Discovery of 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine derivatives as potent polymerase theta inhibitors

Inhibition of the low fidelity DNA polymerase Theta (Polθ) is emerging as an attractive, synthetic-lethal antitumor strategy in BRCA-deficient tumors. Here we report the AI-enabled development of 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine derivatives as a novel class of Polθ inhibitors featuring central scaffolding rings. Structure-based drug design first identified A7 as a lead compound, which was further optimized to the more potent derivative B3 and the metabolically stable deuterated compound C1. C1 exhibited significant antiproliferative properties in DNA repair-compromised cells and demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics, showcasing that 3-hydroxymethyl-azetidine is an effective bio-isostere of pyrrolidin-3-ol and emphasizing the potential of AI in medicinal chemistry for precise molecular modifications.

Development of Sustained Release Baricitinib Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability

Baricitinib (BTB) is an orally administered Janus kinase inhibitor, therapeutically used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently it has also been approved for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. In this study, four different BTB-loaded lipids (stearin)-polymer (Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)) hybrid nanoparticles (B-PLN1 to B-PLN4) were prepared by the single-step nanoprecipitation method. Next, they were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential (ζP), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). Based on preliminary evaluation, the B-PLN4 was regarded as the optimised formulation with particle size (272 ± 7.6 nm), PDI (0.225), ζP (-36.5 ± 3.1 mV), %EE (71.6 ± 1.5%) and %DL (2.87 ± 0.42%). This formulation (B-PLN4) was further assessed concerning morphology, in vitro release, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats. The in vitro release profile exhibited a sustained release pattern well-fitted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model (R2 = 0.879). The in vivo pharmacokinetic data showed an enhancement (2.92 times more) in bioavailability in comparison to the normal suspension of pure BTB. These data concluded that the formulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles could be a promising drug delivery option to enhance the bioavailability of BTB. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for future studies on the entrapment efficiency of lipid-polymer hybrid systems as promising carriers for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations.

Synthesis of PF-6870961, a major hydroxy metabolite of the novel ghrelin receptor inverse agonist PF-5190457

Preclinical and human studies have indicated involvement of the ghrelin system in alcohol-related behaviors illuminating the possibility of using ghrelin receptor blockers as a pharmacological intervention for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Preliminary data from a recently conducted phase 1b human study with a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist, PF-5190457 (2-(2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3thiazol-6-yl)-1-{2-(1R)-5-(6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl]-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]non-7-ylethanone), provided evidence on the safety and tolerability of this compound when co-administered with alcohol. Furthermore, the study revealed important information on the biotransformation pathways for this compound and prompted the discovery and then synthesis of a newly identified major metabolite, PF-6870961 ((R)-1-(2-(5-(2-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl)-2,7-diazaspiro[3.5]nonan-7-yl)-2-(2-methylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-6-yl)ethan-1-one). The metabolite was synthesized and fully characterized through a design that enabled it to be prepared in useful quantities. The synthesis provided direct access to the recently discovered PF-6870961 and is allowing researchers to conduct additional and deeper evaluation of its in vitro and in vivo properties.

Novel N-Substituted 3-Aryl-4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)azetidin-2-ones as Antibiotic Enhancers and Antiviral Agents in Search for a Successful Treatment of Complex Infections

A novel series of N-substituted cis- and trans-3-aryl-4-(diethoxyphosphoryl)azetidin-2-ones were synthesized by the Kinugasa reaction of N-methyl- or N-benzyl-(diethyoxyphosphoryl)nitrone and selected aryl alkynes. Stereochemistry of diastereoisomeric adducts was established based on vicinal H3–H4 coupling constants in azetidin-2-one ring. All the obtained azetidin-2-ones were evaluated for the antiviral activity against a broad range of DNA and RNA viruses. Azetidin-2-one trans-11f showed moderate inhibitory activity against human coronavirus (229E) with EC₅₀ = 45 µM. The other isomer cis-11f was active against influenza A virus H1N1 subtype (EC₅₀ = 12 µM by visual CPE score; EC₅₀ = 8.3 µM by TMS score; MCC > 100 µM, CC₅₀ = 39.9 µM). Several azetidin-2-ones 10 and 11 were tested for their cytostatic activity toward nine cancerous cell lines and several of them appeared slightly active for Capan-1, Hap1 and HCT-116 cells values of IC₅₀ in the range 14.5–97.9 µM. Compound trans-11f was identified as adjuvant of oxacillin with significant ability to enhance the efficacy of this antibiotic toward the highly resistant S. aureus strain HEMSA 5. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that enantiomer (3R,4S)-11f can be responsible for the promising activity due to the potency in displacing oxacillin at β-lactamase, thus protecting the antibiotic from undesirable biotransformation.

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.

RRx-001 ameliorates inflammatory diseases by acting as a potent covalent NLRP3 inhibitor

The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in innate immune-mediated inflammation and contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple autoinflammatory, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, but medications targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome are not available for clinical use. RRx-001 is a well-tolerated anticancer agent currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials, but its effects on inflammatory diseases are not known. Here, we show that RRx-001 is a highly selective and potent NLRP3 inhibitor that has strong beneficial effects on NLRP3-driven inflammatory diseases. RRx-001 inhibits the activation of the canonical, noncanonical, and alternative NLRP3 inflammasomes but not the AIM2, NLRC4 or Pyrin inflammasomes. Mechanistically, RRx-001 covalently binds to cysteine 409 of NLRP3 via its bromoacetyl group and therefore blocks the NLRP3-NEK7 interaction, which is critical for the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. More importantly, RRx-001 treatment attenuates the symptoms of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Thus, our study identifies RRx-001 as a new potential therapeutic agent for NLRP3-driven diseases.

Discovery of Acyl-sulfonamide Nav1.7 Inhibitors GDC-0276 and GDC-0310

Nav1.7 is an extensively investigated target for pain with a strong genetic link in humans, yet in spite of this effort, it remains challenging to identify efficacious, selective, and safe inhibitors. Here, we disclose the discovery and preclinical profile of GDC-0276 (1) and GDC-0310 (2), selective Nav1.7 inhibitors that have completed Phase 1 trials. Our initial search focused on close-in analogues to early compound 3. This resulted in the discovery of GDC-0276 (1), which possessed improved metabolic stability and an acceptable overall pharmacokinetics profile. To further derisk the predicted human pharmacokinetics and enable QD dosing, additional optimization of the scaffold was conducted, resulting in the discovery of a novel series of N-benzyl piperidine Nav1.7 inhibitors. Improvement of the metabolic stability by blocking the labile benzylic position led to the discovery of GDC-0310 (2), which possesses improved Nav selectivity and pharmacokinetic profile over 1.

Synthesis of 2-Oxazolines from Ring Opening Isomerization of 3-Amido-2-Phenyl Azetidines

Chiral 2-oxazolines are valuable building blocks and famous ligands for asymmetric catalysis. The most common synthesis involves the reaction of an amino alcohol with a carboxylic acid. In this paper, an efficient synthesis of 2-oxazolines has been achieved via the stereospecific isomerization of 3-amido-2-phenyl azetidines. The reactions were studied in the presence of both Brønsted and Lewis acids, and Cu(OTf)₂ was found to be the most effective.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate Receptor Modulator Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Differential Downstream Receptor Signalling and Clinical Profile Effects

Lysophospholipids are a class of bioactive lipid molecules that produce their effects through various G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is perhaps the most studied lysophospholipid and has a role in a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological events, via signalling through five distinct GPCR subtypes, S1PR1 to S1PR5. Previous and continuing investigation of the S1P pathway has led to the approval of three S1PR modulators, fingolimod, siponimod and ozanimod, as medicines for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as the identification of new S1PR modulators currently in clinical development, including ponesimod and etrasimod. S1PR modulators have complex effects on S1PRs, in some cases acting both as traditional agonists as well as agonists that produce functional antagonism. S1PR subtype specificity influences their downstream effects, including aspects of their benefit:risk profile. Some S1PR modulators are prodrugs, which require metabolic modification such as phosphorylation via sphingosine kinases, resulting in different pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, contrasting with others that are direct modulators of the receptors. The complex interplay of these characteristics dictates the clinical profile of S1PR modulators. This review focuses on the S1P pathway, the characteristics and S1PR binding profiles of S1PR modulators, the mechanisms of action of S1PR modulators with regard to immune cell trafficking and neuroprotection in MS, together with a summary of the clinical effectiveness of the S1PR modulators that are approved or in late-stage development for patients with MS. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator therapy for multiple sclerosis: differential downstream receptor signalling and clinical profile effects (MP4 65540 kb).

Discovery of Novel Azetidine Amides as Potent Small-Molecule STAT3 Inhibitors

We optimized our previously reported proline-based STAT3 inhibitors into an exciting new series of (R)-azetidine-2-carboxamide analogues that have sub-micromolar potencies. 5a, 5o, and 8i have STAT3-inhibitory potencies (IC50) of 0.55, 0.38, and 0.34 μM, respectively, compared to potencies greater than 18 μM against STAT1 or STAT5 activity. Further modifications derived analogues, including 7e, 7f, 7g, and 9k, that addressed cell membrane permeability and other physicochemical issues. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis confirmed high-affinity binding to STAT3, with KD of 880 nM (7g) and 960 nM (9k). 7g and 9k inhibited constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation and DNA-binding activity in human breast cancer, MDA-MB-231 or MDA-MB-468 cells. Furthermore, treatment of breast cancer cells with 7e, 7f, 7g, or 9k inhibited viable cells, with an EC50 of 0.9-1.9 μM, cell growth, and colony survival, and induced apoptosis while having relatively weaker effects on normal breast epithelial, MCF-10A or breast cancer, MCF-7 cells that do not harbor constitutively active STAT3.

The Odd Couple(s): An Overview of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Bearing More Than One Pharmacophoric Group

β-lactam antibiotics are among the most important and widely used antimicrobials worldwide and are comprised of a large family of compounds, obtained by chemical modifications of the common scaffolds. Usually these modifications include the addition of active groups, but less frequently, molecules were synthesized in which either two β-lactam rings were joined to create a single bifunctional compound, or the azetidinone ring was joined to another antibiotic scaffold or another molecule with a different activity, in order to create a molecule bearing two different pharmacophoric functions. In this review, we report some examples of these derivatives, highlighting their biological properties and discussing how this strategy can lead to the development of innovative antibiotics that can represent either novel weapons against the rampant increase of antimicrobial resistance, or molecules with a broader spectrum of action.

A Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Quantitative Method for Determination of Baricitinib in Plasma, and Its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats

Baricitinib, is a selective and reversible Janus kinase inhibitor, is commonly used to treat adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A fast, reproducible and sensitive method of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the quantification of baricitinib in rat plasma has been developed. Irbersartan was used as the internal standard (IS). Baracitinib and IS were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using a mixture of n-hexane and dichloromethane (1:1) as extracting agent. Chromatographic separation was performed using Acquity UPLC HILIC BEH 1.7 µm 2.1 × 50 mm column with the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 20 mM ammonium acetate (pH 3) (97:3). The electrospray ionization in the positive-mode was used for sample ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Baricitinib and the IS were quantified using precursor-to-production transitions of m/z 372.15 > 251.24 and 429.69 > 207.35 for baricitinib and IS, respectively. The method was validated according to the recent FDA and EMA guidelines for bioanalytical method validation. The lower limit of quantification was 0.2 ng/mL, whereas the intra-day and inter-day accuracies of quality control (QCs) samples were ranged between 85.31% to 89.97% and 87.50% to 88.33%, respectively. Linearity, recovery, precision, and stability parameters were found to be within the acceptable range. The method was applied successfully applied in pilot pharmacokinetic studies.

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.

Injection moulded controlled release amorphous solid dispersions: Synchronized drug and polymer release for robust performance

A study has been carried out to investigate controlled release performance of caplet shaped injection moulded (IM) amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) tablets based on the model drug AZD0837 and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The physical/chemical storage stability and release robustness of the IM tablets were characterized and compared to that of conventional extended release (ER) hydrophilic matrix tablets of the same raw materials and compositions manufactured via direct compression (DC). To gain an improved understanding of the release mechanisms, the dissolution of both the polymer and the drug were studied. Under conditions where the amount of dissolution media was limited, the controlled release ASD IM tablets demonstrated complete and synchronized release of both PEO and AZD0837 whereas the release of AZD0837 was found to be slower and incomplete from conventional direct compressed ER hydrophilic matrix tablets. The results clearly indicated that AZD0837 remained amorphous throughout the dissolution process and was maintained in a supersaturated state and hence kept stable with the aid of the polymeric carrier when released in a synchronized manner. In addition, it was found that the IM tablets were robust to variation in hydrodynamics of the dissolution environment and PEO molecular weight.

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.

Optimization of an azetidine series as inhibitors of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) Type II to lead to the clinical candidate JTE-952

Optimization of novel azetidine compounds, which we had found as colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) Type II inhibitors, provided JTE-952 as a clinical candidate with high cellular activity (IC₅₀ = 20 nM) and good pharmacokinetics profile. JTE-952 was also effective against a mouse collagen-induced model of arthritis (mouse CIA-model). Additionally, the X-ray co-crystal structure of JTE-952 with CSF-1R protein was shown to be a Type II inhibitor, and the kinase panel assay indicated that JTE-952 had high kinase selectivity.

Challenges in the development of an M4 PAM preclinical candidate: The discovery, SAR, and biological characterization of a series of azetidine-derived tertiary amides

Herein we describe the continued optimization of M4 positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) within the 5-amino-thieno[2,3-c]pyridazine series of compounds. In this letter, we disclose our studies on tertiary amides derived from substituted azetidines. This series provided excellent CNS penetration, which had been challenging to consistently achieve in other amide series. Efforts to mitigate high clearance, aided by metabolic softspot analysis, were unsuccessful and precluded this series from further consideration as a preclinical candidate. In the course of this study, we found that potassium tetrafluoroborate salts could be engaged in a tosyl hydrazone reductive cross coupling reaction, a previously unreported transformation, which expands the synthetic utility of the methodology.

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.

Stereoselective Fluorescence Quenching in the Electron Transfer Photooxidation of Nucleobase-Related Azetidines by Cyanoaromatics

Electron transfer involving nucleic acids and their derivatives is an important field in bioorganic chemistry, specifically in connection with its role in the photo-driven DNA damage and repair. Four-membered ring heterocyclic oxetanes and azetidines have been claimed to be the intermediates involved in the repair of DNA (6-4) photoproduct by photolyase. In this context, we examine here the redox properties of the two azetidine isomers obtained from photocycloaddition between 6-aza-1,3-dimethyluracil and cyclohexene. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence experiments using a series of photoreductants and photooxidants have been run to evaluate the efficiency of the electron transfer process. Analysis of the obtained quenching kinetics shows that the azetidine compounds can act as electron donors. Additionally, it appears that the cis isomer is more easily oxidized than its trans counterpart. This result is in agreement with electrochemical studies performed on both azetidine derivatives.

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.

Rockets, radiosensitizers, and RRx-001: an origin story part I

From Adam and Eve, to Darwinism, origin stories attempt to fill in the blanks, connect the dots, and define the turning points that are fundamental to subsequent developments. The purpose of this review is to present the origin story of a one-of-a-kind anticancer agent, RRx-001, which emerged from the aerospace industry as a putative radiosensitizer; not since the dynamite-to-dilator transformation of nitroglycerin in 1878 or the post-World War II explosive-to-elixir conversion of hydralazine, an ingredient in rocket fuel, to an antihypertensive, an antidepressant and an antituberculant, has energetic chemistry been harnessed for therapeutic purposes. This is Part 1 of the radiosensitization story; Parts 2 and 3, which detail the crossover activity of RRx-001 as a chemosensitizer in multiple tumor types and disease states including malaria, hemorrhagic shock and sickle cell anemia, are the subject of future reviews.

Synthesis, Characterization & Screening for Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic Activity of Quinoline Derivatives Bearing Azetidinones Scaffolds

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are clinically used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agents but they have the drawbacks such as gastric irritation and gastric ulceration. Recently, quinoline derivatives have shown significant anti-inflammatory and less ulcerogenic activity. The present study deals with the synthesis and pharmacological assessment of a series of novel quinoline derivatives bearing azetidinones scaffolds as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

METHODS

A series of newer 3-chloro-1-(substituted)-4-(tetrazolo [1,5-a]quinolin-4- yl)azetidin-2-one derivatives (6a-l) was synthesized starting with acetanilide (1). Initially, acetanilide (1) was allowed to react with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent (DMF + POCl3) to form 2- chloro-3-formyl quinoline (2). The 2-chloro-3-formyl quinoline (2) was further treated with p-toluenesulphonic acid and sodium azide which yielded Tetrazolo [1,5-1] quinoline-4- carbaldehyde (3). The reaction of formyl group with various substituted amines (4a-l) formed corresponding Schiff base intermediates (5a-l), which were further allowed to react with chloroacetyl chloride to produce 3-chloro-1-(substituted)-4-(tetrazolo [1,5-a]quinolin-4-yl) azetidin-2-one derivatives (6a-l). The structure of the final analogues (6a-l) has been confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities by using carrageenan induced rat paw model and Eddy's hot plate method respectively.

RESULTS

All the values of elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra were found to be prominent. The anti-inflammatory activity test revealed that 3-chloro-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 4-(tetrazolo[1,5-a] quinolin-4-yl)azetidin-2-one (6b), 3-chloro-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)- 4-(tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinolin-4-yl)azetidin-2-one (6a) exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity as compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study indicate that substitution at quinoline derivatives bearing azetidinones scaffolds showed potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Nrf2 activity as a potential biomarker for the pan-epigenetic anticancer agent, RRx-001

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulatory transcription factor that plays an important role in the antioxidant response pathway against anticancer drug-induced cytotoxic effects. RRx-001 is a new anticancer agent that generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and leads to epigenetic alterations in cancer cells. Here we report the RRx-001 mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the activation of expression of its downstream enzymes HO-1 and NQO1 in tumor cells. Inhibition of intrinsic Nrf2 expression by Nrf2-specific siRNA increased cell sensitivity to RRx-001. Molecular imaging of tumor cells co-expressing pARE-Firefly luciferase and pCMV-Renilla luciferase-mRFP in vitro and in vivo in mice revealed that RRx-001 significantly increased ARE-FLUC signal in cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting that RRx-001 is an effective activator of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway. The pre-treatment level of ARE-FLUC signal in cells, reflecting basal activity of Nrf2, negatively correlated with the tumor response to RRx-001. The results support the concept that RRx-001 activates Nrf2-ARE antioxidant signaling pathways in tumor cells. Hence measurement of Nrf2-mediated activation of downstream target genes through ARE signaling may constitute a useful molecular biomarker for the early prediction of response to RRx-001 treatment, and thereby guide therapeutic decision-making.

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.

Selective ligand behaviors provide new insights into agonist activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are a diverse set of ion channels that are essential to everyday brain function. Contemporary research studies selective activation of individual subtypes of receptors, with the hope of increasing our understanding of behavioral responses and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we aim to expand current binding models to help explain the specificity seen among three activators of α4β2 receptors: sazetidine-A, cytisine, and NS9283. Through mutational analysis, we can interchange the activation profiles of the stoichiometry-selective compounds sazetidine-A and cytisine. In addition, mutations render NS9283--currently identified as a positive allosteric modulator--into an agonist. These results lead to two conclusions: (1) occupation at each primary face of an α subunit is needed to activate the channel and (2) the complementary face of the adjacent subunit dictates the binding ability of the agonist.

Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: ximelagatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor

The oral direct thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran (Exanta, AstraZeneca) is rapidly absorbed, is efficiently bioconverted to the active form, melagatran (AstraZeneca) and has shown efficacy and relative safety as an anticoagulant for prophylaxis and therapy of thromboembolism. Two Phase III trials, Stroke Prevention using an ORal Thrombin Inhibitor in atrial Fibrillation (SPORTIF V), have tested the hypothesis that oral ximelagatran, administered 36 mg twice daily without coagulation monitoring or dose adjustment, prevents stroke and systemic embolism at least as effectively as adjusted-dose warfarin (international normalized ratio, 2.0-3.0) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Both were randomized, multicenter trials (n > 3000 per trial) with blinded end-point assessment. The open-label SPORTIF III trial confirmed the noninferiority of ximelagatran versus warfarin. Publication of the full results from SPORTIF V is pending.

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.

Persistence and degradation of new β-lactam antibiotics in the soil and water environment

The development of new antibiotics with low environmental persistence is of utmost importance in contrasting phenomena of antibiotic resistance. In this study, the persistence of two newly synthesized monocyclic β-lactam antibiotics: (2R)-1-(methylthio)-4-oxoazetidin-2-yl acetate, P1, and (2R,3R)-3-((1R)-1-(tert-butyldimethylsilanyloxy)ethyl)-1-(methylthio)-4-oxoazetidin-2-yl acetate, P2, has been investigated in water in the pH range 3-9 and in two (calcareous and forest) soils, then compared to amoxicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic used in human and veterinary medicine. P1 and P2 persistence in water was lower than that of amoxicillin with only a few exceptions. P1 hydrolysis was catalyzed at an acidic pH whereas P2 hydrolysis takes place at both acidic and alkaline pH values. P1 persistence in soils depended mainly on their water potential (t1/2: 35.0-70.7d at wilting point; <1d at field capacity) whereas for P2 it was shorter and unaffected by soil water content (t1/2 0.13-2.5d). Several degradation products were detected in soils at both water potentials, deriving partly from hydrolytic pathways and partly from microbial transformation. The higher LogKow value for P2 compared with P1 seemingly confers P2 with high permeability to microbial membranes regardless of soil water content. P1 and P2 persistence in soils at wilting point was shorter than that of amoxicillin, whereas it had the same extent at field capacity.

Simultaneous determination of some cholesterol-lowering drugs in their binary mixture by novel spectrophotometric methods

Four simple, specific, accurate and precise spectrophotometric methods manipulating ratio spectra were developed and validated for simultaneous determination of simvastatin (SM) and ezetimibe (EZ) namely; extended ratio subtraction (EXRSM), simultaneous ratio subtraction (SRSM), ratio difference (RDSM) and absorption factor (AFM). The proposed spectrophotometric procedures do not require any preliminary separation step. The accuracy, precision and linearity ranges of the proposed methods were determined, and the methods were validated and the specificity was assessed by analyzing synthetic mixtures containing the cited drugs. The four methods were applied for the determination of the cited drugs in tablets and the obtained results were statistically compared with each other and with those of a reported HPLC method. The comparison showed that there is no significant difference between the proposed methods and the reported method regarding both accuracy and precision.

New formulation approaches to improve solubility and drug release from fixed dose combinations: case examples pioglitazone/glimepiride and ezetimibe/simvastatin

Low aqueous solubility is often a limiting aspect to the bioavailability of poorly soluble, but highly permeable drugs (class II compounds according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System - BCS) administered in single drug products or as fixed dose combinations. The aim of the present series of experiments was to improve the solubility and dissolution of two fixed dose combination formulations (FDC), each consisting of two BCS class II drugs. The first FDC contained a weak acid (glimepiride) and a weak base (pioglitazone), while the second FDC contained two compounds (simvastatin and ezetimibe) that are essentially non-ionised over the physiological pH range. The formulation approaches used were as follows: (a) an inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), (b) a solid dispersion with Soluplus, a new highly water soluble polyvinyl caprolactam - polyvinyl acetate - polyethylene glycol graft copolymer and (c) a ternary inclusion complex with both HP-β-CD and Soluplus. Solid state analysis was performed for the pure drugs, and all formulations using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The in vitro performance of the different formulation approaches, as gauged by solubility and dissolution experiments, was compared with that of the marketed products containing the respective fixed dose combinations, Tandemact 30 mg/4 mg tablets and Inegy 10 mg/40 mg tablets. The FDCs of the pure drugs and the marketed products showed very poor (and especially for pioglitazone, strongly pH-dependent) dissolution. By contrast, all binary and ternary inclusion complexes showed enhanced release for both drugs in the FDC. The ternary inclusion complex generated synergistic improvement in solubility and dissolution results for both FDCs. For example, in pH conditions of the fasted small intestine after a test duration of 240 min, we observed 100% dissolution of both drugs from the ternary pioglitazone/glimepiride (30 mg/4 mg) complex formulation, whereas from the marketed formulation less than 5% pioglitazone, and only 25% glimepiride dissolved. Using the same conditions, 60% ezetimibe and 85% simvastatin dissolved from the ternary ezetimibe/simvastatin (10 mg/40 mg) complex formulation, whereas with less than 5% ezetimibe and 10% simvastatin dissolved after 240 min, the marketed FDC formulation showed poor dissolution. Based on the results of the present study, the bioavailability of both drugs in the fixed dose combination is likely to be increased after oral administration of the new formulations, especially when the fixed dose combination is formulated as a ternary complex consisting of HP-β-CD and Soluplus.

Enantioselective analysis of melagatran via an LSPR biosensor integrated with a microfluidic chip

The impact of chiral compounds on pharmacological and biological processes is well known. With the increasing need for enantiomerically pure compounds, effective strategies for enantioseparation and chiral discrimination are in great demand. Herein we report a simple but efficient approach for the enantioselective determination of chiral compounds based on a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensor integrated with a microfluidic chip. A glass microfluidic chip with an effective volume of ~0.75 μL was fabricated for this application. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) with an aspect ratio of ~2.6 were self-assembled onto the surface of the inner wall of the chip to serve as LSPR transducers, which would translate the analyte binding events into quantitative concentration information. Human α-thrombin was immobilized onto the AuNR surface for enantioselective sensing of the enantiomers of melagatran. The proposed sensor was found to be highly selective for RS-melagatran, while the binding of its enantiomer, SR-melagatran, to the sensor was inactive. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection of this sensor for RS-melagatran was found to be 0.9 nM, whereas the presence of 10,000-fold amounts of SR-melagatran did not interfere with the detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an LSPR-based enantioselective biosensor.

An expeditious route to eight-membered heterocycles by nickel-catalyzed cycloaddition: low-temperature C(sp)2-C(sp)3 bond cleavage

A cool break: 3-Azetidinone and a variety of diynes undergo a cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by Ni/IPr to give dihydroazocine compounds (see scheme; IPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolidene). The reaction involves a challenging C(sp)2-C(sp)3 bond cleavage step, yet, surprisingly, proceeds at low temperature.

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.

Simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate in a tablet formulation by HPLC

An accurate, simple, reproducible, and sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate in a tablet formulation. The analyses were performed on an RP C18 column, 150 x 4.60 mm id, 5 pm particle size. The mobile phase methanol-acetonitrile-water (76 + 13 + 11, v/v/v), was pumped at a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min. UV detection was performed at 253 nm. Retention times of atorvastatin calcium, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate were found to be 2.25, 3.68, and 6.41 min, respectively. The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, and robustness. The response was linear in the range 2-10 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for atorvastatin calcium, 2-10 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for ezetimibe, and 40-120 microg/mL (r2 = 0.998) for fenofibrate. The developed method can be used for routine quality analysis of the drugs in the tablet formulation.

2-Azetidinone--a new profile of various pharmacological activities

2-azetidinone, a β-lactam four member heterocyclic compound involved in research aimed to evaluate new products that possess interesting biological activities. These compounds reported for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Successful introduction of aztreonam as a potent inhibitor of cephalosporinase and ezetimibe as a cholesterol absorption inhibitor proved potential of 2-azetidinone moiety. Subsequently 2-azetidinones were highlighted as a potent mechanism based inhibitor of several enzymes like human tryptase, chymase, thrombin, leukocyte elastase, human cytomegalovirus protease and serine protease enzyme. These derivatives also known to possess antitubercular, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-HIV, antiparkinsonian, antidiabetic and vasopressin V1a antagonist activity. The present review article focuses on the pharmacological profile of 2-azetidinones with their potential activities.

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.

A theoretical study of dihydrogen bonds in small protonated rings: aziridine and azetidine cations

B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations were used to predict some molecular properties of the C2H6N+...BeH2, C2H6N...MgH2, C3H8N...BeH2 and C3H8N+...MgH2 dihydrogen-bonded complexes. In these systems, it was demonstrated that the C2H6N+ and C3H8N+ protonated rings are potential candidates to bind with protonic hydrogens derived from alkaline earth metal compounds, BeH2 and MgH2. In terms of structural parameters and quantification of the dihydrogen bond energies, we should mention that the C2H6N+ three-membered ring provides the formation of stronger bound systems, which are 4.0 kJ mol-1 more stables than C3H8N+ four-membered ones. As complement, the analysis of the infrared spectrum indicated that red-shifts and blue-shifts are occurring in the N-H bonds of both C2H6N+ and C3H8N+ cationic rings. However, these two vibrational shifts were also verified on BeH2 and MgH2, what lead us to affirm that cationic compounds derived from small nitrogen rings and earth alkaline molecules are able to form unusual dihydrogen-bonded complexes by means of distinct spectroscopic phenomena, the red-shits and blue-shifts.

Structural elucidation of a process-related impurity in ezetimibe by LC/MS/MS and NMR

A major process-related impurity associated with the synthesis of ezetimibe was detected by LC-MS. The isolated impurity was found not to have been previously reported. Based on LC/MS/MS studies and accurate mass data, the structure of that impurity was proposed to be 2-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-N,5-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanamide. The postulated structure was unambiguously confirmed with the help of the NMR and IR analyses of a synthetically obtained sample. The chemical shift of the labile proton of that new entity was assigned by a 2D-NOESY NMR experiment. A rationalization for the formation of this impurity is provided.

Preparation, non-isothermal decomposition kinetics, heat capacity and adiabatic time-to-explosion of NTOxDNAZ

NTOxDNAZ was prepared by mixing 3,3-dinitroazetidine (DNAZ) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in ethanol solution. The thermal behavior of the title compound was studied under a non-isothermal condition by DSC and TG/DTG methods. The kinetic parameters were obtained from analysis of the DSC and TG/DTG curves by Kissinger method, Ozawa method, the differential method and the integral method. The main exothermic decomposition reaction mechanism of NTOxDNAZ is classified as chemical reaction, and the kinetic parameters of the reaction are E(a)=149.68 kJ mol(-1) and A=10(15.81)s(-1). The specific heat capacity of the title compound was determined with continuous C(p) mode of microcalorimeter. The standard mole specific heat capacity of NTOxDNAZ was 352.56 J mol(-1)K(-1) in 298.15K. Using the relationship between C(p) and T and the thermal decomposition parameters, the time of the thermal decomposition from initialization to thermal explosion (adiabatic time-to-explosion) was obtained.

Syntheses of carbocyclic uracil polyoxin C analogs: application of Pd(0)/InI-allylation of 4-acetoxy-2-azetidinone

Carbocyclic uracil polyoxin C analogs are prepared from an acylnitroso-derived hetero Diels-Alder cycloadduct in fewer than nine steps. Pd(0)/InI-mediated allylation of 4-acetoxy-2-azetidinone is used to install the beta-amino acid side chain at the C-5' position of the carbocycle.

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.

Preparation and physicochemical characterization of surfactant based solid dispersions of ezetimibe

Solid dispersions of the poorly water-soluble drug ezetimibe were prepared with a surfactant, Pluronic 188 in different ratios and characterized by FTIR, XRD, DSC and dissolution studies. The melting method was employed to prepare the solid dispersions whereas a physical mixture (1:3) was prepared by co-grinding the individual components in a mortar. Physical studies demonstrated a significant reduction in crystallinity with a possibility of presence of amorphous character of drug in the solid dispersions of ezetimibe. Among all binary systems studied, the 1:3 proportion of ezetimibe: Pluronic 188 showed fastest dissolution rate (DE90: 73.38% +/- 3.95) suggesting optimum ratio of the surfactant used.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR): effort towards blocking N-glucuronidation of indazoles (PF-03376056) by human UGT1A enzymes

GyrATPase is a cellular enzyme that has been used as an antibacterial target for treatment of nosocomial and community acquired bacterial infections. The leading chemical series targeted at inhibiting this enzyme, indazoles, were rapidly cleared in rats (CL > 70 mL/min/kg). The predominant metabolite identified in both urine and bile samples from a bile duct-cannulated study corresponded to direct glucuronidation of the parent compound and was excreted rapidly. Subsequently, a carefully designed analog was used to pinpoint the site of glucuronidation (N-glucuronidation) by incubation with rat hepatocytes and followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Reaction mapping with an array of recombinant UGT isozymes revealed that N-glucuronidation was predominantly catalyzed by the UGT1A family of enzymes. Based on the results, the following approaches were considered to reduce or eliminate glucuronidation: 1) adding sterically hindered substitutions on the phenyl ring of the indazole core; 2) changing the electron distribution by substituting with electron-donating or -withdrawing groups; 3) replacing the site of glucuronidation. The resulted compounds were evaluated in vitro in rat hepatocytes to assess their metabolic stabilities followed by in vivo efficacy studies in the murine peritonitis sepsis model (at 50 mg/kg) for selected compounds.

Spectroscopic characterization of the 1-substituted 3,3-diphenyl-4-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)azetidin-2-ones: application of (13)C NMR, (1)H-(13)C COSY NMR and mass spectroscopy

The article deals with spectroscopic characterization of azetidin-2-ones. The presence of substituents like hydroxyl, fluoro, methoxy and benzhydryl, etc., on the azetidin-2-one ring significantly affects the IR absorption and (13)C NMR frequencies of the carbonyl group present in these compounds. The presence of an ester carbonyl group or too many methine protons in the molecule has been observed to limit the scope of IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy in unambiguous assignment of the structure. The application of (13)C NMR, 2D NMR ((1)H-(13)C COSY) and mass spectroscopy in characterization of complex azetidin-2-ones is discussed. An application of the latter two techniques is described in deciding unequivocally between an azetidin-2-one ring and chroman-2-one ring structure for the product obtained by treatment of the 1-substituted 3,3-diphenyl-4-[2'-(O-diphenylacyl)hydroxyphenyl]-2-azetidinones with ethanolic sodium hydroxide at room temperature.

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.