A Novel and Convenient Protocol for Synthesis of α-Haloacrylates

Inhibitors of histone deacetylase 6 based on a novel 3-hydroxy-isoxazole zinc binding group

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is an established drug target for cancer treatment. Inhibitors of HDAC6 based on a hydroxamic acid zinc binding group (ZBG) are often associated with undesirable side effects. Herein, we describe the identification of HDAC6 inhibitors based on a completely new 3-hydroxy-isoxazole ZBG. A series of derivatives decorated with different aromatic or heteroaromatic linkers, and various cap groups were synthesised and biologically tested. In vitro tests demonstrated that some compounds are able to inhibit HDAC6 with good potency, the best candidate reaching an IC₅₀ of 700 nM. Such good potency obtained with a completely new ZBG make these compounds particularly attractive. The effect of the most active inhibitors on the acetylation levels of histone H3 and α- tubulin and their anti-proliferative activity of DU145 cells were also investigated. Docking studies were performed to evaluate the binding mode of these new derivatives and discuss structure-activity relationships.

Regioselective C-H Alkenylation and Unsymmetrical Bis-olefination of Heteroarene Carboxylic Acids with Ruthenium Catalysis in Water

An efficient weak carboxylate-assisted oxidative cross-dehydrogenative C-H/C-H coupling (CDC) of heteroarenes with readily available olefins has been devised employing water as green solvent under ruthenium(II) catalysis. The reaction is operationally simple, accommodates a large variety of heteroaromatic carboxylic acids as well as olefins, and facilitates a diverse array of high-value olefin-tethered heteroarenes in high yields (up to 87%). The potential of this ortho-C-H bond activation strategy has also been exploited toward tunable synthesis of densely functionalized heteroarenes through challenging unsymmetrical bis-olefination process in a one-pot sequential fashion. Mechanistic investigation demonstrates a reversible ruthenation process and C-H metalation step might not be involved in the rate-determining step.

Facile synthesis of α-trifluoromethylthio phosphonium ylides with a constrained trifluoromethylthiooxide via a proton-transfer procedure

Synthesis of α-trifluoromethylthio(CF₃S–)phosphonium ylides is easily accomplished with a constrained trifluoromethylthiooxide via a proton-transfer procedure without extra base.

A direct approach for the expedient synthesis of unsymmetrical ethers by employing bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS) mediated C–S bond cleavage of naphthalene-2-ol sulfides

Synthesis of unsymmetrical ether derivatives using 1-(aryl(alkyl/arylthio)methyl)-naphthalene-2-ol and alcohols in the presence of bromodimethylsulfonium bromide (BDMS).