Catalyst-Free Synthesis of 2,4-Disubstituted-1H-imidazoles through [3 + 2] Cyclization of Vinyl Azides with Amidines

Vinyl azide as a synthon for DNA-compatible divergent transformations into N-heterocycles

Inspired by diversity-oriented synthesis, we have developed a series of DNA-compatible transformations utilizing on-DNA vinyl azide as a synthon to forge divergent N-heterocyclic scaffolds. Polysubstituted imidazoles and isoquinolines were efficiently obtained with moderate-to-excellent conversions. Besides, the "one-pot" strategy to prepare in-house on-DNA vinyl azides afforded synthons readily. Results from substrate scope exploration and enzymatic ligation further demonstrate the feasibility of these N-heterocycle syntheses in DNA-encoded chemical library construction.

BIM-46174 fragments as potential ligands of G proteins

The 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivative BIM-46174 has received attention as Gα_q inhibitor. We conducted structural reductions to monocyclic and bicyclic substructures to explore the chemical space of BIM fragments and to gain insights into the pharmacophore of BIM-type Gα_q inhibitors. Two piperazin-2-one-containing fragments and a small library of bicyclic lactams featuring fused pyrazine and diazepine rings were synthesized and evaluated. The results of a second messenger-based cellular assay indicate that the entire BIM structure is required for efficient Gα_q inhibition.

α-Substituted vinyl azides: an emerging functionalized alkene

Vinyl azides are highly versatile synthons that provide access to numerous N-heterocycles and other functional groups.

Visible-light-promoted selective C–H amination of heteroarenes with heteroaromatic amines under metal-free conditions

The regioselective C–H amination of quinoline amides (C5) and imidazopyridines (C3) under transition-metal-free conditions at room temperature with a high degree of functional group tolerance is reported.