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Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays an essential role in multiple cell types responsible for numerous autoimmune diseases, thus inhibition of BTK is anticipated to provide an effective strategy for the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases. Preparative-scale super/subcritical fluid chromatography (SFC) separation methods for four groups of highly potent and selective BTK inhibitor atropisomers were successfully developed. Depending on the rotation barrier around the chiral axis, the compounds were prepared as a single stereochemically stable atropisomer or as an atropisomeric mixture. Among the four, compound 2 with one rotationally stable atropisomeric center (carbazole/quinazolinedione based) was resolved as a mixture of two atropisomers, while compound 3 (carbazole-chlorine/quinazolinedione based) and 4 (tetrahydrocarbazole-fluorine/quinazolinedione based) with two rotationally stable atropisomeric centers were resolved into a single stable atropisomer. This article discusses the challenges and strategies in preparing large quantities of these atropisomeric active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in support of the BTK program discovery efforts.

[Image: see text] Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) has been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Therefore, the inhibition of the kinase activity of BTK with a small molecule inhibitor could offer a breakthrough in the clinical treatment of many autoimmune diseases. This Letter describes the discovery of BMS-986143 through systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) development. This compound benefits from defined chirality derived from two rotationally stable atropisomeric axes, providing a potent and selective single atropisomer with desirable efficacy and tolerability profiles.

Protein kinases are intensely studied mediators of cellular signaling. While traditional biochemical screens are capable of identifying compounds that modulate kinase activity, these assays are limited in their capability of predicting compound behavior in a cellular environment. Here, we aim to bridge target engagement and compound-cellular phenotypic behavior by utilizing a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay to characterize target occupancy within living cells for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Using a diverse chemical set of BTK inhibitors, we determine intracellular engagement affinity profiles and successfully correlate these measurements with BTK cellular functional readouts. In addition, we leveraged the kinetic capability of this technology to gain insight into in-cell target residence time and the duration of target engagement, and to explore a structural hypothesis.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is a member of the Tec family of kinases and is essential for B cell receptor (BCR) mediated signaling. BTK also plays a critical role in the downstream signaling pathways for the Fcγ receptor in monocytes, the Fce receptor in granulocytes, and the RANK receptor in osteoclasts. As a result, pharmacological inhibition of BTK is anticipated to provide an effective strategy for the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This article will outline the evolution of our strategy to identify a covalent, irreversible inhibitor of BTK that has the intrinsic potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties necessary to provide a rapid rate of inactivation systemically following a very low dose. With excellent in vivo efficacy and a very desirable tolerability profile, 5a (branebrutinib, BMS-986195) has advanced into clinical studies.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, is a member of the Tec family of kinases. BTK plays an essential role in B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated signaling as well as Fcγ receptor signaling in monocytes and Fce receptor signaling in mast cells and basophils, all of which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune disease. As a result, inhibition of BTK is anticipated to provide an effective strategy for the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This article details the structure–activity relationships (SAR) leading to a novel series of highly potent and selective carbazole and tetrahydrocarbazole based, reversible inhibitors of BTK. Of particular interest is that two atropisomeric centers were rotationally locked to provide a single, stable atropisomer, resulting in enhanced potency and selectivity as well as a reduction in safety liabilities. With significantly enhanced potency and selectivity, excellent in vivo properties an...

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite that regulates a multitude of physiological processes such as lymphocyte trafficking, cardiac function, vascular development, and inflammation. Because of the ability of S1P1 receptor agonists to suppress lymphocyte egress, they have great potential as therapeutic agents in a variety of autoimmune diseases. In this article, the discovery of selective, direct acting S1P1 agonists utilizing an ethanolamine scaffold containing a terminal carboxylic acid is described. Potent S1P1 agonists such as compounds 18a and 19a which have greater than 1000-fold selectivity over S1P3 are described. These compounds efficiently reduce blood lymphocyte counts in rats through 24 h after single doses of 1 and 0.3 mpk, respectively. Pharmacodynamic properties of both compounds are discussed. Compound 19a was further studied in two preclinical models of disease, exhibiting good efficacy in both the rat adjuvant arthritis model (AA) and the mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model (EAE).

This article reports an efficient scale-up synthesis of 1-(4-(5-(3-phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazol-5-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)benzyl)azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (BMS-520), a potent and selective isoxazole-containing S1P1 receptor agonist. This process features a highly regioselective cycloaddition leading to a key intermediate, ethyl 3-phenyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazole-5-carboxylate, a chemo-selective hydrolysis of its regioisomers, as well as an improved method for 1,2,4-oxadiazole formation, relative to the original synthesis. The improved process was applied to the preparation of multiple batches of BMS-520 for preclinical toxicological studies.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) regulates critical signal transduction pathways involved in the pathobiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disorders. BMS-986142 is a potent and highly selective reversible small molecule inhibitor of BTK currently being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of both RA and primary Sjogren’s syndrome. In the present report, we detail the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of BMS-986142 and show this agent provides potent and selective inhibition of BTK (IC50 = 0.5 nM), blocks antigen receptor-dependent signaling and functional endpoints (cytokine production, co-stimulatory molecule expression, and proliferation) in human B cells (IC50 ≤ 5 nM), inhibits Fcγ receptor-dependent cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and blocks RANK-L-induced osteoclastogenesis. Through the benefits of impacting these important drivers of autoimmunity, BMS-986142 demonstrated robust efficacy in murine models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). In both models, robust efficacy was observed without continuous, complete inhibition of BTK. When a suboptimal dose of BMS-986142 was combined with other agents representing the current standard of care for RA (e.g., methotrexate, the TNFα antagonist etanercept, or the murine form of CTLA4-Ig) in the CIA model, improved efficacy compared to either agent alone was observed. The results suggest BMS-986142 represents a potential therapeutic for clinical investigation in RA, as monotherapy or co-administered with agents with complementary mechanisms of action.

PI3Kδ plays an important role controlling immune cell function and has therefore been identified as a potential target for the treatment of immunological disorders. This article highlights our work toward the identification of a potent, selective, and efficacious PI3Kδ inhibitor. Through careful SAR, the successful replacement of a polar pyrazole group by a simple chloro or trifluoromethyl group led to improved Caco-2 permeability, reduced Caco-2 efflux, reduced hERG PC activity, and increased selectivity profile while maintaining potency in the CD69 hWB assay. The optimization of the aryl substitution then identified a 4′-CN group that improved the human/rodent correlation in microsomal metabolic stability. Our lead molecule is very potent in PK/PD assays and highly efficacious in a mouse collagen-induced arthritis model.

Fingolimod (1) is the first approved oral therapy for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. While the phosphorylated metabolite of fingolimod was found to be a nonselective S1P receptor agonist, agonism specifically of S1P

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is the endogenous ligand for the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1P1–5) and evokes a variety of cellular responses through their stimulation. The interaction of S1P with the S1P receptors plays a fundamental physiological role in a number of processes including vascular development and stabilization, lymphocyte migration, and proliferation. Agonism of S1P1, in particular, has been shown to play a significant role in lymphocyte trafficking from the thymus and secondary lymphoid organs, resulting in immunosuppression. This article will detail the discovery and SAR of a potent and selective series of isoxazole based full agonists of S1P1. Isoxazole 6d demonstrated impressive efficacy when administered orally in a rat model of arthritis and in a mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis.

The synthesis and structure–activity relationship (SAR) of a series of pyridyl-isoxazole based agonists of S1P1 are discussed. Compound 5b provided potent in vitro activity with selectivity, had an acceptable pharmacokinetic profile, and demonstrated efficacy in a dose dependent manner when administered orally in a rodent model of arthritis.

The synthesis, structure-activity relationships (SAR), and biological results of pyridyl-substituted azaindole based tricyclic inhibitors of IKK2 are described. Compound 4m demonstrated potent in vitro potency, acceptable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties, and efficacy when dosed orally in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), also known as CD11a/CD18 or alpha(L)beta(2), belongs to the beta(2) integrin subfamily and is constitutively expressed on all leukocytes. The major ligands of LFA-1 include three intercellular adhesion molecules 1, 2, and 3 (ICAM 1, 2, and 3). The interactions between LFA-1 and the ICAMs are critical for cell adhesion, and preclinical animal studies and clinical data from the humanized anti-LFA-1 antibody efalizumab have provided proof-of-concept for LFA-1 as an immunological target. This article will detail the structure-activity relationships (SAR) leading to a novel second generation series of highly potent spirocyclic hydantoin antagonists of LFA-1. With significantly enhanced in vitro and ex vivo potency relative to our first clinical compound (1), as well as demonstrated in vivo activity and an acceptable pharmacokinetic and safety profile, 6-((5S,9R)-9-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3,7-triazaspiro-[4.4]nonan-7-yl)nicotinic acid (2e) was selected to advance into clinical trials.

A new series of tricyclic-based inhibitors of IKK have been derived from an earlier lead compound. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships (SAR) are described. Compound 4k inhibited TNF production in rats stimulated with LPS.

The design and synthesis of a novel series of oxazole-, thiazole-, and imidazole-based inhibitors of IkappaB kinase (IKK) are reported. Biological activity was improved compared to the pyrazolopurine lead, and the expedient synthesis of the new tricyclic systems allowed for efficient exploration of structure-activity relationships. This, combined with an iterative rat cassette dosing strategy, was used to identify compounds with improved pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles to advance for in vivo evaluation.

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides, catalyzes the irreversible nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide dependent oxidation of inosine-5'-monophosphate to xanthosine-5'-monophosphate. Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF), a prodrug of mycophenolic acid, has clinical utility for the treatment of transplant rejection based on its inhibition of IMPDH. The overall clinical benefit of MMF is limited by what is generally believed to be compound-based, dose-limiting gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity that is related to its specific pharmacokinetic characteristics. Thus, development of an IMPDH inhibitor with a novel structure and a different pharmacokinetic profile may reduce the likelihood of GI toxicity and allow for increased efficacy. This article will detail the discovery and SAR leading to a novel and potent acridone-based IMPDH inhibitor 4m and its efficacy and GI tolerability when administered orally in a rat adjuvant arthritis model.

A series of novel small molecule inhibitors of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), based upon a 3-cyanoindole core, were explored. IMPDH catalyzes the rate determining step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis and is a target for anticancer, immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy. The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships (SAR), derived from in vitro studies, for this new series of inhibitors is given.

The first reported structure-activity relationships (SARs) about the N-[3-methoxy-4-(5-oxazolyl)phenyl moiety for a series of recently disclosed inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitors are described. The syntheses and in vitro inhibitory values for IMPDH II, and T-cell proliferation (for select analogues) are given.

Screening of our in-house compound collection led to the discovery of 5-bromo-6-amino-2-isoquinoline 1 as a weak inhibitor of IMPDH. Subsequent optimization of 1 afforded a series of novel 2-isoquinolinoaminooxazole-based inhibitors, represented by 17, with single-digit nanomolar potency against the enzyme.

A series of novel quinolone-based small molecule inhibitors of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) was explored. The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) derived from in vitro studies are described.

A series of heterocyclic replacements for the central diamide moiety of 1, a potent small molecule inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) were explored The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships (SARs), derived from in vitro studies, for these new series of inhibitors is given.

A series of novel guanidine-based small molecule inhibitors of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) was explored. IMPDH catalyzes the rate determining step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis and is a target for anticancer, immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy. The synthesis and the structure-activity relationships (SARs), derived from in vitro studies, for this new series of inhibitors is given.

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a key enzyme that is involved in the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides. Novel 2-aminooxazoles were synthesized and tested for inhibition of IMPDH catalytic activity. Multiple analogues based on this chemotype were found to inhibit IMPDH with low nanomolar potency. One of the analogues (compound 23) showed excellent in vivo activity in the inhibition of antibody production in mice and in the adjuvant induced arthritis model in rats.

An efficient synthesis of 6-[(5S,9R)-9-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3,7-triazaspiro[4.4]non-7-yl]nicotinic acid 1 is described. This new process involves an in situ protection of 6-chloronicotinic acid as trimethylsilyl ester followed by coupling with spirocyclic hydantoin core 2 to give the target product in 89% overall yield after one-pot deprotection and final API recrystallization.

The total synthesis of the potent PAF antagonist ginkgolide B has been accomplished. The complex architecture of ginkgolide B which includes six rings, eleven stereogenic centers, ten oxygenated carbons, and four contiguous fully substituted carbons is a daunting challenge for chemical synthesis. The synthesis of ginkgolide B was accomplished through a stereoselective intramolecular photocycloaddition of enone 5 to construct the congested core of the molecule. The photocycloaddition substrate was prepared through technology for the construction of carboalkoxycyclopentenones previously reported from these laboratories. Regioselective cyclobutane fragmentation and further functionalization of the photoadduct 4 provided the key pentacyclic intermediate. Acid-catalyzed rearrangement and epoxide opening were key transformations in the production of ginkgolide B from the pentacyclic intermediate.

The readily available 2,3-dibromo-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-propene (DBP) undergoes facile reaction with several 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds under basic conditions to give (phenylsulfonyl)methyl substituted cyclopentenones. The pendant sulfonyl group at the C3 position of the cyclopentenone ring offers a versatile site for further elaboration via alkylation. These cyclic α-enone systems are easily metallated with sodium hydride, and the resultant carbanion undergoes both bimolecular and intramolecular alkylations. The overall sequence provides a simple and efficient route to functionalized cyclopentenones. The alkylated sulfones were easily desulfonylated upon heating with tri n-butyltin hydride and AIBN in toluene at 110 °C. A novel base-induced transformation was observed using 3-(phenylsulfonyl)methyl-2-(4-iodobutyl)cyclopentenone. Treatment of this compound with one equivalent of NaH in the presence of HMPA afforded 4-methylene-spiro[4.4]non-2-en-1-one. This reaction proceeds by initial γ-alkylation followed by a 1,3-hydrogen shift and subsequent 1,4-elimination of sulfinate anion.

The reaction of a series of allyl-substituted bis(phenylsulfony1)- methanes or dimethyl malonates with 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)- l13-butadiene in the presence of base afforded alkenyl-substituted allenes in good yield. The reaction proceeds by initial attack of the soft carbanion onto the terminal position of the diene and subsequent PhS02- elimination to give the phenylsulfonyl sub- stituted allene. The thermal reactions of these phenylsulfonyl allenes gave (2+2)-cycloadducts. Only the Cl-C2 double bond of the alleneparticipates in the (2+2)-cycloaddition. Stepwise bonding prefers to occur in a 1 ,&ex0 manner rather than in a 1,7-endo fashion. The formation of all products can be rationalized by a mechanism which includes an initial carbon-carbon bond formation involving the central allene carbon to give a diradical intermediate. The product distribution is then determined by the substitution pattern of the alkene and the fate of the diradical intermediate.

Phenylsulfonyl-substituted allenes containing a tethered π -bond are conveniently prepared reagents that can serve as substrates for intramolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition chemistry.

The title compound (I) demonstrates high in vitro potency, acceptable pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties.

2,3-Bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene undergoes conjugate addition in the presence of carbanions giving rise to a variety of unsaturated sulfones. Reaction with lithium enolates proceeds via an allylic anionic intermediate which undergoes a subsequent elimination of phenylsulfinate anion to produce an allene. Generation of enolates from silyl enol ethers results in conjugate addition to the diene without subsequent elimination. Substituted cyclopentenyl sulfones are available via a [4+1] annulation reaction of the diene with various distabilized carbanions. The reaction involves a tandem addition-proton exchange-addition sequence. In the special case of 2,4-pentanedione, pyrans are formed, the isomeric identity of which depends upon the reaction conditions. 2-Alkylated 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds react with the activated diene to produce substituted allenes in high yield. Phenylsulfonyl alkenyl substituted allenes were conveniently prepared by a similar protocol and were found to serve as substrates for intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition chemistry

2,3-Bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene undergoes conjugate addition in the presence of carbanions giving rise to a variety of unsaturated sulfones. Reaction with lithium enolates proceeds via an allylic anionic intermediate which undergoes a subsequent elimination of phenylsulfinate anion to produce an allene. Generation of enolates from silyl enol ethers results in conjugate addition to the diene without subsequent elimination. Substituted cyclopentenyl sulfones are available via a [4+1] annulation reaction of the diene with various distabilized carbanions. The reaction involves a tandem addition-proton exchange-addition sequence. In the special case of 2,4-pentanedione, pyrans are formed, the isomeric identity of which depends upon the reaction conditions. 2-Alkylated 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds react with the activated diene to produce substituted allenes in high yield. Phenylsulfonyl alkenyl substituted allenes were conveniently prepared by a similar protocol and were found to serve as substrates for intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition chemistry

Treatment of 1-substituted dimethyl 1-pentenedioates with base in the presence of 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene results in the formation of bicyclo[3.3.0]octenes. The overall reaction involves a series of three sequential conjugate additions followed by phenyl sulfinate ion ejection

Phenylsulfonyl-substituted allenes containing a tethered π -bond are conveniently prepared reagents that can serve as substrates for intramolecular [2+2]-cycloaddition chemistry.

The reaction of 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene with the anion of various 1-substituted dimethyl 1-pentenedioates has been investigated with the purpose of devising a tandem conjugate addition−[3 + 2]-anionic cyclization route for the synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.0]octenes. The reaction proceeds with complete stereospecificity as was evidenced by treating (E)- and (Z)-dimethyl (3-cyano-2-propenyl)propanedioate with NaH in the presence of the bis(phenylsulfonyl)diene. In both cases only a single cycloadduct was obtained with no detectable signs of the other diastereomer. The overall process involves a series of three sequential conjugate additions followed by benzenesulfinate ion ejection. The success of the method is dependent on the electrophilicity of the proximal π-bond. When 2-((5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuranyl)methyl)malonic acid dimethyl ester was used, a mixture of the tricyclic adduct as well as an allene was obtained. In this case, elimination of the benzenesulfinate group from the initially formed sul...

The reaction of a series of allyl-substituted bis(phenylsulfony1)- methanes or dimethyl malonates with 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)- l13-butadiene in the presence of base afforded alkenyl-substituted allenes in good yield. The reaction proceeds by initial attack of the soft carbanion onto the terminal position of the diene and subsequent PhS02- elimination to give the phenylsulfonyl sub- stituted allene. The thermal reactions of these phenylsulfonyl allenes gave (2+2)-cycloadducts. Only the Cl-C2 double bond of the alleneparticipates in the (2+2)-cycloaddition. Stepwise bonding prefers to occur in a 1 ,&ex0 manner rather than in a 1,7-endo fashion. The formation of all products can be rationalized by a mechanism which includes an initial carbon-carbon bond formation involving the central allene carbon to give a diradical intermediate. The product distribution is then determined by the substitution pattern of the alkene and the fate of the diradical intermediate.

The readily available 2,3-dibromo-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-propene (DBP) undergoes facile reaction with several 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds under basic conditions to give (phenylsulfonyl)methyl substituted cyclopentenones. The pendant sulfonyl group at the C3 position of the cyclopentenone ring offers a versatile site for further elaboration via alkylation. These cyclic α-enone systems are easily metallated with sodium hydride, and the resultant carbanion undergoes both bimolecular and intramolecular alkylations. The overall sequence provides a simple and efficient route to functionalized cyclopentenones. The alkylated sulfones were easily desulfonylated upon heating with tri n-butyltin hydride and AIBN in toluene at 110 °C. A novel base-induced transformation was observed using 3-(phenylsulfonyl)methyl-2-(4-iodobutyl)cyclopentenone. Treatment of this compound with one equivalent of NaH in the presence of HMPA afforded 4-methylene-spiro[4.4]non-2-en-1-one. This reaction proceeds by initial γ-alkylation followed by a 1,3-hydrogen shift and subsequent 1,4-elimination of sulfinate anion.

Ginkgo biloba, termed the “living fossil” by Darwin, has ancestors dating to 230 million B.C.1 Extracts of Ginkgo biloba, which have been used as herbal medicines for 5000 years to treat a variety of conditions such as coughs, asthma, and circulatory disorders, are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for treatment of dementia.2 Ginkgolide B is the most potent platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist of the ginkgo extracts, with an IC50 of 0.6 μM.3 The complex molecular architecture of ginkgolide B, which includes six rings, eleven stereogenic centers, ten oxygenated carbons, and four contiguous fully substituted carbons, is a daunting challenge for chemical synthesis. The diabolical disposition of functionality dictates that introduction of functional groups be judiciously orchestrated. The ginkgolides were first characterized in 1967,4 and the syntheses of ginkgolides A5 and B6 were reported by Corey and co-workers in 1988. The synthesis of the related compound, bilobalide, was also achieved by the Corey group7 as well as by our laboratory.8 Reported herein is the total synthesis of ginkgolide B utilizing the zinc-copper homoenolate9 and double diastereoselective intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition methodologies developed in our laboratories.10 Strategically, the synthesis of ginkgolide B was thought to be achievable from the pentacyclic precursor 2 which was to be derived from 3 by a regioselective cyclobutane fragmentation and further functionalization. A stereoselective intramolecular photocycloaddition of the enone-furan 4 to produce cycloadduct 3 was anticipated to provide the stereochemical control required to construct the congested core of the molecule. Preparation of the photocycloaddition substrate 4 was to be accomplished through our homoenolate technology for the construction of carboalkoxycyclopentenones.9 The synthesis of the photocycloadduct 3 is illustrated in Scheme 2. Ethyl 3-(3-furyl)acrylate8 was subjected to the higher order cuprate [t-Bu2CuCNLi2, TMSCl, Et2O] to incorporate the critical tert-butyl group. The resultant ester was reduced with i-Bu2AlH to provide the corresponding aldehyde 5 in 95% overall yield. Addition of ethynylmagnesium bromide to aldehyde 5 gave a 1.2:1

Leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), also known as CD11a/CD18 or alpha(L)beta(2), belongs to the beta(2) integrin subfamily and is constitutively expressed on all leukocytes. The major ligands of LFA-1 include three intercellular adhesion molecules 1, 2, and 3 (ICAM 1, 2, and 3). The interactions between LFA-1 and the ICAMs are critical for cell adhesion, and preclinical animal studies and clinical data from the humanized anti-LFA-1 antibody efalizumab have provided proof-of-concept for LFA-1 as an immunological target. This article will detail the structure-activity relationships (SAR) leading to a novel second generation series of highly potent spirocyclic hydantoin antagonists of LFA-1. With significantly enhanced in vitro and ex vivo potency relative to our first clinical compound (1), as well as demonstrated in vivo activity and an acceptable pharmacokinetic and safety profile, 6-((5S,9R)-9-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3,7-triazaspiro-[4.4]nonan-7-yl)nicotinic acid (2e) was selected to advance into clinical trials.

Various phenylsulfonyl allene derivatives were prepared with double bonds tethered either to the alpha-position or the gamma-position of the allene. These substrates underwent a highly regio- and stereospecific thermal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition across the nonactivated cumulene double bond, forming distal cycloadducts (i.e., 57) in the case of alpha-tethered allenes and proximal adducts (i.e., 25) in the case of gamma-tethered allenes. The mechanistic rationale for the observed stereospecificity involves initial diradical formation, followed by a rapid ring closure to the more stable cis-fused ring system. The tether may be equipped with heteroatoms, allowing for the formation of fused heterocycles (e.g., 61), and the cycloaddition can be facilitated by the introduction of sterically bulky groups and/or by conformational rigidity to the tether. Other modes of cyclization were observed in the presence of sodium benzenesulfinate or Lewis acids, in which cases polar mechanisms prevail. The chemoselectivity is reversed for [4 + 2]-cycloadditions, which prefer instead to engage the vinyl sulfone moiety, independent of whether the tether is attached to the alpha- or gamma-position of the allene.

2,3-dibromo-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-propene as a versatile reagent for the synthesis of furans and cyclopentenones: 2-methyl-4-[(phenyl-sulfonyl)methyl]furan and 2-methyl-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one intermediate: 1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1,2-propadiene intermediate: 2,3-dibromo-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-propene product: 2-methyl-4-[(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]furan product: 2-methyl-3-[(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]-2-cyclopenten-1-one Keywords: addition, to CC; annulation, heterocyclic-[5]; cyclization, cycloaddition; cyclization, cycloaddition; oxidation, S SO2; oxidation, miscellaneous; rearrangements; dichloromethane (methylene chloride); methanol; triethylamine; bromine

[3+2]-Anionic electrocyclization using 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene: trans-4,7,7-Tricarbomethoxy-2-phenylsulfonylbicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-ene intermediate: 2,3-bis(phenylsulfinyl)-1,3-butadiene reactant: 2,3-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,3-butadiene intermediate: dimethyl (E)-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-hexenedioate product: trans-4,7,7-tricarbomethoxy-2-phenylsulfonylbicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-ene Keywords: alkylation, C-alkylation; alkylation, C-alkylation; cyclization, cycloaddition; oxidation, miscellaneous; rearrangements; dichloromethane (methylene chloride); triethylamine