Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability: Unleashing the Potential of Continuous Flow in Multicomponent Reactions.

The integration of multicomponent reactions (MCRs), which offer a rapid and efficient approach to synthesize complex molecular scaffolds, with continuous flow platforms is an increasingly recognized strategy in green synthesis. This association enables precise control over reaction parameters, including improved kinetics and selectivity, reduced reaction times, enhanced yields and scalabilities, while aligning with sustainable and green chemistry principles through resource utilization, minimized waste, and reduced environmental impact. This review presents a critical analysis of recent studies covering the MCR-continuous flow association, with a focus on achieving greener and more sustainable synthesis practices.

Relevant Developments in the Use of Three-Component Reactions for the Total Synthesis of Natural Products. The last 15 Years.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) offer a highly useful and valuable strategy that can fulfill an important role in synthesizing complex polysubstituted compounds, by simplifying otherwise long sequences and increasing their efficiency. The total synthesis of selected natural products employing three-component reactions as their common strategic MCR approach, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis with selected targets conquered during the last 15 years. The revision includes detailed descriptions of the selected successful sequences; relevant information on the isolation, and bioactivity of the different natural targets is also briefly provided.

Multicomponent synthesis and photophysical study of novel α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl depsipeptides and peptoids.

Multicomponent reactions were performed to develop novel α,ß-unsaturated carbonyl depsipeptides and peptoids incorporating various chromophores such as cinnamic, coumarin, and quinolines. Thus, through the Passerini and Ugi multicomponent reactions (P-3CR and U-4CR), we obtained thirteen depsipeptides and peptoids in moderate to high yield following the established protocol and fundamentally varying the electron-rich carboxylic acid as reactants. UV/Vis spectroscopy was utilized to study the photophysical properties of the newly synthesized compounds. Differences between the carbonyl-substituted chromophores cause differences in electron delocalization that can be captured in the spectra. The near UV regions of all the compounds exhibited strong absorption bands. Compounds P2, P5, U2, U5, and U7 displayed absorption bands in the range of 250-350 nm, absorbing radiation in this broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A photostability study for U5 showed that its molecular structure does not change after exposure to UV radiation. Fluorescence analysis showed an incipient emission of U5, while U6 showed blue fluorescence under UV radiation. The photophysical properties and electronic structure were also determined by TD-DFT theoretical study.

Synthesis of New Polyheterocyclic Pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones via an Ugi-Zhu/Cascade/Click Strategy.

A diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) of two new polyheterocyclic compounds was performed via an Ugi-Zhu/cascade (N-acylation/aza Diels-Alder cycloaddition/decarboxylation/dehydration)/click strategy, both step-by-step to optimize all involved experimental stages, and in one pot manner to evaluate the scope and sustainability of this polyheterocyclic-focused synthetic strategy. In both ways, the yields were excellent, considering the high number of bonds formed with release of only one carbon dioxide and two molecules of water. The Ugi-Zhu reaction was carried out using the 4-formylbenzonitrile as orthogonal reagent, where the formyl group was first transformed into the pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one core, and then the remaining nitrile group was further converted into two different nitrogen-containing polyheterocycles, both via click-type cycloadditions. The first one used sodium azide to obtain the corresponding 5-substituted-1H-tetrazolyl-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one, and the second one with dicyandiamide to synthesize the 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one. Both synthesized compounds may be used for further in vitro and in silico studies because they contain more than two heterocyclic moieties of high interest in medicinal chemistry, as well as in optics due to their high π-conjugation.

Multicomponent Reactions Applied to Total Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules: A Short Review.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are processes in which three or more starting materials are combined in the same reaction vessel, forming an adduct that contains all or most of the atoms of the starting materials. MCRs are one-pot processes that provide attractive advantages for the total synthesis of target molecules. These reactions allow rapid access to structurally complex adducts from particularly simple starting materials. Moreover, MCRs are generally intrinsically associated with principles of green syntheses, such as atom economy, minimization of isolation, and purification of synthetic intermediates, leading to large solvent economies and avoiding the production of large amounts of reaction waste. Thus, synthetic routes employing multicomponent reactions are generally more convergent, economical and often allow higher overall yields. In total synthesis, the use of MCRs has been mainly applied in the preparation of key advanced intermediates. Progress in the use of MCRs in total synthesis has been described over the last decades, including not only classical MCRs reactions (e.g. isocyanide-based transformations), but also non-traditional multicomponent reactions. Furthermore, reports concerning stereoselective multicomponent transformations are still scarce and present further development opportunities. This review aims to provide a general overview of the application of MCRs as key steps in the rapid preparation of structurally complex derivatives and fine chemicals. In special, some selected examples have been successfully applied for medicinal purposes. Finally, in some representative cases, either key intermediates formed during the reaction vessel or corresponding transition states have been disclosed in order to provide insights into the reaction mechanisms.

In Melting Points We Trust: A Review on the Misguiding Characterization of Multicomponent Reactions Adducts and Intermediates.

We discuss herein the problems associated with using melting points to characterize multicomponent reactions' (MCRs) products and intermediates. Although surprising, it is not rare to find articles in which these MCRs final adducts (or their intermediates) are characterized solely by comparing melting points with those available from other reports. A brief survey among specialized articles highlights serious and obvious problems with this practice since, for instance, cases are found in which as many as 25 quite contrasting melting points have been attributed to the very same MCR adduct. Indeed, it seems logical to assume that the inherent non-confirmatory nature of melting points could be vastly misleading as a protocol for structural confirmation, but still many publications (also in the Q1 and Q2 quartiles) insist on using it. This procedure contradicts best practices in organic synthesis, and articles fraught with limitations and misleading conclusions have been published in the MCRs field. The drawbacks inherent to this practice are indeed serious and have misguided MCRs advances. We therefore suggest some precautions aimed at avoiding future confusions.

Recent Applications of the Multicomponent Synthesis for Bioactive Pyrazole Derivatives.

Pyrazole and its derivatives are considered a privileged N-heterocycle with immense therapeutic potential. Over the last few decades, the pot, atom, and step economy (PASE) synthesis of pyrazole derivatives by multicomponent reactions (MCRs) has gained increasing popularity in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. The present review summarizes the recent developments of multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of biologically active molecules containing the pyrazole moiety. Particularly, it covers the articles published from 2015 to date related to antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, antimalarial, and miscellaneous activities of pyrazole derivatives obtained exclusively via an MCR. The reported analytical and activity data, plausible synthetic mechanisms, and molecular docking simulations are organized in concise tables, schemes, and figures to facilitate comparison and underscore the key points of this review. We hope that this review will be helpful in the quest for developing more biologically active molecules and marketed drugs containing the pyrazole moiety.

Greener Synthesis of Antiproliferative Furoxans via Multicomponent Reactions.

Prostate and bladder cancers are commonly diagnosed malignancies in men. Several nitric oxide donor compounds with strong antitumor activity have been reported. Thus, continuing with our efforts to explore the chemical space around bioactive furoxan moiety, multicomponent reactions were employed for the rapid generation of molecular diversity and complexity. We herein report the use of Ugi and Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé multicomponent reactions under efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly conditions to synthesize a small collection of nitric-oxide-releasing molecules. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds was measured against two different human cancer cell lines, LNCaP (prostate) and T24 (bladder). Almost all compounds displayed antiproliferative activity against both cancer cell lines, providing lead compounds with nanomolar GI50 values against the cancer bladder cell line with selectivity indices higher than 10.

Exploring the N1 Position of Biginelli Compounds: New Insights and Trends for Chemical Diversity Generation of Bioactive Derivatives.

Dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) are heterocycles obtained by the multicomponent Biginelli reaction. Recently, new synthetic protocols have allowed us to explore functionalisation at less explored positions of DHPMs, such as the N1 position. In this context, a full literature survey of N1- substituted DHPMs was performed. We analysed 27 papers and identified 379 compounds with substituents at the N1 position, most of them with alkyl groups, and a total of 28% compounds with aromatic substituents attached at the N1 position. N1-substituted DHPMs were explored mainly due to their effects on cancer cell proliferation via numerous targets, such as kinesin Eg5, heat shock protein 70, heat shock protein 90, and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Similarity analyses were performed using the data of 379 DHPMs from different cheminformatic approaches, i.e., chemical property correlations, principal component analysis, similarity networks, and compound clustering.

Multicomponent synthesis and preliminary anti-inflammatory activity of lipophilic diphenylamines.

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the most prescribed medications for pain but the incidence of adverse effects -especially during chronic treatment- points out the requirement of new analgesics. In this study, we showed an efficient two-steps synthesis of diphenylamine-containing dipeptides consisting of a multicomponent process followed by a Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction. We prepared 16 diphenylamine derivatives and evaluated their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity through an ear edema model using 12-O-tetradecanoylpholbol-13-acetate. Furthermore, the toxicity of the more potent compounds in the Artemia salina model and their cell viability using murine RAW 264.7 cells is reported. The fluorinated compound 10k becomes a reliable candidate since it reduced the TPA-induced edema to 92%, lacked cytotoxicity against murine macrophages, and had minimal toxicity in Artemia salina.

Catalytic Approaches to Multicomponent Reactions: A Critical Review and Perspectives on the Roles of Catalysis.

In this review, we comprehensively describe catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and the multiple roles of catalysis combined with key parameters to perform these transformations. Besides improving yields and shortening reaction times, catalysis is vital to achieving greener protocols and to furthering the MCR field of research. Considering that MCRs typically have two or more possible reaction pathways to explain the transformation, catalysis is essential for selecting a reaction route and avoiding byproduct formation. Key parameters, such as temperature, catalyst amounts and reagent quantities, were analyzed. Solvent effects, which are likely the most neglected topic in MCRs, as well as their combined roles with catalysis, are critically discussed. Stereocontrolled MCRs, rarely observed without the presence of a catalytic system, are also presented and discussed in this review. Perspectives on the use of catalytic systems for improved and greener MCRs are finally presented.

Synthesis of Polyheterocyclic Dimers Containing Restricted and Constrained Peptidomimetics via IMCR-Based Domino/Double CuAAC Click Strategy.

A novel strategy via the triple process (multicomponent reactions (MCR)-domino)/tandem was developed for the synthesis of restricted and constrained bis-1,2,3-triazole-linked pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridine peptidomimetics dimers in overall yields of 20-55%. This strategy allows the construction of six heterocycles in two stages of the reaction.

Innovative Multipodal Ligands Derived from Tröger's Bases for the Sensitization of Lanthanide(III) Luminescence.

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the first family of multipodal ligands with a Tröger's base framework designed for the preparation of luminescent lanthanide(III) complexes are reported. Eight ligands were designed and synthesized using different strategies, including alkylation reactions, amide couplings, and Ugi multicomponent reactions. All the ligands bear carboxylate groups for the coordination of the lanthanide(III) ions, with the lanthanide(III)-sensitizing units consisting of the Tröger's base framework itself or attached benzamides. Upon irradiation of the chromophoric ligands, green terbium(III) emission was efficiently generated, whereas europium(III) emission was negligible. The geometry and substitution pattern of the ligands allow control of the stoichiometry of the species formed and the TbIII luminescence sensitization efficiency, showing that para-substitution patterns are more efficient than meta substitution for the formation of coordination compounds with lower TbIII /ligand ratio. We propose that the species formed are self-assembled 2:2 or 2:4 metallosupramolecular structures.

One Reacts as Two: Applications of N-Isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane in Diversity-Oriented Synthesis.

N-Isocyaniminotriphenylphosphorane (NIITP) is a functionalized isonitrile that has been extensively applied in a variety of organic reactions during the last two decades. This Review summarizes the most important applications in organic synthesis of this versatile reactant, with the focus posed on mechanistic and methodological aspects allowing the generation of molecular diversity. NIITP combines the reactivity of isonitriles with that of phosphoranes to enable chemical transformations employed in the construction of compound libraries. Here, we cover from the initial applications of NIITP in the Nef isocyanide reaction to further derivations that render a variety of heterocyclic scaffolds. The presence of the isonitrile moiety in this singular compound makes possible the double addition of nucleophiles and electrophiles, which followed by inter(intra)molecular aza-Wittig type transformations enable several multicomponent and tandem processes. In particular, we stress the impact of NIITP in oxadiazole chemistry, from the early two-component transformations to recent examples of multicomponent reactions that take place in the presence of suitable electrophiles. In addition, we briefly describe the role of NIITP chemistry in generating skeletal and conformational diversity in cyclic peptides. The reaction of NIITP with alkynes is thoroughly revised, with particular emphasis on silver-catalyzed processes that have been developed in the last years. Biomedicinal applications of some reaction products are also mentioned along with a perspective of future applications of this reactant.

Molecular mechanism of action of new 1,4-naphthoquinones tethered to 1,2,3-1H-triazoles with cytotoxic and selective effect against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) stands out as a public health problem due to its high incidence and low survival rate, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the most commonly chemotherapeutic agents for OSCC, such as carboplatin and cisplatin, generate important side effects, evidencing the urgency in developing new drugs. Naphthoquinones are an important class of natural products or synthetic compounds with cytotoxic effect demonstrated on different cancer types. In the present study, thirty-five 1,4-naphthoquinones tethered to 1,2,3-1H-triazoles were synthesized and the antitumor activity and molecular mechanisms were evaluated in several assays including in vitro and in vivo models of OSCC and normal oral human cells. Compounds 16a, 16b and 16 g were able to induce cytotoxicity in three different tumor cell lines of human OSCC (SCC4, SCC9 and SCC25) and were more toxic and selective to tumor cells (Selective Index, SI > 2) than classical and chemically similar controls (Carboplatin and Lapachol). Compound 16 g showed the higher SI value. Besides, compounds 16a, 16b and 16 g significantly reduced colony formation of SCC9 cells in the tested concentrations. Hemolytic assay using compounds 16a, 16b and 16 g at high concentrations showed no compound exhibited hemolysis higher than 5%, similar to controls. In vivo acute toxicity study showed that 16 g was the only one, among the three compounds, with no apparent limiting toxic effects on mice in the tested concentrations. Thus, the investigation of cell death mechanisms was conducted with this compound. 16 g does not trigger ROS production nor binds to DNA. On the other hand, compound 16 g induced microtubule disorganization, and molecular modeling studies suggests a potential mechanism of action related to inhibition of topoisomerases and/or hPKM2 activities. Cell morphology, pyknotic nuclei presence, cleaved caspase-3 staining and viability assays using caspase-3 inhibitors demonstrate compound 16 g induced cell death through apoptosis. Among the 35 synthesized triazole naphthoquinones, compound 16 g was the most effective compound against OSCC cells, presenting high cytotoxicity (~35 µM), selectivity (SI ~ 6) and low acute toxicity on animals, and therefore might be considered for future cancer therapy.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Analysis of Novel Myrtenyl Grafted Pseudo-Peptides Revealed Potential Candidates for Anticancer Therapy.

Myrtenal is a natural monoterpene isolated from essential oils of several plants and their derivates have shown to have several biological properties including cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic activity of these derivates are being investigated for their antitumor effect leading to the development of potential anticancer agents. In this study, novels Myrtenyl grafted pseudo-peptides were designed, synthesized and functionally characterized as possible therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. Thirteen novel Myrtenyl grafted pseudo-peptides were prepared in high atom economy and efficiency by a classic Ugi-4CR and sequential post-modification. Their structures were confirmed by NMR, and ESI-MS, and its cytotoxic activity was evaluated in three cancer cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells at different proliferative cycles. Our results revealed that some of these compounds showed significant cytotoxicity against human gastric, breast and colon adenocarcinoma cells lines, but not against human dermal fibroblast cell line. Moreover, from the thirteen novel myrtenyl synthesized the compound (1R,5S)-N-{[1-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methyl}-N-[2-(cyclohexylamino)-2-oxoethyl]-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene-2-carboxamide (3b) proved to be the best candidate in terms of acceptable EC50, and Emax values in cancer cell lines and at inducing cytotoxicity in CD4+ T cells undergoing active proliferation, without affecting non-proliferating T cells. Overall, the synthesis and characterization of our Myrtenyl derivates revealed novel potential anticancer candidates with selective cytotoxic activity.

Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules through Multicomponent Reactions.

Focusing on the literature progress since 2002, the present review explores the highly significant role that multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have played as a very important tool for expedite synthesis of a vast number of organic molecules, but also, highlights the fact that many of such molecules are biologically active or at least have been submitted to any biological screen. The selected papers covered in this review must meet two mandatory requirements: (1) the reported products should be obtained via a multicomponent reaction; (2) the reported products should be biologically actives or at least tested for any biological property. Given the diversity of synthetic approaches utilized in MCRs, the highly diverse nature of the biological activities evaluated for the synthesized compounds, and considering their huge structural variability, much of the reported data are organized into concise schemes and tables to facilitate comparison, and to underscore the key points of this review.

Novel Quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione Derivatives Against Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.

INTRODUCTION: In this work DHPMs were combined with the quinoline nucleus to obtain new quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione compounds with improved antiplasmodial activity as well as decreased cytotoxicity. Nineteen quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione derivatives connected by a linker group to quinolone ring moieties with different substituents were synthesized and assayed against P. falciparum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione derivatives connected by a linker group to quinoline ring moieties with different substituents were synthesized and assayed against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, along with the reference drug chloroquine. Among these compounds, the derivatives with two methylene carbon spacers showed the best activity accompanied by low cytotoxicity. RESULTS: The derivative without substituents on the aromatic ring (2a) and the derivative with a chlorine group at position 4 (2d) provided the best results, with IC50 = 1.15 µM and 1.5 µM, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared to the parent drugs, these compounds presented marked decreases in cytotoxicity, with MDL50 values over 1,000 µM and selectivity indexes of >869.5 and >666.6, respectively. The quinolinyl-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,5-dione framework appears to be promising for further studies as an antimalarial for overcoming the burden of resistance in P. falciparum.

One-pot organocatalytic/multicomponent approach for the preparation of novel enantioenriched non-natural selenium-based peptoids and peptide-peptoid conjugates.

A combined organocatalytic and multicomponent synthetic approach was designed for the preparation of selenium-based peptoids and peptide-peptoid conjugates. This single-step synthetic protocol comprises the organocatalytic asymmetric insertion of phenylselenium in the aldehyde moiety followed by the Ugi four-component reaction which results in obtaining the desired compounds in good-to-moderate yields and with good-to-excellent levels of stereoselectivity.

A Mild, Fast, and Scalable Synthesis of Substituted α-Acyloxy Ketones via Multicomponent Reaction Using a Continuous Flow Approach.

A continuous flow approach for the synthesis of α-acyloxy ketone derivatives from the corresponding arylglyoxals, isocyanides, and carboxylic acids is described. The target products were obtained in excellent yields in short residence times and with high purities via the first transcription of the microwave-to-flow paradigm to the isocyanide-based Passerini reaction. Furthermore, this methodology allowed a 10-fold scale-up using the same experimental conditions initially established.