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Novel Mannich-Type Multicomponent Reactions: Discovery, Mechanism, and Application.
Xianjing Zhou1, Zhencheng Lai1, Jiaming Li1
1Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
This study introduces novel multicomponent reactions (MCRs) for synthesizing complex molecules, particularly enabling Mannich reactions with unactivated C-H bonds for drug discovery and natural product modification.
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Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Synthetic Methodology
Background:
- Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are crucial for efficient synthesis of complex molecules.
- The Mannich reaction, a key MCR, typically involves activated C-H bonds.
- Developing Mannich reactions for unactivated C-H bonds, especially C(sp³)-H, is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel Mannich-type multicomponent reactions involving unactivated C-H bonds.
- To explore the application of these MCRs in scaffold evolution of natural products and drug discovery.
- To elucidate the mechanistic pathway of the novel Mannich reactions.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a serendipitous discovery leading to a double Mannich alkylamination.
- Conducted mechanistic studies involving multiple Mannich, retro-Mannich, and dehydrogenation steps.
- Developed Mannich-type MCRs utilizing benzofurans/indoles, formaldehyde, and alkylamine hydrochlorides.
Main Results:
- Achieved unprecedented alkylamination in both C(sp²)-H and unactivated benzylic C(sp³)-H bonds.
- Successfully synthesized piperidine-fused benzofurans/indoles and indole-fused seven-membered heterocycles.
- Demonstrated broad compatibility with medicinally relevant functionalities and successful scaffold evolution of tanshinones.
Conclusions:
- Developed a powerful synthetic toolbox for scaffold evolution of natural products and drug discovery.
- Pioneered chemical evolution of tanshinones, leading to potent NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and effective ALI treatments.
- Generated promising drug candidates, including novel HDAC, P-gp, and STAT3 inhibitors, highlighting the MCRs' therapeutic potential.