azide-Free’ (SAFE) Diazo Transfer Protocol to Less α-C–H Acidic Ketones and Esters

The earlier described ‘sulfonyl-azide-free’ (‘SAFE’) protocol for diazo transfer to CH-acidic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds (and their similarly activated congeners) has been extended to the less reactive monocarbonyl substrates, which previously required a separate activation step. Formylation in situ, followed by the addition of an optimized amount of the ‘SAFE cocktail’ (obtained by mixing sodium azide, potassium carbonate, and m-carboxybenzenesulfonyl chloride in water) led to the formation of the desired diazo compounds, which were isolated by extraction in moderate to excellent yields, and, in most cases, with no need for additional purification.

[3+2]-Cycloaddition of α-Diazocarbonyl Compounds with Arenediazonium Salts Catalyzed by Silver Nitrate Delivers 2,5-Disubstituted Tetrazoles

[3+2]-Cycloaddition of arenediazonium salts with diazo compounds (earlier exemplified only for trimethylsilyldiazomethane and 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane) has been developed to include a wide range of readily available α-diazocarbonyl compounds. The resulting 2-aryl-5-acyl-2H-tetrazoles are of high value in medicinal chemistry.

Medicinally Relevant Modification of the Isoquinoline-1,3-dione Scaffold via Metal-Free Arylation and Fluorination of Diazo Homophthalimides­ in Brønsted Acids

Protonation of 4-diazoisoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones in Brønsted acids gives rise to diazonium cations that can be trapped with arenes to give 4-arylisoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones (homophthalimides). This provides a new, metal-free approach to 4-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines (obtainable from respective homophthalimides by reduction). Similarly, a fluorine atom can be introduced by trapping the diazonium cation with HF. This led to the preparation of the first examples of 4-monofluoro-substituted isoquinoline-1,3-diones (as well as their 4-bromo-4-fluoro and 4-chloro-4-fluoro variants), important carboxylic acid isosteres on their own and precursors of useful 4-fluorotetrahydroisoquinoline building blocks.

A 'sulfonyl-azide-free' (SAFE) aqueous-phase diazo transfer reaction for parallel and diversity-oriented synthesis

Diazo transfer reactions are notoriously associated with the use of potentially explosive sulfonyl azides. The first 'sulfonyl-azide-free' (SAFE) protocol for producing diazo compounds from their active-methylene precursors via the Regitz diazo transfer reaction was developed and has displayed a remarkable substrate scope. It can be applied to generating arrays of diazo compounds for further evolution via combinatorial chemistry and a range of scaffold-generating transformations.

Flexible Entry into 3-Arylpent-2-enedioic Acids via Heck–Matsuda Arylation of Dimethyl Glutaconate with Arenediazonium Tosylates

For the preparation of compound libraries of Michael acceptors with tunable reactivity toward nuclophilic selenocysteine residue of thioredoxin reductase, a range of 3-arylglutaconic acids were required. The existing methods at the time had limited scope or involved several steps. A hitherto undescribed protocol for direct palladium(II) acetate-catalyzed arylation of glutaconic acid dimethyl ester at position 3 has been developed with a diverse set of arenediazonium tosylates followed by hydrolysis. This generally good-yielding two-step sequence displayed a propensity to deliver E-configured coupling products while compounds mostly featured in the literature were predominantly Z-configured. The possibility for preparing a library of 4-arylpyridine-2,6(1H,3H)-diones has been exemplified.