Semiempirical and ab initio study of 1,3-dipolar addition of azide anion to organic cyanides

Carboxylic Acid Bioisosteres in Medicinal Chemistry: Synthesis and Properties

Lead optimization represents the tedious process of fine-tuning lead compounds from biologically active hits to suitable drug candidates for clinical trials. By chemically modifying a hit structure, an improved compound can be obtained in terms of activity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties. The carboxylic acid moiety is known to be a crucial functionality in many pharmaceutically active compounds. Despite its common use as a key functionality in drugs, its presence in a lead molecule is often associated with poor pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity. In this literature overview, we discuss how the shortcomings of a carboxylic acid can be circumvented by replacing this functionality with bioisosteres. In this way, the positive aspects of this moiety, such as its activity, for example, by virtue of its capacity to form hydrogen bonds, can be maintained or even improved. To that end, we provide an overview of the most promising carboxylic acid bioisosteres and discuss a selection of synthetic routes towards the main functionalities.

Why is tetrazole formation by addition of azide to organic nitriles catalyzed by zinc(II) salts?

The mechanism by which zinc(II) catalyzes the union of an azide ion with organic nitriles to form tetrazoles is investigated by means of density functional theory using the hybrid functional B3LYP. The calculations indicate that coordination of the nitrile to the zinc ion is the dominant factor affecting the catalysis; this coordination substantially lowers the barrier for nucleophilic attack by azide. Relative reaction rates of catalyzed and uncatalyzed tetrazole formation also provide experimental support for this conclusion.

Preparation, characterization, X-ray crystal structure, and energetics of cesium 5-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrazolate: Cs[NCCNNNN]

Cesium 5-cyano-1,2,3,4-tetrazolate, Cs[NCCNNNN] (Cs1), was prepared in 100% yield by a 3 + 2 cycloaddition reaction of CsN3 and (CN)2 in SO2. Cs1 forms monoclinic crystals (a = 8.297(2) A, b = 11.040(3) A, c = 6.983(2) A, beta = 120.31(2) degrees, space group C2/c, Z = 4, R1 = 0.048, wR2 = 0.120 for 1217 independent reflections). Cs1 is best described as a three-dimensional array of cations and anions connected by weak Cs(+)-N delta- contacts. The cations and anions each form a diamond-type lattice (tetrahedral arrangement of ions) with the counterions lying in hexagonal channels running parallel to the c-axis. The anions in the channels form stacks with the CN groups pointing in opposite directions in adjacent layers. The calculated (RB3PW91/6-311 + G*) geometry of 1 is in agreement with the X-ray crystal structure, and the calculated vibrational spectrum is in good agreement with the observed FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. The lattice enthalpies and heats of formation of M1 (M = Cs, K) as well as the enthalpy of formation from MN3(s) and (CN)2(g) were estimated. The 13C and 14N NMR spectra of Cs1 are also reported. The ionization potential (450.7 kJ mol) and electron affinity (427.4 kJ/mol) of 1 were calculated. Attempts to oxidize 1 with AsF5 led to the formation of Cs1.xAsF5 (x approximately 2). The 7 pi dianion [NCCNNNN].2- is calculated to be a stable entity in the gas phase, but Cs(2)1 is estimated to be unstable with respect to dissociation to 2 CsCN and 3/2 N2 (delta Hdiss = -132.4 kJ/mol). The preparation of the potassium salt of 1 and the corresponding thermodynamic quantities are reported.