Diastereoselective ZnCl2-Mediated Joullié-Ugi Three-Component Reaction for the Preparation of Phosphorylated N-Acylaziridines from 2H-Azirines.

We disclose a direct approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of phosphorus substituted N-acylaziridines based on a one-pot ZnCl2-catalyzed Joullié-Ugi three-component reaction of phosphorylated 2H-azirines, carboxylic acids and isocyanides. Hence, this robust protocol offers rapid access to an array of N-acylaziridines in moderate-to-good yields and up to 98:2 dr for substrates over a wide scope. The relevance of this synthetic methodology was achieved via a gram-scale reaction and the further derivatization of the nitrogen-containing three-membered heterocycle. The diastereo- and regioselective ring expansion of the obtained N-acylaziridines to oxazole derivatives was accomplished in the presence of BF3·OEt2 as an efficient Lewid acid catalyst.

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Series of Bis(allylic-α-aminophosphonates) under Mild Reaction Conditions.

Several bis(α-aminophosphonates) have been conveniently prepared in good yields using a straightforward multicomponent Kabachnik-Fields reaction between ethane 1,2-diamine or propane 1,3-diamine, diethylphosphite and aldehydes under catalyst-free conditions. The nucleophilic substitution reaction of bis(α-aminophosphonates) prepared and ethyl (2-bromomethyl)acrylate under mild reaction conditions afforded an original synthetic approach to a new series of bis(allylic-α-aminophosphonates).

The Intramolecular Povarov Tool in the Construction of Fused Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles.

Nitrogen heterocycles are part of the structure of natural products and agents with important biological activity, such as antiviral, antibiotic, and antitumor drugs. For this reason, heterocyclic compounds are one of today's most desirable synthetic targets and the Povarov reaction is a powerful synthetic tool for the construction of highly functionalized heterocyclic systems. This process involves an aromatic amine, a carbonyl compound, and an olefin or acetylene to give rise to the formation of a nitrogen-containing heterocycle. This review illustrates advances in the synthetic aspects of the intramolecular Povarov reaction for the construction of intricate nitrogen-containing polyheterocyclic compounds. This original review presents research done in this field, with references to important works by internationally relevant research groups on this current topic, covering the literature from 1992 to 2022. The intramolecular Povarov reactions are described here according to the key processes involved, using different combinations of aromatic or heteroaromatic amines, and aliphatic, aromatic, or heteroaromatic aldehydes. Some catalytic reactions promoted by transition metals are detailed, as well as the oxidative Povarov reaction and some asymmetric intramolecular Povarov processes.

Sc(OTf)3-Mediated [4 + 2] Annulations of N-Carbonyl Aryldiazenes with Cyclopentadiene to Construct Cinnoline Derivatives: Azo-Povarov Reaction.

We disclose the first accomplishment of the azo-Povarov reaction involving Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulations of N-carbonyl aryldiazenes with cyclopentadiene in chloroform, in which N-carbonyl aryldiazenes act as 4π-electron donors. Hence, this protocol offers a rapid access to an array of cinnoline derivatives in moderate to good yields for substrates over a wide scope. The synthetic potential of the protocol was achieved by the gram-scale reaction and further derivatization of the obtained polycyclic product.

Multicomponent Synthesis of Unsaturated γ-Lactam Derivatives. Applications as Antiproliferative Agents through the Bioisosterism Approach: Carbonyl vs. Phosphoryl Group.

We report efficient synthetic methodologies for the preparation of 3-amino and 3-hydroxy 3-pyrrolin-2-ones (unsaturated γ-lactams) through a multicomponent reaction of amines, aldehydes and acetylene or pyruvate derivatives. The densely substituted γ-lactam substrates show in vitro cytotoxicity, inhibiting the growth of the carcinoma human tumor cell lines RKO (human colon epithelial carcinoma), SKOV3 (human ovarian carcinoma) and A549 (carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cell). In view of the possibilities for the diversity of the substituents that offer a multicomponent, synthetic methodology, an extensive structure-activity profile is presented. In addition, the bioisosteric replacement of the flat ester group by a tetrahedral phosphonate or phosphine oxide moiety in γ-lactam substrates leads to increased growth inhibition activity. Cell morphology analysis and flow cytometry assays indicate that the main pathway by which our compounds induce cytotoxicity is based on the activation of the intracellular apoptotic mechanism.

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Phosphorus Substituted 4-Cyanooxazolines, 2-Aminocyanooxazolines, 2-Iminocyanooxazolidines and 2-Aminocyanothiazolines by Rearrangement of Cyanoaziridines.

Several phosphorus-substituted N-acylated cyanoaziridines 2 and N-carbamoylated cyanoziridines 5 were prepared in good to high yields. N-Acylated cyanoaziridines 2 were used, after ring expansion, in an efficient synthesis of oxazoline derivative 3a and in a completely regio-controlled reaction in the presence of NaI. Conversely, N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5 reacted with NaI to obtain a regioisomeric mixture of 2-aminocyanooxazolines 7. Mild acidic conditions can be used for the isomerization of N-thiocarbamoyl cyanoaziridine 6a into a 2-aminocyanothiazoline derivative 8a by using BF3·OEt2 as a Lewis acid. Likewise, a one pot reaction of NH-cyanoaziridines 1 with isocyanates obtained 2-iminocyanooxazolidines 9 regioselectively. This synthetic methodology involves the addition of isocyanates to starting cyanoaziridines to obtain N-carbamoyl cyanoaziridines 5, which after the ring opening, reacts with a second equivalent of isocyanate to give the final 2-imino cyanooxazolidines 9. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on the cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) was also screened. 2-Iminooxazolidines 9 exhibited moderate activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, a selectivity towards cancer cells (A549) over non-malignant cells (MCR-5) was detected.

Phosphinotripeptidic Inhibitors of Leucylaminopeptidases.

Phosphinate pseudopeptide are analogs of peptides containing phosphinate moiety in a place of the amide bond. Due to this, the organophosphorus fragment resembles the tetrahedral transition state of the amide bond hydrolysis. Additionally, it is also capable of coordinating metal ions, for example, zinc or magnesium ions. These two properties of phosphinate pseudopeptides make them an ideal candidate for metal-related protease inhibitors. This research investigates the influence of additional residue in the P2 position on the inhibitory properties of phosphinopeptides. The synthetic strategy is proposed, based on retrosynthetic analysis. The N-C-P bond formation in the desired compounds is conveniently available from the three-component condensation of appropriate amino components, aldehydes, and hypophosphorous acid. One of the crucial synthetic steps is the careful selection of the protecting groups for all the functionals. Determination of the inhibitor activity of the obtained compounds has been done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and standard substrate L-Leu-p-nitroanilide toward the enzymes isolated from the porcine kidney (SsLAP, Sus scrofa Leucine aminopeptidase) and barley seeds (HvLAP, Hordeum vulgare Leucine aminopeptidase). An efficient procedure for the preparation of phosphinotripeptides has been performed. Activity test shown that introduction of additional residue into P2 position obtains the micromolar range inhibitors of SsLAP and HvLAP. Moreover, careful selection of the residue in the P2 position should improve its selectivity toward mammalian and plant leucyl aminopeptidases.

Synthesis of α-Aminophosphonic Acid Derivatives Through the Addition of O- and S-Nucleophiles to 2H-Azirines and Their Antiproliferative Effect on A549 Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

This work reports a straightforward regioselective synthetic methodology to prepare α-aminophosphine oxides and phosphonates through the addition of oxygen and sulfur nucleophiles to the C-N double bond of 2H-azirine derivatives. Determined by the nature of the nucleophile, different α-aminophosphorus compounds may be obtained. For instance, aliphatic alcohols such as methanol or ethanol afford α-aminophosphine oxide and phosphonate acetals after N-C3 ring opening of the intermediate aziridine. However, addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, phenols, substituted benzenthiols or ethanethiol to 2H-azirine phosphine oxides or phosphonates yields allylic α-aminophosphine oxides and phosphonates in good to high general yields. In some cases, the intermediate aziridine attained by the nucleophilic addition of O- or S-nucleophiles to the starting 2H-azirine may be isolated and characterized before ring opening. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect on cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and non-malignant cells (MCR-5) was also screened. Some α-aminophosphorus derivatives exhibited very good activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, selectivity towards cancer cell (A549) over non-malignant cells (MCR-5) has been detected in almost all compounds tested.

First synthesis of merged hybrids phosphorylated azirino[2,1-b]benzo[e][1,3]oxazine derivatives as anticancer agents.

This work describes a straightforward diastereoselective synthetic access to azirino[2,1-b]benzo[e][1,3]oxazines containing phosphorus substituents such as phosphonate or phosphine oxide, by means of nucleophilic addition of functionalized phenols to the C-N double bond of 2H-azirine derivatives. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) was also screened. Some azirino[2,1-b]benzo[e][1,3]oxazines 4 and 6 exhibited very good activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Furthermore, selectivity towards cancer cell (A549) over (HEK293), and non-malignant cells (MCR-5) has been detected.

New Challenges in Drug Discovery - July 8-11, 2019, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

The 2019 edition "New Challenges in Drug Discovery", one of the biennial meetings under the patronage of the SEQT and EFMC, was held at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of the Basque Country in Vitoria-Gasteiz from July 8 to 11, 2019. On this occasion, attendees from Spain as well as from five EU countries and three non-EU countries were spectators of many scientific highlights related with the main research areas for different diseases and with protein-protein interactions, analytical tools and methods in discovery and development of drugs and computer-assisted methods in medicinal chemistry. The interesting scientific program was also complemented by an entertaining social program: a gastronomic opening ceremony held at the Museum of Fine Arts of Alava, visits to the Medieval Old City of Gasteiz and a gala dinner in a typical restaurant nestled in a building from the XVth Century.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyanoaziridine phosphine oxides and phosphonates with antiproliferative activity.

This work reports an efficient diastereoselective synthetic methodology for the preparation of phosphorus substituted cyanoaziridines through the nucleophilic addition of TMSCN, as cyanide source, to the C-N double bond of 2H-azirine derivatives. The aziridine ring, in these novel cyanoaziridines, can be activated by simple N-tosylation or N-acylation. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on cell lines derived from human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) was also screened. N-H and N-Substituted cyanoaziridines showed excellent activity against the A549 cell line in vitro. Moreover, selectivity towards cancer cell (A549) over (HEK293), and non-malignant cells (MCR-5) has been observed.

Reaction of phosphinylated nitrosoalkenes with electron-rich heterocycles. Electrophilic aromatic substitution vs. cycloaddition.

The behavior of phosphinyl nitrosoalkenes with indole, pyrrole and 2,5-dimethylpyrrole is described. The reaction of nitrosoalkenes with indole leads to the formation of 3-substituted indoles. While a concerted asynchronous [4 + 2] cycloaddition process may explain the formation of 3-substituted indole when a methyl group is present at the 3-position of nitrosoalkene, the presence of a 3-methoxycarbonyl group at the same position of nitrosoalkene increases its electrophilic character, and both mechanisms, an electrophilic aromatic substitution and a [4 + 2] cycloaddition process, are predicted to be competitive, although thermodynamically the cycloaddition is favoured. Phosphinyl nitrosoalkenes react with pyrrole leading to the corresponding 2-substituted pyrroles, while the treatment of 2,5-dimethylpyrrole with these nitrosoalkenes gives rise to the formation of bicyclic 1,2-oxazines. The mechanism of the reaction of phosphinyl nitrosoalkenes with pyrrole and 2,5-dimethylppyrrole may be explained by an initial hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition in both cases, but only subsequent rearomatization in the case of pyrrole. Theoretical studies show very good agreement with the experimental findings and the proposed mechanisms.

Reaction of 2H-Azirine-Phosphine Oxides and -Phosphonates with Enolates Derived from ß-Keto Esters.

Cyclopenta[b]-pyrrole-2-phosphine oxides 4a and -phosphonates 4b,c are generated by the addition of cyclic enolates derived from ethyl 2-oxo-cyclopentanecarboxylate 2 to phosphorated 2H-azirines 1. However, the addition of enolate derived from acyclic 2-oxo-butanoate 10 to 2H-azirine phosphine oxide 1 led to vinylogous N-acyl-α-aminoalkyl phosphine oxides 12, involving the carbonyl group and the Cα of the keto ester 10. Ring closure of vinylogous derivative 12 in the presence of base afforded pyrrole-2-phosphine oxide 11. The addition of enolates derived from indenone-carboxylate 15 to 2H-azirines 1 led to the formation of functionalized N-substituted 1H-benzo[d]azepine derivatives 17.

Hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of phosphorylated nitroso alkenes with enol ethers on water: a clean approach toward 1,2-oxazine derivatives.

A concise and eco-friendly synthesis of highly functionalized 1,2-oxazines from phosphinyl- and phosphonyl-nitroso alkenes has been developed. The key step of this process, which involves a two-step sequence of reactions on-water, is a regioselective hetero-Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of enol ethers to 4-phosphinyl or 4-phosphonyl nitroso alkenes mediated by water itself. The process has also been performed under solvent-free conditions and in organic solvents for comparison.

Hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of phosphinyl and phosphonyl nitroso alkenes with conjugated dienes: an aza-Cope rearrangement.

Phosphorylated nitroso alkenes react with cyclic dienes such as cyclopentadiene or cyclohexadiene to afford hetero Diels-Alder-type cycloadducts where the nitroso alkene participates as dienophile component and the cyclic olefin acts as the 4π-electron (diene) system. Subsequent aza-Cope rearrangement affords highly functionalized 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,2-oxazines. Conversely, the reaction of TMS-substituted cyclopentadiene (dienophile) with nitroso alkenes as heterodienes leads directly to bicyclic 1,2-oxazines. Theoretical studies are in agreement with the experimental results and with the new aza-Cope rearrangement proposed.

Reactions of conjugate phosphinyl- and phosphonyl-nitroso alkenes with enamines. Preparation of N-hydroxypyrrole derivatives.

The synthesis of highly functionalized N-hydroxypyrrole derivatives by the formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of enamines and nitroso alkenes derived from phosphine oxides and phosphonates is reported. Intermediate phosphorylated nitrones, whose formation can be explained by a conjugate addition of enamines to phosphorylated nitroso alkenes and formation of the five-membered heterocycles, are isolated.

A convenient synthesis of substituted pyrazolidines and azaproline derivatives through highly regio- and diastereoselective reduction of 2-pyrazolines.

The synthesis of substituted N-acetyl- and N-aroyl-2-pyrazolines via intramolecular Michael addition of alpha,beta-unsaturated hydrazones generated through olefination of phosphinyl and phosphonyl hydrazones with carbonyl compounds is reported. The regioselective reduction of the C-N double bond in these 2-pyrazolines using Superhydride (Et3BHLi) gives pirazolidine derivatives with excellent levels of cis-diastereoselectivity. These 2-pyrazolines can also be obtained in one-pot reaction from allenes, hydrazides, and aldehydes; and pyrazolidines, after reduction, from allenes, hydrazides, and aldehydes. This synthetic route was developed to provide a new approach to substituted azaproline derivatives in a diastereoselective fashion.

Michael addition of amine derivatives to conjugate phosphinyl and phosphonyl nitrosoalkenes. Preparation of alpha-amino phosphine oxide and phosphonate derivatives.

The synthesis of nitrosoalkenes derived from phosphine oxides and phosphonates generated through base-mediated dehydrohalogenations of readily available alpha-halooximes is reported. These highly reactive intermediates act as Michael acceptors toward nucleophilic reagents such as ammonia, amines, and optically active amino esters, furnishing alpha-amino phosphine oxides and phosphonates in a highly regioselective fashion.

Straightforward access to pyrazines, piperazinones, and quinoxalines by reactions of 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes with 1,2-diamines under solution, solvent-free, or solid-phase conditions.

The preparation of tetrahydropyrazines, dihydropyrazines, pyrazines, piperazinones, and quinoxalines by 1,4-addition of 1,2-diamines to 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes bearing carboxylate, carboxamide, or phosphorylated groups at the terminal carbon and subsequent internal heterocyclization is described. The solvent-free reaction of carboxylated 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes with the same reagents affords piperazinones, while phosphorylated 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes yield phosphorylated pyrazines. The solid-phase reaction of polymer-bound 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes with 1,2-diamines produces pyrazines.