Visible-light promoted catalyst-free (VLCF) multi-component synthesis of spiro indolo-quinazolinone-pyrrolo[3,4-a]pyrrolizine hybrids: evaluation of in vitro anticancer activity, molecular docking, MD simulation and DFT studies

A new and highly efficient visible-light-promoted catalyst free (VLCF) strategy for neat and clean synthesis of spiro indolo-quinazolinone-pyrrolo[3,4-a]pyrrolizine hybrids (6a-d) has been introduced. We have performed visible-light triggered 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reaction of maleimide (5a-d) with azomethine ylide generated in situ derived from tryptanthrin (3) and L-proline (4) to obtain desired products (6a-d) in good to excellent yield. Authentication and characterization of product was done using various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectrometry and single crystal XRD analysis. To explain the reaction spontaneity, product stability, reactivity as well as possible mode of the interaction a quantum chemical investigation was performed and depicted through DFT studies. The synthesized compound 6a was also evaluated for anti-proliferative activity against a panel of five cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, PC-3 and Ishikawa) and normal human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell line by using MTT assay. Compound 6a showed very good in vitro anti-proliferative activity (IC50  = 6.58-17.98 μM) against four cancer cell lines and no cytotoxicity against normal HEK-293. In order to evaluate the anticancer potential of compounds 6a-d, molecular docking was performed against wild type and mutant EGFR. The results suggest that all the compounds occupied the active site of both enzymes, with a strong binding energy (-10.2 to -11.5 kcal/mol). These results have been confirmed by molecular dynamics simulation by evaluating root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), along with principal component analysis (PCA).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

2,5-Di-tert-butyl-2,5-diethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyls: Where Is a Reasonable Limit of Sterical Loading for Higher Resistance to Reduction?

The pyrrolidine nitroxides with four bulky alkyl substituents adjacent to the N-O∙ group demonstrate very high resistance to reduction with biogenic antioxidants and enzymatic systems. This makes them valuable molecular tools for studying the structure and functions of biomolecules directly in a living cell and for functional EPR and NMR tomography in vivo. The first example of highly strained pyrrolidine nitroxides with both ethyl and tert-butyl groups at each of the α-carbon atoms of the nitroxide moiety with cis-configuration of the tert-butyl groups was prepared using a three-component domino reaction of tert-leucine and 2,2-dimethylpentan-3-one with dimethyl fumarate with subsequent conversion of the resulting strained pyrrolidine into 1-pyrroline-1-oxide and addition of EtLi. The nitroxide has demonstrated unexpectedly fast reduction with ascorbate, the rate constant k2 = (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10-3 M-1s-1. This effect was explained by destabilization of the planar nitroxide moiety due to repulsion with the two neighboring tert-butyl groups cis to each other.

Chemo-/Regio-Selective Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindoles] under Microwave Irradiation and Their Anticancer Activity

A novel series of nitrostyrene-based spirooxindoles were synthesized via the reaction of substituted isatins 1a-b, a number of α-amino acids 2a-e and (E)-2-aryl-1-nitroethenes 3a-e in a chemo/regio-selective manner using [3+2] cycloaddition (Huisgen) reaction under microwave irradiation conditions. The structure elucidation of all the synthesized spirooxindoles were done using 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS spectral analysis. The single crystal X-ray crystallographic study of compound 4l was used to assign the stereochemical arrangements of the groups around the pyrrolidine ring in spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindoles] skeleton. The in vitro anticancer activity of spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindoles] analogs 4a-w against human lung (A549) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines along with immortalized normal lung (BEAS-2B) and liver (LO2) cell lines shows promising results. Out of the 23 synthesized spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindoles], while five compounds (4c, 4f, 4m, 4q, 4t) (IC50 = 34.99-47.92 µM; SI = 0.96-2.43) displayed significant in vitro anticancer activity against human lung (A549) cancer cell lines, six compounds (4c, 4f, 4k, 4m, 4q, 4t) (IC50 = 41.56-86.53 µM; SI = 0.49-0.99) displayed promising in vitro anticancer activity against human liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines. In the case of lung (A549) cancer cell lines, these compounds were recognized to be more efficient and selective than standard reference artemisinin (IC50 = 100 µM) and chloroquine (IC50 = 100 µM; SI: 0.03). However, none of them were found to be active as compared to artesunic acid [IC50 = 9.85 µM; SI = 0.76 against lung (A549) cancer cell line and IC50 = 4.09 µM; SI = 2.01 against liver (HepG2) cancer cell line].

Photocatalyzed (3+2) Cycloaddition for the Dearomatization of Electron-Poor Arenes under Flow Conditions

The photocatalyzed dearomative reaction between various electron-deficient aromatic compounds and a non-stabilized azomethine ylide is successfully performed in a flow system. Whereas the use of supported eosin as organic photocatalyst exhibits limited efficiency, turning to the soluble Rose Bengal allows to transform a broad range of substrates from hetarenes (indole, benzofuran, quinoline, pyridine) to naphthalenes and benzenes. This photocatalyzed (3+2) dearomative cycloaddition under green light irradiation provides a simple and efficient access to tridimensional pyrrolidino scaffolds with a tetrasubstituted carbon center at ring junction and can be performed in the friendly ethyl acetate. Computational studies support the mechanism involving azomethine ylide as reactive species toward the electron-poor arene.

Understanding the mechanism and regio- and stereo selectivity of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between substituted azomethine ylide and 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-nitroprop-1-ene, within the molecular electron density theory

The selectivity and the nature of the molecular mechanism of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction between 2-(dimethylamino)-1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione (AY11) and trans(E)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-nitroprop-1-ene(FNP10) has been studied, in which the molecular electron density theory using density functional theory methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) computational level was used. Analysis of the global reactivity indices permits us to characterize FNP10 as a strong electrophile and AY11 as a strong nucleophile. Four reactive pathways associated with the ortho/meta regioselective channels and endo/exo stereoselective approaches modes have been explored and characterized in the gas phase and in the benzene solvent. The analysis of the relative energies associated with the different reaction pathways indicates that the 32CA reactions of the azomethine ylide (AY) with the nitroalkene (FNP) is meta regioselective with high endo stereoselectivity. This result is in good agreement with the experimental observations. electron localization function topological analysis of the most favored reactive pathways allows for characterizing the mechanism of this 32CA reactions as a non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism. Finally, non-covalent interactions and quantum theory of atoms in molecule analyses at the meta/endo transition state structure indicate that the presence of different several weak interactions, namely, CF and NH contributed in favoring the formation of a meta-endo cycloadduct.

1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of 3-Chromonyl-Substituted Glycine Imino Esters with Arylidenes and in situ Diastereodivergent via Retrocycloaddition

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition through in situ generation of azomethine ylide provides a straightforward and critically important sustainable approach for access to diverse pyrrolidine chemical space. Herein, we developed a metal-free AcOH-activated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition protocol that permits the synthesis of uncommon pyrrolidine cycloadducts with excellent diastereoselectivity. The challenging substrates of 3-formylchromone, glycine ester.HCl and arylidene dipolarophile were reacted in the presence of AcONa, which played a dual role as a base and AcOH source, to deliver firstly endo-cycloadduct. Under prolonged reaction time at room temperature or heating; the endo-adduct underwent diastereodivergent via a sequence of retro-cycloaddition, stereomutation of the generated syn-dipole into anti-dipole and recycloaddition; to furnish the scarcely known exo'-cycloadduct with high diastereodivergency. The reaction worked well with a broad range of substrates and the stereochemistry of the obtained cycloadducts was determined without ambiguity using NMR- and X-ray analysis. Experimental and theoretical DFT calculation studies were performed to support the proposed reaction mechanism and elucidate the key role of AcOH in the process which seems more beneficial than other transition metal-catalyzed processes.

K(2)CO(3)-Promoted Formal [3+3]-Cycloaddition of N-Unsubstituted Isatin N,N'-Cyclic Azomethine Imine 1,3-Dipoles with Knoevenagel Adducts

The synthesis of dicyclic spiropyridazine oxoindole derivatives by using [3+3]-cycloaddition of N-unsubstituted isatin N,N'-cyclic azomethine imine 1,3-dipoles was reported. The products bearing two consecutive stereocenters, including spiroquaternary stereocenters in one ring structure, can be effectively obtained in moderate to excellent yields (20-93%) and low to moderate diastereoselectivities (1:9-10:1 dr). The synthesized compounds (>35 examples) were characterized by single-crystal XRD, FTIR, NMR, and mass spectral analysis.

Azomethine Ylides-Versatile Synthons for Pyrrolidinyl-Heterocyclic Compounds

Azomethine ylides are nitrogen-based three-atom components commonly used in [3+2]-cycloaddition reactions with various unsaturated 2π-electron components. These reactions are highly regio- and stereoselective and have attracted the attention of organic chemists with respect to the construction of diverse heterocycles potentially bearing four new contiguous stereogenic centers. This review article complies the most important [3+2]-cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides with various olefinic, unsaturated 2π-electron components (acyclic, alicyclic, heterocyclic, and exocyclic ones) reported over the past two decades.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Novel Spiro-Phosphacoumarins and Evaluation of Their Anti-Cancer Activity

Herein we present the regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of novel pyrrolidine-fused spiro-dihydrophosphacoumarins via intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. The presented approach is complementary to existing ones and provides an easy entry to the otherwise inaccessible derivatives. Additionally, the unprecedented pathway of the reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin with azomethine ylides is described. The anti-cancer activity of the obtained compounds was tested in vitro, the most potent compound being 2.6-fold more active against the HuTu 80 cell line than the reference 5-fluorouracil, with a selectivity index > 32.

Synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines by formal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of quinolinium salts

Quinolinium salts, Q⁺-CH₂-CO₂Me Br⁻ and Q⁺-CH₂-CONMe₂ Br⁻ (where Q = quinoline), were prepared from quinolines. Deprotonation of these salts with triethylamine promoted the reaction of the resulting quinolinium ylides (formally azomethine ylides) with electron-poor alkenes by conjugate addition followed by cyclization or by [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition. The pyrroloquinoline products were formed as single regio- and stereoisomers. These could be converted to other derivatives by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling, reduction or oxidation reactions.

[Development of Novel Preparations for Nitrogen Heterocycles Based on Cascade Reactions]

　Nitrogen heterocycles are important skeletons in biologically active compounds such as medicines and natural alkaloids. However, in terms of the efficiency of the synthetic process, the many synthetic steps required to achieve the target compounds with complex architectures pose a significant problem. To overcome this challenge, novel approaches were developed to afford biologically active heterocycles, 1,2-diazepines, pyrroloisoquinolines, and pyrrolizidines utilizing cascade reactions that enable multiple bond formation in a one-pot process. This review discusses three one-pot reactions: 1) 1,2-diazepine synthesis from cyclobutenones and lithiodiazoesters via cascade 4π-8π electrocyclization; 2) synthesis of pyrroloisoquinolines from alkynylimino esters triggered by gold-catalyzed azomethine ylide formation; and 3) pyrrolizidine synthesis via three-component coupling reactions of iminoesters, acetylenes, and maleimides through the gold-catalyzed azomethine ylide generation/[3+2]-cycloaddition/enamine cyclization reaction.

A Facile One-Pot Construction of Succinimide-Fused Spiro[Pyrrolidine-2,3'-Oxindoles] via 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Involving 3-Amino Oxindoles and Maleimides

Increasing interests have been invested in the development of synthetic strategies toward the construction of spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindole], which is the core structural skeleton in some compounds with diverse biological activities. In this work, an efficient diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides generated in situ from 3-amino oxindoles and aldehydes with maleimides has been described. The protocol provides a facile and efficient access to structurally diverse succinimide-fused spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3'-oxindole] compounds in good to high yields (up to 93%) with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5). The relative stereochemistry of cycloaddition products has been assigned by X-ray diffraction analysis.

A One-Pot Multicomponent 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Strategy: Combinatorial Synthesis of Dihydrothiophenone-Engrafted Dispiro Hybrid Heterocycles

The combinatorial syntheses of a library of novel dihydrothiophenone-engrafted dispiro oxindole/indenoquinoxaline-pyrrolidine/pyrrolothiazole/indolizine hybrid heterocycles have been realized through a chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy.

Multicomponent Dipolar Cycloaddition Strategy: Combinatorial Synthesis of Novel Spiro-Tethered Pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline Hybrid Heterocycles

The stereoselective syntheses of a library of novel spiro-tethered pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-pyrrolidine/pyrrolothiazole/indolizine-oxindole/acenaphthene hybrid heterocycles have been achieved through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated in situ from α-amino acids and 1,2-diketones to dipolarophiles derived from pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline derivatives.

Additive-assisted regioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with benzylideneacetone

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of isatins, benzylamine and benzylideneacetones were studied to prepare a series of novel spiropyrrolidine-oxindoles – 4′-acetyl-3′,5′-diarylspiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidin]-2-ones and 3′-acetyl-4′,5′-diarylspiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine]-2-ones in good yields of up to 94% and with good regioselectivities. Regioselectivities are reversible by the addition of water or 4-nitrobenzoic acid, respectively. The substituent effects on the regioselectivity were also investigated.

The regioselective synthesis of spirooxindolo pyrrolidines and pyrrolizidines via three-component reactions of acrylamides and aroylacrylic acids with isatins and α-amino acids

The regioselective three-component condensation of azomethine ylides derived from isatins and α-amino acids with acrylamides or aroylacrylic acids as dipolarophiles has been realized through a one-pot 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition protocol. Decarboxylation of 2'-aroyl-2-oxo-1,1',2,2',5',6',7',7a'-octahydrospiro[indole-3,3'-pyrrolizine]-1'-carboxylic acids is accompanied by cyclative rearrangement with formation of dihydropyrrolizinyl indolones.

Synthesis of fused tricyclic amines unsubstituted at the ring-junction positions by a cascade condensation, cyclization, cycloaddition then decarbonylation strategy

Heating aldehydes that contain a protected hydroxymethyl group, a tethered alkyl chloride and a tethered alkenyl group at the α-position of the aldehyde with an amine sets up a cascade (tandem) reaction sequence involving condensation to an intermediate imine, then cyclization and formation of an intermediate azomethine ylide and then intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition. The fused tricyclic products are formed with complete or very high stereochemical control. The hydroxymethyl group was converted into an aldehyde – which could be removed to give the tricyclic amine products that are unsubstituted at the ring junction positions – or was converted into an alkene, which allowed the formation of the core ring system of the alkaloids scandine and meloscine.

Synthesis of dihydrouracils spiro-fused to pyrrolidines: druglike molecules based on the 2-arylethyl amine scaffold

The synthesis of a small library of dihydrouracils spiro-fused to pyrrolidines is described. These compounds are synthesized from beta-aryl pyrrolidines, providing products with the 2-arylethyl amine moiety, a structural feature often encountered in compounds active in the central nervous system. The b-aryl pyrrolidines are synthesized through a three-step methodology that includes a Knoevenagel condensation reaction, a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, and a nitrile reduction.