Access to 1H-indazoles, 1H-benzoindazoles and 1H-azaindazoles from (het)aryl azides: a one-pot Staudinger-aza-Wittig reaction leading to N-N bond formation?

The synthesis of various substituted 1H-indazoles is reported through N-N bond formation from an iminophosphorane derivative. Supported by control experiments, an original Staudinger-aza-Wittig tandem mechanism is proposed for this transformation.

Three successive and regiocontroled palladium cross-coupling reactions to easily synthesize novel series of 2,4,6-tris(het)aryl pyrido[1',2':1,5]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines.

The first access to tris(het)arylated pyrido[1',2':1,5]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives is reported. The series were generated from 4-chloroaminopyridinium, which afforded the key intermediate bearing three leaving groups, i.e. a C-2 methylsulfanyl, a lactame carbonyl group in C-4 and a chlorine atom in C-6. The regioselective reactions led to the tris(het)aryl derivatives with satisfying to high yields. The three successive cross-coupling reactions occurred first in C-6 by the displacement of chlorine, next in C-4 position by a sequential Pd-catalyzed phosphonium coupling and finally in C-2 under a Pd/Cu-catalyzed desulfitative cross-coupling reaction. The optimization and scope of each reaction are discussed and the original compounds characterized.

Metal Free Formation of Various 3-Iodo-1H-pyrrolo[3',2':4,5]imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines and [1,2-b]Pyridazines and Their Further Functionalization.

3-iodo-1H-pyrrolo[3',2':4,5]imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines and [1,2-b]pyridazines were prepared following Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé MCR combined with I2-promoted electrophilic cyclization. The flexibility of the method enables the introduction of diversity in the 2, 5, 6, and 7 positions on the resulting scaffold using commercially available starting materials. Furthermore, subsequent palladium-catalyzed reactions were successfully achieved using our iodinated derivatives.

Recent advances in the chemistry and biology of pyridopyrimidines.

The interest in pyridopyrimidine cores for pharmaceutical products makes this scaffold a highly useful building block for organic chemistry. These derivatives have found applications in various areas of medicine such as anticancer, CNS, fungicidal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial therapies. This review mainly focuses on the progress achieved since 2004 in the chemistry and biological activity of pyridopyrimidines.

Pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral profile of JB-788, a new 5-HT1A agonist.

A novel pyridine derivative, 8-{4-[(6-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]pyridine-3-ylmethyl)-amino]-butyl}-8-aza-spiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione hydrochloride, termed JB-788, was designed to selectively target 5-HT(1A) receptors. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of JB-788 was characterized in vitro using radioligands binding tests and in vivo using neurochemical and behavioural experiments. JB-788 bound tightly to human 5-HT(1A) receptor expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells with a K(i) value of 0.8 nM. Its binding affinity is in the same range as that observed for the (+/-)8-OH-DPAT, a reference 5HT(1A) agonist compound. Notably, JB-788 only bound weakly to 5-HT(1B) or 5-HT(2A) receptors and moreover the drug displayed only weak or indetectable binding to muscarinic, alpha(2), beta(1) and beta(2) adrenergic receptors, or dopaminergic D(1) receptors. JB-788 was found to display substantial binding affinity for dopaminergic D(2) receptors and, to a lesser extend to alpha(1) adrenoreceptors. JB-788 dose-dependently decreased forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation in HEK cells expressing human 5-HT(1A), thus acting as a potent 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist (E(max.) 75%, EC(50) 3.5 nM). JB-788 did not exhibit any D(2) receptor agonism but progressively inhibited the effects of quinpirole, a D(2) receptor agonist, in the cAMP accumulation test with a K(i) value of 250 nM. JB-788 induced a weak change in cAMP levels in mouse brain but, like some antipsychotics, transiently increased glycogen contents in various brain regions. Behavioral effects were investigated in mice using the elevated plus-maze. JB-788 was found to increase the time duration spent by animals in anxiogenic situations. Locomotor hyperactivity induced by methamphetamine in mouse, a model of antipsychotic activity, was dose-dependently inhibited by JB-788. Altogether, these results suggest that JB-788 displays pharmacological properties, which could be of interest in the area of anxiolytic and antipsychotic drugs.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-(7-indazolyl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives as potent cell cycle inhibitors.

We herein describe a new synthesis of N-(7-indazolyl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives. These compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities toward L1210 murine leukemia cells. One of them, 4-methoxy-N-(3-chloro-7-indazolyl)benzenesulfonamide, was identified as the most potent with an IC(50) of 0.44 microM.

Enantioselective synthesis of 2- and 3-substituted 2,3-dihydro[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives and enantiomeric purity control by capillary electrophoresis.

A rapid and simple procedure for enantioselective preparation of 2- and 3-substituted 2,3-dihydro[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives (A and B, respectively) is described. The enantiomeric purity of each isomer was determined by capillary electrophoresis using a dual-cyclodextrin system (S-beta-CD/beta-CD) dissolved in formic acid-ammonia buffer (pH 4, ionic strength 50 mM).

Aggressive behavior induced by the steroid sulfatase inhibitor COUMATE and by DHEAS in CBA/H mice.

The steroid sulfatase enzyme (STS) regulates the formation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) from dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS). DHEAS is a well-known negative allosteric modulator of the GABA(A) receptor-gated chloride channels. It is classified as an excitatory neurosteroid. The implication of GABA(A) receptor activity in aggressive behavior in rodents is well-documented. In addition a genetic correlation between STS level in the liver and aggressive behavior across 12 strains of mice suggest that STS activity could be involved in aggression in mice. We assessed herein whether COUMATE (an STS inhibitor) and DHEAS modulate aggression in CBA/H mice. We hypothesized that inhibiting STS activity in vivo followed by DHEAS injections which increase the level of sulfated steroid that cross the blood-brain barrier and then modulate neurotransmitter receptors could modify the attack behavior in mice. COUMATE (10 mg/kg) was administrated p.o. alone or in combination with the neurosteroid DHEAS (0-50 mg/kg) i.p. Animals were thereafter tested for aggression. A single dose of COUMATE significantly inhibited STS activity both in the brain (70.57%) and in the liver (87%) 24 h following administration. Behavioral tests showed that the inhibitor and DHEAS enhanced aggressive behavior when animals were simultaneously subjected to both molecules. These results confirm the correlation between aggressive behavior and STS concentration in mice. In addition, we confirm that the steroid metabolism can modulate the behavior in rodents.

A novel series of 2,6,7-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin and 2,6,7-substituted 1,4-benzodioxin derivatives as lipid peroxidation inhibitors. Structure-activity relationships for high inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein peroxidation.

A series of 6- or 7-substituted 2-carboxamido- or 2-(aminomethyl)-1,4-benzodioxin and -2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated to determine the necessary structural requirements for a high inhibition of human low-density lipoprotein copper-induced peroxidation. The most active compounds (21, 25, 28, 36, and 37) were found between 5 and >45 times more active than probucol itself. Due to both their potency and their structural features, compounds 25 and 36 were selected with others for complementary in vitro and in vivo investigations. Both of them exhibit calcium antagonist properties in the same range of potency as flunarizine itself. Compound 36 was also found to have significant hypolipaemic activity in mice at 100 and 300 mg/kg po, while compound 25 proved to be clearly active in a normobar hypoxia test.

5-substituted 3,4-dihydro-3-amino-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives: synthesis and interaction with serotoninergic receptors.

A new series of 3,4-dihydro-3-amino-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives (1 and 2) bearing various substituents on the 5-position was successfully prepared via palladium-mediated cross-coupling reactions. Some of the new compounds showed high affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors. The best affinity for the 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors was obtained for 2b (Ki = 0.3 nM for 5-HT1A and 3.1 nM for 5-HT7). The anxiolytic activity of compound 2b was evaluated.

Expeditious synthesis and cytotoxic activity of new cyanoindolo[3,2-c]quinolines and benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines.

Novel 6-cyanoindolo[3,2-c]quinoline and 6-cyanobenzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline derivatives have been synthesised by treatment of the appropriate aromatic amines with 4.5-dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium chloride 1 (Appel salt). The cytotoxicity and the effect of these compounds on cellular growth were measured.

Substituted oxygenated heterocycles and thio-analogues: synthesis and biological evaluation as melatonin ligands.

A new series of substituted oxygenated heterocycles and thio-analogues were synthesized and evaluated as melatonin receptor ligands. The replacement of the indolic moiety of melatonin by heterocyclic skeleton such as 1,4-benzodioxin, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin, chroman, 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzoxathiin, thiochroman, carrying the amidic chain on the aromatic ring, leads to compounds showing a weak affinity for melatonin receptors, except for the compounds 1cb and 1hb.

Design and synthesis of substituted compounds containing the 1, 4-benzodioxin subunit. New potential calcium antagonists.

New compounds possessing 1,4-benzodioxin or its saturated analogous heterocyclic system were synthesized and tested for calcium antagonist activity. Biological differences were seen between the different modifications applied. These compounds have been shown to be representative of a novel series of calcium channel antagonists.

Synthesis of 2-substituted-2,3- dihydro-1,4-dioxino[2,3-b]pyridine derivatives.

[reaction--see text] A variety of 2-substituted-2,3-dihydro-1,4-dioxino[2,3-b]pyridines B have been synthesized from the readily available 2-nitro-3-oxiranylmethoxypyridine 1 via a Smiles rearrangement. We demonstrate how variations of reaction conditions affect the product distribution of A and B.

Substituted 3-amino and/or 3-aminomethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyrans: synthesis and biological activity.

A series of new 3-amino, 3-aminomethyl-5-alkoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran and 5'-alkoxy-3',4'-dihydrospiro-[piperazine-2.3'(2'H)-benzopyran] derivatives was prepared and evaluated for affinity at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and D2 receptors. Two of the compounds (1f and 2b) can be considered as potent and selective 5-HT2A ligands. One compound (1g) demonstrated high affinity for 5-HT1A and D2 receptor binding sites and one compound (1d) proved to be a mixed 5-HT1A/5-HT2A ligand.

3D-QSAR CoMFA study on imidazolinergic I(2) ligands: a significant model through a combined exploration of structural diversity and methodology.

Displaying an unprecedented structural diversity, 119 I(2) ligands, and their pK(i) values, were collected and submitted to a comparative molecular fields analysis (CoMFA) study. They were discerned into three structural subsets (A, B, C), to explore the I(2) 3D-QSARs from finite structural systems (A, B, C) to more complex ones (AB, AC, BC, ABC). In addition, various key steps of the CoMFA methology were explored. The applied method used two pharmacophore templates and seven molecular field combinations (electrostatic, lipophilic, steric), as well as eight alignment methods (two point-by-point and six similarity-based variations). That way, 644 CoMFA models were obtained and further selected according to their predictive ability through two filters. The first filter was mainly based on the q(2), which internally evaluates the predictive ability from the training set. For the second filter, the predictive ability was externally evaluated through the prediction of test sets. Finally, one model was extracted from the whole data as the best. Indeed, it combines three features of upmost importance for the further design of ligands endowed with high I(2) affinity: structural diversity (n = 73), robustness (N = 9, r(2) = 0.96, s = 0. 28, F = 148), and a great fully assessed predictive ability (q(2) = 0.50, r(2)(test set) = 0.81, n(test set) = 46). On the basis of structural data and CoMFA isocontours, some elements of the I(2) tridimensional pharmacophore are also suggested.

Comparison of sulfobutylether- and sulfated-beta-cyclodextrins as additives for the chiral separation of basic spirobenzopyrans by capillary electrophoresis.

Three charged substituted beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs), sulfobutylether-beta-(SBE-beta-CD), degree of substitution (DS) 4 and 7), and sulfated-beta-(S-beta-CD) cyclodextrins, were compared as chiral additives in capillary electrophoresis for the enantiomeric separation of basic spirobenzopyran derivatives (pKa 9.9) which differ from each other by an N-alkyl group. The number of sulfobutylether groups attached to the cyclodextrin moiety significantly influences the enantioseparation of the basic drugs. SBE-beta-CD (DS 7) which is more strongly bound to cationic analyte than SBE-beta-CD (DS 4.6), requires smaller concentrations to achieve the same resolution. Besides, better enantioresolutions were obtained with S-beta-CD rather than with SBE-beta-CDs though higher concentrations are required, which led to high current values. However, both pairs of enantiomers cannot be resolved using S-beta-CD while SBE-beta-CDs make it possible to resolve simultaneous enantioseparation of such solutes slightly differing in hydrophobicity. This supports the hypothesis that hydrophobic interactions (outside of the CD cavity) between the butyl group attached to SBE-beta-CD and the N-alkyl group of spirobenzopyran play a role in the enantioseparation. On the other hand, the sulfate group of S-beta-CD was directly attached to the CD moiety which means that the S-beta-CD-drug complexation mechanism arises through the combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic (inside the CD cavity) interactions. Finally, enantiomers of spirobenzopyran drugs were satisfactorily resolved by CE using a 20 mg/mL S-beta-CD concentration (resolution 4.0), 7 mg/mL SBE-beta-CD DS 4 (resolution 1.3), or 5 mg/mL SBE-beta-CD DS 7 (resolution 3.3) added to the phosphate buffer (pH 2.6, 50 mM ionic strength).

N,N-disubstituted aminomethyl benzofuran derivatives: synthesis and preliminary binding evaluation.

A series of new N-substituted 2,3-dihydro-2-aminomethyl-2H-1-benzofuran derivatives was prepared and evaluated for affinity at 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, D2, and D3 receptors. Compound 9, 8-[4-[N-propyl-N-(7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro -2H-1-benzofuran-2-yl)methyl]aminobutyl]-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane-7,9 -dione, bound at 5-HT1A sites with nanomolar affinity (IC50= 1.5 nM) and high selectivity over 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, D2, and D3 receptors.

Synthesis of various analog derivatives of ORG13514 as 5-HT1A ligands.

In connection with the development of new potential 5-HT1A ligands, multistep synthesis of N-substituted-3-aminomethyl-2,3-dihydro-1,4-dioxinol[2,3-b]pyridin e derivatives as ORG13514 analogs are described. Their biological activity as 5-HT1A type ligands is reported and compared with ORG13514 affinity and selectivity for 5-HT1A receptors.