Phosphine-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Arylation of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with Aryl Bromides at Low Catalyst Loading

Iron-Catalyzed Sulfonylmethylation of Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines with N,N-Dimethylacetamide and Sodium Sulfinates

Functionalized imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines are important scaffolds in pharmaceuticals. Herein, we present an efficient 3-sulfonylmethylation protocol for imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines by sodium sulfinates in DMA and H2O (2:1) via an FeCl3-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction. Various sulfonylmethyl imidazo[1,2-α]pyridines were thus afforded in high yields with excellent functional group tolerance. A plausible oxidation-addition mechanism was proposed.

Discovery of Clinical Candidate GLPG3970: A Potent and Selective Dual SIK2/SIK3 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

The salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3 belong to the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family of serine/threonine kinases. SIK inhibition represents a new therapeutic approach modulating pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory pathways that holds potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Here, we describe the identification of GLPG3970 (32), a first-in-class dual SIK2/SIK3 inhibitor with selectivity against SIK1 (IC50 of 282.8 nM on SIK1, 7.8 nM on SIK2 and 3.8 nM on SIK3). We outline efforts made to increase selectivity against SIK1 and improve CYP time-dependent inhibition properties through the structure-activity relationship. The dual activity of 32 in modulating the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα and the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10 is demonstrated in vitro in human primary myeloid cells and human whole blood, and in vivo in mice stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Compound 32 shows dose-dependent activity in disease-relevant mouse pharmacological models.

Synthesis and site selective C-H functionalization of imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine has attracted much interest in drug development because of its potent medicinal properties, therefore the discovery of novel methods for its synthesis and functionalization continues to be an exciting area of research. Although transition metal catalysis has fuelled the most significant developments, extremely beneficial metal-free approaches have also been identified. Even though pertinent reviews focused on imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine synthesis, properties (physicochemical and medicinal), and functionalization at the C3 position have been published, none of these reviews has focused on the outcomes obtained in the field of global ring functionalization. We wish here to describe a brief synthesis and an overview of all the functionalization reactions at each carbon atom, viz, C2, C3, C5, C6, C7 and C8 of this scaffold, divided into sections based on site-selectivity and the type of functionalization methods used.

Dual ligand approach increases functional group tolerance in the Pd-catalysed C-H arylation of N-heterocyclic pharmaceuticals

The excellent functional group tolerance of the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions has been decisive for their success in the pharmaceutical industry. Highly diversified (hetero)aromatic scaffolds can be effectively coupled in the final step(s) of a convergent synthetic route. In contrast, electrophilic Pd catalysts for non-directed C-H activation are particularly sensitive to inhibition by coordinating groups in pharmaceutical precursors. While C-H arylation enables the direct conversion of (hetero)aromatics without preinstalled functional or directing groups, its functional group tolerance should be increased to be viable in late-stage cross-couplings. In this work, we report on a dual ligand approach that combines a strongly coordinating phosphine ligand with a chelating 2-hydroxypyridine for the highly robust C-H coupling of bicyclic N-heteroaromatics with aryl bromide scaffolds. The catalyst speciation was studied via in situ XAS measurements, confirming the coordination of both ligands under the reaction conditions. The C-H activation catalyst was shown to be tolerant to a wide range of pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds, including examples of late-stage functionalization of known drug molecules.

Rational ligand modification maximizes turnover rate in a model Pd-catalyzed C-H arylation

The direct cross-coupling of (hetero)aromatics without prior functionalization is a promising reaction for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, enabling the conversion of inexpensive feedstocks in a highly step-efficient manner. However, many C-H arylations rely on high loadings of a Pd catalyst that preclude their use in low-cost applications. In this work, we have maximized the turnover rate of a Pd-catalyzed C-H arylation reaction through rational tuning of the ligands. Starting from a computational study of the catalytic mechanism, a kinetic model was derived that accurately explains the experimental time profiles. Quantitative structure-activity relationships between the substituents on the ligands and the resulting catalytic activity for various C-H arylations were obtained. This study demonstrates that, depending on the coupling partner, the C-H activation is not the sole rate-limiting step, and that the ligands can be adapted accordingly to further accelerate catalytic turnover.

Palladium-Catalysed Intermolecular Direct C–H Bond Arylation of Heteroarenes with Reagents Alternative to Aryl Halides: Current State of the Art

Abstract:

Abstract: This unprecedented review with 322 references provides a critical up-to-date picture of the Pd-catalysed intermolecular direct C–H bond arylation of heteroarenes with arylating reagents alternative to aryl halides that include aryl sulfonates (aryl triflates, tosylates, mesylates, and imidazole-1-sulfonates), diaryliodonium salts, [(diacetoxy)iodo]arenes, arenediazonium salts, 1-aryltriazenes, arylhydrazines and N’-arylhydrazides, arenesulfonyl chlorides, sodium arenesulfinates, arenesulfinic acids, and arenesulfonohydrazides. Particular attention has been paid to summarise the preparation of the various arylating reagents and to highlight the practicality, versatility, and limitations of the various developed arylation protocols, also comparing their results with those achieved in analogous Pd-catalysed arylation reactions involving the use of aryl halides as electrophiles. Mechanistic proposals have also been briefly summarised and discussed. However, data concerning Pd-catalysed direct C–H bond arylations involving the C–H bonds of aryl substituents of the examined heteroarene derivatives have not been taken into account.

A green polyol approach for the synthesis of Cu2O NPs adhered on graphene oxide: a robust and efficient catalyst for 1,2,4-triazole and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine synthesis

Cu2O NPs immobilized on graphene oxide are used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of a series of 1,2,4-triazoles and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines under solvent-free conditions.

Non-Canonical Helical Structure of Nucleic Acids Containing Base-Modified Nucleotides

Chemically modified nucleobases are thought to be important for therapeutic purposes as well as diagnosing genetic diseases and have been widely involved in research fields such as molecular biology and biochemical studies. Many artificially modified nucleobases, such as methyl, halogen, and aryl modifications of purines at the C8 position and pyrimidines at the C5 position, are widely studied for their biological functions. DNA containing these modified nucleobases can form non-canonical helical structures such as Z-DNA, G-quadruplex, i-motif, and triplex. This review summarizes the synthesis of chemically modified nucleotides: (i) methylation, bromination, and arylation of purine at the C8 position and (ii) methylation, bromination, and arylation of pyrimidine at the C5 position. Additionally, we introduce the non-canonical structures of nucleic acids containing these modifications.

Diversity-Oriented Synthesis toward Aryl- and Phosphoryl-Functionalized Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

We report herein an efficient synthesis of diversely polysubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines, a family of aza-heterocycles endowed with numerous biological properties, through a sequence involving two consecutive palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. First, we demonstrated that a Hirao coupling occurred straightforwardly in high yields at positions 3, 5, and 6 of imidazopyridine derivatives, giving access to a wide variety of substituted phosphonates, phosphinates, and phosphine oxides. In a second step, direct CH-arylation of phosphorylimidazopyridines with aryl halides was found to be effective and fully selective, leading to 3-aryl-substituted imidazopyridines in moderate to high yields depending on steric hindrance.

Recent advances on the transition-metal-catalyzed synthesis of imidazopyridines: an updated coverage

A comprehensive account of recent advances in the synthesis of imidazopyridines, assisted through transition-metal-catalyzed multicomponent reactions, C-H activation/functionalization and coupling reactions are highlighted in this review article. The basic illustration of this review comprises of schemes with concise account of explanatory text. The schemes depict the reaction conditions along with a quick look into the mechanism involved to render a deep understanding of the catalytic role. At some instances optimizations of certain features have been illustrated through tables, i.e., selectivity of catalyst, loading of the catalyst and percentage yield with different substrates. Each of the reported examples has been rigorously analyzed for reacting substrates, reaction conditions and transition metals used as the catalyst. This review will be helpful to the chemists in understanding the challenges associated with the reported methods as well as the future possibilities, both in the choice of substrates and catalysts. This review would be quite appealing to a wider range of organic chemists in academia and industrial R&D sectors working in the field of heterocyclic syntheses. In a nutshell, this review will be a guiding torch to envisage: (i) the role of various transition metals in the domain dedicated towards method development and (ii) for the modifications needed thereof in the R&D sector.

Virtual Screening Identifies Irreversible FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Inhibitors with Activity toward Resistance-Conferring Mutations

The use of covalent irreversible binding inhibitors is an established concept for drug development. Usually, the discovery of new irreversible kinase inhibitors occurs serendipitously, showing that efficient rational approaches for the rapid discovery of new drugs are needed. Herein, we report a virtual screening strategy that led to the discovery of irreversible inhibitors of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) involved in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia. A virtual screening library was designed to target the highly conserved Cys828 residue preceding the DFG motif by modification of reported reversible inhibitors with chemically reactive groups. Prospective covalent docking allowed the identification of two lead series, resulting in a massive increase in inhibition of kinase activity and cell viability by irreversible inhibitors compared to the corresponding reversible scaffolds. Lead compound 4b (BSc5371) displays superior cytotoxicity in FLT3-dependent cell lines to compounds in recent clinical trials and overcomes drug-resistant mutations.

Selective, C-3 Friedel-Crafts acylation to generate functionally diverse, acetylated Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives

Carbon-carbon bonds are integral for pharmaceutical discovery and development. Frequently, C-C bond reactions utilize expensive catalyst/ligand combinations and/or are low yielding, which can increase time and expenditures in pharmaceutical development. To enhance C-C bond formation protocols, we developed a highly efficient, selective, and combinatorially applicable Friedel-Crafts acylation to acetylate the C-3 position of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. The reaction, catalyzed by aluminum chloride, is both cost effective and more combinatorial friendly compared to acetylation reactions requiring multiple, stoichiometric equivalents of AlCl3. The protocol has broad application in the construction of acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with an extensive substrate scope. All starting materials are common and the reaction requires inexpensive, conventional heating methods for adaptation in any laboratory. Further, the synthesized compounds are predicted to possess GABA activity through a validated, GABA binding model. The developed method serves as a superior route to generate C-3 acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine building-blocks for combinatorial synthetic efforts.

Heterogeneous Gold(I)-Catalysed Annulation between 2-Aminopyridines and Propiolaldehydes Leading to 3-Acylimidazo[1,2-A]Pyridines

The heterogeneous annulation between 2-aminopyridines and propiolaldehydes was achieved in CH2Cl2 at 25 °C in the presence of 3 mol% of MCM-41-immobilised phosphine gold(I) complex (MCM-41-PPh3-AuCl) and AgSbF6 under air, yielding a variety of 3-acylimidazo[1,2-a] pyridines in good yields. This heterogeneous gold(I) catalyst can be easily prepared by a simple procedure, recovered by filtration of the reaction solution and recycled up to seven times without significant loss of activity.

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular C–H arylation of 2-halo-N-Boc-N-arylbenzamides for the synthesis of N–H phenanthridinones

A palladium catalyzed synthesis of N–H phenanthridinones was developed via C–H arylation. The protocol gives phenanthridinones regioselectively by one-pot reaction without deprotection. It exhibits broad substrate scope and affords targets in up to 95% yields. Importantly, it could be applied for the less reactive o-chlorobenzamides.

Pd(t-Bu₃P)₂/KOAc proved to be a good combination for one-pot synthesis of N–H phenanthridinones with up to 95% yield.

Efficient synthesis of polymethoxyselenoflavones via regioselective direct C-H arylation of selenochromones

Substantial research has suggested that the configuration and the total number of functional groups on flavones influence their bioactivity. To investigate the changes in the biological activities of selenoflavones in relationship to structural changes, the development of a generally applicable synthetic method was a key. Until now, an efficient pathway for palladium-catalyzed direct arylation with the selenocyclic enone systems is not known in the literature. We herein introduce a simple direct C-H arylation of two difficult coupling partners, selenochromones and electron-rich aryl bromide, affording diverse polymethoxyselenoflavones with great efficiency and high selectivity.

Visible-light-mediated C3-azolylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with 2-bromoazoles

3-Heterocycle-substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were produced by a visible-light-mediated coupling reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with 2-bromoazoles.

N-Heterocyclic carbene–palladium(ii)–1-methylimidazole complex catalyzed direct C–H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl chlorides

NHC–Pd(ii) complex catalyzed C–H bond arylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with aryl chlorides was reported.

Switching the regioselectivity in the copper-catalyzed synthesis of iodoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A unique copper-catalyzed binucleophilic switching of 2-aminopyridine has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of 2- and 3-iodoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using alkenes/alkynes as coupling partners in the presence of molecular iodine under aerobic reaction conditions. This method was also applied to the synthesis of 2-iodo-3-phenylbenzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles. This protocol offers an easy route towards the synthesis of 2,3-diarylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.