Photochemical In-Flow Synthesis of 2,4-Methanopyrrolidines: Pyrrolidine Analogues with Improved Water Solubility and Reduced Lipophilicity

Three-dimensional saturated C(sp3)-rich bioisosteres for benzene

Benzenes, the most ubiquitous structural moiety in marketed small-molecule drugs, are frequently associated with poor 'drug-like' properties, including metabolic instability, and poor aqueous solubility. In an effort to overcome these limitations, recent developments in medicinal chemistry have demonstrated the improved physicochemical profiles of C(sp3)-rich bioisosteric scaffolds relative to arenes. In the past two decades, we have witnessed an exponential increase in synthetic methods for accessing saturated bioisosteres of monosubstituted and para-substituted benzenes. However, until recent discoveries, analogous three-dimensional ortho-substituted and meta-substituted biososteres have remained underexplored, owing to their ring strain and increased s-character hybridization. This Review summarizes the emerging synthetic methodologies to access such saturated motifs and their impact on the application of bioisosteres for ortho-substituted, meta-substituted and multi-substituted benzene rings. It concludes with a perspective on the development of next-generation bioisosteres, including those within novel chemical space.

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Formal [2π+2σ] Cycloaddition of Bicyclobutanes with Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones: Access to Quinoxaline-Fused Aza-Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

An efficient synthesis of quinoxaline-fused aza-bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes bearing multiple quaternary carbon centers via the intermolecular [2π+2σ] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes and quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, facilitated by Lewis acid catalysis, is presented. This reaction is carried out under mild conditions and exhibits a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance.

Discovery of an Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane Piperazinium Salt and Its Application in Medicinal Chemistry via a Rearrangement

Herein we report the discovery of an azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane piperazinium methanesulfonate salt from an unexpected rearrangement reaction in the preparation of ligand-directed degraders (LDDs). This bench-stable compound was found to be a versatile electrophile in a ring-opening reaction with various types of nucleophiles. Its utility as a versatile medicinal chemistry building block is further demonstrated in the synthesis of an LDD compound targeting degradation of the androgen receptor.

Double Strain-Release [2π+2σ]-Photocycloaddition

In pursuit of potent pharmaceutical candidates and to further improve their chemical traits, small ring systems can serve as a potential starting point. Small ring units have the additional merit of loaded strain at their core, making them suitable reactants as they can capitalize on this intrinsic driving force. With the introduction of cyclobutenone as a strained precursor to ketene, the photocycloaddition with another strained unit, bicyclo[1.1.0]butane (BCB), enables the reactivity of both π-units in the transient ketene. This double strain-release driven [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition promotes the synthesis of diverse heterobicyclo[2.1.1]hexane units, a pharmaceutically relevant bioisostere. The effective reactivity under catalyst-free conditions with a high functional group tolerance defines its synthetic utility. Experimental mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition takes place via a triplet mechanism.

Synthesis of 2-Azanorbornanes via Strain-Release Formal Cycloadditions Initiated by Energy Transfer

Rigid bicycles are becoming more popular in the pharmaceutical industry because they allow for expansion to new and unique chemical spaces. This work describes a new strategy to construct 2-azanorbornanes, which can act as rigid piperidine/pyrrolidine scaffolds with well-defined exit vectors. To achieve the synthesis of 2-azanorbornanes, new strain-release reagent, azahousane, is introduced along with its photosensitized strain-release formal cycloaddition with alkenes. Furthermore, new reactivity between a housane and an imine is disclosed. Both strategies lead to various substituted 2-azanorbornanes with good selectivities.

1-Azaspiro[3.3]heptane as a Bioisostere of Piperidine

1-Azaspiro[3.3]heptanes were synthesized, characterized, and validated biologically as bioisosteres of piperidine. The key synthesis step was thermal [2+2] cycloaddition between endocyclic alkenes and the Graf isocyanate, ClO2 S-NCO, to give spirocyclic β-lactams. Reduction of the β-lactam ring with alane produced 1-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes. Incorporation of this core into the anesthetic drug bupivacaine instead of the piperidine fragment resulted in a new patent-free analogue with high activity.

General Synthesis of 3-Azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes and Evaluation of Their Properties as Saturated Isosteres

A general approach to 3-azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes by reduction of spirocyclic oxetanyl nitriles was developed. The mechanism, scope, and scalability of this transformation were studied. The core was incorporated into the structure of the antihistamine drug Rupatidine instead of the pyridine ring, which led to a dramatic improvement in physicochemical properties.

Conquering the Synthesis and Functionalization of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) have become established as attractive bioisosteres for para-substituted benzene rings in drug design. Conferring various beneficial properties compared with their aromatic "parents," BCPs featuring a wide array of bridgehead substituents can now be accessed by an equivalent variety of methods. In this perspective, we discuss the evolution of this field and focus on the most enabling and general methods for BCPs synthesis, considering both scope and limitation. Recent breakthroughs on the synthesis of bridge-substituted BCPs are described, as well as methodologies for postsynthesis functionalization. We further explore new challenges and directions for the field, such as the emergence of other rigid small ring hydrocarbons and heterocycles possessing unique substituent exit vectors.

Skeletal Editing Approach to Bridge-Functionalized Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes from Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

Azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes (aza-BCHs) and bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) have emerged as attractive classes of sp3-rich cores for replacing flat, aromatic groups with metabolically resistant, three-dimensional frameworks in drug scaffolds. Strategies to directly convert, or "scaffold hop", between these bioisosteric subclasses through single-atom skeletal editing would enable efficient interpolation within this valuable chemical space. Herein, we describe a strategy to "scaffold hop" between aza-BCH and BCP cores through a nitrogen-deleting skeletal edit. Photochemical [2+2] cycloadditions, used to prepare multifunctionalized aza-BCH frameworks, are coupled with a subsequent deamination step to afford bridge-functionalized BCPs, for which few synthetic solutions currently exist. The modular sequence provides access to various privileged bridged bicycles of pharmaceutical relevance.

Catalytic undirected borylation of tertiary C-H bonds in bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes and bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

Catalytic borylations of sp3 C-H bonds occur with high selectivities for primary C-H bonds or secondary C-H bonds that are activated by nearby electron-withdrawing substituents. Catalytic borylation at tertiary C-H bonds has not been observed. Here we describe a broadly applicable method for the synthesis of boron-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes and (hetero)bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes by an iridium-catalysed borylation of the bridgehead tertiary C-H bond. This reaction is highly selective for the formation of bridgehead boronic esters and is compatible with a broad range of functional groups (>35 examples). The method is applicable to the late-stage modification of pharmaceuticals containing this substructure and the synthesis of novel bicyclic building blocks. Kinetic and computational studies suggest that C-H bond cleavage occurs with a modest barrier and that the turnover-limiting step of this reaction is an isomerization that occurs prior to reductive elimination that forms the C-B bond.

A Practical and Scalable Approach to Fluoro-Substituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

After more than 20 years of trials, a practical scalable approach to fluoro‐substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (F‐BCPs) has been developed. The physicochemical properties of the F‐BCPs have been studied, and the core was incorporated into the structure of the anti‐inflammatory drug Flurbiprofen in place of the fluorophenyl ring.

Beyond Bioisosteres: Divergent Synthesis of Azabicyclohexanes and Cyclobutenyl Amines from Bicyclobutanes

The development of two divergent and complementary Lewis acid catalyzed additions of bicyclobutanes to imines is described. Microscale high-throughput experimentation was integral to the discovery and optimization of both reactions. N-arylimines undergo formal (3+2) cycloaddition with bicyclobutanes to yield azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes in a single step; in contrast, N-alkylimines undergo an addition/elimination sequence to generate cyclobutenyl methanamine products with high diastereoselectivity. These new products contain a variety of synthetic handles for further elaboration, including many functional groups relevant to pharmaceutical synthesis. The divergent reactivity observed is attributed to differences in basicity and nucleophilicity of the nitrogen atom in a common carbocation intermediate, leading to either nucleophilic attack (N-aryl) or E1 elimination (N-alkyl).

Intermolecular [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition enabled by triplet energy transfer

For more than one century, photochemical [2+2]-cycloadditions have been used by synthetic chemists to make cyclobutanes, four-membered carbon-based rings. In this reaction, typically two olefin subunits (two π-electrons per olefin) cyclize to form two new C-C σ-bonds. Although the development of photochemical [2+2]-cycloadditions has made enormous progress within the last century, research has been focused on such [2π+2π]-systems, in which two π-bonds are converted into two new σ-bonds^1,2. Here we report an intermolecular [2+2]-photocycloaddition that uses bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes as 2σ-electron reactants^3-7. This strain-release-driven [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition reaction was realized by visible-light-mediated triplet energy transfer catalysis^8,9. A simple, modular and diastereoselective synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes from heterocyclic olefin coupling partners, namely coumarins, flavones and indoles, is disclosed. Given the increasing importance of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as bioisosteres-groups that convey similar biological properties to those they replace-in pharmaceutical research and considering their limited access^10,11, there remains a need for new synthetic methodologies. Applying this strategy enabled us to extend the intermolecular [2+2]-photocycloadditions to σ-bonds and provides previously inaccessible structural motifs.

Technological Innovations in Photochemistry for Organic Synthesis: Flow Chemistry, High-Throughput Experimentation, Scale-up, and Photoelectrochemistry

Photoinduced chemical transformations have received in recent years a tremendous amount of attention, providing a plethora of opportunities to synthetic organic chemists. However, performing a photochemical transformation can be quite a challenge because of various issues related to the delivery of photons. These challenges have barred the widespread adoption of photochemical steps in the chemical industry. However, in the past decade, several technological innovations have led to more reproducible, selective, and scalable photoinduced reactions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of these exciting technological advances, including flow chemistry, high-throughput experimentation, reactor design and scale-up, and the combination of photo- and electro-chemistry.

Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments

Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.

Large-Scale Synthesis and Modifications of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylic Acid (BCP)

In flow photochemical addition of propellane to diacetyl allowed construction of the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) core in a 1 kg scale within 1 day. Haloform reaction of the formed diketone in batch afforded bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid in a multigram amount. Representative gram scale transformations of the diacid were also performed to obtain various BCP-containing building blocks—alcohols, acids, amines, trifluoroborates, amino acids, etc.—for medicinal chemistry.

Bicyclic Pyrrolidines for Medicinal Chemistry via [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition

A general approach to bicyclic fused pyrrolidines via [3 + 2]-cycloaddition between nonstabilized azomethyne ylide and endocyclic electron-deficient alkenes was elaborated. "Push-pull" alkenes and CF₃-alkenes did not react with the azomethyne ylide under the previously reported conditions, and we developed a superior protocol (LiF, 140 °C, no solvent). Among obtained products were medchem-relevant bicyclic sulfones, monofluoro-, difluoro-, and trifluoromethyl-substituted pyrrolidines. This approach not only allowed preparation of novel molecules but also significantly simplified synthesis of the existing ones (e.g., sofinicline).

The application of modern reactions in large-scale synthesis

In the past decade, the field of organic synthesis has witnessed tremendous advancements in the areas of photoredox catalysis, electrochemistry, C-H activation, reductive coupling and flow chemistry. While these methods and technologies offer many strategic advantages in streamlining syntheses, their application on the process scale is complicated by several factors. In this Review, we discuss the challenges that arise when these reaction classes and/or flow chemistry technology are taken from a research laboratory operating at the milligram scale to a reactor capable of producing kilograms of product. We discuss how these challenges have been overcome through chemical and engineering solutions. Specifically, this Review will highlight key examples that have led to the production of multi-hundred-gram to kilogram quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredients or their intermediates and will provide insight on the scaling-up process to those developing new technologies and reactions.

A comprehensive review of flow chemistry techniques tailored to the flavours and fragrances industries

Due to their intrinsic physical properties, which includes being able to perform as volatile liquids at room and biological temperatures, fragrance ingredients/intermediates make ideal candidates for continuous-flow manufacturing. This review highlights the potential crossover between a multibillion dollar industry and the flourishing sub-field of flow chemistry evolving within the discipline of organic synthesis. This is illustrated through selected examples of industrially important transformations specific to the fragrances and flavours industry and by highlighting the advantages of conducting these transformations by using a flow approach. This review is designed to be a compendium of techniques and apparatus already published in the chemical and engineering literature which would constitute a known solution or inspiration for commonly encountered procedures in the manufacture of fragrance and flavour chemicals.

Bicyclic Piperidines via [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition

A synthetic strategy to fused bicyclic piperidines-building blocks for medicinal chemistry-is developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocyclization. The photochemical step was performed on a gram scale. Crystallographic analysis of the obtained compounds revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space and can be considered as elongated analogues of 3-substituted piperidines.

Escaping from Flatland: Antimalarial Activity of sp3-Rich Bridged Pyrrolidine Derivatives

We utilized synthetic photochemistry to generate novel sp³-rich scaffolds and report the design, synthesis, and biological testing of a diverse series of amides based on the 1-(amino-methyl)-2-benzyl-2-aza-bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane scaffold. Preliminary antimalarial screening of the library provided promising compounds with activity in the 1-5 μM range with an enhanced hit rate. Further evaluation (solubility, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and toxicity) of a selected compound (9) suggested that this series represents an excellent opportunity for further optimization with the framework offering multiple opportunities for the addition of uniquely vectorally positioned extra functionality.

Photosensitized Intramolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition of 1H-Pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines Enabled by the Assistance of Lewis Acids

The [2+2] photocycloaddition of alkenyl-tethered 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives sensitized with 3',4'-dimethoxyacetophenone under irradiation by a high-pressure mercury lamp through Pyrex glass was dramatically accelerated by the addition of Lewis acids, preferably Mg(OTf)₂, to give the products stereoselectively in high yields. The reaction without a Lewis acid gave only small amounts of the [2+2] cycloaddition products. Conformational fixation of the substrates by coordination with a Lewis acid was presumed to facilitate the cycloaddition.

Rational Design of Triplet Sensitizers for the Transfer of Excited State Photochemistry from UV to Visible

Time Dependent Density Functional Theory has been used to assist the design and synthesis of a series thioxanthone triplet sensitizers. Calculated energies of the triplet excited state (E_T) informed both the type and position of auxochromes placed on the thioxanthone core, enabling fine-tuning of the UV-vis absorptions and associated triplet energies. The calculated results were highly consistent with experimental observation in both the order of the λ_max and E_T values. The synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their efficacies as triplet sensitizers in a variety of UV and visible light preparative photochemical reactions. The results of this study exceeded expectations; in particular [2 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry that had previously been sensitized in the UV was found to undergo cycloaddition at 455 nm (blue) with a 2- to 9-fold increase in productivity (g/h) relative to input power. This study demonstrates the ability of powerful modern computational methods to aid in the design of successful and productive triplet sensitized photochemical reactions.

Saturated Bioisosteres of ortho-Substituted Benzenes

Saturated bioisosteres of ortho-disubstituted benzenes (bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes) were synthesized, characterized and validated. These cores were incorporated into the bioactive compounds Valsartan, Boskalid and Fluxapyroxad instead of the benzene ring. The saturated analogues showed a similar level of antifungal activity compared to that of Boskalid and Fluxapyroxad.

Escaping from Flatland: Substituted Bridged Pyrrolidine Fragments with Inherent Three-Dimensional Character

The pressure to deliver new medicines to the patient continues to grow along with increases in compound failure rate, thus putting the current R&D model at risk. Analysis has shown that increasing the three-dimensionality of potential drug candidates decreases the risk of failure and improves binding selectivity and frequency. For this reason many workers have taken a new look at the power of photochemistry as a means to generate novel sp³ rich scaffolds for use in drug discovery programs. Here we report the design, synthesis, and computational structural analysis of a series of 2,4-methanoprolines having inherent 3D character (PMI and PBF scores) significantly higher than that of the broader AbbVie Rule of 3 (Ro3) collection.

Water-Soluble Non-Classical Benzene Mimetics

A new generation of saturated benzene mimetics, 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes, was developed. These compounds were designed as analogues of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane with an improved water solubility. Crystallographic analysis of 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space, but, at the same time, resemble the motif of meta-disubstituted benzenes.

Continuous Flow Photochemistry for the Preparation of Bioactive Molecules

The last decade has witnessed a remarkable development towards improved and new photochemical transformations in response to greener and more sustainable chemical synthesis needs. Additionally, the availability of modern continuous flow reactors has enabled widespread applications in view of more streamlined and custom designed flow processes. In this focused review article, we wish to evaluate the standing of the field of continuous flow photochemistry with a specific emphasis on the generation of bioactive entities, including natural products, drugs and their precursors. To this end we highlight key developments in this field that have contributed to the progress achieved to date. Dedicated sections present the variety of suitable reactor designs and set-ups available; a short discussion on the relevance of greener and more sustainable approaches; and selected key applications in the area of bioactive structures. A final section outlines remaining challenges and areas that will benefit from further developments in this fast-moving area. It is hoped that this report provides a valuable update on this important field of synthetic chemistry which may fuel developments in the future.

Escaping from Flatland: [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition; Conformationally Constrained sp3-rich Scaffolds for Lead Generation

Pressure on researchers to deliver new medicines to the patient continues to grow. Attrition rates in the research and development process present a significant challenge to the viability of the current model of drug discovery. Analysis shows that increasing the three-dimensionality of potential drug candidates decreases the risk of attrition, and it is for this reason many workers have taken a new look at the power of photochemistry, in particular photocycloadditions, as a means to generate novel sp³-rich scaffolds for use in drug discovery programs. The viability of carrying out photochemical reactions on scale is also being addressed by the introduction of new technical developments.

Stereoselective Construction of Methylenecyclobutane-Fused Indolines through Photosensitized [2+2] Cycloaddition of Allene-Tethered Indole Derivatives

Irradiation of 1-(hexa-4,5-dienoyl)indole derivatives in the presence of an aromatic ketone by a high-pressure mercury lamp through Pyrex glass gave the corresponding cyclized products stereoselectively in high yields. The major part of the products was an all- cis-fused methylenecyclobutane-type compound produced through [2+2] cycloaddition, accompanied by small amounts of alkynes via 1,5-hydrogen transfer of a biradical intermediate. Among a range of aromatic ketones, 3',4'-dimethoxyacetophenone was found to sensitize the substrate quite effectively.

Photochemically Produced Aminocyclobutanes as Masked Dienes in Thermal Electrocyclic Cascade Reactions

Cyclobutane products of a triplet sensitized enamide-alkene intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition have been shown to undergo fragmentation under acidic conditions. This lability has been exploited by inducing a complexity-generating thermal electrocyclic cascade sequence involving the in situ formation of a cyclobutene, followed by electrocyclic ring opening, Diels-Alder cycloaddition, and subsequent lactamization. This combination of excited state photochemistry and thermal electrocyclic cascade reactions allows simple planar molecules to be rapidly transformed into sp³-rich scaffolds.

Pd-Catalyzed directedCH-(hetero)arylation of cyclic α-amino acids: effects of substituents and the ring size

A systematic study on the directed Pd-catalyzed (hetero)arylation of 26 substituted cyclic α-amino acids at the C(3)-atom was performed. For the first time, the 7- and 8-membered cyclic amino acids were introduced to C–H activation. 8–Aminoquinoline was used as a directing group.