Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2- c]quinazolines and Pyrrolo[2,1- a]isoquinolines and Antiplasmodial Evaluation

J Org Chem. 2023 Jul 7;88(13):8781-8790. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00616. Epub 2023 Jun 5.

Abstract

Reactions involving C(sp3)-H bonds of azaarenes have been widely studied in recent years as they allow direct functionalization of these N-heterocycles without the use of harsh reaction conditions. In this work, we describe the C(sp3)-H functionalization of 4-methylquinazolines and 1-benzylisoquinolines, employing α-substituted β-nitrostyrenes catalyzed by inexpensive copper acetate. Under the optimized condition, 21 pyrrolo[1,2-c]quinazolines, as well as an imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline and 4 pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, were obtained in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, the biological activity of the pyrrolo[1,2-c]quinazolines was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum, and promising results were obtained.

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials*
  • Catalysis
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Isoquinolines / chemistry
  • Quinazolines*

Substances

  • Quinazolines
  • Copper
  • Antimalarials
  • Isoquinolines