Scale-up Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-N-(2-Benzoyl-4-chlorophenyl)-1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide Hydrochloride, A Versatile Reagent for the Preparation of Tailor-Made α- and β-Amino Acids in an Enantiomerically Pure Form

Gram-Scale Asymmetric Synthesis of Fluorinated Amino Acids Using a Chiral Nickel(II) Complex

Fluorinated amino acids play an important role in the field of peptide and protein engineering. Although numerous syntheses have been published in recent decades, strategies that allow routine access to fluorinated amino acids on a gram-scale have been poorly described. Furthermore, the described pathways that gain fluorinated amino acids are based on different synthetic strategies, making a uniform approach that uses similar starting materials highly beneficial. Chiral Ni(II) complexes were introduced as powerful tools in the synthesis of noncanonical amino acids. In this work, we present a strategy for the synthesis of a diverse range of fluorinated amino acids based on the corresponding Ni(II) complex from which the products can be obtained in enantiopure form (99% ee) on a gram-scale. In addition, we describe an optimized procedure for the synthesis of alkyl iodide building blocks that are required for the alkylation reactions with the corresponding Ni(II) complex. Finally, we characterized the synthesized fluorinated amino acids with regard to their hydrophobicity and α-helix propensity.

Rational design of amphiphilic fluorinated peptides: evaluation of self-assembly properties and hydrogel formation

Advanced peptide-based nanomaterials composed of self-assembling peptides (SAPs) are of emerging interest in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The introduction of fluorine into peptides, in fact, offers unique opportunities to tune their biophysical properties and intermolecular interactions. In particular, the degree of fluorination plays a crucial role in peptide engineering as it can be used to control the characteristics of fluorine-specific interactions and, thus, peptide conformation and self-assembly. Here, we designed and explored a series of amphipathic peptides by incorporating the fluorinated amino acids (2S)-4-monofluoroethylglycine (MfeGly), (2S)-4,4-difluoroethylglycine (DfeGly) and (2S)-4,4,4-trifluoroethylglycine (TfeGly) as hydrophobic components. This approach enabled studying the impact of fluorination on secondary structure formation and peptide self-assembly on a systematic basis. We show that the interplay between polarity and hydrophobicity, both induced differentially by varying degrees of side chain fluorination, does affect peptide folding significantly. A greater degree of fluorination promotes peptide fibrillation and subsequent formation of physical hydrogels in physiological conditions. Molecular simulations revealed the key role played by electrostatically driven intra-chain and inter-chain contact pairs that are modulated by side chain fluorination and give insights into the different self-organization behaviour of selected peptides. Our study provides a systematic report about the distinct features of fluorinated oligomeric peptides with potential applications as peptide-based biomaterials.

Tailor-Made Amino Acids in Pharmaceutical Industry: Synthetic Approaches to Aza-Tryptophan Derivatives

Over the recent years there has been a noticeable upsurge of interest in aza-analogs of tryptophan which are isosteric to the latter and found numerous applications in medicinal, bioorganic chemistry, and peptide research. In the present review article, five aza-tryptophan derivatives are profiled, including aza-substitution in the positions 2, on the five-membered ring, as well as in positions 4, 5, 6, and 7 on the six-membered ring. A detailed and comprehensive literature overview of the synthetic methods for the preparation of these aza-tryptophans is presented and general facets of the biological properties and most promising applications are discussed.

Comparative study of different chiral ligands for dynamic kinetic resolution of amino acids

Dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of unprotected amino acids (AAs), via intermediate formation of Ni(II) complexes, is currently a leading methodology for preparation of natural and tailor-made AAs in enantiomerically pure form. In this work, we conduct a comparative case study of synthetic performance of four different ligands in DKR of six AAs representing aryl-, benzyl-, alkyl-, and long alkyl-type derivatives. The results of this study allow for rational selection of ligand/AA type to develop a practical procedure for preparation of target enantiomerically pure AAs.

Asymmetric synthesis of the two enantiomers of β-phosphorus-containing α-amino acids via hydrophosphinylation and hydrophosphonylation of chiral Ni(ii)-complexes

A new approach for the synthesis of the two enantiomers of β-phosphorus-containing α-amino acids was developed via Michael addition of secondary phosphine oxides and dialkyl phosphites to chiral Ni(ii)-complexes of a dehydroalanine-Schiff base.

Asymmetric synthesis of (S)-3-methyleneglutamic acid and its N-Fmoc derivative via Michael addition-elimination reaction of chiral glycine Ni (II) complex with enol tosylates

The use of chiral Ni (II)-complexes of glycine Schiff bases has recently emerged as a leading methodology for asymmetric synthesis of structurally diverse Tailor-Made Amino Acids™, playing a key role in the design of modern pharmaceuticals. Here, we report first example of enantioselective preparation of (S)-3-methyleneglutamic acid and its N-Fmoc derivative via a new type of Michael addition-elimination reaction between chiral nucleophilic glycine equivalent and enol tosylates. This reaction was found to proceed with excellent yield (91%) and diastereoselectivity (>99/1 de) allowing straightforward asymmetric synthesis of (S)-3-methyleneglutamic acid derivatives and analogues. The observed results bode well for general application of this Ni (II) complex approach for preparation and biological studies of this previously unknown type of Tailor-Made Amino Acids™.

Tailor-made amino acid-derived pharmaceuticals approved by the FDA in 2019

Amino acids (AAs) are among a handful of paramount classes of compounds innately involved in the origin and evolution of all known life-forms. Along with basic scientific explorations, the major goal of medicinal chemistry research in the area of tailor-made AAs is the development of more selective and potent pharmaceuticals. The growing acceptance of peptides and peptidomimetics as drugs clearly indicates that AA-based molecules become the most successful structural motif in the modern drug design. In fact, among 24 small-molecule drugs approved by FDA in 2019, 13 of them contain a residue of AA or di-amines or amino-alcohols, which are commonly considered to be derived from the parent AAs. In the present review article, we profile 13 new tailor-made AA-derived pharmaceuticals introduced to the market in 2019. Where it is possible, we will discuss the development form drug-candidates, total synthesis, with emphasis on the core-AA, therapeutic area, and the mode of biological activity.

Cyclic tailor-made amino acids in the design of modern pharmaceuticals

Tailor-made AAs are indispensable components of modern medicinal chemistry and are becoming increasingly prominent in new drugs. In fact, about 30% of small-molecule pharmaceuticals contain residues of tailor-made AAs or structurally related diamines and amino-alcohols. Cyclic tailor-made AAs present a particular value to rational structural design by virtue of their local conformational constraints and are widely used in lead optimization programs. The present review article highlights 34 compounds, all of which are derived from cyclic AAs, representing recently-approved, small-molecule pharmaceuticals as well as promising drug candidates currently in various phases of clinical study. For each compound, the discussion includes the discovery, therapeutic profile and optimized synthesis, with a focus on the preparation of cyclic tailor-made AA as the principal structural feature. The present review article is intended to serve as a reference source for organic, medicinal and process chemists along with other professionals working in the fields of drug design and pharmaceutical discovery.

Tailor-Made Amino Acids and Fluorinated Motifs as Prominent Traits in Modern Pharmaceuticals

Structural analysis of modern pharmaceutical practices allows for the identification of two rapidly growing trends: the introduction of tailor-made amino acids and the exploitation of fluorinated motifs. Curiously, the former represents one of the most ubiquitous classes of naturally occurring compounds, whereas the latter is the most xenobiotic and comprised virtually entirely of man-made derivatives. Herein, 39 selected compounds, featuring both of these traits in the same molecule, are profiled. The total synthesis, source of the corresponding amino acids and fluorinated residues, and medicinal chemistry aspects and biological properties of the molecules are discussed.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Tailor-Made Amino Acids Using Chiral Ni(II) Complexes of Schiff Bases. An Update of the Recent Literature

Tailor-made amino acids are indispensable structural components of modern medicinal chemistry and drug design. Consequently, stereo-controlled preparation of amino acids is the area of high research activity. Over last decade, application of Ni(II) complexes of Schiff bases derived from glycine and chiral tridentate ligands has emerged as a leading methodology for the synthesis of various structural types of amino acids. This review article summarizes examples of asymmetric synthesis of tailor-made α-amino acids via the corresponding Ni(II) complexes, reported in the literature over the last four years. A general overview of this methodology is provided, with the emphasis given to practicality, scalability, cost-structure and recyclability of the chiral tridentate ligands.

Which Stereoinductor Is Better for Asymmetric Functionalization of α-Amino Acids in a Nickel(II) Coordination Environment? Experimental and DFT Considerations

The results of extended comparative investigation of nickel(II) Schiff base complexes (containing various auxiliary chiral moieties) commonly used as a methodological platform for the asymmetric synthesis of tailor-made α-amino acids are provided. The following issues are addressed: 1) redox activity (determining the possibility for electrochemically induced reactions); 2) quantitative estimation of the reactivity of deprotonated complexes towards electrophiles; and 3) quantum-chemical estimation of noncovalent interactions in the metal coordination environment (which shed light on the origin of the stereochemical outcome observed for different stereoinductors). Possible mechanisms that determine the relationship between the stereochemical configuration of a molecule and its electronic structure are discussed. The DFT-calculated HOMO-LUMO energies and localization, as well as relative energies for the (S)- and (R)-alanine derivatives, that determine the stereoinduction efficiency in thermodynamically controlled reactions in nickel(II) coordination are provided. The computational data are supported by experimental results on the monobenzylation of glycine derivatives.

Asymmetric Synthesis of 4,4-(Difluoro)glutamic Acid via Chiral Ni(II)-Complexes of Dehydroalanine Schiff Bases. Effect of the Chiral Ligands Structure on the Stereochemical Outcome

Four differently substituted chiral Ni(II)-complexes of dehydroalanine Schiff base were prepared and reacted with BrCF2COOEt/Cu under the standard reaction conditions. The observed diastereoselectivity was found to depend on the degree and pattern of chlorine substitution for hydrogen in the structure of the dehydroalanine complexes. The unsubstituted complex gave the ratio of diastereomers (S)(2S)/(S)(2R) of 66/34. On the other hand, introduction of chlorine atoms in the strategic positions on the chiral ligands allowed to achieve a practically attractive diastereoselectivity of (∼98.5/1.5). Diastereomerically pure major product was disassembled to prepare 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) derivative of (S)-4,4-difluoroglutamic acid.

Preparative Method for Asymmetric Synthesis of (S)-2-Amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic Acid

Enantiomerically pure derivatives of 2-amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid are in great demand as bioisostere of leucine moiety in the drug design. Here, we disclose a method specifically developed for large-scale (>150 g) preparation of the target (S)-N-Fmoc-2-amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid. The method employs a recyclable chiral auxiliary to form the corresponding Ni(II) complex with glycine Schiff base, which is alkylated with CF3-CH2-I under basic conditions. The resultant alkylated Ni(II) complex is disassembled to reclaim the chiral auxiliary and 2-amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid, which is in situ converted to the N-Fmoc derivative. The whole procedure was reproduced several times for consecutive preparation of over 300 g of the target (S)-N-Fmoc-2-amino-4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid.

Applications of fluorine-containing amino acids for drug design

Fluorine-containing amino acids are becoming increasingly prominent in new drugs due to two general trends in the modern pharmaceutical industry. Firstly, the growing acceptance of peptides and modified peptides as drugs; and secondly, fluorine editing has become a prevalent protocol in drug-candidate optimization. Accordingly, fluorine-containing amino acids represent one of the more promising and rapidly developing areas of research in organic, bio-organic and medicinal chemistry. The goal of this Review article is to highlight the current state-of-the-art in this area by profiling 42 selected compounds that combine fluorine and amino acid structural elements. The compounds under discussion represent pharmaceutical drugs currently on the market, or in clinical trials as well as examples of drug-candidates that although withdrawn from development had a significant impact on the progress of medicinal chemistry and/or provided a deeper understanding of the nature and mechanism of biological action. For each compound, we present features of biological activity, a brief history of the design principles and the development of the synthetic approach, focusing on the source of tailor-made amino acid structures and fluorination methods. General aspects of the medicinal chemistry of fluorine-containing amino acids and synthetic methodology are briefly discussed.

Practical Method for Preparation of (S)-2-Amino-5,5,5-trifluoropentanoic Acid via Dynamic Kinetic Resolution

This work reports an operationally convenient ∼20 g scale synthesis of (S)-2-amino-5,5,5-trifluoropentanoic acid and its Fmoc-derivative via dynamic kinetic resolution of the corresponding racemate.

Large-Scale Asymmetric Synthesis of Fmoc-(S)-2-Amino-6,6,6-Trifluorohexanoic Acid

Here we report the first large-scale synthesis of Fmoc-(S)-2-amino-6,6,6-trifluorohexanoic acid via asymmetric alkylation of chiral Ni(II)-complex of glycine Schiff base with CF3(CH2)3I. The synthesis was performed on over 100 g scale and can be recommended as the most advanced procedure for reliable preparation of large amounts of enantiomerically pure Fmoc-(S)-2-amino-6,6,6-trifluorohexanoic acid for protein engineering and drug design. Chiral auxiliary used in this protocol can be >90 % recovered and reused.

Convenient Asymmetric Synthesis of Fmoc-(S)-6,6,6-Trifluoro-Norleucine

In this work we report a convenient asymmetric synthesis of Fmoc-(S)-6,6,6-trifluoro-norleucine via alkylation reaction of chiral glycine equivalent. The target amino acid of 99% enantiomeric purity was prepared with 82.4% total yield (three steps).

Asymmetric synthesis of (2S,3S)-3-Me-glutamine and (R)-allo-threonine derivatives proper for solid-phase peptide coupling

Practical new routes for preparation of (2S,3S)-3-Me-glutamine and (R)-allo-threonine derivatives, the key structural components of cytotoxic marine peptides callipeltin O and Q, suitable for the Fmoc-SPPS, were developed. (2S,3S)-Fmoc-3-Me-Gln(Xan)-OH was synthesized via Michael addition reactions of Ni (II) complex of chiral Gly-Schiff base; while Fmoc-(R)-allo-Thr-OH was prepared using chiral Ni (II) complex-assisted α-epimerization methodology, starting form (S)-Thr(tBu)-OH.