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.

A decennary update on applications of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in the synthesis of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds

Heterocycles have been found to be of much importance as several nitrogen- and oxygen-containing heterocycle compounds exist amongst the various USFDA-approved drugs. Because of the advancement of nanotechnology, nanocatalysis has found abundant applications in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Numerous nanoparticles (NPs) have been utilized for several organic transformations, which led us to make dedicated efforts for the complete coverage of applications of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds reported from 2010 to 2019. Our emphasize during the coverage of catalyzed reactions of the various MNPs such as Ag, Au, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Si, Ti, and Zn has not only been on nanoparticles catalyzed synthetic transformations for the synthesis of heterocyclic scaffolds, but also provide an inherent framework for the reader to select a suitable catalytic system of interest for the synthesis of desired heterocyclic scaffold.

Biginelli Reaction: Polymer Supported Catalytic Approaches

The Biginelli product, dihydropyrimidinone (DHPM) core, and its derivatives are of immense biological importance. There are several methods reported as modifications to the original Biginelli reaction. Among them, many involve the use of different catalysts. Also, among the advancements that have been made to the Biginelli reaction, improvements in product yields, less hazardous reaction conditions, and simplified isolation of products from the reaction predominate. Recently, solid-phase synthetic protocols have attracted the research community for improved yields, simplified product purification, recyclability of the solid support, which forms a special economic approach for Biginelli reaction. The present Review highlights the role of polymer-supported catalysts in Biginelli reaction, which may involve organic, inorganic, or hybrid polymers as support for catalysts. A few of the schemes involve magnetically recoverable catalysts where work up provides green approach relative to traditional methods. Some research groups used polymer-catalyst nanocomposites and polymer-supported ionic liquids as catalyst. Solvent-free, an ultrasound or microwave-assisted Biginelli reactions with polymer-supported catalysts are also reported.

1,3,5-Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate functionalized graphene oxide: a novel and efficient nanocatalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

The preparation and characterization of a novel 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate functionalized graphene oxide (GO–THEIC) nanomaterial and its catalytic application for the Biginelli reaction are described.

Sulfated polyborate: a new and eco-friendly catalyst for one-pot multi-component synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones/thiones via Biginelli reaction

A highly efficient and improved synthetic methodology for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives in good to excellent yield via Biginelli reaction of β-ketoesters/β-diketone, urea/thiourea and various aldehydes using new, efficient and recyclable sulfated polyborate catalyst under the solvent-free condition is reported.

Cu–EDTA-modified APTMS-Fe3O4@SiO2 core–shell nanocatalyst: a novel magnetic recoverable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction

A novel copper–ethylenediamine tetracarboxylate modified core–shell magnetic catalyst is introduced.

Recent applications of barbituric acid in multicomponent reactions

This review aims to show representative examples of multicomponent reactions utilizing barbituric acid in the synthesis of various heterocyclic structures.