Oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxaline-type selective inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3α (GSK-3α): Development and impact on temozolomide treatment of glioblastoma cells.

The 2-(3-pyridyl)oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxalines CD-07 and FL-291 are ATP-competitive GSK-3 kinase inhibitors. Here, we investigated the impact of FL-291 on neuroblastoma cell viability and showed that treatment at 10 µM (i.e. ∼500 times the IC50 against the GSK-3 isoforms) has no significant effect on the viability of NSC-34 motoneuron-like cells. A study performed on primary neurons (non-cancer cells) led to similar results. The structures co-crystallized with GSK-3ß revealed similar binding modes for FL-291 and CD-07, with their hinge-oriented planar tricyclic system. Both GSK isoforms show the same orientations for the amino acids at the binding pocket except for Phe130 (α) and Phe67 (ß), leading to a larger pocket on the opposite side of the hinge region for the α isoform. Calculations of the thermodynamic properties of the binding pockets highlighted the required features of potential ligands; these should have a hydrophobic core (which could be larger in the case of GSK-3ß) surrounded by polar areas (a little more polar in the case of GSK-3α). A library of 27 analogs of FL-291 and CD-07 was thus designed and synthesized by taking advantage of this hypothesis. While the introduction of substituents at different positions of the pyridine ring, the replacement of the pyridine by other heterocyclic moieties, or the replacement of the quinoxaline ring by a quinoline moiety did not lead to any improvement, the replacement of the N-(thio)morpholino of FL-291/CD-07 by a slightly more polar N-thiazolidino led to a significant result. Indeed, the new inhibitor MH-124 showed clear selectivity for the α isoform, with IC50 values of 17 nM and 239 nM on GSK-3α and GSK-3ß, respectively. Finally, the efficacy of MH-124 was evaluated on two glioblastoma cell lines. Although MH-124 alone did not have a significant impact on cell survival, its addition to temozolomide (TMZ) significantly reduced the TMZ IC50 values on the cells tested. The use of the Bliss model allowed a synergy to be evidenced at certain concentrations.

Synthesis of Polysubstituted Ferrocenesulfoxides.

The purpose of the study is to design synthetic methodologies, especially directed deprotometalation using polar organometallic reagents, to access polysubstituted ferrocenesulfoxides. From enantiopure 2-substituted (SiMe3, PPh2) S-tert-butylferrocenesulfoxides, a third substituent was first introduced at the 5 position (SiMe3, I, D, C(OH)Ph2, Me, PPh2, CH2NMe2, F) and removal of the trimethylsilyl group then afforded 2-substituted ferrocenesulfoxides unreachable otherwise. Attempts to apply the "halogen dance" reaction to the ferrocenesulfoxide series led to unexpected results although rationalized in light of calculated pKa values. Further functionalizations were also possible. Thus, new enantiopure, planar chiral di- and trisubstituted ferrocenes have been obtained, in addition to several original 2-substituted, 2,3- and 2,5-disubstituted, 2,3,5-trisubstituted and even 2,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted ferrocenesulfoxides, also enantiopure.

Functionalization of 9-thioxanthone at the 1-position: From arylamino derivatives to [1]benzo(thio)pyrano[4,3,2-de]benzothieno[2,3-b]quinolines of biological interest.

Original 1-amino substituted thioxanthone derivatives were easily prepared from the bare heterocycle by a deprotometalation-iodolysis-copper-catalyzed CN bond formation sequence. This last reaction delivered mono- or/and diarylated products depending on the aniline involved. 1-Amino-9-thioxanthone was also prepared and reacted with 2-iodoheterocycles. Interestingly, while 1-(arylamino)-9-thioxanthones could be isolated, their subsequent cyclization was found to deliver original hexacyclic derivatives of helicoidal nature. Evaluation of their photophysical properties revealed high fluorescence in polar media, indicating potential applications for biological imaging. These compounds being able to inhibit PIM1 kinase, their putative binding mode was examined through molecular modeling experiments. Altogether, these results tend to suggest the discovery of a new family of fluorescent PIM inhibitors and pave the way for their future rational optimization.

From ferrocene to fluorine-containing penta-substituted derivatives and all points in-between; or, how to increase the available chemical space.

In spite of the growing interest in fluorine-containing compounds, and the improvements in materials, optical and biological properties that can arise from substitution of a phenyl ring by ferrocene within a molecular scaffold, synthetic strategies that allow the efficient preparation of fluoroferrocene derivatives are scarce. Following conversion of ferrocene to fluoroferrocene, we have developed routes to fluorine-containing di-, tri-, tetra- and penta-substituted ferrocene derivatives to extend the available chemical space. Our approach is based on the identification of suitable reagents and conditions to achieve fluorine-directed deprotometalation, and exploitation of the halogen 'dance' rearrangement in the ferrocene series.

From simple quinoxalines to potent oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxaline inhibitors of glycogen-synthase kinase 3 (GSK3).

2,7-Disubstituted oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxalines were synthesized from 6-amino-2-chloroquinoxaline in four steps (iodination at C5, substitution of the chloro group, amidation and copper-catalysed cyclization) affording 28 to 44% overall yields. 2,8-Disubstituted oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxaline was similarly obtained from 6-amino-3-chloroquinoxaline (39% overall yield). For the synthesis of other oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxalines, amidation was rather performed before substitution; moreover, time-consuming purification steps were avoided between the amines and the final products (38 to 54% overall yields). Finally, a more efficient method involving merging of the last two steps in a sequential process was developed to access more derivatives (37 to 65% overall yields). Most of the oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxalines were evaluated for their activity on a panel of protein kinases, and a few 2,8-disubstituted derivatives proved to inhibit GSK3 kinase. While experiments showed an ATP-competitive inhibition on GSK3ß, structure-activity relationships allowed us to identify 2-(3-pyridyl)-8-(thiomorpholino)oxazolo[5,4-f]quinoxaline as the most potent inhibitor with an IC50 value of about 5 nM on GSK3α.

Deprotonative Metalation of Methoxy-Substituted Arenes Using Lithium 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidide: Experimental and Computational Study.

The reaction pathways of lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (LiTMP)-mediated deprotonative metalation of methoxy-substituted arenes were investigated. Importantly, it was experimentally observed that, whereas TMEDA has no effect on the course of the reactions, the presence of more than the stoichiometric amount of LiCl is deleterious, in particular without an in situ trap. These effects were corroborated by the DFT calculations. The reaction mechanisms, such as the structure of the active species in the deprotonation event, the reaction pathways by each postulated LiTMP complex, the stabilization effects by in situ trapping using zinc species, and some kinetic interpretation, are discussed herein.

Stereocontrolled organocatalytic synthesis of prostaglandin PGF2α in seven steps.

Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemical messengers that regulate a broad range of physiological activities, including blood circulation, digestion and reproduction. Their biological activities and their complex molecular architectures have made prostaglandins popular targets for synthetic organic chemists for over 40 years. Prostaglandin analogues are widely used as pharmaceuticals and some, such as latanoprost, which is used to treat glaucoma, have become billion-dollar drugs. Previously reported syntheses of these compounds are quite lengthy, and every chemical step costs time and energy, generates waste and is accompanied by material losses. Using a new bond disconnection, here we report a concise synthesis of the most complex prostaglandin, PGF2α, with high levels of control of relative and absolute stereochemistry, and fewer steps. The key step is an aldol cascade reaction of succinaldehyde using proline organocatalysis to create a bicyclic enal in one step and an enantiomeric excess of 98%. This intermediate bicyclic enal is fully primed with the appropriate functionality for attachment of the remaining groups. Access to this bicyclic enal will not only render existing prostaglandin-based drugs more affordable, but will also facilitate the rapid exploration of related chemical structures around the ubiquitous five-membered ring motif, such as potentially therapeutic prostaglandin analogues.

Interactions of cyclodextrins and their derivatives with toxic organophosphorus compounds.

The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current use of cyclodextrins against organophosphorus compound intoxications. Organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents play a determinant role in the inhibition of cholinesterases. The cyclic structure of cyclodextrins and their toroidal shape are perfectly suitable to design new chemical scavengers able to trap and hydrolyze the organophosphorus compounds before they reach their biological target.

Catalytic chemical amide synthesis at room temperature: one more step toward peptide synthesis.

An efficient method has been developed for direct amide bond synthesis between carboxylic acids and amines via (2-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)phenyl)boronic acid as a highly active bench-stable catalyst. This catalyst was found to be very effective at room temperature for a large range of substrates with slightly higher temperatures required for challenging ones. This methodology can be applied to aliphatic, α-hydroxyl, aromatic, and heteroaromatic acids as well as primary, secondary, heterocyclic, and even functionalized amines. Notably, N-Boc-protected amino acids were successfully coupled in good yields with very little racemization. An example of catalytic dipeptide synthesis is reported.

Enantioselective synthesis of putative lipiarmycin aglycon related to fidaxomicin/tiacumicin†B.

An enantioselective synthesis of a putative lipiarmycin aglycon was accomplished and features: 1) Brown's enantioselective alkoxyallylboration and allylation of aldehydes, 2) chain elongation by iterative Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons olefination, 3) Evans' aldol reaction and 4) an ene-diene ring-closing metathesis. A neighboring-group-assisted chemoselective reductive desilylation was uncovered in this study and was instrumental to the realization of the present synthesis.

An easy route to (hetero)arylboronic acids.

An unprecedented spontaneous reactivity between diazonium salts and diboronic acid has been unveiled, leading to a versatile arylboronic acid synthesis directly from (hetero)arylamines. This fast reaction (35 min overall) tolerates a wide range of functional groups and is carried out under very mild conditions. The radical nature of the reaction mechanism has been investigated.

Sequential one-pot access to molecular diversity through aniline aqueous borylation.

On the basis of our recently reported aniline aqueous borylation, molecular diversity was achieved in a one-pot process by combining other reactions such as esterification, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, hydrogenolysis, or Petasis borono-Mannich.

From natural product to marketed drug: the tiacumicin odyssey.

The first members of the tiacumicin family of antibiotics, encompassing more than 40 compounds, were isolated in 1975. Structurally, the core aglycon is an 18-membered macrolactone having two conjugated diene units, one isolated double bond, 5 stereogenic centers and most often, at least one glycosidic linkage. Tiacumicin B, a RNA synthesis inhibitor, is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic against clostridia. For the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), it has the same cure rate as vancomycin but with lower relapse rate and was approved by the FDA in May 2011. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the chemistry and biology of tiacumicins since their discovery.

Ferrocene catalyzed redox-neutral difunctionalization of alkenes using cycloketone oxime esters: access to distal imido-nitriles.

A novel ferrocene-catalyzed cyanoalkyl-imidation of aryl alkenes utilizing cycloketone oxime esters in MeCN under redox-neutral conditions is described. In this three-component reaction, the cycloketone oxime ester is employed as a bifunctional reagent, enabling easy access to diverse distal imido-nitriles with 100% atomic utilization. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the ferrocene-ferrocenium catalytic cycle is responsible for the deconstructive functionalization of cycloketone oxime esters.

From ferrocene to decasubstituted enantiopure ferrocene-1,1'-disulfoxide derivatives.

The functionalization of (R,R)-S,S'-di-tert-butylferrocene-1,1'-disulfoxide by deprotolithiation-electrophilic trapping sequences was studied towards polysubstituted, enantiopure derivatives for which the properties were determined. While the 2,2'-disubstituted ferrocene derivatives were obtained as expected, subsequent functionalization of the 2,2'-di(phenylthio) and 2,2'-bis(trimethylsilyl) derivatives occurred primarily at the 4- or 4,4'-positions. This unusual regioselectivity was discussed in detail in light of pKa values and structural data. The less sterically hindered 2,2'-difluorinated derivative yielded the expected 1,1',2,2',3,3'-hexasubstituted ferrocenes by the deprotometallation-trapping sequence. Further functionalization proved possible, leading to early examples of 1,1',2,2',3,3',4,4'-octa, nona and even decasubstituted ferrocenes. Some of the newly prepared ferrocene-1,1'-disulfoxides were tested as ligands for enantioselective catalysis and their electrochemical properties were investigated.

Enantiopure ferrocene-1,2-disulfoxides: synthesis and reactivity.

The rational use of directed deprotometallation, sulfur oxidation and sulfoxide/lithium exchange allowed the synthesis of enantiopure ferrocene-1,2-disulfoxide derivatives. Not only do they represent the first members of this original family, but some of them have shown promise as ligands in rhodium-catalysed conjugate addition.

Bisphosphonylallenes as Suitable Scaffolds for Unprecedented 4,5-Diphosphonyldihydropyridazines and 3,4-Diphosphonylpyrroles Displaying Antimelanoma Activity.

An efficient and simple approach has been developed for the synthesis of unprecedented 4,5-diphosphonyldihydropyridazines and 3,4-diphosphonylpyrroles, through the condensation of bisphosphonylallenes with hydrazines and primary amines, respectively. The reactions proceed under operationally simple, mild, and catalyst-free conditions, for a wide substrate scope. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antiproliferative activity against melanoma cancer cells, and they showed promising growth inhibition.

The chemistry of ferrocenesulfonyl fluoride revealed.

The first general route toward polysubstituted ferrocenesulfonyl fluorides is described. Merging deprotometallations, 'halogen dance' reaction, Sonogashira, Suzuki-Miyaura and Negishi cross-couplings with SuFEx chemistry allowed original ferrocenes of an unprecedented diversity to be obtained.

From ferrocene to 1,2,3,4,5-pentafluoroferrocene: halogen effect on the properties of metallocene.

The sequentially fluorinated ferrocenes (1-, 1,2-di, 1,2,3-tri, 1,2,3,4-tetra and 1,2,3,4,5-pentafluoroferrocene) have been synthesized from ferrocene. Rather than a 'perfluoro' effect, experimental and computational analysis of the complete series robustly demonstrates a linear additive effect of fluorine on the electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of ferrocene.

Ugi-post functionalization, from a single set of ugi-adducts to two distinct heterocycles by microwave-assisted palladium-catalyzed cyclizations: tuning the reaction pathways by ligand switch.

Linear amides 4, prepared in one step by the Ugi four-component reaction, were converted to 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-3-ones (5) or to 2-(2-oxoindolin-1-yl)acetamides (6) dependent on the catalytic conditions. While microwave irradiation was found to be determinant on the reaction efficiency, the choice of ligand diverged the reaction pathways. Heating a solution of 4 in dioxane/MeCN (v/v = 85/15) under microwave irradiation conditions in the presence of Pd(dba)(2) (0.05 equiv) and Cs(2)CO(3) (2 equiv), using XPhos as a supporting ligand, afforded the 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-3-ones (5) via an intramolecular N-arylation of the secondary amide. On the other hand, using BINAP as ligand under otherwise identical conditions, intramolecular alpha-CH arylation of tertiary amide occurred to furnish the oxindoles (6).