Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel imidazole-containing macrocycles

A new family of compounds made of a 5-aryl-1H-imidazole motif included in a macrocycle has been designed and synthesized. The synthesis of the imidazole core makes use of our previously developed method for the regioselective preparation of 1,2,5-trisubstituted imidazoles while the construction of the macrocycle is based on a three steps sequence: S_NAr, Suzuki coupling, and RCM reaction. Biological evaluation of synthesized imidazole-containing macrocycles revealed that they display actual binding activity toward A₃ adenosine (h) receptor, dopamine D₁ (h) receptor, chloride channel (GABA-gated), and choline transporter (h) CHT1.     

The formylation of the upper-rims of thiacalixarenes: synthesis of the first tetra-formylated and the first meta-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes

The conventional Gross reaction for the formylation of the tetrapropoxythiacalix[4]arene using TiCl₄ affords the 18-(chloromethyl)-28-hydroxy-25,26,27-tripropoxythiacalix[4]arene substituted in the meta-position of the macrocycle. The p-tetraformyl-tetrapropoxythiacalix[4]arene, which is an interesting intermediate to the upper-rims functionalization of thiacalixarenes, was prepared with a very good yield using BuLi and N-formylpiperidine.     

Synthesis of a C3-symmetric macrocycle with alternating sugar amino acid and tyrosine residues

A C₃-symmetric macrocycle with alternating sugar amino acid and tyrosine residues was synthesized in seven steps from tyrosine tert-butyl ester and a sugar amino acid precursor derived from D-glucosamine. An Fmoc-protected D-glucosamine derivative was oxidized at C-6 to give the sugar amino acid, which was immediately coupled to tyrosine tert-butyl ester to produce an orthogonally protected building block. This building block was subsequently elongated to the trimer via the dimer, and finally cyclized to give the C₃-symmetric macrocycle.     

Recent Advances in Macrocyclic Drugs and Microwave-Assisted and/or Solid-Supported Synthesis of Macrocycles

Macrocycles represent attractive candidates in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Since 2014, nineteen macrocyclic drugs, including three radiopharmaceuticals, have been approved by FDA for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections, cancer, obesity, immunosuppression, etc. As such, new synthetic methodologies and high throughput chemistry (e.g., microwave-assisted and/or solid-phase synthesis) to access various macrocycle entities have attracted great interest in this chemical space. This article serves as an update on our previous review related to macrocyclic drugs and new synthetic strategies toward macrocycles (Molecules, 2013, 18, 6230). In this work, I first reviewed recent FDA-approved macrocyclic drugs since 2014, followed by new advances in macrocycle synthesis using high throughput chemistry, including microwave-assisted and/or solid-supported macrocyclization strategies. Examples and highlights of macrocyclization include macrolactonization and macrolactamization, transition-metal catalyzed olefin ring-closure metathesis, intramolecular C–C and C–heteroatom cross-coupling, copper- or ruthenium-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, intramolecular S_NAr or S_N2 nucleophilic substitution, condensation reaction, and multi-component reaction-mediated macrocyclization, and covering the literature since 2010.     

Highly substituted 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrins with meso aryl residues

Highly substituted porphyrin-bearing meso aryl groups are useful compounds for optical applications and for studies on the interrelationship between the substituent pattern, macrocycle conformation and physical properties. They serve as biomimetic models for the function of tetrapyrroles in nature and help to elucidate modulation of cofactor properties through conformational effects. Using a sequence of lithium organic substitution reactions the synthesis of novel free base 5,10-A₂- and 5,10-AB-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrins bearing donating groups such as -OMe and -NMe₂ on the aryl-substituent was achieved. Larger aromatic residues (1-naphthyl, 9-anthracenyl and 9-phenanthrenyl) could be introduced into the macrocycle system as well, and these systems were used for the preparation of highly substituted porphyrins with a mixed substituent pattern. Using phenanthrenyl derivatives, the complete series of meso phenanthrenyl substituted octaethylporphyrins was successfully synthesized and the palladium complexes were prepared for photophysical investigations. Structural studies clearly showed the influence of individual substituents on the conformation of the tetrapyrrole macrocycle and conformational analyses revealed the variation of the underlying distortion modes depending on the type and arrangement of the meso substituents.     

Chloride anion-induced dimer capsule based on a polyfluorinated macrocycle meta-WreathArene

[1_n]metacyclophanes are a class of important building blocks for supramolecular assembly of artificial capsules. Herein we present the preparation and properties of a novel polyfluorinated macrocycle meta-WreathArene, a C₂-symmetrical [1₄]metacyclophane. Adopting a cone conformation in acetone solution, the macrocycle can form dimer capsules through hydrogen bonds induced by chloride anions. Each dimer capsule consists of two meta-WreathArene and two chloride anions, and has been unambiguously characterized both in solution and in solid state.     

Synthesis and properties of BF2- & PO2-complexes of mono meso-heterocycle substituted 25-oxasmaragdyrins and derivatives

BF₂- and PO₂-smaragdyrins containing one five membered heterocycle such as pyrrole, thiophene and furan at one of the meso-position of corresponding 25-oxasmaragdyrins were synthesized by treating the appropriate mono meso-heterocycle substituted 25-oxasmaragdyrin with BF₃.OEt₂ and POCl₃ respectively in CH₂Cl₂ under mild reaction conditions. All macrocycles were thoroughly characterized by HR-MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a five membered heterocycle in place of a six membered aryl group significantly alters the electronic properties of the smaragdyrin macrocycle as reflected in their spectral and electrochemical properties. The meso-pyrrole BF₂-smaragdyrin was subjected to a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction to prepare meso-(α-formyl pyrrolyl) BF₂-smaragdyrin which was subsequently used to prepare meso-(α-dipyrromethanyl pyrrolyl) BF₂-smaragdyrin. The further use of meso-heterocycle substituted BF₂- and PO₂-oxasmaragdyrins was demonstrated by treating meso-pyrrolyl BF₂-smaragdyrin with pentafluorobenzaldehyde in CHCl₃ under mild acid catalysed conditions to afford an unusual dipyrromethanyl bridged BF₂-smaragdyrin dyad which exhibits excellent photophysical properties.     

π-extended [12]cycloparaphenylenes: from a hexaphenylbenzene cyclohexamer to its unexpected C 2-symmetric congener

The synthesis of π-extended [12]cycloparaphenylene (CPP) derivatives from a kinked triangular macrocycle is presented. Depending on the reaction conditions for reductive aromatization, either a hexaphenylbenzene cyclohexamer or its C ₂-symmetric congener was obtained. Their structures were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy or X-ray crystallographic analysis. With the support of DFT calculations, a mechanistic explanation for the unexpected formation of the oval shaped bis(cyclohexadiene)-bridged C ₂-symmetric macrocycle is provided. The here employed congested hexaphenylbenzene mode of connectivity in conjunction with a non-strained precursor improves oxidative cyclodehydrogenation toward the formation of ultrashort carbon nanotubes (CNT)s. Thus, this strategy can pave the way for new conceptual approaches of a solution-based bottom-up synthesis of CNTs.     

Synthetic studies on bafilomycin A1: first formation of the 16-membered macrolide via an intramolecular Stille reaction

The 16-membered macrolide formation of a bafilomycin A₁ synthesis intermediate showed to be very difficult to achieve via an intramolecular Stille reaction. Complex reactions were observed, depending on the nature of the palladium source, ligand, solvent and reaction conditions. Unexpected reactions of the 2-furyl group transfer of trifurylphosphine were observed on the vinylic iodide and (or) the vinylstannane. Best conditions were found with Pd₂(dba)₃/AsPh₃/i-Pr₂NEt in DMF, at 40 °C, to afford the desired macrocycle in 28% yield (33% corrected), the structure of which was definitely confirmed by chemical filiation.     

Convergent synthesis of meso-ferrocenyl porphyrins for TiO2 sensitization

Electron-donating ferrocenyl moieties have been incorporated into supramolecular carboxyporphyrin architectures Zn(II)-5-ferrocenyl-10,20-bistolyl-15-(4-methylbenzoate)porphyrin (trans-Fc-ZnP-CO₂Me), Zn(II)-5-ferrocenyl-10,15,20-tris(4-methylbenzoate)porphyrin [trans-Fc-ZnP-(CO₂Me)₃], and Zn(II)-5,15-bisferrocenyl-10,20-bis(4-benzoate)porphyrin [trans-Fc₂-ZnP-(CO₂Me)₂] for self-assembly on metal oxide nanoparticles. Efficient and economic synthesis has required a convergent strategy toward reduced symmetry trans-A₂B₂ and trans-AB₂C substitution patterns about the porphyrin macrocycle minimizing the production of porphyrin side products and increasing yields of the target ferrocenylporphyrins. Preliminary spectroscopic data in solution and in the solid state bound to mesoporous TiO₂ films are discussed.     

Synthesis and chiroptical property of C2-symmetric cyclohexapyrrole

Condensation reaction of gem-dimethyldipyrrylmethane-5,5′-dicarbinol and 4,4′-dimethyl-3,3′-di-iso-butyl-2,2′-bipyrrole under the catalysis by trifluoroacetic acid gave a hexapyrrolic macrocycle 6 in 15% yield after DDQ oxidation. X-ray crystallography of 6 shows that three parts of highly planar dipyrrylmethene unit are assembled by two sp³ hybridized gem-dimethyl carbon bridges and one direct linking at the pyrrole α-positions, leading to C₂ molecular symmetry. The complexation of 6 with (S)-(+)- and (R)-(−)-mandelic acid induced a CD Cotton effect at 461 and 650 nm.     

Synthesis and characterizations of meso-disubstituted asymmetric porphycenes

A post-synthetic method has been developed to synthesize novel asymmetric porphycenes bearing two different substituents on the meso-positions. Nitration of 9-acetoxy-2,7,12,17-tetra-n-propylporphycene with AgNO₃ in CH₃COOH/CH₂Cl₂ occurs regioselectively at the 19-position of the macrocycle to give 9-acetoxy-19-nitro-2,7,12,17-tetra-n-propylporphycene (3a) which was readily converted to 9-acetoxy-19-amino-2,7,12,17-tetra-n-propylporphycene (4a) by the reduction with SnCl₂ in pyridine.     

Coordination chemistry of anticrowns: Complexation of cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury with nitro compounds

Cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury (o-C₆F₄Hg)₃ (1) is capable of reacting with nitromethane to give complex {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](CH₃NO₂)} (2) containing one molecule of the nitro compound per one macrocycle molecule. In this complex, the nitromethane ligand is bound to 1 by its both oxygen atoms, one of which is simultaneously coordinated to all three Hg centres of the macrocycle while the other interacts with a single Hg centre. The complex of similar composition, {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](C₆H₅NO₂)} (3), is produced in the interaction of 1 with nitrobenzene. In this complex too, the both oxygen atoms of the nitro group are involved in the bonding to the macrocycle. A distinctive feature of 3 is that here one oxygen atom of the coordinated nitro derivative is bound by only two Hg centres of 1 whereas the other interacts again with a single Hg site. The reaction of 1 with 5-nitroacenaphthene affords a 1:1 complex, {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](C₁₂H₉NO₂)} (4), having a polydecker sandwich structure in the crystal. Unlike in 3, the aromatic rings of the nitroarene units in 4 are disposed virtually in parallel to the macrocycles. The nitro compound in 4 behaves again as a bidentate ligand, forming three Hg-O bonds with one of the adjacent macrocycles and a single Hg-O bond with another molecule of 1. The complex is characterized also by shortened Hg-C contacts between the Hg centres of 1 and the carbon atoms of the nitroarene moiety as well as shortened C-C contacts between the carbon atoms of the nitroarene and the macrocycle. In the interaction of 1 with 1-nitropyrene, complexes of two compositions, viz. {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](C₁₆H₉NO₂)} (5) and {[(o-C₆F₄Hg)₃](C₁₆H₉NO₂)₃} (6) are formed. An X-ray diffraction study of 6 has shown that in this adduct two of three coordinated molecules of the nitro compound are located on one side of the metallacycle plane while the third nitroarene molecule is disposed on its other side. The aromatic rings of all three nitropyrene ligands in 6 are practically parallel to the mean plane of the macrocycle. In contrast to 2-4, each molecule of the nitroarene in 6 is bonded to 1 by a single oxygen atom which is coordinated only to one Hg centre. In the case of one of the nitropyrene ligands that forms much longer Hg-O bond with 1 than two others, an additional contribution to the bonding is made by shortened Hg-C contacts between the macrocycle and the carbon atoms of the aromatic pyrene core and also by shortened C-C contacts between the carbon atoms of the coordinated nitroarene and 1. The synthesized adducts are the first examples of complexes of an anticrown with nitro compounds.     

Synthesis of a new 24-membered tetramide macrocycle and X-ray crystal structure determination

The synthesis and characterization of a new 24-membered tetramide macrocycle (6) related to Leigh's macrocycles and catenanes is reported. The replacement of p-xylylenediamine (Leigh) by m-xylylenediamine (this work) strongly modifies the geometry and properties of the new macrocycle. NMR spectroscopy (in DMSO?d₆ solution) and X-ray crystallography have been used to characterize compound 6. The structural features in the crystal (conformational aspects and H-bonding) have been discussed comparatively to two similar macrocycles NEWHIJ and UJUNOC.     

Binaphthyl-based chiral macrocyclophanes with variously sized cavities: Dn-symmetrical structure constructed from unidirectionally-inclined rod segments

As new and chiral macrocyclophanes with unique structures, variously sized Pn and Mn (n=2–7=number of ‘rod’ segments) with D₂–D₇ symmetry were constructed by alternating connection of axially chiral binaphthyls and linear biphenyls via –CH₂O– moieties, so that the macrocycle consists of multiple rod-like naphthalene–biphenyl–naphthalene units linked together at the binaphthyl bonds. The dihedral angle of the two naphthalene rings of binaphthyl is restricted to around 90°, and the calculated values of strain energy difference per naphthalene–biphenyl unit in P2–P7 are almost independent of the macrocycle size, presumably owing to the flexibility of the –CH₂O– connectors.     

Kinetics of Zn-5,15-di(ortho-methyloxyphenyl)-2,8,12,18-tetramethyl-3,7,13,17-tetrabutylporphyrin oxidation by organic peroxides in o-xylene

A spectrophotometric and quantum chemical (PM3) study of the structure and properties of Zn-5,15-di(ortho-methyloxyphenyl)-2,8,12,18-tetramethyl-3,7,13,17- tetrabutylporphyrin (ZnP(I)) in its oxidation with organic peroxides in o-xylene at T = 295 K is presented. The kinetic parameters (k _app, k _v ) of this reaction are reported. The reactivities of strained zinc porphyrinates (ZnP(I), Zn-5,15-di(ortho-methyloxyphenyl)-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octamethylporphyrin (ZnP(II)), and a zinc porphyrin with a 2,5-dimethoxyphenylene “cover” (ZnP(III))) are compared. The electronic and conformational properties of the macrocycle are significant factors in the interaction of the metalloporphyrins with the peroxides. The structures of the reactants and intermediates have been calculated by the PM3 method. The macrocycle of ZnP(I) has a distorted structure. The degree and type of distortion are estimated. When reacting with the peroxides, the metalloporphyrin changes its structure so that the macrocycle becomes still more strained, and this enhances its reactivity.     

An ammonium/bis-ammonium switchable molecular shuttle

A pH shuttle has been developed in which the mean position of the macrocycle can be switched between dialkylammonium stations of differing acidities. With only the most basic binding site protonated (dibenzylammonium), the macrocycle resides almost exclusively on the protonated station; when the second ammonium group (diethylammonium) is generated by further protonation, a mixture of translational diastereomers is observed in CD₂Cl₂ at 298 K, with the diethylammonium binding site preferred by the crown ether macrocycle in a ratio of ∼2:1.     

Interaction of Iodine with Hexaaza-18-crown-6 and Tetraaza-14-crown-4 in Chloroform Solution

Interactions of hexaaza-18-crown-6 (HA18C6) and tetraaza-14-crown-4 (TA14C4) with iodine have been investigated spectrophotometrically in chloroform solution. The observed time dependence of the charge-transfer band and subsequent formation of I₃ ^- in solution were related to the slow transformation of the initially formed 1:1 macrocycle. I₂ outer complex to an inner electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex, followed by fast reaction of the inner complex with iodine to form a triiodide ion, as follows: macrocycle + I₂→_fast ^K _f macrocycle.I₂ (outer complex) macrocycle.I₂ (outer complex) →^slow (macrocycle.I⁺)I^- (inner complex) macrocycle.I⁺)I^- (inner complex) + I²→^slow (macrocycle.I⁺)I₃ ^-. The pseudo-first-order rate constants at various temperatures for thetransformation process were evaluated from the absorbance-time data. The activation parameters (E_a, Δ H^?, and Δ S^?) for thetransformation were obtained from the temperature dependence of the rate constants. The stoichiometry and formation constants of the resulting EDA complexes have also been determined. It was found that the (TA14C4.I⁺)I₃ ^- is more stable the (HA18C6.I⁺)I₃ ^- complex in chloroform solution.     

Acid–base and coordination properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meso</Emphasis>-substituted porphyrins in nonaqueous solutions

Acid–base and coordination properties of alkyl and aryl meso-substituted porphyrins are studied spectrophotometrically in nonaqueous solutions. It is found that the nature of the substituent greatly affects the basicity of ligands for porphyrins characterized by a flat structure of macrocycle. The electronic effects of substituents have a much weaker influence on the kinetics of complexing. These effects could be due to the opposite orientation of some factors: an increase in the basicity and stability of the N–H bonds of porphyrin reaction centers. Dissociation constants pK _b of the cationic forms of meso-substituted derivatives of porphyrin are measured. The values of pK _b are in good agreement with classic concepts of the nature of substituents, particularly those indirectly included in the macrocycle through phenyl buffer rings.     

An efficient construction of a C3-symmetric macrocycle by head to tail cyclotrimerization of an unsymmetrical diene via a sequence of highly regio- and stereoselective metathesis reactions

A sequence of highly regio- and stereoselective intermolecular metatheses followed by ring-closing metathesis of an 1-allyl-3-(3-butenyl)cyclohexanol led to a C₃-symmetric head to tail cyclic trimer; a 24-membered macrocycle containing three inward directed hydroxyl groups creating a hydrophilic cavity.