New anti-tumor agents. 1. Heterocyclic benzodioxole lactones

Morpholino Mannich bases of types 5, 12 react with tetronic acid in aqueous acetic acid to yield uncyclized lactones of types 7, 13 . Acetylation and methylation of these products yields monoacetyl-monomethyl derivatives which can then be cyclized in alkali to give unsaturated lactones of types 8, 16 and saturated lactones 9b, 15 . The hydroxylactone 9a can be synthesized directly by reaction of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde with sesamol and tetronic acid in methanol. With few exceptions the lactones of type 8 and 16 have proven to be active inhibitors of tumor growth in the National Cancer Institute in vitro screening program against 60 diverse human cancer cell lines. The lactone 8 is particularly potent, inhibiting in vitro growth of some cancers at concentrations as low as 10^?6-10^?7 moles/1.     

Tropone Is a Mere Ketone for Cycloadditions to Ketenes

Tropone ( 1 ) reacts with ketenes 2 to yield [8+2] cycloadducts, the γ‐lactones 3 . The concerted [8+2] cycloaddition path is formally symmetry‐allowed, but we established that it is unfavorable. Careful low‐temperature NMR (¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F) spectroscopies of the reaction of diphenyl ketene ( 2b ) or bis(trifluoromethyl) ketene ( 2c ) with tropone ( 1 ) allowed the direct detection of a β‐lactone intermediates 5b , c and novel norcaradiene species 6b , c in head‐to‐head configurations. The [2+2] cycloadducts 5b , c equilibrated with the norcaradienes 6b , c . The β‐lactones 5b and 5c were converted to the γ‐lactones 3b and 3c , respectively, in quantitative yields. The DFT calculations showed that the concerted [8+2] cycloaddition is unfavorable. The first step of the calculated reaction 1 + 2c is a cycloaddition which leads to a dioxetane intermediate. This initial [2+2] cycloadduct is isomerized to the β‐lactone 5c via the first zwitterionic intermediate. The β‐lactone 5c is further isomerized to the product γ‐lactone 3c via the second zwitterion intermediate. Thus, 3c is not formed via the well‐established two‐step mechanism including zwitterionic intermediates but via a five‐step mechanism composed of a [2+2] cycloaddition and subsequent isomerization (Scheme 12).     

Exploration of quinoxaline derivatives as antimicrobial and anticancer agents

Novel 2 and 3‐substituted quinoxaline derivatives were synthesized through various synthetic pathways, among which cyanoacetamide and cyanoacetohydrazide quinoxaline derivatives 4a‐c and 11a‐c , respectively, were synthesized. Furthermore, methoxy quinoxaline derivatives 3c and quinoxaline derivatives bearing substituted pyridines 6a,b , 12a,b , and 13a,b were designed to be synthesized. However, we have synthesized acrylohydrazide 5a,b and 7 /acrylamide derivatives, Schiff base analogues 14a‐f , pyrazole derivatives 15a‐e, amide derivatives 16a‐f , guanidine derivatives 16 g,h as well as, quinoxalin‐2‐methylallyl propionate derivative 14g . All the synthesized compounds were confirmed via spectral data and elemental analyses. Moreover, the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity (Gm +ve, Gm ?ve in comparison to Gentamycin a standard) and fungi (in comparison to Ketoconazole as a standard). Thus, compound 16b showed promising antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis, P. vulgaris, and S. mutants with values ranging from 20 to 27‐mm zone of inhibition. While compounds 5a , 14e,f, and 16a,c,d,g,h showed potent antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) selected 20 compounds that were submitted for anticancer screening against 60 types of cancer cell lines. The most active compounds are 5b and 12a where compound 5b containing 2,4‐dichlorophenyl moiety at cyanoacetamide linkage of hydrazine quinoxaline backbone exerted significant growth inhibition activity against Leukemia MOLT‐4, Renal cancer UO‐31, and Breast cancer MCF‐7. In addition, compound 12a having 4,6‐diaminopyridinone side chain at position‐3 of quinoxaline nucleus exhibited remarkable anticancer activity against renal cancer UO‐31.     

Synthesis of Novel Pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolin‐4‐ones with Potential Antitumor Activity

The 5,6,7,8,9,10‐hexahydro‐2‐methylthiopyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d and their oxidized forms 6a , 6b , 6c , 6d , 7a , 7b , 7c , 7d were obtained from the reaction of 6‐amino‐2‐(methylthio)pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one 2 or 6‐amino‐3‐methyl‐2‐(methylthio)pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐one 3 and α,β‐unsaturated ketones 1a , 1b , 1c , 1d using BF₃.OEt₂ as catalyst and p‐chloranil as oxidizing agent. Some of the new compounds were evaluated in the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), where compound 5a presented remarkable activity against 46 cancer cell lines, with the most important GI₅₀ values ranging from 0.72 to 18.4 μM from in vitro assays.     

4‐Toluenesulfonamide as a Building Block for Synthesis of Novel Triazepines,Pyrimidines, and Azoles

N‐{(E)‐(dimethylamino)methylidenearbamothioyl}‐4‐toluenesulfonamide ( 2 ) was obtained by reaction of N‐carbamothioyl‐4‐toluenesulfonamide ( 1 ) with dimethylformamide dimethylacetal or alternatively by the reaction of 1‐(dimethylamino)methylidenethiourea with tosyl chloride. Compound 2 was reacted with substituted anilines to yield anilinomethylidine derivatives 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , 3f , 3g . Treatment of 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , 3f , 3g with phenacyl bromide gave triazepines 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g and imidazoles 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5f , 5g . Esterification of compound 3e afforded ester derivative 6 , which was subjected to react with hydrazine to yield hydrazide derivative 7 . Oxadiazole 8 was obtained by reaction of 7 with CS₂/KOH. Compound 3e was treated with o‐aminophenol or o‐aminothiophenol to give benzazoles 9a , 9b . N‐(Diaminomethylidene)‐4‐toluenesulfonamide ( 10 ) reacted with enaminones to yield pyrimidines 11 , 12 , 13 , respectively. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral analyses. Some selected compounds were screened for their in vitro antifungal activity. In general, the newly synthesized compounds showed good antifungal activity.     

A novel synthesis of precocenes. Efficient synthesis and regioselective O-alkylation of dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-4-chromanones

The reactions of trihydroxybenzenes 1a-c and 3-methylbut-2-enoic acid ( 2 ) in a zinc chloride/water/phosphoryl chloride system afford either the new trihydroxyphenylbutenone derivatives 3b,c or dihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-4-chromanones 4a-c in good yields. Compounds 3b,c can be cyclized in high yields to 4b,c in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. Regioselective O-alkylation of 4a-c leads to 5a-f in good yields. O-Alkylation of 5a-f , followed by reduction and dehydration, results in the formation of precocene 3 ( 7d ) and its regioisomer 7a-c,e,f . Methylation of 4a-c gives 6g-i . Subsequent reduction and dehydration affords precocene 2 ( 7h ) and its regioisomers 7g,i .     

Synthesis and growth regulatory activity of pyrazolesulfanyl‐ and isoxazolesulfanyl‐1H‐[1,2,4]triazoles and their azinyl derivatives

By cyclocondensation of 3‐(1H‐[1,2,4]triazol‐3‐ylsulfanyl)‐pentane‐2,4‐dion with hydroxylamine, hydrazine, methylhidrazine, and arylsulfonyl‐hydrazides, the 3‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐isoxazol‐4‐ylsulfanyl)‐1H‐[1,2,4]triazole ( 2 ) and 3‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1‐R‐pyrazol‐4‐ylsulfanyl)‐1H‐[1,2,4]triazoles ( 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d ) are synthesized. Under the action of quaternary ammonium salts of azines with limited heating in acetone they form a series of compounds ( 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h ), which molecules simultaneously contain three different heterocyclic rings. Structures of compounds were confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The plants growth regulatory activities of compounds 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h were investigated. Data of biological tests testify that these compounds can be of interest to search for new growth stimulators. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).     

Cyclizations of the C10 Fatty Acids from the Mandibulary Glands of the Honeybee Apis mellificaL.: Queen substance and royal jelly acid

Series of assays have been performed to cyclize the two main C₁₀ aliphatic acids, (E)-9-oxo-dec-2-enoic acid ( 3 ) (queen substance) and (E)-10-hydroxy-dec-2-enoic acid ( 7 ) (royal jelly acid) produced by the mandibulary glands of the honeybee Apis mellifica L . Queen substance 3 , resistant to thermocyclization, was cyclized by the action of polyphosphoric acid to the fulvene ketone 5 . Triphenylphosphinediethyl azodicarboxylate treatment of royal jelly acid 7 mainly furnished the dilactide 6 together with a series of cyclic oligomers up to the pentamer. Attempts to favour the formation of the lactone 11 through other conditions failed, and thus the reaction does not seem suitable for the preparation of lactones using α, β-unsaturated hydroxy acids. Substances 3 , 7 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , were submitted to in vitro antibacterial as well as growth inhibition tests but all results were negative at the concentrations reported.     

Synthesis and In vitro Antitumor Screening of Novel 2,7‐Naphthyridine‐3‐carboxylic Acid Derivatives

New derivatives of 2,7‐naphthyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid were synthesized. We report the hydrolysis, chlorination, alkylation, and amination of the 2,7‐naphthyridine esters 1 , 2 . A series of Schiff's bases 8a , 8b , 8c , 8d , 8e , 8f , 8g , 8h , 8i , 8j , 9a , 9b , 9b' , 9c , 9d , 9e were produced by treating the obtained hydrazides 6 and 7 with aromatic aldehydes. The anticancer activities of the obtained derivatives were examined. Eighteen of the 24 newly synthesized compounds were qualified by the National Cancer Institute NCI (Bethesda, MD, USA) for in vitro screening against 60 different human tumor cell lines. The most active compound 8i was evaluated against a 60‐cell panel at five concentration levels and proved to be most sensitive towards central nervous system cancer (SF‐539), with GI₅₀ = 0.70 µmol, total growth inhibition = 5.41 µmol, and LC₅₀ = 53.7 µmol.     

Ketals of -rhamnoheptonolactones: Potential mimics of -rhamnose

Isopropylidene and cyclohexylidene ketals of γ- and δ-heptonolactones derived from Kiliani ascensions of protected L-rhamnose may constitute suitable intermediates for the preparation of mimics of L-rhamnose. The X-ray crystal structure of 7-deoxy-3,4-O-isopropylidene-L-glycero-L-galacto-heptono-1,5-lactone provides an example of a δ-lactone in a boat conformation with a substituent in a flagpole position. The size of ring in the lactones is completely consistent with Hudson's classical lactone rotation rule of 1910.     

Opening of the Macrocyclic Ring in 5,10:8,9-Disecosteroids ( = Steroklastanes)

Catalytic hydrogenation of the Δ³-unsaturated (9R,10 R)- and (9S,10 S)-epoxyenol lactones 3a, b. , and 4a, b. , respectively, affords, in addition to the expected saturated epoxylactones 5a, b and 7a, b , also open-chain products, i.e. the diastereoisomeric (9R,10R)- and (9S,10S)-9,10-expoxy-8-oxo-4,5-secosteroklastan-5-oic acids 6a, b. and 8a, b. Alkaline hydrolysis of the lactone ring of compounds 5 and 7 and subsequent acetylation of the corresponding hydroxy derivatives give as the major products the open-chain, diasteroisomeric (9R,10R)- and (9S,10S)-4-acetoxy-9,10-epoxy-methyl esters 9a, b and 11a, b , respectively, and, but only in the androstane series, the tetrahydropyran derivatives 10a and 12a , as the minor components.     

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel [4‐(1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐4‐yl)phenoxy]methylene anchored 1,3,4‐triazoles and 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles

A series of novel [4‐(1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐4‐yl)phenoxy]methylene anchored 1,3,4‐triazoles ( 8a , 8b , 8c , 8d , 8e , 8f , 8g , 8h ) and 1,3,4‐thiadiazoles ( 9a , 9b , 9c , 9d , 9e , 9f , 9g , 9h , 9i ) were synthesized from thiosemicarbazide ( 7a , 7b , 7c , 7d , 7e , 7f , 7g , 7h , 7i , 7j ). The structures of these newly synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of IR, ¹H‐NMR, mass spectral techniques, and elemental analysis. The in vitro antimicrobial screenings of the synthesized compounds were carried out against four bacterial pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and three fungal pathogens Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus clavatus, using broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration method. The compounds 7d , 7j , 8a , 9a , 9b , and 9i exhibited promising antibacterial activity against the tested strains, whereas some compounds were found to be active against one of the tested bacterial strains.     

Enantioselective Formation of Bicyclic Lactones by Rhodium-Catalyzed Intramolecular CH-insertion reactions

The decomposition of cyclohexyl diazoacetate ( 5a ) in the presence of the chiral [Rh₂{(2S)-mepy}₄] catalyst leads to a 3:1 cis/trans mixture of bicyclic lactone 6a with an enantiomeric excess of 95–97% (cis) and 90% (trans). The conformationally rigid tert-butyl derivatives 5b and 5c afford, in the presence of the same catalyst, 6b and 6c , respectively, via insertion into the equatorial C? H bonds exclusively, with ee's of ca. 95%. A remarkable degree of induction (92–95%) results in the lactone 6g upon decomposition of 1-isopropyl-2-methylpropyl diazoacetate ( 5g ). The diazoacetates derived from 1-methylcyclohexanol, cyclopentanol and 1-methylcyclopentanol ( 5d–f ) afford under similar conditions insertion products with higher diastereoselectivity, but significantly lower enantioselectivity. Other dirhodium catalysts are less efficient.     

Synthesis and Bioassay of Novel Substituted Pyrano[2,3‐f]cinnoline‐2‐ones

A new series of 9‐substituted‐4,10‐dimethylpyrano[2,3‐f]cinnolin‐2‐ones ( 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5f , 5g , 5h , 5i , 5j , 5k , 5l , 5m ) were synthesized via intramolecular cyclization of the respective acyl amidrazone derivatives ( 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h , 4i , 4j , 4k , 4l , 4m ), catalyzed by polyphosphoric acid. Compounds ( 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h , 4i , 4j , 4k , 4l , 4m ) were synthesized through direct interaction of coumarin‐7‐yl hydrazonoyl chloride ( 3 ) with the corresponding cyclic sec‐amines in the presence of triethylamine. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, NMR, and MS spectral data. The antitumor activity of compounds 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5f , 5g , 5h , 5i , 5j , 5k , 5l , 5m was evaluated in vitro on breast cancer cell line (MCF‐7) by a cell viability assay utilizing the tetrazolium dye 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide. Among the compounds tested, compounds 5d , 5f , 5k , and 5h showed potential anti‐MCF‐7 activity and were able to reduce the viability after 72 h to less than 50%.     

Novel synthetic protocol toward pyrazolo[3,4‐h]‐[1,6]naphthyridines via Friedlander condensation of new 4‐aminopyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbaldehyde with reactive α‐methylene ketones

Novel pyrazolo[3,4‐h][1,6]naphthyridine derivatives 6 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 13 , and 15 have been synthesized by Friedlander condensation of new 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐5‐carbaldehyde (o‐aminoaldehyde) 4 with active methylene ketones, such as symmetric acetone 5a , monoalkylketones 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5f , 5g , 5h , 5i , 5j , 5k , unsymmetrical dialkyl ketones 7a , 7b , p‐bromophenylacetonitrile 10 , β‐ketoester 12a , β‐ketoamide 12b , or diethyl malonate 14 , respectively. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

Synthesis of Oxazolo[5,4‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidines as a New Class of Heterocyclic Compounds

Several new derivatives of oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine ( 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , 3f , 3g , 3h ) have been synthesized through the reaction of 2,4‐dichloro‐6‐methyl‐5‐nitropyrimidine ( 2 ) with aryl carboxylic acids in refluxing POCl₃. Further treatment of compounds ( 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , 3f , 3g , 3h ) with hydrazine hydrate gave the hydrazine derivatives ( 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g , 4h ) that were subsequently cyclized into a novel heterocyclic system, oxazolo[5,4‐d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3‐a]pyrimidine ( 5a , 5b , 5c , 5d , 5e , 5f , 5g , 5h , 5i , 5j , 5k , 5l , 5m , 5n , 5o , 5p ) and ( 7a , 7b , 7c , 7d ) on treatment with triethylorthoesters or carbondisulfide and alkylhalides, respectively.     

New anti-tumor agents. 2. Benzopyranylamine compounds

Pyrrolidine, morpholine and piperidine derived Mannich bases of types 1–3 react with acetone, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde to form 2-methyl and 3-methylbenzopyrans of types 4–8 . Hydrolysis of these benzopyrans yields alcoholic benzopyrans which readily condense with a variety of amine, aniline and hydrazine derivatives to form diverse isomeric benzopyrans of types of 9 and 10 . The benzopyrans 4–9 which contain a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl ring are active anti-tumor agents, particularly against human breast, CNS and colon cancer cell lines, total growth inhibition of these tumors often occurring in vitro at concentrations as low as 10⁻⁵-10⁻⁶ moles/1. Because of their in vitro activities and unusual structures a number of these benzopyrans have been selected for in vivo Xenograft testing against breast and other susceptible human cancers.     

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of some new 4‐substituted‐3‐aryl‐1‐(2,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)pyrazoles

Synthesis of a series of new 4‐substituted‐3‐aryl‐1‐(2,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)pyrazoles ( 2a , 2b , 2c , 2d , 2e , 2f , 2g , 3a , 3b , 3c , 3d , 3e , 3f , 3g , and 4a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e , 4f , 4g ) is described. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antibacterial activity against two gram‐positive and two gram‐negative bacteria, namely, Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 8509), Bacillus stearothermophilus (MTCC 8508), Escherichia coli (MTCC 51), and Pseudomonas putida (MTCC 121), and their activity was compared with two commercial antibiotics, streptomycin and chloramphenicol. Two compounds, namely, 3‐(4‐anisyl)‐1‐(2,6‐dimethylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)pyrazole‐4‐carboxaldehyde ( 2b ) and 3‐(2‐thienyl)‐1‐(2,6‐dimethyl pyrimidin‐4‐yl)pyrazole‐4‐carboxaldehyde ( 2g ) were found to be equipotent to streptomycin and chloramphenicol against gram‐negative bacteria, E. coli having minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value = 4 μg/mL. Compounds 4b and 4d also displayed good activity against E. coli with MIC = 8 μg/mL. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).     

The unusual ability of α‐angelicalactone to form adducts: A kinetic approach

Since α‐angelicalactone (AAL) substantially inhibits the formation of tumors, here its chemical reactivity was compared with that of carcinogenic lactones. Investigation of the electrophilic potential of AAL was carried out by studying the capacity of this lactone to form adducts with NBP, 4‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)pyridine, a substrate with nucleophilic characteristics similar to DNA bases. The formation of the AAL–NBP adduct occurs about 900,000‐fold faster than with β‐propiolactone, the most effective carcinogenic lactone (ΔG^#₃₅ = 52 and 87 kJ mol^?1, respectively). A stopped‐flow technique was required for this reaction to be monitored. It was concluded that the formation of AAL–NBP adducts takes place through an entropy‐strain‐catalyzed mechanism caused by early lactone ring cleavage. The kinetic results are consistent with the AAL potential as a chemoprotective agent. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 591–594, 2007     

Synthesis and in vitro antibacterial assessment of novel chromones featuring 1,2,4‐oxadiazole

In search for a new antibacterial agent with improved antimicrobial spectrum and potency, we designed and synthesized a series of novel 3‐((Z)‐2‐(5‐methyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl)‐2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)vinyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones 7a , 7b , 7c , 7d , 7e , 7f , 7g , 7h by convergent synthesis approach. All the synthesized compounds were assayed for their in vitro antibacterial activities against gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. The preliminary structure‐activity relationship to elucidate the essential structure requirements for the antimicrobial activity has been described. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).