ortho-Formylation of estrogens. Synthesis of the anti-cancer agent 2-methoxyestradiol

Novel Indoline Spiropyrans Based on Human Hormones β-Estradiol and Estrone: Synthesis, Structure, Chromogenic and Cytotoxic Properties

The introduction of a switchable function into the structure of a bioactive compound can endow it with unique capabilities for regulating biological activity under the influence of various types of external stimuli, which makes such hybrid compounds promising objects for photopharmacology, targeted drug delivery and bio-imaging. This work is devoted to the synthesis and study of new spirocyclic derivatives of important human hormones-β-estradiol and estrone-possessing a wide range of biological activities. The obtained hybrid compounds represent an indoline spiropyrans family, a widely known class of organic photochromic compounds. The structure of the compounds was confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR, HRMS and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The intermolecular interactions in the crystals of spiropyran (3) were defined by Hirshfeld surfaces and 2D fingerprint plots, which were successfully acquired from CrystalExplorer (v21.5). All target hybrids demonstrated pronounced activity in the visible region of the spectrum. The mechanisms of thermal isomerization processes of spiropyrans and their protonated merocyanine forms were studied by DFT methods, which revealed the energetic advantage of the protonation process with the formation of a β-cisoid CCCH conformer at the first stage and its further isomerization to more stable β-transoid forms. The proposed mechanism of acidochromic transformation was confirmed by the additional NMR study data that allowed for the detecting of the intermediate CCCH isomer. The study of the short-term cytotoxicity of new spirocyclic derivatives of estrogens and their 2-formyl-precursors was performed on the HeLa cell model. The precursors and spiropyrans differed in toxicity, suggesting their variable applicability in novel anti-cancer technologies.

Concise synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol through C(sp2)-H methoxylation

An efficient and concise synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol (4) from 17β-estradiol (1) has been achieved in three synthetic steps with a 63.3% overall yield. The key step was the palladium-catalyzed direct C(sp²)-H methoxylation of 2-aryloxypyridines. Using 2-pyridyloxyl as the directing group, Pd(OAc)₂ as the catalyst, PhI(OAc)₂ as the oxidant and methanol as both the methoxylation reagent and solvent, the methoxy group could be handily installed at the 2-position of 3-(2-pyridoxy) estradiol (2). Subsequently, the pyridyl group could be easily removed by nucleophilic substitution with a methoxy anion after being oxidized to a pyridyl N-oxide by m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, delivering the target product 2-methoxyestradiol (4) in quantitative yield. In contrast, when the pyridyl directing group was removed by the TfOMe-NaOMe/MeOH system as reported in the literature, TfOMe inevitably methylated the 17-OH of 2-methoxy-3-(2-pyridoxy) estradiol (3). In effect, we have fortuitously found a new method to cleave the pyridyl directing group, which is highly suitable for substrates bearing hydroxy groups.

Salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone copper complexes: impact of hybridization with estrone on cytotoxicity, solution stability and redox activity

Copper complex of a novel estrone–thiosemicarbazone hybrid with significant cytotoxicity, lipophilicity and solution stability in addition to its structurally related bicyclic analogue.

Concise synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol from 17β-estradiol through the C(sp2)-H hydroxylation

A four-step route for the synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol (5) starting from 17β-estradiol (1) has been achieved with a 51% overall yield. The key step was the ruthenium-catalyzed ortho-C(sp²)-H bond hydroxylation of aryl carbamates. Using dimethyl carbamate as the directing group, [RuCl₂(p-cymene)]₂ as the catalyst, PhI(OAc)₂ as the oxidant and trifluoroacetate/trifluoroacetic anhydride (1:1) as the co-solvent, the hydroxyl group could be singly installed at the 2-position of 3-dimethylcarbamoyloxyestradiol (2) with 65% yield. Subsequent methylation of hydroxy and removal of dimethyl carbamate afforded 2-methoxyestradiol (5).

Tuning the Reactivity of Peroxo Anhydrides for Aromatic C-H Bond Oxidation

Phenol moieties are key structural motifs in many areas of chemical research from polymers to pharmaceuticals. Herein, we report on the design and use of a structurally demanding cyclic peroxide (spiro[bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,4'-[1,2]dioxolane]-3',5'-dione, P4) for the direct hydroxylation of aromatic substrates. The new peroxide benefits from high thermal stability and can be synthesized from readily available starting materials. The aromatic C-H oxidation using P4 exhibits generally good yields (up to 96%) and appreciable regioselectivities.

Synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of potent analogs of 2-methoxyestradiol

The endogenous steroid 2-methoxyestradiol (1) has attracted a great interest as a lead compound towards the development of new anti-cancer drugs. Herein, the synthesis, molecular modeling, anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic effects of ten 2-ethyl and four 2-methoxy analogs of estradiol are reported. The ethyl group was introduced to the steroid A-ring using a novel Friedel-Crafts alkylation protocol. Several analogs displayed potent anti-proliferative activity with IC₅₀-values in the submicromolar range towards the CEM human leukemia cancer cell line. As such, all of these compounds proved to be more active than the lead compound 2-methoxyestradiol (1) in these cells. The six most cytostatic analogs were also tested as anti-angiogenic agents using an in vitro tube formation assay. The IC₅₀-values were determined to be in the range of 0.1 μM ± 0.03 and 1.1 μM ± 0.2. These six compounds were also modest inhibitors against tubulin polymerization with the most potent inhibitor was 14b (IC₅₀ = 2.1 ± 0.1 μM). Binding studies using N,N'-ethylene-bis(iodoacetamide) revealed that neither14a or 14b binds to the colchicine binding site in the tubulin protein, in contrast to 2-methoxyestradiol (1). These observations were supported by molecular modeling studies. Results from a MDA-MB-231 cell cycle assay showed that both 10e and 14b gave accumulation in the G2/M phase resulting in induction of apoptosis. The results presented herein shows that the novel analogs reported exhibit their anticancer effects via several modes of action.

Regioselective monoalkylation of 17β-estradiol for the synthesis of cytotoxic estrogens

The regioselective synthesis of estrogens and their derivatives continues to be of interest. Most reported syntheses require multistep protocols associated with poor overall yield and lack of regioselectivity. New preparative protocols are still desired. Herein, 11 2-alkylated 17β-estradiol analogs were synthesized in a highly regioselective manner. The products were obtained using a convenient, one pot and high-yielding protocol. The anti-proliferative activity of the compounds was tested in human T-cell leukemia (CEM), human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human dermal microvascular endothelial (HMEC-1) cells.

Recent Advances in chemistry and pharmacology of 2-methoxyestradiol: An anticancer investigational drug

2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), an estrogen hormone metabolite is a potential cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Presently, it is an investigational drug under various phases of clinical trials alone or in combination therapy. Its anticancer activity has been attributed to its antitubulin, antiangiogenic, pro-apoptotic and ROS induction properties. This anticancer drug candidate has been explored extensively in last twenty years for its detailed chemistry and pharmacology. Present review is an update of its chemistry and biological activity. It also extends an assessment of potential of 2ME2 and its analogues as possible anticancer drug in future.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling of new analogs of the anti-cancer agent 2-methoxyestradiol: potent inhibitors of angiogenesis

Structural-activity studies on the steroid 2-methoxyestradiol revealed a new analog that exhibited potent inhibition of angiogenesis and cytotoxic effects.

Synthesis of 2-alkoxy and 2-benzyloxy analogues of estradiol as anti-breast cancer agents through microtubule stabilization

2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is an investigational anticancer drug. In the present study, 2-alkoxyesters/acid and 2-benzyloxy analogues of estradiol have been synthesized as analogues of 2ME2. Three of the derivatives exhibited significant anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines. The best analogue of the series i.e. 24 showed stabilization of tubulin polymerisation process. It was substantiated by confocal microscopy and molecular docking studies where 24 occupied 'paclitaxel binding pocket' to stabilize the polymerisation process. Compound 24 significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50: 7 μM) and induced arrest of cell cycle and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. In acute oral toxicity, 24 was found to be non-toxic and well tolerated in Swiss albino mice up to 1000 mg/kg dose.

A simple and convenient synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol from estrone

A simple and straightforward synthesis of 2-methoxyestradiol have been achieved in nine synthetic steps with 21% of overall yield. Being a convenient process, it can be upscaled to industrial process.