Spiro-γ-Lactam Synthesis via Post-Ugi Cascade Reaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing spiro-γ-lactams are inefficient and lack effective methods for constructing biologically active spiro structures, particularly for creating diastereoselective chromone-spiro-γ-lactams with spiro-quaternary carbon centers, which are crucial for developing potent cancer therapies.

Innovation Solution

A post-Ugi one-pot cascade reaction is developed to synthesize diastereoselective chromone-spiro-γ-lactams with the formation of spiro-quaternary carbon centers through Michael-type addition without the need for catalysts, using a Ugi four-component reaction followed by a cyclization step, optimizing conditions with Cs2CO3 as a base and specific solvents to achieve high yields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional synthesis methods are used for spiro-γ-lactams, then the synthesis process is simple, but the efficiency is low and the yield is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis efficiencyVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple reaction steps into a one-pot cascade reaction sequence. The Ugi four-component reaction is followed by intramolecular cyclization and spiro ring formation all in one pot, eliminating the need for separate purification and processing steps. This merging of operations significantly improves synthesis efficiency while maintaining reasonable process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by using readily available starting materials and pre-establishing reaction conditions that favor cascade reactions. The Ugi reaction components are selected and arranged to automatically undergo cyclization and spiro formation without requiring additional reagents or complex condition adjustments, thereby improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used, then the synthesis steps are few, but the construction of spiro-quaternary carbon centers is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovediastereoselectivityVSAvoidsynthesis efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction system performs self-service by utilizing the inherent reactivity of the Ugi reaction intermediates to automatically undergo intramolecular cyclization and spiro ring formation. The cascade reaction sequence is designed so that each step flows directly into the next without external intervention, achieving high diastereoselectivity in spiro-quaternary carbon center formation while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing reaction conditions such as base selection (Cs2CO3), solvent choice (DMF, MeCN, EtOH), and temperature to achieve the desired diastereoselectivity. These parameter optimizations enable efficient construction of spiro-quaternary carbon centers with high stereocontrol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If catalysts are used for spiro structure construction, then the reaction rate increases, but the method becomes less environmentally friendly and more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction rateVSAvoidprocess simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for catalysts by designing a self-service cascade reaction system. The Ugi reaction intermediates automatically undergo intramolecular cyclization and spiro ring formation through their inherent reactivity, driven by the reaction conditions themselves rather than external catalytic agents. This maintains high reaction rates while simplifying the process and improving environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the catalyst step from the synthesis process entirely. By designing the reaction sequence to proceed without catalytic intervention, the method eliminates the complexity and environmental concerns associated with catalyst selection, removal, and purification, while maintaining efficient reaction rates through the cascade mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If complex molecular scaffolds are synthesized, then the biological activity increases, but the synthesis difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological activityVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple bond-forming operations into a single cascade reaction sequence. The Ugi four-component reaction simultaneously constructs the core molecular scaffold and spiro-quaternary carbon center in one operation, followed by automatic cyclization. This merging approach enables access to complex biologically active molecules while keeping the synthesis process relatively simple and direct.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by designing the Ugi reaction to set up the molecular framework in advance, with the spiro-quaternary carbon center and key functional groups already in place before the cyclization step. This pre-arrangement simplifies the overall synthesis by avoiding the need for subsequent complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method allows for the synthesis of spiro-γ-lactams under mild conditions with good yields, enabling the construction of complex molecular scaffolds and demonstrating potential therapeutic effects against cancer cells, particularly pancreatic cancer.

Implementation Method 1

performing a Ugi four-component reaction of Compounds 1, 2, 3 and 4 to obtain Compound 5

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUgi four-component reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

reacting Compound 5 to obtain the compound of Formula Ia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

optimizing conditions with Cs2CO3 as a base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBase catalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS11827645B2Spiro-γ-Lactams, and preparation method and use thereof
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 CHONGQING UNIV OF ARTS & SCI
  • US11827645B2 patent drawing
  • US11827645B2 patent drawing
  • US11827645B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation methods thereof, pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and use thereof in the treatment of diseases such as pancreatic cancer.