3-benzazecine-based cyclic allene derivatives as highly potent P-glycoprotein inhibitors overcoming doxorubicin multidrug resistance

Aim: Enamino 3-benzazecine compounds, incorporating the C6-C8 allene system, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and/or multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), two efflux pumps mainly connected with multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. Results & methodology: Most of the synthesized compounds were selective P-gp inhibitors in Calcein-AM uptake assay. Structure–activity relationships (SARs) pointed out that CO2Me derivatives are more potent than acetyl derivatives, and 10,11-dimethoxy compounds are five to tenfold more potent inhibitors than the respective unsubstituted compounds, and that the P-gp inhibition potency is mainly related to volume parameters. Conclusion: Nanomolar P-gp inhibitors, such as 23 (IC50 = 4.2 nM), restored the antiproliferative activity of doxorubicin in multidrug-resistant cells. The observed activities showed that 3-benzazecine-based compounds may be promising MDR reversers.

Different reactivity of phosphorylallenes under the action of Brønsted or Lewis acids: a crucial role of involvement of the P=O group in intra- or intermolecular interactions at the formation of cationic intermediates

3-Methylbuta-1,2-dien-1-ylphosphonic acid derivatives (phosphorylallenes) [X2(O=)P–CR=C=CMe2, X = Cl, OMe, NR2, or SAr] undergo intramolecular cyclization into the corresponding 1,2-oxaphospholium ions in the Brønsted superacid TfOH. These cations have been thoroughly studied by means of NMR spectroscopy. The hydrolysis of superacidic solutions of these species afforded cyclic phosphonic acids and other phosphorus-containing compounds. Contrary to Brønsted acids, 3-methylbuta-1,2-dien-1-ylphosphonic dichloride [Cl2(O=)P–HC=C=CMe2] reacted with the Lewis acid AlCl3 in an intermolecular way forming noncyclic intermediates, which were investigated by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Hydrolysis of these species resulted in the formation of phosphoryl-substituted allyl alcohols and 1,3-butadienes. A strong coordination of the oxygen of the P=O group with AlCl3 prevented the formation of cyclic 1,2-oxaphospholium ions and played a crucial role in the different reactivity of such phosphorylallenes under the action of Brønsted or Lewis acids. Apart from that, the reaction of dichlorophosphorylallenes with arenes and AlCl3 led to products of hydroarylation of the allene system, phosphoryl-substituted alkenes and/or indanes. This is the first example of a Lewis acid-promoted intermolecular hydroarylation of allenes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents. Plausible reaction mechanisms have been proposed on the basis of the investigated reactions, and NMR analysis and DFT studies of the intermediate cationic species.

The addition of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulphenyl chloride to 1,3-disubstituted allenes: a reexamination

The reaction of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulphenyl chloride with eight alkyl 1,3-disubstituted allenes in methylene chloride solution has been investigated. In contrast to earlier reports, attack by sulphur is found to occur exclusively at the central allenic carbon. The direction of approach of sulphenyl chloride leads preferentially to the formation of the E isomers in accord with the concept of steric approach control. The ratio of E to Z alkene is found to increase as the bulk of the substituent group cis to the arylthio group increases. We observe, however, very little regioselectivity with respect to which of the mutually perpendicular π bonds of the allene system is attacked, suggesting the presence of an effective mechanism for transmission of inductive effects to the more distant double bond.