Synthesis, Structure and Biological Evaluations of Zn(II) Pincer Complexes Based on S-Triazine Type Chelator.

2,4-bis (3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine (BPMT) pincer ligand was used to synthesize the new [Zn(BPMT)(NCS)2] (1) and [Zn(BPMT)(Br)2] (2) complexes by a reaction with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O in the presence of either KSCN or KBr, respectively. The structure of complex 1 has been exclusively confirmed using single crystal X-ray diffraction. In this neutral heteroleptic complex, the BPMT is a pincer chelate coordinating the Zn(II) ion via three interactions with the two pyrazole moieties and the s-triazine core. Hence, BPMT is a tridentate NNN-chelate. The coordination environment of Zn(II) is completed by two strong interactions with two terminal SCN- ions via the N-atom. Hence, the Zn(II) is penta-coordinated with a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry. Hirshfeld analysis indicated the predominance of H…H, H…C and N…H intermolecular interactions. Additionally, the S…H, S…C and S…N contacts are the most significant. The free ligand has no or weak antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities while the studied Zn(II) complexes showed interesting biological activity. Complex 1 has excellent antibacterial activity against B. subtilis (2.4 µg/mL) and P. vulgaris (4.8 µg/mL) compared to Gentamycin (4.8 µg/mL). Additionally, complex 1 (78.09 ± 4.23 µg/mL) has better antioxidant activity than 2 (365.60 ± 20.89 µg/mL). In addition, complex 1 (43.86 ± 3.12 µg/mL) and 2 (30.23 ± 1.26 µg/mL) have 8 and 12 times the anticancer activity of the free BPMT ligand (372.79 ± 13.64 µg/mL).

Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Biological Studies of New Self-Assembled Cu(II) Complexes Derived from s-Triazine Schiff Base Ligand.

The two ligands 2-(1-(2-(4,6-dimorpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)aniline (DMAT) and 2-(1-(2-(4,6-dimorpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)hydrazono)ethyl)phenol (DMOHT) were used to synthesize three heteroleptic Cu(II) complexes via a self-assembly technique. The structure of the newly synthesized complexes was characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to be [Cu(DMAT)(H2O)(NO3)]NO3.C2H5OH (1), [Cu(DMOT)(CH3COO)] (2) and [Cu(DMOT)(NO3)] (3). X-ray single-crystal structure of complex 1 revealed a hexa-coordinated Cu(II) ion with one DMAT as a neutral tridentate NNN-chelate, one bidentate nitrate group and one water molecule. In the case of complex 2, the Cu(II) is tetra-coordinated with one DMOT as an anionic tridentate NNO-chelate and one monodentate acetate group. The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities of the studied compounds were examined. Complex 1 had the best anticancer activity against the lung carcinoma A-549 cell line (IC50 = 5.94 ± 0.58 µM) when compared to cis-platin (25.01 ±2.29 µM). The selectivity index (SI) of complex 1 was the highest (6.34) when compared with the free ligands (1.3-1.8), and complexes 2 (0.72) and 3 (2.97). The results suggested that, among those compounds studied, complex 1 is the most promising anticancer agent against the lung carcinoma A-549 cell line. In addition, complex 1 had the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 13.34 ± 0.58 µg/mL) which was found to be comparable to the standard ascorbic acid (IC50 = 10.62 ± 0.84 µg/mL). Additionally, complex 2 showedbroad-spectrum antimicrobial action against the microbes studied. The results revealed it to possess the strongest action of all the three complexes against B. subtilis. The MIC values found are 39.06, 39.06 and 78.125 µg/mL for complexes 1-3, respectively.

A New Pt(II) Complex with Anionic s-Triazine Based NNO-Donor Ligand: Synthesis, X-ray Structure, Hirshfeld Analysis and DFT Studies.

The reaction of PtCl2 with s-triazine-type ligand (HTriaz) (1:1) in acetone under heating afforded a new [Pt(Triaz)Cl] complex. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the ligand (HTriaz) is an NNO tridentate chelate via two N-atoms from the s-triazine and hydrazone moieties and one oxygen from the deprotonated phenolic OH. The coordination environment of the Pt(II) is completed by one Cl-1 ion trans to the Pt-N(hydrazone). Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most dominant interactions are the H···H, H···C and O···H intermolecular contacts. These interactions contributed by 60.9, 11.2 and 8.3% from the whole fingerprint area, respectively. Other minor contributions from the Cl···H, C···N, N···H and C···C contacts were also detected. Among these interactions, the most significant contacts are the O···H, H···C and H···H interactions. The amounts of the electron transfer from the ligand groups to Pt(II) metal center were predicted using NBO calculations. Additionally, the electronic spectra were assigned based on the TD-DFT calculations.

Syntheses and Structural Investigations of Penta-Coordinated Co(II) Complexes with Bis-Pyrazolo-S-Triazine Pincer Ligands, and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities.

Two penta-coordinated [Co(MorphBPT)Cl2]; 1 and [Co(PipBPT)Cl2]; 2 complexes with the bis-pyrazolyl-s-triazine pincer ligands MorphBPT and PipBPT were synthesized and characterized. Both MorphBPT and PipBPT act as NNN-tridentate pincer chelates coordinating the Co(II) center with one short Co-N(s-triazine) and two longer Co-N(pyrazole) bonds. The coordination number of Co(II) is five in both complexes, and the geometry around Co(II) ion is a distorted square pyramidal in 1, while 2 shows more distortion. In both complexes, the packing is dominated by Cl…H, C-H…π, and Cl…C (anion-π stacking) interactions in addition to O…H interactions, which are found only in 1. The UV-Vis spectral band at 564 nm was assigned to metal-ligand charge transfer transitions based on TD-DFT calculations. Complexes 1 and 2 showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to the respective free ligand MorphBPT and PipBPT, which were not active. MIC values indicated that 2 had better activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, and P. vulgaris than 1. DPPH free radical scavenging assay revealed that all the studied compounds showed weak to moderate antioxidant activity where the nature of the substituent at the s-triazine core has a significant impact on the antioxidant activity.

s-Triazine: A Privileged Structure for Drug Discovery and Bioconjugation.

This review provides an overview of the broad applicability of s-triazine. Our many years working with this intriguing moiety allow us to discuss its wide activity spectrum (inhibition against MAO-A and -B, anticancer/antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity, antibacterial activity against MDR clinical isolates, antileishmanial agent, and use as drug nano delivery system). Most of the compounds addressed in our studies and those performed by other groups contain only N-substitution. Exploiting the concept of orthogonal chemoselectivity, first described by our group, we have successfully incorporated different nucleophiles in different orders into s-triazine core for application in peptides/proteins at a temperature compatible with biological systems.

Straightforward Regio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Intermolecular Interactions and Mechanistic Study of Spirooxindole-Engrafted Rhodanine Analogs.

Straightforward regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of bi-spirooxindole-engrafted rhodanine analogs 5a-d were achieved by one-pot multicomponent [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of stabilized azomethine ylide (AYs 3a-d) generated in situ by condensation of L-thioproline and 6-chloro-isatin with (E)-2-(5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)acetamide. The bi-spirooxindole-engrafted rhodanine analogs were constructed with excellent diastereo- and regioselectivity along with high chemical yield. X-ray crystallographic investigations for hybrid 5a revealed the presence of four contiguous stereocenters related to C11, C12, C19 and C22 of the spiro structure. Hirshfeld calculations indicated the presence of many short intermolecular contacts such as Cl...C, S...S, S...H, O...H, N...H, H...C, C...C and H...H interactions. These contacts played a very important role in the crystal stability. The polar nature of the 32CA reaction was studied by analysis of the conceptual DFT reactivity indices. Theoretical study of this 32CA reaction indicated that it takes place through a non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism associated with the nucleophilic attack of AY 3a to the electrophilic ethylene derivative.

The Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effect of a Novel Synthesized S-Triazine Dipeptide Series, and Toxicity Screening in Zebrafish Embryos.

Several derivatives containing morpholine/piperidine, anilines, and dipeptides as pending moieties were prepared using s-triazine as a scaffold. These compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), a colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), and a non-tumorigenic cell line (HEK 293). Tamoxifen was used as a reference. Animal toxicity tests were carried out in zebrafish embryos. Most of these compounds showed a higher activity against breast cancer than colon cancer. Compound 3a-which contains morpholine, aniline, and glycylglycinate methyl ester-showed a high level of cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of less than 1 µM. This compound showed a much lower level of toxicity against the non-tumorigenic HEK-293 cell line, and in the in vivo studies using zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, it induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. On the basis of our results, 3a emerges as a potential candidate for further development as a therapeutic drug to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Exploiting azido-dichloro-triazine as a linker for regioselective incorporation of peptides through their N, O, S functional groups.

In the field of bioconjugation, linker development has witnessed massive growth in recent years. 2,4,6-Trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) is a tridentate linker that can accommodate three distinct nucleophiles. Herein, the reaction of azido triazine derivatives with nucleophiles (amine, thiol and phenol) is studied. The replacement of first chlorine was performed at 0 °C while that of the last chlorine was achieved successfully at rt. As a proof of concept of this strategy with potential application in biological studies, pentapeptides (Ac-XGGFL-NH2 where X = Lys or Tyr or Cys) were reacted with 2-azido-4,6-dichlorotriazine to replace the first and second chlorine at 0 °C and at rt, respectively. The reactivity of 2-azido-4,6-dichlorotriazine was found to be similar for the α and ε amine group present in same peptide. These findings demonstrate the applicability of 2-azido-4,6-dichlorotriazine as a linker with potential further application in bioconjugation.

Di- and tri-substituted s-triazine derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, anticancer activity in human breast-cancer cell lines, and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos.

Here we report on a small library based on a 4-aminobenzonitile-s-triazine moiety. We used a straightforward orthogonal synthetic pathway to prepare di- and tri-substituted s-triazine derivatives, whose basic structure was modified. The newly synthesized compounds were fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. They showed strong anticancer activity against two human breast cancer cell lines (MIDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), with IC50 values less than 1 µM. These s-triazine compounds were generally more selective towards hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 than the triple negative MDA-MB-231 cell line. Zebrafish embryos were used to test the developmental toxicity of the target compounds in vivo. The phenotype of embryos treated with the derivatives resembled that of those treated with estrogen disruptors. This observation strongly supports the notion that that these compounds induce their anticancer activity in human breast cancer cells via targeting the estrogen and progesterone receptors.

A class of carbonic anhydrase IX/XII - selective carboxylate inhibitors.

A small series of 2,4-dioxothiazolidinyl acetic acids was prepared from thiourea, chloroacetic acid, aromatic aldehydes, and ethyl-2-bromoacetate. They were assayed for the inhibition of four physiologically relevant carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms of human (h) origin, the cytosolic hCA I and II, and the transmembrane hCA IX and XII, involved among others in tumorigenesis (hCA IX and XII) and glaucoma (hCA II and XII). The two cytosolic isoforms were not inhibited by these carboxylates, which were also rather ineffective as hCA IX inhibitors. On the other hand, they showed submicromolar hCA XII inhibition, with KIs in the range of 0.30-0.93 µM, making them highly CA XII-selective inhibitors.

Synthesis and characterisation of thiobarbituric acid enamine derivatives, and evaluation of their α-glucosidase inhibitory and anti-glycation activity.

A new series of thiobarbituric (thiopyrimidine trione) enamine derivatives and its analogues barbituric acid derivatives was synthesised, characterised, and screen for in vitro evaluation of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and anti-glycation activity. This series of compounds were found to inhibit α-glucosidase activity in a reversible mixed-type manner with IC50 between 264.07 ± 1.87 and 448.63 ± 2.46 µM. Molecular docking studies indicated that compounds of 3g, 3i, 3j, and 5 are located close to the active site of α-glucosidase, which may cover the active pocket, thereby inhibiting the binding of the substrate to the enzyme. Thiopyrimidine trione derivatives also inhibited the generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which cause long-term complications in diabetes. While, compounds 3a-k, 5, and 6 showed significant to moderate anti-glycation activity (IC50 = 31.5 ± 0.81 to 554.76 ± 9.1 µM).

Fe(III) Complexes Based on Mono- and Bis-pyrazolyl-s-triazine Ligands: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Hirshfeld, and Antimicrobial Evaluations.

The self-assembly of iron(III) chloride with three pyrazolyl-s-triazine ligands, namely 2,4-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-(piperidin-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (PipBPT), 4-(4,6-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)morpholine (MorphBPT), and 4,4'-(6-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl)dimorpholine (bisMorphPT) afforded [Fe(PipBPT)Cl2][FeCl4] (1), [Fe(MorphBPT)Cl2][FeCl4] (2), and [H(bisMorphPT)][FeCl4]. bisMorphPT.2H2O (3), respectively, in good yield. In complexes 1 and 2, the Fe(III) is pentacoordinated with three Fe-N interactions from the pincer ligand and two coordinated chloride anions in the inner sphere, and FeCl4¯ in the outer sphere. Complex 3 is comprised of one protonated ligand as cationic part, one FeCl4¯ anion, and one neutral bisMorphPT molecule in addition to two crystallized water molecules. Analysis of molecular packing using Hirshfeld calculations indicated that H…H and Cl…H are the most important in the molecular packing. They comprised 40.1% and 37.4%, respectively in 1 and 32.4% and 37.8%, respectively in 2. Complex 1 exhibited the most bioactivity against the tested microbes while 3 had the lowest bioactivity. The bisMorphPT and MorphBPT were inactive towards the tested microbes while PipBPT was active. As a whole, the Fe(III) complexes have enhanced antibacterial and antifungal activities as compared to the free ligands.

Synthesis, Anti-proliferative Activity, and Molecular Docking Study of New Series of 1,3-5-Triazine Schiff Base Derivatives.

Based on the use of s-triazine as a scaffold, we report here a new series of s-triazine Schiff base derivatives and their anti-proliferative activity against two cancer cell lines: human breast carcinoma (MCF-7), and colon cancer (HCT-116) compared with tamoxifen as a reference compound. Several derivatives exhibited growth inhibition activity in the sub-micromolar range. The results reveal that the s-triazine Schiff base derivatives showed varied activities and that the substituents on the s-triazine core have a great effect on the anti-proliferative activity. Compounds with a piperidino and benzylamino substituent on the s-triazine moiety 4b and 4c were most effective in both cell lines compared to the reference compound used. In addition, compound 4b has a para chlorine atom on the benzylidine residue, demonstrating the most potent activity with IC50 values of 3.29 and 3.64 µM in MCF-7 and HCT-116, respectively. These results indicate that in general, the nature of the substituents on the triazine core and the type of substituent on the benzilyldene ring significantly influenced the anti-proliferative activity. The results obtained from the anti-proliferative activity and the molecular docking study indicate that s-triazine-hydrazone derivatives may be an excellent scaffold for the development of new anti-cancer agents.

Synthesis and Characterization of New Series of 1,3-5-Triazine Hydrazone Derivatives with Promising Antiproliferative Activity.

A new series of s-triazine hydrazone derivatives was prepared based on the reaction of 6-hydrazino-2,4-disubstituted-s-triazine with p-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives using a straightforward synthetic pathway. The antiproliferative activity of all synthesized compounds was evaluated against two human cancer cell lines; breast cancer MCF-7 and colon carcinoma HCT-116 using MTT assay. Among all, 11 compounds have shown strong to moderate antiproliferative activity with IC50 values in the range 1.01-18.20 µM in MCF-7 and 0.97-19.51 µM in HCT-116. The best results were obtained with 4,4'-(6-(2-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)hydrazinyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl) dimorpholine 11 (IC50 = 1.0 µM and 0.98 µM in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cell lines, respectively). The substituents on the s-triazine core as well as the substituent at the benzylidene moiety have a great effect on the antiproliferative activity. Whereas compounds containing dimorpholino-s-triazine derivatives 8a-e showed more potent antiproliferative in MCF-7 compared to their analogs 7a-f (compounds containing two-piperidine rings), compounds containing one piperidine and one morpholine ring 9a-f showed better IC50 values in the range 10.4-22.2 µM. On the other hand, compounds containing two-piperidine rings 7a-f showed more potent antiproliferative in HCT-116 (IC50 values in the range 8.8-19.5 µM) than their analogs 8a-e and 9a-f.

Design and synthesis of mono-and di-pyrazolyl-s-triazine derivatives, their anticancer profile in human cancer cell lines, and in vivo toxicity in zebrafish embryos.

s-Triazine is considered a privileged structure, as it is found in several FDA-approved drugs. In the framework of our ongoing medicinal chemistry project based on the use of s-triazine as a scaffold, we synthesized a series of mono- and di-pyrazolyl-s-triazine derivatives and tested them against four human cancer cell lines, namely Human breast carcinoma (MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), colorectal carcinoma (LoVo), and leukemia (K562). The cell viability assay revealed that most of the s-triazine compounds induced cytotoxicity in all four types of human cancer cell lines, however, compounds 4a, and 6g, both of them have a piperidine moiety in their structure were most effective. These two compounds affected the cell viability of cancer cells, with IC50 values within the range between 5 to 9 µM. The cell cycle analysis showed that 4a and 6g induced S and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in K562 cells. This could be the mechanism by which these molecules induced cytotoxicity in tested cancer cells. The prepared compounds were tested in zebrafish embryos to evaluate in vivo and developmental toxicity of the pyrazolyl-s-triazine derivatives in animals. None of the derivatives were lethal in the concentration range tested.

A Simple, Efficient, and Eco-Friendly Method for the Preparation of 3-Substituted-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one Derivatives.

A simple, cost-effective method under environmentally benign conditions is a very important concept for the preparation of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives. The present work describes an efficient and eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of 2-amino-N-(2-substituted-ethyl)benzamide and 3-substituted-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives. The novel feature of this protocol is the use of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) as an eco-friendly alternative solvent to tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the first step. In the second step, methanol in the presence of potassium carbonate as a catalyst was used under conventional heating or microwave irradiation, which provided an eco-friendly method to afford the target products in excellent yields and purities. NMR (1H and 13C), elemental analysis, and LC-MS confirmed the structures of all compounds. X-ray crystallography further confirmed the structure of the intermediate 2-amino-N-(2-substituted-ethyl)benzamide 3a. The molecular structure of 3a was monoclinic crystal, with P21/c, a = 13.6879 (11) Å, b = 10.2118 (9) Å, c = 9.7884 (9) Å, ß = 105.068 (7)°, V = 1321.2 (2) Å3, and Z = 4.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of a New Series of Thiazolidine-2,4-diones Carboxamide and Amino Acid Derivatives.

Novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione carboxamide and amino acid derivatives were synthesized in excellent yield using OxymaPure/N,N'-diisopropylcarbodimide coupling methodology and were characterized by chromatographic and spectrometric methods, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity of these derivatives was evaluated against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis), two-Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and one fungal isolate (Candida albicans). Interestingly, several samples demonstrated weak to moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, as well as antifungal activity. However, only one compound namely, 2-(5-(3-methoxybenzylidene)-2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acid, showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly S. aureus.

N-methylation in amino acids and peptides: Scope and limitations.

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be divided into two types, namely chemical and biological entities. Traditionally, the former has been associated with the so-called small molecules. The revival of peptides in pharmaceutical industry results from their importance in many biological roles. However, low metabolic stability and the lack of oral availability of most peptides is the main drawback for peptide to fulfill that paradigmatic situation. In this regard, efforts are being channeled into addressing this issue by introducing restrictions into the flexible peptide backbone, mainly through N-methyl amino acids (NMAAs) or development of small cyclic peptides. In many cases, both the above restrictions are combined with the aim to enhance oral availability. The synthesis of NMAAs is complex and their introduction into the peptide chain brings additional synthetic challenges and also sometimes leads to side-reactions. Here we discuss the most efficient methods for the synthesis of NMAAs (either in solution or in solid phase) and also their introduction into peptide sequences. Special attention is also given to the detection of side reactions and the most efficient way to prevent them.

Formation of Nα-terminal 2-dialkyl amino oxazoles from guanidinated derivatives under mild conditions.

Oxazole-containing peptides are an important class of molecules in medicinal chemistry programs. Here we describe a convenient solid-phase synthesis of Nα-terminal oxazole peptides. The strategy took advantage of an intramolecular rearrangement side reaction that occurred during the guanidination of the Nα-amino function of a peptide still anchored on the solid-support. The substitution map of the N,N-dialkylamino oxazole obtained using this strategy differed completely from the one achieved through the heterocyclization of the Ser or Thr side chain with the preceding carbonyl group, which is a common approach for the preparation of these compounds. This unexpected reaction was observed with N-terminal aromatic and aliphatic amino acids that have a Gly as the last before residue in both short as well as long peptides; however, it does not form the oxazole ring if Gly was substituted with other amino acids.

Teixobactin as a scaffold for unlimited new antimicrobial peptides: SAR study.

It looks that a new era of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) started with the discovery of teixobactin, which is a "head to side-chain" cyclodepsipeptide. It was isolated from a soil gram-negative b-proteobacteria by means of a revolutionary technique. Since there, several groups have developed synthetic strategies for efficient synthesis of this peptide and its analogues as well. Herein, all chemistries reported as well as the biological activity of the analogues are analyzed. Finally, some inputs regarding new trends for the next generation of analogues are discussed.