Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-66).

The "Ferrocene phosphinoguanidine donors" project presented in this Thesis targeted on the synthesis, coordination chemistry and catalytic applications of a rather uncommon class of compounds combining phosphine and guanidine functional groups in their molecules. Two series of such compounds based on ferrocene backbone (henceforth fc = ferrocen-1,1΄-diyl) were studied. Firstly, a reliable synthetic route towards polar phosphinoguanidinium chlorides [R2PfcCH2NHC(NH2)2]Cl, where R = iso-propyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl and 2-furyl, was developed and these ligands were tested as supporting ligands in palladium-catalysed Suzuki-Miyaura-type reactions in biphasic aqueous mixtures and in rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation of 1-hexene. Deduced from the results, the hydrophilic guanidinium tag had a beneficial effect on the catalytic activity and, particularly, the electron-rich phosphines from this series could serve as a useful alternative to commonly used ligands for catalytic applications in polar or aqueous reaction media. Phosphinonitriles R2PfcCN obtained as intermediates during the synthesis of the abovementioned ligands were additionally used for the preparation of the dimeric complexes [Au2(µ-R2PfcCN)2][SbF6]2, in which the gold(I) centre was stabilised by nitrile coordination. These complexes proved...

The Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction is a very versatile synthetic protocol to synthesize various useful compounds containing several functional groups. MBH acetates and carbonates are highly valued compounds as they have good potential to be precursors for organic synthesis reactions due to their ease of modification and synthesis. This thesis utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand the mechanism and selectivity of an unexpected tandem conjugate addition-elimination (CA-E) reaction of allylic alkylated Morita-Baylis-Hillman C- adducts. This synthetic protocol was developed by Prof. Zhi-Yong Jiang and co-workers from Henan University, China. The reaction required the use of sub-stoichiometric amounts of an organic or inorganic Brøndst base as a catalyst and was achieved with excellent yields (96%) in neat conditions. TBD gave the highest yield amongst the organocatalysts and Cs2CO3 gave the highest yield amongst all screened bases. A possible mechanistic pathway was proposed and three different energy profiles were modeled using 1,5,7-triaza-bicyclo-[4.4.0]-dec-5-ene (TBD), Cs2CO3 and CO32- as catalysts. All three models were able to explain the experimental observations, revealing both kinetic and thermodynamic factors influencing the selectivity of the CA-E reaction. CO32- model gave the most promising result, revealing a significant energy difference of 17.9 kcal/mol between the transition states of the two differing pathways and an energy difference of 20.9 kcal/mol between the two possible products. Although TBD modeling did not show significant difference in the transition states of the differing pathways, it revealed an unexpected secondary non-covalent electrostatic interaction, involving the electron deficient C atom of the triaza CN3 moiety of the TBD catalyst and the O atom of a neighboring NO2- group in the intermediate. Subsequent modeling using a similar substrate proved the possibility of this non-covalent electrostatic interaction, as there was significant overlap of the orbital cloud present in both the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) of the molecule between the C atom of the triaza moiety belonging to the TBD catalyst and the O atom of the nitro group of the substrate. The Mayer bond order was of the C-O interaction was determined to be 0.138.

In humans, mammals, and perhaps all vertebrates, sphingolipids exist as a family of cellular signaling molecules and have been shown to be involved in a wide range of biological processes ranging from proliferation to apoptosis. As such, sphingolipid signaling has garnered the attention of numerous researchers as an attractive candidate for pharmacological manipulation. The synthetic pathway of one prominent sphingolipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), has been implicated in a variety of disease states such as cancer, sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, and renal fibrosis. Formation of S1P is facilitated from the ATP dependent phosphorylation of sphingosine (Sph) through its generative enzyme's sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 (SphK1 and SphK2). Inhibition of SphK1 and SphK2 results in the manipulation of S1P levels, which has been shown to be therapeutic in various animal models of disease. While there are multiple examples of potent SphK1-selective and dual SphK1/2 inhibitors, SphK2-selective inhibitors are scarce. Herein, we describe the design, synthesis and biological testing of SphK2-selective inhibitors. We first describe the discovery that introducing a trifluoromethyl group onto the internal aryl ring of our inhibitor scaffold led to superior selectivity and potency towards SphK2. We demonstrate that the trifluoromethyl moiety is interacting with a previously unknown side cavity in the substrate binding site of SphK2 that is unique and could be exploited in the design of SphK2-selective inhibitors. The synthesis of 21 derivatives with various substituents spanning off the internal aryl ring was completed, therefore characterizing the preferred size and chemical nature of moieties positioned in that portion of the binding site. This work led to the development of the most potent SphK2-selective inhibitor known at the time. We then describe the transformation of our SphK2-selective inhibitors into an orally bioavailable drug. We explain how the guanidine functionality on our inhibitor scaffold hinders our compounds from being orally bioavailable. Consequently, a library of 24 derivatives with various modifications to the guanidine functionality was synthesized and evaluated for improved orally bioavailability. Highlighted in this work is the development of the most potent SphK2-selective inhibitor currently known 3.14 (SLS1081832), which displays a hSphK2 Ki of 82 nM and 122-fold selectivity for SphK2. Chemical modification and in vivo assessment of 3.14 (SLS1081832) prodrugs was explored. / Doctor of Philosophy / In humans, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a signaling molecule that is generated through an ATP dependent reaction of sphingosine (Sph) via sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 (SphK1 and SphK2). Furthermore, S1P has been shown to be implicated in various diseases such as cancer, sickle cell disease, multiple sclerosis, and renal fibrosis. Inhibition of SphK1 and SphK2 has been shown to be therapeutic towards the symptoms of these diseases. Therefore, in order to alleviate these disorders, the concentrations of S1P must be controlled through pharmacological inhibition of SphK1 and SphK2. There are multiple reported examples of potent SphK1-selective and dual SphK1/2 inhibitors; however, SphK2-selective inhibitors are scarce. This work describes the synthesis and biological assessment of 21 compounds for their effectiveness in selectively targeting and inhibiting SphK2. The work led to the discovery of a previously unrecognized side cavity in the binding pocket of SphK2 that enhances inhibitor potency and selectivity towards SphK2. Furthermore, studies characterizing the preferred size and chemical nature of moieties positioned in that portion of the binding site led to the development of the most potent SphK2- selective inhibitor known at the time. Building on this work, we next focused on the transformation of our SphK2-selective inhibitors into a drug that could be administered orally. We describe the synthesis of 24 compounds with various modifications to one portion of our scaffold and their effect on improved orally bioavailability. This work led to the development of the most potent SphK2-selective inhibitor currently known 3.14 (SLS1081832).

Sphingosine kinase (SphK) has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapeutics due to its role in cell proliferation. SphK phosphorylates sphingosine to form sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) which has been implicated as a major player in cancer growth and survival. SphK exists as two different isoforms, namely SphK1 and SphK2, which play different roles inside the cell. The dearth of isoenzyme-selective inhibitors has been a stumbling block for probing the exact roles of these two isoforms in disease progression. This report documents our efforts in developing SphK2-selective inhibitors. We provide the first demonstration of a SphK inhibitor containing a quaternary ammonium salt. We developed highly potent and moderately selective inhibitors that were cell permeable and interfered with S1P signaling inside the cell. In an effort to improve the selectivity of our inhibitors and enhance their in vivo stability, we designed and synthesized second generation inhibitors containing a heteroaromatic linker and a guanidine headgroup. These inhibitors were more potent and selective towards SphK2 and affected S1P signaling in cell cultures and various animal models. / Ph. D.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has become a prevalent drug discovery target due to studies implicating it to several disease pathologies such as fibrosis, sickle cell disease, inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. S1P functions to induce cell proliferation and migration. S1P signaling occurs through intracellular targets or transport outside of the cell via ABC transporters, where it acts as a ligand to G-protein coupled receptors (S1P1-5). Sphingosine kinase (SphK) 1 and 2 phosphorylate sphingosine to S1P; these are the only enzymes known to mediate the phosphoryl transfer. Inhibiting either or both SphKs helps to modulate S1P, which may be useful as a therapeutic avenue for disease states where S1P signaling has gone awry. Herein, we document our efforts in profiling the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of SphK2 through an iterative process of synthesis and biological testing. First, an SAR structured around the head and linker region of our lead molecule, SLR080811, was performed. SLR080811 has a Ki of 1.3 µM and is 5-fold selective for SphK2. The modifications performed on SLR080811 yielded two promising inhibitors: SLP120701 (SphK2 selective with a Ki of 1.2 µM) and SLP7111228 (>200 fold selective for SphK1 with a Ki of 48 nM). In vitro studies in U937 cells yielded a decrease in S1P levels with the introduction of inhibitors. Mouse studies provided insight into the pharmacokinetic effect of our SphK2-selective inhibitors, revealing an increase in S1P levels in the blood. When in vivo studies were performed with the SphK1 selective inhibitor, S1P levels in blood decreased. These molecules provide the chemical biology tools to determine the effect of modulating S1P levels in vivo. We also focused our investigation on the tail region of the pharmacophore. From this study, SLM6031434 and SLM6041418 were discovered and both proved to be more potent and selective SphK2 inhibitors than SLR080811. SLM6031434 has a Ki of 370 nM and is 23-fold selective for SphK2. SLM6041418 has a Ki of 430 nM and is 24-fold selective for SphK2. Consistent with our previous observations, in vitro studies showed a decrease in S1P levels when inhibitor was introduced. Similarly, in vivo studies resulted in an increase of S1P levels in the blood. These compounds are positioned towards animal models of disease. / Master of Science

Depuis leur découverte dans les années 1930, les polyuréthanes (PU) ont connu un essor important et représentent aujourd’hui un marché supérieur à 10 millions de tonnes par an. Ces matériaux sont préparés par réaction de polyaddition d'un polyol sur un polyisocyanate en présence d’un catalyseur. Des complexes organométalliques, notamment à base d’étain, sont communément employés pour accélérer cette réaction. Cependant, leur toxicité et leur nocivité envers l’environnement vont prochainement conduire à leur interdiction. Dans le cadre d’un projet pluridisciplinaire, nos efforts se sont concentrés sur le développement de catalyseurs potentiellement plus respectueux de l’environnement. Nous avons tout d’abord réalisé un criblage d’organocatalyseurs pour la synthèse de carbamates. Cette étude préliminaire a mis en évidence l’efficacité des guanidines bicycliques telles que le 7-méthyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4,4,0]déc-5-ène (MTBD). De nouveaux analogues du MTBD ont été préparés et utilisés comme catalyseurs pour la synthèse de PU. Une étude mécanistique a également été conduite. Elle a permis d’expliquer les comportements catalytiques contrastés d’espèces chimiques pourtant très proches, à l’image du MTBD, du TBD, du DBU et du DBN. Ces travaux ont notamment mis en évidence la nucléophilie du MTBD qui réagit avec deux équivalents d’isocyanate pour former des composés tricycliques originaux. Ces nouveaux hétérocycles présentent des propriétés attrayantes de catalyseurs à effet retard thermo-activables pour la synthèse de PU. / Polyurethanes (PU) constitute an important market, estimated around 10 wt% of the current synthetic polymer production. They are usually prepared by the most straightforward route involving the addition of polyols to polyisocyanates in the presence of a catalyst. Tin based organometallic complexes are the most active catalysts currently in use, but environmental concerns should lead in not too distant a future to a ban of these reagents. In the context of a multidisciplinary project, we focused our efforts on the design of environmentally more acceptable organocatalysts that could advantageously replace metal-based catalysts. A screening of organocatalysts was therefore carried out, from which bicyclic guanidines such as 7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4,4,0]dec-5-ene (MTBD) emerged as the most efficient. New analogues of MTBD were prepared and successfully used as catalysts for the synthesis of PU. Mechanistic studies were also performed. The catalytic behaviour of structurally similar compound such as MTBD, TBD, DBU or DBN was rationalised. The nucleophilic reaction between MTBD and isocyanates was highlighted and original compounds in which two equivalents of isocyanate are incorporated onto the guanidine scaffold were isolated. These novel heterocycles exhibit appealing thermally-triggered delayed-action catalytic properties for the synthesis of PU.

Due to the system does not recognize equations and formulas the resumo and abstract can be found in the PDF file. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Devido ao sistema não reconhecer equações e fórmulas o resumo e abstract encontra-se no arquivo em PDF.

Title: Synthesis and catalytic properties of phosphinoferrocene guanidine Author: Ondřej Bárta Institution: Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Department of Inorganic Chemistry Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Petr Štěpnička, Ph.D. Polar phosphine ligands proved to be useful in homogeneous and biphasic catalysis. Most of these phosphines bears anionic functional groups. On the other hand, functionalization of phosphines by cationic substituents is still quite uncommon, although these functional groups possess properties that could improve catalytic performance of the catalyst. In this regard, nitrogenous bases are particularly attractive due to their inherent basicity and the ability to enter into hydrogen bonding interactions. This thesis describes the synthesis of a novel ferrocene-based phosphine functionalized with guanidine moiety, viz. N-[1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenylmethyl]guanidine (3). This compound was obtained by direct guanylation of 1′-(diphenylphosphino)- 1-(aminomethyl)ferrocene (2) (see scheme). Compound 3 was further used to prepare palladium complexes including the unusual zwitterionic complex [PdCl3(3H)]. The molecular structures of the prepared complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Catalytic properties of phosphine 3 and complex [PdCl3(3H)] were...

A microwave reactor was used to synthesize a series of novel 3,6-disubstituted or 3-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in a total of 1 hour reaction time over 3 steps. The products were obtained in good to excellent yields (34-92%, ave = 52%) using a straightforward synthesis starting with the reaction of dimethylformamide-dimethylacetal with commercially available aryl acetonitriles (120C, 20 min). This was followed by treatment with H2NNH2 • HBr (120C, 20 min), and then reacted with either 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane or a 2-aryl-substituted malondialdehydes (120C, 20 min). The resulting product was either collected on a sintered glass funnel or purified via column chromatography. The compounds were screened for anti-cancer activity against A2780 Ovarian and/or MCF7 breast cancer cell lines in vitro. The most active compounds were the 3-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-6-[4-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl analogue and the 3-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-[4-(2-(4-methylpiperzin-1-yl)ethoxy]phenyl analogue, exhibiting EC50 values of 0.84 and 0.52 M respectively, which is 2-3 times more potent than Dorsomorphin. Several of the derivatives also showed promising activities against several viruses of emerging concern, including HBV, MERS Coronavirus, Zika, and Ebola. Use of a microwave reactor to synthesize N’-aryl/(alkyl) substituted N-[(4-hydroxy-6-phenyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]guanidines or N-[(4-hydroxy-6-trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]guanidines from the corresponding cyanamides with alkyl/aryl amines was achieved in good to excellent yields (39-96%, ave = 62%) in 10 minutes at 120C using only 1 equivalent of amine. Work-up was exceptionally simple, and involved collecting precipitated solids on a sintered glass funnel and washing with cold 2-propanol. Products were obtained in analytically pure form and required approximately 1 hour to prepare, start to finish. Compounds in this series showed early promise as potential inhibitors of A2780 Ovarian cancer, in vitro.