Synthesis of 2H-indazoles by the [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition of sydnones with arynes

Synthesis of Indazoles via N-N Bond-Forming Oxidative Cyclization from 2-Aminomethyl-phenylamines

Herein we report a method for the synthesis of indazoles from readily available 2-aminomethyl-phenylamines via N-N bond-forming oxidative cyclization. Inspired by indazole formation initially observed as a side product by N. Coskun et al. we developed a robust protocol to access indazoles in all three tautomeric forms. The method selectively gives access to various 2-substituted 2H-indazoles which are frequently used in drug design, and we also demonstrated its applicability to less studied 3H-indazoles.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Combretastatin A-4 and 2,3-Diphenyl-2H-indazole Hybrids

Cancer is the second leading cause of death, after cardiovascular diseases. Different strategies have been developed to treat cancer; however, chemotherapy with cytotoxic agents is still the most widely used treatment approach. Nevertheless, drug resistance to available chemotherapeutic agents is still a serious problem, and the development of new active compounds remains a constant need. Taking advantage of the molecular hybridization approach, in the present work we designed, synthesized, and tested the cytotoxic activity of two hybrid compounds and seven derivatives based on the structure of combretastatin A-4 and 2,3-diphenyl-2H-indazole. Practical modifications of reported synthetic protocols for 2-pheny-2H-indazole and 2,3-dipheny-2H-indazole derivatives under microwave irradiation were implemented. The cytotoxicity assays showed that our designed hybrid compounds possess strong activity, especially compound 5, which resulted even better than the reference drug cisplatin against HeLa and SK-LU-1 cells (IC₅₀ of 0.16 and 6.63 µM, respectively), and it had similar potency to the reference drug imatinib against K562 cells. Additionally, in silico and in vitro studies strongly suggest tubulin as the molecular target for hybrid compound 5.

Heterohelicenes through 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Sydnones with Arynes: Synthesis, Origins of Selectivity, and Application to pH-Triggered Chiroptical Switch with CPL Sign Reversal

Regioselective access to heterohelicenes through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sydnones with arynes is described. Novel access to sydnones and poly(hetero)aromatic aryne precursors allowed the introduction of chemical diversity over multiple positions of the helical scaffolds. The origins of the unconventional regioselectivity during the cycloaddition steps was systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, unveiling the key features that control this reactivity, namely, face-to-face (π···π) or edge-to-face (C-H···π) interactions, primary orbital interactions and distortion from coplanarity in the transition structures (TSs) of the transformation. From the library of 24 derivatives synthesized, a pyridyl containing derivative displayed reversible, red-shifted, pH-triggered chiroptical switching properties, with CPL-sign reversal. It is found that protonation of the helicene causes a change of the angle between the electric and magnetic dipole moments related to the S₁ → S₀ transition, resulting in this rare case of reversible CPL sign inversion upon application of an external stimulus.

Click and Bio-Orthogonal Reactions with Mesoionic Compounds

Click and bio-orthogonal reactions are dominated by cycloaddition reactions in general and 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions in particular. Among the dipoles routinely used for click chemistry, azides, nitrones, isonitriles, and nitrile oxides are the most popular. This review is focused on the emerging click chemistry that uses mesoionic compounds as dipole partners. Mesoionics are a very old family of molecules, but their use as reactants for click and bio-orthogonal chemistry is quite recent. The facility to derivatize these dipoles and to tune their reactivity toward cycloaddition reactions makes mesoionics an attractive opportunity for future click chemistry development. In addition, some compounds from this family are able to undergo click-and-release reactions, finding interesting applications in cells, as well as in animals. This review covers the synthetic access to main mesoionics, their reaction with dipolarophiles, and recent applications in chemical biology and heterocycle synthesis.

Synthesis, Antiprotozoal Activity, and Cheminformatic Analysis of 2-Phenyl-2H-Indazole Derivatives

Indazole is an important scaffold in medicinal chemistry. At present, the progress on synthetic methodologies has allowed the preparation of several new indazole derivatives with interesting pharmacological properties. Particularly, the antiprotozoal activity of indazole derivatives have been recently reported. Herein, a series of 22 indazole derivatives was synthesized and studied as antiprotozoals. The 2-phenyl-2H-indazole scaffold was accessed by a one-pot procedure, which includes a combination of ultrasound synthesis under neat conditions as well as Cadogan's cyclization. Moreover, some compounds were derivatized to have an appropriate set to provide structure-activity relationships (SAR) information. Whereas the antiprotozoal activity of six of these compounds against E. histolytica, G. intestinalis, and T. vaginalis had been previously reported, the activity of the additional 16 compounds was evaluated against these same protozoa. The biological assays revealed structural features that favor the antiprotozoal activity against the three protozoans tested, e.g., electron withdrawing groups at the 2-phenyl ring. It is important to mention that the indazole derivatives possess strong antiprotozoal activity and are also characterized by a continuous SAR.

Direct Formation of 2-Substituted 2H-Indazoles by a Pd-Catalyzed Reaction between 2-Halobenzyl Halides and Arylhydrazines

A direct and operationally simple method for the regioselective synthesis of 2-aryl-substituted 2H-indazoles is reported. The Pd-catalyzed reaction between easily available 2-bromobenzyl bromides and arylhydrazines employing Cs₂CO₃ as the base and t-Bu₃PHBF₄ as the ligand in DMSO at 120 °C in a sealed tube delivers the 2-substituted-2H-indazoles in a single synthetic step with yields up to 79%. The new method is based on a regioselective intermolecular N-benzylation followed by intramolecular N-arylation and oxidation.

Sydnone Ribosides as a Platform for the Synthesis of Pyrazole C-Nucleosides: A Unified Synthesis of Formycin B and Pyrazofurin

The C-nucleoside natural products formycin B and pyrazofurin were synthesized in seven steps employing a sydnone riboside as common intermediate. Sydnone ribosides were synthesized via a direct Lewis acid catalyzed dehydrative glycosylation reaction. We demonstrated that these can be used for the diversity-oriented synthesis of pyrazole C-nucleoside analogues via thermal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with various alkynes, giving access to the pyrazole C-nucleoside natural products, as well as opening new avenues for exploring nucleoside chemical space.

Recent Research Progress in and Perspectives of Mesoionic Insecticides: Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibitors

Triflumezopyrim exemplifies a new class of mesoionic insecticides and has attracted increasing attention as a result of its unique structure, high level of insecticidal activity, new mechanisms of action, low toxicity toward non-target organisms, and environmental friendliness. It inhibits the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and has high potency against sucking pests, including the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), which has developed serious resistance to conventional neonicotinoids and low cross-resistance to some newly developed neonicotinoids. This review focuses on the discovery, synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of action of mesoionic insecticides. Finally, potential directions for the development of mesoionic insecticides are discussed.

Synthesis, bioactivities and phloem uptake of dipeptide-chlorantraniliprole derivatives

Phloem systemicity is a desirable property for insecticides to control sucking insects. However, the development of phloem systemic insecticides is challenging. One possible strategy is to link existed insecticides with endogenous substances so that the resulting conjugates can be transported by specific transporters into the phloem. In this study, novel dipeptide promoieties were introduced into chlorantraniliprole, which is an efficient and broad-spectrum anthranilic diamide insecticide without phloem mobility. Twenty-two new dipeptide-chlorantraniliprole conjugates have been synthesized. Systemic tests showed that all conjugates exhibited phloem mobility in Ricinus communis. In particular, compound 4g with alanyl-alanine dipeptide fragment was able to accumulate in phloem sap (114.49 ± 11.10 μM) in the form of its hydrolysis product 5g. Results of bioassay showed that conjugates 4g and 5g were able to exhibit comparable insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella L. and Spodoptera exigua compared to its parent compound chlorantraniliprole. This work demonstrated that the dipeptide structures were able to contribute to the improvement of the uptake and phloem mobility of chlorantraniliprole, and two phloem mobile conjugates with satisfactory in vivo insecticidal effect was obtained as new candidates for high-efficient insecticides.

An Operationally Simple and Efficient Synthesis of 7-Benzylidene-substitutedphenyl- 3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-indazole by Grinding Method

BACKGROUND

An eco-friendly, operationally simple and efficient reaction is shown between various 2,6-bis-(substituted-benzylidene)-cyclohexanones and differently substituted hydrazine in the presence of acetic acid.

METHODS

The reaction between various 2,6-bis-(substituted-benzylidene)-cyclohexanones and differently substituted hydrazine in the presence of acetic acid afforded 7-Benzylidene-substituted-phenyl-3,3a,4,5,6,7- hexahydro-2H-indazole in 74 to 92 % yield in short reaction time using the grindstone technique.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The notable advantages of this method include mild synthetic conditions, weak acid catalysis, and non-hazardous solvent which make this method environmentally safer.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we have developed an efficient, simple and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of 7-Benzylidene-substituted-phenyl-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2H-indazole by grinding technique. The notable benefits of this method are waste minimization, no organic solvent required, simple procedure, easy work-up, and clean reaction profile.

One-Pot Generation of Functionalized Benzynes from Readily Available 2-Hydroxyphenylboronic Acids

We developed a one-pot method for the generation of benzynes from a range of readily available 2-hydroxyphenylboronic acids. This method features the in situ activation of both boronic acid and hydroxyl groups of the substrate to enhance benzyne generation at 60 °C. Such mild conditions facilitate the generation of functionalized benzynes that immediately react with diverse arynophiles to produce multisubstituted fused benzenes.

Visible-light-mediated direct C3-arylation of 2H-indazoles enabled by an electron-donor-acceptor complex

A mild visible-light-mediated, photocatalyst-free arylation of 2H-indazoles was developed. The formation of an electron donor-acceptor complex by 2H-indazoles and aryl diazonium salts in the presence of pyridine allows the direct arylation of 2H-indazoles under visible-light irradiation. This process provides an efficient route for the synthesis of C3-arylated-2H-indazoles, which are important scaffolds of various bioactive compounds.

Continuous-Flow Visible Light Organophotocatalysis for Direct Arylation of 2H-Indazoles: Fast Access to Drug Molecules

A continuous-flow homogeneous photocatalytic method has been devised for the direct arylation of 2H-indazoles. This visible-light-promoted approach directly accesses a wide range of structurally diverse C3-arylated scaffolds of biological interest in a fast (1 min), single-step reaction by using eosin Y as an organophotocatalyst. Furthermore, a microreactor technology is also employed for the fast synthesis of liver X receptor inhibitor drugs with very good yields under metal-free conditions, whereas the reported methods required multiple steps and much longer reaction times (18-24 h).

Copper nanoparticles supported on charcoal mediated one-pot three-component synthesis of N-substituted-2H-indazoles via consecutive condensation C–N and N–N bond formation

An efficient and straightforward protocol for direct synthesis of 2H-indazoles is achieved from consecutive condensation of 2-halobenzaldehydes, primary amines, and sodium azide catalyzed by heterogeneous copper nanoparticles on charcoal (Cu/C) is achieved. The recoverable heterogeneous copper nanoparticles on charcoal (Cu/C) catalyst exhibited an impressive activity for the title reaction without any additives (expensive ligands, etc.). A series of structurally diverse 2H-indazoles were prepared in good to excellent yields from easily accessible starting materials by employing this protocol.

Access to 2-substituted-2H-indazoles via a copper-catalyzed regioselective cross-coupling reaction

A CuCl catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reaction using commercially available 1H-indazoles with diaryliodonium salts is described. The methodology features ample structural versatility, affording 2-substituted-2H-indazole in good yields and complete N(2)-regiocontrol. Furthermore, the utility of the reaction was demonstrated in the synthesis of a known estrogen receptor β agonist. Mechanistic studies using density functional theory calculations suggested that the complete regioselectivity can be attributed to the only weak base TfO^- in our system which could not deprotonate indazoles, and the catalyst oxidation process would be the rate-determining step.

Sydnone-Based Approach to Heterohelicenes through 1,3-Dipolar-Cycloadditions

The first approach to pyrazole-containing helicenes via sydnone-aryne [3 + 2]-cycloaddition is described. An unprecedented regioselectivity in the cycloaddition step toward the more sterically constrained product was observed in the presence of extended aromatic scaffolds. DFT calculations enabled understanding the origin of this unexpected selectivity.

A General One-Pot Synthesis of 2H-Indazoles Using an Organophosphorus-Silane System

A simple and direct approach for the regioselective construction of the privileged 2H-indazole scaffold is described. The developed one-pot strategy involves phospholene-mediated N-N bond formation to access 2H-indazoles. The amount of organophosphorus reagent was minimized by recycling the phospholene oxide with organosilane reductants. Starting from functionalized 2-nitrobenzaldehydes and primary amines, a mild reductive cyclization, involving the use of commercially available phospholene oxide and silanes, delivered a wide variety of substituted 2H-indazoles in good to excellent yields.

[3 + 2]-Cycloaddition reaction of sydnones with alkynes

This review covers all known examples of [3 + 2]-cycloaddition between sydnones and both terminal as well as internal alkynes/cycloalkynes taken from literature since its discovery by Huisgen in 1962 up to the current date. Except enumeration of synthetic applications it also covers mechanistic studies, catalysis, effects of substituents and reaction conditions influencing reaction rate and regioselectivity.

Sydnone-alkyne cycloaddition: applications in synthesis and bioconjugation

Sydnones are among the most popular mesoionic compounds studied so far for cycloaddition reactions. However, despite their good chemical stability and versatility, only a limited number of research groups have worked on their chemistry and use in organic synthesis. This feature article aims at providing an overview of the most recent developments in sydnone-alkyne cycloadditions, with particular attention on the strategies that allow us to achieving high regiocontrol and milder reaction conditions. The recent discovery that this dipole is able to undergo click and biorthogonal reactions with cycloalkynes may stimulate renewed interest from the scientific community. Given the high potential and flexibility of this family of mesoionics, we believe that major developments are to be expected both in terms of organic synthetic methodologies and biorthogonal chemistry applications in the field of chemical biology.

Regioselective Synthesis of Pyranone-Fused Indazoles via Reductive Cyclization and Alkyne Insertion

A novel and efficient method for the one-pot synthesis of 2 H-indazole from readily available building blocks is reported. The reaction of 2-nitrobenzylamines with zinc and ammonium formate underwent partial reduction to nitroso-benzylamine followed by an intramolecular cyclization to afford 2 H-indazole via N-N bond formation. The carboxylic acid moiety of indazole was proceeded to regioselective alkyne insertion under ruthenium catalysis to form pyranone-fused indazoles. The regioselectivity is influenced by the weak coordination of indazole ring nitrogen to the metal center.

I2-Mediated 2H-indazole synthesis via halogen-bond-assisted benzyl C-H functionalization

I₂-Mediated benzyl C-H functionalization has been developed for the synthesis of 2H-indazoles, which features high efficiency, simple conditions and no need for metals. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations have revealed halogen bond assistance and a radical chain process for this reaction. The azo group and the bound iodine cooperate in the hydrogen abstraction step, which circumvents the thermodynamic disfavor of direct hydrogen abstraction by a simple iodine radical.

Transition metal-free controlled synthesis of bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]ethyl-decorated heterocycles

The metal- and irradiation-free C–H bis(triflyl)ethylation reactions of a variety of heterocycles including marketed drugs have been accomplished.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2H-Indazole Derivatives: Towards Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Dual Agents

Indazole is considered a very important scaffold in medicinal chemistry. It is commonly found in compounds with diverse biological activities, e.g., antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Considering that infectious diseases are associated to an inflammatory response, we designed a set of 2H-indazole derivatives by hybridization of cyclic systems commonly found in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds. The derivatives were synthesized and tested against selected intestinal and vaginal pathogens, including the protozoa Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis; the bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi; and the yeasts Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Biological evaluations revealed that synthesized compounds have antiprotozoal activity and, in most cases, are more potent than the reference drug metronidazole, e.g., compound 18 is 12.8 times more active than metronidazole against G. intestinalis. Furthermore, two 2,3-diphenyl-2H-indazole derivatives (18 and 23) showed in vitro growth inhibition against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. In addition to their antimicrobial activity, the anti-inflammatory potential for selected compounds was evaluated in silico and in vitro against human cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The results showed that compounds 18, 21, 23, and 26 display in vitro inhibitory activity against COX-2, whereas docking calculations suggest a similar binding mode as compared to rofecoxib, the crystallographic reference.

Influence of Endo- and Exocyclic Heteroatoms on Stabilities and 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactivities of Mesoionic Azomethine Ylides and Imines

The geometries, stabilities, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactivities of 24 mesoionic azomethine ylides and imines were investigated using density functional theory calculations at the M06-2X/6-311+G-(d,p)/M06-2X/6-31G-(d) level. The computed structures highlight how the commonly used "aromatic" resonance form should be replaced by two more accurate resonance structures. Stabilities of the dipoles were assessed by various homodesmotic schemes and are consistent with these compounds being nonaromatic. The activation free energies with ethylene or acetylene range from 11.8 to 36.6 kcal/mol. Within each dipole type, the predicted cycloaddition reactivities correlate with the reaction energies and the resonance stabilization energies provided by the various substituents. Endocyclic (X) heteroatoms increase the reactivity of the 1,3-dipoles in the order of O > NH ≅ S, whereas exocyclic (Y) substituents increase it in the order of CH₂ > NH > O > S. Distortion/interaction analysis indicated that the difference in reactivity between differently substituted 1,3-dipoles is driven by distortion, whereas the difference between azomethine ylides and imines is related to lower interaction energies of imines with the dipolarophiles.

Synthesis of [18 F]Fluoroarenes by Nucleophilic Radiofluorination of N-Arylsydnones

A practical method for radiofluorination of anilines with [18 F]fluoride via N-arylsydnone intermediates is described. These precursors are stable, easy to handle and facilitate direct and regioselective 18 F-labeling to prepare [18 F]fluoroarenes. The value of this methodology is further highlighted by successful application to prepare an 18 F-labeled neuropeptide.

Sn(ii)-Mediated facile approach for the synthesis of 2-aryl-2H-indazole-3-phosphonates and their anticancer activities

The efficient synthesis of 2-aryl-2H-indazole-3-phosphonates has been achieved successfully via a SnCl₂·2H₂O mediated one-pot method.

Organophosphorus-mediated N-N bond formation: facile access to 3-amino-2H-indazoles

A convenient and efficient strategy has been devised to access 3-amino-2H-indazole derivatives in two steps from readily available starting materials. The conversion of 2-nitrobenzonitriles to substituted benzamidines followed by an organophosphorus-mediated reductive cyclization and a subsequent N-N bond formation afforded 3-amino-2H-indazoles in good to excellent yields.

1,3- and 1,4-Benzdiyne equivalents for regioselective synthesis of polycyclic heterocycles

We have devised a novel 1,3-benzdiyne equivalent, capable of quadruple functionalization by sequential benzyne generation and reaction with arynophiles. The key features of this method include the chemoselective generation of two triple bonds in a single benzene ring under fluoride-mediated mild conditions, and the regiocontrol of each benzyne reaction by the substituent next to the triple bond. This method produced various benzo-fused heteroaromatic compounds via reactions with arynophiles, such as furans, azides, and diazo compounds. A validation of the method is given in the convergent synthesis of the antipsychotic drug risperidone. A similar strategy has also been applied to a 1,4-benzdiyne equivalent to construct linearly benzo-fused heteroaromatics.