Synthesis and reactivity of binuclear halo-bridge palladium(II) isocyanide complexes

An equimolecular mixture of [Pd(RNC)₂Cl₂] (R = Ph, p-Me C₆H₄) and [Pd(MeCN)₂Cl₂] reacts in boiling, 1,2-dichloroethane to give the binuclear complexes [Pd(RNC)Cl₂]₂.These compounds undergo a variety of bridge-splitting reactions with neutral or anionic ligands yielding complexes of the type cis and trans [Pd(RNC)LX₂] or [Pd(RNC)X₃]⁻ (L = PPh₃, pyridine, C₆H₁₁NC; X = CL, Br).By reaction of [Pd(PhNC)Cl₃]⁻ with MeOH the anionic carbene complex [Pd{C(NHPh)OMe}Cl₃]⁻ is obtained.[Pd(PhNC)Cl₂]₂ reacts with p-toluidine (excess) or o-aminopyridine to give the corresponding mononuclear carbene derivatives.In the case of the mixed derivative [Pd(p-MeC₆H₄NC)(C₆H₁₁NC)Cl₂], only the more activated p-tolylisocyanide was found to react with p-toluidine.The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, i.r. and ¹H n.m.r. spectra where possible.     

Facile synthesis and characterization of μ-chloro, azido, thiocyanato bridged cyclometallated Pd(II) containing Schiff-base ligands

μ-Chloro bridged dinuclear cyclometallated Pd(II) complexes [Pd{(4-R)C₆H₃CHNC₆H₃-2,6-i-Pr₂}(μ-Cl)]₂ (R = H, OMe) were prepared by reaction of Na₂PdCl₄ with benzylideneanilines. Unexpectedly, Na₂PdCl₄ reacted with Schiff-bases bearing a furyl or a thienyl ring to give N-coordinated non-cyclometallated Pd(II) species [Pd(C₄H₃XCHNC₆H₃-2,6-i-Pr₂)₂Cl₂] (X = O, S). Treating [Pd{(4-R)C₆H₃CHNC₆H₃-2,6-i-Pr₂}(μ-Cl)]₂ (R = H, OMe) with an excess of NaN₃ or NH₄SCN generated μ-N₃ bridged or μ-SCN bridged cyclometallated Pd(II) complexes [Pd{(4-R)C₆H₃CHNC₆H₃-2,6-i-Pr₂}(μ-Y)]₂ (R = H, OMe; Y = N₃, NCS). The complexes were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography.     

The cycloauration of pyridine-2-thiocarboxamide ligands

Reactions of H[AuCl₄] with N-substituted 2-pyridine thiocarboxamide ligands 2-(C₅H₄N)C(S)NHR (R = p-C₆H₄Me, CH₂Ph, Me, p-C₆H₄OMe) gave cycloaurated derivatives {(C₅H₄N)C(S)NR}AuCl₂, with the ligand bonded as the thiol tautomer through the deprotonated SH group and the pyridine N atom to give a five-membered metallacyclic ring. The X-ray structure determination of the R = CH₂Ph derivative shows a square-planar gold(III) complex that dimerises in the solid state by weak Au···S intermolecular interactions. In contrast, in the reaction of H[AuCl₄] with 2-(C₅H₄N)C(S)NHR where R = 2-pyridyl, the ligand was oxidised to give a 1,2,4-thiadiazolo[2,3-a]pyridinium heterocyclic ring that was crystallographically characterised.     

Reactivity of alkynyl Pd(II) azido complexes toward organic isocyanides, isothiocyanates, and nitriles

Alkynyl Pd(II) azido complexes of the type [Pd(N₃)(CCR)L₂] (1-3) were obtained by reactions of aqueous NaN₃ with [Pd(Cl)(CCR)L₂] (R = Ph or C(O)OMe). Treating compounds 1-3 with organic isocyanides (R-NC) afforded novel complexes, trans-[Pd(CCPh)(NCNR)(PMe₃)₂] (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (4) or 2,6-Et₂C₆H₃ (5)) and trans-[Pd(CCR)(CN₄-t-Bu)L₂] (6: L = PMe₃, R = Ph; 7: L = PEt₃, R = C(O)OMe; 8: L = PMe₃, R = C(O)OMe), which contain either a carbodiimido or a C-coordinated tetrazolato group. Reactions of compounds 1 and 2 with R-NCS (R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ or CH₂CH₃) and 1,4-phenylene diisothiocyanate (C₆H₄(NCS)₂) smoothly proceeded to give tetrazole-thiolato complexes, trans-[Pd(CCPh)(SCN₄-R)L₂] (L = PMe₃, R = Et (9) or 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (10); L = PEt₃, R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃ (11)), and a phenylene-bridged dinuclear Pd(II) tetrazole-thiolato complex, [(PEt₃)₂(CCPh)Pd(SCN₄-(μ-C₆H₄)-SCN₄)Pd(CCPh)(PEt₃)₂] (12), respectively. Complexes 9-12 contain the Pd-S bond that is formed by the dipolar cycloaddition of the organic isothiocyanate to the Pd-azido bond. In contrast, the corresponding reactions of compounds 1and 2 with C₆F₅CN and Me₃SiCN (organic nitriles, R-CN) gave an N-coordinated Pd(II)-tetrazolato compound {trans-[Pd(CCPh)(N₄C-C₆F₅)(PMe₃)₂] (13)} and a mixture of Pd(II)-cyano complexes {trans-[Pd(CCPh)(CN)(PEt₃)₂] (14) and [Pd(CN)₂(PEt₃)₂] (15)}, respectively. Bis(phosphine) bis(cyano) complexes of Pd and Ni, [M(CN)₂L₂] (L = PEt₃, PMe₃; L₂ = DEPE), could be obtained independently by the reactions of [M(N₃)₂L₂] with excess Me₃SiCN in organic solvents.     

Novel renin inhibitors containing derivatives of N‐alkylleucyl‐β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids

In search for new drugs lowering arterial blood pressure, which could be applied in anti‐hypertensive therapy, research concerning agents blocking of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosteron system has been conducted. Despite many years of research conducted at many research centers around the world, aliskiren is the only one renin inhibitor, which is used up to now. Four novel potential renin inhibitors, having structure based on the peptide fragment 8–13 of human angiotensinogen, a natural substrate for renin, were designed and synthesized. All these inhibitors contain unnatural moieties that are derivatives of N‐methylleucyl‐β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids at the P₂‐P₁' position: 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐3‐hydroxy‐7‐(3‐nitroguanidino)‐heptanoic acid (AHGHA), 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐phenyl‐pentanoic acid (AHPPA) or 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐8‐benzyloxycarbonylamino‐3‐hydroxyoctanoic acid (AAHOA). The previously listed synthetic β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids constitute pseudodipeptidic units that correspond to the P₁‐P₁' position of the inhibitor molecule. An unnatural amino acid, 4‐methoxyphenylalanin (Phe(4‐OMe)), was introduced at the P₃ position of the obtained compounds. Three of these compounds contain isoamylamide of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (ε‐Ahx‐Iaa) at the P₂'‐P₃' position. The proposed modifications of the selected human angiotensinogen fragment are intended to increase bioactivity, bioavailability, and stability of the inhibitor molecule in body fluids and tissues. The inhibitor Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHGHA‐OEt was obtained in the form of an ethyl ester. The hydrophobicity coefficient, expressed as log P varied between 3.95 and 8.17. In vitro renin inhibitory activity of all obtained compounds was contained within the range 10^?6‐10^?9 M. The compound Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHPPA‐Ahx‐Iaa proved to be the most active (IC₅₀ = 1.05 × 10^?9 M). The compounds Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHGHA‐Ahx‐Iaa and Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHPPA‐Ahx‐Iaa are resistant to chymotrypsin. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structures, dynamic behaviour in solution and cross-coupling reactions of the α-palladiated (η-alkylarene)tricarbonylchromium complexes containing a palladium-chromium bond

Structures of the complexes (η³-C₃H₅)Pd(μ-η^6:1-CH₂PhCr(CO)₃ and (η³-C₃H₅)Pd[μ-η^6:1-CH(Ph)Ph]Cr(CO)₃ in solution were evaluated by NMR (¹H and ¹³C) and IR spectroscopy. The dynamic behaviour of the complexes was investigated. Quick rotation (on the NMR time scale) of the tricarbonylchromium groups around the axis passing through the centre of the η⁶-coordinated phenyl ring and the chromium atom takes place at room temperature and becomes slow on cooling. The η³-allylic ligand was proved to undergo no dynamic changes in solution. Unlike the solid state, the semi-bridging carbonyl groups between chromium and palladium atoms are absent or very weak in solution. Cross-coupling reactions of the complexes with organohalides are described.     

Homoleptic palladium complexes with phosphine-amide or iminophosphine ligands

The reaction between Pd(dba)₂ and phosphino-amide ligands yielded the unexpected Pd(II) homoleptic complexes [Pd(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CO-NR)₂] [R = ⁱPr (1), Ph (2), 4-MeC₆H₄ (3), 4-FC₆H₄ (4)], in which an κ²-P,N coordination mode for diphenylphosphine-benzamidate ligands is observed. In order to induce amide protonation in the ligands and subsequent κ²-P,O coordination, compounds (1-4) were treated with HClO₄(aq) to give cationic complexes [Pd(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CO-NHR)₂][ClO₄]₂ (5-8). These complexes and the analogous with iminophosphine ligands [Pd(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CHN-R)₂] [ClO₄]₂ [R = ⁱPr (9), Ph (10)] can be alternatively obtained when [PdCl₂(PhCN)₂] is treated with AgClO₄ in the presence of the corresponding ligand. The reaction of Pd(dba)₂ with iminophosphines has also been explored, yielding in this case the Pd(0) derivatives [Pd(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CHN-R)₂] [R = ⁱPr (11), Ph (12)]. X-ray structures of (3), (4), (5), (8) and (9) have been established, allowing an interesting comparative structural discussion.     

Solution structure investigations of olefin Pd(II) and Pt(II) complex ion pairs bearing α-diimine ligands by F, H-HOESY NMR

Complexes [M(η¹,η²-C₈H₁₂OMe)((2,6-(R)₂---C₆H₃)N=C(R′)---C(R′)=N((2,6-(R)₂---C₆H₃))]PF₆ (where M=Pd, R=H and R′₂=Me₂ (1), M=Pd, R=Me and R′₂=Me₂ (2), M=Pd, R=Et and R′₂=Me₂ (3), M=Pd, R=iPr and R′₂=Me₂ (4), M=Pd, R=iPr and R′₂=An (5), M=Pt, R=iPr and R′₂=An (6)) were synthesized by the reaction of [M(η¹,η²-C₈H₁₂OMe)Cl]₂ with the appropriate α-diimine ligand in the presence of NH₄PF₆. Their ion pair structure in solution was investigated by detecting dipolar interactions between protons belonging to the cation and fluorine nuclei of the anion (interionic contacts) in the ¹⁹F, ¹H-HOESY NMR spectra. In complexes 1–4, the anion in solution is located close to the peripheral protons of the α-diimine ligand and it interacts with the R′ protons and with the R protons that point toward the R′ groups. The steric protection of apical position exerted by the R substituents is clearly illustrated by the absence of interionic contacts between any protons of the cycloctenylmethoxy-moiety and the anion for R≥Me in 1–4. In complexes 5 and 6 the interactions between the anion and the peripheral N,N protons also predominate but other anion–cation orientations are significantly present and, consequently, the interionic structure is less specific.     

Synthesis and characterization of new Pd(II) complexes of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-ethylphenylalanate

Complex (S,S)-[Pd{C₆H₄(CH₂CHNH₂CO₂CH₂CH₃)}(μ-Br)]₂ (3) was prepared following the method by Vicente and Saura-Llamas (Organometallics 26:2768–2776, 2007), by the reaction of l-ethylphenylalanate and Pd(OAc)₂ in 1:1 molar ratio under acetonitrile heating conditions and subsequently treating with NaBr. In addition, the cleavage of halogeno-bridge of the complex 3 via nucleophilic attack of some neutral ligands such as triphenylphosphine, pyridine, 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine and piperidine were investigated and the corresponding complexes (S)-[Pd{C₆H₄(CH₂CHNH₂CO₂CH₂CH₃)(Y)(Br)}] (4a–f) were obtained in moderate yields. The six-member orthopalladated complexes were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ³¹P-NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques.     

Donor-substituted allenylidene(carbonyl)(XR3)chromium complexes (X=P, As, Sb) - synthesis and properties

Photolysis of the allenylidene pentacarbonyl chromium complexes [(CO)₅CrCCC(R¹)R²] (R¹=NMe₂, NPh₂; R²=NMe₂, OMe, Ph) in THF in the presence of equimolar amounts of XR₃ (XR₃=various phosphanes, P(OMe)₃, AsPh₃, SbPh₃) affords cis-allenylidene tetracarbonyl XR₃ complexes, cis-[(CO)₄(XR₃)CrCCC(R¹)R²]. When in the photolysis of [(CO)₅CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph], the phosphanes PR₃ (R=C₆H₄F-p, C₆H₄Cl-p, OMe) are used in excess (three equivalents) two carbonyl ligands are displaced and the mer-tricarbonyl complexes mer-[(CO)₃(PR₃)₂CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] are formed both PR₃ ligands being mutually trans. The structure of the new complexes is established by IR, NMR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, that of cis-[(CO)₄(PPh₃)CrCCC(NMe₂)Ph] additionally by an X-ray structural analysis. As indicated by the spectroscopic data of the compounds, these complexes are best described as hybrids of allenylidene and zwitterionic alkynyl complexes with delocalization of the electron pair at nitrogen bonded to the C_γ atom of the allenylidene ligand towards the metal center. The relative contribution of the allenylidene and zwitterionic alkynyl resonance forms is influenced by XR₃. Increasing the donor properties of XR₃ favors the allenylidene resonance form.     

Functionalised dithiocarbamate complexes: Synthesis and molecular structures of bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn) and [Cu{S2CN(CH2CH2OMe)2}2][ClO4]

The bis(2-methoxyethyl)dithiocarbamate complexes [M{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] (M = Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd) are readily prepared and the three lighter complexes have been crystallographically characterised. Disproportionation of [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂] upon addition of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O affords the copper(III) complex [Cu{S₂CN(CH₂CH₂OMe)₂}₂][ClO₄] which has also been crystallographically characterised. Unlike other copper(III) dithiocarbamate salts, there are no intermolecular cation-cation or cation-anion interactions.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of Pd(II) complexes containing 2,6-bis[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-methylphenolate ligand

Treatment of 2,6-bis[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-methylphenol (1) with [Pd(PhCN)₂Cl₂] in a 1:1 molar ratio gives the mononuclear Pd(II) complex [PdCl₂(OC₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)-2-Me-4-(CH₂NHMe₂)-6)] (2) containing one ligand with an ammonium hydrogen atom, which forms a bifurcated hydrogen bonding to the phenoxy oxygen and the chlorine atoms, as shown by the single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The reaction between the lithium salt of 1 and [Pd(COD)Cl₂] gives the mononuclear Pd(II) complex [Pd(OC₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6-Me-4)₂] (3). The X-ray structure of 3 showed the presence of two ligands coordinated to one palladium metal center in a trans fashion with two dangling dimethylamine groups. The yield of the complex 3 was improved by carrying out the reaction between [Pd(OAc)₂] and 1 in acetone. The solid state structures of the complexes 2 and 3 were confirmed by ¹H, ¹³C, HETCOR NMR, IR and elemental analysis methods. The ¹H NMR spectra of 2 and 3 showed two different chemical shifts corresponding to the coordinated and uncoordinated amine groups of the ligand. No decoalescence of signals for the chelate ring puckering process was observed in variable-temperature NMR spectra.     

New pentafluorophenyl complexes with phosphine-amide ligands

A series of nickel(II) and palladium(II) complexes containing one or two pentafluorophenyl ligands and the phosphino-amides o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CONHR [R = ⁱPr (a), Ph (b)] displaying different coordination modes have been synthesised. The chelating ability of these ligands and the influence of both coligands and the metal centre in their potential hemilabile behaviour have been explored. The crystal structure of (b) has been determined and reveals N–H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Bis-pentafluorophenyl derivatives [M(C₆F₅)₂(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄CO-NHR)] [M = Ni; R = ⁱPr (1a); R = Ph (1b); M = Pd; R = ⁱPr (2a); R = Ph (2b)] in which (a) and (b) act as rigid P, O-chelating ligands were readily prepared from the labile precursors cis-[M(C₆F₅)₂(PhCN)₂]. X-ray structures of (1a), (1b) and (2a) have been established, allowing an interesting comparative structural discussion. Dinuclear [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂] reacted with (a) and (b) yielding the monopentafluorophenyl complexes [Pd(C₆F₅)Cl{PPh₂(C₆H₄–CONH–R)}] (R = ⁱPr (3a), Ph (3b)) that showed a P, O-chelating behaviour of the ligands, confirmed by the crystal structure determination of (3a). New cationic palladium(II) complexes in which (a) and (b) behave as P-monodentate ligands have been synthesised by reacting them with [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂], stoichiometric Ag(O₃SCF₃) and external chelating reagents such as cod [Pd(C₆F₅)(cod){PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}](O₃SCF₃)(R = ⁱPr (4a), Ph (4b)) and 2,2′-bipy [Pd(C₆F₅)(bipy){PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}](O₃SCF₃) (R = ⁱPr (5a), Ph (5b)). When chloride abstraction in [{Pd(C₆F₅)(tht)(μ-Cl)}₂] is promoted by means of a dithioanionic salt as dimethyl dithiophospate in the presence of (a) or (b), the corresponding neutral complexes [Pd(C₆F₅){S(S)P(OMe)₂}{PPh₂(C₆H₄-CONH-R)}] (R = ⁱPr (6a), Ph (6b)) were obtained.     

Application of dimeric orthopalladated complex in Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reaction under microwave irradiation and conventional heating

The Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of various aryl halides using [Pd{C₆H₂(CH₂CH₂NH₂)-(OMe)₂,3,4} (μ-Br)]₂ have been investigated. This orthopalladated complex is an efficient, stable and non-sensitive to air and moisture catalyst for the hetrocoupling reaction in DMF as the reaction solvent at 130 °C. The combination of dimeric complex as homogenous catalyst and microwave irradiation can be very useful and efficient methods in organic synthesis, so the application of microwave irradiation have been investigated using homogenous dimeric complex [Pd{C₆H₂(CH₂CH₂NH₂)-(OMe)₂,3,4} (μ-Br)]₂. Application of dimeric complex as catalyst caused to produce the desired coupling products and the using of microwave irradiation improving the yields of the reactions and shortening the reaction times.     

New chelate complexes of trivalent Y and lanthanides (Eu, Ho, Yb) with a triazene N-oxide: Synthesis, structural characterization and luminescence properties

Deprotonated 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-phenyltriazene N-oxide reacts with YCl₃·6H₂O and LnCl₃·6H₂O (Ln = Eu, Ho, Yb) to give the monoclinic chelate complexes [Y{O₂N(C₆H₄)NNN(O)Ph}₄](Et₃NH)·H₂O (1) (Ph = C₆H₅; Et = C₂H₅) and [Ln^III{O₂N(C₆H₄)NNN(O)Ph}₄](Et₃NH)·H₂O·{CH₃OH∗} {Ln^III = Eu (2), Ho (3), Yb∗ (4), in which the metal centers present a square antiprismatic configuration. As already observed for hydrated ammonium complexes of triazene-oxides ligands with (C₆H₄)−NO₂ groups, multiple, effective O···H and N···H interactions hold the species in supramolecular 3D assemblies. The optical and the luminescent properties of the triazene-oxide europium complex 2 are also presented and fully discussed.     

Synthesis and reactivity of early-late heterobimetallic complexes displaying a η-tantalum-alkylidene to palladium interaction

Tantalaalkylidene compounds, CHRTaCl₃L₂ (R=^tBu or CMe₂Ph, L=THF or 1/2dimethoxyethane) mixed with the cyclopalladated dimer [Pd(2-C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)(μ-Cl)]₂, 1, afford good yields of heterodimetallic complexes [Pd(2-C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)(μ-Cl)(μ-CHR=TaCl₃L], 3a, 3b, in which the TaC unit is η²-interacting with the palladium atom, while a chloride ligand is bridging the tantalum and the palladium atoms. These compounds are fairly stable in air in the solid state and also in solution at RT. The interaction of the TaC unit with Pd in these bimetallic compounds is weak as shown by the ready formation of [Pd(2-C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)PyCl] and CHRTaCl₃Py₂ upon treatement with pyridine. Compounds analogous to 3a, b can also be obtained with 12 electrons tantalum complexes. Thus treating the same cyclopalladated dimer 1 with CHRTa(OAr)₃ (OAr=2,6-diisopropylphenyloxy) led to a much more stable though electron deficient species: [Pd(2-C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)(μ-Cl)(μ-CH^tBu=Ta(OAr)₃], 3c. Substitution in 3a of one chloride ion by an alkyl group occurred at the tantalum metal via reaction with ZnR₂ (R=CH₂CMe₂Ph) leading to [Pd(2-C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)(μ-Cl)(μ-CH^tBu=TaCl₃(CH₂CMe₂Ph)], 4 for which there is no free rotation around the new TaC bond and in which one of the methylene protons is strongly interacting with the palladium centre. This compound is believed to mimic an intermediate to the formation of tantalacarbyne derivative, which was obtained earlier via reaction of the uncomplexed tantalacarbene compound with dialkylzinc compounds.     

Synthesis and structural investigations of bulky imino- and amido-phosphine palladium dimers

The reactions of palladium(II) dimers [Pd₂Br₂(L1)₂] and [Pd₂Br₂(L2)₂] (where L1⁻ is [Ph₂PCHC(Ph)N(2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃)]⁻ and L2⁻ is [Ph₂PCHC(Ph)N(2,6-Me₂C₆H₃)]⁻) with AgBF₄ in a mixture of CH₂Cl₂ and MeOH give palladium(I) dimers [Pd₂(HL1)₂][BF₄]₂ and [Pd₂(HL2)₂][BF₄]₂, respectively. These exhibit unusual coordination geometries of the metal centre. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that a phenyl ring of the bridging phosphine is involved in bonding via a delocalised metal-phosphine–phenyl interaction. The remarkable kinetic stability of these palladium(I) species may explain the early termination steps in the CO/ethylene copolymerisation reaction catalysed by Pd(II)–amidophosphines or enolisable Pd(II)–iminophosphines.     

Pd(PPh3)4/AgOAc-catalyzed coupling of 17-steroidal triflates and alkynes: Highly efficient synthesis of D-ring unsaturated 17-alkynylsteroids

A novel and practical procedure was developed for the preparation of D-ring unsaturated 17-alkynyl steroids by Pd(PPh₃)₄/AgOAc-catalyzed coupling of steroidal 17-triflates and alkynes. Firstly treatment of the steroid-17-ones with PhN(Tf)₂ and KHMDS in dried THF at −78 °C for 2 h gives the corresponding steroidal 17-triflates products in high yields (97-98%), following the coupling of steroidal 17-triflates and various 1-alkynes by Pd(PPh₃)₄/AgOAc-catalyzed in the presence of DIPEA for 24 h to yield the desired D-ring unsaturated 17-alkynyl steroids (86-97%). Moreover, it was found that the coupling reaction catalyzed by Pd[(C₆H₅)₃P]₄/AgOAc system is selective for aryl triflates or vinyl triflates. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the sole C17-coupling products from steroidal bistriflates were obtained in satisfactory yields. Since D-ring unsaturated 17-alkynyl steroids with conjugated double and triplet bond can be subsequently converted into pentacyclic steroids and 17-oxosteroid derivatives at the side chain of D-ring, this general method provides a highly efficient route to these biologically important compounds.     

Tandem crystallization strategies for resolution of 3,3,3‐trifluorolactic acid [CF3CH(OH)COOH] by chiral benzylamines

Resolution of rac‐3,3,3‐trifluorolactic acid by diastereomeric salt formation was reinvestigated. The use of (S)‐1‐phenylethylamine gives coprecipitation of two diastereomeric phases, 1 (S)‐[NH₃CH(CH₃)Ph](S)‐[CF₃CH(OH)COO] and 2 (S)‐[NH₃CH(CH₃)Ph](R)‐[CF₃CH(OH)COO]·H₂O. Pure phase 1 may be obtained using molecular sieves as desiccants. Resolution by (S,S)‐2‐amino‐1‐phenylpropan‐1,3‐diol gives monoclinic (S,S)‐[NH₃CH(CH₂OH)CHOHPh] (R)‐[CF₃CH(OH)‐COO] 3 with minor (S)‐3,3,3‐trifluorolactate contamination, which is precluded in the recrystallized orthorhombic form 4 . A new resolution using inexpensive phenylglycinol gives pure phase 5 (S)‐[NH₃CH(CH₂OH)Ph] (S)‐[CF₃CH(OH)COO] in 76% yield, 94% ee in a single step, in preference to its (S)‐(R) diastereomer 6 . Overall efficient resolution for both enantiomers of the trifluorolactic acid (each ca. 70% yield, 99% ee) may be achieved by various two‐step “tandem” crystallizations, involving direct addition of either water or a second base to the filtrate from the initial reaction.     

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of 5-oxo and 5-thio derivatives of 1,4-diaryl tetrazoles

A series of 1,4-diaryl tetrazol-5-ones were synthesized by copper mediated N-arylation of 1-phenyl-1H-tetrazol-5(4H)-one with aryl boronic acids, o-R₁C₆H₄B(OH)₂ where R₁ = H, OMe, Cl, CF₃, Br, CCH. The 1,4-diaryl tetrazol-5-ones substituted with OMe, Cl, CF₃, Br underwent thionation with Lawesson’s reagent to yield the corresponding 5-thio derivatives. The 1-(2-bromophenyl)-4-phenyl-1H-tetrazole-5(4H)-thione so obtained was subjected to lithiation/protonation and Sonogashira coupling to produce 1,4-diphenyl-1H-tetrazole-5(4H)-thione and 1-(2-ethynylphenyl)-4-phenyl tetrazole-5-thione, respectively. The title compounds were found to be stable to strong Lewis acid conditions. Three of these novel compounds were found to inhibit L1210 leukemia cell proliferation and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell growth over several days in culture in vitro. Shorter tetrazole derivative treatments also reduced the expression of the Ki-67 marker of cell proliferation in SK-BR-3 cells and the rate of DNA synthesis in L1210 cells.