Synthesis of a novel tricyclic peptidomimetic scaffold

An efficient method to synthesize a novel rigid tricyclic peptidomimetic scaffold through ring-closure of amino-functionalized bicyclic 2-pyridones has been discovered. The scaffold can function as a peptide backbone mimetic (highlighted) with two substituents independently variable to fine-tune biological response. Halogenation of the pyrazolo ring followed by Suzuki couplings made it possible to introduce substituents with variable electronic properties late in the synthetic route, which is preferable in library synthesis.