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Bcr-Abl plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). But Bcr-Abl is prone to mutation, so it increases the difficulty of clinical treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to design a new class of broad-spectrum Bcr-Abl inhibitors. Herein, forty novel thiazolamide-benzamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated their broad-spectrum Bcr-Abl inhibitory activities. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by using spectrum data (1H NMR, APCI-MS and IR) and elemental analysis. The protein kinase results indicated that eight compounds (3a, 3e, 3m, 3n, 3p, 4c, 4f, 4g) showed high activities to wild-type and T315I mutation. The most potent compound 3m exhibited an Abl IC50 value as low as 1.273 μM and showed inhibition to the T315I mutant with IC50 value 39.89 μM. 3m could prove to be a new promising lead compound for the further development of broad-spectrum Bcr-Abl inhibitors to overcome clinical acquired resistance.

While classical cathinones, such as methcathinone, have been shown to be monoamine releasing agents at human monoamine transporters, the subgroup of α-pyrrolidinophenones has thus far solely been characterized as monoamine transporter reuptake inhibitors. Herein, we report data from previously undescribed α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) derivatives and compare them with the pharmacologically well-researched α-PVP (α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone). Radiotracer-based in vitro uptake inhibition assays in HEK293 cells show that the investigated α-PPP derivatives inhibit the human high-affinity transporters of dopamine (hDAT) and norepinephrine (hNET) in the low micromolar range, with α-PVP being ten times more potent. Similar to α-PVP, no relevant pharmacological activity was found at the human serotonin transporter (hSERT). Unexpectedly, radiotracer-based in vitro release assays reveal α-PPP, MDPPP and 3Br-PPP, but not α-PVP, to be partial releasing agents at hNET (EC50 values in the low micromolar range). Furthermore, uptake inhibition assays at low-affinity monoamine transporters, i.e., the human organic cation transporters (hOCT) 1–3 and human plasma membrane monoamine transporter (hPMAT), bring to light that all compounds inhibit hOCT1 and 2 (IC50 values in the low micromolar range) while less potently interacting with hPMAT and hOCT3. In conclusion, this study describes (i) three new hybrid compounds that efficaciously block hDAT while being partial releasers at hNET, and (ii) highlights the interactions of α-PPP-derivatives with low-affinity monoamine transporters, giving impetus to further studies investigating the interaction of drugs of abuse with OCT1-3 and PMAT.

Regioselectivity of visible-light-induced transformations of a range of (hetero)aryl alkyl-substituted ketones bearing several competitive reactive sites (α-carbonyl, benzyl and aromatic ring) with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) was studied under solvent-free reaction conditions (SFRC) and in the absence of inert-gas atmosphere, radical initiators and catalysts. An 8-W energy-saving household lamp was used for irradiation. Heterogeneous reaction conditions were dealt with throughout the study. All substrates were mono- or dibrominated at the α-carbonyl position, and additionally, some benzylic or aromatic bromination was observed in substrates with benzylic carbon atoms or electron-donating methoxy groups, respectively. Surprisingly, ipso-substitution of the acyl group with a bromine atom took place with (4-methoxynaphthyl) alkyl ketones. While the addition of the radical scavenger TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxy) decreased the extent of α- and ring bromination, it completely suppressed the benzylic bromination and α,α-dibromination with NBS under SFRC.

Nitrogen-nitrogen bonds containing motifs are ubiquitous in natural products and bioactive compounds. However, the atropisomerism arising from a restricted rotation around an N-N bond is largely overlooked. Here, we describe a method to access the first enantioselective synthesis of N-N biaryl atropisomers via a Cu-bisoxazoline-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. A wide range of axially chiral N-N bisazaheterocycle compounds were efficiently prepared in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities via desymmetrization and kinetic resolution. Heating experiments showed that the axially chiral bisazaheterocycle products have high rotational barriers.

We have developed a method to synthesize α,α-dihaloketones under electrochemical conditions. In this reaction, the Cl- or Br- is oxidized to Cl2 or Br2 at the anode, which undergoes two-step addition reactions with the N,N-dimethyl enaminone, and finally breaks C[dbnd]C of the N,N-dimethyl enaminone to generate α,α-dihaloketones. The electrosynthesis reaction can be conveniently carried out in an undivided electrolytic cell at room temperature. In addition, various functional groups are compatible with this green protocol which can be applied simultaneously to the gram scale without significantly lower yield.

A series of new benzene-based derivatives was designed, synthesized and comprehensively characterized. All of the tested compounds were evaluated for their in vitro ability to potentially inhibit the acetyl-and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. The selectivity index of individual molecules to cholinesterases was also determined. Generally, the inhibitory potency was stronger against butyryl-compared to acetylcholinesterase; however, some of the compounds showed a promising inhibition of both enzymes. In fact, two compounds (23, benzyl ethyl(1-oxo-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)carbamate and 28, benzyl (1-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl) (methyl)carbamate) had a very high selectivity index, while the second one (28) reached the lowest inhibitory concentration IC50 value, which corresponds quite well with galanthamine. Moreover, comparative receptor-independent and receptor-dependent structure–activity studies were conducted to explain the observed variations in inhibiting the potential of the investigated carbamate series. The principal objective of the ligand-based study was to comparatively analyze the molecular surface to gain insight into the electronic and/or steric factors that govern the ability to inhibit enzyme activities. The spatial distribution of potentially important steric and electrostatic factors was determined using the probability-guided pharmacophore mapping procedure, which is based on the iterative variable elimination method. Additionally, planar and spatial maps of the host–target interactions were created for all of the active compounds and compared with the drug molecules using the docking methodology.

Rationale: The use of synthetic cathinones as recreational drugs frequently sold in combination has been increasing exponentially. However, the consequences of combining cathinones on the resulting stimulant effects and the pharmacokinetics have been poorly investigated. Objective and methods: To study 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV; 3?mg/kg) and mephedrone (4-MMC; 30?mg/kg)-induced effects on rat locomotor activity and pharmacokinetics, administered alone or in combination by the intragastric route. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental analysis and the relationships between the locomotor activity and drug concentrations using sigmoidal Emax modeling. Results: Locomotor activity significantly increased during the first hour post-administration with the MDPV/4-MMC combination in comparison to MDPV (p max (16.4 ± 5.5 versus 62.2 ± 14.2?μg/L, p 0 → ∞ (708 ± 91 versus 3316 ± 682?μg/L/min, p max model fitted the observed data well; MDPV being markedly more potent than 4-MMC (EC50, 0.043 versus 0.7?μmol/L). The enhancing factor representing the MDPV contribution to the alteration in the relationships between locomotor activity and 4-MMC concentrations was 0.3. Conclusion: An MDPV/4-MMC combination results in enhanced stimulant effects in the rat, despite significant reduction in MDPV bioavailability. Enhanced effects could be explained by increased MDPV distribution and/or possible complementation at the brain dopaminergic targets. However, the exact consequences of the MDPV/4-MMC combination in humans remain to be clarified.

Irradiation of α-bromopropiophenones in the presence of NBS results in the formation of α,β-dibromopropiophenones, which can be viewed as β-bromination of α-bromopropiophenones. The reaction is believed to go through a series of reactions; photoinduced C–Br bond cleavage, elimination of HBr to give α,β-unsaturated ketone intermediates, and addition of Br2, which are formed by the reaction between HBr and NBS. From mechanistic studies of the reaction, we have also found a very convenient method for α-debromination of the α,β-dibromopropiophenones which is by simple irradiation of the dibromo ketones in acetone or 2-propanol without the use of any additives. Our results demonstrate that bromine can be added into or eliminated from the alpha, beta, or both positions to the carbonyl group by photochemical methods, which make synthetic options of bromine containing carbonyl compounds versatile.

An efficient synthetic route towards the synthesis of β-keto sulfones has been developed from secondary benzyl alcohols using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). The present protocol utilizes NBS as oxidant as well as brominating agent, readily accessible benzyl alcohols and sodium arenesulfinates as the sulfonylating reagent under mild conditions. The control experiments revealed that the reaction proceeds via oxidation of alcohol to ketone, α-bromination of ketone and nucleophilic substitution by sodium arenesulfinate. Furthermore, the efficiency of the methodology was tested with a gram scale reaction and also shown the synthetic utility.

Simple treatment of arenes with α-bromoacetyl chloride and AlCl3, followed by the reaction with molecular iodine and aq. NH3, thioamides, or amidines gave the corresponding primary aromatic amides, 4-arylthiazoles, or 4-arylimidazoles in good yields, respectively. Aryl α-bromomethyl ketones are the key intermediates in those reactions. Primary aromatic amides were formed from arenes through the reaction of aryl α-bromomethyl ketones with molecular iodine and aq. NH3, and 4-arylthiazoles and 4-arylimidazoles were formed from arenes through the reactions of aryl α-bromomethyl ketones with thioamides and amidines, respectively, in one pot under transition-metal-free conditions.

The formal total synthesis of hybocarpone was achieved in eight steps from commercially available 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene. Key transformations include a visible-light-promoted benzannulation to construct the key α-naphthol intermediate and a modified CAN-mediated dimerization/hydration cascade sequence to generate the vicinal all-carbon quaternary centers in a stereocontrolled manner. The total synthesis of boryquinone was also achieved in seven steps.

(–)-Talaumidin (1), a 2,5-biaryl-3,4-dimethyltetrahydrofuran lignan, shows potent neurotrophic activities such as neurite-outgrowth promotion and neuroprotection. Previously, we found that (–)-(1S,2R,3S,4R)-stereoisomer 2 exhibited more significant activity than did the natural product talaumidin (1). However, the preparation of optically active (–)-2 requires a complicated synthetic route. To explore new neurotrophic compounds that can be obtained on a large scale, we established a short step synthetic route for talaumidin derivatives and synthesized fourteen analogues based on the structure of (–)-2. First, we synthesized a racemic compound of (–)-2 (2a) and assessed its neurotrophic activity. We found that the neurotrophic property of racemic 2a is similar in activity to that of (–)-2. Using the same synthetic methodology, several talaumidin derivatives were synthesized to optimize the oxy-functionality on aromatic rings. As a result, bis(methylenedioxybenzene) derivative 2b possessed the highest neurotrophic activity. Furthermore, examination of the structure-activity relationships of 2b revealed that the 2,5-diphenyl-tetrahydrofuran structure was an essential structure and that two methyl groups on THF ring could enhance neurotrophic activity. In addition, compounds 2a and 2b were found to induce mouse optic nerve regeneration in vivo.

Straightforward access to various substituted naphthalenones by copper-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation cascades of 2-bromo-1-arylpropan-1-ones with terminal alkynes is presented. Employing a Cu(MeCN)4PF4 catalyst and 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10-Phen) ligand enables the formation of three new C-C bonds in a single reaction via [4 + 2] annulation of a 2-bromo-1-arylpropan-1-one with an alkyne followed by α-alkylation with the other 2-bromo-1-arylpropan-1-one with excellent functional group tolerance and step efficiency.

Photolysis of α-bromopropiophenones in acetonitrile results in formation of β-bromopropiophenones with good product selectivity, which can be coined as 1,2-Br shift reaction. The product selectivity increases when the reaction is done in neat or solid state, where only the 1,2-Br shift product is formed in some cases. The reaction is suggested to proceed by C–Br bond homolysis to give a radical pair, followed by disproportionation and conjugate addition of HBr to the α,β-unsaturated ketone intermediate. When the unsaturated intermediate is stabilized by an extra conjugation, the reaction stops at the stage, in which the unsaturated ketone becomes a major product. The synthetic method described in this research fits in a category of eco-friendly organic synthesis nicely since the reaction does not use volatile organic solvents and any other additives such as acid, base or metal catalysts, etc. Besides, the method fits into perfect atom economy, which does not give any side products. The synthetic method should find much advantage over other alternative methods to obtain β-bromo carbonyl compounds.

The iridium-f-amphox-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of racemic α-amino β-unfunctionalized ketones proceeds via a DKR (dynamic kinetic resolution) process for the construction of various chiral N,N-disubstituted α-amino β-unfunctionalized alcohols in quantitative yields with excellent enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities (all products >99% ee and >99:1 dr, TON up to 100 000). Importantly, this catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation with a DKR process provided a highly efficient and powerful synthetic strategy for the preparation of key chiral intermediates of the preclinical antitumor agent (S,S)-R116010.

Background and Purpose: 4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone (mephedrone) is a synthetic stimulant that acts as a substrate-type releaser at transporters for dopamine (DAT), noradrenaline (NET) and 5-HT (SERT). Upon systemic administration, mephedrone is metabolized to several phase I compounds: the N-demethylated metabolite, 4-methylcathinone (nor-mephedrone); the ring-hydroxylated metabolite, 4-hydroxytolylmephedrone (4-OH-mephedrone); and the reduced keto-metabolite, dihydromephedrone. Experimental Approach: We used in vitro assays to compare the effects of mephedrone and synthetically prepared metabolites on transporter-mediated uptake and release in HEK293 cells expressing human monoamine transporters and in rat brain synaptosomes. In vivo microdialysis was employed to examine the effects of i.v. metabolite injection (1 and 3?mg·kg?1) on extracellular dopamine and 5-HT levels in rat nucleus accumbens. Key Results: In cells expressing transporters, mephedrone and its metabolites inhibited uptake, although dihydromephedrone was weak overall. In cells and synaptosomes, nor-mephedrone and 4-OH-mephedrone served as transportable substrates, inducing release via monoamine transporters. When administered to rats, mephedrone and nor-mephedrone produced elevations in extracellular dopamine and 5-HT, whereas 4-OH-mephedrone did not. Mephedrone and nor-mephedrone, but not 4-OH-mephedrone, induced locomotor activity. Conclusions and Implications: Our results demonstrate that phase I metabolites of mephedrone are transporter substrates (i.e. releasers) at DAT, NET and SERT, but dihydromephedrone is weak in this regard. When administered in vivo, nor-mephedrone increases extracellular dopamine and 5-HT in the brain whereas 4-OH-mephedrone does not, suggesting the latter metabolite does not penetrate the blood–brain barrier. Future studies should examine the pharmacokinetics of nor-mephedrone to determine its possible contribution to the in vivo effects produced by mephedrone.

The reactions of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) with α-bromocarbonyl compounds leading efficiently to α-sulfonated ketones, esters, and amides were reported, in which an explicit new role of TosMIC as the sulfonylating agent was uncovered for the first time. Mechanistic study by control experiments and DFT calculations suggested that the reaction is initiated by Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed hydration of TosMIC to form a formamide intermediate, which undergoes facile C-S bond cleavage under the mediation of a Cs2CO3 additive.

The strategy of stereodivergent reactions on racemic mixtures (stereodivergent RRM) was employed for the first time in intramolecular benzoin reactions and led to the rapid access of chromanones/flavanones with two consecutive stereocenters. The easily separable stereoisomers of the products were obtained with moderate to excellent enantioselectivities in a single step. Catechol type additives proved crucial in achieving the desired diastereo- and enantioselectivities.

An unprecedented iodine(III)-mediated oxidative transposition of vinyl halides has been accomplished. The products obtained, α-halo ketones, are useful and polyvalent synthetic precursors. There are only a handful of reported examples of the direct conversion of vinyl halides to their corresponding α-halo carbonyl compounds. Insights into the mechanism and demonstration that this synthetic transformation can be done under enantioselective conditions are reported.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as 'bath salts', are a group of amphetamine-like drugs gaining popularity worldwide. 4-Methylmethcathinone (mephedrone, MEPH) is the most commonly abused synthetic cathinone in the UK, and exerts its effects by acting as a substrate-type releaser at monoamine transporters. Similar to other cathinone-related compounds, MEPH has a chiral centre and exists stably as two enantiomers: R-mephedrone (R-MEPH) and S-mephedrone (S-MEPH). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Here, we provide the first investigation into the neurochemical and behavioural effects of R-MEPH and S-MEPH. We analysed both enantiomers in rat brain synaptosome neurotransmitter release assays and also investigated their effects on locomotor activity (e.g. ambulatory activity and repetitive movements), behavioural sensitization and reward. KEY RESULTS: Both enantiomers displayed similar potency as substrates (i.e. releasers) at dopamine transporters, but R-MEPH was much less potent than S-MEPH as a substrate at 5-HT transporters. Locomotor activity was evaluated in acute and repeated administration paradigms, with R-MEPH producing greater repetitive movements than S-MEPH across multiple doses. After repeated drug exposure, only R-MEPH produced sensitization of repetitive movements. R-MEPH produced a conditioned place preference whereas S-MEPH did not. Lastly, R-MEPH and S-MEPH produced biphasic profiles in an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), but R-MEPH produced greater ICSS facilitation than S-MEPH. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our data are the first to demonstrate stereospecific effects of MEPH enantiomers and suggest that the predominant dopaminergic actions of R-MEPH (i.e. the lack of serotonergic actions) render this stereoisomer more stimulant-like when compared with S-MEPH. This hypothesis warrants further study.

As part of our program to study neurotransmitter releasers, we report herein a class of hybrid dopamine reuptake inhibitors that display serotonin releasing activity. Hybrid compounds are interesting since they increase the design potential of transporter related compounds and hence represent a novel and unexplored strategy for therapeutic drug discovery. A series of N-alkylpropiophenones was synthesized and assessed for uptake inhibition and release activity using rat brain synaptosomes. Substitution on the aromatic ring yielded compounds that maintained hybrid activity, with the two disubstituted analogues (PAL-787 and PAL-820) having the most potent hybrid activity.

The invention relates to an immunoassay method and kit for the detection and/or the determination of mephedrone, mephedrone metabolites and related compounds. The invention is underpinned by a novel antibody, derived from a novel immunogen, that is sensitive and binds to mephedrone, mephedrone metabolites and related compounds.

Naphthoquinones, azanaphthoquinones and benxanthones, their process of synthesis and their use as antimalarial or antischistosomal agents.

Naphthoquinones, azanaphthoquinones and benxanthones, their process of synthesis and their use as antimalarial or antischistosomal agents.

The invention provides bupropion analogue compounds capable of inhibiting the reuptake of one or more monoamines. The compounds may selectively bind to one or more monoamine transporters, including those for dopamine, norepinephrine,and serotonin. Such compounds may be used to treat conditions that are responsive to inhibition of the reuptake of monoamines, including addiction, depression, and obesity

A series of bupropion (1a) analogues (1b-1ff) were synthesized, and their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties evaluated with the goal of developing a 1a analogue that had better properties for treating addictions. Their in vitro pharmacological properties were examined by [3H] dopamine ([3H]DA), [3H]serotonin ([3H]5HT), and [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) uptake inhibition studies, and by binding studies at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters using [125I]RTI-55 in cloned transporters. Several analogues showed increased [3H]DAuptake inhibition with reduced or little change in [3H]5HT and [3H]NE uptake inhibition relative to bupropion. Thirty-five analogues were evaluated in a 1 h locomotor activity observation test and 32 in an 8 h locomotor activity observation test and compared to the locomotor activity of cocaine. Twenty-four analogues were evaluated for generalization to cocaine drug discrimination after i.p. administration, and twelve analogues were tested in a time course cocaine discrimination study using oral administration. 2-(N-Cyclopropylamino)-3- chloropropiophenone (1x) had the most favorable in vitro efficacy and in vivo pharmacological profile for an indirect dopamine agonist pharmacotherapy for treating cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse addiction. 2009 American Chemical Society.

A series of 5-phenyl-substituted-N-alkyl-imidazolin-2-ones with potent radical-scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity was synthesized. Many of the compounds showed memory-improving effect in animal models independent of the inhibitory activity on lipid peroxidation.

A facile and efficient method for the α-halogenation of carbonyl compounds utilizing N-halosuccinimides (NXS) in the presence of urea-hydrogen peroxide (UHP) in [bmim]BF4 has been newly developed. Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

A new furopyrimidine compound, their pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and a tyrosine kinase activity inhibitor. The furopyrimidine compound is a compound defined by chemical formula 1, 2, 3 or 4, on their precursor, and can exist as a form of free base or in an acid-addition salt. Since the furopyrimidine compound has an effect of inhibiting activity of DDR2 tyrosine kinase, it can be used in treating illnesses caused by the DDR2 tyrosine kinase activity such as hepatocirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis or cancer.

A systematic increase of substitution rates by tert-butylamine on α-bromopropiophenones is observed with meta or para substituents with increasing electron-withdrawing ability (k x 103 L M-1 min-1 = 12.7 (p-CH3), 15.7 (o-F), 20.5 (H), 20.0 (p-Cl), 23.6 (m-Cl), 27.3 (p-CF3)). Within an ortho-substituted series, the reactivities decrease (k x 103 L M-1 min-1 = 7.64 (o-OCH3), 5.31 (o-CH3), 2.85 (o-Cl), 2.40 (o-CF3)). Ortho-substitution results occur from rotational barrier effects and an Aδσ + Bδσ + repulsion. The major bonding contribution between reaction and α-substituent centers (A-B) is only the σ bond. When π bonding is allowed between A and B (meta/para-substitution), delocalization and stabilization of the reacting center occurs.

The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pyrrole derivative of the following formula [1] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a solvate of either of them, as an active ingredient. STR1 (wherein R1 represents hydrogen or alkoxycar91 bonylamino, R2 represents alkyl, aryl which may be substituted, aromatic heterocyclyl which may be substituted, unsubstituted amino, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, or cyclic amino which may be substituted; R3 represents cyano or carbamoyl; R4 represents hydrogen or alkyl; E represents alkylene; q is equal to 0 or 1, A represents methyl, aryl which may be substituted, or aromatic heterocyclyl which may be substituted). The pharmaceutical composition of the invention is effective for the treatment of pollakiuria or urinary incontinence.

Compounds of the formula: STR1 wherein R1 is hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, alkyl, hydroxyl, alkyoxy, benzyloxy, alkanoyloxy, or benzoyloxy, or when R2 is hydroxyl or methoxy in the 4-position and R3 is hydrogen, R1 may also represent hydroxymethyl carbamoyl or alkoxycarbonyl, R2 is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, hydroxyl, or alkoxy, R3 is hydrogen or alkyl, R4 is alkyl (in which case the compounds are (±)-erythro) or when R3 represents hydrogen, R4 may also be hydrogen, and R5 is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, or three methoxy groups in the 3-, 4- and 5-positions and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, with the exclusion of compounds wherein: (a) one of R1 and R2 is in the 4-position and is hydroxyl, alkoxy or benzyloxy, the other is in the 3-position and is hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy or benzyloxy, and R3 and R5 are hydrogen and wherein: (b) R1 is in the 4-position and is halogen, R4 is methyl and R2, R3 and R5 are hydrogen, are useful as medicaments.

The ethylene acetals of aryl α-phenylseleno- and α-phenyltelluro-ethyl ketones i, Ph, Br) and 5-bromo-6-methoxy-2-naphthyl> have been prepared in 12-83percent yields by treating the corresponding α-bromo compounds with diphenyl diselenide-sodium or diphenyl ditelluride-sodium, respectively, in tetrahydrofuran-dimethylformamide under reflux for 6-10 h, during which the bromine is substituted by the PhSe or PhTe group.This substitution is not observed when the (PhM)2-NaBH4-EtOH (M=Se, Te) system which is known as a source of PhM- anion is used.Oxidation of the acetals thus formed with an excess of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid at 20-25 deg C for 1 h affords hydroxy-ethyl 2-arylpropanoates in 56-86percent yields via aryl group migration which are hydrolysed to 2-arylpropanoic acids, some of which are pharmaceutically important compounds.Overall isolated yields of 2-arylpropanoic acids are around 30-42percent based on the starting propiophenones over 5 steps.

Oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid of the ethylene acetals of aryl α-phenylseleno- or aryl α-phenyltelluro-ethyl ketones prepared by treating the corresponding α-bromo compounds with diphenyl diselenide-sodium or diphenyl ditelluride-sodium, respectively, affords hydroxyethyl 2-arylpropanoates in moderate to good yields via aryl group migration.

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