Design and Synthesis of Novel Symmetric Fluorene-2,7-Diamine Derivatives as Potent Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitors

Recent advancement in small molecules as HCV inhibitors

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has caused a considerable threat to human health. To date, no treatments are without side effects. The proteins and RNA associated with HCV have specific functions during the viral life cycle. The vulnerabilities to virus are associated with those proteins or RNA. Thus, targeting these proteins and RNA is an efficient strategy to develop anti-HCV therapeutics. The treatment for HCV-infected patients has been greatly improved after the approval of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the cost of DAAs is unusually high, which adds to the economic burden on patients with chronic liver diseases. So far, many efforts have been devoted to the development of small molecules as novel HCV inhibitors. Investigations on the inhibitory activities of these small molecules have involved the target identification and the mechanism of action. In this mini-review, these small molecules divided into four kinds were elaborated, which focused on their targets and structural features. Furthermore, we raised the current challenges and promising prospects. This mini-review may facilitate the development of small molecules with improved activities targeting HCV based on the chemical scaffolds of HCV inhibitors.

Synthesis of Fluorenes and Dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes through an Oxidative Cascade

We have developed robust, operationally simple syntheses of fluorenes and of dibenzo[g,p]chrysenes through oxidative cascade processes. These structures that are commonly encountered in optoelectronic materials, dyes, and pharmaceutical products are accessible from 1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-8-one. The reactions are conducted open to air with inexpensive, safe CuBr₂ or CuCl₂.