2024 April | Alice Long, Christian J. Oswood, Christopher B. Kelly, Marian C. Bryan, David W. C. MacMillan
A new method for constructing semi-saturated ring systems in pharmaceuticals is described. The approach combines dual radical synthetic logic with metallaphotoredox C(sp²)-C(sp³) cross-coupling and intramolecular Minisci-type radical cyclization. This strategy enables the rapid assembly of various spirocyclic, bridged, and substituted saturated ring systems using abundant heteroaryl halides and simple bifunctional feedstocks. The method allows for the efficient synthesis of semi-saturated ring scaffolds, which are valuable for drug discovery due to their improved solubility, binding affinity, and reduced toxicity compared to fully aromatic analogues. The process involves reagent-controlled radical generation, leading to highly regioselective and stereospecific annulation, which can be used for late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutical scaffolds. The strategy is modular and efficient, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of heterocycles, including non-traditional radical acceptors. The method was tested with various substrates, including bromoalcohols, diols, and complex drug precursors, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness. The approach offers a streamlined and efficient way to access semi-saturated ring systems, which are challenging to synthesize using conventional methods. The study highlights the potential of this strategy for drug discovery and development.A new method for constructing semi-saturated ring systems in pharmaceuticals is described. The approach combines dual radical synthetic logic with metallaphotoredox C(sp²)-C(sp³) cross-coupling and intramolecular Minisci-type radical cyclization. This strategy enables the rapid assembly of various spirocyclic, bridged, and substituted saturated ring systems using abundant heteroaryl halides and simple bifunctional feedstocks. The method allows for the efficient synthesis of semi-saturated ring scaffolds, which are valuable for drug discovery due to their improved solubility, binding affinity, and reduced toxicity compared to fully aromatic analogues. The process involves reagent-controlled radical generation, leading to highly regioselective and stereospecific annulation, which can be used for late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutical scaffolds. The strategy is modular and efficient, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of heterocycles, including non-traditional radical acceptors. The method was tested with various substrates, including bromoalcohols, diols, and complex drug precursors, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness. The approach offers a streamlined and efficient way to access semi-saturated ring systems, which are challenging to synthesize using conventional methods. The study highlights the potential of this strategy for drug discovery and development.