Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of 2-Amino Styrenes with Alcohols and Methyl Arenes for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Quinolines.

Herein, we present the iron-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alcohol/methyl arene with 2-amino styrene to synthesize polysubstituted quinoline. Low-oxidation level substrates such as alcohols and methyl arenes are converted to aldehydes in the presence of an iron catalyst and di-t-butyl peroxide. Then, the quinoline scaffold is synthesized through imine condensation/radical cyclization/oxidative aromatization. Our protocol showed a broad substrate scope, and various functionalization and fluorescence applications of quinoline products demonstrated its synthetic ability.

Thio(seleno)cyano-difluoroalkylation of Alkenes Using Visible-Light Photocatalysis.

A mild and efficient three-component thio(seleno)cyano-difluoroalkylation of simple alkenes is demonstrated using an iridium(ruthenium) photocatalyst. This protocol provides a direct and regioselective installation of both C-S(Se)CN [thio(seleno)cyanation] and C-CF (difluoroalkylation) bonds.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Marinacarboline Analogues as STAT3 Pathway Inhibitors for Docetaxel-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is a fatal type of breast cancer (BC), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has emerged as an effective target for mTNBC. In the present study, compound MC0704 was found to be a novel synthetic STAT3 pathway inhibitor, and its potential antitumor activity was demonstrated using in vitro and in vivo models in docetaxel-resistant TNBC cells. Based on marinacarboline (MC), a series ß-carboline derivatives were synthesized and investigated for their antitumor activities against docetaxel-resistant MDA-MB-231 (MDA-MB-231-DTR) cells. Combining antiproliferation and STAT3 inhibitory activities, MC0704 was selected as the most promising ß-carboline compound. MC0704 effectively impeded the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231-DTR cells in vitro, and the combination of MC0704 and docetaxel exhibited potent antitumor activities in a xenograft mouse model. These findings suggested that MC0704 can be a lead candidate as a target therapeutic agent for TNBC patients with docetaxel resistance.

Novel Strategy To Inhibit Transthyretin Amyloidosis via the Synergetic Effect of Chemoselective Acylation and Noncovalent Inhibitor Release.

Strategies for developing targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), which have the advantages of a prolonged duration of action and selectivity toward a drug target, have attracted great interest in drug discovery. Herein, we report chemoselective covalent inhibitors that specifically target lysine ε-amine groups that conjugate with an endogenous protein to prevent disease-causing protein misfolding and aggregation. These TCIs are unique because the benzoyl group is preferentially conjugated to Lys15 at the top of the T4 binding site within transthyretin (TTR) while simultaneously releasing a potent noncovalent TTR kinetic stabilizer. The potency of these covalent inhibitors is superior to tafamidis, the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of hereditary TTR amyloidosis. In addition to investigations into the covalent modification of TTR via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, direct methods are performed to confirm and visualize the presumed covalent interaction via mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.

Chemoselective α-Alkylation and α-Olefination of Arylacetonitriles with Alcohols via Iron-Catalyzed Borrowing Hydrogen and Dehydrogenative Coupling.

α-Alkyl and α-olefin nitriles are very important for organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. However, different types of catalysts are employed to achieve either α-alkylation of nitriles by borrowing hydrogen or α-olefination by dehydrogenative coupling methods. Designing and developing high-performance earth-abundant catalysts that can procure different products from the same starting materials remain a great challenge. Herein, we report an iron(0) catalyst system that achieves chemoselectivity between borrowing hydrogen and dehydrogenative coupling protocols by simply changing the base. A broad range of nitriles and alcohols, including benzylic, linear aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic, and allylic alcohols, were selectively and efficiently converted to the corresponding products. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction mechanism proceeds through a dehydrogenative pathway. This iron catalytic protocol is environmentally benign and atom-efficient with the liberation of H2 and H2O as green byproducts.

Total Synthesis of Melicoptelines C-E: Antiviral Cyclopeptides Containing a Hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole Moiety.

Melicoptelines, natural cyclopeptides containing a 3a-hydroxy hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole (HPI) moiety, exhibit anti-influenza activity. Herein, we report the first total synthesis of melicoptelines C-E (1-3, respectively). The core 3a-hydroxy HPIs were synthesized in a diastereoselective manner from l-tryptophan using dimethyldioxirane-mediated oxidation. Subsequently, sequential peptide couplings and cyclization completed the synthesis of melicoptelines C-E and unnatural melicopteline 4. The synthesized melicoptelines were evaluated for their anti-influenza activity, and melicopteline E showed the most potent inhibition of cytopathic effects.

Synthesis of 4-Aryl Pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines via Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling from an Unactivated Methyl Arene.

Herein, we describe the direct synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxaline via oxidative coupling between methyl arene and 1-(2-aminophenyl) pyrroles. Oxidation of the benzylic carbon of the methyl arene was achieved by di-t-butyl peroxide in the presence of an iron catalyst, followed by conversion to an activated aldehyde in situ. Oxygen played a crucial role in the oxidation process to accelerate benzaldehyde formation. Subsequent Pictet-Spengler-type annulation completed the quinoxaline structure. The protocol tolerated various kinds of functional groups and provided 22 4-aryl pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines when various methyl arene derivatives were used. The developed method proceeded in air, and all catalysts, reagents, and solvents were easily accessible.

First Total Synthesis of Gaylussacin and Its Stilbene Derivatives.

Gaylussacin (1), a stilbene glucoside, has been isolated from Pentarhizidium orientale and is used in Korean folk medicine. Although it was first isolated in 1972, the synthesis of gaylussacin has never been reported. Herein, we report the first total synthesis of gaylussacin in six steps with an overall yield of 23.8%, as well as the synthesis of its derivatives. Structurally, gaylussacin contains a carboxylic acid and a glycoside along with a free phenol on the same benzene ring, making selective functionalization for the synthesis of 1 difficult. Heck cross-coupling was employed as a key step to introduce the stilbene moiety. Glycosylation followed by global deprotection provided natural product 1.

Iron-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of quinoxalines: transfer hydrogenative condensation of 2-nitroanilines with vicinal diols.

Here, we report iron-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of quinoxalines via transfer hydrogenative condensation of 2-nitroanilines with vicinal diols. The tricarbonyl (η4-cyclopentadienone) iron complex, which is well known as the Knölker complex, catalyzed the oxidation of alcohols and the reduction of nitroarenes, and the corresponding carbonyl and 1,2-diaminobenzene intermediates were generated in situ. Trimethylamine N-oxide was used to activate the iron complex. Various unsymmetrical and symmetrical vicinal diols were applied for transfer hydrogenation, resulting in quinoxaline derivatives in 49-98% yields. A plausible mechanism was proposed based on a series of control experiments. The major advantages of this protocol are that no external redox reagents or additional base is needed and that water is liberated as the sole byproduct.

Iron(0)-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenative Condensation of Nitroarenes with Alcohols: A Straightforward Approach to Benzoxazoles, Benzothiazoles, and Benzimidazoles.

The iron-catalyzed hydrogen transfer strategy has been applied to the redox condensation of o-hydroxynitrobenzene with alcohol, leading to the formation of benzoxazole derivatives. A wide range of 2-substituted benzoxazoles were synthesized in good to excellent yields without the addition of an external redox agent. A series of control experiments provided a plausible mechanism. Furthermore, the reaction system was successfully extended to the synthesis of benzothiazoles and benzimidazoles.

One-Pot Synthesis of 4-Quinolone via Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Alcohol and Methyl Arene.

Herein, we describe the iron(III)-catalyzed oxidative coupling of alcohol/methyl arene with 2-amino phenyl ketone to synthesize 4-quinolone. Alcohols and methyl arenes are oxidized to the aldehyde in the presence of an iron catalyst and di-tert-butyl peroxide, followed by a tandem process, condensation with amine/Mannich-type cyclization/oxidation, to complete the 4-quinolone ring. This method tolerates various kinds of functional groups and provides a direct approach to the synthesis of 4-quinolones from less functionalized substrates.

Direct Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines via Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation between 1-(2-Nitrophenyl)pyrroles and Alcohols.

Herein, we describe novel iron-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation between alcohols and 1-(2-nitrophenyl)pyrroles for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines. The tricarbonyl (η4-cyclopentadienone) iron complex catalyzed the oxidation of alcohols and the reduction of nitroarenes, and the corresponding aldehydes and aniline were generated in situ. The resulting Pictet-Spengler-type annulation/oxidation completed the quinoxaline structure formation. The protocol tolerated various kinds of functional groups and provided 29 samples of 4-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines. The developed method was also applied for the synthesis of additional polyheterocycles.

Formicins, N-Acetylcysteamine-Bearing Indenone Thioesters from a Wood Ant-Associated Bacterium.

Formicins A-C (1-3) were discovered from Streptomyces sp. associated with wood ants. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated as indenone thioesters bearing N-acetylcysteamine based on spectroscopic analysis. The configurations of 1-3 were determined by the analysis of ROESY correlations, the phenylglycine methyl ester method, and chemical derivatization from 3 to 2. Formicin A inhibited the growth of human triple-negative breast cancer cells by regulating the liver kinase B1-mediated AMPK signaling pathway.

Iron-Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling of Alcohols With Aromatic Diamines: Selective Synthesis of 1,2-Disubstituted Benzimidazoles.

Benzimidazoles are important N-heteroaromatic compounds with various biological activities and pharmacological applications. Herein, we present the first iron-catalyzed selective synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles via acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of primary alcohols with aromatic diamines. The tricarbonyl (η4-cyclopentadienone) iron complex catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization, releasing water and hydrogen gas as by-products. The earth abundance and low toxicity of iron metal enable the provision of an eco-friendly and efficient catalytic method for the synthesis of benzimidazoles.

Synthesis of 2-aryl quinazolinones via iron-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) between N-H and C-H bonds.

Herein, we describe the direct synthesis of quinazolinones via cross-dehydrogenative coupling between methyl arenes and anthranilamides. The C-H functionalization of the benzylic sp3 carbon is achieved by di-t-butyl peroxide under air, and the subsequent amination-aerobic oxidation process completes the annulation process. Iron catalyzed the whole reaction process and various kinds of functional groups were tolerated under the reaction conditions, providing 31 examples of 2-aryl quinazolinones using methyl arene derivatives in yields of 57-95%. The synthetic potential has been demonstrated by the additional synthesis of aryl-containing heterocycles.

Dynamic stabilizing function of the deltoid muscle in shoulders with anterior instability.

BACKGROUND: The stabilizing role of the deltoid muscle has not been extensively studied. PURPOSE: To study the contribution of the deltoid muscle to anterior stability of the shoulder. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: We used nine fresh cadaveric shoulders with the arm at 90 degrees of abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation. The position of the humeral head was monitored by an electromagnetic tracking device with 0 and 1.5 kg of anterior translation force; with 0, 1, 3, and 5 kg of force applied to each of the anterior, middle, and posterior portions of the deltoid muscle; and with the capsule intact, vented, and with a simulated Bankart lesion. RESULTS: With the capsule intact, anterior displacement was significantly reduced by application of load to the middle deltoid muscle. After the capsule was vented, load application to the anterior, middle, or posterior deltoid muscle significantly reduced anterior displacement. With a simulated Bankart lesion, effects of muscle loading were most apparent: anterior displacement was significantly reduced with loading of each muscle portion. CONCLUSION: The deltoid muscle is an anterior stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint with the arm in abduction and external rotation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The stabilizing function of the deltoid muscle takes on more importance as the shoulder becomes unstable.

Quantitative assessment of classic anteroinferior bony Bankart lesions by radiography and computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: An anteroinferior osseous defect of the glenoid rim is sometimes encountered in patients with recurrent anterior dislocations of the shoulder. A defect of more than 21% of the glenoid length is reported to cause instability after Bankart repair. HYPOTHESIS: We can estimate the critical size of glenoid defects by using radiography or computed tomography. STUDY DESIGN: A controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Osseous defects of 0%, 9%, 21%, 34%, and 46% of the glenoid length were created stepwise in 12 cadaveric scapulae, and plain radiographs simulating the axillary and West Point views and computed tomographic images were obtained. The maximum width of the remnant glenoid was measured under each condition and expressed as a percentage of the width of the intact glenoid. RESULTS: A 21% defect appeared to be 18.6% of the intact glenoid on the West Point view. With computed tomography, a 21% defect resulted in loss of 50% of the width on a single slice across the lower one-fourth of the glenoid. CONCLUSIONS: We can estimate the size of a glenoid defect by using the West Point radiographic view or computed tomogram. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These images gave decisive information as to whether an osseous glenoid defect required bone grafting to achieve stability after Bankart repair.

Dynamic glenohumeral stability provided by three heads of the deltoid muscle.

The deltoid is a large bulky muscle, comprising approximately 20% of the shoulder muscles. Therefore, the function of the deltoid as a stabilizer is thought to be significant. The current authors quantified dynamic glenohumeral stability provided by three heads of the deltoid by a new biomechanical parameter, the dynamic stability index. The dynamic stability index considers not only the force vectors generated by individual shoulder muscle, but also the concavity compression mechanism. The higher the dynamic stability index, the greater the dynamic stability. The deltoid generated significant shear force and compressive force in the position of anterior shoulder instability. The deltoid provided dynamic stability with the arm in the scapular plane and only decreased the stability of the shoulder with the arm in the coronal plane. The mid and posterior heads should be strengthened vigorously in anterior shoulder instability in conservative and operative treatment, because they provide more stability generating higher compressive force and lower shear force than the anterior head. Scapular muscles should be balanced to avoid the vulnerable glenohumeral position where the arm is extended beyond the scapular plane. Anatomic reattachment of the detached labrum onto the glenoid rim in the anterior instability is important to enhance the effect of compressive force component generated by the muscles.