1,2,3-trisubstituted cyclopropanes as conformationally restricted peptide isosteres: application to the design and synthesis of novel renin inhibitors.

The 1,2,3-trisubstituted cyclopropanes 6 and 7 are the first members of a novel class of isosteric replacements for peptide linkages that are more generally represented by the dipeptide mimics 2 and 3. These unique peptide surrogates are specifically designed to lock a section of a peptide backbone in an extended beta-strand conformation (phi-angle restriction) while simultaneously enforcing one of two specifically defined orientations for the amino acid side chain (chi 1-angle restriction). Methods were first developed for the stereoselective, asymmetric synthesis of the trisubstituted cyclopropanes 15a-d, 18a-d, 22a-d, and 23a-d (Scheme II), by an efficient approach featuring the Rh2(S-MEPY)4 (11) and Rh2(R-MEPY)4 (20) catalyzed cyclization of the allylic diazoacetates 10a-d to give the optically active lactones 12a-d and 21a-d, respectively, in up to greater than or equal to 94% enantiomeric excess. Nucleophilic opening of the lactone ring of 12a-d gave the corresponding morpholine amides 14a-d. By exploiting tactics that allowed for selective epimerization of one of the two functionalized side chains on the cyclopropane nucleus, 14a-d were transformed into the two series of diastereoisomeric morpholine amide carboxylic acids 15a-d and 18a-d. Epimerization of the morpholine amide group on 14a-d followed by Jones oxidation of the intermediate alcohols gave 15a-d. Alternatively, initial oxidation of the primary alcohol groups in 14a-d followed by selective, base-catalyzed inversion alpha to the aldehyde function and then Jones oxidation gave the diastereomeric dicarboxylic acid derivatives 18a-d. In a similar fashion, the enantiomeric lactones 21a-d were converted into the two corresponding enantiomeric series of dicarboxylic acid derivatives 22a-d and 23a-d. Inhibitors of aspartic proteinases, of which renin is a typical example, are known to bind to the enzyme active site cleft in an extended conformation. Thus, in order to evaluate the efficacy of 1,2,3-trisubstituted cyclopropanes as rigid replacements of beta-strand secondary structure in pseudopeptidic ligands, 15a-d, 18a-d, 22a-d, and 23a-d were incorporated at the P3 subsite of the potential renin inhibitors 24a-h and 25a-h by coupling with the tripeptide replacement 8. A significant number of substances inhibited renin at nanomolar concentrations. On the basis of this preliminary test, 1,2,3-trisubstituted cyclopropanes do appear to constitute a viable new class of peptide mimics. Since the stereochemistry at each carbon on the cyclopropane ring may be altered, these novel replacements may also function as stereochemical probes to establish the conformation of pseudopeptide ligands bound to their macromolecular targets.     

Structure-activity relationships of a series of 2-amino-4-thiazole-containing renin inhibitors.

A series of renin inhibitors was synthesized that contained a 2-amino-4-thiazolyl moiety at the P2 position. These derivatives are potent inhibitors of monkey renin in vitro and are selective in that they only weakly inhibit the closely related aspartic proteinase, bovine cathepsin D. Four compounds exhibited oral blood pressure lowering activity in high-renin normotensive monkeys. One of these compounds, 22 (PD 134672), was selected for further evaluation in renal hypertensive monkeys, on the basis of its superior efficacy and duration of action in the in vitro assays and the normotensive primate model.     

Synthesis of new N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-thieno[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-ones

The synthesis of some N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-thieno[2,3-h]-1-benzopyran-2-ones (4a-f), by reaction of phenylchloroketene with a series of N,N-disubstituted (E)-5-aminomethylene-6,7-dihydrobenzo[b]thiophen-4(5)-ones, followed by dehydrochlorination in situ of the primary adducts with DBN, is described. A moderate local anaesthetic activity was observed in the title compounds, particularly in 4e.     

Synthesis and investigation of conformationally restricted analogues of lavendustin A as cytotoxic inhibitors of tubulin polymerization

A series of conformationally restricted analogues were synthesized in order to elucidate the possible effects of different amide conformations of lavendustin A derivatives on cytotoxicity in cancer cell cultures and on inhibition of tubulin polymerization. The conformationally restricted analogues were based on the oxazinedione and isoindolone ring systems. In addition, the amide bond was replaced by both cis and trans alkene moieties. Surprisingly, the results indicated very little effect of conformational restriction on biological activity. Because all of the compounds synthesized had similar cytotoxicities and potencies as tubulin polymerization inhibitors, the side chain present on the aniline ring system does not appear to be important in the biological effects of the lavendustins. The hydroquinone ring of lavendustin A may be a more important determinant of the biological activity than the structure surrounding the aniline ring.     

Conformationally restricted and conformationally defined tyramine analogues as inhibitors of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase

In a search for a selective inhibitor for the epinephrine synthesizing enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT; EC 2.1.1.28), phenolic 2-aminotetralins (12-15 as conformationally restricted analogues of tyramine) and phenolic benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octylamines (22-24 as conformationally defined analogues of tyramine) were used to gain information about the binding interactions of the catecholic hydroxyl groups in the natural substrate norepinephrine at the active site of PNMT. In addition, these analogues provided information about the effects of conformational flexibility on active-site interaction of the aminoethyl side chain in phenolic phenylethylamines that may aid in learning the manner in which norepinephrine binds at the active site of PNMT. Analogues 22-24 were synthesized by a nine-step sequence, in which a Friedel-Crafts type intramolecular cyclization was the key step in the construction of the benzobicyclo[3.2.1]octane skeleton. p-Tyramine (10, Ki = 294 microM) was more potent than phenylethylamine (1, Ki = 854 microM) but m-tyramine (9, Ki = 1250 microM) was less potent than phenylethylamine as an inhibitor of PNMT. Similarly, in the conformationally restricted and conformationally defined tyramine analogues (12-15 and 22-24, respectively), the analogues with the p-tyramine moiety (14, Ki = 4.7 microM; 23, Ki = 111 microM) bind to PNMT better than do the corresponding unsubstituted compounds (16, Ki = 6.8 microM; 25, Ki = 206 microM) while the analogues with the m-tyramine moiety (13, 15, 22, and 24) have a lower binding affinity than do 16 and 25. The greatly enhanced activity of the phenolic 2-aminotetralins (12-15) compared with m- and p-tyramine (9 and 10, respectively) is likely due to the restriction of the side-chain conformation. The conformationally defined analogues 22-24 were less active than the conformationally restricted ones, 12-15, although the low-energy half-chair conformation of 2-aminotetralin is defined in 22-24. The reduced activity of 22-24 compared with the activity of 12-15 is probably due to the steric hindrance from the extra bridging atoms in binding to PNMT. The interaction of the p-hydroxyl group of the tyramine moiety may involve hydrogen bonding since the corresponding methyl ethers show a greatly reduced affinity for the active site of PNMT (Ki = 34 and 389 microM for methoxy analogues 28 and 35, compared to Ki = 4.7 and 111 microM for the corresponding phenolic analogues 14 and 23).     

Synthesis and receptor affinities of some conformationally restricted analogues of the dopamine D1 selective ligand (5R)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl- 1H-3-benzazepin-7-ol

The synthesis of a structurally novel series of 6,6a,7,8,9,13b-hexahydro-5H-benzo[d]naphtho[2,1-b]azepines (2), conformationally restricted analogues of the dopamine D1 antagonist (5R)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepin -7-ol (SCH 23390, 1c), is described. Affinity for D1 receptors was determined by competition for rat striatal binding sites labeled by [3H]SCH 23390; affinity for D2 receptors was similarly determined by competition experiments using [3H]spiperone. Compounds in this series having the B/C-trans ring junction (2b and related analogues), where the D ring is unequivocally fixed in an equatorial orientation, possess considerably more D1 receptor affinity and selectivity vs the D2 receptor than the conformationally mobile cis stereoisomers (2a), thus leading to the conclusion that axial substituents at the 4- or 5-positions of the benzazepine nucleus are detrimental to D1 receptor affinity. Resolution and X-ray analysis demonstrated that D1 receptor affinity was preferentially associated with the (-)-6aS,13bR enantiomer of 2b.     

Binding of substituted and conformationally restricted derivatives of N-(3-phenyl-n-propyl)-1-phenyl-2-aminopropane at sigma-receptors.

Certain benzomorphans, such as N-allylnormetazocine, are classical "sigma-opiates" that bind both at sigma and phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites with modest affinity. Recently, we identified N-substituted 2-phenylaminoethane as being the primary sigma-pharmacophore of the benzomorphans and demonstrated that 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane (2) derivatives, depending upon their terminal amine substituents, constitute a novel class of high-affinity sigma-selective agents. With this pharmacophore, it is shown in the present investigation that the aromatic hydroxyl group (a prime feature of all the sigma-opiates) contributes little to the binding of 2 at sigma-sites. It is also demonstrated that an N-substituted aminotetralin moiety (such as 17, a conformationally restricted analogue of 2) may also be considered a sigma-opiate pharmacophore. Unlike the sigma-opiates, derivatives of 2 and 17 display no affinity for PCP sites and must consequently lack those structural features important for the binding of benzomorphans at PCP sites. Because 3-phenylpiperidines and related sigma-ligands also possess a phenylalkylamine imbedded within their structures, we propose that the 2-phenylaminoethane moiety is a common sigma-pharmacophore for derivatives of 2, the 3-phenylpiperidines, and the sigma-opiates.     

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thiol derivatives as antimicrobial agents

A series of novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives have been synthesized by condensing the methyl benzoate and methyl salicylate with various substituents; their structures were established on the basis of elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectral data. All title compounds were subjected to in vitro antibacterial and antifungal screening against four different bacterial and fungal strains. Preliminary results indicate that some of them exhibit promising activities and deserve further consideration as potential antimicrobials.     

Reactions with 3-Pyrazolin-5-ones: Synthesis of some 4-Substituted 2,3-Dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-ones

4-Acetylantipyrine (1) was condensed with aromatic or heterocyclic aldehydes to yield the cinnamoylidene derivatives 4a—d. Compound 4b was converted into the pyrazolinylantipyrine derivative 9 by hydrazine hydrate. 4-(Chloroacetyl)antipyrine (2) reacted with aldehydes to yield the furan-2-one derivatives 11 or the dihydroxy derivative 12. The behaviour of 4-formylantipyrine toward methylenenitriles was investigated.     

Synthesis of 4-amino-6-(hetaryl)pyridazin-3-ones as analogs of pyridazine-based cardiotonic agents

A series of 4-amino-6-(hetaryl)pyridazin-3-ones were synthesized for screening purposes. The target compounds were obtained on heating hydrazine hydrate with 6-(hetaryl)pyridazin-3-ones, which had been prepared via the reaction of o-diaminohetaryls with 3-pyridazine-6-carboxylic acid. Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 18–19, February, 2009.     

Synthesis of substituted 3-anilino-5-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-ones and their evaluation as cholecystokinin-ligands

3-Amino-1,4-benzodiazepines as well as chemically related diverse amines were prepared from oxazepam and subsequently screened on the cholecystokinin receptor in a radiolabel binding assay. Oxazepam 2 was activated via its 3-chloro-1,4-benzodiazepine intermediate 3 and was reacted with a large series of aliphatic and aromatic amines. The substituted 3-anilino-1,4-benzodiazepine structure was identified as lead structure in a diverse series of 3-amino-1,4-benzodiazepines 4-38 and the full SAR (structure-activity relationship) optimisation provided 3-anilinobenzodiazepines 16-38 with CCK1 receptor selectivity to CCK2. The compounds 18, 24, 28 and 33 have shown affinities at the CCK1 receptor of 11, 10, 11 and 9 nM, respectively. These equipotent CCK1 ligands were fully evaluated in behaviour pharmacological essays. An antidepressant effect was identified in the tail suspension- and the Porsolt swimming-test. The ED50 values for 24 and 28 were determined in these assays as 0.46 and 0.49 mg/kg. The mixed antagonist 37 showed in addition to the antidepressant effects anxiolytic properties.     

Photolysis of 3-methyl- and 3-phenyl-4-amino-2-methyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one (author's transl)

Photolysis of 3-Methyl- and 3-Phenyl-4-amino-2-methyl-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one During the irradiation of aqueous solutions of 4-amino-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one ( 1d ) besides the compounds 2 and 3 characteristic photolysis products of pyrazolones (Type I), the compound 12 is obtained, which was formed from two molecules of 1d . 4-Amino-2-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one, however isomerises to 8, which upon further irradiation fragments into several components two of them being N-phenyloxamide and N,N′-diphenyloxamide.     

Cyanogen condensations as a route to 3-amino-2-imino-1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones with CNS depressant potential.

Seven new 3-amino-2-imino-1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones, prepared from the condensation of cyanogen and 2-mercaptobenzhydrazides, were evaluated in a neuropharmacological mouse profile. CNS depression was observed in several members of the class.     

Synthesis and serotonin binding site studies of some conformationally restricted indolylethylamine analogues based on 2-amino-3-(3'-indolyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

The bicycloannulation reaction between cyclohexenone and indolyl enamines yields trans-3-(cyclic amino)-2-(3'-indolyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-ones, and these adducts are conformationally restricted analogues of indolylethylamine (tryptamine) which exhibit structure-dependent affinity for the serotonin 5HT2 and 5HT1a receptors. The stereochemistry of the isomeric endo and exo adducts obtained is assigned from the 1H NMR spectra of the specifically deuterated alkenes prepared from the ketones by the Bamford-Stevens reaction. Molecular mechanics calculations indicate that the conformational flexibility of the amino and indolyl groups is restricted through van der Waals interactions with the bridges of the bicyclic unit. These compounds inhibit the binding of [3H]ketanserin to 5HT2 sites in mouse cerebrocortical membranes, and the binding of [3H]-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]-8-OH-DPAT) to 5HT1a sites in mouse hippocampal membranes. The endo compounds are the most potent, and molecular mechanics calculations indicate that these isomers have a less bulky bicyclo bridge proximate to the amine group and more conformational freedom about the C alpha-C beta-N(+)-H dihedral angle (tau 3). In the 5HT2 assay, endo-trans-3-(N-piperidinyl)-2-(3'-indolyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-5-one (10a) is the most potent, and endo-trans-3-(N-pyrrolidinyl)-2-(3'-indolyl)bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene (12a) is the most potent in the 5HT1a assay. A phenyl-substituted adduct shows the least affinity in these two assays. These data provide insight into the structural differences between the 5HT1a and 5HT2 receptor sites.     

Derivatives of pyrimidine 1,2-condensate. IV. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of the N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-2H-pyrido(1,2-a)pyrimidin- 2-ones and 2-amino-4H-pyrido(1,2-a)pyrmidin-4-ones

The N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-ones (III) and isomer 2-amino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones (IV) were obtained from the reaction of 2-aminopyridine with the N,N-disubstituted ethyl malonamate/phosphorus oxychloride reagent (II), in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane. 2-[(N-Benzyl, N-ethyl)amino]derivative (IV b) was also prepared in excellent yield by treating 2-chloro-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (V) with N-ethylbenzylamine. Finally, hydrogenation (Raney Nickel) of 4-[(N-ethyl,N-phenyl)amino]-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-one (III e) afforded 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroderivative (VI) which in turn was treated with potassium borohydride to give 1,6,7,8,9,9a-hexahydroderivative (VII). Several compounds described in the present paper, along with some other compounds (III) and (IV) previously synthesized by us (1,2), were tested for various pharmacological activities. The antiallergic activity (PCA in the rat), even though found in several compounds examined, turned out to be submaximal in any case, in spite of the high dose administered (500 mg/kg p.o. as a rule). The most active compound (the activity being estimated at 0.42 times that of thiaramide hydrochloride) was the 4-aminoderivative (III e). The 2-aminoderivatives (IV) series, was found to have marked antiinflammatory properties (carrageenin oedema in the rat); nevertheless, this activity was related to toxic symptoms with the exception of compound (IV b), almost asymptomatic at the administered dose (200 mg/kg p.o.). Moreover the 2-aminoderivatives (IV) generally showed weak adrenolitic activity in vitro (rat seminal vesicles), which was estimated to be from 100 to 1000 times less than that of phenoxybenzamine.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-biphenyl-4-yl-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazoles as novel glycine transporter 1 inhibitors

We describe the preparation and evaluation of a novel series of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) inhibitors derived from a high-throughput screening hit. The SAR studies resulted in the discovery of 3-biphenyl-4-yl-4-(2-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (6p). A pharmacokinetic study was also conducted and revealed that 6p had excellent oral bioavailability and ameliorated learning impairment in passive avoidance tasks in mice.