Nitrile Oxide/Alkyne Cycloadditions - A Credible Platform for Synthesis of Bioinspired Molecules by Metal-Free Molecular Clicking

Photo-cycloaddition reactions of vinyldiazo compounds

Heterocyclic rings are important structural scaffolds encountered in both natural and synthetic compounds, and their biological activity often depends on these motifs. They are predominantly accessible via cycloaddition reactions, realized by either thermal, photochemical, or catalytic means. Various starting materials are utilized for this purpose, and, among them, diazo compounds are often encountered, especially vinyldiazo compounds that give access to donor-acceptor cyclopropenes which engage in [2+n] cycloaddition reactions. Herein, we describe the development of photochemical processes that produce diverse heterocyclic scaffolds from multisubstituted oximidovinyldiazo compounds. High chemoselectivity, good functional group tolerance, and excellent scalability characterize this methodology, thus predisposing it for broader applications. Experimental and computational studies reveal that under light irradiation these diazo reagents selectively transform into cyclopropenes which engage in cycloaddition reactions with various dipoles, while under thermal conditions the formation of pyrazole from vinyldiazo compounds is favored.

Synthesis of Glycoconjugates through Chlorooxime-Thiol Conjugation

Introducing glycans represents an efficient chemical approach to improve the pharmacological properties of therapeutic biomolecules. Herein, we report an efficient synthesis of glycoconjugates through chlorooxime-thiol conjugation. The reactive glycosyl chlorooximes, derived from pyranoses or furanoses, readily couple to a wide range of thiol-containing substrates, including peptides, sugars, and thiophenols. This method features mild reaction conditions and fast kinetics. Capability for aqueous media and gram-scale synthesis demonstrates the potential of this method in the bioconjugation of saccharides with biologically active molecules.

Dealkenylative Alkynylation Using Catalytic FeII and Vitamin C

In this paper, we report the synthesis of alkyl-tethered alkynes through ozone-mediated and FeII-catalyzed dealkenylative alkynylation of unactivated alkenes in the presence of alkynyl sulfones. This one-pot reaction, which employs a combination of a catalytic FeII salt and l-ascorbic acid, proceeds under mild conditions with good efficiency, high stereoselectivity, and broad functional group compatibility. In contrast to our previous FeII-mediated reductive fragmentation of α-methoxyhydroperoxides, the FeII-catalyzed process was devised through a thorough kinetic analysis of the multiple competing radical (redox) pathways. We highlight the potential of this dealkenylative alkynylation through multiple post-synthetic transformations and late-stage diversifications of complex molecules, including natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Functionalization strategies of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery in Alzheimer’s disease: Current trends and future perspectives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder whose primary causes are mostly unknown. Due to the increase in life expectancy of world population, including developing countries, AD, whose incidence rises dramatically with age, is at the forefront among neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, a definitive cure is not yet within reach, imposing substantial medical and public health burdens at every latitude. Therefore, the effort to devise novel and effective therapeutic strategies is still of paramount importance. Genetic, functional, structural and biochemical studies all indicate that new and efficacious drug delivery strategies interfere at different levels with various cellular and molecular targets. Over the last few decades, therapeutic development of nanomedicine at preclinical stage has shown to progress at a fast pace, thus paving the way for its potential impact on human health in improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Clinical translation of nano-based therapeutics, despite current limitations, may present important advantages and innovation to be exploited in the neuroscience field as well. In this state-of-the-art review article, we present the most promising applications of polymeric nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for bypassing the blood-brain barrier of AD preclinical models and boost pharmacological safety and efficacy. In particular, novel strategic chemical functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers that could be successfully employed for treating AD are thoroughly described. Emphasis is also placed on nanotheranostics as both potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool for targeted treatments. Our review highlights the emerging role of nanomedicine in the management of AD, providing the readers with an overview of the nanostrategies currently available to develop future therapeutic applications against this chronic neurodegenerative disease.

Doubly stereoconvergent construction of vicinal all-carbon quaternary and tertiary stereocenters by Cu/Mg-catalyzed propargylic substitution

The construction of vicinal, congested stereocenters with high selectivities is of general utility in chemistry. To build two such stereocenters in one step from readily available starting materials is very desirable, but remains challenging. We report here a doubly stereoconvergent, Cu/Mg-catalyzed asymmetric propargylic substitution reaction to convert simple starting materials to products with vicinal tertiary and all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in high yields and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. Both the nucleophiles and the electrophiles employed in this transformation are racemic. This reaction uses earth abundant metal catalysts, operates under ambient conditions, and demonstrates broad substrate scope. The products of this reaction are functional group rich and synthetically versatile. Key to the success of this development is the devise of a Cu/Mg dual catalytic system and the identification of a bulky tridentate pyridinebisimidazoline (PyBim) ligand.

The construction of vicinal, congested stereocenters with high selectivities is of general utility in chemistry. Here the authors report a doubly-stereoconvergent, Cu/Mg-catalyzed asymmetric propargylic substitution reaction to convert simple starting materials to products with vicinal tertiary and all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in high yields and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities

Fast and Cysteine-Specific Modification of Peptides, Proteins and Bacteriophage Using Chlorooximes

This work reports a novel chlorooxime mediated modification of native peptides and proteins under physiologic conditions. This method features fast reaction kinetics (apparent k₂ =306±4 M^-1 s^-1 for GSH) and exquisite selectivity for cysteine residues. This cysteine conjugation reaction can be carried out with just single-digit micromolar concentrations of the labeling reagent. The conjugates show high stability towards acid, base, and external thiol nucleophiles. A nitrile oxide species generated in situ is likely involved as the key intermediate. Furthermore, a bis-chlorooxime reagent is synthesized to enable facile Cys-Cys stapling in native peptides and proteins. This highly efficient cysteine conjugation and stapling was further implemented on bacteriophage to construct chemically modified phage libraries.

TEMPO-Mediated Selective Synthesis of Isoxazolines, 5-Hydroxy-2-isoxazolines, and Isoxazoles via Aliphatic δ-C(sp3)-H Bond Oxidation of Oximes

Selective synthesis of three different bioactive heterocycles; isoxazolines, 5-hydroxy-2-isoxazolines and isoxazoles from the same starting material using TEMPO (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl) as a radical initiator is reported. Selectivity was achieved using different oxidants with TEMPO. The reaction goes through a 1,5-HAT (hydrogen atom transfer) process resulting in products with good yields. This strategy offers a straightforward route to three different heterocycles from oximes via radical-mediated C(sp³ )-H oxidation.

Ru-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Nitrile Oxides and Electron-Rich Alkynes with Reversed Regioselectivity

Polarity reversal ("umpolung") of a functional group can override its inherent reactivity and lead to distinct bond-forming modes. Herein we describe a rarely studied cycloaddition between nitrile oxides and electron-rich alkynes with reversed regioselectivity, leading to the useful 4-heterosubstituted isoxazoles. The use of a ruthenium catalyst completely overrides the inherent polarity of nitrile oxides. This reversed regioselectivity was also observed for their reactions with a range of electron-deficient alkynes.

1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitrile Oxides under "Non-Conventional" Conditions: Green Solvents, Irradiation, and Continuous Flow

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions (DCs) of nitrile oxides (NOs) to alkenes and alkynes are useful methods for the synthesis of 2-isoxazolines and isoxazoles respectively, which are important classes of heterocyclic compounds in organic and medicinal chemistry. Most of these reactions are carried out in organic solvents and under thermal activation. Nevertheless the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂ ) and ionic liquids (Ils) as alternative solvents and the application of microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) as alternative activation procedures have evident advantages from the "Green Chemistry" point of view. The critical discussion on the applications of these "unconventional" activation methods and reaction conditions in the 1,3-DCs of NOs is the objective of the present Review.

Highly Selective Fluorimetric Turn-Off Detection of Copper(II) by Two Different Mechanisms in Calix[4]arene-Based Chemosensors and Chemodosimeters

Isoxazolo-pyrene tethered calix[4]arenes selectively detect copper(II) ions without interference from related perchlorate ions. The fluorescence emission of the probes, synthesised by nitrile oxide alkyne cycloaddition, and characterised by spectroscopic and crystallographic data, is rapidly reduced by Cu(II) ions. Detection limits are in the micromolar or sub-micromolar range (0.3-3.6 μM) based on a 1 : 1 sensor:analyte interaction. Voltammetric behaviour and ¹ H NMR data provide new insights into the sensing mechanism which is dependent on the calixarene substitution pattern. When the calixarene lower rim is fully substituted, Cu(II) detection occurs through a traditional chelation mechanism. In contrast, for calixarenes 1,3-disubstituted on the lower rim, detection takes place through a chemodosimetric redox reaction. The isolation of a calix[4]diquinone from the reaction with excess Cu(ClO₄ )₂ provides confirmation that the sensor-analyte interaction culminates in irreversible sensor oxidation.

Recent advances in metal catalyzed or mediated cyclization/functionalization of alkynes to construct isoxazoles

This review summarized the recent developments in metal catalyzed or mediated cyclization/functionalization of alkynes to construct isoxazoles.

Stapled Peptides-A Useful Improvement for Peptide-Based Drugs

Peptide-based drugs, despite being relegated as niche pharmaceuticals for years, are now capturing more and more attention from the scientific community. The main problem for these kinds of pharmacological compounds was the low degree of cellular uptake, which relegates the application of peptide-drugs to extracellular targets. In recent years, many new techniques have been developed in order to bypass the intrinsic problem of this kind of pharmaceuticals. One of these features is the use of stapled peptides. Stapled peptides consist of peptide chains that bring an external brace that force the peptide structure into an α-helical one. The cross-link is obtained by the linkage of the side chains of opportune-modified amino acids posed at the right distance inside the peptide chain. In this account, we report the main stapling methodologies currently employed or under development and the synthetic pathways involved in the amino acid modifications. Moreover, we report the results of two comparative studies upon different kinds of stapled-peptides, evaluating the properties given from each typology of staple to the target peptide and discussing the best choices for the use of this feature in peptide-drug synthesis.

Synthetic Diversity from a Versatile and Radical Nitrating Reagent

We leverage the slow liberation of nitrogen dioxide from a newly discovered, inexpensive succinimide-derived reagent to allow for the C-H diversification of alkenes and alkynes. Beyond furnishing a library of aryl β-nitroalkenes, this reagent provides unparalleled access to β-nitrohydrins and β-nitroethers. Detailed mechanistic studies strongly suggest that a mesolytic N-N bond fragmentation liberates a nitryl radical. Using in situ photo-sensitized, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we observed direct evidence of a nitryl radical in solution by nitrone spin-trapping. To further exhibit versatility of N-nitrosuccinimide under photoredox conditions, the late-stage diversification of an extensive number of C-H partners to prepare isoxazolines and isoxazoles is presented. This approach allows for the formation of an in situ nitrile oxide from a ketone partner, the presence of which is detected by the formation of the corresponding furoxan when conducted in the absence of a dipolarophile. This 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with nitrile oxides and alkenes or alkynes proceeds in a single-operational step using a mild, regioselective, and general protocol with broad chemoselectivity.

One-pot synthesis of novel N,N-bis(isoxazol-5-yl)methyl tertiary arylamines via sequential diprop-3-ynylation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition from primary amines

A simple and efficient one-pot multicomponent approach for the synthesis of tertiary arylamines bearing N,N-bis(isoxazol-5-yl)methyl groups is developed through reactions including sequential diprop-3-ynylation of primary amines with propargyl bromide in the presence of calcium hydride in N,N-dimethylformamide, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with nitrile oxides generated in situ from hydroximyl chlorides in DMF-Et3N. This protocol provides advantages such as high regioselectivity, easy operation, and moderate-to-good product yields with a wide substrate scope under mild conditions.

Base-mediated regioselective [3+2] annulation of ketenimines and isocyanides: efficient synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles

A novel base-mediated regioselective [3+2] annulation of active methylene isocyanides with ketenimines has been developed.

In Situ Generation of Nitrile Oxides from NaCl-Oxone Oxidation of Various Aldoximes and Their 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition

Reported is a new green protocol for the efficient in situ generation of nitrile oxides through NaCl/Oxone oxidation of aldoximes and their dipolar cycloaddition. The key feature is the use of a green chemistry approach to address the substrate scope of aldoximes: broad scope (aliphatic, aromatic, and alkenyl aldoximes) without production of organic byproducts derived from oxidant and/or catalyst. Importantly, NaCl/Oxone-promoted three-component cycloaddition of aldehyde, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and alkene was demonstrated to be competent (63-81%).

Transition-Metal-Free Multicomponent Approach to Stereoenriched Cyclopentyl-isoxazoles through C-C Bond Cleavage

An efficient multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of stereoenriched cyclopentyl-isoxazoles from camphor-derived α-oximes, alkynes, and MeOH is reported. Our method involved a series of cascade transformations, including the in situ generation of an IIII catalyst, which catalyzed the addition of MeOH to a sterically hindered ketone. Oxidation of the oxime, and rearrangement of the α-hydroxyiminium ion generated a nitrile oxide in situ, which, upon [3+2] cycloaddition reaction with an alkyne, delivered the regioselective product. This reaction was very selective for the syn-oxime. This multicomponent approach was also extended to the synthesis of a new glycoconjugate, camphoric ester-isoxazole C-galactoside.

In situ generation of nitrile oxides from copper carbene and tert-butyl nitrite: synthesis of fully substituted isoxazoles

Herein, we present a novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters with nitrile oxides, which were generated in situ from copper carbene and tert-butyl nitrite. This three-component reaction provides new methodology for the direct synthesis of fully substituted isoxazole derivatives, featuring mild reaction conditions, readily accessible starting materials and simple operation. The experimental studies and DFT calculations suggest that the reaction starts with the generation of the key intermediate nitrile oxides, followed by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters to give the final isoxazole products.

Visible-light-mediated generation of nitrile oxides for the photoredox synthesis of isoxazolines and isoxazoles

Visible-light photoredox catalysis enables the synthesis of biologically relevant isoxazolines and isoxazoles from hydroxyimino acids. The process shows broad functional group compatibility and mechanistic and computational studies support a visible-light-mediated generation of nitrile oxides by two sequential oxidative single electron transfer processes.

Calcium-mediated one-pot preparation of isoxazoles with deuterium incorporation

In this work, a novel synthetic methodology for the one-pot preparation of isoxazoles directly from the reaction of calcium carbide with aldoximes is reported.

Development of methodologies for the regioselective synthesis of four series of regioisomer isoxazoles from β-enamino diketones

Four methodologies are reported for the regioselective synthesis of four series of regioisomer isoxazoles from cyclocondensation of β-enamino diketones and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Regiochemical control was achieved by varying reaction conditions and substrate structure. The mild reaction conditions used to access 4,5-disubstituted, 3,4-disubtituted, and 3,4,5-trisubstituted regioisomer isoxazoles, as well as the pharmacological and synthetic potential of the products, make these novel methodologies very powerful.

Efficient and regioselective synthesis of isoxazoles was demonstrated through cyclocondensation of β-enamino diketones with hydroxylamine: four of the six possible regioisomers were obtained.

Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted Isoxazoles Containing Privileged Substructures with a Diverse Display of Polar Surface Area

We designed and synthesized the molecular framework of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles containing privileged substructures with various substituents which uniquely display polar surface area in a diverse manner. A library of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles were systematically prepared via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes with nitrile oxides prepared by two complementary synthetic routes; method A utilized a halogenating agent with a base and method B utilized a hypervalent iodine reagent. Through the biological evaluation of corresponding isoxazoles via three independent phenotypic assays, the different pattern of biological activities was shown according to the type of privileged substructure and substituent. These results demonstrated the significance of molecular design via introducing privileged substructures and various substituents to make a diverse arrangement of polar surface area within a similar 3-dimensional molecular framework.