Synthesis of Biologically Active Heterospirocycles through Iterative 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Pathways

We demonstrate the novel spiroannulation of exoimines with 1,3-dipoles, for the first time, leading to 3D spirocycles with a secondary amine (NH) in the spiro-ring. The synthetic method described herein allows access to these previously unexplored heterospirocyclic cores that have application in the discovery of functional molecules for medicinal and materials science. This was demonstrated by discovering an unprecedented class of heterospirocycles with antimalarial activity against the human protozoan P. falciparum.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel spiroannulation reaction of exoimines with 1,3-dipoles was demonstrated for the first time, leading to the synthesis of 3D spirocycles with a secondary amine in the spiro-ring. This synthetic method provides access to previously unexplored heterospirocyclic cores, with potential applications in the discovery of functional molecules for medicinal and materials science. The discovery of a new class of heterospirocycles with antimalarial activity against P. falciparum further confirms the potential of this approach.