Densely Functionalized 2-Methylideneazetidines: Evaluation as Antibacterials

Twenty-two novel, variously substituted nitroazetidines were designed as both sulfonamide and urethane vinylogs possibly endowed with antimicrobial activity. The compounds under study were obtained following a general procedure recently developed, starting from 4-nitropentadienoates deriving from a common β-nitrothiophenic precursor. While being devoid of any activity against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria, most of the title compounds performed as potent antibacterial agents on Gram-positive bacteria (E. faecalis and three strains of S. aureus), with the most potent congener being the 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-nitro-4-(p-tolyl)azetidine 22, which displayed potency close to that of norfloxacin, the reference antibiotic (minimum inhibitory concentration values 4 and 1-2 μg/mL, respectively). Since 22 combines a relatively efficient activity against Gram-positive bacteria and a cytotoxicity on eucharyotic cells only at 4-times higher concentrations (inhibiting concentration on 50% of the cultured eukaryotic cells: 36 ± 10 μM, MIC: 8.6 μM), it may be considered as a promising hit compound for the development of a new series of antibacterials selectively active on Gram-positive pathogens. The relatively concise synthetic route described herein, based on widely available starting materials, could feed further structure-activity relationship studies, thus allowing for the fine investigation and optimization of the toxico-pharmacological profile.

Composition and Orientation of the Core Region of Novel HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors Influences Metabolic Stability

Fostemsavir/temsavir is an investigational HIV-1 entry inhibitor currently in late-stage clinical trials. Although it holds promise to be a first-in-class Env-targeted entry inhibitor for the clinic, issues with bioavailability relegate its use to salvage therapies only. As such, the development of a small molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitor that can be used in standard combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains a longstanding goal for the field. We previously demonstrated the ability of extending the chemotypes available to this class of inhibitor as the first step towards this overarching goal. In addition to poor solubility, metabolic stability is a crucial determinant of bioavailability. Therefore, in this short communication, we assess the metabolic stabilities of five of our novel chemotype entry inhibitors. We found that changing the piperazine core region of temsavir alters the stability of the compound in human liver microsome assays. Moreover, we identified an entry inhibitor with more than twice the metabolic stability of temsavir and demonstrated that the orientation of the core replacement is critical for this increase. This work further demonstrates the feasibility of our long-term goal—to design an entry inhibitor with improved drug-like qualities—and warrants expanded studies to achieve this.

Piperazine clubbed with 2-azetidinone derivatives suppresses proliferation, migration and induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer HeLa cells through oxidative stress mediated intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

Piperazine scaffolds or 2-azetidinone pharmacophores have been reported to show anti-cancer activities and apoptosis induction in different types of cancer cells. However, the mechanistic studies involve in induction of apoptosis addressing these two moieties for human cervical cancer cells remain uncertain. The present study emphasizes on the anti-proliferating properties and mechanism involved in induction of apoptosis for these structurally related azoles derivatives in HeLa cancer cells. 1-Phenylpiperazine clubbed with 2-azetidione derivatives (5a-5h) were synthesized, characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and evaluated for their in-vitro anti-proliferative activities and induction of apoptosis. Further, we also evaluated oxidative stress generated by these synthetic derivatives (5a-5h). Cell viability studies revealed that among all, the compound N-(3-chloro-2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-yl)-2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl) acetamide 5e remarkably inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in a concentration dependent manner having IC₅₀ value of 29.44 ± 1.46 µg/ml. Morphological changes, colonies suppression and inhibition of migration clearly showed the antineoplasicity in HeLa cells treated with 5e. Simultaneously, phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation and cell-cycle arrest showed ongoing apoptosis in the HeLa cancer cells induced by compound 5e in concentration dependent manner. Additionally, generation of intracellular ROS along with the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential supported that compound 5e caused oxidative stress resulting in apoptosis through mitochondria mediated pathway. Elevation in the level of cytochrome c and upregulation in expression of caspase-3 clearly indicated the involvement of the intrinsic pathway of programmed cell death. In brief; compound 5e could serve as a promising lead for the development of an effective antitumor agent.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 3-arylidene azetidin-2-ones as potential antifungal agents against Alternaria solani Sorauer

A new concise and facile method was explored to synthesize a collection of new 3-arylidene azetidin-2-ones, which could be regarded as the derivatives of the hybrid scaffold of bioactive natural cinnamamide and heterocycle azetidi-2-one. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, and MS; and their antifungal activity were evaluated against Alternaria solani Sorauer. These antifungal data were subjected to a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis using Codessa software on the basis of the results from B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) quantum calculations. The best regressive model revealed that potentially more active compounds should have low dipole moments and Q_C-min (minimal net atomic charge for a C atom), and high Q_O-max (maximal net atomic charge for an O atom) and Q_N-min (minimal net atomic charge for an N atom). The most potent compound 7k could lead to intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species, dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and an autophagy-like cell death process in A. solani Sorauer. Taken together, these results laid the foundation for further design of improved crop-protection agents based on this hybrid scaffold.

A Stereoselective [3+1] Ring Expansion for the Synthesis of Highly Substituted Methylene Azetidines

The reaction of rhodium-bound carbenes with strained bicyclic methylene aziridines results in a formal [3+1] ring expansion to yield highly substituted methylene azetidines with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. The reaction appears to proceed through an ylide-type mechanism, where the unique strain and structure of the methylene aziridine promotes a ring-opening/ring-closing cascade that efficiently transfers chirality from substrate to product. The resultant products can be elaborated into new azetidine scaffolds containing vicinal tertiary-quaternary and even quaternary-quaternary stereocenters.

Challenges in the development of an M4 PAM preclinical candidate: The discovery, SAR, and in vivo characterization of a series of 3-aminoazetidine-derived amides

This letter details the continued chemical optimization of a novel series of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) based on a 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine core by incorporating a 3-amino azetidine amide moiety. The analogs described within this work represent the most potent M4 PAMs reported for this series to date. The SAR to address potency, clearance, subtype selectivity, CNS exposure, and P-gp efflux are described. This work culminated in the discovery of VU6000918, which demonstrated robust efficacy in a rat amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion reversal model at a minimum efficacious dose of 0.3mg/kg.

Passerini Reactions on Biocatalytically Derived Chiral Azetidines

The purpose of this study was to explore a series of Passerini reactions on a biocatalytically derived enantiopure azetidine-2-carboxyaldehyde in order to obtain, in a diastereoselective manner, polyfunctionalised derivatives having the potential to be cyclized to chiral bridged bicyclic nitrogen heterocycles. While diastereoselectivity was poor under classical Passerini conditions, a significant increase of diastereoselectivity (up to 76:24) was gained by the use of zinc bromide as promoter. The methodology has a broad scope and yields are always good.

Design and structure-activity relationships of novel inhibitors of human rhinovirus 3C protease

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a primary cause of common cold and is linked to exacerbation of underlying respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. HRV 3C protease, which is responsible for cleavage of viral polyprotein in to proteins essential for viral life-cycle, represents an important target. We have designed proline- and azetidine-based analogues of Rupintrivir that target the P2 pocket of the binding site. Potency optimization, aided with X-ray crystallography and quantum mechanical calculations, led to compounds with activity against a broad spectrum of HRV serotypes. Altogether, these compounds represent alternative starting points to identify promising leads in our continual efforts to treat HRV infections.

EVALUATION OF THE SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF NEW AZETIDIN-2-ONES OF FERULIC ACID

AIM

To synthesize some new azetidin-2-ones of ferulic acid and to evaluate them from physicochemical and spectral point of view.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The synthesis was carried out in several steps: (i) obtaining the ferulic acid chloride; (ii) obtaining the ferulic acid hydrazide with hydrazine hydrate (98%); (iii) condensation of ferulic acid hydrazide with different benzaldehydes (2-hydroxy-/2-nitro-/4-chloro-/4- fluoro-/4-bromo-benzaldehyde) in order to obtain the corresponding hydrazones; (iv) cy- clization of ferulic acid hydrazones with chloroacethyl chloride in freshly distilled toluene medium and in the presence of triethylamine, resulting in the corresponding azetidin-2-ones.

RESULTS

Six new azetidin-2-ones of ferulic acid were synthesized. They were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties and their structure was confirmed by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Six new azetidin-2-ones of ferulic acid were synthesized, physicochemically characterized and validated spectrally. A

2-AZETIDINONE DERIVATIVES: SYNTHESIS, ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTICANCER EVALUATION AND QSAR STUDIES

A series of 2-azetidinone derivatives was synthesized from hippuric acid and evaluated for its in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Antimicrobial properties of the title compounds were investigated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial as well as fungal strains. Anticancer activity was performed against breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. Antimicrobial activity results revealed that N-{2-[3-chloro-2-(2- chlorophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-ylamino]-2-oxoethyl}benzamide (4) was found to be the most potent antimicrobial agent. Results of anticancer study indicated that the synthesized compounds exhibited average anticancer potential and N-[2-(3-chloro-2-oxo-4-styrylazetidin-1-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl]benzamide (17) was found to be most potent anticancer agent against breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines. QSAR models indicated that the antibacterial, antifungal and the overall antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were governed by topological parameters, Balaban index (J) and valence zero and first order molecular connectivity indices (⁰χv and ¹χv).

3-Aminoazetidin-2-one derivatives as N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) inhibitors suitable for systemic administration

N-Acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is a cysteine hydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of endogenous lipid mediators such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). PEA has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in animals by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α). Thus, preventing PEA degradation by inhibiting NAAA may provide a novel approach for the treatment of pain and inflammatory states. Recently, 3-aminooxetan-2-one compounds were identified as a class of highly potent NAAA inhibitors. The utility of these compounds is limited, however, by their low chemical and plasma stabilities. In the present study, we synthesized and tested a series of N-(2-oxoazetidin-3-yl)amides as a novel class of NAAA inhibitors with good potency and improved physicochemical properties, suitable for systemic administration. Moreover, we elucidated the main structural features of 3-aminoazetidin-2-one derivatives that are critical for NAAA inhibition.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel azetidine analogs as potent inhibitors of vesicular [3H]dopamine uptake

Lobelane analogs that incorporate a central piperidine or pyrrolidine moiety have previously been reported by our group as potent inhibitors of VMAT2 function. Further central ring size reduction of the piperidine moiety in lobelane to a four-membered heterocyclic ring has been carried out in the current study to afford novel cis-and trans-azetidine analogs. These azetidine analogs (15a-15c and 22a-22c) potently inhibited [(3)H]dopamine (DA) uptake into isolated synaptic vesicles (Ki⩽66nM). The cis-4-methoxy analog 22b was the most potent inhibitor (Ki=24nM), and was twofold more potent that either lobelane (2a, Ki=45nM) or norlobelane (2b, Ki=43nM). The trans-methylenedioxy analog, 15c (Ki=31nM), was equipotent with the cis-analog, 22b, in this assay. Thus, cis- and trans-azetidine analogs 22b and 15c represent potential leads in the discovery of new clinical candidates for the treatment of methamphetamine abuse.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new 2-azetidinones with sulfonamide structures

New series of N-(arylidene)hydrazinoacetyl sulfonamides 4a_1–6, 4b_1–6 and N-(4-aryl-3-chloro-2-oxoazetidin-1-yl)aminoacetyl sulfonamides 5a_1–6, 5b_1–6 were synthesized. The structures of the new derivatives was confirmed using spectral methods (FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR). The antibacterial activities of these compounds against Gram positive (Staphyloccoccus aureus ATCC 6583, Staphyloccoccus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 25912) and Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae CIP 53153, Proteus vulgaris CIP 104989, Citrobacter freundii CIP 5732, Enterobacter cloacae CIP 103475, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CIP 82118) bacterial strains were evaluated using the broth micro-dilution method. Compound 4a₂ displayed the highest antibacterial activity, especially against Staphyloccoccus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized compounds was also investigated according to ferric reducing power, total antioxidant activity and DPPH radical scavenging assays. All tested compounds showed excellent antioxidant activity in comparison with sulfadiazine and sulfisoxazole which were used as parent sulfonamides. Moreover, some of them showed an antioxidant activity comparable with that of ascorbic acid. In general, the compounds designed based on a sulfadiazine skeleton (compounds 4a_1–6, 5a_1–6) are more active than those obtained from sulfisoxazole (compounds 4b_1–6, 5b_1–6), and the N-(arylidene)hydrazinoacetyl sulfonamide derivatives 4a_1–6, 4b_1–6 are more active than their azetidionone analogues 5a_1–6, 5b_1–6.

Synthesis and profiling of a diverse collection of azetidine-based scaffolds for the development of CNS-focused lead-like libraries

The synthesis and diversification of a densely functionalized azetidine ring system to gain access to a wide variety of fused, bridged, and spirocyclic ring systems is described. The in vitro physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of representative library members are measured in order to evaluate the use of these scaffolds for the generation of lead-like molecules to be used in targeting the central nervous system. The solid-phase synthesis of a 1976-membered library of spirocyclic azetidines is also described.

Development of novel M1 antagonist scaffolds through the continued optimization of the MLPCN probe ML012

This Paper describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule M(1) antagonist (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After several rounds of modifications of the parent compound, we arrived at a new azetidine scaffold that displayed improved potency while maintaining a desirable level of selectivity over other muscarinic receptor subtypes. Data for representative molecules 7w (VU0452865) and 12a (VU0455691) are presented.

A flexible and stereoselective synthesis of azetidin-3-ones through gold-catalyzed intermolecular oxidation of alkynes

Chiral azetidin-3-ones could be easily prepared from chiral N -propargylsulfonamides, which in turn are readily accessible in excellent e.e. via chiral sulfinamide chemistry. Using t -butanesulfonyl as the protecting group avoids unnecessary deprotection and reprotection and allows its removal from the azetidine ring under acidic conditions.

Identification of N-(2-(azepan-1-yl)-2-phenylethyl)-benzenesulfonamides as novel inhibitors of GlyT1

A novel series of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) inhibitors is described. Scoping of the heterocycle moiety of hit 4-chlorobenzenesulfonamide 1 led to replacement of the piperidine with an azepane for a modest increase in potency. Phenyl sulfonamides proved superior to alkyl and non-phenyl aromatic sulfonamides, while subsequent ortho substitution of the 2-(azepan-1-yl)-2-phenylethanamine aromatic ring yielded 39 (IC(50) 37 nM, solubility 14 microM), the most potent GlyT1 inhibitor in this series. Favorable brain-plasma ratios were observed for select compounds in pharmacokinetic studies to evaluate CNS penetration.

Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of azetidine-, quinazoline-, and triazolo-thiadiazole-containing pyrazines

The re-emergence of tuberculosis (TB) as a global health problem over the past few decades, accompanied by the rise of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, emphasizes the need for the discovery of new therapeutic drugs against this disease. The emerging serious problem both in terms of TB control and clinical management prompted us to synthesize a novel series of N-[2-(substituted aryl)-3-chloro-4-oxoazetidin-1-yl]-2-(pyrazin-2-yloxy)acetamide, 6-(substituted aryl)-3-[(pyrazin-2-yloxy)methyl][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, and N-[6-({2-[(pyrazin-2-yloxy)acetyl] hydrazino}sulfonyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinazolin-3(2H)yl]-substituted aryl sulfonamides. The compounds were synthesized using the appropriate synthetic route. All synthesized compounds were assayed in vitro for antimycobacterial activity against the H37 Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the test compounds as well as for the reference standards. The compound which exhibited good antimycobacterial activity contains the substituents fluorine and methoxy. These electron-withdrawing or -donating substituents amend the lipophilicity of the test compounds which, in turn, alter the permeability across the bacterial cell membrane. Compounds 28, 37, and 43 showed good antimycobacterial activity while compound 51 showed a promising antimycobacterial activity.

Highly reactive 4-membered ring nitrogen-containing heterocycles: Synthesis and properties

4-Membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as β-lactams (ie, 2-azetidinones) and azetidines, are useful substrates in organic chemistry for the design and preparation of biologically active compounds by functionalization of the different positions of the ring. In addition, these compounds are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of other types of nitrogen-containing compounds with potential biological properties. This review summarizes recent data regarding the preparation and properties of 4-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic rings, as well as their biological activities.

Synthesis and antifungal activity of 2-azetidinonyl-5-(2-benzoylphenoxy)methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles against seed-borne pathogens of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

BACKGROUND

Finger millet is a major food crop as well as feed and fodder for livestock, especially in regions of southern India. A sturdy crop to fluctuating environmental conditions, it can be cultivated in all seasons of the year. Leaf, neck and finger blast caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc. and Bipolaris setariae (Saw.) Shoem, as well as leaf spot disease, Bipolaris nodulosa (Berk & M.A.Curtis) Shoem, are major production constraints in southern India. Apart from environmental conditions, the use of harvested seeds by farmers is a major reason for disease prevalence. Benzophenone analogues have been investigated for controlling phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, the most important applications of azetidin-2-ones are as antibiotics. Based on this information, the present study was conducted to explore the antifungal activity of integrated 2-azetidinonyl and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles moieties into a benzophenone framework.

RESULTS

A simple high-yielding method for the integration of heterocyclic rings, namely 2-azetidinonyl, at the benzophenone nucleus has been achieved, starting from substituted 2-hydroxybenzophenones under mild conditions on a wet solid surface using microwave irradiation. In the present study, an array of newly synthesised compounds, 2-azetidinonyl-5-(2-benzoylphenoxy)methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, were screened for their antifungal property against blast and leaf spot causing fungi associated with the seeds of finger millet, cv. Indof-9.

CONCLUSION

Two of the newly synthesised compounds showed promising effects in depleting the incidence of seed-borne pathogenic fungi of finger millet. The suppression of Pyricularia grisea and Bipolaris setariae resulted in enhanced seed germination and seedling growth.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. Surprising selectivity of chiral azetidine ureas

We report the discovery of a novel, chiral azetidine urea inhibitor of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH,) and describe the surprising species selectivity of VER-156084 versus rat and human FAAH and also hCB1.

Direct anti-selective catalytic asymmetric Mannich-type reactions of alpha-ketoanilides for the synthesis of gamma-amino amides and azetidine-2-amides

Breaking with convention: A homodinuclear nickel complex derived from a biphenyldiamine-based Schiff base catalyzed an anti-selective Mannich-type reaction of alpha-ketoanilides (see scheme) to afford unique building blocks for the synthesis of azetidine-2-amides and alpha-hydroxy gamma-amino amides. This approach stands in contrast to conventional Mannich-type reactions for the synthesis of beta-amino carbonyl compounds. o-Ns = o-nitrobenzenesulfonyl.

Spiro-piperidine azetidinones as potent TRPV1 antagonists

A series of spiro-piperidine azetidinone were synthesized and evaluated as potential TRPV1 antagonists. An important issue of plasma stability was investigated and resolved. Further focused SAR study lead to the discovery of a potent antagonist with good oral pharmacokinetic profile in rat.

Synthesis and biological activity of N-substituted-3-chloro-2-azetidinones

2-Aminobenzothiazole-6-carboxylic acid (1), on condensation with chloroacetyl chloride yielded 2-(2-chloroacetylamino)benzothiazole-6-carboxylic acid (2), which on amination with hydrazine hydrate yielded in turn 2-(2-hydrazinoacetylamino)benzo-thiazole-6-carboxylic acid (3). Compound 3, on condensation with various aromatic aldehydes afforded a series of 2-{2-[N'-(arylidene)hydrazino]acetylamino}benzothiazole-6-carboxylic acids 4a-h, which upon dehydrative annulation in the presence of chloroacetyl chloride and triethylamine yielded 2-{2-[3-chloro-2-(aryl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-ylamino]-acetylamino}benzothiazole-6-carboxylic acids 5a-h. The synthesized compounds 4a-h and 5a-h were screened for their antibacterial activity against four microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Bacillus subtilis (Gram positive), Psuedomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative). They were found to exhibit good to moderate antibacterial activity. The antifungal activity of these compounds were also tested against three different fungal species. None of them were active against the species tested.

Indium-Mediated Selective Introduction of a 1,3-Butadien-2-yl Group at the C4-Position in 2-Azetidinones and Application of 1,3-Diene-Tethered 2-Azetidinones in the Diels–Alder Reaction

The reaction of 4-acetoxy-2-azetidinones with organoindium reagents generated in situ from indium and 1,4-dibromo-2-butyne in the presence of LiCl in DMF selectively produced 2-azetidinones which contain a 1,3-butadienyl-2-yl group at the C4-position in good yields. The Diels-Alder reaction of 4-[(1-methylene)prop-2-enyl]-2-azetidinones with a variety of dienophiles provided 2-azetidinones with valuable functional-group-substituted six-membered rings at the C4-position in good yields.

Synthesis of novel N-(4-ethoxyphenyl) azetidin-2-ones and their oxidative N-deprotection by ceric ammonium nitrate

It is shown that the N-(p-ethoxyphenyl) group on beta-lactams can be oxidatively removed by ceric ammonium nitrate in good yield. Fourteen new N-(p-ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n were synthesized through standard [2+2] ketene-imine cycloadditions (Staudinger reaction). Treatment of these compounds with ceric ammonium nitrate yielded the N-dearylated 2-azetidinones 9a-n in good to excellent yields. The effects of solvent, molar equiv of CAN and different temperatures have been investigated and optimum conditions were established.

Convenient synthesis of trans-beta-amino carboxylic esters with an azetidine skeleton via rearrangement of beta,gamma-aziridino alpha-amino esters

A short and facile approach to biologically interesting N-protected alkyl 3-aminoazetidine-2-carboxylic esters, a new class of conformationally restricted beta-amino esters, was developed. Reduction of anti-beta,gamma-aziridino-alpha-(N-diphenylmethylidene)amino esters and subsequent regioselective intramolecular ring opening of the beta,gamma-aziridine ring via nucleophilic attack of the alpha-amino function afforded the trans-azetidines.

4-Substituted trinems as broad spectrum beta-lactamase inhibitors: structure-based design, synthesis, and biological activity

A wide variety of pathogens have acquired antimicrobial resistance as an inevitable evolutionary response to the extensive use of antibacterial agents. In particular, one of the most widely used antibiotic structural classes is the beta-lactams, in which the most common and the most efficient mechanism of bacterial resistance is the synthesis of beta-lactamases. Class C beta-lactamase enzymes are primarily cephalosporinases, mostly chromosomally encoded, and are inducible by exposure to some beta-lactam agents and resistant to inhibition by marketed beta-lactamase inhibitors. In an ongoing effort to alleviate this problem a series of novel 4-substituted trinems was designed and synthesized. Significant in vitro inhibitory activity was measured against the bacterial beta-lactamases of class C and additionally against class A. The lead compound LK-157 was shown to be a potent mechanism-based inactivator. Acylation of the active site Ser 64 of the class C enzyme beta-lactamase was observed in the solved crystal structures of two inhibitors complexes to AmpC enzyme from E. cloacae. Structure-activity relationships in the series reveal the importance of the trinem scaffold for inhibitory activity and the interesting potential of the series for further development.

Synthesis of 3-[4′-(p-chlorophenyl)-thiazol-2′-yl]-2-[(substituted azetidinone/thiazolidinone)-aminomethyl]-6-bromoquinazolin-4-ones as anti-inflammatory agent

N-Chloroacetyl-5-bromoanthranilic acid (1), 3-[4'-(p-chlorophenyl)-thiazol-2'-yl]-2-chloromethyl-6-bromoquinazolin-4-one (2), 3-[4'-(p-chlorophenyl)-thiazol-2'-yl]-2-hydrazinomethyl-6-bromoquinazolin-4-one (3), 3-[4'-(p-chlorophenyl)-thiazol-2'-yl]-2-substitutedbenzylidene aminomethyl-6-bromoquinazolin-4-ones (4-11), 2-[(4'-oxo-3'-chloro-2'-phenylazetidin-1'-yl)aminomethyl]-3-[4''-(p-chlorophenyl)thiazol-2''-yl]-6-bromoquinazolin-4-ones (12-19) and 2-(4'-oxo-2'-phenyl-thiazolidin-3'-yl-aminomethyl)- 3-[4''-(p-chlorophenyl)-thiazol-2''-yl]-6-bromoquinazolin-4-ones (20-27) have been synthesized. All the compounds have been screened for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at the dose of 50mg/kg po. Compound 21 showed maximum anti-inflammatory (38.35%) and analgesic (37.36%) activities. Compound 21 was also tested for ulcerogenic activity and the UD(50) value was found to be 195.6mg/kg po. The structure of all compounds has been evaluated by elemental analysis (C, H, N) and spectral analysis (IR, (1)H NMR and mass spectrometry).

Copper-Catalyzed Highly Efficient Multicomponent Reactions: Synthesis of 2-(Sulfonylimino)-4-(alkylimino)azetidine Derivatives

[reaction: see text] Under very mild conditions, functionalized 2-(sulfonylimino)-4-(alkylimino)azetidine derivatives were prepared in good to excellent yields via a copper-catalyzed multicomponent reaction of readily available terminal alkynes, sulfonyl azides, and carbodiimides without the assistance of a base. The mechanism may be through a [2 + 2] cycloaddition.

Quantification of alpha4beta2* nicotinic receptors in the rat brain with microPET and 2-[18F]F-A-85380

The radioligand 2-[(18)F]F-A-85380 has been used for PET studies of the alpha4beta2* subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the living brain of humans and nonhuman primates. In order to extend the capacity of microPET to quantify neuroreceptors in rat brain, we carried out studies of 2-[(18)F]F-A-85380 to measure the apparent binding potential BP* in individual rats, which were studied repeatedly over several months. Using a bolus-plus-infusion paradigm, 2-[(18)F]F-A-85380 (specific activity 20-1300 GBq/micromol) was administered intravenously over 8 to 9 h with K(bol) values of 350 to 440 min and a mean infusion rate of 0.03+/-0.01 nmol/kg/h. Studies included a 2-h nicotine infusion initiated 2 h before the end of scanning to displace specifically bound radioactivity. Steady state binding in brain was obtained within 5 h as defined by the occurrence of constant radioactivity concentrations in brain regions and constant, free arterial plasma levels of nonmetabolized radioligand. BP* averages (+/-SEM) for thalamus, forebrain, and cerebellum were 5.9+/-0.7, 2.6+/-0.4, and 1.0+/-0.1, respectively, which are consistent with the alpha4beta2* nAChR distribution in rat brain measured in vitro. Studies of receptor occupancy determined the ED(50) to be 0.29 nmol/kg/h. The demonstration that alpha4beta2* nAChRs are quantifiable in the rat brain using PET measurements, coupled with the ability to conduct longitudinal studies over several months in the same rats, suggests potential applications to studies of chronic nicotine use, its treatment, and abnormal functioning of alpha4beta2* receptors in a rat model.

N/C-4 substituted azetidin-2-ones: Synthesis and preliminary evaluation as new class of antimicrobial agents

A series of 3-chloro-4-(3-methoxy-4-acetyloxyphenyl)-1-[3-oxo-3-(phenylamino)propanamido] azetidin-2-ones 3a-g and 3-chloro-4-[2-hydroxy-5-(nitro substituted phenylazo)phenyl]-1-phenylazetidin-2-ones 6a-h were synthesized using appropriate synthetic route. Structures of all the synthesized compounds were established on the basis of elemental analysis and spectroscopic data. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was screened against several microbes. Several of these molecules showed potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and significant structure-activity relationship (SAR) trends.

A One-Pot Preparation of 1,3-Disubstituted Azetidines

A straightforward synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted azetidines has been accomplished via the alkylation of a primary amine with the bis-triflate of a 2-substituted-1,3-propanediol species. This transformation is carried out in one reaction vessel, and elimination of the alkylating reagent is generally not a major byproduct. The scope of this methodology has been investigated using a variety 2-substituted-1,3-propanediols and amine nucleophiles.

Synthesis of 3-Fluoroazetidines

N-(Alkylidene or 1-arylmethylidene)-2-propenylamines were regiospecifically functionalized to novel N-(alkylidene or 1-arylmethylidene)-3-bromo-2-fluoropropylamines, which were proven to be excellent precursors for 3-fluoroazetidines.

Synthesis of New Thiazolylthiazolidinylbenzothiazoles and Thiazolylazetidinylbenzothiazoles as Potential Insecticidal, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Agents

A series of 2-{[2'-(3''-chloro-2''-oxo-4''-substitutedaryl-1''-azetidinyl)-1',3'-thiazol-4'-yl] thio}benzothiazoles (4a-4e) and 2-{[(2'-(2''-substitutedaryl-4''-thiazolidinon-3''-yl)-1',3'-thiazol-4'-yl]thio}benzothiazoles (5a-5e) have been synthesized from 2-[(2'-substitutedarylidenylimino-1',3'-thiazol-4'-yl)thio]benzothiazoles (3a-3e). The structure of these compounds has been elucidated by elemental (C, H, N) and spectral (IR, (1)H-NMR, Mass) analysis. Furthermore, compounds 3a-3e, 4a-4e, and 5a-5e were screened for insecticidal activity against Periplaneta americana and antifungal, antibacterial activities in vitro against different strains of fungi and bacteria. Out of the fifteen compounds tested, compound 5b, 2-{[2'-(2''-p-hydroxy-m-methoxyphenyl)-4''-thiazolidinon-3''-yl)-1',3'-thiazol-4'-yl]thio}benzothiazole, was found to possess most prominent insecticidal activity.

A Novel Series of Potent and Selective PDE5 Inhibitors with Potential for High and Dose-Independent Oral Bioavailability

Sildenafil (5-[2-ethoxy-5-(4-methyl-1-piperazinylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-methyl-3-n-propyl-1,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one), a potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, provided the first oral treatment for male erectile dysfunction. The objective of the work reported in this paper was to combine high levels of PDE5 potency and selectivity with high and dose-independent oral bioavailability, to minimize the impact on the C(max) of any interactions with coadministered drugs in the clinic. This goal was achieved through identification of a lower clearance series with a high absorption profile, by replacing the 5'-piperazine sulfonamide in the sildenafil template with a 5'-methyl ketone. This novel series provided compounds with low metabolism in human hepatocytes, excellent caco-2 flux, and the potential for good aqueous solubility. The in vivo oral and iv pharmacokinetic profiles of example compounds confirmed the high oral bioavailability predicted from these in vitro screens. 5-(5-Acetyl-2-butoxy-3-pyridinyl)-3-ethyl-2-(1-ethyl-3-azetidinyl)-2,6-dihydro-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one (2) was selected for progression into the clinic.

N,N‘-Carbonyldiimidazole-Mediated Cyclization of Amino Alcohols to Substituted Azetidines and Other N-Heterocycles

Amino alcohols are important synthons for N-heterocycles. We have developed an efficient method to activate hydroxyl groups, which avoids the use of toxic reagents and tolerates a wide variety of functional groups. Our strategy has been applied to the synthesis of functionalized p-methoxyphenyl-protected azetidines, pyrrolidines, and piperidines. The required amino alcohols were synthesized according to an optimized proline-catalyzed Mannich protocol. An azetidine analogue of ezetimibe was synthesized to demonstrate the potential for the synthesis of drug-like molecules.

Synthesis and analgesic activity of secondary amine analogues of pyridylmethylamine and positional isomeric analogues of ABT-594

A series of highly sterically hindered secondary amine analogues of pyridylmethylamine (7a-f, 8a-c) and positional isomeric analogues of ABT-594 (9a-c) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vivo analgesic activity. The compounds 7a and 7d show potent analgesic activity and lower toxicity. Some interesting structure-activity relationships have been revealed.

Electroreductive Intramolecular Coupling of Aromatic Imino Esters: Is Four-Membered Cyclization Much More Favorable than Six-Membered Cyclization?

[reaction: see text] The electroreduction of an aromatic imino ester prepared from (S)-glutamic acid in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane and triethylamine afforded a four-membered cyclized product, a mixed ketal of cis-2,4-disubstituted azetidine-3-one, stereospecifically. Calculations for the transition states by the DFT method support the predominant formation of the azetidine. The electroreduction of an aromatic imino ester prepared from (S)-aspartic acid gave almost equal amounts of a diastereomerically pure mixed ketal of cis-2,4-disubstituted azetidine-3-one and a diastereomeric mixture of 2,5-disubstituted pyrollidine-3-one.

The Polymer-Supported and Combinatorial Synthesis of β-Lactam Compounds: An Update

Solid-phase organic synthesis (SPOS) has become an effective synthetic tool for the preparation of combinatorial libraries of non-oligomeric small molecules. Owing to their high efficacy and extremely safe toxicological profile, beta-lactam antibiotics are the first choice for bacterial infectious diseases. Moreover, beta-lactam compounds have also showed other biological activities that include inhibition of prostate specific antigen, thrombin, human cytomegalovirus protein, human leukocyte elastase and cholesterol absorption. Thus, the application of combinatorial and related methodologies to the chemistry of the beta-lactam ring has been recognized as a very attractive challenge by different research groups around the world. This review covers the solid-phase and combinatorial chemistry related to mono-and multicyclic beta-lactam compounds that has been reported in the literature from 1999 to 2004.

A Practical and Facile Synthesis of Azetidine Derivatives for Oral Carbapenem, L-084

An orally active carbapenem L-084, which exhibits high bioavailability in humans, has a 1-(1,3-thiazolin-2-yl)azetidin-3-ylthio moiety at the C-2 position of the 1beta-methylcarbapenem skeleton. We established a practical and cost-effective synthesis of 3-mercapto-1-(1,3-thiazolin-2-yl)azetidine (1) for further scale-up production of L-084. This synthesis method entails an industry-oriented reaction of azetidine ring-closure to yield N-benzyl-3-hydroxyazetidine (16), which is eventually converted to 1 via key intermediates, Bunte salts 19 and 20.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of inhibitors of intestinal cholesterol absorption

We have utilized our recently developed in vitro assay to address two key questions in the design of small-molecule cholesterol absorption inhibitors using ezetimibe, the only drug yet approved for the inhibition of cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, as a starting point: (1) the role of glycosylation and (2) the importance of the beta-lactam scaffold of ezetimibe for inhibitory activity. A wide range of nonhydrolyzable phenolic glycosides of ezetimibe were synthesized and demonstrated to be active inhibitors of cholesterol absorption using the brush border membrane vesicle assay. The analogous azetidines provided access to a variety of inhibitors in vitro, suggesting that the beta-lactam of ezetimibe merely serves as a ring scaffold to appropriately position the required substituents. Our findings highlight several promising strategies for the design of alternative small-molecule cholesterol absorption inhibitors that could ultimately be useful in preventing cardiovascular disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels.

A simple and fast method for the preparation of n.c.a. 2-[18F]F-A85380 for human use

2-[18F]F-A85380 is the first subtype selective PET-radiotracer to visualize the distribution of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in human brain in vivo. We investigated a fast and safe automated production of 2-[18F]F-A85380 by purification of the BOC-protected intermediate product with a combination of solid phase extraction cartridges. After deprotection, adjustment of the pH and sterile filtration n.c.a. 2-[18F]F-A85380 was applicable for the use in human studies with a high specific activity and an overall radiochemical yield of 55% in 35 minutes.

Synthesis of 2-azetidinones from 2-diazo-1, 2-diarylethanones and N-(2-thienylidene)imines as possible antimicrobial agents

An equimolar reaction of 2-diazo-1, 2-diarylethanones with N-(2-thienylidene)imines affords 1-substituted-3, 3-diaryl-4-(2-thienyl)-2-azetidinones in excellent yields. The products have been characterized on the basis of satisfactory analytical and spectral (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, MS) data. The mechanism of formation of the products is shown. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds against some Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria, and fungi is reported.

Design, Synthesis, and Enzymatic Evaluation of N-Acyloxyalkyl- and N1-Oxazolidin-2,4-dion-5-yl-Substituted β-lactams as Novel Inhibitors of Human Leukocyte Elastase

Human leukocyte elastase (HLE) is a serine protease that very efficiently degrades various tissue matrix proteins such as elastin. The imbalance between HLE and its endogenous inhibitors leads to excessive elastin proteolysis and is considered to be responsible for the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A novel series of C-3-, C-4-, and N-1-substituted azetidin-2-ones were prepared as potential mechanism-based inhibitors of HLE to restore the protease/antiprotease imbalance. N-Acyloxyalkylazetidin-2-ones, 4, and their carbamate counterparts, 5, are weak HLE inhibitors, being 5 times less active than their bicyclic oxazolidin-2,4-dione-substituted analogues, 6, containing an electron-withdrawing substituent at C-4. Compounds 6 containing a C-4 substituent exist as two diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers, each pair presenting similar inhibitory activity against HLE. Comparative docking experiments with the C-4-substituted oxazolidin-2,4-dione inhibitors 6 suggest that only the 4R,5'S and 4S,5'S diastereomers consistently interact with the beta-lactam carbonyl carbon atom accessible to the serine hydroxyl oxygen.

Approaches to Syn-7-Substituted 2-Azanorbornanes as Potential Nicotinic Agonists; Synthesis of syn- and anti-Isoepibatidine

[reaction: see text] Coupling of N-Boc-7-bromo-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane with aryl and pyridyl boronic acids incorporates aryl and heterocyclic substituents at the 7-position and leads to a preference for syn over anti stereoisomers. Incorporation of a chloropyridyl group followed by N-deprotection gives syn-isoepibatidine. Facial selectivity in attack on 7-keto-2-azanorbornanes depends heavily on the N-protecting group leading to the first syn-7-hydroxy-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivative.

From 1-acyl-beta-lactam human cytomegalovirus protease inhibitors to 1-benzyloxycarbonylazetidines with improved antiviral activity. A straightforward approach to convert covalent to noncovalent inhibitors

Starting from the structure of known beta-lactam covalent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) protease inhibitors and from the knowledge of the residues implicated in the active site of this enzyme, we designed a series of phenylalanine-derived 2-azetidinones bearing a 4-carboxylate moiety that could be apt for additional interactions with the guanidine group of the Arg165/Arg166 residues of the viral protease. Some compounds within this series showed anti-HCMV activity at 10-50 muM, but rather high toxicity. The presence of aromatic 1-acyl groups and a certain hydrophobic character in the region of the 4-carboxylate were stringent requirements for anti-HCMV activity. To go a step ahead into the search for effective HCMV medicines, we then envisaged a series of noncovalent inhibitors by simple deletion of the carbonyl group in the beta-lactam derivatives to provide the corresponding azetidines. This led to low micromolar inhibitors of HCMV replication, with 17 and 27 being particularly promising lead compounds for further investigation, although their toxicity still needs to be lowered.

Hypocholesterolemic activity of some novel azetidin-2-ones in diet and diabetes induced hypercholesterolemia in rats

Some novel substituted azetidin-2-ones (5-8) were synthesized via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of imines and ketenes and evaluated for their ability to prevent diet and diabetes induced hypercholesterolemia. The test compounds 5a and 7a significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited the rise in serum total cholesterol induced by peanut oil (5.5%), cholesterol (1.5%) and cholic acid (0.5%) diet in both acute and chronic models in a dose dependent manner. Compound 5a also raised the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in chronic diet models by peanut oil (5.5%), cholesterol (1.5%) and cholic acid (0.5%). In a diabetes induced model of hypercholesterolemia, the test compounds were evaluated for preventing diabetes-induced hypercholesterolemia (protocol 1) as well as for lowering post diabetic hypercholesterolemia (protocol 2). Test compounds 5a-g and 7a-d significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol with a greater reduction in protocol 1 as compared with protocol 2. Based on SAR studies, the substituents that favor hypocholesterolemic activity around the azetidin-2-one nucleus are discussed and a possible mechanism of action is proposed on the basis of their differential effects in two protocols of diabetes-induced hypercholesterolemia.