Steven H. Spergel

Practical olefin hydroamination with nitroarenes

Stitching C-N bonds from nitro groups Numerous compounds in pharmaceutical research have carbon-nitrogen bonds, and chemists are always looking for ways to make them more efficiently. Gui et al. present a method that links the carbon in an olefin to the nitrogen in a nitroaromatic compound (see the Perspective by Kürti). Nitroaromatics are readily available, and the method tolerates a wide range of other chemical groups present on either reacting partner. Science, this issue p. 886; see also p. 863 A method to form carbon-nitrogen bonds via nitro group reduction could streamline synthetic routes in medicinal chemistry. [Also see Perspective by Kürti] The synthesis and functionalization of amines are fundamentally important in a vast range of chemical contexts. We present an amine synthesis that repurposes two simple feedstock building blocks: olefins and nitro(hetero)arenes. Using readily available reactants in an operationally simple procedure, the protocol smoothly yields secondary amines in a formal olefin hydroamination. Because of the presumed radical nature of the process, hindered amines can easily be accessed in a highly chemoselective transformation. A screen of more than 100 substrate combinations showcases tolerance of numerous unprotected functional groups such as alcohols, amines, and even boronic acids. This process is orthogonal to other aryl amine syntheses, such as the Buchwald-Hartwig, Ullmann, and classical amine-carbonyl reductive aminations, as it tolerates aryl halides and carbonyl compounds.

Molecular design, synthesis, and structure–Activity relationships leading to the potent and selective p56lck inhibitor BMS-243117

A series of structurally novel benzothiazole based small molecule inhibitors of p56(lck) were prepared to elucidate their structure-activity relationships (SARs), selectivity and cell activity in the T-cell proliferation assay. BMS-243117 (compound 2) is identified as a potent, and selective Lck inhibitor with good cellular activity (IC(50)=1.1 microM) against T-cell proliferation.

A practical method for the preparation of α′-chloroketones of N-carbamate protected-α-aminoacids

Abstract A practical method for the preparation of α-N-BOC-epoxides from protected amino acid esters based on the Kowalski homologation reaction is described. This procedure can be readily performed on a large scale without the use of hazardous reagents and has allowed preparation of epoxides 3 in multi-kilogram quantities.

Discovery and initial SAR of imidazoquinoxalines as inhibitors of the Src-family kinase p56Lck

We have identified a novel series of 1,5-imidazoquinoxalines as inhibitors of Lck with excellent potency (IC50s<5 nM) as well as good cellular activity against T-cell proliferation (IC50s<1 microM). Structure-activity studies demonstrate the requirement for the core heterocycle in addition to an optimal 2,6-disubstituted aniline group.

One-Pot Synthesis of Azaindoles via Palladium-Catalyzed α-Heteroarylation of Ketone Enolates

A convenient, one-pot method for the construction of a variety of azaindoles using simple ketones and haloaminopyridines is described.

Novel Tricyclic Inhibitors of IκB Kinase

The design and synthesis of a novel series of oxazole-, thiazole-, and imidazole-based inhibitors of IkappaB kinase (IKK) are reported. Biological activity was improved compared to the pyrazolopurine lead, and the expedient synthesis of the new tricyclic systems allowed for efficient exploration of structure-activity relationships. This, combined with an iterative rat cassette dosing strategy, was used to identify compounds with improved pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles to advance for in vivo evaluation.

Synthesis and SAR of novel imidazoquinoxaline-based Lck inhibitors: improvement of cell potency.

A series of anilino(imidazoquinoxaline) analogues bearing solubilizing side chains at the 6- and 7-positions of the fused phenyl ring has been prepared and evaluated for inhibition against Lck enzyme and of T-cell proliferation. Significant improvement of the cellular activity was achieved over the initial lead, compound 2.

Synthesis, initial SAR and biological evaluation of 1,6-dihydroimidazo[4,5-d]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-amine derived inhibitors of IκB kinase

A new series of tricyclic-based inhibitors of IKK have been derived from an earlier lead compound. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) are described. Compound 4k inhibited TNF production in rats stimulated with LPS.

Stereoelectronic effects in nucleophilic addition to a bicyclic ketone: an interpretation

Abstract Addition of nucleophiles to the ketone 6 occurred in most cases from the sterically more hindered face of the carbonyl group. These results are interpreted in light of a detailed calculation of the electrostatic potential of 6 .

Discovery of BMS-641988, a Novel Androgen Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

BMS-641988 (23) is a novel, nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist designed for the treatment of prostate cancer. The compound has high binding affinity for the AR and acts as a functional antagonist in vitro. BMS-641988 is efficacious in multiple human prostate cancer xenograft models, including CWR22-BMSLD1 where it displays superior efficacy relative to bicalutamide. Based on its promising preclinical profile, BMS-641988 was selected for clinical development.