Cytotoxicity and topoisomerase I/II inhibition of glycosylated 2-phenyl-indoles, 2-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophenes and 2-phenyl-benzo[b]furans

A panel of glycosylated DNA binding agents (1-12) designed as functional anthracycline mimics was screened against three solid-tumor cell lines (MCF-7, HT 29 and HepG2/C3A) and three non-tumor cell lines by the MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) cell viability assay. Several compounds showed better in vitro cytotoxicity and selectivity against MCF-7 cells than daunomycin and doxorubicin, two known DNA binding agents that are clinically-used anti-cancer agents. Although the selectivity for HT 29 and HepG2/C3A cells is generally lower, the IC₅₀ values of some analogs against these two cancer cell lines were of the same magnitude as doxorubicin. Because there was no correlation between DNA binding affinity and cytotoxicity, and because topoisomerase (Topo) inhibition is another biological mechanism of action of most anthracycline drugs, Topo I/II inhibition assays with 1-12 were performed. Some of the compounds showed strong inhibition against these enzymes at 100 ??M, but there was no clear correlation between cytotoxicity and Topo I/II inhibition ability. Topo I/II inhibition mode assays were also performed, which verified that these compounds are topoisomerase suppressors, not poisons. Based on these results, we conclude that although DNA binding and/or topoisomerase inhibition may contribute to the observed cytotoxicity of 1-12, other mechanisms of action are also likely to be important.     

Synthesis and antitubercular evaluation of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols and 1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-ones

A new class of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols and 1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-ones was synthesized in very good yields through polyphosphoric acid supported on silica (PPA-SiO₂) catalyzed one-pot three component condensation of 2-dibenzofuranol; aromatic aldehydes and acetamide or benzamide or urea under solvent free conditions. At 125 °C the reaction led to the formation of amidoalkyl dibenzofuranols 5a-k where as at 160 °C cyclization take place to give oxazin-3(2H)-one analogues 6a-e. Screening all the 16 compounds for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (MTB) resulted 1-((4-chlorophenyl)(2-hydroxydibenzo[b,d]furanyl)methyl)urea 5h; 1-((4-bromophenyl)(2-hydroxydibenzo[b,d]furanyl)methyl)urea 5i; 1-phenyl-1H-benzo[2,3]benzo furo[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6a (MIC 3.13 μg/mL) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro[4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6b; 1-(4-bromophenyl)-1H-benzo[2,3]benzofuro [4,5-e][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one 6c (MIC 1.56 μg/mL) as most active antitubercular agents.     

Reprint of "effect of carbohydrate amino group modifications on the cytotoxicity of glycosylated 2-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophenes and 2-phenyl-benzo[b]furans" [Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 21 (2011) 2591-2596

In previous studies, we have identified a family of benzo[b]furan and benzo[b]thiophene derivatives linked to amino sugars (1-6) that are cytotoxic to a range of cancer cell lines. We describe here an exploration of the effect of structural modification of the amino group on one of the carbohydrate residues (4-amino-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-α-l-threo-hexopyranoside) on in vitro cytotoxicity. It has been found that maintaining at least one basic functional group around the C-4 position in the carbohydrate moiety is crucial for cytotoxicity. Furthermore, it appears that modifications around the C-4 position are limited by suitable hydrophilic/hydrophobic and/or ionic interactions, as well as steric constraints.     

Palladium(II) complexes bearing the terpyridine-type tridentate ligand with benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridin-2-yl groups

New types of tridentate ligands, 2-(benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridin-2-yl)-6-(quinolin-2-yl)-4-tert-butylpyridine (bnqp) and 2,6-bis(benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridin-2-yl)-4-tert-butylpyridine (bbnp) that are able to accommodate and release two and four electrons, respectively, were synthesized. The palladium(II) complexes having the ligand, [PdCl(bnqp)](PF₆) (1) and [PdCl(bbnp)](PF₆) (2), were also prepared. The molecular structure of 2 was determined by a X-ray diffraction study, where the Pd-Cl coordination bond deviates from a square planner geometry with a N(2)-Pd(1)-Cl(1) angle of 166.6(1)° because of a steric hindrance of the hydrogen atom at the 10-position of benzo[b]-1,5-naphthyridin-2-yl groups. UV-Vis absorption spectra of 1 and 2 in DMSO did not show any interactions with HClO₄, whereas the same acid significantly influenced the patterns of the ligand localized redox reaction in the cyclic voltammograms of those complexes. On the other hand, chemical reduction of 1 and 2 using Na₂S₂O₃ or Na₂S₂O₄ in CH₃CN/H₂O resulted in deposition of metallic palladium(0) with liberating the ligand probably due to the intramolecular electron transfer from the reduced ligand to the palladium(II) center.     

Activity of homobimetallic ruthenium alkylidene complexes on intermolecular [2+2+2] cyclotrimerisation reactions of terminal alkynes

The activity of homobimetallic ruthenium alkylidene complexes, [(p-cymene)Ru(Cl)(μ-Cl)₂Ru(Cl)(CHPh)(PCy₃)] [Ru-I] and [(p-cymene)Ru(Cl)(μ-Cl)₂Ru(Cl)(CHPh)(IPr)] [Ru-II], on intermolecular [2+2+2] cyclotrimerisation reactions of monoynes has been investigated for the first time. It was found that these complexes can catalyse the chemo and regioselective cyclotrimerisation reactions of alkynes at both 25 and 50 °C in polar, aprotic solvents. The catalytic activity of [Ru-I] and [Ru-II] was compared to other well-known ruthenium catalysts such as Grubbs first generation catalyst [RuCl₂(CHPh)(PCy₃)₂] [Ru-III], [RuCl(μ-Cl)(p-cymene)]₂ [Ru-IV] and [RuCl₂(p-cymene)PCy₃] [Ru-V] complexes. To examine the effect of the steric hinderance of substrates on the regioselectivity of the reaction, a series of sterically hindered silicon containing alkynes (1a, 1b, 1c) were used. It was shown that the isomeric product distribution of the reaction shifts from 1,2,4-trisubstituted arenes to 1,3,5-trisubstituted arenes as the steric hinderance on the substrates increases. These homobimetallic ruthenium alkylidene complexes also catalysed regio- and chemo-selective cross-cyclotrimerisation reactions between silicon-containing alkynes (1a, 1b, 1c) and aliphatic alkynes (1d-g).     

Distant Neighbor Base Sequence Context Effects in Human Nucleotide Excision Repair of a Benzo[a]pyrene-derived DNA Lesion

The effects of non-nearest base sequences, beyond the nucleotides flanking a DNA lesion on either side, on nucleotide excision repair (NER) in extracts from human cells were investigated. We constructed two duplexes containing the same minor groove-aligned 10S (+)-trans-anti-B[a]P-N²-dG (G?) DNA adduct, derived from the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P): 5′-C-C-A-T-C-G?-C-T-A-C-C-3′ (CG?C-I), and 5′-C-A-C3-A4-C5-G?-C-A-C-A-C-3′ (CG?C-II). We used polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to compare the extent of DNA bending, and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the structural characteristics of these two DNA duplexes. The NER efficiencies are 1.6(± 0.2)-fold greater in the case of the CG?C-II than the CG?C-I sequence context in 135-mer duplexes. Gel electrophoresis and self-ligation circularization experiments revealed that the CG?C-II duplex is more bent than the CG?C-I duplex, while molecular dynamics simulations showed that the unique -C3-A4-C5- segment in the CG?C-II duplex plays a key role. The presence of a minor groove-positioned guanine amino group, the Watson-Crick partner to C3, acts as a wedge; facilitated by a highly deformable local -C3-A4- base step, this amino group allows the B[a]P ring system to produce a more enlarged minor groove in CG?C-II than in CG?C-I, as well as a local untwisting and enlarged and flexible Roll only in the CG?C-II sequence. These structural properties fit well with our earlier findings that in the case of the family of minor groove 10S (+)-trans-anti-B[a]P-N²-dG lesions, flexible bends and enlarged minor groove widths constitute NER recognition signals, and extend our understanding of sequence context effects on NER to the neighbors that are distant to the lesion.     

Synthesis and complexation of tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)calix[4]arene adopting the 1,3-alternate conformation

Novel upper-rim modified tetraphosphinocalix[4]arenes (5a-b) adopting 1,3-alternate conformation have been synthesized. Reaction of 5,11,17,23-tetrachloromethyl-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (1) with Ph₂POEt gave 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (2). Tetra-O-substitution of 2 with n-propyl iodide or benzyl bromide in the presence of K₂CO₃ carried out to afford 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxy-(3a) or -benzyloxycalix[4]arene (3b), whereas di-O-substituted calix[4]arene, 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)-25,27-dipropoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), was obtained exclusively when Na₂CO₃ was used as base. Reduction of 3a-b with PhSiHCl₂ afforded 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diphosphinomethyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxy-(5a) and -tetrabenzyloxycalix[4]arene (5b). ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis reveals that the phosphines (5a-b) and the tetra-O-substituted phosphine oxides (3a-b) adopt 1,3-alternate conformation, while the parent tetrahydroxy-(2) and the di-O-propylated phosphine oxide (4) adopt cone-conformation. The X-ray structure indicates that the calix[4]arene moieties in 4 a pinched-cone conformation in solid state. Complexation of the phosphine ligand (5a) with [RuCl₂(p-cymene)]₂ affords the tetranuclear complexes, [{RuCl₂(p-cymene)}₂ · 5a] (6), as 1,3-alternate conformer.     

Cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes of benzo[h]quinoline (bzqH)[Ru(bzq)(NCMe)4], [Ru(bzq)(LL)(NCMe)2], and [Ru(bzq)(LL)2] (LL = bpy, phen)

Cyclometalation of benzo[h]quinoline (bzqH) by [RuCl(μ-Cl)(η⁶-C₆H₆)]₂ in acetonitrile occurs in a similar way to that of 2-phenylpyridine (phpyH) to afford [Ru(bzq)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ (3) in 52% yield. The properties of 3 containing ‘non-flexible’ benzo[h]quinoline were compared with the corresponding [Ru(phpy)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ (1) complex with ‘flexible’ 2-phenylpyridine. The [Ru(phpy)(MeCN)₄]PF₆ complex is known to react in MeCN solvent with ‘non-flexible’ diimine 1,10-phenanthroline to form [Ru(phpy)(phen)(MeCN)₂]PF₆, being unreactive toward ‘flexible’ 2,2′-bipyridine under the same conditions. In contrast, complex 3 reacts both with phen and bpy in MeCN to form [Ru(bzq)(LL)(MeCN)₂]PF₆ {LL = bpy (4) and phen (5)}. Similar reaction of 3 in methanol results in the substitution of all four MeCN ligands to form [Ru(bzq)(LL)₂]PF₆ {LL = bpy (6) and phen (7)}. Photosolvolysis of 4 and 5 in MeOH occurs similarly to afford [Ru(bzq)(LL)(MeCN)(MeOH)]PF₆ as a major product. This contrasts with the behavior of [Ru(phpy)(LL)(MeCN)₂]PF₆, which lose one and two MeCN ligands for LL = bpy and phen, respectively. The results reported demonstrate a profound sensitivity of properties of octahedral compounds to the flexibility of cyclometalated ligand. Analogous to the 2-phenylpyridine counterparts, compounds 4-7 are involved in the electron exchange with reduced active site of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger. Structure of complexes 4 and 6 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Naphtho[2,3-d]isoxazole-4,9-dione-3-carboxylates: Potent, non-cytotoxic, antiapoptotic agents

Compounds containing a quinone moiety represent an important class of biologically active molecules that are widespread in nature, displaying anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial, and fungicidal activities. In the course of designing 2,3-disubstituted-1,4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential cysteine protease inhibitors, two naphtho[2,3-d]isoxazole-4,9-dione-3-carboxylates, 1a and 1b, were obtained. The antiapoptotic potential of 1a and 1b was then evaluated and compared to that of naphthoquinone 4. Primary rat hepatocytes were incubated with synthesized naphthoquinone derivatives and then exposed to the apoptotic stimulus camptothecin. Our results indicate that naphtho[2,3-d]isoxazole-4,9-dione-3-carboxylates 1a and 1b exerted a potent protective role in camptothecin-induced apoptosis in primary rat hepatocytes. Both 1a and 1b significantly increased cell viability, while reducing nuclear fragmentation, caspase-3, -8 and -9 activation, and cytochrome c release induced by camptothecin. In addition, 1a and 1b were shown to up-regulate Bcl-X_L, a pro-survival member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, which modulates the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Similar protective effects of quinone derivatives were seen in HuH-7 and PC12 cells incubated with distinct apoptotic stimuli, such as camptothecin, TGF-β1, or rotenone. Our results suggest that naphtho[2,3-d]isoxazole-4,9-dione-3-carboxylates 1a and 1b may act as potent, cytoprotective agents, through modulation of apoptotic pathways.     

Aliphatic and aromatic C-H activation of benzo[h]quinolines by Rh(I). Unique precursor dependent formation of mono-, di- and trinuclear complexes

Treatment of 7,8-benzo[h]quinoline (bhq-H, 1) and 10-methyl benzo[h]quinoline (bhq-Me, 3) with [Rh(C₂H₄)₂(THF)₂][BF₄] resulted in double C-H activation of aliphatic and aromatic C-H bonds, yielding the Rh(III) complexes 4 and 5, respectively. The structures of 4 and 5 were revealed by X-ray diffraction. The reaction of 1 with two other slightly different rhodium precursors, [Rh(olefin)_n(THF)₂][BF₄] (COE (n = 2), COD (n = 1)), led to completely different products, a dinuclear complex 7 and a trinuclear complex 6, respectively, which were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Complex 6 exhibits a rare linear Rh-Rh-Rh structure. Utilizing excess of 1 with [Rh(COD)(THF)₂][BF₄] led to the formation of a new product 8 with no C-H bond activation taking place. Additional C-H activation products of 1, cationic and neutral, in the presence of PⁱPr₃ (9a, 9b and 10) are also presented.     

Synthesis, structure and theoretical studies of Hg(II)-NH carbene complex of annulated ligand pyridinyl[1,2-a]{2-pyridylimidazol}-3-ylidene hexaflurophosphate

Experimental and theoretical studies of a new class of novel annulated imidazolium scffords 2a, 2b, 2c and their Hg(II)-NHC complexes 3a, 3b and 3c have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. Molecular structures of 3a and 3b have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Virtual linear geometry [C_carbene-Hg-C_carbene 176.56(17)°] around Hg of the complex 3b is observed where as in 3a and 3c its deviate a more. DFT calculations provide geometrical parameters in conformity with the experimental values in case of 3a. The molecules prefer syn configuration over the anti due to lower energy supported by theoretical studies. Attention has given paid for theoretical calculations and comparison of 3a and 3c to observe the steric effect of -CH₃ group in the scaffords where as in case of 3b the -CH₃ group remain innocent.     

Synthesis and evaluation of chromenyl barbiturates and thiobarbiturates as potential antitubercular agents

A novel series of barbiturate and thiobarbiturate analogs of 2-benzoyl-3-methyl-5-oxo-5H-furo[3,2-g]chromene-6-carbaldehydes (3a-g and 4a-d, respectively) and 6-methyl-4,8-dioxo-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2-g]chromenes (7a-c), were synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV, and cytotoxicity (CC₅₀) in the VERO cell MABA assay. The results indicate that the furanochromene series of compounds (3a-g and 4a-d) showed only weak to moderate antitubercular activity. However, the pyranochromene analog 7b showed good antitubercular activity (IC₉₀: 5.9 μg/mL) and cytotoxicity (CC₅₀: 14.27 μg/mL). The antitubercular activity of 7b was superior to the antituberculosis drug, pyrazinamide (PZA; IC₉₀: >20 μg/mL). Analog 7b was considered to be a lead compound for subsequent structural optimization.     

Synthesis, biological assessment and molecular modeling of 14-aryl-10,11,12,14-tetrahydro-9H-benzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-b]quinolin-13-amines

The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of racemic 14-aryl-10,11,12,14-tetrahydro-9H-benzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-b]quinolin-13-amines (19-28), prepared by Friedländer reaction of 3-amino-1-aryl-1H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitriles (10-18) with suitable cycloalkanones is described. These molecules are potent, in the nanomolar range [IC₅₀ (EeAChE) = 7-101 nM], and selective inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The most potent inhibitor, 4-(13-amino-10,11,12,14-tetrahydro-9H-benzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-b]quinolin-14-yl)phenol (20) [IC₅₀ (EeAChE) = 7 ± 2 nM] is four-fold more active than tacrine. Kinetic studies on compound 20 showed that this is a mixed-type inhibitor of EeAChE with a K_i of 5.00 nM. However, racemic 20 was unable to displace propidium iodide, suggesting that the inhibitor does not strongly bind to the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. Docking, molecular dynamics stimulations, and MM-GBSA calculations agree well with this behavior.     

Oxidative addition of methyl iodide to [Rh(CO)2I]2: synthesis, structure and reactivity of neutral rhodium acetyl complexes, [Rh(CO)(NCR)(COMe)I2]2

Reaction of [Rh(CO)₂I]₂ (1) with MeI in nitrile solvents gives the neutral acetyl complexes, [Rh(CO)(NCR)(COMe)I₂]₂ (R=Me, 3a; ^tBu, 3b; vinyl, 3c; allyl, 3d). Dimeric, iodide-bridged structures have been confirmed by X-ray crystallography for 3a and 3b. The complexes are centrosymmetric with approximate octahedral geometry about each Rh centre. The iodide bridges are asymmetric, with Rh-(μ-I) trans to acetyl longer than Rh-(μ-I) trans to terminal iodide. In coordinating solvents, 3a forms mononuclear complexes, [Rh(CO)(sol)₂(COMe)I₂] (sol=MeCN, MeOH). Complex 3a reacts with pyridine to give [Rh(CO)(py)(COMe)I₂]₂ and [Rh(CO)(py)₂(COMe)I₂] and with chelating diphosphines to give [Rh(Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂)(COMe)I₂] (n=2, 3, 4). Addition of MeI to [Ir(CO)₂(NCMe)I] is two orders of magnitude slower than to [Ir(CO)₂I₂]⁻. A mechanism for the reaction of 1 with MeI in MeCN is proposed, involving initial bridge cleavage by solvent to give [Rh(CO)₂(NCMe)I] and participation of the anion [Rh(CO)₂I₂]⁻ as a reactive intermediate. The possible role of neutral Rh(III) species in the mechanism of Rh-catalysed methanol carbonylation is discussed.     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of [2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane-kappa 2N,N'] platinum(II) complexes

A series of novel platinum(II) complexes involving a carrier with HO- peripheral functional group, 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediamine (HO-pda), cis-[Pt(HO-dpa)X₂] (X₂ = 2Cl⁻ (1), (2), malonate (3), 1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylate (CBDCA) (4), 3-hydroxy-1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate (HO-CBDCA) (5)), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic data along with X-ray diffraction for three representative complexes 1, 4 and 5. The Pt(II) is in a square planar environment and is coordinated in cis position by a chelating HO-pda and 2Cl⁻ for 1 and CBDCA for 4 and 5. Pt-N, Pt-Cl and Pt-O distances and coordinate bond angles of N-Pt-N, Cl-Pt-Cl and O-Pt-O are in the normal range. There are two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of 5, held together by intermolecular hydrogen bonded chain. All the complexes show significant cytotoxicity on the sensitive cell lines SGC-7901, LNcap and A549, and are more active than carboplatin. 4 is also found to be active against the resistant cell A549/ATCC, which suggests that it has less cross-resistance with cisplatin than carboplatin. Moreover 4 shows much greater inhibition of tumor growth than carboplatin in S180-bearing mice, and is therefore worthy of further development as a potential anti-tumor platinum drug.     

New palladacyclic complexes with pyridylphosphine ligands: crystal structures of [Pd(Azb)(Ph2POCH2Py-P,N)][PF6] and [Pd(Phpy)(Ph2PNHPy-P,N)][PF6]

The synthesis of palladacyclic derivatives with the hybrid pyridylphosphine ligands Py(CH₂)OPPh₂ (a) and PyNHPPh₂ (b) in a neutral P,N-chelating coordination mode has been achieved. Treatment of selected chloride-bridged cyclometallated precursors [Pd(C^∧N)(μ-Cl)]₂ [C^∧N = 2-pyridinin-phenyl Phpy, I-compounds; 7,8-benzoquinolyl Bzq, II-compounds; phenylazophenyl Azb, III-compounds or 2-(2-oxazolinyl)phenyl Phox, IV-compounds] with a or b in the presence of stoichiometric KPF₆ gave the mononuclear derivatives Ia-IVa and Ib-IVb. The crystal structures of compounds [Pd(Azb)(Ph₂POCH₂Py-P,N)][PF₆] (IIIa) and [Pd(Phpy)(Ph₂PNHPy-P,N)][PF₆] (Ib) have been determined. The new palladacyclopentadiene precursor [Pd{C₄COOMe₄}(CH₃CN)₂] (V) has been prepared starting from the polymeric complex [Pd{C₄COOMe₄}]_n. Its usefulness in the preparation of new derivatives has been tested by means of the straightforward reaction with ligands (a) or (b) to give mononuclear compounds [Pd{C₄(COOMe)₄}(Ph₂POCH₂Py-P,N)] (Va) and [Pd{C₄(COOMe)₄}(Ph₂PNHPy-P,N)] (Vb). The reactions of hydroxo-bridged precursors [Pd(C^∧N)(μ-OH)]₂ or [Pd₂{C₄(COOMe)₄}₂ (μ-OH)₂][NBu₄]₂ with PyNHPPh₂ afforded mononuclear complexes Ic-Vc in which a less common anionic P,N-binding mode is forced as a result of ligand deprotonation. The new complexes were characterised by partial elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods (IR, FAB, ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR).     

Benzothieno[3,2-b]quinolinium and 3-(phenylthio)quinolinium compounds: Synthesis and evaluation against opportunistic fungal pathogens

Substitution around 5-methyl benzothieno[3,2-b]quinolinium (2) ring system was explored in order to identify positions of substitution that could improve its antifungal profile. The 3-methoxy (10b) was active against C. albicans, C. neoformans, and A. fumigatus and the 4-chloro (10f) analog showed moderate increases in anti-cryptococcal and anti-aspergillus activities. The effectiveness of 10b and 10f were validated in murine models of candidiasis and cryptococcosis, respectively. The efficacy of 10f in reducing brain cryptococcal infection and its observation in the brain of mice injected with this quaternary compound confirm the capacity of these compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier of mice. Overall, several of the chloro and methoxy substituted compounds showed significant improvements in activity against A. fumigatus, the fungal pathogen prevalent in patients receiving organ transplant. Opening the benzothiophene ring of 2 to form 1-(5-cyclohexylpentyl)-3-(phenylthio)quinolinium compound (3) resulted in the identification of several novel compounds with over 50-fold increases in potency (cf. 2) while retaining low cytotoxicities. Thus, compound 3 constitutes a new scaffold for development of drugs against opportunistic infections.     

Acid-base behavior of a simple metal bis(dithiolate) system: Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopy of [Bu4N]2[M(ppdt)2] (M = Ni, Pt; ppdt = pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-2,3-dithiolate)

The syntheses, crystal structures and properties of compounds [Bu₄N]₂[Ni(ppdt)₂] (1) and [Bu₄N]₂[Pt(ppdt)₂] (2) (ppdt = pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine-2,3-dithiolate) have been described. Compound 1 crystallizes in P2₁/c space group (monoclinic system), whereas compound 2 crystallizes in C2/c space group (monoclinic system). The crystal structures of both compounds 1 and 2 have been characterized by C-H?S and C-H?N hydrogen bonding interactions between cation and anions resulting in three-dimensional supramolecular networks in the crystals of 1 and 2, respectively. The acid-base behavior of the ground states of both [Bu₄N]₂[Ni(ppdt)₂] (1) and [Bu₄N]₂[Pt(ppdt)₂] (2) and also the excited state of compound [Bu₄N]₂[Pt(ppdt)₂] (2) in solutions has been studied. The pH dependent changes in the charge transfer absorption and emission spectra are attributed to the protonation on an imine nitrogen of the ppdt ligand. The ground-state basicity constants of the two complexes 1 and 2 have been determined from spectrophotometric analysis by titrating with an weak acid, yielding pK_b1 = 8.0 for complex [Bu₄N]₂[Ni(ppdt)₂] (1) and pK_b1 = 7.8 for complex [Bu₄N]₂[Pt(ppdt)₂] (2). The excited-state basicity constant pK_b1^* for complex [Bu₄N]₂[Pt(ppdt)₂] (2) has been determined by a thermodynamic equation using a Förster analysis yielding the value of 1.8. The complex 2 is electrochemically irreversible with an oxidation potential of E_1/2 = +0.41 V versus Ag/AgCl in methanol.     

Syntheses and structures of cobalt(III) alcoholate complexes formed by addition of a water molecule across 2-pyridyl substituted imine function

Schiff bases L1-L5 {N-[1-pyridine-2-ylethylidene]pyridine-2-amine (L1), 3-methyl-N-[1-pyridine-2-ylmethylidene]pyridine-2-amine (L2), 3-methyl-N-[1-pyridine-2-ylethylidene]pyridine-2-amine (L3), 4-methyl-N-[1-pyridine-2-ylmethylidene]pyridine-2-amine (L4), 4-methyl-N-[1-pyridine-2-ylethylidene]pyridine-2-amine (L5)} were synthesized and on reaction with Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, complexes having the molecular formulae [Co(L1O)₂]NO₃ (1), [Co(L2O)₂]NO₃·xH₂O (2a, x = 2; 2b, x = 3), [Co(L3O)₂]NO₃ (3), [Co(L4O)₂]NO₃·4H₂O (4), [Co(L5O)₂]NO₃ (5) were isolated from the respective imines. The salt [Co(L2O)₂]PF₆ (2c) was obtained by treating 2 with KPF₆. Complexes 1-5 were formed as a result of addition of a water molecule across the imine function and the resultant alcohol binds in its deprotonated form. The alcoholate ion remained bound in a facial tridentate fashion to the low-spin cobalt(III). X-ray crystal structure determination confirmed the presence of trans-trans-trans-N_AN_PO (A = aminopyridyl and P = pyridyl) disposition in 2a and cis-cis-trans-N_AN_PO in 2b, 2c and 4. Water dimers in 2a, 2b, 4 and water-nitrate ion network in 2a were other notable features.     

Gold(III) chloride catalyzed regioselective synthesis of pyrano[3,4-b]indol-1(9H)-ones and evaluation of anticancer potential towards human cervix adenocarcinoma

A highly regioselective synthesis of pyrano[3,4-b]indol-1(9H)-ones via gold(III) chloride catalyzed cycloisomerization of 3-ethynyl-indole-2-carboxylic acid was achieved in good to excellent yields. These compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical (HeLa) cell lines. Out of ten compounds, three compounds (7d, 7e and 7j) showed comparable proliferation inhibitory activity against the standard drug cisplatin. Compound 7d was found to be the most efficacious with IC₅₀ value of 0.22 μM.