Optical properties and aggregation of novel azo-dyes bearing an end-capped oligo(ethylene glycol) side chain in solution,solid state and Langmuir–Blodgett films

Optical properties and aggregation of two novel azo-dyes N-methyl-N-{4-[(E)-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]phenyl}-N-(3,6,9-trioxadecas-1-yl)amine (RED-PEGM-3) and N-methyl-N-{4-[(E)-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl] phenyl}-N-(3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24-octaoxapentaeicos-1-yl)amine (RED-PEGM-8) were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy in solution, solid state and Langmuir–Blodgett films. The results were compared to those obtained for their precursor 1-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene (Disperse Orange 3, DO3) and 1-N-methylamino-4′-nitroazobenzene (RED-H). Increasing the polarity of methanol:water mixtures gave rise to the formation of H-aggregates for all dyes. Similar aggregates were also detected in cast films. NOESY, 2D ¹H NMR experiments carried out in aqueous solutions of RED-PEGM-8 revealed the formation of atypical antiparallel H-aggregates. Only RED-PEGM-3 gave traces of J-aggregates in the solid state. RED-PEGM-3 and RED-PEGM-8 readily form J-aggregates in Y-type Langmuir–Blodgett films.     

Electrochemical behavior of a new <Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>-triazine-based dendrimer

The electrochemical behavior of a new G-2-s-triazine-based dendrimer, 2,4,6-tris-{4-{4,6-bis-{4-{4,6-bis-[(1S,2S)-1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-prop-2-ylamino]-s-triazin-2-yl}-piperazin-1-yl}-s-triazin-2-yl}-piperazin-1-yl}-s-triazine, (I), was studied in dimethylsulfoxide solution by cyclic voltammetry, on platinum and graphite electrodes. The electrochemical properties of I were compared with that of one of its precursor, N-{4,6-bis{4-{4,6-bis[(1S,2S)-1,3-dihydroxy-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-prop-2-ylamino]-s-triazin-2-yl}-piperazin-1-yl}-triazin-2-yl}-piperazine), (II), together with that of the starting material, (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-propane-1,3-diol (“p-nitrophenylserinol”), (III).     

The synthesis and structural study of two benzothiazolyl azo dyes: X-ray crystallographic and computational study of azo–hydrazone tautomerism

The synthesis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR characterisation, as well as crystal and molecular structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, of two azo dyes derived from 6-aminobenzothiazole: 6-[(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole and 6-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole are reported. Both dyes are essentially planar with the exclusion of methyl groups in 6-[(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole, which exibits 100% E-configuration in terms of orientation of the substituents about the central azo linkage. Single-crystal X-ray study of 6-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole was undertaken to established whether the hydrazone or azo tautomer was present in the solid state as well as any potential shift in tautomeric equilibrium imparted by temperature variation (296 and 100 K). Density functional theory calculations revealed that the hydrazone tautomer was more stable than the azo tautomer and that the tautomeric equilibrium was shifted towards the hydrazone form at lower temperature.     

The synthesis and structural study of two benzothiazolyl azo dyes: X-ray crystallographic and computational study of azo–hydrazone tautomerism

The synthesis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR characterisation, as well as crystal and molecular structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, of two azo dyes derived from 6-aminobenzothiazole: 6-[(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole and 6-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole are reported. Both dyes are essentially planar with the exclusion of methyl groups in 6-[(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole, which exibits 100% E-configuration in terms of orientation of the substituents about the central azo linkage. Single-crystal X-ray study of 6-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]benzothiazole was undertaken to established whether the hydrazone or azo tautomer was present in the solid state as well as any potential shift in tautomeric equilibrium imparted by temperature variation (296 and 100 K). Density functional theory calculations revealed that the hydrazone tautomer was more stable than the azo tautomer and that the tautomeric equilibrium was shifted towards the hydrazone form at lower temperature.     

Light-Switchable Antagonists for the Histamine H1 Receptor at the Isolated Guinea Pig Ileum

The histamine H₁ G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) plays an important role in allergy and inflammation. Existing drugs that address the H₁ receptor differ in their chemical structure, pharmacology, and side effects. Light-controllable spatial and temporal activity regulation of photochromic H₁ ligands may contribute to a better mechanistic understanding and the development of improved correlations between ligand structure and pharmacologic effects. We report photochromic H₁ receptor ligands, which were investigated in an organ-pharmacological assay. Initially, five photochromic azobenzene derivatives of reported dual H₁–H₄ receptor antagonists were designed, synthesized, photochemically characterized, and organ-pharmacologically tested on the isolated guinea pig ileum. Among them, one compound [trans- 19 : (Z)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-((E)-phenyldiazenyl)phenyl)methanimine] retained the antagonistic activity of its non-photochromic lead, and trans–cis isomerization by irradiation induced a fourfold difference in the pharmacological response. Further structural optimization resulted in two bathochromically shifted derivatives of 19 [NO₂-substituted 35 {(Z)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-(4-((E)-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)methanimine} and SO₃⁻-substituted 41 {4-((E)-(4-(((Z)-(4-chlorophenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methylene)amino)phenyl)diazenyl)benzenesulfonate}], which do not require the use of UV light for photoisomerization and which also have improved solubility and show reduced tissue impairment. The trans isomers of both compounds showed a remarkable increase in antagonistic activity relative to their lead trans- 19 ; furthermore, a 46-fold difference in activity on the isolated guinea pig ileum was observed between trans- and cis- 35 .     

Synthesis of N,N-diethyl-N-{4-[(E)-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]phenyl}amine via in situ diazotisation and coupling in supercritical carbon dioxide

The synthesis of azo dyes via a conventional aqueous-based diazotisation and coupling reaction requires the use of relatively high concentrations of mineral acids, which leads to high electrolyte concentrations in wastewater. Reported in this paper is an environmentally benign one-pot method for the synthesis of a nonionic azo dye, N,N -diethyl- N -{4-[( E )-(4-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]phenyl}amine, in supercritical carbon dioxide without using a mineral acid. The product yield increased significantly with temperature, with 91% theoretical yield afforded at 80 °C. The pressure of the system had little influence on product yield.     

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Structures of Tributyltin(IV) 4-[((E)-1-{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino]benzoates. Toxicity Studies on the Second Larval Instar of the Anopheles stephensi Mosquito Larvae

A series of tributyltin(IV) complexes of 4-[((E)-1-{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino]benzoates have been investigated by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, IR and ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopic techniques in combination with elemental analyses. Single crystal X-ray crystallography of Bu₃Sn[O₂CC₆H₄{N=C(H)C₆H₃-2-OH(N=NC₆H₄CH₃-4)}-p] reveals a distorted tetrahedral structure which is further supported by ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer data. Toxicity studies of the tributyltin(IV) complexes along with their ligands 4-[((E)-1-{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino]benzoic acids on the second larval instar of the Anopheles stephensi mosquito larvae are also reported.     

The synthesis,characterization and structures of some 4-[((E)-1-{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino]benzoic acid

The structures of several azo-benzoic acids, 4-[((E)-1-{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(aryl)-1-diazenyl]phenyl}methylidene)amino]benzoic acid along with their precursors 2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-(aryldiazenyl)]benzaldehydes were confirmed using ¹H, ¹³C NMR, UV–VIS and IR spectroscopic techniques. UV–VIS absorption spectra were measured in pure organic solvents while complementary spectroscopic experiments using mixed solvent systems as well as in the presence of base were undertaken to characterize the different species present in solution. Both acid–base dissociation and azo–hydrazone tautomerism occurred in solution, with the extent of the individual equilibria being dependent on the solvent composition and/or pH of the medium. Molecular structures and geometries were optimized using the B3LYP density functional theory method employing the 6-31G(d) basis set.     

Highly Selective and Potent Human β-Secretase 2 (BACE2) Inhibitors against Type 2 Diabetes: Design,Synthesis, X-ray Structure and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies

Herein we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of potent and highly selective β-secretase 2 (memapsin 1, beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2, or BACE 2) inhibitors. BACE2 has been recognized as an exciting new target for type 2 diabetes. The X-ray structure of BACE1 bound to inhibitor 2 a {N³-[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)propyl]amino]propyl]-5-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]-N¹-[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide} containing a hydroxyethylamine isostere was determined. Based on this structure, a computational docking study was performed which led to inhibitor 2 a -bound BACE2 models. These were used to optimize the potency and selectivity of inhibitors. A systematic structure–activity relationship study led to the identification of determinants of the inhibitors’ potency and selectivity toward the BACE2 enzyme. Inhibitors 2 d [N³-[(1S,2R)-1-benzyl-2-hydroxy-3-[[(1S,2S)-2-hydroxy-1-(isobutylcarbamoyl)pentyl]amino]propyl]-N¹-methyl-N¹-[(1R)-1-phenylpropyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxamide; K_i=0.031 nm , selectivity over BACE1: ≈174 000-fold] and 3 l [N¹-((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-1-phenyl-4-((3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)amino)butan-2-yl)-N³,5-dimethyl-N³-((R)-1-phenylethyl)isophthalamide; K_i=1.6 nm , selectivity over BACE1: >500-fold] displayed outstanding potency and selectivity. Inhibitor 3 l is nonpeptide in nature and may pave the way to the development of a new class of potent and selective BACE2 inhibitors with clinical potential.     

Synthesis, characterization and photoconductive properties of optically active methacrylic polymers bearing side-chain 9-phenylcarbazole moieties

The synthesis of two novel optically active monomers containing 9-phenylcarbazole moieties, such as (S)-(+)-2-methacryloyloxy-N-[4-(9-carbazolyl)phenyl]succinimide [(S)-(+)-MCPS] and (S)-(+)-3-methacryloyloxy-N-[4-(9-carbazolyl)phenyl]pyrrolidine [(S)-(+)-MCPP], is described. Each monomer has been radically homopolymerized to afford the corresponding optically active polymeric derivatives, which have been fully characterized. Their spectroscopic, thermal and photoconductive properties were compared to those of the new achiral homopolymer poly[N-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl)-N-[4-(9-carbazolyl)phenyl]ethylamine] {poly[MCPE]}, devised as an optically inactive macromolecular model compound, as well as to analogue polymeric derivatives containing side-chain optically active carbazolyl moieties. The chiroptical properties of the chiral polymers are quantitatively higher than in the corresponding monomers. Owing to the substantially stereoirregular structure of the main chain, this suggests that the overall optical activity is mainly due to conformational dissymmetry of the macromolecules. Spectroscopic evidence suggests the presence in all polymeric derivatives of dipole-dipole interactions between the 9-phenylcarbazolyl chromophores, occurring as a consequence of their anchorage to the polymer backbone, which favours their aggregation and justifies their high decomposition temperatures.     

First example of antimoniated Schiff bases: Hypervalent Sb ← N(sp2) bonds

The first example of antimoniated Schiff bases viz. 1-[2-(bis-{2-[(1-R-p-tolylethylimino)methyl]phenyl}stibanyl)benz-E-ilidene]-(1-R-p-tolylethyl)amine (1) and tris[(R)-2-benzyliden-2-yl-amino)butan-1-ol]stibine (2) containing imino groups at the ortho position of aryl ring have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds were obtained by the reaction of tris(o-formylphenyl)stibine with R-4-dimethyl benzyl amine or (R)-2-aminobutan-1-ol, respectively. These chiral antimony based Schiff bases were characterized by IR, mass, ¹H, ¹³C, NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structures of these two Schiff bases show hypervalent interactions between antimony and sp² nitrogen atoms. Additionally compound 2 shows intramolecular Sb–O interaction also giving eight-coordination of antimony, both of these observations are uncommon in literature. These two compounds 1 and 2 show helicoidal chirality, which is a very new concept in antimony chemistry.     

Novel 1,3,5-Triazinyl Aminobenzenesulfonamides Incorporating Aminoalcohol,Aminochalcone and Aminostilbene Structural Motifs as Potent Anti-VRE Agents,and Carbonic Anhydrases I,II, VII,IX, and XII Inhibitors

A series of 1,3,5-triazinyl aminobenzenesulfonamides substituted by aminoalcohol, aminostilbene, and aminochalcone structural motifs was synthesized as potential human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitors. The compounds were evaluated on their inhibition of tumor-associated hCA IX and hCA XII, hCA VII isoenzyme present in the brain, and physiologically important hCA I and hCA II. While the test compounds had only a negligible effect on physiologically important isoenzymes, many of the studied compounds significantly affected the hCA IX isoenzyme. Several compounds showed activity against hCA XII; (E)-4-{2-[(4-[(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)amino]-6-[(4-styrylphenyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]ethyl}benzenesulfonamide (31) and (E)-4-{2-[(4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-6-[(4-styrylphenyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]ethyl}benzenesulfonamide (32) were the most effective inhibitors with K_Is = 4.4 and 5.9 nM, respectively. In addition, the compounds were tested against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) isolates. (E)-4-[2-({4-[(4-cinnamoylphenyl)amino]-6-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl}amino)ethyl]benzenesulfonamide (21) (MIC = 26.33 µM) and derivative 32 (MIC range 13.80–55.20 µM) demonstrated the highest activity against all tested strains. The most active compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the Human Colorectal Tumor Cell Line (HCT116 p53 +/+). Only 4,4’-[(6-chloro-1,3,5-triazin-2,4-diyl)bis(iminomethylene)]dibenzenesulfonamide (7) and compound 32 demonstrated an IC₅₀ of ca. 6.5 μM; otherwise, the other selected derivatives did not show toxicity at concentrations up to 50 µM. The molecular modeling and docking of active compounds into various hCA isoenzymes, including bacterial carbonic anhydrase, specifically α-CA present in VRE, was performed to try to outline a possible mechanism of selective anti-VRE activity.     

Blue organic light-emitting diodes using novel spiro[fluorene-benzofluorene]-type host materials

Deep blue colored, fluorescent, spiro-type host materials, 5-[4-(1-naphthyl)phenyl]-spiro[fluorene-7,9′-benzofluorene] and 5,9-bis[4-(1-naphthyl)phenyl]-spiro[fluorene-7,9′-benzofluorene] were designed and successfully prepared by the Suzuki reaction. The electroluminescence characteristics of the two compounds as blue host materials doped with blue dopant materials, diphenyl[4-(2-[1,1;4,1]terphenyl-4-yl-vinyl)phenyl]amine and 1,6-bis[(p-trimethylsilylphenyl)amino]pyrene (SPP) were evaluated. The device used comprised ITO/N,N′-bis-[4-(di-m-tolylamino)phenyl]-N,N′-diphenylbiphenyl-4,4′-diamine)/bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenyl]benzidine/Host:5% dopant/tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium/Al–LiF. The device obtained from 5-[4-(1-naphthyl)phenyl]-spiro[fluorene-7,9′-benzofluorene] doped with 1,6-bis[(p-trimethylsilylphenyl)amino]pyrene displayed high color purity (0.138, 0.138) and high efficiency (3.70 cd/A at 7 V).     

A Multi-step Virtual Screening Protocol for the Identification of Novel Non-acidic Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) Inhibitors

Microsomal prostaglandin E₂ synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer. To identify novel scaffolds for mPGES-1 inhibition, we applied a virtual screening (VS) protocol that comprises molecular docking, fingerprints-based clustering with diversity-based selection, protein–ligand interactions fingerprints, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations. The hits identified were carefully analyzed to ensure the selection of novel scaffolds that establish stable interactions with key residues in the mPGES-1 binding pocket and inhibit the catalytic activity of the enzyme. As a result, we discovered two promising chemotypes, 4-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-[(2-{[(propan-2-yl)sulfamoyl]methyl}phenyl)methyl]piperazine-1-carboxamide ( 6 ) and N-(4-methoxy-3-{[4-(6-methyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)phenyl]sulfamoyl}phenyl)acetamide ( 8 ), as non-acidic mPGES-1 inhibitors with IC₅₀ values of 1.2 and 1.3 μm , respectively. Minimal structural optimization of 8 resulted in three more compounds with promising improvements in inhibitory activity (IC₅₀: 0.3–0.6 μm ). The unprecedented chemical structures of 6 and 8 , which are amenable to further derivatization, reveal a new and attractive approach for the development of mPGES-1 inhibitors with potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.     

Novel functionalized monomers based on kojic acid: snythesis,characterization, polymerization and evalution of antimicrobial activity

Two novel acrylate monomers, [5-(benzyloxy)-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl]methyl acrylate and {1-[(5-(benzyloxy)-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl)methyl]-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}methyl acrylate were synthesized by the reaction of 5-benzyloxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one and 5-(benzyloxy)-2-{[4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]methyl}-4H-pyran-4-one with acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine, respectively. These monomers were polymerized using 2,2^′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator in N,N-dimethylformamide:14-dioxane (10:1) solution. The thermal behavior of the polymers was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activites aganist bacteria and fungi using the disk diffusion method. The results indicated that some of these compounds demonstrated moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activities.     

Study of Biological Activities and ADMET-Related Properties of Novel Chlorinated N-arylcinnamamides

A series of eighteen 4-chlorocinnamanilides and eighteen 3,4-dichlorocinnamanilides were designed, prepared and characterized. All compounds were evaluated for their activity against gram-positive bacteria and against two mycobacterial strains. Viability on both cancer and primary mammalian cell lines was also assessed. The lipophilicity of the compounds was experimentally determined and correlated together with other physicochemical properties of the prepared derivatives with biological activity. 3,4-Dichlorocinnamanilides showed a broader spectrum of action and higher antibacterial efficacy than 4-chlorocinnamanilides; however, all compounds were more effective or comparable to clinically used drugs (ampicillin, isoniazid, rifampicin). Of the thirty-six compounds, six derivatives showed submicromolar activity against Staphylococcus aureus and clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). (2E)-N-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]- 3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-enamide was the most potent in series 1. (2E)-N-[3,5-bis(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-enamide, (2E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]prop-2-enamide, (2E)-3-(3,4-dichloro- phenyl)-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]prop-2-enamide and (2E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- N-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]prop-2-enamide were the most active in series 2 and in addition to activity against S. aureus and MRSA were highly active against Enterococcus faecalis and vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis isolates and against fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis and against slow-growing M. marinum, M. tuberculosis non-hazardous test models. In addition, the last three compounds of the above-mentioned showed insignificant cytotoxicity to primary porcine monocyte-derived macrophages.     

The synthesis and crystal structure of {N-dodecyl-N-pyridin-2-ylmethylene]amine}dichloro palladium and its preliminary evaluation as a catalyst for ethylene polymerization

The new pyridylimine complex, {N-dodecyl-N-[(1E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylene]amine}dichloro palladium was synthesized by the reaction of N-(dodecanyl)pyridyl-2-methanimine with (COD)PdCl₂. The complex when activated with methylaluminoxane polymerizes ethylene to produce only high-density polyethylene under mild reaction conditions.     

Efficient synthesis of functionalized bis-(4-oxo-1,3-thiazolan-5-ylidene)acetates

Reaction of 1-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyl)-3-{4-[3-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyl)thioureido]phenyl}thiourea or 1-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyl)-3-{5-[3-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyl)thioureido]naphthalen-1-yl}thiourea with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates in CH₂Cl₂ leads to alkyl (2-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylimino)-3-{4-[-(,2-dimethyl-propionylimino)-5-alkoxycarbonylmethylene-4-oxo-thiazolidin-3-yl]-phenyl}-4- oxo-thiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetates or alkyl (2-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylimino)-3-{5-[2-(2,2-dimethyl-propionylimino)-5-alkoxycarbonylmethylene-4-oxo-thiazolidin-3-yl]naphthalen-1-yl}-4-oxo-thiazo lidin-5-ylidene)acetates in good yields.     

A new family of trinuclear Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes acting as pH-induced fluorescence switch

Tripodal ligands 1,3,5-tris{4-((1,10-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl}-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (L¹), 1,1,1-tris{4-((1,10-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)methyl}propane (L²), 2,2′,2′′-tris{4-((1,10-phenanthroline-[5,6-d]imidazol-2-yl)phenoxy)ethyl}amine (L³), and corresponding Ru(II) complexes [(bpy)₆L^1–3(Ru^II)₃](PF₆)₆, shortly called (Ru–L^1–3), have been synthesized. UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of these complexes are both strongly dependent on the pH of the buffer solution. These complexes act as pH-induced off–on–off fluorescence switch through protonation and deprotonation of the imidazole-containing ligands.     

Discovery of Affinity-Based Probes for Btk Occupancy Assays

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is an attractive target for the treatment of a wide array of B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Small-molecule covalent irreversible Btk inhibitors targeting Cys481 have been developed for the treatment of such diseases. In clinical trials, probe molecules are required in occupancy studies to measure the level of engagement of the protein by these covalent irreversible inhibitors. The result of this pharmacodynamic (PD) activity provides guidance for appropriate dosage selection to optimize inhibition of the drug target and correlation of target inhibition with disease treatment efficacy. This information is crucial for successful evaluation of drug candidates in clinical trials. Based on the pyridine carboxamide scaffold of a novel solvent-accessible pocket (SAP) series of covalent irreversible Btk inhibitors, we successfully developed a potent and selective affinity-based biotinylated probe 12 (2-[(4-{4-[5-(1-{5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxo-hexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanamido}-3,6,9,12-tetraoxapentadecan-15-amido)pentanoyl]piperazine-1-carbonyl}phenyl)amino]-6-[1-(prop-2-enoyl)piperidin-4-yl]pyridine-3-carboxamide). Compound 12 has been used in Btk occupancy assays for preclinical studies to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Btk inhibition in two mouse lupus models driven by TLR7 activation and type I interferon.