Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, structural studies, thermal analysis and molecular docking of N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine, a precursor for drug design against chronic myeloid leukemia

The synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic and electronic properties of N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine (NPPA), C₁₆H₁₃N₅O₂, a potential template for drug design against chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), is reported. The design and construction of the target molecule were carried out starting from the guanidinium nitrate salt (previously synthesized) and the corresponding enaminone. X-ray diffraction analysis and a study of the Hirshfeld surfaces revealed important interactions between the nitro-group O atoms and the H atoms of the pyridine and pyrimidine rings. A crystalline ordering in layers, by the stacking of rings through interactions of the π-π type, was observed and confirmed by a study of the shape-index surfaces and dispersion energy calculations. Quantitative electrostatic potential studies revealed the most positive value of the molecule on regions close to the N-H groups (34.8 kcal mol^-1); nevertheless, steric impediments and the planarity of the molecule do not allow the formation of hydrogen bonds from this group. This interaction is however activated when the molecule takes on a new extended conformation in the active pocket of the enzyme kinase (PDB ID 2hyy), interacting with protein residues that are fundamental in the inhibition process of CML. The most negative values of the molecule are seen in regions close to the nitro group (-35.4 and -34.0 kcal mol^-1). A molecular docking study revealed an energy affinity of ΔG = -10.3 kcal mol^-1 for NPPA which, despite not having a more negative value than the control molecule (Imatinib; ΔG = -12.8 kcal mol^-1), shows great potential to be used as a template for new drugs against CML.