Construction of Indium(III)-Organic Framework Based on a Flexible Cyclotriphosphazene-Derived Hexacarboxylate as a Reusable Green Catalyst for the Synthesis of Bioactive Aza-Heterocycles.

The constant demand for eco-friendly methods of synthesizing complex organic compounds inspired researchers to design and develop modern, highly efficient heterogeneous catalytic systems. Herein, In-HCPCP metal-organic framework (SRMIST-1), a heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst containing less toxic indium and eco-friendly robust cyclotriphosphazene and exhibiting notable chemical and thermal stability, durable catalytic activity, and exceptional reusability was produced through the reaction between indium(III) nitrate hydrate and hexakis(4-carboxylatophenoxy)-cyclotriphosphazene. In the SRMIST-1 structure, secondary building units {InO7} are assembled by a connection of η2- and η1-carboxylic oxo atoms from different HCPCP ligands, forming a three-dimensional network. The occurrence of regularly distributed In(III) sites in SRMIST-1 confers superior reactivity on the catalyst toward the synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones and 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxides by the cyclization reaction of 2-aminobenzamides and 2-aminobenzenesulphonamides with aldehydes under optimized reaction conditions, respectively. The notable features of this method include broad functional group compatibility, low catalyst loading (1-5 mol %), mild reaction conditions, easy workup procedures, good to excellent reaction yields, ethanol as a green solvent, reusability of the catalyst (five cycles), and economic attractiveness, which is mainly due to sustainability of SRMIST-1 as a reusable green catalyst. Our findings demonstrate that the highly reactive and reusable green catalyst finds widespread applications in medicinal chemistry.

Visible-light photocatalyzed C-N bond activation of tertiary amines: a three-component approach to synthesize quinazolines.

A metal-free three-component approach has been developed to prepare 2,4-disubstituted quinazolines from o-acylanilines, trialkylamines and ammonium chloride under visible-light using eosin Y as the photocatalyst. The notable features of this work include (i) the use of tertiary amines as an alkyl synthon and triethanolamine as a C2-OH synthon; (ii) good functional group tolerance with 52%-98% yields; (iii) proof of concept with o-amino benzaldehyde as a substrate to deliver 2-methyl quinazoline 3pa; and (iv) gram-scale synthesis of compounds 3ga, 3ja and 3ma. A reductive quenching mechanism was proposed based on the control studies and redox potential values.

A Regioselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkynols and Ketones To Access Diverse 1,3-Dioxolane Scaffolds.

This study presents a stepwise exoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of alkynols with ketones, leading to the synthesis of 4-methylene-1,3-dioxolane derivatives. Remarkably, without any Thorpe-Ingold induced effect, the cyclization reaction was demonstrated with complete regio- and chemoselectivity, which was solely promoted by cesium carbonate. A wide range of unactivated ketones are viable under these mild reaction conditions, and both primary and tertiary alkynols are compatible with these cyclization reactions. We have prepared a diverse array of highly dense exomethylene 1,3-dioxolane rings demonstrating a remarkable tolerance for various functional groups.

Photoredox-catalyzed 1,2-oxo-alkylation of vinyl arenes with 1,3-diketones: an approach to 1,4-dicarbonyls via C-C activation.

A mild and inexpensive approach to synthesising a series of 1,4-diketones in moderate to excellent yields via 1,2-oxo alkylation has been developed using fluorescein as a photocatalyst and air as an oxidant. The key features include (i) varied substrate scope (39 examples); (ii) good functional group tolerance; (iii) unsymmetrical 1,4-dicarbonyls; (iv) late-stage functionalization of thymol and ibuprofen derivatives; and (v) the synthetic expansion to 5- and 6-membered N-, O- and S-containing heterocycles.

FeCl3-Catalyzed Decyanative [4 + 2] Annulation of α-Aminonitriles with Alkynes: Access to 2,4-Diaryl Quinolines in Batch and Continuous-Flow Processes.

FeCl3-catalyzed decyanation of α-aminonitriles followed by a [4 + 2] annulation with terminal alkynes has been developed to synthesize 2,4-diaryl quinolines. A broad range of aniline, aldehyde, and arylacetylene derivatives were well tolerated to access 2,4-diaryl quinolines in moderate to good yields. The control experiment studies suggested that the reaction proceeds through a nonradical pathway involving Povarov-type [4 + 2] annulation from the in situ generated iminium species. The synthetic application of this strategy (i) includes gram-scale synthesis and (ii) a continuous-flow process for a few representative compounds in a shorter reaction time (22 min) and (iii) worked well with styrene as a proof of concept.

Iodo-sulphonylation of 1,6-enynones: a metal-free strategy to synthesize N-substituted succinimides.

An iodine-mediated radical cyclization of 1,6-enynones with sulphonyl hydrazides using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant has been developed for the synthesis of iodo-sulphonylated-succinimide derivatives. The notable advantages of the developed method are metal-free conditions, broad functional group tolerance, column chromatography-free purification, high stereoselectivity (E isomer), shorter reaction times, and the cascade construction of three new bonds (C-S, C-I, and C-C). The synthetic application of the iodo-functionality has been extended to the Heck coupling reaction with acrylonitrile and to the Suzuki coupling reaction with benzene boronic acid.

Use of Stage-Wise AQbD and an Orthogonality Approach to Develop a Short-Runtime Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of Bosentan and Impurities using UPLC Equipped with PDA and ESI-MS.

Analytical quality by design (AQbD) and method orthogonality are comprehensive tools used to develop an analytical method based on statistical and graphical evaluation. These tools provide complete knowledge of the method and help to develop precise, accurate, and specific methods. The present work elaborates the development of a selective and precise method for the quantification of bosentan and its nine impurities with a short runtime of 10 min using a statistically driven stage-wise AQbD approach with proven orthogonality. The optimum method was developed using 10 mM ammonium acetate pH 2.5 and acetonitrile in a gradient mode on an Agilent Zorbax Bonus RP RRHD 100 × 2.1 mm and 1.8 µm column with a flow rate of 0.45 mL/min at a column temperature of 40 °C. The robustness of the method was proven for the normal operating range (NOR) using Monte Carlo stimulations. The method was challenged using an orthogonal method that was developed based on the trellis graphs and surface response outcome of the design of experiment (DoE). The orthogonality factor between methods was calculated by measuring the correlation coefficient (r) of the retention factor (k') calculated for each peak on both methods. A forced degradation study was performed to challenge the method, and stressed samples were analyzed using both orthogonal methods. The outcome of the experiment proved that the approach of developing methods using the AQbD approach and then challenging them with orthogonality helps to develop a robust method. The method was further validated as per ICH guidelines.

Metal-Free Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via Oxidative Cyclization of d-Glucose with o-Phenylenediamines in Water.

d-Glucose has been identified as an efficient C1 synthon in the synthesis of benzimidazoles from o-phenylenediamines via an oxidative cyclization strategy. Isotopic studies with 13C6-d-glucose and D2O unambiguously confirmed the source of methine. The notable features of this method include the following: broad functional group tolerance, a biorenewable methine source, excellent reaction yields, a short reaction time, water as an environmentally benign solvent, and the synthesis of vitamin B12 component on the gram scale.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of aminoquinolines from ß-(2-aminophenyl)-α,ß-ynones using DMF as dual synthon.

A new and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 4-aminoquinoline through aerobic Cu(i)-catalyzed cyclization of ß-(2-aminophenyl)-α,ß-ynones. Under the optimized conditions, DMF could serve as a methine source to introduce C2 carbon and a nitrogen source to incorporate amino functionality in the 4th position. Mechanistic studies using 13C- and DMF-d7 revealed that the methine group was derived from a methyl substituent.

Improvement in aluminum complexes bearing a Schiff base in ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone: the synergy of the N,S-Schiff base in a five-membered ring aluminum system.

A series of five-membered ring aluminum complexes bearing thiol-Schiff base ligands were synthesized, and their application in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) was investigated. The complexes exhibited dramatically higher catalytic activity than the six-membered ring S2AlMe2 complex (approximately 4- to 10-fold higher) and the five-membered ring L5-PhAlMe2 complex (approximately 7- to 19-fold higher). Moreover, a shorter induction period was observed when the five-membered ring aluminum complexes bearing thiol-Schiff base ligands were used compared with the other types of aluminum complexes bearing Schiff base ligands. The electron-withdrawing groups enhanced the catalytic activity of the Al complexes compared with the electron donating groups. The thiol-Schiff base ligand and the five-membered ring aluminum catalysis had a synergistic effect that was stronger than the combination of their individual effects.

A copper(ii)-catalyzed annulative formylation of o-alkynylanilines with DMF: a single-step strategy for 3-formyl indoles.

In this paper, a copper(ii)-catalyzed reaction of o-alkynylanilines with dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of oxygen has been developed for synthesizing multisubstituted 3-formyl indole scaffolds. This one-pot reaction proceeds through a cascade 5-endo-dig cyclization followed by formylation to construct 1,2-disubstituted 3-formyl indoles. The key aspects of this synthesis method are the broad substrate scope (with 38 examples), and well tolerating various functional groups. In addition, a detailed mechanism has been proposed, where DMF may serve as a carbon source for the in situ C3 formylation of the obtained indole derivatives.

Photodynamic Therapy Using Indolines-Fused-Triazoles Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Human Non-Melanoma BCC Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cancer is one of the most dreadful diseases in humans and among them non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is an increasing problem in the world, that occurs more frequently in people with fair skin. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive treatment is widely used for the prevention and treatment of BCC cells. We previously reported an efficient synthesis of novel indolines-fused-triazoles and studied their photophysical studies. This study delineated the signaling pathways involved in the PDT effect of triazoles on BCC cells under UVA irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell survival was evaluated by the MTT assay. The uptake of 1j in BCC cells was determined by using its fluorescence properties. Intracellular ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmt) were measured using DCFH-DA probe and DiOC6 dye, respectively. Cytochrome c release was determined using immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: Our data disclosed that treatment of BCC cells with 1j-UVA resulted in increased ROS generation, loss of mmp (ΔΨmt), decreased levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, increased levels of Bax and Bad, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3/PARP degradation to identify apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION: The present study suggest that 1j-PDT may serve as a potential ancillary modality for the treatment of NMSC.

Palladium-Catalyzed Double-Isocyanide Insertion via Oxidative N-O Cleavage of Acetyl Oximes: Syntheses of 2H-Pyrrol-2-imines.

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of acetyl oximes with isocyanides was developed for the synthesis of 2H-pyrrol-2-imines. The key steps were (i) generation of an enamido-palladium(II) species, (ii) migratory double-isocyanide insertion, and (iii) cyclization. The scope of the synthesis of some 2H-pyrrol-2-imines was extended to the synthesis 1H-pyrrole-2,3-dione/1H-benzo[g]indole-2,3-dione derivatives via acid hydrolysis in a sequential one-pot manner.

ZnBr2-Mediated Cascade Reaction of o-Alkoxy Alkynols: Synthesis of Indeno[1,2-c]chromenes.

A Lewis acid-mediated cascade annulation of o-alkoxy alkynols in the presence of ZnBr2 has been developed. The cascade cyclization proceeds through a 5-exo-dig cyclization followed by a Friedel-Crafts reaction and ring-opening sequence to synthesize indeno[1,2-c]chromenes. This protocol provides a broad substrate scope in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity. The reaction with benzo-fused cycloalkyl ketones gave an unexpected alkyne C-C bond cleavage resulting in fused polycycles.

Iodine-promoted cyclization of N-propynyl amides and N-allyl amides via sulfonylation and sulfenylation.

An iodine-promoted regioselective cyclization of N-propynyl/allyl amides with sulfonyl hydrazides has been developed for the synthesis of 5-methyl-arylsulfonyloxazoles and 5-methyl-arylthiooxazolines via sulfonylation and sulfenylation reactions. The notable features of this reaction are the formation of new C-S and C-O bonds, the broad functional group tolerance, and its applicability to alkyl sulfonyl hydrazides as well as internal alkynes.

BF3-Etherate-Promoted Cascade Reaction of 2-Alkynylanilines with Nitriles: One-Pot Assembly of 4-Amido-Cinnolines.

A BF3-etherate-promoted cascade reaction of nitriles with 2-alkynylanilines is described. This method achieves the formation of two new C-N bonds through a reaction sequence of diazotization with t-BuONO, nucleophilic addition of the alkyne to the BF3-coordinated diazonium ion, followed by nitrile addition to the intermediary vinyl cation and hydrolysis. The method provides efficient and general access to a variety of 4-amido-cinnolines. Notable features of the method include its broad functional group tolerance and avoidance of transition metals.

Design and synthesis of pyrrolobenzodiazepine-gallic hybrid agents as p53-dependent and -independent apoptogenic signaling in melanoma cells.

A new class of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-Gallic hybrid agents (PBD-GA) conjugated through alkyl spacers has been designed and synthesized. The combination of these two core pharmacophores with modification in the C-8 position of the PBD ring with alkyl spacers afforded oxygen-tethered compounds 5a-5d and amide-tethered analogues 11a-11d with improved anticancer activity for two melanoma cell lines, A375 and RPMI7951, differing in their p53 status. The agents 5a-5d were cytotoxic in melanoma compared to agents 11a-11d. In particular, compounds 5b and 5c were found to possess the most potent activity compared with other hybrid agents and were proved with the help of quantitative structure activity relationship studies (QSAR). These PBD conjugates caused S phase arrest for the A375 cell line via increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/ATM-Rad3-related (ATR) and checkpoint kinases 1 (Chk1) activation. Moreover, the PBD-GA induced A375 apoptotic cell death followed through p53 (ATM downstream target) increase, B-cell leukemia-xL (Bcl-xL) and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmt) decrease, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3/Poly Adp Ribose Polymerase (PARP) cleavage. On the other hand, mutant p53 RPMI7951 cell death occurred by PBD-GA-mediated mitochondria- and caspase-dependent pathways via lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), but not through p53 signaling. Finally, compound 5b was shown to reduce murine melanoma size in a mouse model. These results suggest that the PBD-GA could be used as a useful chemotherapeutic agent in melanoma with activated p53 or mutant p53.

Bis(phenylidenebenzeneamine)-1-disulfide Derivatives Induce Autophagy in Melanoma Cells Through a Mitochondria-mediated Pathway.

We have previously reported the efficient synthesis of bis(phenylidenebenzeneamine)-1-disulfide derivatives 1-8. In the present article, we delineated the signaling pathways involved in the anticancer effects of compound 2 on melanoma cells. The treatment of melanoma cells with compound 2 resulted in ROS generation, a decrease in ΔΨmt, ATP, and protein expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits. In addition, no significant apoptotic or necrotic effect was seen following compound 2 treatment using an annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) double-staining. Nevertheless, autophagy-related proteins LC3 and Beclin 1 were enhanced by compound 2. Furthermore, compound 2 was also shown to reduce murine melanoma size in a mouse model. We revealed a novel bio-evaluation of bis(phenylidenebenzeneamine)-1-disulfide derivatives anti-tumor proliferation mechanism and suggest that these agents may have potential chemotherapeutic activity for melanoma cells.

Palladium(II)-catalysed regioselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted quinolines and 2,3,5-trisubstituted pyrroles from alkenes via anti-Markovnikov selectivity.

A novel strategy has been identified for the regioselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted quinolines and 2,3,5-trisubstituted pyrroles from simple alkenes via anti-Markovnikov selectivity under palladium catalysis. The salient features are synthesis of two different heterocycles, readily available starting materials, broad substrate scope, moderate to good yields and use of molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant.

I2-TBHP-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of N-sulfonyl hydrazones and isocyanides to 5-aminopyrazoles.

I2-TBHP-catalyzed oxidative cross coupling of N-sulfonyl hydrazones with isocyanides has been realized for the synthesis of 5-aminopyrazoles through formal [4 + 1] annulation via in situ azoalkene formation. Notable features are the metal/alkyne-free strategy, C-C and C-N bond formation, atom economy, catalytic I2, broad functional group tolerance, good reaction yields, shorter time, and also applicability to one-pot methodology.