The proof of concept of 2-{3-[N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl]amino}-6-[N-methyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]-4-phenylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile for the therapy of neuropathic pain.

In the search for new small molecules for the therapy of neuropathic pain, we found that 2-{3-[N-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl]amino}-6-[N-methyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]-4-phenylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (12) induced a robust antiallodynic effect in capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia, a behavioural model of central sensitization, through σ1R antagonism. Furthermore, administration of compound 12 to neuropathic animals, fully reversed mechanical allodynia, increasing its mechanical threshold to levels that were not significantly different from those found in paclitaxel-vehicle treated mice or from basal levels before neuropathy was induced. Ligand 12 is thus a promising hit-compound for the therapy of neuropathic pain.

Organoseleno-Catalyzed Synthesis of α,ß-Unsaturated α'-Alkoxy Ketones from Allenes Enabled by Se···O Interactions.

α,ß-Unsaturated α'-alkoxy ketones have been prepared under mild conditions from allenes using water as the oxygen source and without the necessity of metals. The organocatalytic oxygenation-rearrangement sequence displays an exquisite chemo-, stereo-, and site-selectivity as well as good functional group compatibility. DFT calculations suggest that stabilizing noncovalent Se···O interactions may be responsible for the observed reactivity.