Bimetallic Synergy Enables Silole Insertion into THF and the Synthesis of Erbium Single-Molecule Magnets.

The potassium silole K2 [SiC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Ph2 ] reacts with [M(η8 -COT)(THF)4 ][BPh4 ] (M=Er, Y; COT=cyclo-octatetraenyl) in THF to give products that feature unprecedented insertion of the nucleophilic silicon centre into a carbon-oxygen bond of THF. The structure of the major product, [(µ-η8 : η8 -COT)M(µ-L1 )K]∞ (1M ), consists of polymeric chains of sandwich complexes, where the spiro-bicyclic silapyran ligand [C4 H8 OSiC4 (SiMe3 )2 Ph2 ]2- (L1 ) coordinates to potassium via the oxygen. The minor product [(µ-η8 : η8 -COT)M(µ-L1 )K(THF)]2 (2M ) features coordination of the silapyran to the rare-earth metal. In forming 1M and 2M , silole insertion into THF only occurs in the presence of potassium and the rare-earth metal, highlighting the importance of bimetallic synergy. The lower nucleophilicity of germanium(II) leads to contrasting reactivity of the potassium germole K2 [GeC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Me2 ] towards [M(η8 -COT)(THF)4 ][BPh4 ], with intact transfer of the germole occurring to give the coordination polymers [{η5 -GeC4 (SiMe3 )2 Me2 }M(η8 -COT)K]∞ (3M ). Despite the differences in reactivity induced by the group 14 heteroatom, the single-molecule magnet properties of 1Er , 2Er and 3Er are similar, with thermally activated relaxation occurring via the first-excited Kramers doublet, subject to effective energy barriers of 122, 80 and 91 cm-1 , respectively. Compound 1Er is also analysed by high-frequency dynamic magnetic susceptibility measurements up to 106  Hz.

Dynamic Magnetic Properties of Germole-ligated Lanthanide Sandwich Complexes.

The first germole-ligated single-molecule magnets are reported, with contrasting properties found for the near-linear sandwich complexes [(η8 -COT)Ln(η5 -CpGe ]- , where Ln=Dy (1Dy ) or Er (1Er ), COT is cyclo-octatetraenyl and CpGe is [GeC4 -2,5-(SiMe3 )2 -3,4-Me2 ]2- . Whereas 1Er has an energy barrier of 120(1) cm-1 in zero applied field and open hysteresis loops up to 10 K, the relaxation in 1Dy is characterized by quantum tunneling within the ground state.

Molecular Magnetic Materials Based on {CoIII (Tp*)(CN)3 }- Cyanidometallate: Combined Magnetic, Structural and 59 Co NMR Study.

The cyanidocobaltate of formula fac-PPh4 [CoIII (Me2 Tp)(CN)3 ] ⋅ CH3 CN (1) has been used as a metalloligand to prepare polynuclear magnetic complexes (Me2 Tp=hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)borate). The association of 1 with in situ prepared [FeII (bik)2 (MeCN)2 ](OTf)2 (bik=bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone) leads to a molecular square of formula {[CoIII {(Me2 Tp)}(CN)3 ]2 [FeII (bik)2 ]2 }(OTf)2 ⋅ 4MeCN ⋅ 2H2 O (2), whereas the self-assembly of 1 with preformed cluster [CoII 2 (OH2 )(piv)4 (Hpiv)4 ] in MeCN leads to the two-dimensional network of formula {[CoII 2 (piv)3 ]2 [CoIII (Me2 Tp)(CN)3 ]2 ⋅ 2CH3 CN}∞ (3). These compounds were structurally characterized via single crystal X-ray analysis and their spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-Vis and 59 Co NMR) properties and magnetic behaviours were also investigated. Bulk magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 is diamagnetic and 3 is paramagnetic throughout the explored temperature range, whereas 2 exhibits sharp spin transition centered at ca. 292 K. Compound 2 also exhibits photomagnetic effects at low temperature, selective light irradiations allowing to promote reversibly and repeatedly low-spin⇔high-spin conversion. Besides, the diamagnetic nature of the Co(III) building block allows us studying these compounds by means of 59 Co NMR spectroscopy. Herein, a 59 Co chemical shift has been used as a magnetic probe to corroborate experimental magnetic data obtained from bulk magnetic susceptibility measurements. An influence of the magnetic state of the neighbouring atoms is observed on the 59 Co NMR signals. Moreover, for the very first time, 59 Co NMR technique has been successfully introduced to investigate molecular materials with distinct magnetic properties.

Vapor-Phase Infiltration inside a Microporous Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Framework for Postsynthesis Modification.

Vapor-phase infiltration (VPI), a technique derived from atomic layer deposition (ALD) and based on sequential self-limiting chemistry, is used to modify the stable microporous porphyrin-based metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-173(Zr). VPI is an appealing approach to modifying MOFs by inserting reactants with atomic precision. The microporous nature and chemical stability of MIL-173 enable postsynthesis modification by VPI without MOF degradation even with extremely reactive precursors such as trimethylaluminum (TMA) and diethylzinc (DEZ). VPI proceeds through the diffusion of gaseous organometallic reactants TMA and DEZ inside the microporous framework, where they react with two kinds of chemical sites offered by the porphyrinic linker (phenolic and pyrrolic functions in the porphyrin core), without altering the crystallinity and permanent porosity of the MOF. 27Al NMR, UV-vis absorption, and IR spectroscopies are used to further characterize the modified material. Physisorption of both precursors is computationally simulated by grand canonical Monte Carlo methods and outlines the preferential adsorption sites. The impact of temperature, number of VPI cycles, and pulse length are investigated and show that aluminum and zinc are introduced in a saturating manner inside the MOF on both available reactive sites. The porosity prerequisite is outlined for VPI, which is proven to be much more effective than classical solution-based methods because it is solventless and fast, prevents workup steps, and allows reactions not possible by the classical solution approach.

Probing the Local Magnetic Structure of the [FeIII (Tp)(CN)3 ]- Building Block Via Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy, Polarized Neutron Diffraction, and First-Principle Calculations.

The local magnetic structure in the [FeIII (Tp)(CN)3 ]- building block was investigated by combining paramagnetic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (pNMR) spectroscopy and polarized neutron diffraction (PND) with first-principle calculations. The use of the pNMR and PND experimental techniques revealed the extension of spin-density from the metal to the ligands, as well as the different spin mechanisms that take place in the cyanido ligands: Spin-polarization on the carbon atoms and spin-delocalization on the nitrogen atoms. The results of our combined density functional theory (DFT) and multireference calculations were found in good agreement with the PND results and the experimental NMR chemical shifts. Moreover, the ab-initio calculations allowed us to connect the experimental spin-density map characterized by PND and the suggested distribution of the spin-density on the ligands observed by NMR spectroscopy. Interestingly, significant differences were observed between the pseudo-contact contributions of the chemical shifts obtained by theoretical calculations and the values derived from NMR spectroscopy using a simple point-dipole model. These discrepancies underline the limitation of the point-dipole model and the need for more elaborate approaches to break down the experimental pNMR chemical shifts into contact and pseudo-contact contributions.

Discovery and evaluation of novel FAAH inhibitors in neuropathic pain model.

Conceptual design and modification of urea moiety in chemotype PF-3845/04457845, the bench marking irreversible inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), led to discovery of a novel nicotinamide-based lead 12a having reversible mechanism of action. Focused SAR around the pyridine heterocycle (Ar) in 12a (Tables 1 and 2) resulted into four shortlisted compounds, (-)-12a, (-)-12i, (-)-12l-m. The required (-)-enantiomers were obtained via diastereomeric resolution of a novel chiral dissymmetric intermediate 15. Based on comparative profile of FAAH potency, metabolic stability in liver microsome, liability of inhibiting major hCYP450 isoforms, rat PK, and brain penetration ability, two SAR optimized compounds, (-)-12l and (-)-12m, were selected for efficacy study in rat model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Both the compounds exhibited dose related antihyperalgesic effects, when treated with 3-30 mg/kg po for 7 days. The effects at 30 mg/kg are comparable to that of PF-04457845 (10 mg/kg) and Tramadol (40 mg/kg).

A Redox-Active Bridging Ligand to Promote Spin Delocalization, High-Spin Complexes, and Magnetic Multi-Switchability.

A dinuclear CoII complex, [Co2 (tphz)(tpy)2 ]n+ (n=4, 3 or 2; tphz: tetrapyridophenazine; tpy: terpyridine), has been assembled using the redox-active and strongly complexing tphz bridging ligand. The magnetic properties of this complex can be tuned from spin-crossover with T1/2 ≈470 K for the pristine compound (n=4) to single-molecule magnet with an ST =5/2 spin ground state when once reduced (n=3) to finally a diamagnetic species when twice reduced (n=2). The two successive and reversible reductions are concomitant with an increase of the spin delocalization within the complex, promoting remarkably large magnetic exchange couplings and high-spin species even at room temperature.

Discovery and evaluation of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine based selective and reversible small molecule BTK inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

In a pursuit to identify reversible and selective BTK inhibitors, two series based on 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine and 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine as the hinge binding core, have been identified. Structure activity relationship (SAR) exploration led to identification of two advanced lead molecules, 11 and 13, which demonstrated desired BTK inhibitory potency in different cellular assays, excellent selectivity in a panel of 50 diverse kinases, favorable in vivo PK properties in mice and anti-arthritic effect in a mouse model of CIA.

Rational design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 5-amino-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid derivatives as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors.

A series of novel amino-carboxylic based pyrazole as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors were designed on the basis of structure-based pharmacophore model and molecular docking. Compounds containing different hydrophobic tail (1,2-diphenyl ethanone, oxdiadizole and dibenzyl amines) were synthesized and evaluated in PTP1B enzymatic assay. Structure-activity relationship based optimization resulted in identification of several potent, metabolically stable and cell permeable PTP1B inhibitors.

Modifications of flexible nonyl chain and nucleobase head group of (+)-erythro-9-(2's-hydroxy-3's-nonyl)adenine [(+)-EHNA] as adenosine deaminase inhibitors.

A series of terminal nonyl chain and nucleobase modified analogues of (+)-EHNA (III) were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit adenosine deaminase (ADA). The constrained carbon analogues of (+)-EHNA, 7a-7h, 10a-c, 12, 13, 14 and 17a-c appeared very potent with Ki values in the low nanomolar range. Thio-analogues of (+)-EHNA 24a-e wherein 5'C of nonyl chain replaced by sulfur atom found to be less potent compared to (+)-EHNA. Docking of the representative compounds into the active site of ADA was performed to understand structure-activity relationships. Compounds 7a (Ki: 1.1nM) 7b (Ki: 5.2nM) and 26a (Ki: 5.9nM) showed suitable balance of potency, microsomal stability and demonstrated better pharmacokinetic properties as compared to (+)-EHNA and therefore may have therapeutic potential for various inflammatory diseases, hypertension and cancer.

Design and synthesis of novel, potent and selective hypoxanthine analogs as adenosine A1 receptor antagonists and their biological evaluation.

Multipronged approach was used to synthesize a library of diverse C-8 cyclopentyl hypoxanthine analogs from a common intermediate III. Several potent and selective compounds were identified and evaluated for pharmacokinetic (PK) properties in Wistar rats. One of the compounds 14 with acceptable PK parameters was selected for testing in in vivo primary acute diuresis model. The compound demonstrated significant diuretic activity in this model.

Expanding the horizons of porphyrin metal-organic frameworks via catecholate coordination: exploring structural diversity, material stability and redox properties.

Porphyrin based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have generated high interest because of their unique combination of light absorption, electron transfer and guest adsorption/desorption properties. In this study, we expand the range of available MOF materials by focusing on the seldom studied porphyrin ligand H10TcatPP, functionalized with tetracatecholate coordinating groups. A systematic evaluation of its reactivity with M(iii) cations (Al, Fe, and In) led to the synthesis and isolation of three novel MOF phases. Through a comprehensive characterization approach involving single crystal and powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) in combination with the local information gained from spectroscopic techniques, we elucidated the structural features of the solids, which are all based on different inorganic secondary building units (SBUs). All the synthesized MOFs demonstrate an accessible porosity, with one of them presenting mesopores and the highest reported surface area to date for a porphyrin catecholate MOF (>2000 m2 g-1). Eventually, the redox activity of these solids was investigated in a half-cell vs. Li with the aim of evaluating their potential as electrode positive materials for electrochemical energy storage. One of the solids displayed reversibility during cycling at a rather high potential (∼3.4 V vs. Li+/Li), confirming the interest of redox active phenolate ligands for applications involving electron transfer. Our findings expand the library of porphyrin-based MOFs and highlight the potential of phenolate ligands for advancing the field of MOFs for energy storage materials.

Discovery of novel and potent heterocyclic carboxylic acid derivatives as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors.

A series of novel heterocyclic carboxylic acid based protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors with hydrophobic tail have been synthesized and characterized. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) optimization resulted in identification of several potent, selective (over the highly homologous T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase, TCPTP) and metabolically stable PTP1B inhibitors. Compounds 7a, 19a and 19c showed favorable cell permeability and pharmacokinetic properties in mouse with moderate to very good oral (% F=13-70) bio-availability.

Discovery of pyrazole carboxylic acids as potent inhibitors of rat long chain L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase.

Long chain L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase 2 (Hao2) is a peroxisomal enzyme expressed in the kidney and the liver. Hao2 was identified as a candidate gene for blood pressure (BP) quantitative trait locus (QTL) but the identity of its physiological substrate and its role in vivo remains largely unknown. To define a pharmacological role of this gene product, we report the development of selective inhibitors of Hao2. We identified pyrazole carboxylic acid hits 1 and 2 from screening of a compound library. Lead optimization of these hits led to the discovery of 15-XV and 15-XXXII as potent and selective inhibitors of rat Hao2. This report details the structure activity relationship of the pyrazole carboxylic acids as specific inhibitors of Hao2.

Investigating the vapour phase synthesis of copper terephthalate metal organic framework thin films by atomic/molecular layer deposition.

Solventless synthesis and processing of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is critical to implement these materials in applied technologies. Vapour phase synthesis of MOF thin films is particularly suitable for such applications, but challenging compared to the conventional solution based methods. It is therefore compelling to advance and widen the vapour phase synthesis of MOF thin films. Crystalline copper terephthalate MOF thin films are grown in the vapour phase by means of atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) on different kinds of substrates. Expanding from the pioneering work, the formation of the 3D phase is clearly evidenced for the first time and the adaptability of the process to several kinds of substrates is revealed. A directional film growth is observed at the early stage of the ALD/MLD process leading to oriented MOF crystallites on a surface, when isotropical growth proceeds with the increasing number of ALD/MLD cycles. Notably, this study primarily demonstrates a heteroepitaxial growth achievable in the vapour phase by using DMOF-1 single crystals as the starting surface with a lattice matching topology. Such an approach offers an appealing pathway to develop MOF on MOF superlattice materials in the vapour phase.

Discovery of a potent and selective small molecule hGPR91 antagonist.

GPR91, a 7TM G-Protein-Coupled Receptor, has been recently deorphanized with succinic acid as its endogenous ligand. Current literature indicates that GPR91 plays role in various pathophysiology including renal hypertension, autoimmune disease and retinal angiogenesis. Starting from a small molecule high-throughput screening hit 1 (hGPR91 IC(50): 0.8 µM)-originally synthesized in Merck for Bradykinin B(1) Receptor (BK(1)R) program, systematic structure-activity relationship study led us to discover potent and selective hGPR91 antagonists e.g. 2c, 4c, and 5 g (IC(50): 7-35 nM; >1000 fold selective against hGPR99, a closest related GPCR; >100 fold selective in Drug Matrix screening). This initial work also led to identification of two structurally distinct and orally bio-available lead compounds: 5g (%F: 26) and 7e (IC(50): 180 nM; >100 fold selective against hGPR99; %F: 87). A rat pharmacodynamic assay was developed to characterize the antagonists in vivo using succinate induced increase in blood pressure. Using two representative antagonists, 2c and 4c, the GPR91 target engagement was subsequently demonstrated using the designed pharmacodynamic assay.

Porphyrin and phthalocyanine-based metal organic frameworks beyond metal-carboxylates.

Given the ubiquitous role of porphyrins in natural systems, these molecules and related derivatives such as phthalocyanines are fascinating building units to achieve functional porous materials. Porphyrin-based MOFs have been developed over the past three decades, yet chemically robust frameworks, necessary for applications, have been achieved much more recently and this field is expanding. This progress is partially driven by the development of porphyrins and phthalocyanines bearing alternative coordinating groups (phosphonate, azolates, phenolates…) that allowed moving the related MOFs beyond metal-carboxylates and achieving new topologies and properties. In this perspective article we first give a brief outline of the synthetic pathways towards simple porphyrins and phthalocyanines bearing these complexing groups. The related MOF compounds are then described; their structural and textural properties are discussed, as well as their stability and physical properties. An overview of the resulting nets and topologies is proposed, showing both the similarities with metal-carboxylate phases and the peculiarities related to the alternative coordinating groups. Eventually, the opportunities offered by this recent research topic, in terms of both synthesis pathways and modulation of pore size and shape, stability and physical properties, are discussed.

Thermally-Induced Spin Crossover and LIESST Effect in the Neutral [FeII(Mebik)2(NCX)2] Complexes: Variable-Temperature Structural, Magnetic, and Optical Studies (X = S, Se; Mebik = bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone).

Two new iron(II) neutral complexes of bis(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)ketone (Mebik) with molecular formula [FeII(Mebik)2(NCS)2] (1) and [FeII(Mebik)2(NCSe)2] (2) have been synthesized and characterized by magnetic measurements, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and solid state UV-vis spectroscopy. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of crystalline samples of both compound show the occurrence of a gradual spin transition centered at T1/2 = 260 K and 326 K, respectively. The crystal structures of both compounds were determined at different temperatures, below and above the transition, in order to detect the structural changes associated with the spin transition. The main structural modifications, when passing from the low-spin to the high-spin form, consist of an important lengthening of the Fe-N(Mebik) and Fe-N (C-S/Se) distances (by ca. 0.20 and 0.18 Å, respectively) and a noticeable variation of the N-Fe-N angles, leading to a more distorted [Fe-N6] octahedron. The spin-transition phenomenon also affects the optical properties, with significant decrease of the intensity of the Metal-to-Ligand charge transfer band upon increasing the temperature. Finally, both complexes exhibit a light-induced excited spin-state trapping under laser light irradiation at low temperature. DFT calculations were also carried out on these complexes in order to rationalize the theoretically predicted magnetic and optical behavior with those of the experimental one. The results clearly highlights the dramatic alteration of the magneto-structural behavior of the tris-chelate [FeII(Mebik)3]2+ spin-crossover complex upon substituting one Mebik with NCS and NCSe ligands.

Discovery of Potent and Selective A2A Antagonists with Efficacy in Animal Models of Parkinson's Disease and Depression.

Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAdoR) antagonism is a nondopaminergic approach to Parkinson's disease treatment that is under development. Earlier we had reported the therapeutic potential of 7-methoxy-4-morpholino-benzothiazole derivatives as A2AAdoR antagonists. We herein described a novel series of [1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-f]purin-2-one derivatives that displays functional antagonism of the A2A receptor with a high degree of selectivity over A1, A2B, and A3 receptors. Compounds from this new scaffold resulted in the discovery of highly potent, selective, stable, and moderate brain penetrating compound 33. Compound 33 endowed with satisfactory in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetics properties. Compound 33 demonstrated robust oral efficacies in two commonly used models of Parkinson's disease (haloperidol-induced catalepsy and 6-OHDA lesioned rat models) and depression (TST and FST mice models).

Discovery of liver-directed glucokinase activator having anti-hyperglycemic effect without hypoglycemia.

Glucokinase activators (GKAs) are among the emerging drug candidates for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite effective blood glucose lowering in clinical trials, many pan-GKAs "acting both in pancreas and liver" have been discontinued from clinical development mainly because of their potential to cause hypoglycemia. Pan-GKAs over sensitize pancreatic GK, resulting in insulin secretion even at sub-normoglycemic level which might be a possible explanation for hypoglycemia. An alternative approach to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia is to use liver-directed GKAs, which are reported to be advancing well in clinical development. Here, we report the discovery and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on a novel 2-phenoxy-acetamide series with the aim of identifying a liver-directed GKA. Incorporation of a carboxylic acid moiety as an active hepatocyte uptake recognizing element at appropriate position of 2-phenoxy-acetamide core led to the identification of 26, a potent GKA with predominant liver-directed pharmacokinetics in mice. Compound 26 on oral administration significantly reduced blood glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) performed in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, while showing no sign of hypoglycemia in normal C57 mice over a 10-fold dose range, even when dosed at fasted condition. Together, these data demonstrate a liver-directed GKA has beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis with reduced risk of hypoglycemia.