Synthesis of spiro-2,6-dioxopiperazine and spiro-2,6-dioxopyrazine scaffolds using amino acids in a three-component reaction to generate potential Sigma-1 (σ1) receptor selective ligands.

A library-friendly approach to generate new scaffolds is decisive for the development of molecular probes, drug like molecules and preclinical entities. Here, we present the design and synthesis of novel heterocycles with spiro-2,6-dioxopiperazine and spiro-2,6-pyrazine scaffolds through a three-component reaction using various amino acids, ketones, and isocyanides. Screening of select compounds over fifty CNS receptors including G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels, transporters, and enzymes through the NIMH psychoactive drug screening program indicated that a novel spiro-2,6-dioxopyrazine scaffold, UVM147, displays high binding affinity at sigma-1 (σ1) receptor in the nanomolar range. In addition, molecular docking of UVM147 at the human σ1 receptor have shown that it resides in the same binding site that was occupied by the ligand 4-IBP used to obtain a crystal structure of the human sigma-1 (σ1) receptor.

Three-component coupling approach for the synthesis of diverse heterocycles utilizing reactive nitrilium trapping.

The formation of an unexpected heterocyclic scaffold, a benzoxazole, in a three-component reaction between a ketone, isocyanide, and 2-aminophenol was encountered. This reaction involved a benzo[b][1,4]oxazine intermediate resulting from intramolecular attack of the aminophenol hydroxyl group on the nitrilium ion. Unlike previous literature examples, the trapped nitrilium benzo[b][1,4]oxazine could readily be subjected to ring opening with bis-nucleophiles. The reaction scope includes simple linear as well as complex cyclic ketones and substituted 2-aminophenols. A representative benzoxazole product could be further diversified to yield drug-like compounds.