No abstract

1-Benzyl-5-aryltetrazoles were discovered to be novel antagonists for the P2X(7) receptor. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were conducted around both the benzyl and phenyl moieties. In addition, the importance of the regiochemical substitution on the tetrazole was examined. Compounds were evaluated for activity to inhibit calcium flux in both human and rat recombinant P2X(7) cell lines using fluorometric imaging plate reader technology. Analogues were also assayed for their ability to inhibit IL-1beta release and to inhibit P2X(7)-mediated pore formation in human THP-1 cells. Compound 15d was advanced to efficacy studies in a model of neuropathic pain where significant reversal of mechanical allodynia was observed at doses that did not affect motor coordination.

Electronic effects in osmylation reactions accelerated by pyridine and quinuclidine derivatives were investigated by varying the substituents on the amine ligand as well as on the alkene substrate. Ligand substituent effects were gauged by determination of the equilibrium constants for coordination of the amines to OsO 4 , evaluation of structural properties and reduction potentials of the amine-OsO 4 complexes, and analysis of the kinetics of osmylations in the presence of the amines. Substrate substituent effects were gauged by kinetic Hammett studies using several different amine/alkene combinations. Nonlinear Hammett relationships resulting from alkene substituent effects were observed, and the deviation from a linear free energy relationship was found to depend on the structure, binding capacity, and concentration of the amine. The results were evaluated in terms of the contending "[3 + 2]" and "[2 + 2]" mechanisms currently under consideration. A change in mechanism that depends on the structural and electronic properties of both alkene and amine is proposed.

(Trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TMSCF(3)) reacts with nitrones to afford alpha-(trifluoromethyl)hydroxylamines protected as O-trimethylsilyl ethers. Potassium t-butoxide initiates the nucleophilic trifluoromethylation. The reaction works best with alpha,N-diaryl nitrones, and the conditions are compatible with a range of substituents on the aryl groups. Acidic deprotection of the nitrone/TMSCF(3) adducts generates alpha-(trifluoromethyl)hydroxylamines. Catalytic hydrogenation of the adducts produces alpha-(trifluoromethyl)amines. Nitrone/TMSCF(3) adducts with strong electron-withdrawing groups on the alpha-aryl ring or heterocyclic alpha-aryl groups undergo an elimination/addition sequence to generate alpha,alpha-bis(trifluoromethyl)amines. Nitrones with alkyl groups bound directly to the 1,3-dipolar moiety fail to react with TMSCF(3), but trifluoromethylation of beta,gamma-unsaturated nitrones followed by reduction of the double bond can circumvent this limitation.