Magnus J. Johansson

Highly Functionalized Biaryls via Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Catalyzed by Pd@MOF under Batch and Continuous Flow Regimes

A diverse set of more than 40 highly functionalized biaryls was synthesized successfully through the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction catalyzed by Pd nanoparticles supported in a functionalized mesoporous MOF (8 wt % Pd@MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 ). This could be achieved under some of the mildest conditions reported to date and a strong control over the leaching of metallic species could be maintained, despite the presence of diverse functional groups and/or several heteroatoms. Some of the targeted molecules are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and we clearly exemplify the versatility of this catalytic system, which affords better yields than currently existing commercial procedures. Most importantly, Pd@MIL-101-NH2 was packed in a micro-flow reactor, which represents the first report of metallic nanoparticles supported on MOFs employed in flow chemistry for catalytic applications. A small library of 11 isolated compounds was created in a continuous experiment without replacing the catalyst, demonstrating the potential of the catalyst for large-scale applications.

Selective Heterogeneous C−H Activation/Halogenation Reactions Catalyzed by Pd@MOF Nanocomposites

A directed heterogeneous C-H activation/halogenation reaction catalyzed by readily synthesized Pd@MOF nanocatalysts was developed. The heterogeneous Pd catalysts used were a novel and environmentally benign Fe-based metal-organic framework (MOF)(Pd@MIL-88B-NH2(Fe)) and the previously developed Pd@MIL-101-NH2(Cr). Very high conversions and selectivities were achieved under very mild reaction conditions and in short reaction times. A wide variety of directing groups, halogen sources, and substitution patterns were well tolerated, and valuable polyhalogenated compounds were synthesized in a controlled manner. The synthesis of the Pd-functionalized Fe-based MOF and the recyclability of the two catalysts are also presented.

Synthesis and Biological activity of kappa opioid receptor agonists. Part 2: Preparation of 3-aryl-2-pyridone analogues generated by solution- and solid-phase parallel synthesis methods

New analogues of the previously described 3-aryl pyridone KOR agonists have been synthesised by parallel synthetic methods, both in solution- and with solid-phase chemistry, making use of the well known and versatile Mitsunobu, Suzuki and Buchwald reactions. Opioid receptor binding data for the compounds produced is reported.

A general Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of heteroaromatics catalyzed by nanopalladium on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam.

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of heteroaromatics catalyzed by palladium supported in the cavities of amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam are presented. The nanopalladium catalyst effectively couples not only heteroaryl halides with boronic acids but also heteroaryl halides with boronate esters, potassium trifluoroborates, MIDA boronates, and triolborates, producing a wide range of heterobiaryls in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the heterogeneous palladium nanocatalyst can easily be removed from the reaction mixture by filtration and recycled several times with minimal loss in activity. This catalyst provides an alternative, environmentally friendly, low-leaching process for the preparation of heterobiaryls.

2,6-Disubstituted pyrazines and related analogs as NR2B site antagonists of the NMDA receptor with anti-depressant activity.

Herein we describe the discovery of compounds that are competitive antagonists of the CP101-606 binding site within the NR2B subtype of the NMDA receptor. The compounds identified do not possess phenolic functional groups such as those in ifenprodil and related analogs. Initial identification of hits in this series focused on a basic, secondary amine side chain which led to good potency, but also presented a hERG liability. Further modifications led to examples of non-basic replacements which demonstrated much less liability in this regard. Finally, one compound in the series, 6a, was tested in the mouse forced swim depression assay and found to show activity (s.c. 60 mg/kg).

Scalable Synthesis of Piperazines Enabled by Visible-Light Irradiation and Aluminum Organometallics

The development of more active C–H oxidation catalysts has inspired a rapid, scalable, and stereoselective assembly of multifunctional piperazines through a [3+3] coupling of azomethine ylides. A combination of visible-light irradiation and aluminum organometallics is essential to promote this transformation, which introduces visible-light photochemistry of main-group organometallics and sets the basis for new and promising catalysts.

GPR103 Antagonists Demonstrating Anorexigenic Activity in Vivo: Design and Development of Pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridines That Mimic the C-Terminal Arg-Phe Motif of QRFP26

GPR103, a G-protein coupled receptor, has been reported to have orexigenic properties through activation by the endogenous neuropeptide ligands QRFP26 and QRFP43. Recognizing that central administration of QRFP26 and QRFP43 increases high fat food intake in rats, we decided to investigate if antagonists of GPR103 could play a role in managing feeding behaviors. Here we present the development of a new series of pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridines as GPR103 small molecule antagonists with GPR103 affinity, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and safety parameters suitable for drug development. In a preclinical obesity model measuring food intake, the anorexigenic effect of a pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine GPR103 antagonist was demonstrated. In addition, the dynamic 3D solution structure of the C-terminal heptapeptide of the endogenous agonist QRFP26(20-26) was determined using NMR. The synthetic pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine antagonists were compared to this experimental structure, which displayed a possible overlay of pharmacophore features supportive for further design of GPR103 antagonists.

Nanopalladium-catalyzed conjugate reduction of Michael acceptors – application in flow

A continuous-flow approach towards the selective nanopalladium-catalyzed hydrogenation of the olefinic bond in various Michael acceptors, which could lead to a greener and more sustainable process, has been developed. The nanopalladium is supported on aminofunctionalized mesocellular foam. Both aromatic and aliphatic substrates, covering a variation of functional groups such as acids, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and nitriles were selectively hydrogenated in high to excellent yields using two different flow-devices (H-Cube® and Vapourtec). The catalyst was able to hydrogenate cinnamaldehyde continuously for 24 h (in total hydrogenating 19 g cinnanmaldehyde using 70 mg of catalyst in the H-cube®) without showing any significant decrease in activity or selectivity. Furthermore, the metal leaching of the catalyst was found to be very low (ppb amounts) in the two flow devices.

Efficient DBU accelerated synthesis of 18F-labelled trifluoroacetamides

Nucleophilic 18F-fluorination of bromodifluoromethyl derivatives was performed using [18F]Bu4NF in the presence of DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene). This novel procedure provided a diverse set of [18F]trifluoroacetamides in good to excellent radiochemical conversions. A mechanism where DBU acts as organomediator in this transformation is proposed.