Facile synthesis of 7-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridines as arginine mimetics using a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons-based approach

Abstract

Integrin inhibitors based on the tripeptide sequence Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) are potential therapeutics for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Herein, we describe an expeditious three-step synthetic sequence of Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination, diimide reduction, and global deprotection to synthesise cores for these compounds in high yields (63–83% over 3 steps) with no need for chromatography. Key to this transformation is the phosphoramidate protecting group, which is stable to metalation steps.

Introduction

Tetrahydronaphthyridines are prominent in peptidomimetic pharmaceuticals as arginine mimetics and they are widely used in Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) peptide mimetics such as αv integrin inhibitors [1]. Tetrahydronaphthyridines represent less basic but more permeable alternatives to arginine (pK _a ≈ 7 versus 13.8) [1] replicating the side-on salt-bridge binding interaction made between the guanidinium functionality of arginine and an aspartic acid residue in the protein. Consequently, this moiety has been used in various integrin inhibitors (Fig. 1) [2–8].

Figure 1

The Arg–Gly–Asp tripeptide sequence and examples of tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine-containing integrin inhibitors.

Current routes to install tetrahydronaphthyridines predominantly revolve around late-stage hydrogenation of fully aromatic 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives 3, usually prepared via an acid or base-catalysed Friedländer reaction between 2-aminonicotinaldehyde (1) and the corresponding ketone 2 (Scheme 1). Both reactions employ harsh conditions with limited functional group tolerance and limited regiochemical control, which presents considerable purification issues during large-scale synthesis [8–10]. More recently, catalytic methodologies for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 1,8-naphythyridines have been reported [11–12].

Scheme 1

Commonly used synthetic routes to tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine moieties by hydrogenation of saturated naphthyridines 3.

Recently, GlaxoSmithKline disclosed a route to a fluoropyrrolidine 6 using a Wittig reaction between phosphonium salt 4 and aldehyde 5 [2]. The synthesis of phosphonium salt 4 (itself requiring 6 steps including partial saturation of a 1,8-naphthyridine moiety) and the formation of the triphenylphosphine oxide byproduct in the Wittig step presented complications on both gram and kilogram scales. Herein, we report a novel synthetic sequence to tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridines using a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction using diphosphorylated compound 7, proceeding in high yields and high purities without the need for chromatographic purification (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2

Previous synthetic route to fluoropyrrolidine 6 utilising a Wittig reaction and the novel, higher yielding route using a Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction.

Results and Discussion

Based on applications of phosphonates derived from 2-methylpyridine and 2-methlylquinoline derivatives in Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefinations [13–15], it was proposed that similar a methodology could be applied to 7-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine analogues. The investigation initially began using commercially available N-Boc-protected tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine 8 [16]. Upon deprotonation and quenching with diethyl chlorophosphate, migration of the Boc group from the nitrogen atom to the exocyclic methyl group was observed, affording phosphoramidate 9 in low yield, indicating good leaving group ability of the stabilised tetrahydronaphthyridine anion. No formation of phosphonate 10 was detected (Scheme 3).

Scheme 3

Synthesis of phosphoramidate 9 from tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine 8. Conditions: s-BuLi (3 equiv), diethyl chlorophosphate (1.1 equiv), THF, −42 °C, 30 min, 14% yield.

It was proposed that a deprotonation of 7-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine (11) with two equivalents of sec-BuLi would afford phosphonate 12 upon quenching with diethyl chlorophosphate via formation of the dianion. This could then be used in a subsequent Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction to construct the carbon skeleton of amine 6. Upon the addition of a single equivalent of diethyl chlorophosphate, phosphoramidate 13 was obtained exclusively at both −42 and −78 °C. The addition of two equivalents of the chlorophosphate yielded diphosphorylated compound 7, albeit in poor yield (Scheme 4).

Scheme 4

Mono- and diphosphorylation of tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine 11. Conditions: (i) s-BuLi (2 equiv), diethyl chlorophosphate (1 equiv), THF, −78 °C, 4 h, 44% yield; (ii) s-BuLi (2 equiv), diethyl chlorophosphate (2 equiv), THF, −78 °C, 4 h, 33% yield.

The deprotonation of phosphonate 7 and subsequent reaction with aldehyde 5, formed in situ by oxidation of alcohol 14 using T3P^® [17], yielded olefin 15 in 93% yield as a 94:5 mixture of stereoisomers – presumably E/Z, although this is not conclusive from the ¹H NMR spectrum. Based on LC–MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy observations, it is believed that aldehyde 5 exists predominantly as the corresponding hydrate and an excess of base (6 equiv) was required to overcome stalling of the olefination process. Reduction to compound 16 using benzenesulfonyl hydrazide (generating diimide in situ) proceeded in 80% yield and was followed by single-pot carbamate and phosphonate deprotection to afford arginine mimetic 6 in 86% yield. This represents a 64% overall yield which was increased to 68% when no column chromatography was undertaken between transformations, with no loss of purity (Scheme 5).

Scheme 5

Synthesis of amine 6 from phosphonate 7 and aldehyde 5. Conditions: (i) T3P^® (50% w/w in DCM, 3 equiv), DMSO (3 equiv), DIPEA (2.5 equiv), DCM, 0 °C, 1 h; (ii) KOt-Bu (6 equiv), THF, 0 °C, 70 min, 93% yield over two steps (relative to phosphonate 7); (iii) PhSO₂NHNH₂ (3 equiv), K₂CO₃ (4 equiv), DMF, 100 °C, 30 min, 80% yield; (iv) 7.4 M HCl, 100 °C, 1.5 h, 86% yield.

Olefin reduction and Cbz deprotection could not be performed simultaneously by palladium-catalysed hydrogenation as this resulted in defluorination, presumably via a Tsuji–Trost-like elimination of the allylic fluoride [18–19]. This sequence represents a marked improvement from the Wittig-including route, lowering the number of synthetic steps and increasing the overall yield [2]. Furthermore, no problematic byproducts are formed, and good purity is obtained without the use of any chromatography, which is ideal for large-scale processes.

Optimisation of the synthesis of phosphoramidate 13 and phosphonate 7

Having been shown to be a feasible intermediate, attention turned to improving the synthesis of bisphosphonate 7 via a two-step process, exploiting the base stability of the phosphoramidate protecting group. A variety of bases were trialed at 0 °C for the initial N-phosphorylation, with 10 minutes allowed for complete deprotonation to occur (Table 1).

Table 1

Bases surveyed for the formation of phosphoramidate 13.^a

Entry	Base	Amount of phosphoramidate 13/LC–MS a/a%
1	KOt-Bu (1 M in THF)	4
2	LiHMDS (1 M in THF)	58
3	LDA (2 M in hexanes/benzene)	58
4	s-BuLi (1.4 M in cyclohexane)	65
5	iPrMgCl (2 M in THF)	88

^aReactions performed on a 0.7 mmol scale of compound 11.

Only minimal phosphorylation was observed when using potassium tert-butoxide (Table 1, entry 1). This may be due the disparity in the pK _a between the base and tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine (based on 2-aminopyridine, the pKa of the saturated ring nitrogen is expected to be ≈28) [20]. Similarly, nitrogen-centred bases (Table 1, entries 2 and 3) gave moderate conversions to phosphoramidate 13 due to a close match of the pK _a of tetrahydronaphthyridine 11 and the pK _aH of the base; s-BuLi also gave reasonable conversion to the product (Table 1, entry 4) albeit contaminated with some impurities. This could likely be attributed to the thermal instability of the base and/or lithiated tetrahydronaphthyridine in THF at this temperature. The use of iPrMgCl, a strong but room temperature-stable base, gave the highest conversion to phosphoramidate 13. Further investigation into the use of iPrMgCl revealed that a quantitative conversion was achieved at ambient temperature with a metalation time of <1 minute. Pleasingly, premixing of tetrahydronaphthyridine 11 with diethyl chlorophosphate, followed by dropwise addition of iPrMgCl gave a clean and total conversion to phosphoramidate 13 as seen by LC–MS. When performed on a multigram scale, a 94% yield of compound 13 was obtained. The reaction also proceeded well (91% isolated yield) in 2-MeTHF, which offers a preferred alternative if the reaction is performed on a larger scale due to better partitioning with water, stability, and sustainability of production [21]. Of the bases trialled, only s-BuLi was efficient in promoting C-phosphorylation. Optimisation of the use of this base was then investigated further (Table 2).

Table 2

Optimisation of the formation of phosphonate 7 using s-BuLi as a base.^a

Entry	T/°C	s-BuLi/equiv	Lithiation time/min	Amount of phosphonate 7/LC–MS a/a%
1	−78	1.5	90	53
2	−42	2.0	20	62
3	−42	2.5	20	81
4	−42	3.0	20	86
5	−42	3.5	20	67
6	−42	4.0	20	48
7	−42	3.0 (+ 3 equiv TMEDA)	20	59
8	0	2.0	10	0

^aReactions were performed on a 4.6 mmol scale (entry 1), 0.5 mmol scale (entries 2–6), 0.3 mmol (entry 7), or 0.4 mmol scale (entry 8).

An optimal deprotonation and phosphorylation was found to occur when an excess (3 equiv) of base was used at −42 °C (Table 2, entry 4), with a lithiation time of 20 min. The addition of TMEDA was detrimental to this conversion with a large proportion of starting material 13 remaining (Table 2, entry 7). No product was formed at higher temperatures (Table 2, entry 8), likely due to the instability of the C-lithiated species at elevated temperatures as degradation was observed. It is believed that the excess base loading is required to account for the deprotonation of the more acidic phosphonate product 7 versus the starting material 13, and potential lithium sequestration by chelation between an oxygen atom of the phosphonate and the nitrogen atom of the unsaturated ring. Monitoring of the deprotonation followed by quenching with CD₃OD by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy indicated the formation of the monolabelled compound 17 as the major product, demonstrating that lithiation only occurs at a single position of compound 13 (Scheme 6).

Scheme 6

Monodeuteration of 13 as observed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR. Conditions: s-BuLi (3 equiv), THF, −42 °C, 20 min then CD₃OD (14 equiv), 5 min.

When performed on a multigram scale, phosphonate 7 was isolated in 68% yield after purification by chromatography on silica. This, combined with the formation of phosphoramidate 13 in 94% yield, represented a marked improvement to the initial one-pot diphosphorylation (Scheme 7). Contrary to reports using 2-methylquinolines, tandem phosphorylation and olefination was not possible [15]. When a sequential diphosphorylation was attempted in a single pot, diphosphorylated compound 7 was not observed, with phosphoramidate 13 accounting for the majority of product formed [22].

Scheme 7

Sequential diphosphorylation of tetrahydronaphthyridine 11. Conditions: (i) iPrMgCl (1.5 equiv), THF, then diethyl chlorophosphate (1.2 equiv), 5 min, 94% yield; (ii) s-BuLi (3 equiv), THF, −42 °C, 20 min, then (EtO)₂P(O)Cl (1.1 equiv), 20 min, 68% yield.

Reaction scope

The sequence of olefination, reduction, and deprotection was tested on other arginine mimetics of varying amine structure, constituting potential Arg–Gly components of Arg–Gly–Asp integrin inhibitors (Table 3). Where the aldehyde was not commercially available, N-Boc-protected alcohols were oxidised using IBX in refluxing ethyl acetate and used crude. Olefination required only a modest excess of base (1.5–2.4 equiv) and proceeded in <1 h. Sodium hydride was investigated as a heterogeneous alternative to potassium tert-butoxide, although a lower isolated yield of the final amine was obtained. All amines were formed in high NMR and LC–MS purity without the need for purification by column chromatography.

Table 3

Cores synthesised by the sequence of olefination, reduction, and deprotection, and the corresponding starting alcohols and aldehydes.^a

Entry	Alcohol	Aldehyde	Product	Yield
1	18	19	20	82%b
2	21	22	23	83%b
3	–	24	25	79%c
4	–	26	27	63%d

^aConditions: ^b(i) IBX (3 equiv), EtOAc, reflux, 2.25–3 h; (ii) KOt-Bu (1.5–2.3 equiv), THF, 0 °C, 7–40 min; K₂CO₃ (4 equiv), PhSO₂NHNH₂ (3 equiv), DMF, 100 °C, 70–80 min; (iv) 7.4 M HCl, 100 °C, 2 h; ^c(ii) KOt-Bu (1.8 equiv), THF, 0 °C, 5 min; (iii) K₂CO₃ (4 equiv), PhSO₂NHNH₂ (3 equiv), DMF, 100 °C, 75 min; (iv) 7.4 M HCl, 100 °C 3.5 h; ^d(ii) NaH (2.4 equiv), THF, 0 °C, 70 min; (iii) K₂CO₃ (4 equiv), PhSO₂NHNH₂ (3 equiv), DMF, 100 °C, 2 h; (iv) 7.4 M HCl, 100 °C, 2 h.

Pleasingly, the sequence proceeded in high yields (63–83%) for all substrates with no chromatography required. Despite relatively high yields, significant racemisation was seen in the synthesis of piperidine 20 and pyrrolidine cores 23. Pyrrolidine 23 was obtained with an ee of only 30%, representing a significant loss of enantiopurity. It is believed that racemisation occurred during the olefination step, caused by a base mediated keto–enol tautomerisation. It was proposed that the use of lithium hydroxide would promote hydrate formation, mitigating racemisation of the aldehyde. However, this was unsuccessful as complete racemisation was observed, with olefination requiring five days to complete. No olefination was seen using DIPEA under refluxing conditions. As such, this sequence, as currently performed, is suitable for substrates lacking an acidic α-proton (fluoropyrrolidine core 6) or achiral aldehydes (azetidine cores 25 and 27).

Furthermore, key to success of the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination was premixing of the aldehyde and phosphonate 7 prior to the addition of KOt-Bu. Upon deprotonation, phosphonate 7 (in the absence of aldehyde) underwent dimerisation to olefin 28. While the exact mechanism is not known, it may involve a reactive carbene intermediate formed by α-elimination of the phosphonate as described in previous reports [23]. Alternatively, a base-promoted autoxidation of phosphonate 7 in the presence of trace amounts of oxygen, followed by olefination may be taking place (Scheme 8) [24–26]. The autoxidation of phosphonates under THF/potassium tert-butoxide has been reported previously [27].

Scheme 8

Possible mechanistic pathways for the formation of dimer 28. Conditions: KOt-Bu, THF, 1 h, 68% yield.

In order to circumvent racemisation of aldehyde 22 during the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination, alkylation of phosphoramidate 13 was explored using commercially available iodide 29. The formation of compound 30 proceeded in 21% yield, with alcohol 31 and dimer 32 also formed in 20% and 5% yield, respectively (Scheme 9). Indeed, when iodide 29 was replaced with bromide 33 and tosylate 34 no formation of compound 30 was observed, with alcohol 31 and dimer 32 accounting for the major products. Acidic deprotection of phosphoramidate 30 afforded amine (R)- 23 in 92% yield in >99% ee, offering an alternative route to the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons-based approach.

Scheme 9

Alkylation of phosphoramidate 13 by iodide 29 to afford compound 30 and byproducts alcohol 31 and dimer 32. Use of bromide 33 or tosylate 34 afforded only compounds 31 and 32. Conditions: (i) s-BuLi (1.3 equiv), iodide 29, THF, −78 °C, 30 min; (ii) 7.4 M HCl, 100 °C, 3.5 h, 92% yield.

The mechanism of the formation of alcohol 31 and dimer 32 was not fully explored although it is likely to occur via a radical pathway. When iodide 29 was replaced by a superior oxidant in 1,2-dibromoethane, formation of dimer 32 increased (17% isolated yield). This supports the previously reported proposals that dimerisation occurs via single-electron oxidation of the 2-picolyl anion by the halide/pseudohalide oxidant followed by recombination of the resulting picolyl radical [28–30]. Whilst trace oxygen may be involved, as indicated by the presence of alcohol 31, no dimerisation or alcohol formation was seen in the absence of a halide/pseudohalide-based oxidant, during C-phosphorylation or deuteration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a novel method for the assembly of 7-alkyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,8-naphthyridine-based arginine mimetics was developed. The synthesis of phosphonate 7 was optimised, with a sequential diphosphorylation process using commercially available starting materials affording the desired compound in 64% overall yield. A Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons/reduction/deprotection procedure was used to synthesise amines in good yield requiring no chromatography, although racemisation was observed where chiral aldehydes possessed an α-proton. This methodology utilised the underused base-stable phosphoramidate protecting group, which was superior to the more commonly applied Boc protecting group which was unstable to the lithiation. This synthetic route replaces traditional Wittig and tandem alkylation/reduction methodologies, which suffer from complications arising from troublesome byproducts and reaction selectivity. The new procedure proceeds in a higher yield than previously obtained and may potentially offer benefits in large-scale manufacture of integrin inhibitors and other arginine peptidomimetics.