Tricyclic Triazoles as σ1 Receptor Antagonists for Treating Pain.

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of 5a,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-4H,6H-pyrrolo[3,4-b][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]oxazine derivatives as potent sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) ligands are reported. A lead optimization program aimed at improving the aqueous solubility of parent racemic nonpolar derivatives led to the identification of several σ1R antagonists with a good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in vitro profile, no off-target affinities, and characterized by a low basic pKa (around 5) that correlates with high exposure levels in rodents. Two compounds displaying a differential brain-to-plasma ratio distribution profile, 12lR and 12qS, exhibited a good analgesic profile and were selected as preclinical candidates for the treatment of pain.

Bicyclic Diazepinones as Dual Ligands of the α2δ-1 Subunit of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and the Norepinephrine Transporter.

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of bicyclic diazepinones with dual activity toward the α2δ-1 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (Cavα2δ-1) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) are reported. Exploration of the positions amenable for substitution on a nonaminoacidic Cavα2δ-1 scaffold allowed the identification of favorable positions for the attachment of NET pharmacophores. Among the patterns explored, attachment of the 2-ethylamino-9-methyl-6-phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-e][1,4]diazepin-5-one framework to the meta-position of the phenyl ring of the 3-methylamino-1-phenylpropoxy and 3-methylamino-1-thiophenylpropoxy moieties provided dual compounds with excellent NET functionality. Alternative bicyclic frameworks were also explored, and some lead molecules were identified, which showed a balanced dual profile and exhibited good ADMET properties.

Ni-catalyzed reduction of inert C-O bonds: a new strategy for using aryl ethers as easily removable directing groups.

An efficient Ni-catalyzed protocol for the reductive cleavage of inert C-O bonds has been developed. The method is characterized by its simplicity and wide scope, thereby allowing the use of aryl ethers as easily removable directing groups in organic synthesis.

Pd-catalyzed intramolecular acylation of aryl bromides via C-H functionalization: a highly efficient synthesis of benzocyclobutenones.

A new catalyst system for the intramolecular acylation of aldehydes with aryl bromides via C-H functionalization is described. The transformation is distinguished by a remarkable functional group tolerance and hence allows for the synthesis of a wide variety of highly functionalized benzocyclobutenones with a diverse set of substitution patterns from simple and easily accessible precursors.

Stereoselective synthesis of the published structure of feigrisolide A. Structural revision of feigrisolides A and B.

The total synthesis of the proposed structure of feigrisolide A is reported. Ethyl (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate was the chiral starting material. A Brown asymmetric allylation and an Evans aldol reaction were key steps of the synthesis. The NMR data of the synthetic product are different from those of the natural product. The published structure of feigrisolide A is therefore erroneous. A subsequent comparison of spectral data strongly suggests that feigrisolides A and B are identical with (-)-nonactic acid and (+)-homononactic acid, respectively.

Synthesis and structure of [(Sn(mu-PCy))3(Na x PMDETA)2], containing an electron-deficient [(Sn(mu-PCy))3]2- dianion.

The reaction of CyPHNa with Sn(NMe2)2 in the presence of PMDETA (= (Me2NCH2CH2)2NMe) gives the title compound [(Sn(mu-PCy))3(Na x PMDETA)2] (1), containing an electron-deficient [(Sn(mu-PCy))]3(2-) dianion with a novel two-electron, three centre (2e-3c) bonding arrangement.