Sulfoximines: A Neglected Opportunity in Medicinal Chemistry

Organoboron/iodide-catalyzed photoredox N-functionalization of NH-sulfoximines/sulfonimidamides

An aminoquinolate diarylboron (AQDAB) and tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) co-catalyzed photoredox process for N-functionalization of NH-sulfoximines/sulfonimidamides has been successfully developed. This protocol can afford the corresponding N-sulfenylated and N-phosphonylated products in good to excellent yields under conditions without metallic (photo)catalysts, external oxidants, or acidic/basic additives. A wide range of functional groups are tolerated, and the N-phosphonylated products of NH-sulfonimidamides have been reported for the first time.

Chromatographic Enantioseparation of Chiral Sulfoximines on Polysaccharide-Based Chiral Stationary Phases

Chiral sulfoximines have significant roles in pharmaceutical industry and agricultural chemicals. Furthermore, chiral structurally related sulfoximines are used for their wide potential applications in some uncharted territory. However, chromatographic study on these compounds has not been systematically performed. Herein, this paper describes the enantioseparation of 12 chiral sulfoximines on polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs). Separation factors of chiral column, high-performance liquid chromatography parameters such as mobile phase composition and column temperature were carefully investigated. Chiralcel OJ-H column can resolve all of the 12 compounds, while Chiralpak AD-H column and Chiralpak AS-H column can separate eight and nine molecules, respectively. The sulfoximines are effectively resolved with Chiralcel OJ-H column with a mixture of n-hexane/2-propanol (80:20) as the mobile phase.

Synthesis of Sulfoximines by Copper-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Sulfinamides and Aryl Boronic Acids

A novel copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of sulfinamides and aryl boronic acids is developed. The reaction is highly chemoselective and stereospecific, which allows mild synthesis of optically pure sulfoximines with broad scope and functional group tolerance. The utility of this method is demonstrated by the asymmetric synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates.

Design, synthesis and anticancer activity of N-aryl indolylsulfoximines: Identification of potent and selective anticancer agents

A facile and efficient approach utilizing copper-mediated cross-coupling reaction of N-boc-3-indolylsulfoximines with aryl iodides was developed to synthesize a diverse range of N-arylated indolylsulfoximines 11a-m in excellent yields (up to 91%). The key precursors, free NH sulfoximines 9 were readily prepared by the treatment of N-boc-3-methylthioindoles 8 with a combination of IBD and ammonium carbamate. Under similar conditions NH-free indolylsulfoximine 9a was successfully prepared in gram-scale quantities. The reaction is highly chemoselective and tolerant of a wide range of functional groups. The process is environmentally friendly and is amenable to scale-up. Among the prepared N-arylated indolylsulfoximines 11a-m, compounds 11i-j (2.68-2.76 μM), 11f-g (1.9-3.7 μM) and 11k (1.28 μM) showed potent and selective cytotoxicity against 22Rv1, C4-2 and MCF7 cells, respectively. Indolylsulfoximine derivative 11l displayed a broad spectrum of activity (1.7-8.2 μM) against the tested cancer cell lines. These compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic to normal HEK293 cells, indicating their potential selectivity for cancer cells. We analysed the impact of 11l on various cellular assays to uncover its mechanism of action. Cellular assay shows that 11l increases the endogenous level of ROS, leading to the increased level of p-53 and c-jun inducing apoptosis. 11l also induced mitochondrial dysfunction, further promoting apoptotic pathways. Besides, 11l also restricts cell invasiveness, indicating that it could serve as an effective anti-metastatic agent. As oxidative stress severe F actin causing tubulin depolymerization, we examined the impact of 11l on tubulin dynamics. Accordingly, 11l treatment decreased the levels of polymerized tubulin in 22Rv1 and C4-2 cells. Although future studies are needed to determine their exact molecular target(s), our data shows that N-aryl indolylsulfoximines could serve as effective anti-cancer agents.

Deconstructing Protein Binding of Sulfonamides and Sulfonamide Analogues

Sulfonamides are one of the most important pharmacophores in medicinal chemistry, and sulfonamide analogues have gained substantial interest in recent years. However, the protein interactions of sulfonamides and especially of their analogues are underexplored. Using FKBP12 as a model system, we describe the synthesis of optically pure sulfenamide, sulfinamide, and sulfonimidamide analogues of a well characterized sulfonamide ligand. This allowed us to precisely determine the binding contributions of each sulfonamide oxygen atom and the consequences of nitrogen replacements. We also present high-resolution cocrystal structures of sulfonamide analogues buried in the pocket of a protein target. This revealed intimate contacts with the protein including an unprecedented hydrogen bond acceptor of sulfonimidamides. The use of sulfonamide analogues enabled new exit vectors that allowed remodeling of a subpocket in FKBP12. Our results illuminate the protein interaction potential of sulfonamides/sulfonamide analogues and will aid in their rational design.

Synthesis of Sulfilimines via Multicomponent Reaction of Arynes, Sulfamides, and Thiosulfonates

In this work, a facile and efficient method for the synthesis of sulfilimines through multicomponent reaction of arynes, sulfamides, and thiosulfonates was developed. A variety of structurally diverse substrates and functional groups were very compatible in the reaction, giving the corresponding sulfilimines in good to high yields. This protocol could be conducted on a gram scale, and the product was easily converted to sulfide and sulfoximine. Mechanism studies revealed that sulfenamide generated in situ is the key intermediate for the reaction.

Turning sulfonyl and sulfonimidoyl fluoride electrophiles into sulfur(VI) radicals for alkene ligation

Sulfonyl and sulfonimidoyl fluorides are versatile substrates in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. However, they have been exclusively used as S(VI)+ electrophiles for defluorinative ligations. Converting sulfonyl and sulfonimidoyl fluorides to S(VI) radicals is challenging and underexplored due to the strong bond dissociation energy of SVI-F and high reduction potentials, but once achieved would enable dramatically expanded synthetic utility and downstream applications. In this report, we disclose a general platform to address this issue through cooperative organosuperbase activation and photoredox catalysis. Vinyl sulfones and sulfoximines are obtained with excellent E selectivity under mild conditions by coupling reactions with alkenes. The synthetic utility of this method in the preparation of functional polymers and dyes is also demonstrated.

Iridium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Cyclization of Sulfoximines with Diazo Meldrum's Acids for the Synthesis of Cyclic Sulfoximines

Iridium(III)-catalyzed C-H cyclization of sulfoximines with diazo Meldrum's acid provided cyclic sulfoximines with a carbonyl group in good to excellent yields. These compounds were easily converted into unsubstituted and arylated sulfoximines. Moreover, the vinyl triflates obtained from the cyclic sulfoximines underwent palladium(II)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with a variety of aryl, arylalkynyl, and heteroatom (N and S) nucleophiles, affording a wide range of monosubstituted sulfoximines in high yields.

Intramolecular cyclization of N-cyano sulfoximines by N-CN bond activation

Metal-free halogenated anhydrides promote the intramolecular cyclization of N-cyano sulfoximines. Trifluoro- or trichloroacetic anhydride (TFAA or TCAA, respectively) activate the N-cyano groups of N-cyano sulfoximines, leading to the intramolecular cyclization of 2-benzamide-N-cyano sulfoximines 1. This method results in excellent yields of thiadiazinone 1-oxides 2. A full intramolecular cyclization pattern was suggested by (i) labeling experiments with 13C, (ii) isolating of N-trifluoroacetyl sulfoximine 1ac, and (iii) confirming the generation of the intermediate 1ad by LC/MS analysis.

Synthesis of Sulfilimines via Aryne and Cyclohexyne Intermediates

An efficient and metal-free approach for the synthesis of sulfilimines from sulfenamides with aryne and cyclohexyne precursors has been developed. The reaction proceeds through unusual S-C bond formation, which offers a novel and practical entry to access a wide range of sulfilimines in moderate to good yields with excellent chemoselectivity. Moreover, this protocol is amenable to gram-scale synthesis and is applicable to the transformation of the products into useful sulfoximines.

Sulfur-Arylation of Sulfenamides via Ullmann-Type Coupling with (Hetero)aryl Iodides

Sulfur-(hetero)arylation of sulfenamides with commercially abundant (hetero)aryl iodides by Ullmann-type coupling with inexpensive copper(I) iodide as the catalyst is reported. A broad scope of reaction inputs was demonstrated, including both aryl and alkyl sulfenamides and highly sterically hindered aryl and 5- and 6-membered ring heteroaryl iodides. Relevant to many bioactive high oxidation state sulfur compounds, the (hetero)arylation of S-methyl sulfenamides is reported, including for complex aryl iodides. Smiles rearrangement of electron-deficient S-heteroaryl sulfilimines is also disclosed.

Sulfoximine Assisted C-H Activation and Annulation via Vinylene Transfer: Access to Unsubstituted Benzothiazines

In this study, we report the synthesis of unsubstituted 1,2-benzothiazines through a redox-neutral Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation and [4+2]-annulation of S-aryl sulfoximines with vinylene carbonate. Notably, the introduction of an N-protected amino acid ligand significantly enhances the reaction rate. The key aspect of this redox-neutral process is the utilization of vinylene carbonate as an oxidizing acetylene surrogate and an efficient vinylene transfer agent. This vinylene carbonate enables the cyclization with the sulfoximine motifs, successfully forming a diverse array of 1,2-benzothiazine derivatives in moderate to good yields. Importantly, this study highlights the potential of Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation and [4+2]-annulation reactions for the synthesis of optically pure 1,2-benzothiazines with high enantiomeric purity.

Metal-Free Chemoselective S-Arylation of Sulfenamides To Access Sulfilimines

A novel and efficient S-arylation of sulfenamides with diaryliodonium salts for the synthesis of sulfilimines is developed. The reaction proceeds smoothly under transition-metal-free and air conditions, giving rapid access to sulfilimines in good to excellent yields via selective S-C bond formation. This protocol is scalable and exhibits a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent chemoselectivity.

Base-Promoted S-Arylation of Sulfenamides for the Synthesis of Sulfilimines

Sulfilimines are key intermediates to common motifs in medicines and agrochemicals. Typically, this class of compounds are prepared by imidation of thioethers, transition-metal-catalyzed or base-promoted sulfur alkylation and transition-metal-catalyzed sulfur arylation. Here, we report a practical and efficient base-mediated sulfur arylation reaction for the preparation of sulfilimines. A wide range of N-acyl and N-aryl sulfenamides react with various diaryliodonium salts smoothly to afford the sulfilimines in high yields with excellent chemoselectivities.

Sulfur-Arylation of Sulfenamides via Chan-Lam Coupling with Boronic Acids: Access to High Oxidation State Sulfur Pharmacophores

Sulfur-arylation of sulfenamides is reported. This reaction proceeds via a Chan-Lam-type coupling with commercially abundant boronic acids to give sulfilimines. A broad scope was established with a variety of readily accessible aryl and alkyl sulfenamide and boronic acid inputs. Synthetic utility and functional group compatibility were further demonstrated through the direct late-stage introduction of sulfilimines into approved drugs. Derivatization of the sulfilimine products provided access to medicinally relevant sulfoximines and sulfondiimines.

Redox-Neutral Strategy for Sulfilimines Synthesis via S-Arylation of Sulfenamides

In this investigation, an unprecedented transition-metal-free and redox-neutral synthesis of sulfilimines was realized through the S-arylation of readily obtainable sulfenamides employing diaryliodonium salts. The pivotal step encompassed the resonance between bivalent nitrogen-centered anions, engendered postdeprotonation of sulfenamides under alkaline conditions, and sulfinimidoyl anions. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that sulfinimidoyl anionic species function as efficacious nucleophilic reagents, affording sulfilimines with notable to exceptional yields and superlative chemoselectivity, all executed within a transition-metal-free protocol and under exceptionally mild conditions.

Gold-Catalyzed Anti-Markovnikov Oxidation of Au-Allenylidene to Generate Alkylidene Ketene

It remains a long-standing challenge to directly convert alkynes to carboxylic derivatives. Herein, a unexpectedly anti-Markovnikov oxidation of a unique Au-allenylidene pathway instead of a traditional α-oxo gold carbene routine is disclosed for in situ formation and transformation of highly unsaturated alkylidene ketenes, which are subsequently trapped by broad nucleophiles such as alcohols, phenols, water, amines, and sulfoximines to easily access α,β-unsaturated drugs and natural product derivatives by a multicomponent reaction. Based on this scenario, polyacrylate and polyacrylamide are efficiently afforded by corresponding multicomponent polymerization.

Green One-Pot Syntheses of 2-Sulfoximidoyl-3,6-dibromo Indoles Using N-Br Sulfoximines as Both Brominating and Sulfoximinating Reagents

A green one-pot 2,3,6-trifunctionalization of N-alkyl/aryl indoles was achieved by adding three equivalents of N-Br sulfoximine to the indole solution. A variety of 2-sulfoximidoyl-3,6-dibromo indoles were prepared with 38-94% yields using N-Br sulfoximines as both brominating and sulfoximinating reagents. Based on the results of controlled experiments, we propose that a radical substitution involving 3,6-dibromination and 2-sulfoximination occurs in the reaction process. This is first time that 2,3,6-trifunctionalization of indole in one pot has been achieved.

Design, synthesis, and antifungal activities of novel sulfoximine derivatives for plant protection

BACKGROUND

Fungicides play a significant role in the integrated management of plant pathogens. However, the irrational application of fungicides with similar structures has led to development of cross-resistance, therefore there is a need to seek novel fungicides with new structures.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight novel sulfoximine derivatives incorporating nitroguanidine moieties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as antifungal agents. The bioassay results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds displayed excellent fungicidal activities against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum, and Pyricularia grisea. Among these, compounds 6c₄ , 6c₅ , and 6c₆ exhibited remarkable fungicidal activities against P. grisea, with EC₅₀ values of 1.28, 1.17, and 1.68 μg mL^-1 , respectively. In addition, compound 6c₂ displayed the most potent activity against S. sclerotiorum (EC₅₀  = 3.64 μg mL^-1 ). Further in vivo fungicidal activity screening against S. sclerotiorum demonstrated that the protective and curative effects of compound 6c₂ were 98.1% and 91.3% at 25 μg mL^-1 , respectively, comparable to that of boscalid (94.4%, 89.6%). The preliminary mechanism study found that the hyphae of S. sclerotiorum treated with compound 6c₂ was abnormal with mycelial collapse and membrane permeability increase. The present findings can help to develop new fungicides for crop protection.

CONCLUSION

Novel sulfoximine derivatives containing nitroguanidine possess potential antifungal activity, and the unique structure may offer an alternative option for fungicide development in the future. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis of Sulfilimines Enabled by Copper-Catalyzed S-Arylation of Sulfenamides

Herein, an unprecedented synthetic route to sulfilimines via a copper-catalyzed Chan-Lam-type coupling of sulfenamides is presented. A key to success in this novel transformation is the chemoselective S-arylation of S(II) sulfenamides to form S(IV) sulfilimines, overriding the competitive, and more thermodynamically favored, C-N bond formation that does not require a change in the sulfur oxidation state. Computations reveal that the selectivity arises from a selective transmetallation event where bidentate sulfenamide coordination through the sulfur and oxygen atoms favors the S-arylation pathway. The mild and environmentally benign catalytic conditions enable broad functional group compatibility, allowing a variety of diaryl or alkyl aryl sulfilimines to be efficiently prepared. The Chan-Lam coupling procedure could also tolerate alkenylboronic acids as coupling partners to afford alkenyl aryl sulfilimines, a class of scaffolds that cannot be directly synthesized via conventional imination strategies. The benzoyl-protecting groups could be conveniently removed from the product, which, in turn, could be readily transformed into several S(IV) and S(VI) derivatives.

Synthesis of Sulfilimines via Selective S-C Bond Formation in Water

Sulfilimines are valuable compounds both in organic synthesis and in pharmaceuticals. Here we developed a mild and simplified method for preparation of sulfilimines via selective S-C bond formation rather than traditional S-N bond formation. The method is both attractive and useful for the following reasons: it uses a readily available alkylation reagent such alkyl bromide or alkyl iodide, it uses water as solvent, it is easy to perform, and it is convenient for late-stage diversification of drugs.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed [4 + 1] Annulation of Sulfoximines with Maleimides: Access to Benzoisothiazole Spiropyrrolidinediones

Rh(III)-catalyzed synthesis of benzoisothiazole spiropyrrolidinediones using sulfoximine as a directing group under a C-H activation and [4 + 1] annulation strategy with maleimides as a coupling partner is reported. The cyclization reaction was compatible with various substituted sulfoximine and maleimides. The deuterium-labeling studies were performed to investigate the mechanism of the reaction.

One-Pot Tandem Oxidative Bromination and Amination of Sulfenamide for the Synthesis of Sulfinamidines

The sulfinamidines as aza analogues of sulfinamides received limited attention from both organic chemists and pharmaceutical chemists. Herein, we present a tandem oxidative/nucleophilic substitution approach for the synthesis of sulfinamidines in high yield (up to 98%). This cascade reaction method is enabled by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) as an oxidant and diverse readily available amines as nucleophiles without any additives or catalysts. Notably, this method is highly time-economical, safe to operate, and easy to scale up and has excellent functional group compatibility.

Synthesis of Chiral Sulfonimidoyl Chloride via Desymmetrizing Enantioselective Hydrolysis

Direct construction of chiral S(VI) from prochiral S(II) is a formidable challenge due to the inevitable formation of stable chiral S(IV). Previous synthetic strategies rely on the conversion of chiral S(IV) or enantioselective desymmetrization of preformed symmetrical S(VI) substrates. Here, we report desymmetrizing enantioselective hydrolysis of in situ-generated symmetric aza-dichlorosulfonium from sulfenamides for the preparation of chiral sulfonimidoyl chlorides, which could be used as a general stable synthon for obtaining a series of chiral S(VI) derivatives.

A Copper-Catalyzed Interrupted Domino Reaction for the Synthesis of Fused Triazolyl Benzothiadiazine-1-oxides

Copper(I)-catalyzed domino reactions of 2-azido sulfoximines with 1-iodoalkynes yield fused triazolyl-containing benzothiadiazine-1-oxides. The protocol features the synthesis of two fused heterocyclic rings in one step with good to excellent yields and a broad functional group tolerance. Detailed mechanistic investigations indicate that a copper π-complex initiates a cycloaddition and oxidative C-N coupling reaction sequence. The results suggest an interrupted domino process involving an iodinated triazole as a key intermediate.

Dehydrogenative Imination of Low-Valent Sulfur Compounds-Fast and Scalable Synthesis of Sulfilimines, Sulfinamidines, and Sulfinimidate Esters

Herein, we describe an electrochemical pathway for the synthesis of sulfilimines, sulfoximines, sulfinamidines, and sulfinimidate esters from readily available low-valent sulfur compounds and primary amides or their analogues. The combination of solvents and supporting electrolytes together act both as an electrolyte as well as a mediator, leading to efficient use of reactants. Both can be easily recovered, enabling an atom-efficient and sustainable process. A broad scope of sulfilimines, sulfinamidines, and sulfinimidate esters with N-EWGs is accessed in up to excellent yields with broad functional group tolerance. This fast synthesis can be easily scaled up to multigram quantities with high robustness for fluctuation of current densities of up to 3 orders of magnitude. The sulfilimines are converted into the corresponding sulfoximines in an ex-cell process in high to excellent yields using electro-generated peroxodicarbonate as a green oxidizer. Thereby, preparatively valuable NH sulfoximines are accessible.

Copper-Catalyzed Sulfonylation Reaction of NH-Sulfoximines with Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates and Sulfur Dioxide: Formation of N-Sulfonyl Sulfoximines

An efficient and practical SO₂ insertion protocol of NH-sulfoximines with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates and DABSO toward N-sulfonyl sulfoximines has been developed under mildly basic conditions. This transformation features easy operation, readily available substrates, and mild conditions. A tentative mechanism is proposed, which indicates that the aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates would be radical donors under standard reaction conditions. The aryl radical produced in situ from diazonium salts would be trapped by SO₂ to generate an arylsulfonyl radical and then undergo further transformation to generate the final N-sulfonyl sulfoximines.

Synthesis of Chiral Sulfoximines via Iridium-Catalyzed Regio- and Enantioselective C-H Borylation: A Remarkable Sidearm Effect of Ligand

Transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation of prochiral sulfoximines for non-annulated products remains a formidable challenge. We herein report iridium-catalyzed enantioselective C-H borylation of N-silyl diaryl sulfoximines using a well-designed chiral bidentate boryl ligand with a bulky side arm. This method is capable of accommodating a broad range of substrates under mild reaction conditions, affording a vast array of chiral sulfoximines with high enantioselectivities. We also demonstrated the synthetic utility on a preparative-scale C-H borylation for diverse downstream transformations, including the synthesis of chiral version of bioactive molecules. Computational studies showed that the bulky side arm of the ligand confers high regio- and enantioselectivity through steric effect.

Silver-mediated Room Temperature Reactions for the Synthesis of N-α-Ketoacyl Sulfoximines and N-α,β-Unsaturated Acyl Sulfoximines

Here, we report a silver-mediated coupling of acetylenes with sulfoximines to synthesize N-α-ketoacyl sulfoximines and N-α,β-unsaturated acyl sulfoximines. The reactions are performed under an open atmosphere using the oxidant K₂S₂O₈ and the ligand 2,2-bipyridyl. However, the fate of the product formation is controlled by the type of substrate used. The coupling between aryl acetylenes and sulfoximines afforded the N-α-ketoacylsulfoximines, while the alkyl acetylenes provided the N-α,β-unsaturated acyl sulfoximines. Controlled experiments reveal the differential reactivity patterns of substrates. The labeling ¹⁸O experiments showed that water is the source of the incoming oxygen atom for the keto group of N-α-ketoacyl sulfoximines and N-α,β-unsaturated acyl sulfoximines.

Synthesis of Sulfoximines and Sulfonimidamides Using Hypervalent Iodine Mediated NH Transfer

The development of NH transfer reactions using hypervalent iodine and simple sources of ammonia has facilitated the synthesis of sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides for applications across the chemical sciences. Perhaps most notably, the methods have been widely applied in medicinal chemistry and in the preparation of biologically active compounds, including in the large-scale preparation of an API intermediate. This review provides an overview of the development of these synthetic methods involving an intermediate iodonitrene since our initial report in 2016 on the conversion of sulfoxides into sulfoximines. This review covers the NH transfer to sulfoxides and sulfinamides, and the simultaneous NH/O transfer to sulfides and sulfenamides to form sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides, respectively. The mechanism of the reactions and the identification of key intermediates are discussed. Developments in the choice of reagents, and in the reaction conditions and setups used are described.

N-Cyano sulfilimine functional group as a nonclassical amide bond bioisostere in the design of a potent analogue to anthranilic diamide insecticide

To explore the potential of the N-cyano sulfilimine group as an amide bond isostere, a derivative of the blockbuster anthranilic diamide, chlorantramiliprole, was synthesized and evaluated with regard to its physicochemical properties, permeability, and biological activity. Given the combination of N-cyano sulfilimine chlorantraniliprole 1 and its strong hydrogen bond acceptor character, high permeability, and excellent insecticidal activity, the N-cyano sulfilimine functional group could be considered as an amide bond isostere.

Electro-mechanochemical approach towards the chloro sulfoximidations of allenes under solvent-free conditions in a ball mill

An electro-mechanochemical protocol for the synthesis of vinylic sulfoximines has been developed. Utilising mechanochemically strained BaTiO₃ nanoparticles, the catalytic active system is generated in situ by the reduction of copper(II) chloride. Various combinations of electron-donating and -withdrawing groups are tolerated, and the approach leads to products with difunctionalised double bonds in good to excellent yields. Attempts to add a sulfoximidoyl chloride to an alkyne proved difficult. Additions of a sulfonyl iodide to allenes and alkynes proceeded smoothly in the presence of silica gel without the need for activation by a piezoelectric material.

Cu(II)-Catalyzed, Site Selective Sulfoximination to Indole and Indolines via Dual C-H/N-H Activation

A copper-catalyzed protocol furnishing N-arylated sulfoximines has been developed via dual N-H/C-H activation. Arylalkyl- and less reactive diarylsulfoximines were efficiently coupled with privileged scaffolds like indolines, indoles, and N-Ar-7-azaindoles. Sulfoximines based on medicinally relevant scaffolds (phenothiazine, dibenzothiophene, thioxanthenone) were also well tolerated. Detailed mechanistic studies indicate that the deprotometalation and protodemetalation step is the reversible step.

Direct formation and site-selective elaboration of methionine sulfoximine in polypeptides

Sulfoximines are emerging moieties for medicinal and biological chemistry, due in part to their efficacy in selective inhibition of amide-forming enzymes such as γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase. While small-molecule sulfoximines such as methionine sulfoximine (MSO) and its derivatives are well studied, structures with methionine sulfoximine residues within complex polypeptides have been generally inaccessible. This paper describes a straightforward means of late-stage one-step oxidation of methionine residues within polypeptides to afford NH-sulfoximines. We also present chemoselective subsequent elaboration, most notably by copper(ii)-mediated N-H cross-coupling at methionine sulfoximine residues with arylboronic acid reagents. This development serves as a strategy to incorporate diverse sulfoximine structures within natural polypeptides, and also identifies the methionine sulfoximine residue as a new site for bioorthogonal, chemoselective bioconjugation.

Synthesis of Sulfoximine Propargyl Carbamates under Improved Conditions for Rhodium Catalyzed Carbamate Transfer to Sulfoxides

Sulfoximines provide aza-analogues of sulfones, with potentially improved properties for medicinal chemistry. The sulfoximine nitrogen also provides an additional vector for the inclusion of other functionality. Here, we report improved conditions for rhodium catalyzed synthesis of sulfoximine (and sulfilimine) carbamates, especially for previously low-yielding carbamates containing π-functionality. Notably we report the preparation of propargyl sulfoximine carbamates to provide an alkyne as a potential click handle. Using Rh₂(esp)₂ as catalyst and a DOE optimization approach provided considerably increased yields.

The current progress in the use of boron as a platform for novel antiviral drug design

INTRODUCTION

Boron has attracted extensive interest due to several FDA-approved boron-containing drugs and other pharmacological agents in clinical trials. As a semimetal, it has peculiar biochemical characteristics which could be utilized in designing novel drugs against drug-resistant viruses. Emerging and reemerging viral pandemics are major threats to human health. Accordingly, we aim to comprehensively review the current status of antiviral boron-containing compounds.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the utilization of boron to design molecules against viruses from two perspectives: (i) single boron atom-containing compounds acting on miscellaneous viral targets and (ii) boron clusters. The peculiar properties of antiviral boron-containing compounds and their diverse binding modes with viral targets are described in detail in this review.

EXPERT OPINION

Compounds bearing boronic acid can interact with viral targets by forming covalent or robust hydrogen bonds. This feature is valuable for combating resistant viruses. Furthermore, boron clusters can form dihydrogen bonds and bear features such as three-dimensional aromaticity, hydrophobicity, and biological stability. All these features demonstrated boron as a probable essential element with immense potential for drug design.

Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2022 Goes Virtual

The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry (FiMC) meeting, which represents the largest international medicinal chemistry conference in Germany, took place from March 14^th to 16^th 2022 in a fully virtual format. Organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) together with the Division of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG) and a "local" organization committee from the University of Freiburg headed by Manfred Jung, the meeting brought together 271 participants from around 20 countries. The program included 33 lectures by leading scientists from industry and academia as well as early career investigators. 67 posters were presented in two poster sessions and with over 20.000 poster abstract downloads. The general organization and the time-shift function were very much appreciated as demonstrated by almost 600 on-demand contents retrieved. The online format fitted perfectly to bring together medicinal chemists from academia and industry across the globe.

Catalytic Enantioselective Sulfur Alkylation of Sulfenamides for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Sulfoximines

Sulfoximines are increasingly incorporated in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, with the two enantiomers of chiral sulfoximines often having profoundly different binding interactions with biomolecules. Therefore, their application to drug discovery and development requires the challenging preparation of single enantiomers rather than racemic mixtures. Here, we report a general and fundamentally new asymmetric synthesis of sulfoximines. The first S-alkylation of sulfenamides, which are readily accessible sulfur compounds with one carbon and one nitrogen substituent, represents the key step. A broad scope for S-alkylation was achieved by rhodium-catalyzed coupling with diazo compounds under mild conditions. When a chiral rhodium catalyst was utilized with loadings as low as 0.1 mol %, the S-alkylation products were obtained in high yields and with enantiomeric ratios up to 98:2 at the newly generated chiral sulfur center. The S-alkylation products were efficiently converted to a variety of sulfoximines with complete retention of stereochemistry. The utility of this approach was further demonstrated by the asymmetric synthesis of a complex sulfoximine agrochemical.

The Preparation of Diaryl Sulfoxinium Triflates and Their Application in Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions

Treatment of N-methyl-S,S-diaryl sulfoximines with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate provides bench-stable sulfoxinium salts in excellent yields. Applying them in Sonogashira-, Heck- and Suzuki-type cross-coupling reactions leads to the corresponding products by sequential C-S bond cleavage and C-C bond formation. Electronic factors induced by substituents on the S-aryl groups govern the coupling efficiency.

The advent of electrophilic hydroxylamine-derived reagents for the direct preparation of unprotected amines

Electrophilic aminating reagents have seen a renaissance in recent years as effective nitrogen sources for the synthesis of unprotected amino functionalities. Based on their reactivity, several noble and non-noble transition metal catalysed amination reactions have been developed. These include the aziridination and difunctionalisation of alkenes, the amination of arenes as well as the synthesis of aminated sulfur compounds. In particular, the use of hydroxylamine-derived (N-O) reagents, such as PONT (PivONH3OTf), has enabled the introduction of unprotected amino groups on various different feedstock compounds, such as alkenes, arenes and thiols. This strategy obviates undesired protecting-group manipulations and thus improves step efficiency and atom economy. Overall, this feature article gives a recent update on several reactions that have been unlocked by employing versatile hydroxylamine-derived aminating reagents, which facilitate the generation of unprotected primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups.

Synthesis of β-Arylseleno Sulfoximines: A Metal-Free Three-Component Reaction Mediated by Tetrabutylammonium Tribromide

A tetrabutylammonium tribromide-mediated three-component reaction of alkenes, diselenides, and sulfoximines has been established herein, providing direct and metal-free access to diverse β-arylseleno sulfoximine derivatives. This regioselective sulfoximido-selenization protocol proceeds efficiently under mild and ambient conditions with generally good yields. This strategy is featured by step and atom economy, practicability, a broad substrate scope, and gram-scale synthesis.

Iron(II)-Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reaction of Sulfoxides with N-Acyloxyamides

An iron(II)-catalyzed nitrene transfer reaction of sulfoxides with N-acyloxyamides has been developed, leading to the efficient construction of N-acyl sulfoximines with high functional-group compatibility. The current catalytic transformation was carried out under an air atmosphere at ambient temperature and could be scaled up to gram scale with a catalyst loading of 1 mol %. Application of the methodology was demonstrated by facile C-H acetoxylation and olefination using the N-acyl sulfoximine as the directing group.

Photo-catalyzed acetoxysulfoximination of styrene with sulfoximidoyl thianthrenium salt

We report the design and synthesis of a redox-active thianthrenium-containing sulfoximination reagent. Photo-catalyzed acetoxysulfoximination of styrene with various functional groups is described. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the sulfoximination reagent (2aa) received a single electron transfer (SET) from the photo-excited Ir(ppy)₃ catalyst to produce a sulfoximidoyl radical as a key intermediate in this transformation.