Multicomponent reactions (MCR) in medicinal chemistry: a patent review (2010-2020)

Introduction: Multicomponent reactions (MCR) has been utilized to synthesize a vast range of analogs belonging to diverse classes of heterocyclic compounds offering multidimensional pharmaceutical applications. The unique feature of MCR includes the synthesis of highly functionalized molecules in a single pot to build quick libraries of compounds of biological interest to identify new leads as potential therapeutic agents.Area covered: The current review article covers the patents published in the last decade in order to highlight the importance of multicomponent reactions for synthesizing complex-functionalized molecules of high biological significance.Expert opinion: Easily automated one-pot multicomponent reactions (MCRs) has demonstrated successful impact at different stages of the lead discovery, lead optimization, and pre-clinical process development arenas. Application of MCRs is the recent advancement in the field of drug design and discovery which will expectedly lead to the development of medicinally important heterocyclic compounds with a vast range of biological activities.

One-pot multicomponent green Hantzsch synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridine derivatives with antiproliferative activity

A rapid route for obtaining unsymmetrical 1,2-dihydropyridines (1,2-DHPs) as opposed to 1,4-dihydropyridines (1,4-DHPs) has been achieved via a one-pot multicomponent Hantzsch reaction. A benign protocol has been developed for the preparation of various 1,2-dihydropyridine derivatives using heterogenized phosphotungstic acid on alumina support (40 wt %). High yields of over 75% have been accomplished in just 2-3.5 h after screening several heterogeneous catalysts and investigating the optimal reaction conditions. The catalyst chosen has passed the heterogeneity test and was shown to have the potential of being reused for up to 8 consecutive cycles before having a significant loss in activity. In addition, aromatic aldehydes gave the aforementioned regioisomer while the classical 1,4-DHPs were obtained when carrying out the reaction using aliphatic aldehydes. The preliminary study of the antiproliferative activity against human solid tumor cells demonstrated that 1,2-DHPs could inhibit cancer cell growth in the low micromolar range.

Design and synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu nanocatalyst based on cellulose nanofibers as a new and highly efficient, reusable, stable and green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles

The Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu catalyst was used as a highly stable, reusable, active, green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via one-pot three-component reaction of phenacyl bromides, sodium azide and alkynes. A Cu(ii)-Schiff base complex containing an imidazolium ionic phase was prepared and decorated on core shell Fe3O4@NFC magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu) and was used as an efficient catalyst. The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD spectroscopy, EDX spectroscopy, VSM, and ICP spectroscopy. This catalyst shows the dual function of the metal sites and imidazolium moieties. The catalytic system mentioned above also showed excellent activity in the synthesis of bis 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. Moreover, the catalyst could be recycled and reused for four cycles without any decrease in its catalytic activity.

Multicomponent Synthesis of Iminocoumarins via Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Bond Activation

We herein establish a multicomponent annulation method for the synthesis of valuable iminocoumarins using aryl thiocarbamates, internal alkynes, and sulfonamides as starting materials, which are safe and readily available. The key step is a Rh-catalyzed and sulfur-directed C-H bond activation. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggested that the nucleophilic attack of the sulfonamide on an active iminium cation finally completes the imine segment.

Niobium Oxides as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biginelli Multicomponent Reaction

This study reports a simple, reusable, and recoverable niobium-based heterogeneous catalysts for Biginelli multicomponent reactions. Different methods of catalysts preparation were investigated. For this purpose, HY-340 (Nb₂O₅·nH₂O) and Nb₂O₅ were chemically and/or thermally treated and investigated as catalysts for dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) production. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed desorption of NH₃, adsorption/desorption of N₂ at -196 °C, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The characterization results showed that niobium oxides have the potential to be used as catalysts because of high crystallinity and large surface area. Among the tested catalysts, Nb₂O₅ chemically treated (Nb₂O₅/T) showed the best catalytic performance. In the absence of solvents, 94% yield of DHPMs was achieved. Also, Nb₂O₅/T can be reused three times without a significant yield decrease. Additionally, a feasible reaction pathway was suggested based on the Knoevenagel mechanism for DHPM synthesis using niobium-based catalysts.

Novel magnetic propylsulfonic acid-anchored isocyanurate-based periodic mesoporous organosilica (Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H) as a highly efficient and reusable nanoreactor for the sustainable synthesis of imidazopyrimidine derivatives

In this study, preparation and characterization of a new magnetic propylsulfonic acid-anchored isocyanurate bridging periodic mesoporous organosilica (Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H) is described. The iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy as well as thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. Indeed, the new obtained materials are the first example of the magnetic thermally stable isocyanurate-based mesoporous organosilica solid acid. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the Iron oxide@PMO-ICS-PrSO3H nanomaterials, as a novel and highly efficient recoverable nanoreactor, was investigated for the sustainable heteroannulation synthesis of imidazopyrimidine derivatives through the Traube-Schwarz multicomponent reaction of 2-aminobenzoimidazole, C‒H acids and diverse aromatic aldehydes. The advantages of this green protocol are low catalyst loading, high to quantitative yields, short reaction times and the catalyst recyclability for at least four consecutive runs.

One-step synthesis of rhodamine-based Fe3+ fluorescent probes via Mannich reaction and its application in living cell imaging

Four rhodamine-based fluorescent probes M1-M4 were synthesized in one step using Mannich reaction. The Mannich reaction based approach has the advantages of simplicity, good yield and excellent atomic economy. The structures were determined by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR and HRMS. The probe M3 as a representative compound was characterized by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The fluorescence and absorbance spectra research of the probes demonstrated that they could be used as Fe³⁺-selective fluorescent probes with good sensitivity, excellent linearity, and outstanding anti-interference in acetonitrile/Tris-HCl buffer solution (3:7, V/V; pH = 7.4). Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy experiments have proven that the probe M3 was successfully used for fluorescence imaging in MCF-7 cells.

Green and Mechanochemical One-Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Bioactive 2-amino-4H-benzo[b]pyrans via Highly Efficient Amine-Functionalized SiO2@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

An ecofriendly, magnetically retrievable amine-functionalized SiO2@Fe3O4 catalyst was successfully synthesized and affirmed by several physicochemical characterization tools, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and powder X-ray diffraction. Thereafter, the catalytic performance of this environmentally benign NH2@SiO2@Fe3O4 catalyst was investigated in the one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 2-amino-4H-benzo[b]pyran derivatives. The reaction was simply achieved by grinding of various substituted aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, and malononitrile at room temperature under solvent and waste-free conditions with excellent yields and high purity. Moreover, the developed catalyst not only possesses immense potential to accelerate the synthesis of bioactive pyran derivatives but also exhibits several remarkable attributes like broad functional group tolerance, durability, improved yield, reusability, and recyclability. Besides, various other fascinating advantages of this protocol are milder reaction conditions, cost effectiveness, short reaction time, and simple work up procedures.

Review on the Ugi Multicomponent Reaction Mechanism and the Use of Fluorescent Derivatives as Functional Chromophores

In the present mini-review we discuss the findings, controversies, and gaps observed for the Ugi four-component reaction. The Ugi multicomponent reaction, performed by mixing an aldehyde, an amine, a carboxylic acid, and an isocyanide, is among the most important isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (MCRs), allowing multiple bond formations (C-C and C-N) in a single synthetic step. The possibility of two reaction pathways and the little understood solvent effect over this transformation renders this reaction as one of the hardest challenges to overcome. The little knowledge of the mechanism of the Ugi MCR hinders the development of new and efficient chiral catalytic systems to further the application of the derivatives obtained by enantioselective versions. The asymmetric transformation is in this context a bigger challenge, and little is known about the mechanism of these few available versions. The new trend of functional chromophore synthesis by MCRs is also highlighted, and the few examples already disclosed in the literature exemplify the huge opportunity for investigation and creative ideas using the Ugi four-component reaction.

Regenerable Acidity of Graphene Oxide in Promoting Multicomponent Organic Synthesis

The Brønsted acidity of graphene oxide (GO) materials has shown promising activity in organic synthesis. However, roles and functionality of Lewis acid sites remain elusive. Herein, we reported a carbocatalytic approach utilizing both Brønsted and Lewis acid sites in GOs as heterogeneous promoters in a series of multicomponent synthesis of triazoloquinazolinone compounds. The GOs possessing the highest degree of oxidation, also having the highest amounts of Lewis acid sites, enable optimal yields (up to 95%) under mild and non-toxic reaction conditions (85 °C in EtOH). The results of FT-IR spectroscopy, temperature-programed decomposition mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy identified that the apparent Lewis acidity via basal plane epoxide ring opening, on top of the saturated Brønsted acidic carboxylic groups, is responsible for the enhanced carbocatalytic activities involving Knoevenagel condensation pathway. Recycled GO can be effectively regenerated to reach 97% activity of fresh GO, supporting the recognition of GO as pseudocatalyst in organic synthesis.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activities of fatty polyhydroquinolines synthesized by Hantzsch multicomponent reactions

Polyhydroquinolines (PHQs) are the unsymmetrical Hantzsch derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridines with several biological applications. In this work, new fatty 2- and 3-substituted PHQ derivatives from different fatty acids and fatty alcohol feedstocks were synthesized at good yields via a four-component reaction (4CR). The antioxidant activities of fatty PHQs were investigated using three different antioxidant methods. The experiments showed that the compounds derived from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and fatty palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) chains showed better antioxidant activity. This revealed that combining the ortho NO2 group in the aromatic ring with the insertion of fatty chains in the PHQ core contributed to the antioxidant activity. However, among all the fatty PHQs tested, the fatty 2-substituted compound derived from oleyl alcohol and 2-nitrobenzaldehyde showed the highest antioxidant activity (EC50, 2.11-4.69 μM), which was similar to those of the antioxidant standards butylated hydroxytoluene (EC50, 1.98-6.47 μM) and vitamin E (EC50, 1.19-5.88 μM). In addition, this lipophilic compound showed higher antioxidant activity than the antihypertensive drug nifedipine (EC50, 49.25-126.86 μM). These results indicate that the new fatty PHQs may find novel applications as antioxidant additives.

Synthesis of quinones with highlighted biological applications: A critical update on the strategies towards bioactive compounds with emphasis on lapachones

Naphthoquinones are of key importance in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. In the last few years, various synthetic routes have been developed to prepare bioactive compounds derived or based on lapachones. In this sense, this review is mainly focused on the synthetic aspects and strategies used for the design of these compounds on the basis of their biological activities for the development of drugs against the neglected diseases leishmaniases and Chagas disease and also cancer. Three strategies used to develop bioactive quinones are discussed and categorized: (i) C-ring modification, (ii) redox centre modification and (iii) A-ring modification. Framed within these strategies for the development of naphthoquinoidal compounds against T. cruzi. Leishmania and cancer, reactions including copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (click chemistry), palladium-catalysed cross couplings, C-H activation reactions, Ullmann couplings and heterocyclisations reported up to July 2019 will be discussed. The aim of derivatisation is the generation of novel molecules that can potentially inhibit cellular organelles/processes, generate reactive oxygen species and increase lipophilicity to enhance penetration through the plasma membrane. Modified lapachones have emerged as promising prototypes for the development of drugs against leishmaniases, Chagas disease and cancer.

Amine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (AFGONs): an efficient bifunctional catalyst for selective formation of 1,4-dihydropyridines, acridinediones and polyhydroquinolines

We report here selective formation of functionalized 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHP), acridinediones and polyhydroquinolines in high yields using amine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (AFGONs) as the bifunctional catalyst. The method overcomes the limitations of previous protocols affording a mixture of DHP and pyridine derivatives using graphene oxide as the catalyst. The mild reaction conditions are found compatible with a wide range of functional groups. It is presumed that a cooperative effect between the acidic and basic functionalities present in AFGONs may have exerted high catalytic efficiency as well as prevented further oxidation to pyridine derivatives. A plausible mechanism is proposed on the basis of some control experiments. The reactions can be scaled up conveniently, and the catalyst can be recycled for five consecutive runs without loss of its activity.

Tuning the Biginelli reaction mechanism by the ionic liquid effect: the combined role of supported heteropolyacid derivatives and acidic strength

Herein, a combination of heteropolyacids and ionic liquids as a catalytic system was studied for the Biginelli multicomponent reaction; the positive ionic liquid effect associated with the acidic strength of zeolite-supported heteropolyacids made this combination an efficient catalytic system for the multicomponent synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one/thione derivatives. The acidic strength effect was evaluated, and a range was determined in which the reaction provided better results. The mechanism of the reaction was also investigated in the presence and absence of ionic liquids, and two features of paramount importance were revealed: the mechanism could be tuned to proceed through only one reaction path among three possibilities and the kinetics of the reaction was significantly faster in the presence of an ionic liquid.

Heteropolyacids and ionic liquid effect allowed tuning of the Biginelli reaction mechanism and synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one/thione derivatives in an efficient, recyclable fashion. The role of acidic strength and supported heteropolyacid is disclosed.

Mechanistic understanding of catalysis by combining mass spectrometry and computation

The combination of mass spectrometry and computational chemistry has been proven to be powerful for exploring reaction mechanisms. The former provides information of reaction intermediates, while the latter gives detailed reaction energy profiles.

Phenothiazine and amide-ornamented dihydropyridinesviaa molecular hybridization approach: design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies

A series of novel phenothiazinyldihydropyridine dicarboxamides7a–7jwas synthesized by adopting a multi-step synthetic strategy and characterized through physical and spectral techniques.

Mechanistic knowledge and noncovalent interactions as the key features for enantioselective catalysed multicomponent reactions: a critical review

This critical short review focuses on some key features which determine successful enantioselective catalysed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and are typically underappreciated in the literature.

5-Oxo-hexahydroquinoline: an attractive scaffold with diverse biological activities

5-Oxo-hexahydroquinoline (5-oxo-HHQ) represents a biologically attractive fused heterocyclic core. Various synthetic analogs of 5-oxo-HHQ have been synthesized and assessed for different biological activities. Some derivatives have exhibited myorelaxant, analgesic, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antitubercular, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, multidrug resistance reversal, anti-Alzheimer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic and antiosteoporotic activities. This review provides a comprehensive report regarding the preparation and pharmacological characterization of 5-oxo-HHQ derivatives that have been reported so far. This information will be beneficial for medicinal chemists in the field of drug discovery to design and develop new and potent therapeutical agents bearing the 5-oxo-HHQ nucleus.

Acetophenone Mannich bases: study of ionic liquid catalysed synthesis and antioxidative potential of products

Three-component Mannich reaction of acetophenone or 4-iodoacetophenone with a variety of substituted anilines and benzaldehyde, catalysed with diethanolammonium chloroacetate, was performed under mild conditions. Mannich bases (MBs), of which five are new, were obtained in good to excellent yields. All compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, NMR and IR. In addition, detailed experimental and simulated UV-Vis spectral characterization of these compounds is presented here for the first time. In vitro antioxidative potential of synthetized MBs was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical and density functional theory (DFT) thermodynamical study. It was shown that compounds with anisidine moiety express moderate antioxidative activity. Mechanism of the organocatalysed Mannich reaction was thoroughly inspected by means of DFT. The reaction undergoes the hydrogen bonding-assisted mechanism. Moreover, the proposed rate determining step of the overall reaction is water elimination in the process of iminium ion formation. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report on the influence of this type of catalyst on the formation of iminium ion, as a crucial intermediate for the whole reaction.

Organic Reactions in Microdroplets: Reaction Acceleration Revealed by Mass Spectrometry

The striking finding that reaction acceleration occurs in confined-volume solutions sets up an apparent conundrum: Microdroplets formed by spray ionization can be used to monitor the course of bulk-phase reactions and also to accelerate reactions between the reagents in such a reaction. This Minireview introduces droplet and thin-film acceleration phenomena and summarizes recent methods applied to study accelerated reactions in confined-volume, high-surface-area solutions. Conditions that dictate either simple monitoring or acceleration are reconciled in the occurrence of discontinuous and complete desolvation as the endpoint of droplet evolution. The contrasting features of microdroplet and bulk-solution reactions are described together with possible mechanisms that drive reaction acceleration in microdroplets. Current applications of droplet microreactors are noted as is reaction acceleration in confined volumes and possible future scale-up.

Peptide array functionalization via the Ugi four-component reaction

The Ugi four-component reaction was investigated as a tool for the functionalization of peptide arrays via post-synthetic side-chain modification, mimicking post-translational processes. Additionally, as a proof of concept for the synthesis of peptidomimetics on arrays, the integration of an Ugi unit into a growing peptide chain was demonstrated.

Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Emissive Molecular Rotors with Four-Component Ugi Stators

The use of the multicomponent Ugi reaction to rapidly prepare a library of dumbbell-like molecular rotors is highlighted here. The synthetic strategy consisted of the atom-economic access to 15 bulky and structurally diverse iodinated stators, which were cross-coupled to the 1,4-diethynylphenylene rotator. From those experiments, up to six rotors 1a-c and 1l-n were obtained, with yields ranging from 35 to 69% per coupled C-C bond. In addition to the framework diversity, five of these compounds showed aggregate-enhanced emission properties thanks to their conjugated 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene cores, a property that rises by increasing the water fraction (f_w) in their THF solutions. The results highlight the significance of the diversity-oriented synthesis of rapid access to new molecular fluorescent rotors.

Synthesis of polycyclic spiroindolines by highly diastereoselective interrupted Ugi cascade reactions of 3-(2-isocyanoethyl)indoles

We report a highly diastereoselective interrupted Ugi reaction to construct a broad range of structurally congested and stereochemically complex spiroindolines from tryptamine-derived isocyanides. The reaction is facilitated by using fluorinated alcohols (TFE or HFIP) as solvents and tolerates a broad range of amines, aldehydes and 2-isocyanoethylindoles to give polycyclic products in moderate to excellent yields.