Pipas Saha

Molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial effect of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanones: Inhibition of key redox enzymes of the pathogen

We report oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanones as inhibitors of key redox enzymes, trypanothione synthetase (TryS), and trypanothione reductase (TryR) of Leishmania. Further, detailed cellular effects of 4-(4,4,8-Trimethyl-7-oxo-3-oxabicyclo[3.3.1]non-2-yl)-benzoic acid methyl ester, a oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanones, on the parasite were investigated. As these compounds inhibit key redox enzymes (TryR amd TryS), treatment of these compounds resulted in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane damage, activation of caspase like proteases, and DNA damage that finally leads to apoptosis. Although the compound has modest IC50 value against parasite (4.9±0.4 μM), they identify a novel chemical space to design and develop drugs based on these compounds against the Leishmania parasite. This is first report of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanones as antileishmanial.

A novel synthesis of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanone via (3,5)-oxonium-ene reaction.

Oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanone can conveniently be prepared by the reaction of trans-p-menth-6-ene-2,8-diol and aldehyde or epoxide mediated by boron trifluoride etherate in good yields. The reaction proceeds via (3,5)-oxonium-ene-type reaction.

Synthesis of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonenes and substituted tetrahydropyrans via (3,5)-oxonium-ene reaction

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonenes and substituted tetrahydropyrans has been developed in moderate yields from the reaction of geraniol with aldehydes and epoxides promoted by boron trifluoride etherate.

Lewis Acid Mediated Intramolecular C–C Bond Formation of Alkyne-Epoxide Leading to Six-Membered Nitrogen and Oxygen Heterocycles

Intramolecular C-C bond formation of oxygen- and nitrogen-tethered alkynes and epoxide mediated by Lewis acid under ambient conditions is described. A simple procedure for the synthesis of 3,6- and 5,6-dihydropyrans and 3,4-dehydropiperidines from acyclic building blocks in good yields without using any transition metal is shown.