CF2H, a Functional Group-Dependent Hydrogen-Bond Donor: Is It a More or Less Lipophilic Bioisostere of OH, SH, and CH3?

J Med Chem. 2019 Jun 13;62(11):5628-5637. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00604. Epub 2019 May 29.

Abstract

The effects of the CF2H moiety on H-bond (HB) acidity and lipophilicity of various compounds, when attached directly to an aromatic ring or to other functions like alkyls, ethers/thioethers, or electron-withdrawing groups, are discussed. It was found that the CF2H group acts as a HB donor with a strong dependence on the attached functional group ( A = 0.035-0.165). Regarding lipophilicity, the CF2H group may act as a more lipophilic bioisostere of OH but as a similar or less lipophilic bioisostere of SH and CH3, respectively, when attached to Ar or alkyl. In addition, the lipophilicity of ethers, sulfoxides, and sulfones is dramatically increased upon CH3/CF2H exchange at the α position. Interestingly, this exchange significantly affects not only the polarity and the volume of the solutes but also their HB-accepting ability, the main factors influencing log Poct. Accordingly, this study may be helpful in the rational design of drugs containing this moiety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorocarbons / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation

Substances

  • Fluorocarbons