Access to Highly Substituted 7-Azaindoles from 2-Fluoropyridines via 7-Azaindoline Intermediates

Menge W, Martens G, op het Veld SJ, Th.H. van Eupen J, Demon M, van Achterberg TA, Arisse-Thijssen MJ, Santegoeds-Lenssen EW, van der Lee MM, Ubink R, Arends RJ, Sesink A, Blomenröhr M, Marco Timmers C. Discovery of SYD5115, a novel orally active small molecule TSH-R antagonist

The thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R) regulates the thyroid gland and is normally activated by thyrotropin. In patients with Graves' disease, TSH-R is also stimulated by stimulatory TSH-R autoantibodies leading to hyperthyroidism. In this paper, we describe the discovery of SYD5115 (67), a novel small molecule TSH-R antagonist with nanomolar potency. SYD5115 also blocks stimulating antibody induced synthesis of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T₄) in vivo, after a single oral dose. During optimization, several issues had to be addressed such as the low metabolic stability and the potential mutagenicity of our first series of compounds.

Alkali-Amide Controlled Selective Synthesis of 7-Azaindole and 7-Azaindoline through Domino Reactions of 2-Fluoro-3-methylpyridine and Aldehydes

Azaindoles and azaindolines are important core structures in pharmaceuticals and natural products, which have found wide applications in the field of medicinal chemistrty. In this study, we developed a novel...

Asymmetric Synthesis of 3-Phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridine-3-carbonitriles Catalyzed by Phase-Transfer Catalyst Derived from tert-Leucine

Chiral phase-transfer catalysts derived from tert-leucine were synthesized and used in the asymmetric synthesis of 4-azaindoline derivatives. By this method, both enantiomers of the corresponding products were obtained in excellent yield (up to 99%) with high enantio­selectivities (up to 91% ee) and diastereoselectivities (up to >99: 1 dr).

Recent developments in the synthesis of azaindoles from pyridine and pyrrole building blocks

The azaindole framework is ubiquitous in bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. This review highlights the synthetic approaches to azaindoles with advantages and limitations, mechanistic pathways and biological importance.

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.

Synthesis of 4-Azaindolines Using Phase-Transfer Catalysis via an Intramolecular Mannich Reaction

A series of bifunctional asymmetric phase-transfer catalysts containing novel fluorine-containing urea groups derived from cinchona alkaloids have been synthesized and successfully applied in the asymmetric intramolecular Mannich reaction. The 4-azaindoline products bearing multiple substrates were obtained in excellent yield (90-99%), with high enantioselectivity (up to 95%) and diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1).

Modern advances in heterocyclic chemistry in drug discovery

New advances in synthetic methodologies that allow rapid access to a wide variety of functionalized heterocyclic compounds are of critical importance to the medicinal chemist as it provides the ability to expand the available drug-like chemical space and drive more efficient delivery of drug discovery programs. Furthermore, the development of robust synthetic routes that can readily generate bulk quantities of a desired compound help to accelerate the drug development process. While established synthetic methodologies are commonly utilized during the course of a drug discovery program, the development of innovative heterocyclic syntheses that allow for different bond forming strategies are having a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. This review will focus on recent applications of new methodologies in C-H activation, photoredox chemistry, borrowing hydrogen catalysis, multicomponent reactions, regio- and stereoselective syntheses, as well as other new, innovative general syntheses for the formation and functionalization of heterocycles that have helped drive project delivery. Additionally, the importance and value of collaborations between industry and academia in shaping the development of innovative synthetic approaches to functionalized heterocycles that are of greatest interest to the pharmaceutical industry will be highlighted.

Enantioselective Synthesis of 4- and 6-Azaindolines by a Cation-Directed Cyclization

Functionalized 4- and 6-azaindolines are accessible with high levels of enantioselectivity by the cation-directed cyclization of aminopyridine-derived imines via phase-transfer catalysis. The extension of this methodology to diastereoselective cyclizations is also described.