Asperchalasine A,a Cytochalasan Dimer with an Unprecedented Decacyclic Ring System,from Aspergillus flavipes

Asperchalasine A ( 1 ), the first cytochalasan dimer featuring a unique decacyclic 5/6/11/5/5/6/5/11/6/5 ring system consisting of 20 chiral centers, was isolated from the culture broth of Aspergillus flavipes. Three biogenetically related intermediates, asperchalasines B–D ( 2 – 4 ), were also isolated. Their structures, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated using a combination of HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, molecular modeling, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. Compound 1 , which possesses an unprecedented 13‐oxatetracyclo[7.2.1.1^2,5.0^1,6]tridec‐8,12‐dione core structure, is the first example of a dimeric cytochalasan alkaloid. The biogenetic pathways of 1 – 4 were described starting from the co‐isolated compounds 5 and 6 . More importantly, 1 induced significant G1‐phase cell cycle arrest by selectively inhibiting cyclin A, CDK2 and CDK6 in cancerous, but not normal, cells, highlighting it as a potentially selective cell cycle regulator against cancer cells.     

Asperflavipine A: A Cytochalasan Heterotetramer Uniquely Defined by a Highly Complex Tetradecacyclic Ring System from Aspergillus flavipes QCS12

Asperflavipines A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), two structurally complex merocytochalasans, were isolated from Aspergillus flavipes . Asperflavipine A ( 1 ), which contains two cytochalasan moieties and two epicoccine moieties, is the first cytochalasan heterotetramer to be discovered. It is uniquely defined by 5/6/11/5/6/5/6/5/6/5/5/11/6/5 fused tetradecacyclic rings with three continuous bridged ring systems. Asperflavipine B ( 2 ) is a cytochalasan heterotrimer containing a cytochalasan and two epicoccine moieties with a 5/6/11/5/5/6/5/6/5 nonacyclic ring system. The hypothetical biosynthesis of 1 and 2 is proposed to involve Diels–Alder and [3+2] cycloaddition reactions as key steps and reveals unparalleled plasticity in the biosynthesis of merocytochalasans. The existence of 1 adds a new dimension to the diversity of the cytochalasan family. Compound 1 showed moderate cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis in Jurkat, NB4, and HL60 cells through the activation of caspase‐3 and degradation of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP).     

Ruthenium–Arene–β‐Carboline Complexes as Potent Inhibitors of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 1: Synthesis,Characterization and Anticancer Mechanism Studies

A series of Ru^II–arene complexes ( 1 – 6 ) of the general formula [(η⁶‐arene)Ru(L)Cl]PF₆ (arene=benzene or p‐cymene; L=bidentate β‐carboline derivative, an indole alkaloid with potential cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) inhibitory activities) is reported. All the complexes were fully characterized by classical analytical methods, and three were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Hydrolytic studies show that β‐carboline ligands play a vital role in their aqueous behaviour. These complexes are highly active in vitro, with the most active complex 6 displaying a 3‐ to 12‐fold higher anticancer activity than cisplatin against several cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the complexes are able to overcome cross‐resistance to cisplatin, and show much lower cytotoxicity against normal cells. Complexes 1 – 6 may directly target CDK1, because they can block cells in the G2M phase, down‐regulate the expression of CDK1 and cyclin B1, and inhibit CDK1/cyclin B in vitro. Further mechanism studies show that the complexes can effectively induce apoptosis through mitochondrial‐related pathways and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevation.     

Sesquiterpenoids from the Fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and Their Anti‐Acetylcholinesterase Activity

Fourteen sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq . Their structures were elucidated based on NMR analyses (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and identified as 12‐nornootkaton‐6‐en‐11‐one ( 3 ), (+)‐(3S,4aS,5R)‐2,3,4,4a,5,6‐hexahydro‐3‐isopropenyl‐4a,5‐dimethyl‐1,7‐naphthoquinone ( 5 ), nootkatene ( 6 ), 9β‐hydroxynootkatone ( 7 ), 2β‐hydroxy‐δ‐cadinol ( 8 ), 4‐isopropyl‐6‐methyl‐1‐tetralone ( 11 ), oxyphyllone E ( 12 ), oxyphyllone D ( 13 ), oxyphyllanene B ( 15 ), oxyphyllone A ( 16 ), oxyphyllol E ( 17 ), (9E)‐humulene‐2,3;6,7‐diepoxide ( 18 ), mustakone ( 20 ), and pubescone ( 21 ). Among them, 3 was a new norsesquiterpenoid, 8 was a new natural product, and 5, 6, 11, 20, 21 were isolated from A. oxyphylla for the first time. Twenty sesquiterpenoids, 1 – 5 and 7 – 21 , were investigated for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities, including previously isolated seven sesquiterpenoids from A. oxyphylla, (11S)‐12‐chloronootkaton‐11‐ol ( 1 ), (11R)‐12‐chloronootkaton‐11‐ol ( 2 ), nootkatone ( 4 ), oxyphyllenodiol A ( 9 ), oxyphyllenodiol B ( 10 ), 7‐epiteucrenone B ( 14 ), and alpinenone ( 19 ). TLC‐Bioautographic assay indicated that 1 – 4, 7, 14, 16, 18, 19 , and 21 displayed anti‐AChE activities at 10 nmol. Microplate assay confirmed that 19, 18, 16 , and 21 displayed moderate‐to‐weak anti‐AChE activities at the concentration of 100 μM , and 19 was the most potent inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 81.6±3.5 μM . The presence of anti‐AChE sesquiterpenoids in A. oxyphylla may partially support the traditional use of this fruit for the treatment of dementia.     

19-O-Acetylchaetoglobosin B and 19-O-Acetylchaetoglobosin D,Two New Metabolites of Chaetomium globosum

Two new metabolites have been isolated from cultures of Chaetomium globosum. The structures of 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin B ( 4 ) and 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin D ( 5 ) are assigned. The ¹³C-NMR. spectra of chaetoglobosin A ( 1 ), 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin A ( 2 ), chaetoglobosin C ( 3 ), 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin B ( 4 ), 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin D ( 5 ) and of cytochalasin G ( 6 ), a (3-indolyl)-[11]cytochalasan isolated from Pseudeurotium zonatum, have been interpreted.     

Isolation and Structural Characterization of New,Highly Functionalized Diterpenes from Euphorbia serrulata

Five new diterpene polyesters, 1 – 5 , with jatrophane skeletons were isolated from the fresh whole plants of Euphorbia serrulata. The structure elucidation was performed by means of UV/VIS spectroscopy, HR‐ESI‐MS, and advanced two‐dimensional NMR methods, including ¹H‐NMR, JMOD, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, NOESY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments. The relative configurations of 1 – 5 and their conformations in solution were analyzed on the basis of NOESY measurements. As a result of detailed NMR studies, complete ¹H and ¹³C chemical‐shift assignments of the compounds were possible. The isolated compounds differ stereochemically and do not comprise a uniform series regarding the configurations at C(2), C(6), and C(13). Compound 5 possesses the new structural feature of a double bond with (Z)‐configuration in the macrocyclic ring of the jatrophane skeleton, while compound 2 has a C?C bond in the five‐membered ring, this being the first observation of this structural feature in the type of macrocyclic Euphorbiaceae diterpenes.     

Design,Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity of New Oxadiazolyl‐Linked and Thiazolyl‐Linked Benzimidazole Arylidines,Thioglycoside, and Acyclic Analogs

2‐[(4‐Thiazolylmethyl)thio]‐1H‐benzimidazole 3 was prepared and was allowed to react with ethyl chloroactate then with hydrazine hydrate to afford the hydrazide derivative 5 , which was then reacted with aromatic aldehydes to afford the corresponding arylidine derivatives 6 – 9 . Heterocyclization of the latter hydrazones with acetic anhydride afforded the substituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazoline derivatives 10 – 13 . In addition, new ((thiazolyl)imidazolyl) oxadiazole thioglycoside and acyclic‐C nucleoside analog were prepared via heterocylization of the hydrazide 5 then glycosylation with α‐acetobromoglucose or condensation with D‐xylose, respectively. All the new compounds were structurally characterized. The anticancer activity of some of the newly synthesized compounds was studied against human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7). The results of the anticancer activity showed that compounds 8 , 11 , 12 , 17 , and 18 revealed high activities superior to Doxorubicin; however, the other derivatives showed moderate to low inhibition activities against human breast cancer cells. Docking studies into CDK2 enzyme were investigated, which supported the anticancer activity results.     

Cuparene‐Derived Sesquiterpenes from the Chinese Red Alga Laurencia okamurai Yamada

Four new cuparene‐derived sesquiterpenes, laureperoxide ( 1 ), 10‐bromoisoaplysin ( 2 ), isodebromolaurinterol ( 3 ), and 10‐hydroxyisolaurene ( 4 ), together with seven known, related sesquiterpenes, 5 – 11 , have been isolated from the red alga Laurencia okamurai. Their structures were determined on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses and comparison with known compounds. Compounds 8 – 11 were shown for the first time to represent true natural products, and the full ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR assignments of 5 are reported for the first time.     

Cytotoxicities and Topoisomerase I Inhibitory Activities of 2‐[2‐(2‐Alkynylphenyl)ethynyl]benzonitriles, 1‐Aryldec‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diynes,and Related Bis(enediynyl)arene Compounds

The activities of a series of acyclic enediynes, 2‐(6‐substituted hex‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diynyl)benzonitriles ( 1 – 5 ) and their derivatives 7 – 23 were evaluated against several solid tumor cell lines and topoisomerase I. Compounds 1 – 5 show selective cytotoxicity with Hepa cells, and 2‐[6‐phenylhex‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diynyl]benzonitrile ( 5 ) reveals the most‐potent activity. Analogues 8 – 10 and 13 – 22 also have the same effect with DLD cells; 1‐[(Z)‐dec‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diynyl)‐4‐nitrobenzene 21 shows the highest activity among them. Moreover, 1‐[(Z)‐dec‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diynyl]‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzene ( 20 ) exhibits the strongest inhibitory activity with the Hela cell line. Derivatives 9, 10, 18 , and 23 display inhibitory activities with topoisomerase I at 87 μM . The cell‐cycle analysis of compound 5 , which induces a significant blockage in S phase, indicates that these novel enediynes probably undergo other biological pathways leading to the cytotoxicity, except the inhibitory activity toward topoisomerase I.     

Trangmolins A–F with an Unprecedented Structural Plasticity of the Rings A and B: New Insight into Limonoid Biosynthesis

The absolute stereostructures of trangmolins A–F ( 1 – 6 ), limonoids with three new and one known topologies of the rings A and B, were unambiguously determined by NMR spectroscopic investigations, single‐crystal XRD analysis, and quantum‐chemical electronic circular dichroism calculations. Compounds 1 – 3 contain a hexahydro‐1H‐inden‐4‐one motif, compound 4 comprises a hexahydro‐2,6‐methanobenzofuran‐7‐one cage, and compound 5 consists of a hexahydro‐2H‐2,8‐epoxychromene scaffold. The C1?C30 linkage in 1 – 3 and the C3?C30 connection in 4 form two unprecedented types of ring A/B‐fused carbobicyclic cores: viii and ix . The oxidative cleavage of the C2?C3 bond in 5 and heterocyclization in 4 and 5 constitute the unprecedented tricyclic 6/6/5 ring A/B¹/B²‐ and 6/5/6 ring A¹A²/B‐fused topologies, respectively, which are uncovered, for the first time, in the construction of limonoid architectures. The diverse cyclization patterns of 1 – 6 reveal an unparalleled structural plasticity of rings A and B in limonoid biosynthesis.     

Novel,Complex Flavonoids from Mallotus philippensis (Kamala Tree)

One new flavanone, 4′‐hydroxyisorottlerin ( 2 ), and two new chalcone derivatives, kamalachalcones C ( 3 ) and D ( 4 ), were isolated from Mallotus philippensis (kamala tree). The largest compound ( 4 ; M_r 1098 g/mol) was shown to possess a unique, fused‐ring system made of two hydroxy‐chalcone units, giving rise to eight fused benzene/pyran units. From the same plant, the following six known compounds were also isolated: kamalachalcone A ( 5 ) and B ( 6 ), isoallorottlerin ( 7 ), isorottlerin ( 8 ), 5,7‐dihydroxy‐8‐methyl‐6‐prenylflavanone ( 9 ); 6,6‐dimethylpyrano(2″,3″: 7,6)‐5‐hydroxy‐8‐methylflavanone ( 10 ), and rottlerin ( 1 ). The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by in‐depth spectral analyses, including 2D‐NMR techniques, and the full ¹³C‐NMR assignments of the known flavanones 1 and 7 – 10 are published for the first time.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Fungicidal Activity of Novel 1,5‐Diaryl‐3‐(glucopyranosyloxy)‐1H‐pyrazoles

Five novel pyrazole‐coupled glucosides, 1,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosides 5a – 5e , were synthesized by the phase‐transfer catalytic reaction of 1,5‐diaryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐ols 4a – 4e with acetobromo‐α‐D ‐glucose in H₂O/CHCl₃ under alkaline conditions, using Bu₄N⁺Br^? as catalyst. Then, glucosides 5a – 5c were deacetylated in a solution of Na₂CO₃/MeOH to yield the 1,5‐diaryl‐3‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐1H‐pyrazoles 6a – 6c . Their structures were characterized by ¹H,¹H‐COSY, ¹H‐, ¹³C‐, and ¹⁹F‐NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The structures of 5d and 6c were also determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. A preliminary in vitro bioassay indicated that compounds 4e and 5d exhibited excellent‐to‐medium fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at the dosage of 10 μg/ml.     

Xylastriasan A,a new cytochalasan from the fungus Xylaria striata

Xylastriasan A (1), a new cytochalasan alkaloid with a rare 5/6/6/5/6 pentacyclic skeleton, and ergosterol (2) were isolated from the ethanol extract of fruiting bodies of the fungus Xylaria striata. Their structures were determined by analysis of their spectroscopic data. Compound 1 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against HEPG2, B16 and A549 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 93.61, 85.61 and 91.58 μM, respectively. Ergosterol (2) potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleep by not only increasing the number of falling asleep and prolonging sleeping time but also reducing sleep latency at a dosage of 5 mg/kg.     

Palmitoleate (=(9Z)‐Hexadeca‐9‐enoate) Esters of Oleanane Triterpenoids from the Golden Flowers of Tagetes erecta: Isolation and Autoxidation Products

Six oleanane‐type triterpenoid esters were isolated from the golden flowers of Tagetes erecta. Spectral studies characterized their structures as 3‐O‐[(9Z)‐hexadec‐9‐enoyl]erythrodiol ( 1 ), 11α,12α:13β,28‐diepoxyoleanan‐3β‐yl (9Z)‐hexadec‐9‐enoate ( 2 ), 13β,28‐epoxyolean‐11‐en‐3β‐yl (9Z)‐hexadec‐9‐enoate ( 3 ), 28‐hydroxy‐11‐oxoolean‐12‐en‐3β‐yl (9Z)‐hexadec‐9‐enoate ( 4 ), 3‐O‐[(9Z‐hexadec‐9‐enoyl]‐β‐amyrin ( 5 ), and 11‐oxoolean‐12‐en‐3β‐yl (9Z)‐hexadec‐9‐enoate ( 6 ). Compounds 1 – 4 and 6 are new natural products, while the known 5 was isolated for the first time from the genus Tagetes, from which only one triterpenoid has earlier been obtained. Aerial oxidation (autoxidation) converted amyrin 1 into 2 – 4 and transformed amyrin 5 into 6 . The configuration of 1 – 6 and an autoxidation mechanism (Scheme) involving the formation of the intermediate 11α‐hydroxyolean‐12‐ene derivatives 1b and 5b on thermal decomposition of the labile 11α‐OOH derivatives 1a and 5a , respectively, under neutral conditions are discussed. For the first time, the reactivity of the allylic H? C(11) bond of triterpenoids of type 1 and 5 toward aerial oxidation was observed. The long‐chain ester group at C(3) of 1 and 5 may be responsible for their labile nature, as β‐amyrin ( 7 ), erythrodiol ( 8 ), and ursolic acid were found to be inert toward autoxidation.     

Synthesis of Some Novel Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine and Pyrido[3,2‐e][1,3,4]triazolo and Tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents

A novel series of pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines 3a – d , 4a – d , 5a – d , 6a – d , and 7a – d ; pyrido[3,2‐e][1,3,4]triazolo; and tetrazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidines 10a – d and 11a – d was synthesized through different chemical reactions starting from 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,6‐diarylpyridines. The newly synthesized heterocycles were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, and mass spectral data. Compounds have been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The data showed that the presence of electron‐donating group such as p‐methoxyphenyl increases the antimicrobial activity. Also, the compounds have shown anticancer activity for colon and liver cancer cells.     

A New Peroxy‐multiflorane Triterpene Ester from the Processed Seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii

A new peroxy‐multiflorane triterpene ester, (3α,5α,8α,20α)‐5,8‐epidioxymultiflora‐6,9(11)‐diene‐3,29‐diol 3,29‐dibenzoate ( 1 ), was isolated from the processed seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii, together with the two known related derivatives 2 and 3 , and the two known steroids 4 and 5 . Compounds 2, 4 , and 5 were isolated from the genus Trichosanthes for the first time. The structure of compound 1 was established by NMR, HR‐MS, and CD analyses. Compounds 1 – 3 were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human‐tumor cell lines (Hela, HL‐60, and MCF‐7) and anti‐inflammatory activity (LPS‐induced B lymphocyte cells) with the MTT method.     

Tumor‐Promoting Diterpene Esters from Latex of Euphorbia cauducifolia L.

Tumor‐promoting characteristics of seven esters, 1 – 7 , obtained from the latex of Euphorbia cauducifolia L. was appraised by carrying out NMRI mice back skin. The structures of 1 – 7 were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques like ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, 2D‐NMR (HMQC, HMBC, HOHAHA (homonuclear Hartmann–Hahn), NOESY, and NOE), FT‐IR, UV, and MS as esters of 17‐hydroxyingenol, namely 17‐[(2Z,4E,6Z)‐deca‐2,4,6‐trienoyloxy]ingenol ( 1 ), 3‐O‐angeloyl‐17‐[(2Z,4E,6Z)‐deca‐2,4,6‐trienoyloxy]ingenol ( 2 ), 3‐O‐acetyl‐20‐O‐angeloyl‐17‐hydroxyingenol ( 3 ), 17‐(acetyloxy)‐3‐O‐angelyl‐ingenol ( 4 ), 20‐O‐acetyl‐3‐O‐angeloyl‐17‐hydroxyingenol ( 5 ), 3‐O‐angelyl‐17‐(benzoyloxy)ingenol ( 6 ) and 20‐O‐acetyl‐3‐O‐angelyl‐17‐(benzoyloxy)ingenol ( 7 ). Compounds 1 – 4 were isolated for the first time, whereas 5 – 7 are known metabolites but detected for the first time in this plant. Biological investigations revealed that these compounds are tumor promoters.     

Synthesis,cytotoxicity and anti‐metastatic properties of new pyridyl–thiazole arene ruthenium(II) complexes

A series of novel ruthenium(II)–cymene complexes ( 1 – 8 ) containing substituted pyridyl–thiazole ligands, [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(L)Cl]Cl (L = N,N‐chelating derivatives), have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, infrared, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectrometry. All these complexes not only display marked cytotoxicity in vitro against three different human cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549 and MDA‐MB‐231), but also exhibit promising anti‐metastatic activity at sub‐cytotoxic concentrations. Cell cycle analysis shows that the ruthenium(II) complex‐induced growth inhibition was mainly caused by S‐phase cell cycle arrest. Further protein level analysis suggests that compound 5 may exert antitumor activity via a p53‐independent mechanism.     

Structure elucidation of [1,3]oxazolo[4,5‐e][2,1]benzisoxazole and naphtho[1,2‐d][1,3]‐ and phenanthro[9,10‐d]oxazoles using gradient selected gHMBC,gHMQC and gHMQC‐TOCSY NMR techniques

Structure elucidation of compounds in the benzisoxazole series ( 1 – 6 ) and naphtho[1,2‐d][1,3]‐ ( 7 – 10 ) and phenanthro[9,10‐d][1,3]oxazole ( 11 – 14 ) series was accomplished using extensive 2D NMR spectroscopic studies including ¹H–¹H COSY, long‐ range ¹H–¹H COSY, ¹H–¹³C COSY, gHMQC, gHMBC and gHMQC‐TOCSY experiments. The distinction between oxazole and isoxazole rings was made on the basis of the magnitude of heteronuclear one‐bond ¹J_{C2, H2} (or ¹J_{C3, H3}) coupling constants. Complete analysis of the ¹H NMR spectra of 11 – 14 was achieved by iterative calculations. Gradient selected gHMQC‐TOCSY spectra of phenanthro[9,10‐d][1,3]oxazoles 11 – 14 were obtained at different mixing times (12, 24, 36, 48 and 80 ms) to identify the spin system where the protons of phenanthrene ring at H‐5, H‐6 and at H‐9 and H‐7 and H‐8 were highly overlapping. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Computational studies on azaphosphiridines, or how to effect ring-opening processes through selective bond activation

The relative energies of azaphosphiridine and its isomers, the ring stability towards valence isomerization, and the ring strain, as well as the kinetics and thermodynamics of possible ring‐opening reactions of P^III derivatives ( 1 – 5 ) and P^V chalcogenides ( 6 – 9 ; O to Te), were studied at high levels of theory (up to CCSD(T)). The barrier to inversion at the nitrogen atom in the trimethyl‐substituted P^III derivative 5 increases from 12.11 to 15.25 kcal mol^?1 in the P‐oxide derivative 6 (P^V); the relatively high barrier to inversion at the phosphorus in 5 (75.38 kcal mol^?1) points to a configurationally stable center (MP2/def2‐TZVPP//BP86/def2‐TZVP). The ring strain for azaphosphiridine 5 (av. 22.6 kcal mol^?1) was found to increase upon P‐oxidation ( 6 ) (30.8 kcal mol^?1; same level of theory). Various ring‐bond‐activation processes were studied: N‐protonation of P^III ( 5 ) and P^V ( 6 , 7 ) derivatives leads to highly activated species that readily undergo P? N bond cleavage. In contrast, metal chlorides such as LiCl, CuCl, CuCl₂, BeCl₂, BCl₃, AlCl₃, TiCl₃, and TiCl₄ show little P? N bond activation in 5 and 7 . Remarkably, TiCl₃ selectively activates the C? N bond, and induces stronger bond activation for P^V ( 6, 7 ) than for P^III azaphosphiridines ( 5 ). The ring‐expanding rearrangement of P^V azaphosphiridines 6 – 9 to yield P^III 1,3,2‐chalcogena‐azaphosphetidines 32 a – d is predicted to be preferred for the heavier chalcogenides 7 – 9 , but not for the P‐oxide 6 . The first comparative analysis of three bond strength parameters is presented: 1) the electron density at bond critical points, 2) Wiberg’s bond index, and 3) the relaxed force constant. This reveals the usefulness of these parameters in assessing the degree of ring bond activation.