Synthesis of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Analogues Conformationally Restricted by Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane/hexene or [4.1.0]Heptane/heptene Backbones as Potent Betaine/GABA Transporter Inhibitors

Application of 2-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]Hept-5-En-3-One (Vince Lactam) in Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

2-Azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one (Vince lactam) is known to be a valuable building block in synthetic organic chemistry and drug research. It is an important precursor to access of some blockbuster antiviral drugs such as Carbovir or Abacavir as well as other carbocyclic neuraminidase inhibitors as antiviral agents. The ring C=C bond of the Vince lactam allows versatile chemical manipulations to create not only functionalized γ-lactams, but also γ-amino acid derivatives with a cyclopentane framework. The aim of the current account is to summarize the chemistry of Vince lactam, its synthetic utility and application in organic and medicinal chemistry over the last decade.

Concise approach to γ-(het)aryl- and γ-alkenyl-γ-aminobutyric acids. Synthesis of vigabatrin

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA derivatives have attracted increased attention over the years in the fields of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology due to their interesting biological properties and synthetic relevance. Here, we report a short synthetic route to γ-(het)aryl- and γ-alkenyl-γ-aminobutyric acids, including the antiepileptic drug vigabatrin, from readily available donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and ammonia or methylamine. This protocol includes a facile synthesis of 2-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxamides and their acid hydrolysis to γ-aryl- or γ-alkenyl-substituted GABAs, which can serve as perspective building blocks for the synthesis of various GABA-based N-heterocycles and bioactive compounds.