Phosphorus-bearing axially chiral biaryls by catalytic asymmetric cross-cyclotrimerization and a first application in asymmetric hydrosilylation.

A novel and efficient, two-step route to axially chiral biaryls is demonstrated. In a direct asymmetric cross-cyclotrimerization in the presence of a chiral cobalt(I) catalyst, axially chiral biaryls bearing phosphoryl moieties have been prepared, and through indirect evidence the authors have been able to clarify the origin of the stereochemical induction and the nature of the central intermediate in the catalytic cycle. By subsequent reduction of the phosphoryl moiety to the corresponding phosphine, a very efficient and atom-economical approach to chiral systems has been developed. These chiral systems clearly have great potential use as axially chiral monodentate P- or bidentate P,O-ligands, as has been demonstrated by the employment of the novel NAPHEP as a new monodentate acting ligand in an asymmetric hydrosilylation reaction.

Inhibition of nucleoside transport by new analogues of 4-nitrobenzylthioinosine: replacement of the ribose moiety by substituted benzyl groups.

4-Nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI, 1) is a well-known inhibitor for the nucleoside transport protein ENT1. However, its highly polar nature is unfavorable for oral absorption and/or penetration into the CNS. In the search for compounds with lower polarity than NBTI we replaced its ribose moiety by substituted benzyl groups. Halogen, hydroxyl, (trifluoro)methyl(-oxy), nitro, and amine functionalities were among the substituents at the benzyl group. In general, substitution of the benzyl group resulted in a lower affinity for ENT1. Only 2-hydroxyl substitution showed a higher affinity. Most likely this is the result of hydrogen bonding. Substitution at the 2-position of the benzyl group with aryl groups was also addressed. Compared to parent compound carrying a 2-phenylbenzyl group, all synthesized analogues gave higher affinities. Introduction of fluoro, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, and hydroxyl groups at the phenyl group clearly showed that addition to the 4-position was preferable. Despite the highly different character of a ribose and a benzyl group, Ki values in the low nanomolar range were obtained for the benzyl-substituted derivatives. Compound 35, LUF5919, and compound 60, LUF5929, displayed the highest affinity (Ki = 39 nM for both compounds), having a polar surface area of 101 A2 and 85 A2, respectively.