Total Synthesis of Eliglustat via Diastereoselective Amination of Chiral para-Methoxycinnamyl Benzyl Ether.

Eliglustat (Cerdelga®, Genzyme Corp. Cambridge, MA, USA) is an approved drug for a non-neurological type of Gaucher disease. Herein, we describe the total synthesis of eliglustat 1 starting from readily available 1,4-benzodioxan-6-carbaldehyde via Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation and diastereoselective amination of chiral para-methoxycinnamyl benzyl ethers using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate as the key steps. Notably, the reaction between syn-1,2-dibenzyl ether 6 and chlorosulfonyl isocyanate in the mixture of toluene and hexane (10:1) afforded syn-1,2-amino alcohol 5 at a 62% yield with a diastereoselectivity > 20:1. This observation can be explained by competition between the SNi and the SN1 mechanisms, leading to the retention of stereochemistry.

Exploration of SAR regarding glucose moiety in novel C-aryl glucoside inhibitors of SGLT2.

In order to investigate SAR regarding glucose moiety in novel C-aryl glucoside SGLT2 inhibitors containing a thiazole motif, a series of chemical modifications on glucose was conducted to explore potential utility as a suitable replacement of glucose per se. Among the compounds prepared, deshydroxy 29 (IC(50)=7.01nM) demonstrated the best in vitro inhibitory activity against SGLT2 in this series to date. But, none of the compounds were better than the parent molecule 5 (IC(50)=1.75nM).

Synthesis and in vitro biological activity of retinyl polyhydroxybenzoates, novel hybrid retinoid derivatives.

A new hybrid derived from retinol was designed to improve the stability and anti-oxidant activity of retinol and also to add whitening properties besides its usual anti-aging properties. A variety of polyhydroxybenzoates of retinol were prepared either by base-catalysis or by direct esterification of retinol and screened for such desirable properties by analyzing the in vitro biological activity of the hybrids. Some of the retinol derivatives enhanced their thermal stability and decreased photosensitivity, and exhibited an activity in collagen synthesis similar to that of retinol. In addition, the retinyl gallate 6 showed higher activities in free radical scavenging and melanogenesis inhibition than retinol. Thus, owing to its excellent stabilities, retinyl gallate 6 may be conveniently used not only as an additive for cosmetics for prevention and improvement of skin aging and whitening but also as medicine for the treatment of skin troubles.