2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes: Synthesis, Properties, and Validation as Bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-Benzenes

We have developed a general and practical approach towards 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes with two and three exit vectors via an iodocyclization reaction. The obtained compounds have been easily converted into the corresponding building blocks for use in medicinal chemistry. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes have been incorporated into the structure of five drugs and three agrochemicals, and validated biologically as bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-benzenes.

Functionalization of Alkenes with Difluoromethyl Nitrile Oxide to Access the Difluoromethylated Derivatives

Electron-rich, electron-deficient, and non-activated alkenes can be rapidly functionalized by in situ-generated difluoromethyl nitrile oxide. The (3+2) cycloaddition proceeds at room temperature, has broad functional group tolerance, and can be used for the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules (finasteride and carbamazepine). The obtained CF2H-isoxazolines can be easily transformed into CF2H-containing building blocks for medicinal chemistry: amines, amino acids, amino alcohols, and spirocyclic scaffolds.

Borylated cyclobutanes via thermal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition

A one-step approach to borylated cyclobutanes from amides of carboxylic acids and vinyl boronates is elaborated. The reaction proceeds via the thermal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of in situ-generated keteniminium salts.

Spiro[3.3]heptane as a Saturated Benzene Bioisostere

The spiro[3.3]heptane core, with the non-coplanar exit vectors, was shown to be a saturated benzene bioisostere. This scaffold was incorporated into the anticancer drug sonidegib (instead of the meta-benzene), the anticancer drug vorinostat (instead of the phenyl ring), and the anesthetic drug benzocaine (instead of the para-benzene). The patent-free saturated analogs obtained showed a high potency in the corresponding biological assays.

Photosensitization enables Pauson-Khand-type reactions with nitrenes

The Pauson-Khand reaction has in the past 50 years become one of the most common cycloaddition reactions in chemistry. Coupling two unsaturated bonds with carbon monoxide, the transformation remains limited to CO as a C1 building block. Herein we report analogous cycloaddition reactions with nitrenes as an N1 unit. The reaction of a nonconjugated diene with a nitrene precursor produces bicyclic bioisosteres of common saturated heterocycles such as piperidine, morpholine, and piperazine. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies support relaying of the diradical nature of triplet nitrene into the π-system. We showcase the reaction's utility in late-stage functionalization of drug compounds and discovery of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors.

1,2-Disubstituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as saturated bioisosteres of ortho-substituted benzene

Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes have been synthesized, characterized, and biologically validated as saturated bioisosteres of the ortho-substituted benzene ring. The incorporation of the 1,2-disubstituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane core into the structure of fungicides boscalid (BASF), bixafen (Bayer CS), and fluxapyroxad (BASF) gave saturated patent-free analogs with high antifungal activity.

1-Azaspiro[3.3]heptane as a Bioisostere of Piperidine

1-Azaspiro[3.3]heptanes were synthesized, characterized, and validated biologically as bioisosteres of piperidine. The key synthesis step was thermal [2+2] cycloaddition between endocyclic alkenes and the Graf isocyanate, ClO2 S-NCO, to give spirocyclic β-lactams. Reduction of the β-lactam ring with alane produced 1-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes. Incorporation of this core into the anesthetic drug bupivacaine instead of the piperidine fragment resulted in a new patent-free analogue with high activity.

2-Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a new bioisostere of the phenyl ring

The phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry. Here, we show the design, synthesis, and validation of its new saturated bioisostere with improved physicochemical properties - 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The design of the structure is based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the previously used bioisosteres: bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and cubane. The key synthesis step is the iodocyclization of cyclohexane-containing alkenyl alcohols with molecular iodine in acetonitrile. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane core is incorporated into the structure of Imatinib and Vorinostat (SAHA) drugs instead of the phenyl ring. In Imatinib, such replacement leads to improvement of physicochemical properties: increased water solubility, enhanced metabolic stability, and reduced lipophilicity. In Vorinostat, such replacement results in a new bioactive analog of the drug. This study enhances the repertoire of available saturated bioisosteres of (hetero)aromatic rings for the use in drug discovery projects.

General Synthesis of 3-Azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes and Evaluation of Their Properties as Saturated Isosteres

A general approach to 3-azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes by reduction of spirocyclic oxetanyl nitriles was developed. The mechanism, scope, and scalability of this transformation were studied. The core was incorporated into the structure of the antihistamine drug Rupatidine instead of the pyridine ring, which led to a dramatic improvement in physicochemical properties.

2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as saturated bioisosteres of the ortho-substituted phenyl ring

The ortho-substituted phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry. It is found in more than three hundred drugs and agrochemicals. During the past decade, scientists have tried to replace the phenyl ring in bioactive compounds with saturated bioisosteres to obtain novel patentable structures. However, most of the research in this area has been devoted to the replacement of the para-substituted phenyl ring. Here we have developed saturated bioisosteres of the ortho-substituted phenyl ring with improved physicochemical properties: 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes. Crystallographic analysis revealed that these structures and the ortho-substituted phenyl ring indeed have similar geometric properties. Replacement of the phenyl ring in marketed agrochemicals fluxapyroxad (BASF) and boscalid (BASF) with 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes dramatically improved their water solubility, reduced lipophilicity and most importantly retained bioactivity. This work suggests an opportunity for chemists to replace the ortho-substituted phenyl ring in bioactive compounds with saturated bioisosteres in medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry.

Catalytic undirected borylation of tertiary C-H bonds in bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes and bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

Catalytic borylations of sp3 C-H bonds occur with high selectivities for primary C-H bonds or secondary C-H bonds that are activated by nearby electron-withdrawing substituents. Catalytic borylation at tertiary C-H bonds has not been observed. Here we describe a broadly applicable method for the synthesis of boron-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes and (hetero)bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes by an iridium-catalysed borylation of the bridgehead tertiary C-H bond. This reaction is highly selective for the formation of bridgehead boronic esters and is compatible with a broad range of functional groups (>35 examples). The method is applicable to the late-stage modification of pharmaceuticals containing this substructure and the synthesis of novel bicyclic building blocks. Kinetic and computational studies suggest that C-H bond cleavage occurs with a modest barrier and that the turnover-limiting step of this reaction is an isomerization that occurs prior to reductive elimination that forms the C-B bond.

General and Scalable Approach to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Cyclopropanes

CF₃-cyclopropanes with aliphatic, aromatic, and even heteroaromatic substituents were prepared on a multigram scale by deoxyfluorination of cyclopropane carboxylic acids or their salts with sulfur tetrafluoride. For labile α-pyridine acetic acids, only the use of their potassium salts allowed to obtain the needed products. Derivatization of CF₃-cyclopropanes into building blocks ready for direct use in medicinal chemistry was performed.

Rapid and Scalable Halosulfonylation of Strain-Release Reagents

Sulfonylated aromatics are commonplace motifs in drugs and agrochemicals. However, methods for the direct synthesis of sulfonylated non-classical arene bioisosteres, which could improve the physicochemical properties of drug and agrochemical candidates, are limited. Here we report a solution to this challenge: a one-pot halosulfonylation of [1.1.1]propellane, [3.1.1]propellane and bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes that proceeds under practical, scalable and mild conditions. The sulfonyl halides used in this chemistry feature aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl substituents, and are conveniently generated in situ from readily available sulfinate salts and halogen atom sources. This methodology enables the synthesis of an array of pharmaceutically and agrochemically relevant halogen/sulfonyl-substituted bioisosteres and cyclobutanes, on up to multidecagram scale.

Fluorinated Aliphatic Diazirines: Preparation, Characterization, and Model Photolabeling Studies

The previously unknown difluoromethyl diazirines and the previously neglected trifluoromethyl-aliphatic diazirines were synthesized and characterized. Model photolabeling experiments and biological studies showed that these compounds could indeed be used as photoaffinity labels.

Overcoming Limitations in Decarboxylative Arylation via Ag-Ni Electrocatalysis

A useful protocol for achieving decarboxylative cross-coupling (DCC) of redox-active esters (RAE, isolated or generated in situ) and halo(hetero)arenes is reported. This pragmatically focused study employs a unique Ag-Ni electrocatalytic platform to overcome numerous limitations that have plagued this strategically powerful transformation. In its optimized form, coupling partners can be combined in a surprisingly simple way: open to the air, using technical-grade solvents, an inexpensive ligand and Ni source, and substoichiometric AgNO3, proceeding at room temperature with a simple commercial potentiostat. Most importantly, all of the results are placed into context by benchmarking with state-of-the-art methods. Applications are presented that simplify synthesis and rapidly enable access to challenging chemical space. Finally, adaptation to multiple scale regimes, ranging from parallel milligram-based synthesis to decagram recirculating flow is presented.

A Practical and Scalable Approach to Fluoro-Substituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

After more than 20 years of trials, a practical scalable approach to fluoro‐substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (F‐BCPs) has been developed. The physicochemical properties of the F‐BCPs have been studied, and the core was incorporated into the structure of the anti‐inflammatory drug Flurbiprofen in place of the fluorophenyl ring.

Unexpected Isomerization of Oxetane-Carboxylic Acids

Many oxetane-carboxylic acids were found to be unstable. They easily isomerized into new (hetero)cyclic lactones while being stored at room temperature or slightly heated. Chemists should keep in mind the high instability of these molecules, as this could dramatically affect the reaction yields and lead to negative results (especially in those reactions that require heating).

Fluorine-Containing Prolines: Synthetic Strategies, Applications, and Opportunities

Fluorinated prolines play an important role in peptide studies, protein engineering, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and agrochemistry. Since the first synthesis of 4-fluoroprolines by Gottlieb and Witkop in 1965, their popularity started to grow exponentially. For example, during the past two decades, all isomeric trifluoromethyl-substituted prolines have been synthesized. In this Perspective, chemical properties and applications of fluorinated prolines are discussed. Synthetic approaches to all known fluorine-containing prolines are also discussed and analyzed. This analysis unexpectedly revealed an unsolved problem: in strict contrast to fluoro- and trifluoromethyl-substituted prolines, the corresponding analogues with fluoromethyl and difluoromethyl groups are mostly unknown. At the end of the paper, structures of several interesting, yet unknown, fluorinated prolines are disclosed─a good opportunity for chemists to make them.

When SF5 outplays CF3: effects of pentafluorosulfanyl decorated scorpionates on copper

Polyfluorinated, electron-withdrawing, and sterically demanding supporting ligands are of significant value in chemistry. Here we report the assembly and use of a bis(pyrazolyl)borate, [Ph2B(3-(SF5)Pz)2]- that combines all such features, and involves underutilized pentafluorosulfanyl substituents. The ethylene and carbonyl chemistry of copper(i) supported by [Ph2B(3-(SF5)Pz)2]-, a comparison to the trifluoromethylated counterparts involving [Ph2B(3-(CF3)Pz)2]-, as well as copper catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate and CF3CHN2 are presented. The results from cyclopropanation show that SF5 groups dramatically improved the yields and stereoselectivity compared to the CF3.

Large-Scale Synthesis and Modifications of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylic Acid (BCP)

In flow photochemical addition of propellane to diacetyl allowed construction of the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) core in a 1 kg scale within 1 day. Haloform reaction of the formed diketone in batch afforded bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid in a multigram amount. Representative gram scale transformations of the diacid were also performed to obtain various BCP-containing building blocks—alcohols, acids, amines, trifluoroborates, amino acids, etc.—for medicinal chemistry.

Bicyclic Pyrrolidines for Medicinal Chemistry via [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition

A general approach to bicyclic fused pyrrolidines via [3 + 2]-cycloaddition between nonstabilized azomethyne ylide and endocyclic electron-deficient alkenes was elaborated. "Push-pull" alkenes and CF₃-alkenes did not react with the azomethyne ylide under the previously reported conditions, and we developed a superior protocol (LiF, 140 °C, no solvent). Among obtained products were medchem-relevant bicyclic sulfones, monofluoro-, difluoro-, and trifluoromethyl-substituted pyrrolidines. This approach not only allowed preparation of novel molecules but also significantly simplified synthesis of the existing ones (e.g., sofinicline).

Phosphine Oxides (-POMe2) for Medicinal Chemistry: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

A general practical approach to hetero(aromatic) and aliphatic P(O)Me₂-substituted derivatives is elaborated. The key synthetic step was a [Pd]-mediated C-P coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides/iodides with HP(O)Me₂. The P(O)Me₂ substituent was shown to dramatically increase solubility and decrease lipophilicity of organic compounds. This tactic was used to improve the solubility of the antihypertensive drug prazosin without affecting its biological profile.

Scalable Approach to Fluorinated Heterocycles with Sulfur Tetrafluoride (SF4)

A general approach to fluorinated (hetero)aromatic derivatives is elaborated. The key reaction is a deoxofluorination of substituted acetophenones with sulfur tetrafluoride (SF₄). In contrast to previous deoxofluorination methods, this transformation is fast, scalable (up to 70 g), and high-yielding. More than 100 novel or previously hardly accessible fluorinated heterocycles, interesting for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry, were synthesized.

Oxa-spirocycles: synthesis, properties and applications

A general approach to a new generation of spirocyclic molecules – oxa-spirocycles – was developed. The key synthetic step was iodocyclization. More than 150 oxa-spirocyclic compounds were prepared. Incorporation of an oxygen atom into the spirocyclic unit dramatically improved water solubility (by up to 40 times) and lowered lipophilicity. More potent oxa-spirocyclic analogues of antihypertensive drug terazosin were synthesized and studied in vivo.

A general practical approach to a new generation of spirocyclic molecules – oxa-spirocycles – is developed.

Bicyclic Piperidines via [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition

A synthetic strategy to fused bicyclic piperidines-building blocks for medicinal chemistry-is developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocyclization. The photochemical step was performed on a gram scale. Crystallographic analysis of the obtained compounds revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space and can be considered as elongated analogues of 3-substituted piperidines.

Saturated Bioisosteres of ortho-Substituted Benzenes

Saturated bioisosteres of ortho-disubstituted benzenes (bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes) were synthesized, characterized and validated. These cores were incorporated into the bioactive compounds Valsartan, Boskalid and Fluxapyroxad instead of the benzene ring. The saturated analogues showed a similar level of antifungal activity compared to that of Boskalid and Fluxapyroxad.

Water-Soluble Non-Classical Benzene Mimetics

A new generation of saturated benzene mimetics, 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes, was developed. These compounds were designed as analogues of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane with an improved water solubility. Crystallographic analysis of 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space, but, at the same time, resemble the motif of meta-disubstituted benzenes.

Deoxofluorination of (Hetero)aromatic Acids

Diverse trifluoromethyl-substituted compounds were synthesized by deoxofluorination of cinnamic and (hetero)aromatic carboxylic acids with sulfur tetrafluoride. The obtained products were used as starting materials in the preparation of novel fluorinated amino acids, anilines, and aliphatic amines - valuable building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry.

Deoxofluorination of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids: A Route to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Derivatives

A practical method for the synthesis of functionalized aliphatic trifluoromethyl-substituted derivatives from aliphatic acids is developed. The transformation proceeds with sulfur tetrafluoride in the presence of water as a key additive. Compared to previous methods, the reaction gives products with full retention of stereo- and absolute configuration of chiral centers.

Saturated bioisosteres of benzene: where to go next?

The replacement of para-substituted benzenes with saturated bi- and polycyclic bioisosteres - bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane and cubane, - often increases the potency, selectivity and metabolic stability of bioactive compounds. The currently remaining challenge for chemists, however, is to rationally design, synthesize and validate the saturated bioisosteres for ortho- and meta-substituted benzenes.

Diazoacetonitrile (N2 CHCN): A Long Forgotten but Valuable Reagent for Organic Synthesis

Diazoacetonitrile (N₂CHCN) is a small reactive diazoalkane. It has been synthesized for the first time already in 1898 by Theodor Curtius, however, did not gain much recognition in organic synthesis until recently. Only in 2015, after introduction of in situ and flow protocols for the safe generation of diazoacetonitrile, it started gaining popularity. In this minireview, the synthetic properties and applications of this valuable reagent are discussed.

Difluoro-Substituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes for Medicinal Chemistry: Design, Synthesis, and Characterization

A practical synthetic approach to the difluoro-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes was developed. The key step was an addition of difluorocarbene (:CF₂) to electron-rich bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes by the CF₃TMS/NaI system. The obtained difluoro-bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes are suggested to be used as saturated bioisosteres of benzene rings for the purpose of drug discovery projects.

A Radical Approach to Anionic Chemistry: Synthesis of Ketones, Alcohols, and Amines

Historically accessed through two-electron, anionic chemistry, ketones, alcohols, and amines are of foundational importance to the practice of organic synthesis. After placing this work in proper historical context, this Article reports the development, full scope, and a mechanistic picture for a strikingly different way of forging such functional groups. Thus, carboxylic acids, once converted to redox-active esters (RAEs), can be utilized as formally nucleophilic coupling partners with other carboxylic derivatives (to produce ketones), imines (to produce benzylic amines), or aldehydes (to produce alcohols). The reactions are uniformly mild, operationally simple, and, in the case of ketone synthesis, broad in scope (including several applications to the simplification of synthetic problems and to parallel synthesis). Finally, an extensive mechanistic study of the ketone synthesis is performed to trace the elementary steps of the catalytic cycle and provide the end-user with a clear and understandable rationale for the selectivity, role of additives, and underlying driving forces involved.

Quaternary Centers by Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Tertiary Carboxylic Acids and (Hetero)Aryl Zinc Reagents

This work bridges a gap in the cross-coupling of aliphatic redox-active esters with aryl zinc reagents. Previously limited to primary, secondary, and specialized tertiary centers, a new protocol has been devised to enable the coupling of general tertiary systems using nickel catalysis. The scope of this operationally simple method is broad, and it can be used to simplify the synthesis of medicinally relevant motifs bearing quaternary centers.

Carbonyl complexes of copper(i) stabilized by bridging fluorinated pyrazolates and halide ions

Halide ions provide a promising tool to stabilize – through bridging interactions – copper carbonyl clusters of fluorinated pyrazolates.

Pd-Catalyzed directedCH-(hetero)arylation of cyclic α-amino acids: effects of substituents and the ring size

A systematic study on the directed Pd-catalyzed (hetero)arylation of 26 substituted cyclic α-amino acids at the C(3)-atom was performed. For the first time, the 7- and 8-membered cyclic amino acids were introduced to C–H activation. 8–Aminoquinoline was used as a directing group.