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Benzofuran trimers for organic electroluminescence.

Four linear benzofuran trimers have been prepared by a two-stage synthetic procedure. They were tested as materials for organic electroluminescence (OEL). Precursor phenylene ethynylene oligomers were formed in the first stage, then after removal of the phenolic hydroxyl protecting groups, a base was used to promote the cyclization of ortho-hydroxy phenylene ethynylenes to benzofurans. Both acetate esters and tert-butyl carbonates were employed as protecting groups. tert-Butyl and n-hexyl substituents on the benzofurans were used to modulate solubility, aggregation, and film-forming properties; two tert-butyl groups prevented aggregation in the solid state, thus maintaining emission in the blue region of the visible spectrum. The OEL characteristics of the tert-butyl-substituted benzofuran trimer were explored, and blue emission was observed. The two-stage synthetic procedure employed for the preparation of these benzofuran trimers may be applied to a wide variety of benzofuran oligomer and polymer targets.

Journal Article↗

Synthesis of novel benzofuran and related benzimidazole derivatives for evaluation of in vitro anti-HIV-1, anticancer and antimicrobial activities.

Previously, we synthesized and evaluated several benzofuran derivatives containing heterocyclic ring substituents linked to the benzofuran nucleus at C-2 by a two- to four-atom spacer as potential anti-HIV-1, anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Among these derivatives, NSC 725612 and NSC 725716 exhibited interesting anti-HIV-1 activity. To further investigate the structure-activity relationship, we synthesized several new benzofuran derivatives derived from 2-acetylbenzofuran (2, 3a-c) and 2-bromoacetylbenzofuran (6; 7a,b; 8a,b). The compounds were designed to comprise the heterocyclic substituents directly linked to the benzofuran nucleus at C-2. Moreover, various related benzimidazoles derived from 2-acetylbenzimidazole and from 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole (12a,b; 13a,b; 15; 16a,b) were also prepared as isosteres. The synthesized compounds were preliminarily evaluated for their in vitro anti-HIV-1, anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Compounds 2, 3a, 3b, and 12b showed weak anti-HIV-1 activity. Compound 6 exhibited mild activity against S. aureus, while compound 15 had mild activity towards S. aureus and C. albicans. However, no significant anticancer activity was observed with any of the tested compounds. From these results, we conclude that the presence of the spacer between the heterocyclic substituent and the benzofuran nucleus may be essential for the biological activity.

Benzimidazoles↗

Genotoxicity studies of benzofuran dioxetanes and epoxides with isolated DNA, bacteria and mammalian cells.

1,2-Dioxetanes, very reactive and high energy molecules, are involved as labile intermediates in dioxygenase-activated aerobic metabolism and in physiological processes. Various toxicological tests reveal that dioxetanes are indeed genotoxic. In supercoiled DNA of bacteriophage PM2 they induce endonuclease-sensitive sites, most of them are FPG protein-sensitive base modifications (8-hydroxyguanine, formamidopyrimidines). Pyrimidine dimers and sites of base loss (AP sites) which were probed by UV endonuclease and exonuclease III are minor lesions in this system. While the alkyl-substituted dioxetanes do not show any significant mutagenic activity in different Salmonella typhimurium strains, heteroarene dioxetranes such any significant mutagenic activity in different Salmonella typhimurium strains, heteroarene dioxetanes such as benzofuran and furocoumarin dioxetanes are strongly mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA100. DNA adducts formed with an intermediary alkylating agent appear to be responsible for the mutagenic activity of benzofuran dioxetane. We assume that the benzofuran epoxides, generated in situ from benzofuran dioxetanes by deoxygenation are the ultimate mutagens of the latter, since benzofuran epoxides are highly mutagenic in the S. typhimurium strain TA100 and they form DNA adducts, as detected by the 32P-postlabelling technique. Our results imply that the type of DNA damage promoted by dioxetanes is dependent on the structural feature of dioxetanes. Furthermore, the direct photochemical DNA damage by energy transfer, i.e., pyrimidine dimers, plays a minor role in the genotoxicity of dioxetanes. Instead, photooxidation dominates in isolated DNA, while radical damage and alkylation prevail in the cellular system.

Alkylating Agents↗

Benzofuran bioisosteres of hallucinogenic tryptamines.

The benzofuran analogues of the hallucinogens 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-alpha-methyltryptamine were synthesized and evaluated for affinity at the serotonin 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A receptors in rat brain homogenate, labeled with [125I]-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ([125I]DOI) and [3H]-8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)tetralin ([3H]-8-OH-DPAT), respectively. At the 5-HT2 receptor, the benzofurans had slightly decreased affinities, approximately one-third and one-sixth those of the indoles, for the primary amines and the tertiary amines, respectively. The benzofurans also had lower affinity at the 5-HT1A receptor, but decreased only about 20-30% from that of the indole isosteres. Thus, the 5-HT1A receptor is less discriminating with respect to preference for an indole versus a benzofuran, although all of the compounds did have higher affinities for the 5-HT2 receptor than for the 5-HT1A receptor. It is suggested that benzofurans may be useful in the design of serotonin receptor ligands.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

Benzofuran- and furan-2-yl-(phenyl)-3-pyridylmethanols: synthesis and inhibition of P450 aromatase.

A series of benzofuran-2-yl-(phenyl)-3-pyridylmethanol derivatives were prepared using an efficient 1-step procedure in good yields. In addition furan-2-yl-(phenyl)-3-pyridylmethanol derivatives were also prepared to determine the effect of the benzene ring in benzofuran with respect to inhibitory activity. The pyridylmethanol derivatives were all evaluated in vitro for inhibitory activity against aromatase (P450(AROM), CYP19), using human placental microsomes. The benzofuran-2-yl-(phenyl)-3-pyridylmethanol derivatives showed good to moderate activity (IC50 = 1.3-25.1 microM), which was either better than or comparable with aminoglutethimide (IC50 = 18.5 microM) but lower than arimidex (IC50 = 0.6 microM), with the 4-methoxyphenyl substituted derivative displaying optimum activity. Molecular modelling of the benzofuran-2-yl-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-pyridylmethanol derivative suggested activity to reside with the (S)-enantiomer. The furan-2-yl-(phenyl)-3-pyridylmethanol derivatives were devoid of activity indicating the essential role of the benzene ring of the benzofuran component for enzyme binding.

Aromatase↗

Potential of cyclopenta[b]benzofurans from Aglaia species in cancer chemotherapy.

During the past few years, a group of cyclopenta[b]benzofurans from the plant genus Aglaia has received broad scientific attention as interesting natural product lead compounds with potential anticancer and insecticidal activities. Since the first cyclopenta[b]benzofuran derivative, rocaglamide, from Aglaia elliptifolia, was found to exhibit antileukemic activity in a murine in vivo model, the genus Aglaia has been subjected to further investigation. Over 40 cyclopenta[b]benzofurans have been tested against different human cancer cell lines, and the cumulative results provide some important clues as to how to improve their activity through modification of their chemical structures. The semisynthesis and total synthesis of the cyclopenta[b]benzofurans have been conducted. Although the ultimate molecular target(s) responsible for their antiproliferative activity has not yet been identified, studies on their cellular mechanism of action have demonstrated that some of these compounds inhibit TNF-alpha or PMA-induced NF-kappaB activity in T-lymphocytes and induce apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines. Based on the published data thus far, cyclopenta[b]benzofurans offer excellent potential as therapeutic agent candidates in cancer chemotherapy, even if much work still remains to be done for their further development.

Aglaia↗

Inhibition of fibril formation in beta-amyloid peptide by a novel series of benzofurans.

A series of benzofuran derivatives have been identified as inhibitors of fibril formation in the beta-amyloid peptide. The activity of these compounds has been assessed by a novel fibril-formation-specific immunoassay and for their effects on the production of a biologically active fibril product. The inhibition afforded by the compounds seems to be associated with their binding to beta-amyloid, as identified by scintillation proximity binding assay. Binding assays and NMR studies also indicate that the inhibition is associated with self-aggregation of the compounds. There is a close correlation between the activity of the benzofurans as inhibitors of fibril formation and their ability to bind to beta-amyloid. Non-benzofuran inhibitors of the fibril formation process do not seem to bind to the same site on the beta-amyloid molecule as the benzofurans. Thus a specific recognition site might exist for benzofurans on beta-amyloid, binding to which seems to interfere with the ability of the peptide to form fibrils.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Synthesis of 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzofurans and their application to beta-amyloid aggregation inhibitor.

The facile synthesis of a series of 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzofurans (4a-e) is described. The one-pot reaction of 4-substituted phenols with the chloride 1 in the presence of zinc chloride afforded 3-methylthio-2-(4-acetoxyphenyl)benzofurans (2a-e). The compounds 4a-e were obtained from the hydrolysis of 2a-e followed by the desulfurization of the resulting 3-methylthio-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzofurans (3a-e). 5-Methyl-3-p-toluoyl-2-[4-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)phenyl]benzofuran (7), a beta-amyloid aggregation inhibitor, was synthesized by three steps starting from 4a.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Synthesis of 5-chloro-3-[4-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran as a beta-amyloid aggregation inhibitor.

An efficient synthesis of 5-chloro-3-[4-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)benzoyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (8), a potent beta-amyloid aggregation inhibitor, is described. 5-Chloro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (3) was obtained by the one-pot synthesis of 4-chlorophenol with omega-(methylsulfinyl)-p-methoxyacetophenone (1) under Pummerer reaction conditions, and it was followed by the desulfurization of the resultant 5-chloro-3-methylthio-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzofuran (2e). Acylation of benzofuran 3 with 4-(3-bromopropoxy)benzoyl chloride (6) gave the ketone 7, which was converted into compound 8 by the treatment of diethylamine.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

Synthesis and antifungal activities of some aryl [3-(imidazol-1-yl/triazol-1-ylmethyl) benzofuran-2-yl] ketoximes.

In this study, some aryl [3-(imidazol-1-yl/triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzofuran-2-yl] ketones, aryl (3-methyl-benzofuran-2-yl) ketoximes and aryl [3-(imidazol-1-yl/triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzofuran-2-yl] ketoximes were synthesised starting from 2-aryloyl-3-methyl-benzofuranes. The structure elucidation of the compounds was performed by IR, 1H-NMR, MASS spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Antifungal activities of the compounds were examined and moderate activity was obtained.

Antifungal Agents↗

Cannabimimetic activity of novel enantiomeric, benzofuran cannabinoids.

The synthesis of the (2R,3R,4S,6R)-7/(2S,3S,4R,6S)-8 enantiomeric pair of benzofuran cannabinoids is reported together with the 1H and 13C NMR spectral parameters. In benzofuran 8 the configurational arrangement of ligated groups at the stereogenic C(3) atom (through which the terpene moiety is connected to the aromatic ring) is very similar to that of the corresponding atom in natural (3R,4R)-delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 1-THC), although their respective Cahn-Ingold-Prelog descriptors are different. In drug-discrimination tests in pigeons and rats, benzofuran 8 is as active as delta 1-THC; in the mouse ring test compound 8 is more active than delta 6-THC. Enantiomer 7 is considerably less active than enantiomer 8 in both tests. These results can be explained by the fact that both 7 and 8 have a dimethylheptyl side chain (which is known to enhance cannabimimetic activity) and that delta 1-THC and benzofuran 8 have closely related conformations, as determined by molecular mechanics.

Animals↗

Potent CYP19 (aromatase) 1-[(benzofuran-2-yl)(phenylmethyl)pyridine, -imidazole, and -triazole inhibitors: synthesis and biological evaluation.

The synthesis of a series of novel 1-[(benzofuran-2-yl)phenylmethyl]-pyridine, -imidazole, and -triazole derivatives is described. All the compounds were evaluated in vitro for inhibitory activity against aromatase (P450(AROM), CYP19), using human placental microsomes. The 6-methoxy- and 6-hydroxy-substituted benzofuran derivatives were shown to be potent CYP19 inhibitors (IC(50) = 0.01-1.46 microM) with activity greater than that observed for the unsubstituted parent compounds and inhibitory activity comparable with or greater than the reference compound arimidex (IC(50) = 0.6 microM). Six of the benzofuran derivatives were subjected to in vitro cytotoxicity assays, using rat liver hepatocytes with cytotoxicity determined from alteration in cell morphology and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme retention over a period of 24 h, and selectivity (CYP17, 17beta-HSD types 1 and 3, CYP24, and CYP26) determination; negligible inhibitory activity was observed, suggesting a good selectivity for CYP19. The pyridine benzofuran 4a containing the 4-fluorophenyl group was the most promising (IC(50) = 44 nM; LC(50) >100 microM) compared with arimidex (IC(50) = 600 nM; LC(50) > 200 microM).

Animals↗

Affinity profiles of novel delta-receptor selective benzofuran derivatives of non-peptide opioids.

Highly selective heterocyclic opioid ligands with potent delta-antagonist activity have been developed on the basis of the "message-address" concept. Using this strategy, benzofuran derivatives corresponding to the non-selective opioid antagonist, naloxone, and to the mu-opioid receptor selective agonists, oxymorphone and oxycodone, were synthesized. In vitro opioid receptor binding profiles and agonist/antagonist character of these compounds were determined in rat brain membrane preparations with highly selective radioligands. All three benzofuran derivatives displayed high affinities for the delta-opioid receptor, much less potency toward the mu-binding site, and were the least effective at the kappa-site. The results indicated that the addition of the bezofuran moiety to these fused ring opioids confers delta-receptor selectivity. The Na+ indices suggested a partial agonist character for oxymorphone- and oxycodone-benzofuran, and an antagonist character for naloxone-benzofuran. These compounds were capable of irreversible inhibition of opioid binding sites in a dose-dependent.

Animals↗

Synthesis and complement inhibitory activity of B/C/D-ring analogues of the fungal metabolite 6,7-diformyl-3',4',4a',5',6',7',8',8a'-octahydro-4,6',7'-trihydroxy- 2',5',5',8a'-tetramethylspiro[1'(2'H)-naphthalene-2(3H)-benzofuran].

This paper reports the synthesis and the bioassay of 4-methoxy- and 4-hydroxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane] partial analogues (5) of the complement inhibitory sesquiterpene fungal metabolite 6,7-diformyl-3',4',4a',5',6',7',8',8a'-octahydro-4,6',7'-trihydroxy-2',5',5',8a'-tetramethylspiro[1'(2'H)-naphthalene-2(3H)-benzofuran] (1a, K-76) and its silver oxide oxidized product (1b, K-76COOH). The described target compounds represent spirobenzofuran B/C/D-ring analogues lacking the A-ring component of the prototype structure. The target compounds were evaluated by the inhibition of total hemolytic complement activity in human serum. It was observed that the structurally simplified analogue 4-methoxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane]-6-carboxylic acid (5a) exhibited an IC(50) = 0.53 mM similar to the IC(50) = 0.57 mM that was observed for the natural product derivative 1b. Exhibiting an IC(50) = 0.16 mM, the three-ringed partial structure 6-carboxy-7-formyl-4-methoxyspiro[benzofuran-2(3H)-cyclohexane] (5k)was found to be the most potent target compound. Like the natural product, 5k appears to inhibit primarily at the C5 activation step and inhibits both the classical and alternative human complement pathways. Several other analogues inhibited complement activation in vitro at concentrations similar to those required for inhibition by the natural product 1b.

Animals↗

Exploring QSAR of melatonin receptor ligand benzofuran derivatives using E-state index.

Considering the recent challenge to the medicinal chemists for the development of selective melatonin receptor ligands, an attempt has been made to explore physicochemical requirements of benzofuran derivatives for binding with human MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes and also to explore selectivity requirements. In this study, E-states of different common atoms of the molecules (calculated according to Kier and Hall) and physicochemical parameters (partition coefficient and molar refractivity) were used as independent variables along with suitable dummy parameters. The best equation describing MT1 binding affinity [n = 34, Q2 = 0.670, Ra2 = 0.790, R2 = 0.822, R = 0.907, s = 0.609, F = 25.8 (df 5, 28)] suggests that the binding affinity decreases as the value of n (number of CH2 spacer beside R2) increases while it increases with rise in electrotopological state values of different atoms of the benzofuran ring. Again, presence of methoxy group at R1 and hydrogen, unsubstituted phenyl or fluoro-substituted phenyl group at R2 is conducive to the MT1 binding affinity. The binding affinity decreases if furyl substitution at R3 position is present. The best equation describing MT2 binding affinity [n = 34, Q2 = 0.602, Ra2 = 0.755, R2 = 0.792, R = 0.890, s = 0.584, F = 213 (df 5, 28)] shows that the MT2 binding affinity depends on the similar factors as described for MT1 binding affinity; however, the contributions of the factors for the two affinities are different to some extent as evidenced from the regression coefficients. Among the selectivity relations, the best equation [n = 33, Q2 = 0.496 Ra2 = 0.681, R2 = 0.721, R = 0.849, s = 0.458, F = 18.1(df 4, 28)] suggests that MT2 binding increases with increase in value of n, presence of methoxy group at R1, and E-state values of different atoms of the benzofuran ring, while it decreases in presence of furyl group at R3 position.

Benzofurans↗

7-Substituted 2-phenyl-benzofurans as ER beta selective ligands.

A series of 2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-benzofuran-5-ols with relatively lipophilic groups in the 7-position of the benzofuran was prepared and the affinity and selectivity for ER beta was measured. Many of the analogues were found to be potent and selective ER beta ligands. Additional modifications at the benzofuran 4-position as well as at the 3'-position of the 2-phenyl group were found to further increase selectivity. Such modifications led to compounds with <10 nM potency and >100-fold selectivity for ER beta.

Benzofurans↗

Cyclopenta[b]benzofurans from Aglaia species with pronounced antifungal activity against rice blast fungus (Pyricularia grisea).

Eight flavaglines, six cyclopenta[b]benzofurans, a cyclopenta[bc]benzopyran, and a benzo[b]oxepine, together with an aromatic butyrolactone were isolated from Aglaia odorata, A. elaeagnoidea, and A. edulis (Meliaceae) and tested against the three plant pathogens Pyricularia grisea, Fusarium avenaceum, and Alternaria citri for antifungal properties. Using the microdilution technique linked with digital image analysis of germ tubes, the benzofurans displayed strong activity, whereas the benzopyran, benzoxepine, and butyrolactone were inactive at the highest concentration tested. P. grisea, responsible for rice blast disease, was the most susceptible fungus against all benzofurans, with rocaglaol as the most active derivative. Based on EC(50), EC(90), and MIC values, the antifungal activity of rocaglaol was clearly higher than of the reference compounds, blasticidin S and Benlate.

Alternaria↗

Thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitors. 5-(3-Pyridylmethyl)benzofuran-2-carboxylic acids.

The synthesis and screening of a series of 5-(3-pyridylmethyl)benzofuran-2-carboxylic acids as selective thromboxane A2 (TxA2) synthase inhibitors is outlined. The ability of these compounds to inhibit TxA2 biosynthesis was assayed using microsomal enzyme from human platelets. Substitution of the benzofuran ring caused small changes in potency; modification of the carboxylic acid group caused modest reductions in potency, and substitution of the pyridine ring resulted in large reductions of potency. 5-(3-Pyridylmethyl)benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid sodium salt (9b, sodium furegrelate) was chosen for further evaluation as a TxA2 synthase inhibitor.

Animals↗