New Biocompatible ß-Phosphorylated Linear Nitrones Targeting Mitochondria: Protective Effect in Apoptotic Cells.

The mitochondrion, an essential organelle involved in cellular respiration, energy production, and cell death, is the main cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide. Mitochondrial diseases resulting from uncontrolled/excess ROS generation are an emerging public health concern and there is current interest in specific mitochondriotropic probes to get information on in-situ ROS production. As such, nitrones vectorized by the triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation have recently drawn attention despite reported cytotoxicity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of 13 low-toxic derivatives of N-benzylidene-1-diethoxyphosphoryl-1-methylethylamine N-oxide (PPN) alkyl chain-grafted to a pyridinium, triethylammonium or berberinium lipophilic cation. These nitrones showed in-vitro superoxide quenching activity and EPR/spin-trapping efficiency towards biologically relevant free radicals, including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Their mitochondrial penetration was confirmed by 31 P NMR spectroscopy, and their anti-apoptotic properties were assessed in Schwann cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. Two pyridinium-substituted PPNs were identified as potentially better alternatives to TPP nitrones conjugates for studying mitochondrial oxidative damage.

Studies on cyclization reactions of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid derivatives.

A number of cyclic derivatives of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid are known in the literature but they are often prepared from other cyclic precursors. This study showed that the title compound too may serve as a convenient substrate for cyclization reactions. Using orthogonally-protected linear derivatives, regioselective cyclizations were performed, leading to original and highly-functionalized γ-lactones, oxazolidinones, oxazolines and aziridines. In these reactions a key role was played by the C3 nitrogen group function, while the C2 alcohol function showed no propensity for participation in cyclization reactions.

Reversal of Diastereoselectivity in a Masked Acyl Cyanide (MAC) Reaction: Synthesis of Protected erythro-ß-Hydroxyaspartate Derivatives.

Using Garner's aldehyde as a substrate, one-pot MAC hydroxyhomologation reactions proceeded in good yields and with anti selectivity for the first time (dr up to 9:1). The products were used to prepare a panel of protected derivatives of erythro-ß-hydroxyaspartic acid and erythro-ß-hydroxyasparagine as single enantiomers in a few steps.