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NaV1.7 is a particularly compelling target for the treatment of pain. Herein, we report the discovery and evaluation of a series of piperazine amides that exhibit state-dependent inhibition of NaV1.7. After demonstrating significant pharmacodynamic activity with early lead compound 14 in a NaV1.7-dependent behavioural mouse model, we systematically established SAR trends throughout each sector of the scaffold. The information gleaned from this modular analysis was then applied additively to quickly access analogues that encompass an optimal balance of properties, including NaV1.7 potency, selectivity over NaV1.5, aqueous solubility, and microsomal stability.

The utility of phosphabenzenes as ligands in late transition metal catalysis is examined. Molecular orbital calculations indicate that phosphabenzenes possess a low lying LUMO permitting π-back bonding interactions. The resultant electron withdrawing nature of the phosphabenzenes is beneficial for reactions in which reductive elimination steps are rate-limiting. For example, phosphabenzenes were found to function well in nickel catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloadditions.