Visible Light-Mediated Late-Stage Thioetherification of Mercaptopurine Derivatives

We disclose herein a novel and general radical approach to alkylthiopurines, encompassing 4 types of thiopurines, as well as their corresponding ribosides. This strategy is achieved through visible light-mediated late-stage functionalization of the sulfur atoms of mercaptopurines. The in situ-generated disulfide was proposed as the pivotal neutral intermediate for this transformation. We present herein a novel photo-mediated homolytic C-S bond formation for the preparation of alkylthiopurines and alkylthiopurine nucleosides. Despite the presence of reactive sites for the Minisci reaction, chemoselective S-alkylation remained the predominant pathway. This method allows for the late-stage introduction of a broad spectrum of alkyl groups onto the sulfur atom of unprotective mercaptopurine derivatives, encompassing 2-, 6-, and 8-mercaptopurine rings. Organoborons serve as efficient and eco-friendly alkylating reagents, providing advantages in terms of readily availability, stability, and reduced toxicity. Further derivatization of the thioetherified nucleosides, together with anti-tumor assays, led to the discovery of potent anti-tumor agents with an IC50 value reaching 6.1 μM (Comp. 31 for Jurkat).

Regioselective Homolytic C2-H Borylation of Unprotected Adenosine and Adenine Derivatives via Minisci Reaction

A Minisci-type borylation of unprotected adenosine, adenine nucleotide, and adenosine analogues was successfully achieved through photocatalysis or thermal activation. Despite the challenges posed by the presence of two potential reactive sites (C2 and C8) in the purine motif, the unique nucleophilic amine-ligated boryl radicals effortlessly achieved excellent C2 site selectivity and simultaneously avoided the formation of multifunctionalized products. This protocol proved effective for the late-stage borylation of some important biomolecules as well as a few antiviral and antitumor drug molecules, such as AMP, cAMP, Vidarabine, Cordycepin, Tenofovir, Adefovir, GS-441524, etc. Theoretical calculations shed light on the site selectivity, revealing that the free energy barriers for the C2-Minisci addition are further lowered through the chelation of additive Mg2+ to N3 and furyl oxygen. This phenomenon has been confirmed by an IGMH analysis. Preliminary antitumor evaluation, derivation of the C2-borylated adenosine to other analogues with high-value functionalities, along with the CuAAC click reactions, suggest the potential application of this methodology in drug molecular optimization studies and chemical biology.

Ligand-Enabled C6-Selective C-H Arylation of Pyrrolo[2,3-d] Pyrimidine Derivatives with Pd Catalysts: An Approach to the Synthesis of EGFR Inhibitor AEE-788

Herein, we report the Pd(II)-catalyzed direct C-H arylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives with aryl iodides, which is enabled by bidentate pyridine-pyridine ligands. A range of aryl iodides proved to be suitable coupling partners affording the desired products in good yields with high levels of C6 selectivity. This protocol features good tolerance of reactive functional groups, mild reaction conditions, and a simple reaction system, which provides an expeditious route to an essential class of 6-arylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines frequently found in bioactive compounds, and provides a step-economical access to the second-generation EGFR inhibitor AEE-788.

Ambient Temperature Metal-Free Thiomethylation of Chloroheteroarenes and Chloropurines

Herein, we report an in-situ mild and metal-free protocol for thiomethylation of heteroarenes in high yields. The thiomethylation of various chloropurines, nucleosides, and chloroheteroarenes has been accomplished offering easy access to agrochemicals and synthetic molecules useful for drug discovery.

Ruthenium-catalysed direct C-H amidation of 4-aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines with acyl/phosphoryl azides

A ruthenium-catalysed arene ortho C-H amidation of 4-aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives with acyl azides or phosphoryl azides as the nitrogen sources toward C-N bond formation was developed. This protocol could offer a novel and direct approach to access a series of amidated and phosphoramidated pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives in moderate to good yields, thereby evading the general Curtius rearrangement. The protocol features significant functional group tolerance and a single-step process, with the release of only innocuous molecular nitrogen as the byproduct.

Palladium-catalysed site-selective arene ortho C-H fluoroalkoxylation of 4-aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

A palladium-catalysed direct arene C-H fluoroalkoxylation of 4-aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives with fluorinated alcohols is described. Highly site-selective mono- or bis-fluoroalkoxylation can be achieved by tuning the reaction conditions, affording various fluoroalkoxylated pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives in moderate to good yields, which offer rational tailoring of their biological activity for their application in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry.

Rhodium-catalyzed selenylation and sulfenylation of quinoxalinones 'on water'

A rhodium-catalysed, regioselective synthetic methodology for selenylation and sulfenylation of 3-phenyl quinoxolinones has been developed through N-directed C-H activation in the presence of silver triflimide, and silver carbonate using dichalcogenides 'on water'. The methodology has been proven to be efficient, regioselective and green. Using this method, a range of selenylations and sulfenylations of the substrates has been carried out in good to excellent yields. Further, late-stage functionalisation produced potential anti-tumour, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agents making these compounds potential drug candidates.

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylation of unreactive C-H bonds: an overview of the last two decades

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylations of unreactive C-H bonds have become a unique and straightforward synthetic strategy in late-stage C-S bond formation of relevant complex molecules. Such transformations have represented...

Visible-light-promoted sulfenylation of 6-aminouracils under catalyst-free conditions

Visible-light-promoted reactions have proven to be a decent strategy for the synthesis of complex molecules.

Pd-Catalyzed solvent-controlled site-selective arene C-H monoacyloxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives

An efficient and highly regioselective Pd-catalyzed direct arene C(sp²)-H acyloxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives is reported. The key strategy involves the utilization of the unique reactivity of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and the employment of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine as the directing group. A variety of monoacyloxylated pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives can be achieved by switching the solvents under mild conditions, and they can be further modified and exhibit various biological activities.

Metal free C-3 chalcogenation (sulfenylation and selenylation) of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones

An expeditious metal free C-3 chalcogenation of 4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one has been devised to synthesize diversely orchestrated 3-ArS/ArSe derivatives in high yields (up to 95%). This operationally simple reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions, can be executed in gram scale, and also highlights broad functional group tolerance. Preliminary experimental investigation suggests a radical mechanistic pathway for these transformations.

Direct Sulfenylation of the Purine C8-H Bond with Thiophenols

The one-step copper-mediated regioselective formation of the C₈-S bond for purine derivatives with arylthiols was achieved using air as the green oxidant in the presence of 1.0 equiv of Na₂CO₃ and stoichiometric CuCl and 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate. This method provides an economical, easy-to-handle, and effective method for the synthesis of 8-sulfenylpurine derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction is selective for C8 over C2 and C6. It also tolerates a free amine on the purine, and it has a wide substrate scope.

Ex situ gas generation for lab scale organic synthesis

This review discusses recent examples of ex situ generated gaseous reagents, and their use in organic synthesis.

Transition-metal-free highly regioselective C–H acetoxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives

Transition-metal-free catalyzed direct C(sp²)–H acetoxylation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives is reported. This protocol provides a variety of acetoxylated pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines in good to excellent yields.

Metal-free regioselective direct thiolation of 2-pyridones

A highly regioselective metal-free direct C-H thiolation of 2-pyridones with disulfides or thiols has been developed. A combination of persulfate and a commercially available halide source such as LiCl, NCS or I₂ enables the successful direct incorporation of a sulfide moiety into the 5-position of pyridone under mild conditions, providing a useful and convenient approach for the preparation of a diverse array of 5-thio-substituted pyridones in moderate to excellent yields.

3d Transition Metals for C-H Activation

C-H activation has surfaced as an increasingly powerful tool for molecular sciences, with notable applications to material sciences, crop protection, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Despite major advances, the vast majority of these C-H functionalizations required precious 4d or 5d transition metal catalysts. Given the cost-effective and sustainable nature of earth-abundant first row transition metals, the development of less toxic, inexpensive 3d metal catalysts for C-H activation has gained considerable recent momentum as a significantly more environmentally-benign and economically-attractive alternative. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on first row transition metal catalysts for C-H activation until summer 2018.

Nucleobase Modified Adefovir (PMEA) Analogues as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Adenylate Cyclases from Bordetella pertussis and Bacillus anthracis

A series of 13 acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) as bisamidate prodrugs was prepared. Five compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic and selective inhibitors of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) in J774A.1 macrophage cell-based assays. The 8-aza-7-deazapurine derivative of adefovir (PMEA) was found to be the most potent ACT inhibitor in the series (IC50 =16 nm) with substantial selectivity over mammalian adenylate cyclases (mACs). AC inhibitory properties of the most potent analogues were confirmed by direct evaluation of the corresponding phosphonodiphosphates in cell-free assays and were found to be potent inhibitors of both ACT and edema factor (EF) from Bacillus anthracis (IC50 values ranging from 0.5 to 21 nm). Moreover, 7-halo-7-deazapurine analogues of PMEA were discovered to be potent and selective mammalian AC1 inhibitors (no inhibition of AC2 and AC5) with IC50 values ranging from 4.1 to 5.6 μm in HEK293 cell-based assays.

Cesium carbonate-promoted synthesis of aryl methyl sulfides using S-methylisothiourea sulfate under transition-metal-free conditions

In the presence of cesium carbonate, an efficient synthesis of aryl methyl sulfides by the reactions of aryl halides with commercially available S-methylisothiourea sulfate is developed. This odourless and highly crystalline solid can be used as the substitute for malodorous methanethiol. The gram-scale reaction also proceeds smoothly without the use of column chromatography separation. Similarly, 2-(dimethylamino)ethylthio and cyclopropylmethylthio groups can be easily introduced into the aromatic rings from the corresponding S-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]isothiourea dihydrochloride and S-cyclopropylmethylisothiourea hydrobromide. The possible reaction mechanism is proposed. It is believed that this route to aryl alkyl sulfides is well competitive with currently known methods due to its wide substrate scope, excellent yields, easy operation and transition-metal-free conditions.

C-H Imidation of 7-Deazapurines

We developed and presented here a ferrocene-catalyzed C-H imidation of 7-deazapurines (pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines) with N-imidyl peroxyesters. The reactions occur regioselectively at position 8 in 7-deazapurines, leading to a series of 8-succinimido-, phtalimido-, or naphthalimido-7-deazapurine derivatives. Attempted hydrazinolysis of resulting 8-imidyl-7-deazapurines led to corresponding 8-amino-7-deazapurine, which was very unstable and quickly decomposed.

Cs2CO3-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling of thiophenols with active methylene compounds

α-Sulfenylation of carbonyl compounds has been achieved via Cs₂CO₃-promoted aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of thiophenols with active methylene compounds.

Modification of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides by direct C-H bond activation

Transition metal-catalyzed modifications of the activated heterocyclic bases of nucleosides as well as DNA or RNA fragments employing traditional cross-coupling methods have been well-established in nucleic acid chemistry. This review covers advances in the area of cross-coupling reactions in which nucleosides are functionalized via direct activation of the C8-H bond in purine and the C5-H or C6-H bond in uracil bases. The review focuses on Pd/Cu-catalyzed couplings between unactivated nucleoside bases with aryl halides. It also discusses cross-dehydrogenative arylations and alkenylations as well as other reactions used for modification of nucleoside bases that avoid the use of organometallic precursors and involve direct C-H bond activation in at least one substrate. The scope and efficiency of these coupling reactions along with some mechanistic considerations are discussed.

Catalytic C–H bond functionalisation of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides: a synthetic and mechanistic perspective

C–H bond functionalisation of heteroarenes, especially nucleosides, has received a lot of attention in the past few years. This review describes the state-of the art in this area with a global aspiration for possibly functionalising purine and pyrimidine moieties in complex biomolecular systems.

New developments in direct functionalization of C–H and N–H bonds of purine bases via metal catalyzed cross-coupling reactions

This review provides a concise overview on the cross-coupling reactions in direct functionalization of purine bases in recent years.

Synthesis and cytostatic activity of 7-arylsulfanyl-7-deazapurine bases and ribonucleosides

A series of novel 6-substituted 7-arylsulfanyl-7-deazapurine bases and nucleosides has been prepared for screening of anticancer activity. 7-Thienylsulfanyl-7-deazapurine bases exerted micromolar cytostatic affects.

Iodine–triphenylphosphine mediated sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles with sodium sulfinates

An efficient approach to sulfenyl imidazoheterocycles has been developed via iodine–triphenylphosphine mediated direct sulfenylation of imidazoheterocycles with sodium sulfinates under transition-metal-free conditions.