Design and synthesis of novel 5,6-disubstituted pyridine-2,3-dione-3-thiosemicarbazone derivatives as potential anticancer agents

Na2CO3-promoted synthesis of thiocarbamates from isocyanates and thiols under mild conditions

Here, we developed an efficient method for the synthesis of s-alkyl or aryl thiocarbamates catalyzed by Na2CO3 under mild conditions using alkyl or aryl isocyanates and thiophenols or thiols. In situ reaction with deuterated tetrahydrofuran (d8-THF) was carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism. This method has the advantages of high yield, good functional group tolerance and high atom economy.

A visible-light-mediated cascade reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, alkenes, and sulfinic acids

A photocatalytic three-component cascade reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, alkenes, and sulfinic acids under metal-, strong oxidant-, and external photocatalyst-free conditions was developed. The reaction was performed at room temperature using air as a green oxidant. Various sulfonated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones were obtained in satisfactory yields with good functional group compatibility. The preliminary study showed that the current transformation was enabled by the formation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and sulfinic acids.

Exploring Synthesis and Chemotherapeutic Potential of Thiosemicarbazide Analogs

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Researchers are continually finding new and more effective medications to battle the diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to identify the emerging role of Thiosemicarbazide analogs for different types of cancer targets with a glance at different novel synthetic routes reported for their synthesis.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted from various sources over the last 15 years with the inclusion of published research and review articles that involves the synthesis and use of thiosemicarbazide analogs for different targets of cancer. Data from the literature review for synthesis and anticancer potential for specific targets for cancer studies of thiosemicarbazide analogs are summarized in the paper.

RESULTS

There are several emerging studies for new synthetic routes of thiosemicarbazide derivatives with their role in various types of cancers. The main limitation is the lack of clinical trial of the key findings for the emergence of new anticancer medication with thiosemicarbazide moiety.

CONCLUSION

Emerging therapies exist for use of a limited number of medications for the treatment of cancer; results of the ongoing studies will provide more robust evidence in the future.

Recent Advances in the Electrochemical Functionalization of Isocyanides

Isocyanides are well-known as efficient CO surrogates and C1 synthons in modern organic synthesis. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to fully exploiting the reactivity of isocyanides, these transformations are primarily limited by their utilization of stoichiometric toxic chemical oxidants. With the recent resurgence of organic electrochemistry, which has considerably laid dormant over the past several decades, electrolysis has been identified as a green and powerful tool to enrich structural diversity by solely utilizing electric current as clean and inherently safe redox equivalents of stoichiometric chemical oxidants. In this regard, the unique reactivity of isocyanides has been studied in numerous electrochemical transformations. This review comprehensively highlights the most relevant progress in electrochemical strategies towards the functionalization of isocyanides up until June of 2022, with a focus on reaction outcomes and mechanisms.

Transition-Metal-Free Radical-Triggered Hydrosulfonylation and Disulfonylation Reaction of Substituted Maleimides with Sulfonyl Hydrazides

A convenient and practical hydrosulfonylation and disulfonylation of substituted maleimides was realized using sulfonyl hydrazides as the sulfur reagent and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. The advantages of the reactions include mild and transition-metal-free reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance, and readily available starting materials. The radical species-induced pathway is also demonstrated by mechanistic studies.

Electrosynthesis of S-thiocarbamates with disulfides as a sulfur source

An electrochemical oxidative synthesis of S-thiocarbamates by a carbamothioation reaction via a three-component coupling reaction (disulfide, water and isocyanide) is developed, which avoids the use of external oxidants and generates only hydrogen gas as the by-product. With NH₄I as the mediator and electrolyte, the desired S-thiocarbamates were obtained in good yields in an undivided cell at room temperature.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of isatin derivatives containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole as potent a-glucosidase inhibitors

A series of (Z)-3-(2-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)-1-substituted indolin-2-ones derivatives (3a-3m) were designed and synthesized. All newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their a-glucosidase inhibitory activity with resveratrol as positive control in vitro. Except for 3i and 3j, all of the compounds showed a potent inhibitory activity against a-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values in the range of 3.12 ± 1.25 to 45.95 ± 1.26 μM and the purity of these compounds was greater than 95%. The IC₅₀ values were being compared to the standard resveratrol (IC₅₀ = 22.00 ± 1.15 μM) and it was found that compounds 3b, 3d-3h were found to be more active than resveratrol. Specifically, (Z)-3-(2-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)hydrazono)-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)indolin-2-one (3d) exhibited the most potent a-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 3.12 ± 1.25 μM. The kinetic analysis revealed that compound (3d) is noncompetitive inhibitor. Structure activity relationship has been established for all compounds. Furthermore, the binding interactions of compound 3d with the active site of a-glucosidase were confirmed through molecular docking. This study has identified a new class of potent a-glucosidase inhibitors for further investigation.

Alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones using phosphonium ylides as alkylating reagents

A practical and efficient methodology for the construction of 3-alkylquinoxalinones through base promoted direct alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with phosphonium ylides as alkylating reagents under metal- and oxidant-free conditions was developed. Various 3-alkylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones were easily obtained in good to excellent yields. Tentative mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction is likely to involve a nucleophilic addition-elimination process.

Iminyl radical initiated sulfonylation of alkenes with rongalite under photoredox conditions

A photoredox-catalyzed reaction of oximes, rongalite and electrophiles is accomplished, affording pyrrole-substituted aliphatic sulfones or sulfonamides in moderate to good yields.

Expeditious Access to Spiro-Fused 2,5-Cyclohexadienones via Thio(seleno)cyanative ipso-Cyclization

A facile oxidative dearomatization of N-(p-methoxyaryl)propiolamides has been established for the synthesis of spiro-fused 2,5-cyclohexadienone frameworks via thio(seleno)cyanative ipso-cyclization in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as the oxidant. The present method, involving the formation of C-S and C-C bonds, was also extended to (p-methoxyaryl)propiolates for thiocyanative ipso-cyclization. Furthermore, the obtained chalcogeno-spirocyclohexadienones were transformed into uniquely functionalized spirocyclohexadienone derivatives.

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides under ultraviolet irradiation: direct access to sulfonated cyclic compounds

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and silyl enolates or allylic bromide under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is accomplished. This protocol provides a convenient route to sulfonated cyclic compounds under mild conditions.

Visible-light-induced anti-Markovnikov hydrosulfonation of styrene derivatives

A visible-light-induced anti-Morkovnikov hydrosulfonation reaction of styrene derivatives with sodium sulfinates has been developed, featuring mild reaction conditions, good functional-group tolerance, good yields and high regioselectivity.

A copper-catalyzed insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical coupling

A copper-catalyzed reaction of O-acyl oximes, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and 2H-azirines is developed under mild conditions, leading to diverse tetrasubstituted β-sulfonyl N-unprotected enamines with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity.

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp2)–H functionalization of enamides

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp²)–H functionalization of enamides, mainly including arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation, alkylation, acylation, sulfonylation, phosphorylation, and others, are reported.

Photoinduced synthesis of alkylalkynyl sulfones through a reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, and alkynyl bromides

A photoinduced reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and alkynyl bromides under visible light irradiation at room temperature is developed.

Photoinduced synthesis of 2-sulfonylacetonitriles with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is achieved, giving rise to 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles in moderate to good yields. Alkyl iodide is also workable under these conditions. This transformation proceeds smoothly under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope. Various functional groups are compatible including amino, ester, halo, and trifluoromethyl groups. No metal catalyst or additive is needed during the reaction process. Mechanistic studies show that under ultraviolet irradiation, an aryl radical is generated in situ from aryl iodide, which undergoes subsequent sulfonylation via the insertion of sulfur dioxide leading to arylsulfonyl radical intermediates. Then the arylsulfonyl radical reacts with 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol giving rise to the corresponding 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitrile.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonamides from nitroarenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A three-component reaction of arylboronic acids, nitroarenes, and potassium metabisulfite under copper catalysis proceeds smoothly, giving rise to a range of sulfonamides in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope.

Combinatorial synthesis and biological evaluations of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones as antitumor agents

Combinatorial synthesis of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates in DMSO under metal-free conditions at room temperature. These compounds are evaluated in several assays against different tumor cells. Some hits are identified against ES-2, HO-8910, and K562.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of O-Acyl Oximes via Iminyl Radicals with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide

A multicomponent sulfonylation of O-acyl oximes via iminyl radicals with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis is achieved. This multicomponent reaction of O-acyl oximes, potassium metabisulfite, alkenes, and nucleophiles under visible-light irradiation is efficient, giving rise to a range of sulfones in moderate to good yields. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility.

Metal-free difunctionalization of alkynes leading to alkenyl dithiocyanates and alkenyl diselenocyanates at room temperature

A simple and practical method for the synthesis of alkenyl dithiocyanates and alkenyl diselenocyanates has been developed via stereoselective difunctionalization of alkynes with NaSCN or KSeCN at room temperature. Through this methodology, a series of alkenyl dithiocyanates and alkenyl diselenocyanates could be efficiently and conveniently obtained in moderate to good yields under mild and metal-free conditions by the simple use of oxone and PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidants.

Photoredox-catalyzed hydrosulfonylation reaction of electron-deficient alkenes with substituted Hantzsch esters and sulfur dioxide

A sulfonylation reaction of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and electron-deficient alkenes at room temperature in the presence of photoredox catalysis under visible light irradiation is described.

Oxidative oxy-cyclization of 2-alkynylbenzamide enabled by TBAB/Oxone: switchable synthesis of isocoumarin-1-imines and isobenzofuran-1-imine

A TBAB-controlled switchable synthesis of isocoumarin-1-imine and isobenzofuran-1-imine from 2-alkynylbenzamide in water is described in this paper.

An unexpected reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea under photoinduced conditions

A photoinduced synthesis of S-aryl thiosulfonates through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea is achieved. In this transformation, a radical coupling pathway is proposed.

Synthesis of β-hydroxysulfones through a copper(ii)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A copper(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative reaction of arylhydrazines, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and alkenes is reported. Diverse β-hydroxysulfones are generated in moderate to good yields through the hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. In some cases, β-ketosulfones are produced.

Metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions are summarized. Usually, a broad reaction scope is observed including tertiary, secondary, and primary alkyl halides, with good functional group compatibility.

PIDA-mediated α-C–H functionalization of enaminones: the synthesis of thiocyano enaminones and chromones in water

Herein, an efficient, metal-free process for the α-C–H thiocyanation of enaminones was developed using PhI(OAc)₂ as an oxidant at room temperature in an aqueous medium.

ortho-Amide-directed 2,4-dibromohydration of conjugated enynes

A NBS-mediated and ortho-amide-directed 2,4-dibromohydration of enynes is described in this paper.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement under visible light irradiation is developed.

Molecular iodine-mediated synthesis of thiocarbamates from thiols, isocyanides and water under metal-free conditions

A simple and practical molecular iodine-mediated method for the efficient construction of thiocarbamates from isocyanides, thiols and water under metal-free and mild conditions has been developed. A variety of thiocarbamates were easily synthesized through this methodology, which has the advantages of simple operation, eco-friendly conditions, good functional group tolerance, and readily accessible raw materials.

Designing anticancer copper(II) complexes by optimizing 2-pyridine-thiosemicarbazone ligands

To develop potential next-generation metal anticancer agents, we designed and synthesised five Cu(II) 2-pyridine-thiosemicarbazone complexes by modifying the hydrogen atom at the N-4 position of ligands, and then investigated their structure-activity relationships and anticancer mechanisms. Modification of the N-4 position with different groups caused significant differences in cellular uptake and produced superior antitumor activity. Cu complexes arrested the cell cycle at S phase, leading to down-regulation of levels of cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases and up-regulation of expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Cu complexes exerted chemotherapeutic effects via activating p53 and inducing production of reactive oxygen species to regulate expression of the B-cell lymphoma-2 family of proteins, causing a change in the mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c to form a dimer with apoptosis protease activating factor-1, resulting in activation of caspase-9/3 to induce apoptosis. In addition, Cu complexes inhibited telomerase by down-regulating the c-myc regulator gene and expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase.

2-{[(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazinylidene}-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-yl Acetic Acid

Thia-Michael addition of 2-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (1) with maleic anhydride results in the formation of the title compound 2-{[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]hydrazinylidene}-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidin-5-yl acetic acid 2. The precursor 1 is synthesized by the reaction of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazide in the presence of glacial acetic acid as the catalyst. The structure of the title compound is determined by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. In order to determine the molecular interactions with the bacterial enzyme, the title compound is further docked into the active site of the MurB protein of Staphylococcus aureus (PDB ID: 1HSK). The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of the title compound is carried out in order to appraise its antimicrobial efficacy by determination of zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory concentration. The compound is also evaluated for its antioxidant property by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay.

One-pot synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of fused thiazolo[2,3-b]pyrimidinone-pyrazolylcoumarin hybrids

As a part of our endeavor toward the synthesis of a new class of biologically potent heterocyclic hybrids, a series of newly fused thiazolo[2,3-b]pyrimidinones bearing a pyrazolylcoumarin moiety (6a-p) were synthesized in acceptable yields. Anticipated structures of all titled compounds were in agreement with spectral and analytical (C, H and N) analyses. The compounds were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity against both G⁺ and G^- bacterial strains and antiproliferative activity against K562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia), MCF-7 (breast cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), COLO 205 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines. Further, potent antibacterial compounds were subjected to molecular docking studies in order to gain insight into their plausible binding modes and mechanism of action against MurB. The modeling results were in agreement with the experimental data.

Piperazinyl fragment improves anticancer activity of Triapine

A new class of TSCs containing piperazine (piperazinylogs) of Triapine, was designed to fulfill the di-substitution pattern at the TSCs N4 position, which is a crucial prerequisite for the high activity of the previously obtained TSC compounds–DpC and Dp44mT. We tested the important physicochemical characteristics of the novel compounds L¹-L¹². The studied ligands are neutral at physiological pH, which allows them to permeate cell membranes and bind cellular Fe pools more readily than less lipid-soluble ligands, e.g. DFO. The selectivity and anti-cancer activity of the novel TSCs were examined in a variety of cancer cell types. In general, the novel compounds demonstrated the greatest promise as anti-cancer agents with both a potent and selective anti-proliferative activity. We investigated the mechanism of action more deeply, and revealed that studied compounds inhibit the cell cycle (G1/S phase). Additionally we detected apoptosis, which is dependent on cell line’s specific genetic profile. Accordingly, structure-activity relationship studies suggest that the combination of the piperazine ring with Triapine allows potent and selective anticancer chelators that warrant further in vivo examination to be identified. Significantly, this study proved the importance of the di-substitution pattern of the amine N4 function.

In vitro assessment of the role of DpC in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) and di-2-pyridylketone-4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. The proliferation and apoptosis of HNSCC cells treated with the iron chelators DpC and Dp44mT were detected. The mechanism of DpC-induced apoptosis on HNSCC cells was investigated. The human HNSCC cell lines FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 were cultured in vitro and exposed to gradient concentrations of DpC and Dp44mT. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to detect the viability of FaDu, Cal-27, SCC-9 cells. Double staining with annexin V and propidium iodide was performed for the detection of the proportion of apoptotic FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 cells following treatment. The nuclear damage to Cal-27 cells that were treated with DpC was detected by Hoechst staining. Finally, western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of proteins associated with the DNA damage pathway in Cal-27 cells that were treated with DpC. The CCK-8 assay showed that treatment with DpC and Dp44mT was able to markedly inhibit the viability of FaDu, Cal-27 and SCC-9 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In comparison to Dp44mT, treatment with DpC exhibited a more effective inhibitory effect on the viability of HNSCC cells. The proportion of apoptotic cells detected by flow cytometry increased in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines following DpC and Dp44mT treatment, with the proportion of apoptotic HNSCC cells induced by DpC treatment being significantly higher compared with Dp44mT (P<0.05). The results of Hoechst staining revealed that the nuclei of Cal-27 cells exhibited morphological changes in response to DpC treatment, including karyopyknosis and nuclear fragmentation. The expression of DNA damage-associated proteins, including phosphorylated (p)-serine-protein kinase ATM, p-serine/threonine-protein kinase Chk1 (p-Chk-1), p-serine/threonine-protein kinase ATR (p-ATR), p-Chk-2, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, p-histone H2AX, breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein, p-tumor protein P53, increased with increasing concentration of DpC in Cal-27 cells. Treatment with DpC and Dp44mT markedly inhibited cell viability and increased the apoptotic rates in human HNSCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. DpC exhibited a stronger antitumor effect compared with Dp44mT, potentially inducing the apoptosis of HNSCC cells via the upregulation of DNA damage repair-associated proteins.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluations of novel pyridone-thiazole hybrid molecules as antitumor agents

A hybrid pharmacophore approach was adopted to design and synthesize new series of pyridone-thiazole hybrid compounds. The structures of the compounds were established by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and HRMS. All the newly prepared compounds (3a-3m) were in vitro evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines, namely Colon cancer (HCT-116), gastric carcinoma (MGC803) and hepatocellular cancer (Huh7). Bioassay results demonstrated that most of the tested compounds showed potent anti-tumor activities against various cancer cells in vitro, and some compounds exhibited stronger effects than positive control 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Compound 3b showed the best anti-tumor activity with IC₅₀ values of 8.17 μM and 3.15 μM against HCT116 and MGC803 cell lines, respectively, which was 1.4-8.1 times more potent than 5-Fluorouracil (IC₅₀ = 11.29 μM and 25.54 μM against HCT116 and MGC803 respectively). These findings suggest that compound 3b may have potential to be developed as a promising lead for the design of novel anticancer small-molecule drugs.