Synthesis of novel nitro-substituted triaryl pyrazole derivatives as potential estrogen receptor ligands

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/12071259

Novel tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives bearing a nitro substituent on their A-phenol ring were synthesized and their binding affinity towards the estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes ERα and ERβ was determined. Among compounds tested, the 2-nitrophenol derivative 5c was found to bind satisfactorily to both estrogen receptor subtypes (RBAα=5.17 and RBAβ=3.27). In general, the introduction of a nitro group into the A ring of these compounds was found to benefit their ERβ binding abilities.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/12071259

Molecules 2007, 12, 1259-1273
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
© 2007 by MDPI
www.mdpi.org/molecules
Full Paper
Synthesis of Novel Nitro-substituted Triaryl Pyrazole
Derivatives as Potential Estrogen Receptor Ligands
Fotini Naoum 1, Konstantinos M. Kasiotis 1, Prokopios Magiatis 2 and Serkos A. Haroutounian 1,*
1
Chemistry Laboratory, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
2
Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Natural Products Chemistry, University of
Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, Athens 15771, Greece
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sehar@aua.gr
Received: 11 June 2007; in revised form: 29 June 2007 / Accepted: 29 June 2007 / Published: 2 July
2007
Abstract: Novel tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives bearing a nitro substituent on their
A-phenol ring were synthesized and their binding affinity towards the estrogen receptor
(ER) subtypes ERα and ERβ was determined. Among compounds tested, the 2-nitrophenol
derivative 5c was found to bind satisfactorily to both estrogen receptor subtypes
(RBAα=5.17 and RBAβ=3.27). In general, the introduction of a nitro group into the A ring
of these compounds was found to benefit their ERβ binding abilities.
Keywords: Pyrazoles, SERMs, Estrogen Receptor Binding Affinity.
Introduction
The estrogen receptor (ER) displays a considerable capacity for binding with a wide range of
steroidal and nonsteroidal ligands. [1] Particularly, the nonsteroidal synthetic estrogens exhibit a
tolerance in respect their structural motifs which can encompass, besides the phenolic function, which
is a prerequisite for good binding, a large number of core building blocks. The latter may vary in
length and size, including a plethora of –fused and nonfused– carbocyclic and heterocyclic ring
systems [2-4].

Molecules 2007, 12
1260
An appreciable number of innovative Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator compounds (SERMs)
has been found to display a broad spectrum of agonist and antagonist actions at different target tissues.
In addition, the further characterization of a second form of the receptor (ERβ subtype) [5-7], has
focused the drug development research towards the discovery of ligands capable to activate or inhibit
selectively each of the ER subtypes. For the development of novel SERMs a variety of diverse ligands
has been considered.
Figure 1. 1,3,5-Triaryl-4-alkyl substituted pyrazole derivatives and 4-nitro-17β-estradiol.
X
OH
N
N
OH
R
HO
HO
NO2
R= n-Pr, X= H
R= n-Pr, X= OH (PPT)
4-nitro-17β-estradiol
R= Et, X= H
R= Et, X= OH
Among them, the tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives constitute an intriguing case, since 1,3,5-
triaryl-4-alkyl substituted pyrazoles, exemplified by the propylpyrazole triol PPT (Figure 1), have
been found to possess particularly high ERα-selective binding affinity and potency [8-10]. In this
context, various research findings have indicated that the substitution pattern of these pyrazole
derivatives greatly affects their binding affinity to the Estrogen Receptors [11].
In connection to our interest in ER binding selectivity pattern studies, we envisioned the synthesis
of novel tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives bearing an o-nitro substituent on their A-phenol ring and
possess the – critical for binding – alkyl group on C–4 of the pyrazole ring. Recent reports have
established that similar ring systems constitute valuable substrates for A-ring functionalised steroidal
scaffolds [12] with potential application in asymmetric synthesis [13], supramolecular recognition
[14], cancer chemotherapy [15], steroid receptor-based imaging [16] and material science [17]. In this
regard, the 4-(and/or 2)-nitro-17β-estradiol (Figure 1) have been exploited as compounds with
anticancer activity and probes for ligand-receptor interaction studies [18–20]. Thus, we were interested
in determining the impact of the presence of the electron-rich nitro group, as a peripheral substituent,
on the ligand-receptor interaction of the propylpyrazole triol (PPT) analogue, that reduce the possible
orientations of the A-phenol ring on the binding pocket of the ER. The design rational of these
molecules is to combine in a single molecule the pharmacophore nitroestradiol ring with a tetra
substituted pyrazole ring.

Molecules 2007, 12
Results and Discussion
Chemistry
1261
The synthetic route to the target compounds includes the early stage preparation of the appropriate
1,3-diketones that were further used as substrates for the construction of the desired pyrazole
substituted skeleta. In this regard, the starting alkylphenones 1a-c were prepared in good yields via the
Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole (Scheme 1).
Scheme 1. Synthesis of 1,3,5-triphenols 5a-d.
O
O
O
i
ii
+
Cl
R
O
R
O
O
R
NO2
R: CH3, 1a
R: CH3, 2a
R: CH2CH3, 1b
R: CH2CH3, 2b
R: CH2CH2CH3, 1c
R: CH2CH2CH3, 2c
NO2
O
O
O
6'
2
5'
iii
O
+
2a-c
R
2'
O
O
O
NO2
iv
3a-c
O
OH
O
Ar1
1
N
2
N
N
N
N
v
N
5''
Ar3
O
+
6''
OH
O
Ar2
R
R
3''
HO
O
O
NO2
NO2
NO2
4d
R: CH3, 5a
R: CH2CH3, 5b
R: CH2CH2CH3, 5c
R: CH3, 4a
R: CH2CH3, 4b
R: CH2CH2CH3, 4c
v
HO
N
N
OH
HO
NO2
5d
Reagents and conditions: (i) AlCl3, CH2Cl2; (ii) KNO3, H2SO4; (iii) LHMDS, THF; (iv)
CH3OArNHNH2·HCl, DMF / THF (3:1), 120oC; (v) BBr3, CH2Cl2, -78oC.

Molecules 2007, 12
1262
Nitration of compounds 1a-c in sulfuric acid produced the nitrophenyl derivatives 2a-c, which
were further alkylated to give β-diketones 3a-c. Double condensation of the latter with
4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride provided the triarylpyrazole (4a-c) core ring system in
satisfactory yields [21]. In the case of 2-methyl-propane-1,3-dione (3a) however, we also obtained the
corresponding minor regioisomer 4d (4a/4d ratio = 4:1), presumably because the attack from the
opposite site is also possible in this case. This observation is partly in accordance with previously
reported relative literature data [10]. The regioisomers obtained were separated by semi-preparative
HPLC and their subsequent BBr3 promoted desmethylation provided the target phenolic pyrazoles
5a-d.
Scheme 2. Synthesis of 3,5-Diphenols 8a and 8b.
O
O
O
O
6'
5'
Cl
i
+
2'
O
O
6
NO2
NO2
2a
ii
O
O
2
N
1
N
1
N
2
N
+
O
O
7a
7b
O2N
NO2
iii
OH
iii
N
HO
N
N
N
HO
HO
NO2
8a
8b
NO2
Reagents and conditions: (i) LHMDS, THF; (ii) CH3OArNHNH2·HCl, DMF / THF (3:1), 120oC;
(iii) BBr3, CH2Cl2, -78oC.
The structure of the novel triaryl pyrazoles was determined by 2D–NOE spectroscopy experiments.
More specifically, for compound 4d, the observed enhancement of the deshielded aromatic protons of
the phenylhydrazine moiety (Ar1, 7.08 ppm, doublet) with the H–6’ (resonates at 8.03 ppm) is

Molecules 2007, 12
1263
indicative of the assigned regiochemistry. These results were further confirmed by gradient inverse
1
detected long range H – 15N correlation experiments. Thus, for compound 4d the four bond
correlation observed between the aromatic proton H–6’ (8.03 ppm) and the nitrogen atom (N–1) that
resonates at 197.4 ppm is an additional confirmation of the assigned structure. Furthermore, for
compounds 4a-c the absence of NOE enhancement among the phenylhydrazine aromatic protons and
the H–6’ of the nitro-substituted ring is indicative of the assigned regiochemistry. These results were
also confirmed by gradient inverse detected long range 1H –15N correlation experiments. In this regard
the four bond correlation observed between the aromatic proton H–6’ (8.03 ppm) and the deshielded
nitrogen atom (N–2) that resonates at 301.6 ppm confirms the regiochemistry of compound 4a.
The second pathway refers to the use of benzoyl chloride as acylating agent of 1-(4-methoxy-3-
nitro-phenyl)-propan-1-one (2a) to provide smoothly (Scheme 2) the diketone 6. The latter by
condensation with 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine furnished an equimolar mixture of the regioisomers
7a,b. These derivatives were identified and analyzed after separation by semi-preparative HPLC as
reported in the experimental part.
The structure of these isomers was also determined, through 2D–NOE spectroscopy experiments.
More specifically, for compound 7b, the observed strong cross peak among the deshielded
phenylhydrazine group protons (multiplet at 7.37-7.14 ppm) with the H–6’ (resonates at 8.09 ppm) of
the nitro-substituted ring is indicative of the assigned regiochemistry. These results were further
verified by gradient inverse detected long range 1H –15N correlation experiments. In this regard, a four
bond correlation for compound 7b of the same aromatic proton H–6’ (8.09 ppm) and the shielded
nitrogen atom (N–1) that resonates at 199.8 ppm, was observed. According to the assigned structure
the other nitrogen atom (N–2) resonates at 295.7 ppm and correlates with the N–attached aromatic
protons and the Ar3H. Finally the desired diphenols 8a,b were obtained after ether cleavage with BBr3
in CH2Cl2 at -78 oC.
ER Binding Affinity of Tetrasubstituted Pyrazoles to isolated human ERα and ERβ
The RBA values of the novel nitro triaryl pyrazole derivatives have been summarized in Table 1,
reflecting the consequence of the steric interaction between the C(4)-alkyl substituent and the nitro
substituent of the A-ring. In this regard, compound 5c (PPT nitro analogue) was the most efficient,
since was assayed to bind reasonably well to both ERα and ERβ. As compared to previously reported
results concerning PPT [8], its RBAβ binding ability has been increased by 27 fold, while a 9 fold
decrease to ERα binding was also observed. Similar results were also obtained for the other triphenol
derivatives tested (5b and 5d, 7 and 16 fold respective increse), indicating that the introduction of a
nitro group into the A ring of these compounds force the neighboring alkyl group to an orientation that
favours the ERβ binding.

Molecules 2007, 12
1264
Table 1. Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) binding affinities of Novel Triaryl Pyrazoles
(5a-d, 8a,b).
OH
HO
N
R
N
N
R
N
x
x
HO
HO
NO2
NO2
5a-c, 8a
5d, 8b
Compound
X
R
RBA ERα a
RBA ERβ a
1,3,5-Triphenols
n-Pr 5.17 ± 2.03
5c
5b
5d
5a
OH
OH
OH
OH
3.27 ± 0.04
0.83 ± 0.18
1.91 ± 0.34
nd
Et
0.34 ± 0.02
0.49 ± 0.33
Me
Me
nd
3,5-Diphenols
0.74 ± 0.30
0.53 ± 0.16
8a
8b
H
H
Me
Me
0.36 ± 0.10
0.38 ± 0.21
PPT
OH
n-Pr
49 ±12
0.12 ± 0.04
a
The RBA values (mean ± SEM of at least three independent experiments) for ERα
(RBAα) and ERβ (RBAβ) were calculated by [(IC50 estradiol / IC50 derivative) X 100],
where IC50 values are estradiol and derivative concentrations capable of inhibiting
binding of the fluorescent estrogen ES2 (1 nM) to ERα and ERβ by 50%. IC50 values of
estradiol for ERα and ERβ were 3.42 ± 0.99 and 2.87 ± 0.64, respectively. The RBAα
and RBAβ of estradiol were set equal to 100. nd: non determined
Experimental
General
All anhydrous reactions were carried out under argon atmospheres. Solvents were dried by
distillation prior to use. Solvent mixtures employed in chromatography were reported as volume to
volume ratios. Starting materials were purchased from Aldrich (analytical reagent grades) and used
without further purification. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was conducted on Merck
glass plates coated with silica gel 60 F254 and spots were visualized with UV light or/and an alcohol
solution of anisaldehyde. Flash column chromatography was performed using Merck silica gel 60
(230-400 mesh ASTM).

Molecules 2007, 12
1265
1
Melting points were determined on a Büchi melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. H and
2D NMR spectra were recorded at 400 MHZ on a Bruker DRX-400 spectrometer in the indicated
solvents. The coupling constants are recorded in Hertz (Hz) and the chemical shifts are reported in
parts per million (δ, ppm) downfield from tetramethylsilane (TMS), which was used as an internal
1
standard (by asterisk are indicated the overlapped peaks). For the H -15N GHMQC spectrum, data
were acquired as 3072 x 400 data points with a total of 290 transients accumulated/t1 increment. Pulse
widths were 8.55 μs for 1H and 27.7 μs for the 15N at powers of 0 and -3 dB. The F1 spectral window
employed was set from 100 to 400 ppm. Pulsed field gradients, gt1-gt3, had durations of 0.8 ms.
Gradient pairs were optimized as 70:30:50 for 15N.
Infrared spectra were obtained on a Nicolet Magna 750, series II spectrometer. HPLC separations
were performed using a Hewlett Packard 1100 series instrument with a variable wavelength UV
detector and coupled to HP Chem.-Station utilizing the manufacturer’s 5.01 software package. A
Kromasil column with pore size 100 Å, internal diameter of 5μm, and a C-18 bond phase was used.
General Procedure for the Preparation of Alkylphenones
To an ice–cold solution of AlCl3 (46.8 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (10 mL) an acid chloride (39.0
mmol) was added dropwise over 10 min. The resulting solution was allowed to reach the room
o
temperature and dissolve the AlCl3. Then, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0 C and a solution of
anisole (46.8 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (20 mL) was added dropwise over a period of 30 min.
Upon completion, the reaction was allowed to reach the room temperature and stirred for 8-15 h. The
mixture was quenched by pouring over ice (100 g) and extracted with EtOAc (3 × 25 mL). The
combined organic layers were successively washed with water, NaHCO3 (satd), brine, dried over
anhydrous MgSO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column
chromatography using a 5% EtOAc/hexanes system as eluent.
1-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-propan-1-one (1a)
Prepared according to the general procedure as outlined above affording, after flash
chromatographic purification (5% EtOAc/hexanes), the title compound was obtained as a pale yellow
oil (5.61 g, 73%). 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 7.91 (dd, J = 2.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.89 (dd, J = 2.0, 7.0 Hz,
2H, ArH), 3.83 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.91 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H, CH2C=O), 1.18 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3).
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-butan-one (1b)
Anisole (46.8 mmol) was reacted with butyl chloride (39.0 mmol) according to the general
procedure. Flash column chromatography (5% EtOAc/hexanes) provided the title compound as a pale
1
yellow oil (5.41 g, 65%). H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.37 (dd, J = 2.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.34 (dd, J = 2.0,
7.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 4.28 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.31 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, CH2C=O), 2.18 (m, 3H, CH2), 1.41 (t, J
= 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3).

Molecules 2007, 12
1266
1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-pentan-1-one (1c)
Prepared from anisole (46.8 mmol) and valeryl chloride (39.0 mmol) following the general
procedure, which afforded the title compound as a yellow oil (6.56 g, 73 %). 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 7.91
(dd, J = 2.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.90 (dd, J1 = 2.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.89 (t, J =
6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2C=O), 1.68 (m, 2H, COCH2CH2), 1.37 (m, 2H, COCH2CH2CH2), 0.92 (t, J = 7.4 Hz,
3H, CH3).
General Procedure for Nitration.
To an ice–cold solution of 1a-c (6.7 mmol) in H2SO4 (12.4 mL) was added KNO3 (7.4 mmol) over
a period of 30 min. The reaction was run at room temperature for 8-15 h, quenched with H2O (15-25
mL), extracted repeatedly with EtOAc (3 x 25 mL) and the combined organic layers were washed with
a satd NaHCO3 solution (25 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous MgSO4 and
concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product as a white solid, which was purified
by flash chromatography.
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitro-phenyl)-propan-1-one (2a).
1a (1.1 g, 6.7 mmol) was reacted with KNO3 (0.74 g, 7.4 mmol) according to the general nitration
procedure, to give a dark yellow slurry. The latter was purified by flash chromatography (20%
EtOAc/hexanes) yielding a yellow solid (0.95 g, 68%), which was recrystallized from Et2O to give
pale yellow fine needles. M.p. 88-89 oC; 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.41 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.15 (dd,
J = 2.0, 9.0 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.13 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 4.01 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.97 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H,
CH2CH3), 1.20 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH3); Elem. Anal.: C 57.41, H 5.30, N 6.70; C 57.59, H 5.42, N
6.52.
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitro-phenyl)-butan-1-one (2b)
Prepared according to general procedure for nitration from 1b (1.19 g, 6.7 mmol) and purified by
1
flash chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes) to afford a white solid (0.91 g, 61%). M.p. 69-70 oC; H-
NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.46 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.19 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.8 Hz, H-6’), 7.18 (d, J = 8.8 Hz,
H-5’), 4.06 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.94 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, CH2C=O), 2.63 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.03 (t, J = 7.4 Hz,
3H, CH3); Elem. Anal.: C 59.19, H 5.87, N 6.27; C 59.39, H 5.72, N 6.41.
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitro-phenyl)-pentan-1-one (2c)
Prepared according to general procedure for nitration as described above from 1c and purified by
flash chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes) to afford a white crystalline solid (1.0 g, 63%). M.p. 81-
1
82 oC; H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.40 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.14 (dd, J = 2.5, 9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.12
(d, J = 9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 4.01 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.91 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2CH3), 1.68 (m, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2CH3), 1.37 (m, 2H, CH2CH2CH2CH3), 0.92 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH2CH2CH2CH3); Elem.
Anal.: C 60.75, H 6.37, N 5.90; C 60.61, H 6.45, N 5.82.

Molecules 2007, 12
1267
General Procedure for the Preparation of Diketones 3a-c
To an ice–cold solution of 2a-c (0.97 mmol) and 4-nitrophenyl-4-methoxy benzoate (0.97 mmol)
[prepared from p-nitrophenol and 4-methoxybenzoic acid using diisopropylcarbodiimide and 4-
dimethylaminopyridine] in THF (35 mL), was added a 1.0 M solution of lithium hexamethyldisilamide
(3.03 mmol) dropwise over a period of 5 min. The reaction was allowed to reach the room temperature
and stirred for additional 1.5 h and quenched with H2O (25 mL). Then, the mixture was repeatedly
extracted with Et2O and the combined organic layers were washed with H2O, dried over anhydrous
Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a crude solid. The unreacted ester was
removed by the addition of a solution of 40% EtOAc/ hexanes and the filtration of the insoluble ester.
The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography using various proportions
of EtOAc/hexanes as eluent system.
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-propane-1,3-dione (3a)
Prepared according to general procedure for preparation of diketones outlined above from 2a (0.6
g, 2.9 mmol) and purified by flash chromatography (20% EtOAc/hexanes) to yield the title product as
an orange oil (0.74 g, 74%). 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.39 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.09 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.4
Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.08 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.92 (d , J = 8.9 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.93 (d, J= 8.9 Hz, 2H,
ArH), 5.17 (m, 1H, H-2), 3.97 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 1.52 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3);
Elem. Anal.: C 62.97, H 4.99, N 4.08; C 62.71, H 4.81, N 4.19.
2-Ethyl-1-(4-methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,3-dione (3b)
Ketone 2b (0.4 g, 1.8 mmol) reacted with 4-nitrophenyl 4-methoxybenzoate (1.8 mmol) as above
to afford after flash chromatographic purification (40% EtOAc/hexanes) compound 3b as a dark
yellow oil (0.26g, 68%), while 0.15 g of the ketone 2b remained unreacted. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.46
(d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.19 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.9 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.99 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.74 (d ,
J = 8.9 Hz, 2H, Ar2H), 6.97 (d, J= 8.9 Hz, 2H, Ar2H), 4.97 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 1H, H-2), 4.02 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.18 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.05 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, CH3); Elem. Anal.: C 63.86, H
5.36, N 3.92; C 63.61, H 5.45, N 3.82.
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propylpropane-1,3-dione (3c)
Prepared according to general procedure for preparation of 1,3-diketones outlined above from 2c
(0.71 g, 3.0 mmol) and purified by flash chromatography (50% EtOAc/hexanes) to provide a red oil
(0.44 g, 67%) and 0.29 g of the unreacted ketone 2c. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.47 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-
2’), 8.20 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.8 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.97 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar2H), 7.14 (d , J = 8.8 Hz, 1H, H-
5’), 6.98 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar2H), 5.05 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H, H-2), 4.03 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.89 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 2.12 (m, 2H, CH2), 1.46 (m, 2H, CH2), 0.99 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3). Elem. Anal.: C 64.68, H
5.70, N 3.77; C 64.80, H 5.65, N 3.82.

Molecules 2007, 12
1268
1-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropane-1,3-dione (6)
To a solution of 2a (1.21 g, 5.8 mmol) in THF (15 mL), a solution of LHMDS (5.8 mmol, 1M in
THF) was added dropwise over 15 min. Upon complete addition of LHMDS, the reaction was stirred
for additional 15 min. Then, benzoyl chloride (5.8 mmol, in 3 mL THF) was added dropwise and the
reaction was run under stirring for 12 h. The reaction mixture was repeatedly extracted with Et2O and
the combined organic layers were washed with H2O, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated under
reduced pressure to afford a crude solid, which was purified by flash chromatography eluting using 5%
1
EtOAc/hexanes as solvent eluting system (1.34 g, 74%). H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.41 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H,
H-2’), 8.25 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 8.11 (dd, J = 2.0, 9.4 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.93 (t , J = 9.0 Hz, 2H,
ArH), 7.46 (m, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.13 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 5.19 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H, CHCH3),
3.99 (s, 3H, OCH3), 1.24 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3); Elem. Anal.: C 68.17, H 4.83, N 4.47; C 67.35, H
4.71, N 4.35.
General Procedure for Pyrazole Synthesis
To a solution of diketone (1.0 mmol) in DMF (30 mL) and THF (10 mL), 4-methoxy-
phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (4-5 equiv) was added. The mixture was brought to reflux and the
reaction progress was monitored by TLC analysis (10-20 h). Then the reaction mixture was allowed to
cool to room temperature and diluted with H2O (30 mL). The product was repeatedly extracted with
EtOAc (3 x 25 mL) and the combined organic layers and sequentially washed with a satd LiCl solution
(25 mL), satd NaHSO3 (25 mL), and brine (25 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and
concentrated under reduced pressure to afford a crude oil, which was purified by flash chromatography
using EtOAc/hexanes as eluting solvent system.
3-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-1,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole (4a) and 5-(4-methoxy-
3-nitrophenyl)-1,3-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole (4d)
Diketone 3a was reacted with 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochlorides as described above.
Flash chromatographic purification (20% EtOAc/hexanes) provided an inseparable mixture of the title
compounds (68%). The latter were separated by semipreparative HPLC separation using H2O/CH3CN
(15:85) as eluent in a flow rate of 1.6 ml/min, furnishing the two regioisomers in a 4:1 ratio for 4a and
4d respectively (UV detector at 254 nm, tR4a= 12.2 min, tR4d= 15.4 min). 4a: 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.32
(d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.03 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.71 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.26 (d,
J = 8.5 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.9
Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 4.02 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.84 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH3); 1H-15N
NMR (CDCl3) δ, N-1 205.6, N-2 301.6; Elem. Anal.: C 67.41, H 5.20, N 9.43; C 67.25, H 5.41, N
9.32; 4d: 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.34 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.03 (dd, J = 2.1, 8.8 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.60
(d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.22 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.92 (d, J =
8.5 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 4.04 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s,
1
3H, OCH3), 2.16 (s, 3H, CH3); H-15N NMR (CDCl3) δ, N-1 197.4, N-2 294.7; Elem. Anal.: C 67.41,
H 5.20, N 9.43; C 67.54, H 5.32, N 9.30.

Molecules 2007, 12
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4-Ethyl-3-(4-methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-1,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (4b)
Diketone 3b (0.23 g, 0.6 mmol) was reacted with 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.53
g, 3.0 mmol) according to the general procedure. Upon purification by flash chromatography (40%
1
EtOAc/hexanes) the title compound was obtained as a tan solid (0.21 g, 75%). M.p. 121-122 oC; H-
NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.32 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.02 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.68 (d, J = 8.7
Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.21 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 7.17 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.7 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.92 (dd, J =
2.0, 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.82 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.7 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 4.03 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3),
1
3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.67 (q, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.09 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H, CH3); H-15N-NMR
(CDCl3) δ, N-1 201.8, N-2 299.2; Elem. Anal. : C 67.96, H 5.48, N 9.14; C 68.11, H 5.53, N 9.22.
3-(4-Methoxy-3-nitrophenyl)-1,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-propyl-1H-pyrazole (4c)
Diketone 3c (0.2 g, 0.5mmol) was reacted with 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.48 g,
2.5 mmol) for 20 h, according to the general procedure. The resulting dark brown residue was purified
by flash column chromatography (40% EtOAc/hexanes) to provide the title product 4c as a pale brown
solid (0.1 g, 85%) and 0.1 g of the substrate 3c. M.p. 131-133 oC; 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.31 (d, J = 2.0
Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.01 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-6’), 7.68 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.21 (d, J = 7.1 Hz,
2H, Ar3H), 7.16 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.93 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H,
Ar1H), 4.04 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.60 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H, CH2),
1.45 (m, 2H, CH2), 0.84 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H, CH3); 1H-15N-NMR (CDCl3) δ, N-1 202.9, N-2 300.1;
Elem. Anal.: C 68.48, H 5.75, N 8.87; C 68.61, H 5.59, N 8.75.
3-(4-Methoxy-3-nitro-phenyl)-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (7a) and 5-(4-
Methoxy-3-nitro-phenyl)-1-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-4-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (7b)
A stirred solution of compound 6 (0.33 g, 1.05 mmol) in DMF (30mL) and THF (10mL), was
reacted with 4-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (0.92 g, 5.25 mmol) according to the general
procedure for pyrazole synthesis. Upon purification by flash chromatography (10% EtOAc/hexanes),
an inseparable mixture of the title compounds was obtained as a dark brown solid (0.16g, 69%), while
0.15 g of the starting compound 6 was recovered. Semipreparative HPLC separation using H2O/CH-
3CN (20:80) as eluent and flow rate of 1.6 ml/min, provided equal amounts of the two regioisomers
1
(UV detector at 254 nm, tR7a= 11.2 min, tR7b= 13.7 min). 7a: M.p. 127-128 oC; H-NMR (CDCl3) δ,
8.42 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.11 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, H-6’), 7.45 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.28-
7.07 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.01-6.97 (m, 5H, ArH), 4.35 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.28 (s, 3H,
CH3). 1H-15N-NMR (CDCl3) δ, N-1 203.7, N-2 299.6; Elem. Anal.: C 69.39, H 5.10, N 10.11; C 69.51,
1
H 5.02, N 10.30; 7b: M.p. 141-143 oC; H-NMR (CDCl3) δ, 8.30 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-2’), 8.09 (dd, J
= 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1Η, H-6’), 7.40 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’), 7.37-7.14 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.08-6.89 (m, 5H,
ArH), 4.04 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3); 1H-15N-NMR (CDCl3) δ, N-1 199.8,
N-2 295.7; Elem. Anal.: C 69.39, H 5.10, N 10.11; C 69.67, H 4.93, N 9.94.

Molecules 2007, 12
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General Demethylation Procedure
o
To a stirred solution of methyl-protected pyrazole (1 equiv) in CH2Cl2 at –78 C was added
dropwise a 1M BBr3 solution in CH2Cl2 (3-5 equiv). Upon completion of BBr3 addition, the reaction
o
was stirred at –78 C for 1 h and then allowed to reach room temperature. Stirring was continued for
additional 16 h, then the mixture was cooled to 0 oC, and carefully quenched with H2O (15-25 mL) and
extracted repeatedly with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and
evaporated under reduced pressure. Flash chromatographic purification using a 5% MeOH/CH2Cl2
mixture as the eluting solvent system provided the desired demethylation products.
4-[1,5-Bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-nitrophenol (5a)
A stirred solution of 4a in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
demethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a tan
solid (87%). M.p. 155-156 oC; 1H-NMR (acetone-D6) δ, 8.87 (s, 3H, OH), 8.52 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-
3’’), 8.19 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’’), 7.32 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6’’), 7.16 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H,
Ar3H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.91 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.81 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar1H),
2.26 (s, 3H, CH3). ΙR (ZnSe) v = 3303 cm-1, (OH); Elem. Anal.: C 65.50, H 4.25, N 10.42; C 65.31, H
4.11, N 10.58.
4-[2,5-Bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-3-nitrophenol (5d)
A stirred solution of 4d in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
demethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a pale
yellow solid (88%). M.p. 161-162 oC;1H-NMR (acetone-D6) δ, 8.86 (s, 3H, OH), 8.05 (d, J = 1.9 Hz,
1H, H-3’’), 7.66 (dd, J = 1.9, 8.9 Hz, 1H, H-5’’), 7.23 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H, H-6’’), 7.19 (d, J = 8.8 Hz,
2H, Ar3H), 7.02 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.95 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H,
Ar1H), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3). ΙR (ZnSe) v = 3313 cm-1 (OH); Elem. Anal.: C 65.50, H 4.25, N 10.42; C
65.20, H 4.14, N 10.53.
4-[4-Ethyl-1,5-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-nitrophenol (5b)
A stirred solution of 4b in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
demethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a tan
solid (74%). 1H-NMR (acetone–D6) δ, 10.52 (s, 1H, OH), 8.73 (s, 1H, OH), 8.64 (s, 1H, OH), 8.53 (d,
J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-3’’), 8.19 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’’), 7.33 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6’’), 7.16 (d, J
= 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.6
Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 2.69 (q, J = 7.5, 12.5 Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.11 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H, CH3). ΙR (ZnSe) v = 3283
cm-1, (OH); Elem. Anal. : C 66.18, H 4.59, N 10.07; C 66.33, H 4.74, N 9.88.

Molecules 2007, 12
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4-[1,5-Bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-propyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-nitrophenol (5c)
A stirred solution of 4c in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
demethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a tan
solid (60%). 1H-NMR (acetone–D6) δ, 10.52 (s, 1H, OH), 8.78 (s, 1H, OH), 8.68 (s, 1H, OH), 8.50 (d,
J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-3’’), 8.20 (dd, J = 2.1, 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-5’’), 7.38 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6’’), 7.16 (d, J
= 8.3 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 7.12 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 6.89 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H, Ar3H), 6.81 (d, J = 7.7
Hz, 2H, Ar1H), 2.65 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.20 (m, 2H, CH2), 0.85 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H, CH3); ΙR
(ZnSe) v = 3283 cm-1 (OH); Elem. Anal. : C 66.81, H 4.91, N 9.74; C 67.02, H 5.10, N 9.88.
4-[1-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-nitrophenol (8a)
A stirred solution of 7a in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
desmethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a tan
solid (70%). 1H-NMR (acetone–D6) δ, 9.30 (s, 1H, OH), 8.70 (s, 1H, OH), 8.40 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-
3”), 8.07 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, H-5”), 7.35 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6”), 7.19-7.11 (m, 5H, ArH), 7.08-6.98
(m, 4H, ArH), 4.35 (s, 3H, CH3O), 3.80 (s, 3H, CH3O), 2.28 (s, 3H, CH3); ΙR (ZnSe) v = 3193 cm-1
(OH); Elem. Anal.: C 68.21, H 4.42, N 10.85; C 68.44, H 4.29, N 10.71.
4-[2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl]-2-nitrophenol (8b)
A stirred solution of 7b in CH2Cl2 was deprotected using BBr3 according to the general
desmethylation procedure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded the title compound as a tan
solid (78%). 1H-NMR (acetone–D6) δ, 9.28 (s, 1H, OH), 8.69 (s, 1H, OH), 8.25 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H, H-
3”), 8.02 (dd, J = 2.2, 8.7 Hz, 1Η, H-5”), 7.47-7.24 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.26 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H, H-6”), 6.98-
6.78 (m, 5H, ArH), 4.04 (s, 3H, CH3O), 3.80 (s, 3H, CH3O), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3); ΙR (ZnSe) v = 3199
cm-1 (OH); Elem. Anal.: C 68.21, H 4.42, N 10.85; C 68.39, H 4.49, N 10.71.
Binding to isolated human ERα and ERβ
The relative binding affinity (RBA) values were assessed as previously described [22]. Briefly, the
concentrations of 5a-d, 8a,b that inhibited ES2 (a fluorescein-labelled estrogen from Invitrogen)
binding to isolated human ERα or ERβ (Invitrogen) by 50% (IC50), as assessed using a Beacon 2000
Fluorescence Polarization Reader (Invitrogen), were used to derive the RBA values of Table 1, as
described in the legend to the Table.
Acknowledgements
The RBA assessment of the Estrogen Receptor by the group of Dr. Michael N. Alexis (Institute of
Biological Research & Biotechnology of the National Hellenic Research Foundation) is gratefully
acknowledged.

Molecules 2007, 12
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Sample Availability: Available from the authors.
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