Nitrogen-Bridged, Natural Product Like Octahydrobenzofurans and Octahydroindoles: Scope and Mechanism of Bridge-Forming Reductive Amination via Caged Heteroadamantanes

Steven M. Wales, Holly V. Adcock, William Lewis, Daniel Hamza, Christopher J. Moody*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The biological significance of sp3-rich synthetic scaffolds with natural product like features yet distinct global frameworks is being increasingly recognized in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry. Taking inspiration from the vast array of bioactive, bridged alkaloids, we report the synthesis of unique, densely functionalized tricyclic scaffolds based on nitrogen-bridged octahydrobenzofurans and octahydroindoles. These heterocycle-rich frameworks were assembled by a one-pot, two-step bridge-forming reductive amination process, which was shown to proceed via caged, heteroadamantane intermediates that thermodynamically drive an exo–endo epimerization, enabling intramolecular aza-Michael addition over the concave face of the fused bicyclic precursors. In addition to evaluating the scope of this aza-bridge-forming reaction, further stereochemical complexity was introduced by subsequent diastereoselective ketone reductions and other manipulations. Finally, strategic diversity points (amino, carboxy) were decorated with common medicinal chemistry fragments, providing a set of exemplar derivatives with Lipinski-compliant physicochemical properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4696-4704
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry
Volume2018
Issue number34
Early online date25 Jun 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Sept 2018

Keywords

  • Aza-Michael addition
  • Bridged compounds
  • Drug discovery
  • Heterocycles
  • Reductive amination

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