Asymmetric Dipolar Cycloadditions of Me3SiCHN2. Synthesis of a Novel Class of Amino Acids: Azaprolines

Triplet Energy Transfer (EnT)-Promoted 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of N-(Trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide with Electron-Deficient Alkynes and Alkenes

Triplet energy transfer (EnT)-promoted photochemical pathways, arisen by visible light and its photosensitizers, have gained significant attention as a complementary strategy for initiating organic transformations in photochemical reactions that are unlikely to occur through a single electron transfer (SET) process. In the present study, we investigated the triplet EnT-promoted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of N-(trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide with electron-deficient alkynyl and alkenyl dipolarophiles. The triplet excited state of N-(trimethylsilyl)methylphthalimide, promoted by the triplet EnT from thioxanthone (TXA) photosensitizer, underwent sequential intramolecular SET and carbon-to-oxygen migration of the silyl group to form azomethine ylide. This generated ylide cycloadded to alkynes or alkenes to regioselectively and stereospecifically produce a nitrogen-containing benzopyrrolizidine scaffold with multiple stereogenic centers. Crucially, the stereoselectivity of these cycloaddition reactions (i.e., endo versus exo addition) was influenced by the nature of the dipolarophiles.

Stereoselective synthesis of (R)- and (S)-1,2-diazetidine-3-carboxylic acid derivatives for peptidomimetics

The stereoselective synthesis of both enantiomers of N-protected 1,2-diazetidine-3-carboxylic acid (aAze) from homochiral glycidol is described. Orthogonal protection of this novel cyclic α-hydrazino acid allows for selective functionalisation at either Nγ or Nδ. This novel peptidomimetic building block was incorporated into the pseudotripeptides Gly-γaAze-Ala and Gly-δaAze-Ala.

Mn- and Co-Catalyzed Aminocyclizations of Unsaturated Hydrazones Providing a Broad Range of Functionalized Pyrazolines

Manganese- and cobalt-catalyzed aminocyclization reactions of unsaturated hydrazones are reported. Whereas manganese catalysis provides access to pyrazoline and tetrahydropyridazine alcohols, cobalt catalysis for the first time paves the way for the selective formation of pyrazoline aldehydes. Furthermore, various functional groups including hydroperoxide, thiol derivatives, iodide, and bicyclopentane may be introduced via manganese-catalyzed ring-forming aminofunctionalization. A progesterone receptor antagonist was prepared using the aminocyclization protocol.

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.

Dibenzofuran-4,6-bis(oxazoline) (DBFOX). A novel trans-chelating bis(oxazoline) ligand for asymmetric reactions

The trans-chelating bis(oxazoline) ligand (R,R)-4,6-dibenzofurandiyl-2,2'-bis(4-phenyloxazoline) [(R,R)-DBFOX/Ph] coordinates metal ions to give C2-symmetric complexes which effectively catalyze a variety of asymmetric reactions. (R,R)-DBFOX/Ph·Ni(ClO4)2·3H2O, whose crystal structure is octahedral with three aqua ligands, can be stored under air for several months without loss of catalytic activity and promotes highly enantioselective reactions even in the presence of excess amounts of water, alcohols, amines, and acids. The complex shows remarkable chiral amplification in asymmetric Diels-Alder (DA) reactions. This review focuses on enantioselective reactions catalyzed by (R,R)-DBFOX/Ph·metal complexes.

Chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropanation and C-H insertion reactions of vinyl ketones with α-diazoesters

Enantioselective cyclopropanation and C-H insertion reactions of α-substituted vinyl ketones with α-diazoesters have been accomplished using a N,N'-dioxide-scandium(iii) complex catalyst. Various tetrasubstituted cyclopropanes and E-enone derivatives bearing a chiral ester substituent were obtained simultaneously with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.

Organocatalytic [4+1]-annulation approach for the synthesis of densely functionalized pyrazolidine carboxylates

The present protocol provides optically active pyrazolidine carboxylates with derivatizable functional groups in high yields with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities.

The reaction of dimethylalkynylaluminum reagents with trimethylsilyldiazomethane: original reactivity leading to new α-silylated alkynyl hydrazones

Trimethylsilyl (TMS) diazomethane does not react as a homologating reagent but as a C-electrophilic species with dimethylalkynylaluminum reagents. This unprecedented reactivity enables a simple access to unusual α-silylated alkynyl hydrazones.

Dipolar addition to cyclic vinyl sulfones leading to dual conformation tricycles

Dipolar addition of cyclic azomethine imines with cyclic vinyl sulfones gave rise to functionalized tricycles that exhibited fluxional behavior in solution at room temperature. The scope of the synthetic methodology was explored, and the origin of the fluxional behavior was probed by NMR methods together with DFT calculations. This behavior was ultimately attributed to stereochemical inversion at one of two nitrogen centers embedded in the tricyclic framework. Two tetracycles were also synthesized, and the degree of signal-broadening in the NMR spectra was found to depend on the presence of substitution next to the inverting nitrogen center.

Synthesis, receptor binding and activity of iso and azakainoids

Two syntheses for the production of an unsubstituted azakainoid are described. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diazomethane with trans-dibenzyl glutaconate yields a 1-pyrazoline, which may be reduced directly to the pyrazolidine. An unexpected trans-cis isomerization is observed during Hg/Al reduction of the 1-pyrazoline NN bond. Alternatively, when TMS diazomethane is used as the dipole, the resulting 2-pyrazoline obtained after desilylation may be reduced with NaCNBH3 to provide the trans azakainate analog exclusively. The synthesis of an unsubstituted isokainoid via Michael addition is also described. Glutamate receptor binding assays revealed that the azakaniod has a moderate affinity for unspecified glutamate receptors. Membrane depolarization of Aplysia neurons upon application of the azakainoid demonstrates that it is an ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist.

Cinchona alkaloid catalyzed enantioselective amination of α,β-unsaturated ketones: an asymmetric approach to Δ2-pyrazolines

Δ²-Pyrazolines are of significant medicinal and synthetic interest due to their therapeutic properties and utility in the synthesis of 1,3-diamines, yet few asymmetric methods exist to prepare them. An unprecedented highly enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of 2-pyrazolines was achieved through an asymmetric conjugate addition catalyzed by 9-epi-amino cinchona alkaloids followed by deprotection-cyclization, which furnished chiral 2-pyrazolines in 46-78% yield and 59-91% ee. This bifunctional catalytic methodology thus provides easy access to considerable range of optically active 3,5-dialkyl 2-pyrazolines.

Azapeptides and their therapeutic potential

Azapeptides are peptide analogs in which one or more of the amino residues is replaced by a semicarbazide. This substitution of a nitrogen for the α-carbon center results in conformational restrictions, which bend the peptide about the aza-amino acid residue away from a linear geometry. The resulting azapeptide turn conformations have been observed by x-ray crystallography and spectroscopy, as well as predicted based on computational models. In biologically active peptide analogs, the aza-substitution has led to enhanced activity and selectivity as well as improved properties, such as prolonged duration of action and metabolic stability. In light of these characteristics, azapeptides have found important uses as receptor ligands, enzyme inhibitors, drugs, pro-drugs, probes and imaging agents. Recent improvements in synthetic methods for their procurement have ushered in a new era of azapeptide chemistry. This review aims to provide a historical look at the development of azapeptide science along with a focus on recent developments and perspectives on the future of this useful tool for medicinal chemistry.

Asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of acrylamides

This critical review, which is relevant to researchers in synthetic organic chemistry, focuses on asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with acrylamides. The use of chiral acrylamides as dipolarophiles leads to high levels of stereocontrol, due to conformational constraint in the acrylamides. Employment of chiral tertiary acrylamides containing nitrogen heterocycles is particularly effective in controlling the stereoselectivity. Following a general overview of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, the main body of the review focuses on asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of acrylamides with nitrile oxides, nitrones, diazoalkanes and azomethine ylides, with particular emphasis on the rationale for the observed stereocontrol (215 references).

Highly diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed cyclizations of 3,4-allenylic hydrazines and organic halides -- highly stereoselective synthesis of optically active pyrazolidine derivatives and the prediction of the stereoselectivity

Pyrazolidines containing two chiral centers, an interesting class of heterocyclic compounds possessing a range of biological activities, have been prepared highly diastereoselectively (up to 95:5) through asymmetric Pd(OAc)(2)-catalyzed cyclizations between the easy available optically active allenylic hydrazines and organic halides in THF in the presence of (R,R)-Bn-Box (L2) as the ligand. It was observed 1) that in most cases (3R,5S)-pyrazolidines were obtained in good yields with very high enantiopurities (>99%) and high diastereoselectivities (up to 95:5) in the presence of (R,R)-Bn-Box (L2), 2) that aryl halides containing electron-donating or -withdrawing groups, heteroaryl, and 1-alkenyl iodides are all suitable substrates for this diastereoselective cyclization, 3) that the absolute configurations of the newly formed chiral centers in the pyrazolidines depend on the structure of substrate 1, and 4) that the enantio- and diastereopurities of the trans-pyrazolidines are co-controlled by the chiralities of the chiral catalysts and the substrates. A model for prediction of the enantiopurities of the products and the diastereoselectivities of the reactions based on an HPLC study of the starting hydrazines and the products was established.

Enantioselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of Diazoacetates with Electron-Deficient Olefins

[reaction: see text] A general strategy for highly enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diazoesters to beta-substituted, alpha-substituted, and alpha,beta-disubstituted alpha,beta-unsaturated pyrazolidinone imides is described. Cycloadditions utilizing less reactive alpha,beta-disubstituted dipolarophiles require elevated reaction temperatures, but still provide the corresponding pyrazolines with excellent enantioselectivities. Finally, an efficient synthesis of (-)-manzacidin A employing this cycloaddition methodology as a key step is illustrated.

Orally active thrombin inhibitors. Part 2: Optimization of the P2-moiety

Synthesis and SAR of orally active thrombin inhibitors of the d-Phe-Pro-Arg type with focus on the P2-moiety are described. The unexpected increase in in vitro potency, oral bioavailability, and in vivo activity of inhibitors with dehydroproline as P2-isostere is discussed. Over a period of 24h the antithrombin activity of the most active inhibitors with IC(50)s in the nanomolar range was determined in dogs demonstrating high thrombin inhibitory activity in plasma and an appropriate duration of action after oral administration.

Enantioselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction between Diazoacetates and α-Substituted Acroleins: Total Synthesis of Manzacidin A

A titanium BINOLate catalyzed asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between alpha-substituted acroleins and alkyl diazoacetates has been developed. With this methodology in hand, chiral 2-pyrazolines containing a quaternary stereogenic center were obtained in high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee). The synthetic utility of the optically enriched 2-pyrazoline thus obtained was demonstrated in the short synthesis of manzacidin A.

1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of Diazoalkanes to Activated Sulfoxides: Influence of Lewis Acids

[reaction: see text] The reactions of diazomethane and diazoethane with (S)-3-p-tolylsulfinylfuran-2(5H)-one (3) and its 4-methyl derivative (4) have been studied. The sulfinyl group was able to completely control the pi-facial selectivity of all these reactions, which decreased when the polarity of the solvent increased and could be inverted in the presence of Lewis acids, Yb(OTf)(3) being the most efficient catalyst. This behavior made possible the stereodivergent synthesis of diastereoisomeric pyrazolines in almost quantitative yields and de's higher than 98%. The endo/exo selectivity was also complete in reactions of 3 with diazoethane, whereas 4 afforded an easily separable 1:1 mixture of diastereoisomers. Steric factors accounts for the endo/exo selectivity, whereas electrostatic interactions must also be considered to explain the facial selectivity.

A Simple and General Chiral Silicon Lewis Acid for Asymmetric Synthesis: Highly Enantioselective [3 + 2] Acylhydrazone−Enol Ether Cycloadditions

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective [3 + 2] acylhydrazone-enol ether cycloaddition mediated by a simple chiral silane Lewis acid is described. The reactions are highly practical, as demonstrated by a larger scale (5 g of the hydrazone) reaction in which the product was obtained after recrystallization in 93% yield and 99% ee. Evidence for a stepwise mechanism and a model for the asymmetric induction are presented, as well.

Heterocyclic ring scaffolds as small-molecule cholesterol absorption inhibitors

Enantio- and diastereoselective syntheses of a substituted oxazolidinone, isoxazoline and pyrazoline as beta-lactam surrogates are described. The substituted heterocycles were designed to incorporate side chains closely resembling those found in the beta-lactam cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe (1). Additionally, the in vitro inhibitory efficacy of the novel compounds as cholesterol absorption inhibitors is reported using a brush border membrane vesicle assay.