Scalable (Enantioselective) Syntheses of Novel 3-Methylated Analogs of Pazinaclone, (S)-PD172938 and Related Biologically Relevant Isoindolinones

Herein, we report the application of an efficient and practical K2CO3 promoted cascade reaction of 2-acetylbenzonitrile in the synthesis of novel 3-methylated analogs of Pazinaclone and PD172938, belonging to isoindolinones heterocyclic class bearing a tetrasubstituted stereocenter. Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of the key intermediate and its transformation into highly enantioenriched 3-methylated analog of (S)-PD172938 was also developed. These achievements can be of particular interest also for medicinal chemistry, since the methyl group is a very useful structural modification in the rational design of new and more effective bioactive compounds.

Automated summary

Here, we report the efficient application of a K2CO3 promoted cascade reaction in synthesizing novel 3-methylated analogs of Pazinaclone and PD172938, belonging to the isoindolinone heterocyclic class. Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of key intermediate and its transformation into highly enantioenriched 3-methylated analog of (S)-PD172938 was also developed. These achievements are particularly significant for medicinal chemistry, as the methyl group serves as a valuable structural modification in the rational design of new and more effective bioactive compounds.