Synthesis and antagonistic activities of enantiomers of cyclic platelet-activating factor analogues

Enantiomers of platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists, 3-(6-[O-(trans-3-heptadecylcarbamoyloxytetrahydropyran-2-yl)methyl ] phosphonoxy)hexylthiazolium (inner salt) (3), 3-[5-(trans-3-heptadecylcarbamoyloxytetrahydropyran-2-yl) methoxycarbonylamino]pentylthiazolium bromide (4) and 3-(5-[O-(cis-3-heptadecylcarbamoylthiotetrahydropyran-2-yl) methyl]phosphonoxy)pentylthiazolium (inner salt) (5), were synthesized, starting from (2R,2R)- and (2S,2S)-tartaric acid. Antagonistic activities of these compounds against C16-PAF were measured in vitro (rabbit platelet aggregation, IC50) and in vivo (hypotension in rats, ID50). In these three enantiomeric pairs, the (3S)-(tetrahydropyran numbering) enantiomers were one order more potent than the (3R)-isomers: (2R,3S)-3a (R-74,654), IC50 0.59 microM and ID50 0.054 mg/kg, i.v.; (2S,3R)-3b, IC50 4.7 microM and ID50 0.30 mg/kg, i.v.; (2R,3S)-4a, IC50 0.20 microM and ID50 0.032 mg/kg, i.v.; (2S,3R)-4b, IC50 2.2 microM and IC40 0.21 mg/kg, i.v.; (2R,3R)-5a, IC50 1.1 microM and ID50 0.92 mg/kg, i.v.; (2S,3S)-5b (R-74,717), IC50 0.27 microM and ID50 0.064 mg/kg, i.v.     

Synthesis and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase 4 isoenzyme inhibitory activity of heterocycle condensed purines

To reverse the adverse reactions of alkylxanthines and to develop novel inhibitors of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), a series of heterocycle [a]-, [b]-, [c,d]-, and [i]-condensed purines were designed and synthesized. Although all compounds did not display PDE1 and PDE3 inhibitory activities, several heterocycle [i]-condensed purines strongly inhibited PDE4. Especially, dl-3,4-dipropyl-8-methyl-4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[2,1-i]purin-5-one (dl-7c) exhibited comparable PDE4 inhibitory activity (IC(50)=1.9 microM) to rolipram and denbufylline (DBF).     

Synthesis of trimethylhydroquinone derivatives as anti-allergic agents with anti-oxidative actions

A novel series of trimethylhydroquinone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their anti-lipid peroxidation activity in rat liver microsomes, inhibition of rat basophilic leukemia-1 (RBL-1) cell 5-lipoxygenase and 48 h homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) activity in rats. 4-[4-[4-(Diphenylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-butoxy]-2,3,6-trimethyl phenol (9c) exhibited the ability to inhibit Fe(3+)-ADP induced NADPH dependent lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 5.3 x 10(-7) M), 5-lipoxygenase ((IC50 = 3.5 x 10(-7) M) and PCA reaction (57% inhibition at 100 mg/kg p.o.).     

Imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazoles. II. Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of some imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazoles

3-[2-[p-(Un)substituted phenyl]imidazo [2,1-b]benzothiazol-3- yl]propionic acid derivatives (2a--e) were prepared via the interaction of the corresponding 2-[p-(un)substituted phenyl]imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazoles (1a--e) with acrylic acid in the presence of acetic anhydride and acetic acid. Esterification of 2a--e produced methyl esters (3a--e). Upon the interaction of 3a with m-chloroperbenzoic acid, the S-dioxide (4a) was obtained. Compound 5a was prepared from 4a by alkaline hydrolysis. Vilsmeier formylation for 1a--e produced novel [2-[p-(un)substituted phenyl]imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazol-3- yl]formaldehyde derivatives (6a--e). Derivatives 6a--e reacted with ethyl bromoacetate to give ethyl 3-hydroxy-3-[2-[p-(un)substituted phenyl]imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazol- 3-yl]propionate esters (7a--e). Compound dl-7a was resolved with l-(+)-tartaric acid. Compounds 2a--e showed weak or no activity in the carrageein-induced paw edema assay. Compound 4a significantly inhibited the leakage of pontamine-sky blue dye into the peritoneal cavity of mice, in the capillary permeability inhibition assay. Compound 5a inhibited the writhing by 62% in the acetic acid-induced writhing assay.     

Comparison of the use of single capillaries and coupled capillaries based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and sweeping-MEKC modes

The use of single capillaries (25 and 50 microm inner diameter (ID)) and coupled capillaries of different diameters (100-50 and 75-25 microm ID) based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) and sweeping-MEKC modes is compared and reported. Naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA)-derivatized dopamine was selected as the model compound by examining the fluorescence intensity when a violet (410 +/- 7 nm, 2 mW) light-emitting-diode (LED) was used as the light source. When a single capillary (50 microm ID) was used, the detection limit for NDA-derivatized dopamine was determined to be 2.0 x 10(-7) M (Signal-to-nose ratio S/N = 3) based on the MEKC mode. This was improved to 4.0 x 10(-9) M when the sweeping-MEKC mode was applied. In addition, this can be further improved to 1.0 x 10(-9) M and 5.6 x 10(-10) M when 100-50 and 75-25 microm ID coupled capillaries are used. The use of the coupled capillary is also helpful for improving the separation efficiency. Based on the sweeping-MEKC mode, the number of theoretical plates (N) for the detected peaks were determined to be 6.3 +/- 2.7 x 10(5) by means of a single capillary (50 microm ID). This can be improved to 9.4 +/- 3.6 x 10(5) and 9.4 +/- 0.9 x 10(6) when the 100-50 and 75-25 microm ID coupled capillaries were applied.     

Synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of achiral azaindole‐substituted titanocenes

From the reaction of 1‐methyl‐1 H‐pyr‐rolo[2,3‐b]pyridine ( 1a ),1‐(methoxymethyl)‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine ( 1b ), 1‐isopropyl‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (1c ), and 1‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐1 H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine ( 1d ) under Vilsmeier–Haak conditions, the corresponding aldehydes in position 3 ( 2a–2d ) were synthesized. These aldehydes were transformed in the corresponding fulvenes ( 3a–3d ) by the Knoevenagel condensation and treated with Li[BEt₃H] to obtain the corresponding lithiated cyclopentadienide intermediates ( 3′a–3′d ). These intermediates were, finally transmetallated to titanium with TiCl₄ to yield the 7‐azaindol‐3‐yl‐substituted titanocenes bis {[(1‐methyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl] cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride ( 4a ), bis{[(1‐methoxymethyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV)dichloride ( 4b ), bis{[(1‐Isopropyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride ( 4c ), and bis{[(4‐methoxybenzyl‐1‐H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl]cyclopentadienyl} titanium(IV) dichloride ( 4d ). All the titanocenes had their cytotoxicity investigated through MTT‐based preliminary in vitro testing on the Caki‐1 cell lines to determinate their IC₅₀ values. Titanocenes 4a–4c were found to have IC₅₀ values of 120 ± 10, 83 ± 13, and 54 ± 12, µM respectively, whereas 4d showed no cytotoxic activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:148–157, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/hc.20668     

1,5-Benzoxathiepin derivatives. III. Optical resolution of methyl (+/-)-cis-3-hydroxy-4-[3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1,5-benzoxathiepin-4-carboxylate hydrochloride ((+/-)-CV-5197) with selective 5-hydroxytryptamine2(5-HT2)-antagonistic activity

The selective 5-HT2-receptor antagonist, methyl (+/-)-cis-3-hydroxy-4-[3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H- 1,5-benzoxathiepin-4-carboxylate hydrochloride ((+/-)-CV-5197) was resolved in high optical purity using (R)-(-)- and (S)-(+)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diyl hydrogen phosphates ((R)-(-)- and (S)-(+)-BNP). The absolute configuration of (+)-CV-5197 was determined to be 3S,4R by X-ray crystallographic analysis. In the binding assay, it was demonstrated that (+)-CV-5197 was a more active isomer (IC50 = 23 nM +/- 6.3) for 5-HT2 receptor binding than the (-)-enantiomer (IC50 = 1600 nM +/- 82). (+)-CV-5197 completely inhibited the 5-HT-induced contraction of the isolated pig coronary artery at a concentration of 3 x 10(-7) M, whereas (-)-CV-5197 showed little antagonistic activity, even at 3 x 10(-4) M. Thus, the agreement between the results of the binding assays and the biological activities for the 3S,4R enantiomer of CV-5197 suggests that its physiological activity is probably exerted through 5-HT2-receptor antagonism.     

Capillary electrophoretic determination of phosphate based on the formation of a Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complex.

Based on the formation of a Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complex, a sensitive capillary electrophoresis (CE) method was developed for the determination of P(V) with direct UV detection at 220 nm. A mixture of alpha- and beta-Keggin-type [PMo12O40]3- complexes was readily formed in a sample solution consisting of a trace amount of P(V), 2.5 mM Mo(VI), 0.050 M p-C6H3(CH3)-2-SO3H (XSA), and 60% v/v CH3CN. When a 0.05 M HCl and 60% v/v CH3CN solution was used as a migration electrolyte, the Keggin complexes exhibited a sharp and well-defined peak in the electropherogram. The peak area was linearly dependent on the P(V) concentration in the range of 5 x 10(-7)-5 x 10(-5) M; a detection limit of 1 x 10(-7) M was achieved. In comparison with indirect UV detection, the direct UV detection is about ten times more sensitive, because the Keggin complexes possess high molar absorptivities. The developed CE method was applied to the determination of P(V) in river water, and the results were in good agreement with those obtained by ion chromatography (IC) and colorimetry (COL) based on the formation of mixed-valence heteropoly blue species.     

Anomer-selective inhibition of glycosidases using aminocyclopentanols

[reaction: see text] (1S,2S,3S,4R,5R)-4-amino-5-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopentane-1,2,3-triol 1 is prepared stereoselectively from D-lyxose and displays anomer-selective inhibition for beta-galactosidase (Ki = 3.0 x 10(-6) M) and beta-glucosidase (Ki = 1.5 x 10(-7) M), over alpha-galactosidase (Ki = 2.3 x 10(-5) M) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 = 1.0 x 10(-4) M). There is no observable cross-reactivity with alpha-mannosidase, beta-mannosidase, or alpha-L-fucosidase.     

Increasing 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities by oxidative conversion of o-methoxyphenols to catechols using a Cu2(+)-ascorbic acid-O2 system

Several complicated o-methoxyphenols were oxidized with high selectivity to catechols by a Cu2(+)-ascorbic acid-O2 system. In this way, the RBL-1 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities of o-methoxyphenols were greatly increased. [6]-Norgingerol (4), a novel compound derived from [6]-gingerol (3), shows promise as a lead compound for new drugs because of its high inhibitory potency (IC50 = 5.0 x 10(-8) M).     

Synthesis and aldose reductase-inhibitory activity of benzo[b]furan derivatives possessing a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group

Various benzo[b]furan derivatives with a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group were prepared and evaluated for aldose reductase-inhibitory potency. Most of the compounds displayed significant inhibitory activities (IC50, 10(-8)-10(-7) M). Among the test compounds, the compounds having a carboxymethylsulfamoyl group at the 3- or 4-position exhibited the greatest inhibitory potency. Structure-activity trends of the tested compounds are discussed.     

新型吡咯并三嗪酮类PARP-1抑制剂的设计、合成及生物活性

分别以5-溴-2-氟苯甲腈(1a)和3-溴苯甲腈(1b)为原料,经Sonogashira偶联,脱三甲基硅基保护基,三分子偶联及水解等5步反应制得中间体2-氟-5-［(4-氧代-3,4-二氢吡咯［1,2-d］［1,2,4］三嗪-1-基)甲基］苯甲酸（6a)和3-[(4-氧代-3,4-二氢吡咯［1,2-d］［1,2,4］三嗪-1-基)甲基］苯甲酸（6b）。环烷基甲酸经酰氯化,缩合和脱Boc保护基3步反应制得环烷基哌嗪-1-基甲酮(7a~7c)。 6a与NCS（1 eq.）反应制得5-［(6-氯-4氧代-3,4二氢吡咯［1,2-d］［1,2,4］三嗪-1-基)甲基］-2氟 苯甲酸(6c); 6a与NCS(2 eq.)反应制得5-［(6,7-二氯-4氧代-3,4二氢吡咯［1,2-d］［1,2,4］三嗪-1-基)甲基］-2氟-苯甲酸(6d)。 6a~6d, 6a~6c分别与7a~7c和1-（2-嘧啶基）哌嗪在TBTU（缩合剂）,DIPEA（碱）的作用下合成了13个新型吡咯并三嗪酮类PARP-1抑制剂(8a~8m),其结构经¹HNMR和MS(ESI)表征。采用Alarm blue法研究了8a~8m对肿瘤细胞MDA-MB-436的抑制活性(IC₅₀)。结果表明：8f, 8g, 8i和8j对MDA-MB-436有较强的抑制活性（IC₅₀=30.5~69.3 nmol·L^-1）。     

Synthesis of the Chiral Pair of a Novel Thromboxane Antagonist, 3‐[2‐(3‐Benzenesulfonylamino‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl] Propionic Acid

Preparation of the enantiomeric pair of 3‐[2‐(3‐benzenesulfonylamino‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl] propionic acid, a novel thromboxane antagonist is reported. They are synthesized from either enantiomers of known (1R,2R,3R,4S)‐3‐[2‐(3‐carboxy‐7‐oxabicyclo[2,2,1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl]‐propionic acid methyl ester via epimerization, modified Curtius' rearrangement and sulfonylamino formation. Other derivatives may be prepared similarly.     

Slowdown of H/D exchange reaction rate and water dynamics in ionic liquids: deactivation of solitary water solvated by small anions in 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride

The H/D exchange reaction and the rotational dynamics of heavy water (D2O) are studied at 50 degrees C in the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([bmim][Cl]), in the [D2O] range of 3-55 M. The initial H/D exchange rates are observed as 1.0 x 10(-7), 4.5 x 10(-6), 1.0 x 10(-5), 4.1 x 10(-5), 1.1 x 10(-4), and 3.7 x 10(-4) s(-1), respectively, at [D2O] of 2.8, 7.1, 8.1, 11, 15, and 25 M. The rate is very slow and less than 10(-5) s(-1) at [D2O] below approximately 7 M. It steeply increases to the order of 10(-4)s(-1) for 7 M < [D2O] < 10 M, and linearly increases with [D2O] in the more water-rich region. The intercept of the linear region at [D2O] = approximately 9 M is interpreted by considering that each chloride anion deactivates 1.6 equiv water molecules due to the strong solvation. Correspondingly, the rotational correlation time of D2O at [D2O] < 7 M is 1 order of magnitude larger than that in water-rich conditions.     

Synthesis of new N-containing maltooligosaccharides, alpha-amylase inhibitors, and their biological activities

Fifteen new N-containing maltooligosaccharides were obtained using the chemoenzymatic method. Among these compounds, maltooligosaccharides having 6-amino-6-deoxy-D-sorbitol residue, (3R,4R,5R,6S)-hexahydro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1H-azepine residue, and (3R,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxypiperidine residue at the reducing end showed strong inhibitory activities for human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA) (EC 3.2.1.1) and human salivary alpha-amylase (HSA). The administration of (3R,4R,5R,6S)-hexahydro-3,5,6-trihydroxy-1H-azepine-4-yl O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (13, IC50 = 4.3 x 10(-5) M for HPA, IC50 = 8.2 x 10(-5) M for HSA) and (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxypiperidine-4-yl O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (18, IC50 = 3.4 x 10(-5) M for HPA, IC50 = 4.6 x 10(-5) M for HSA) to ICR mice suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia.     

Complexation and Thermal Studies of Uric Acid with Some Divalent and Trivalent Metal Ions of Biological Interest in the Solid State

Nine new [metal uric acid] complexes [M(Ua) n ]°·XH 2 O have been synthesized. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility ( w eff. ), FTIR spectra, thermal analysis (TG & DTA), and electronic spectra (UV/visible). Uric acid (HUa) coordinates as a bidentate ligand to Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Al(III), Cr(III) and Fe(III) through the protonated N-7 within the imidazole ring and O-6 within the pyrimidine ring. Uric acid forms neutral metal urate complexes with all the above metal ions. The quantitative compositions were determined as [M(Ua) 2 ·(H 2 O) 2 ]°·XH 2 O where M(II)=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and X=2, 4, 2, 4, 2, 2, respectively. The M(II) complexes exhibit an isostructural octahedral coordination with N-7, O-6 of two uric acid ligand molecules, and O of two water molecules. Compositions were also determined as [M(Ua) 3 ]°·YH 2 O where M(III)=Al, Cr, Fe and Y=6, 3, 3 respectively. All the M(III) complexes form an isostructural octahedral coordination with N-7 and O-6 of three uric acid ligand molecules. Iron(III) complexes prepared with N 1 , N 3 and N 9 -methyl uric acid yielded brown complexes with a metal ligand ratio of 1 3, while N 7 -methyl uric acid did not yield a complex due to blockage of N-7 with a methyl group.     

Synthesis of 4‐(1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalines and their 4‐halogenopyrazolyl analogs

Synthesis of {3‐[1‐(ethoxycarbonyl)‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐4‐yl]‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl}methyl ethyl oxalate ( 2 ), ethyl 4‐[5‐(acetoxymethyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl]‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quioxaline‐1‐carboxylate ( 4 ), [4‐halo‐1‐phenyl‐3‐(1‐phenyl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quioxalin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl]methyl acetate ( 11 ), {4‐halo‐3‐[1‐methyl‐[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐4‐yl]‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyraz‐ol‐5‐yl}methyl acetate ( 13 ), and [3‐([1,2,4]triazolo‐[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐4‐yl)‐4‐halo‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl] methyl formate ( 15 ) was accomplished. The structural investigation of the new compounds is based on chemical and spectroscopic evidences. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011)     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of human renin inhibitors designed from angiotensinogen transition state

The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships of renin inhibitors designed from the angiotensinogen transition state are described. These inhibitors contained residues modified at P1-P1', P2, and P4-P3. Decrease in the size of side chain alkyl group in norstatine analog at P1 diminished the inhibitory activities of the compounds. Compound 5j, which contained valine residue instead of histidine residue at P2, inhibited potently cathepsin D (IC50 = 6.0 x 10(-9) M) and pepsin (IC50 = 3.5 x 10(-7) M) to the same extent as renin (IC50 = 8.5 x 10(-10) M), and thus was not specific for renin. The reduction of the beta-carbonyl group to methylene group in beta-carbonylpropionyl residue at P4-P3 decreased the potency about 2 orders against human renin (5i: IC50 = 1.1 x 10(-7) M vs. 1: IC50 = 2.4 x 10(-9) M). These results confirmed the rationality of our analysis of the interaction between an orally potent human renin inhibitor 1 and the active site of human renin using modeling techniques, showing that 1 fits the active site of renin favorably. The experimental details of the synthesis are presented.     

Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies of New (Dimethylamino)‐Functionalised and 7‐Azaindole‐Substituted ‘Titanocene’ Anticancer Agents (7‐Azaindole=1H‐Pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine)

From the carbolithiation of 1‐(cyclopenta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐ylidene)‐N,N‐dimethylmethanamine (=6‐(dimethylamino)fulvene; 3 ) and different lithiated azaindoles 2 (1‐methyl‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl, 1‐[(diethylamino)methyl]‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl, and 1‐(methoxymethyl)‐7‐azaindol‐2‐yl), the corresponding lithium cyclopentadienide intermediates 4a – 4c were formed (7‐azaindole=1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine). The latter underwent a transmetallation reaction with TiCl₄ resulting in the (dimethylamino)‐functionalised ‘titanocenes’ 5a – 5c . When the ‘titanocenes’ 5a – 5c were tested against LLC‐PK cells, the IC₅₀ values obtained were of 8.8, 12, and 87 μM , respectively. The most cytotoxic ‘titanocene’, 5a , with an IC₅₀ value of 8.8 μM is nearly as cytotoxic as cis‐platin, which showed an IC₅₀ value of 3.3 μM when tested on the epithelial pig kidney LLC‐PK cell line, and ca. 200 times better than ‘titanocene dichloride’ itself.     

16-Aza-ent-beyerane and 16-Aza-ent-trachylobane: potent mechanism-based inhibitors of recombinant ent-kaurene synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana

The secondary ent-beyeran-16-yl carbocation (7) is a key branch point intermediate in mechanistic schemes to rationalize the cyclic structures of many tetra- and pentacyclic diterpenes, including ent-beyerene, ent-kaurene, ent-trachylobane, and ent-atiserene, presumed precursors to >1000 known diterpenes. To evaluate these mechanistic hypotheses, we synthesized the heterocyclic analogues 16-aza-ent-beyerane (12) and 16-aza-ent-trachylobane (13) by means of Hg(II)- and Pb(IV)-induced cyclizations onto the Delta12 double bonds of tricyclic intermediates bearing carbamoylmethyl and aminomethyl groups at C-8. The 13,16-seco-16-norcarbamate (20a) was obtained from ent-beyeran-16-one oxime (17) by Beckmann fragmentation, hydrolysis, and Curtius rearrangement. The aza analogues inhibited recombinant ent-kaurene synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana (GST-rAtKS) with inhibition constants (IC50 = 1 x 10-7 and 1 x 10-6 M) similar in magnitude to the pseudo-binding constant of the bicyclic ent-copalyl diphosphate substrate (Km = 3 x 10-7 M). Large enhancements of binding affinities (IC50 = 4 x 10-9 and 2 x 10-8 M) were observed in the presence of 1 mM pyrophosphate, which is consistent with a tightly bound ent-beyeranyl+/pyrophosphate- ion pair intermediate in the cyclization-rearrangement catalyzed by this diterpene synthase. The weak inhibition (IC50 = 1 x 10-5 M) exhibited by ent-beyeran-16-exo-yl diphosphate (11) and its failure to undergo bridge rearrangement to kaurene appear to rule out the covalent diphosphate as a free intermediate. 16-Aza-ent-beyerane is proposed as an effective mimic for the ent-beyeran-16-yl carbocation with potential applications as an active site probe for the various ent-diterpene cyclases and as a novel, selective inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis in plants.