Exploring Catalyst and Solvent Effects in the Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles

Revisiting Biginelli-like reactions: solvent effects, mechanisms, biological applications and correction of several literature reports

This study critically reevaluates reported Biginelli-like reactions using a Kamlet-Abboud-Taft-based solvent effect model. Surprisingly, structural misassignments were discovered in certain multicomponent reactions, leading to the identification of pseudo three-component derivatives instead of the expected MCR adducts. Attempts to replicate literature conditions failed, prompting reconsideration of the described MCRs and proposed mechanisms. Electrospray ionization (tandem) mass spectrometry, NMR, melting points, elemental analyses and single-crystal X-ray analysis exposed inaccuracies in reported MCRs and allowed for the proposition of a complete catalytic cycle. Biological investigations using both pure and "contaminated" derivatives revealed distinctive features in assessed bioassays. A new cellular action mechanism was unveiled for a one obtained pseudo three-component adduct, suggesting similarity with the known dihydropyrimidinone Monastrol as Eg5 inhibitors, disrupting mitosis by forming monoastral mitotic spindles. Docking studies and RMSD analyses supported this hypothesis. The findings described herein underscore the necessity for a critical reexamination and potential corrections of structural assignments in several reports. This work emphasizes the significance of rigorous characterization and critical evaluation in synthetic chemistry, urging a careful reassessment of reported synthesis and biological activities associated with these compounds.

Catalytic Approaches to Multicomponent Reactions: A Critical Review and Perspectives on the Roles of Catalysis

In this review, we comprehensively describe catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and the multiple roles of catalysis combined with key parameters to perform these transformations. Besides improving yields and shortening reaction times, catalysis is vital to achieving greener protocols and to furthering the MCR field of research. Considering that MCRs typically have two or more possible reaction pathways to explain the transformation, catalysis is essential for selecting a reaction route and avoiding byproduct formation. Key parameters, such as temperature, catalyst amounts and reagent quantities, were analyzed. Solvent effects, which are likely the most neglected topic in MCRs, as well as their combined roles with catalysis, are critically discussed. Stereocontrolled MCRs, rarely observed without the presence of a catalytic system, are also presented and discussed in this review. Perspectives on the use of catalytic systems for improved and greener MCRs are finally presented.

[Msim]CuCl3: as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles by anomeric based oxidation

3-Methyl-1-sulfonic acid imidazolium trichlorido copper (II) {[Msim]CuCl3} was prepared and used as a new catalyst for the preparation of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles. In this reaction, the pyrazole ring was formed by an anomeric and vinylogous anomeric effect in the structure of the product.

2-Amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines: synthesis and multiple biological activity - a review

This review integrates the published data of the last decade (from 2010 to 2020) on the synthesis of the 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridine scaffold, the derivatives of which are widely used in the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Currently, no systematic accounts of synthetic routes towards this class of heterocyclic compounds can be found in the literature. The present-day trends in the catalytic synthesis of 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines are considered using pseudo-four-component reaction (pseudo-4CR) by condensation of malononitrile molecules with thiols and aldehydes, and alternative three-component (3CR) condensations of malononitrile with 2-arylidenemalononitrile and S-nucleophiles.

The latest advances in the catalytic synthesis of biologically active compounds with 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridine scaffold via the multicomponent reactions of malononitrile have been discussed.

Natural dolomitic limestone-catalyzed synthesis of benzimidazoles, dihydropyrimidinones, and highly substituted pyridines under ultrasound irradiation

Natural dolomitic limestone (NDL) is employed as a heterogeneous green catalyst for the synthesis of medicinally valuable benzimidazoles, dihydropyrimidinones, and highly functionalized pyridines via C–N, C–C, and C–S bond formations in a mixture of ethanol and H₂O under ultrasound irradiation. The catalyst is characterized by XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and EDAX analysis. The main advantages of this methodology include the wide substrate scope, cleaner reaction profile, short reaction times, and excellent isolated yields. The products do not require chromatographic purification, and the catalyst can be reused seven times. Therefore, the catalyst is a greener alternative for the synthesis of the above N-heterocycles compared to the existing reported catalysts.

Nanocrystalline ZnO: A Competent and Reusable Catalyst for the Preparation of Pharmacology Relevant Heterocycles in the Aqueous Medium

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Nanoparticle catalyzed synthesis is a green and convenient method to achieve most of the chemical transformations in water or other green solvents. Nanoparticle ensures an easy isolation process of catalyst as well as products from the reaction mixture avoiding the hectic work up procedure. Zinc oxide is a biocompatible, environmentally benign and economically viable nanocatalyst with effectivity comparable to the other metal nanocatalyst employed in several reaction strategies. This review mainly focuses on the recent applications of zinc oxide in the synthesis of biologically important heterocyclic molecules under sustainable reaction conditions.

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Application of zinc oxide in organic synthesis: Considering the achievable advantages of this nanocatalyst, presently several research groups are paying attention in anchoring zincoxide or its modified structure in several types of organic conversions e.g. multicomponent reactions, ligand-free coupling reactions, cycloaddition reaction, etc. The advantages and limitations of this nanocatalyst are also demonstrated. The present study aims to highlight the recent multifaceted applications of ZnO towards the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic motifs. Being a promising biocompatible nanoparticle, this catalyst has an important contribution in the fields of synthetic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Diethylamine Dess–Martin periodinane: an efficient catalyst–oxidant combination in a sequential, one-pot synthesis of difficult to access 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines at ambient temperature

A problem solving approach towards high yielding synthesis of 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-sulfanylpyridines is described. Simple isolation and avoidance of chromatographic purification are the noteworthy advantages.

Graphene oxide–TiO2 composite: an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the green synthesis of pyrazoles and pyridines

GO–TiO₂ has been found to be a highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of pyrazoles and pyridines in aqueous medium at room temperature.

Propylphosphonium hydrogen carbonate ionic liquid supported on nano-silica as a reusable catalyst for the efficient multicomponent synthesis of fully substituted pyridines and bis-pyridines

An efficient method for the synthesis of fully substituted pyridines and bis-pyridines in the presence of propylphosphonium hydrogen carbonate supported on nano-silica (PPHC–nSiO₂) as a reusable catalyst under solvent-free conditions is reported.

2-Methylindole as an indicative nucleophile for developing a three-component reaction of aldehyde with two different nucleophiles

2-Methylindole was used as an indicative nucleophile for rapid screening of MCRs of aldehydes with two different nucleophiles. By removal of some samples that have characteristic color associated with the generation of di(indolyl)methane derivatives the difficulties encountered in the product analysis were alleviated significantly.

The Flögel-three-component reaction with dicarboxylic acids - an approach to bis(β-alkoxy-β-ketoenamides) for the synthesis of complex pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives

An extension of the substrate scope of the Flögel-three-component reaction of lithiated alkoxyallenes, nitriles and carboxylic acids is presented. The use of dicarboxylic acids allowed the preparation of symmetrical bis(β-ketoenamides) from simple starting materials in moderate yields. Cyclocondensations of these enamides to 4-hydroxypyridine derivatives or to functionalized pyrimidines efficiently provided symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted fairly complex (hetero)aromatic compounds containing up to six conjugated aryl and hetaryl groups. In addition, subsequent functionalizations of the obtained heterocycles by palladium-catalyzed couplings or by oxidations are reported. We also describe the simple synthesis of a structurally interesting macrocyclic bispyrimidine derivative incorporating a 17-membered ring, whose configuration was elucidated by DFT calculations and by subsequent reactions.

Synthesis of fully-substituted pyridines and dihydropyridines in a highly chemoselective manner utilizing a multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy

An efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of pyridines and 1,4-dihydropyridines based on chemoselective multicomponent reactions.

Multi-component synthesis of 2-amino-6-(alkyllthio)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles using Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) under solvent-free conditions

Multi-component synthesis 2-amino-3,5-dicarbonitrile-6-thio-pyridines has been developed by using the reaction of aldehydes, malononitrile, and thiophenols in the presence of a Zn (II) or a Cd(II) metal-organic framework (MOF) as the heterogeneous catalyst. This protocol tolerates different functional groups on the substrates and does not require the use of any organic solvent. Moreover, the Zn(II) and Cd (II) MOF catalysts can be recovered and reused for a number of runs without loss of activity.