Ugi reactions with ammonia offer rapid access to a wide range of 5-aminothiazole and oxazole derivatives

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo9014529

(Chemical Equation Presented) A series of Ugi reactions has been successfully performed using ammonia as the amine component, employing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol as a non-nucleophilic solvent in order to suppress known side reactions. Utilizing concentrated aqueous ammonia as a convenient source, this approach offered a simple, one-step assembly of Ugi adducts suitable for elaboration into a variety of 5-aminoazole compounds through postcondensation modifications. Free or N-substituted 5-aminothiazoles and 5-(trifluoroacetamido) oxazoles were all prepared by this improved methodology. The scope of the synthetic route developed and application of the different products are discussed.

Full text of DOI:10.1021/jo9014529

pubs.acs.org/joc
Ugi Reactions with Ammonia Offer Rapid Access to a Wide Range of
5-Aminothiazole and Oxazole Derivatives
Mark J. Thompson and Beining Chen*
Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, U.K.
b.chen@sheffield.ac.uk
Received July 7, 2009
A series of Ugi reactions has been successfully performed using ammonia as the amine component,
employing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol as a non-nucleophilic solvent in order to suppress known side
reactions. Utilizing concentrated aqueous ammonia as a convenient source, this approach offered a
simple, one-step assembly of Ugi adducts suitable for elaboration into a variety of 5-aminoazole
compounds through postcondensation modifications. Free or N-substituted 5-aminothiazoles and
5-(trifluoroacetamido)oxazoles were all prepared by this improved methodology. The scope of the
synthetic route developed and application of the different products are discussed.
Introduction
commenting upon extensive byproduct formation7-9 and
one even suggesting it is inadequate for this purpose.10 Low
yields or complex product mixtures are often obtained where
ammonia is employed, due to a number of possible side
reactions which have been better characterized by more
recent studies.11,12
In addition to the desired Ugi 4-CC product 1, a related
six-component coupling product (6-CC) 2 represents the
most prevalent byproduct usually obtained during use of
ammonia in the reaction (Scheme 1). Kazmaier deduced that
since the 6-CC product is formed through participation of
solvent, switching to the less nucleophilic 2,2,2-trifluoro-
ethanol would suppress this pathway and improve the yield
of the desired products 1.11,12 Synthesis of several Ugi 4-CC
products derived from ammonia was subsequently achieved
via this modified protocol, although meaningful yields were
only obtained with the use of less reactive, sterically hindered
aldehydes; similar observations were noted by Floyd et al.
during preparation of a series of matrix metalloproteinase
inhibitors via an MCR approach.13 Similarly, using other
The Ugi reaction, or Ugi four-component coupling (Ugi 4-
CC),1-3 is perhaps the best known example of the multi-
component reaction (MCR) and has been studied extensively
since its discovery almost 50 years ago. The large range of
structures accessible through this powerful reaction is con-
tinually expanding, through ongoing development of varia-
tions of the MCR, together with an increasing number of
elaborate postcondensation modifications and cascade
processes.4-6 Despite such widespread application, use of
ammonia as the amine component in the Ugi 4-CC has
received comparatively little attention, with various reports
*To whom correspondence should be addressed. Phone: þ44 114 222
9467. Fax: þ44 114 222 9346.
(1) Ugi, I. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1962, 1, 8–21.
€
(2) Domling, A.; Ugi, I. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2000, 39, 3168–3210.
(3) Marcaccini, S.; Torroba, T. Nat. Protoc. 2007, 2, 632–639.
(4) Zhu, J. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2003, 1133–1144.
€
(5) Domling, A. Chem. Rev. 2006, 106, 17–89.
(6) Hulme, C.; Dietrich, J. Mol. Divers. 2009, 13, 195–207.
(7) Ugi, I. Intra-Sci. Chem. Rep. 1971, 5, 229.
(8) Waki, M.; Meienhofer, J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1977, 99, 6075–6082.
(9) Cao, X.; Moran, E. J.; Siev, D.; Lio, A.; Ohashi, C.; Mjalli, A. M. M.
Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 1995, 5, 2953–2958.
(11) Kazmaier, U.; Hebach, C. Synlett 2003, 1591–1594.
(12) Pick, R.; Bauer, M.; Kazmaier, U.; Hebach, C. Synlett 2005, 757–
760.
€
(10) Just, G.; Chung, B. Y.; Grozinger, K. Can. J. Chem. 1977, 55, 274–
283.
(13) Floyd, C. D.; Harnett, L. A.; Miller, A.; Patel, S.; Saroglou, L.;
Whittaker, M. Synlett 1998, 637–639.
7084 J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74, 7084–7093
Published on Web 08/25/2009
DOI: 10.1021/jo9014529
r
2009 American Chemical Society

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
SCHEME 1. Major Products Obtained in Ugi Reactions In-
volving Ammonia
and purification procedures is not ideal for application of the
methodology in chemical library synthesis.
We supposed that all of the problems identified above
could be better addressed by direct use of ammonia in the Ugi
4-CC, thus providing a single-step route to key intermediates
1. Development of such a generalized protocol is attractive
inasmuch as it constitutes an example of “protecting-group-
free” synthesis.16 This area of growing interest offers self-
evident financial and environmental benefits through redu-
cing use of protection/deprotection steps, and in terms of
accelerating the synthetic process, is particularly advanta-
geous when applied to methodologies for the generation of
chemical libraries.
Results and Discussion
Initial studies retaining Walborsky’s reagent as the iso-
cyanide component in the reaction confirmed 2,2,2-trifluoro-
ethanol as a superior solvent to methanol for the synthesis of
4-CC adducts 1a-c (Table 1). The ammonia source was a
calculated amount of a concentrated aqueous solution of
known concentration determined by titration. Whereas re-
actions in methanol (method A) gave low yields and more
often than not required chromatographic separation of the
desired product, the equivalent procedures in 2,2,2-trifluoro-
ethanol (method B) gave much cleaner reactions and im-
proved yields. Since preformation of the imine is generally
assumed to be advantageous in the Ugi reaction,2 this
approach was also examined for the current examples
(method C), though results were inconclusive at this stage.
carbonyl components of lower reactivity, Ganem reported
synthesis of a range of substituted 2-oxazolines from various
β-ketomesylates.14 A one-pot cascade process encompassing
Ugi 4-CC followed by intramolecular cyclization provided
these heterocycles in yields typically in the range of 60%.
Thus, work to date has established ammonia as a viable
nitrogen source for the Ugi reaction, though synthetically
useful results have been restricted to cases involving less
reactive carbonyl components.
Our interest in Ugi reactions employing ammonia was
stimulated by shortcomings in an earlier approach to
5-aminothiazoles that used 2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine as
an ammonia equivalent, wherein desired diamides of type 1
were obtained through cleavage of the 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl
(DMB) group from initial 4-CC products 4 under acidic
conditions (Scheme 2).15
TABLE 1. Comparison of Ugi 4-CC Protocols Varying Solvent and
Addition Order
When 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl isocyanide 3a (Walborsky’s
reagent) was employed in the initial Ugi 4-CC, several com-
pounds of type 1 were synthesized in a two-step, one-pot
procedure. However, limitations were encountered in the scope
of this earlier protocol. Use of nicotinic acid to introduce a
3-pyridyl group at the R1 position gave only DMB-protected
product 4 after exposure to TFA, since protonation of the
more basic ring nitrogen prevented acidic deprotection to the
required product 1. A different protection strategy was thus
required, necessitating an additional synthetic step. 4-Methoxy-
benzylamine was used as the amine component of the Ugi
4-CC, followed by cleavage of the PMB group from the
resultant intermediate using CAN. Chromatographic purifica-
tion at each stage of this process was unavoidable.
aMethod A: MeOH as solvent. bMethod B: 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol as
solvent. cMethod C: as method B, except with preformation of imine for
d
30 min before addition of aldehyde and isocyanide. Column chroma-
tography required. ePasserini product (1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-oxo-
2-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-ylamino)ethyl 4-methoxybenzoate) also iso-
lated in 19% yield, possibly as a consequence of consumption of
ammonia in side reactions.
Furthermore, additional problems were encountered
when trying to expand the scope of the previous approach.
Use of aliphatic aldehydes in the one-pot procedure proved
most inefficient, leading to low yields of products at best,
which were difficult to purify from quite complex mixtures; a
similar scenario was encountered with variation of R3 via the
isocyanide component. It was found that these problems
could usually;but not always;be remedied by chromato-
graphic purification of intermediate 4 prior to a separate
deprotection step, but the requirement for additional steps
Further examples 1d-j were then carried out to allow
direct comparison between the present protocol and the
earlier two-step route (Scheme 2), this time with variation
of all three R groups (Table 2). Broadly speaking, it can be
seen that the ammonia-based method gives at least as good
yields as the previous approach and often performs better,
thus constituting a more efficient as well as shortened route
to structures of type 1. It is also appreciably wider in scope;
nitrogen-containing heterocycles could now readily be
introduced at the R1 position (1e,f), and variation of the
isocyanide building block was well tolerated. In particular, it
(14) Fan, L.; Lobkovsky, E.; Ganem, B. Org. Lett. 2007, 9, 2015–2017.
(15) Thompson, M. J.; Chen, B. Tetrahedron Lett. 2008, 49, 5324–5327.
(16) Young, I. S.; Baran, P. S. Nat. Chem. 2009, 1, 193–205.
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009 7085

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
SCHEME 2. Earlier Route to 5-Aminothiazoles Utilizing 2,4-Dimethoxybenzylamine as an Ammonia Equivalent
TABLE 2. Comparison of One-Step and Two-Step Procedures for Synthesis of Ugi 4-CC Adducts 1d-j
aUgi 4-CC carried out using 4-methoxybenzylamine in place of 2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine. bDeprotection of 4-methoxybenzyl group carried out
using CAN, MeOH-H2O. cProduct 1j was only isolated in impure form via the two-step method.
was satisfying to isolate 1j in good purity, as this had not been
possible with the acidic deprotection conditions necessary in
the older, two-step method. Significantly improved results
were also obtained for 1d, derived from an aliphatic aldehyde
(3-phenylpropionaldehyde).
With respect to order of addition, preformation of the imine
could now be seen as a slight disadvantage in the majority of
cases and was therefore regarded as unnecessary within the
present procedure. Only in one case did imine preformation
lead to a higher yield (1c), in contrast to a number of reactions
for which the yields were markedly lower (1a,d,h,j). This
observation can putatively be explained in terms of the
relativelyhighreactivityofammonia, increasingthelikelihood
of side reactions during a separate imine formation step.
Thus, a straightforward mixing of all four starting materi-
als in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol at rt (method B) was established
as the best procedure for synthesis of diamides 1. Reactions
were carried out for a minimum of 18 h, since following
several of the examples by TLC indicated they proceeded
rather slowly. Using this methodology, a further set of Ugi
adducts 1k-t (see Table 3) was prepared in yields ranging
from 24-64%, with many above 40%, and most of the
products isolated in good purity without the need for chro-
matography.
Elaboration of diamide intermediates 1f-t to substituted
5-aminothiazoles 5 was then addressed (Table 3). To begin
with, cyclizations were carried out at reflux in m-xylene in the
presence of Lawesson’s reagent as reported;15 however,
7086 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
TABLE 3. Cyclization of Ugi 4-CC Adducts to Substituted 5-Ami-
nothiazolesa
clearly attributable to lower steric demand of the substitu-
ents introduced at the R3 position, relative to the 1,1,3,3-
tetramethylbutyl group investigated in earlier work. Hence,
for the present substrates 1g-j bearing different R3 groups,
reactions to give 5b-e were complete in 20 min, as opposed
to 3 h for synthesis of 5a from 1f. Given the smoother
cyclization observed in these new examples, synthesis of 5e
from 1j was attempted at the lower reflux temperature of
toluene and found to be complete in equivalent yield (43%)
after 60 min. Cyclization of N-aryl derivative 1g to 5b was
also successful in toluene, although a lower yield of 35% was
obtained (compared to 45% in m-xylene). The preceding
results were applied during preparation of the remainder of
the library 5f-o; most of the cyclizations were performed in
toluene, whereas synthesis of the more hindered N-aryl-
amines or o-substituted benzylamines (5l-o) was carried
out in m-xylene.
Thus, a small library of 2,4,N5-trisubstituted 5-aminothia-
zoles was successfully prepared to illustrate one relevant
application of Ugi adducts 1. These products 5a-j were
assembled in only two synthetic steps, yet contain three
possible diversity points, all derived from widely variable
building blocks. Performing the initial Ugi step with ammo-
nia offered the advantage of permitting acid-sensitive com-
ponents such as N-Boc-glycine to be incorporated (example
1k), which would not have been compatible with the prior
approach utilizing an acid-cleavable ammonia equivalent.
No examples are included containing an aliphatic substi-
tuent in the R2 position, since as we have described pre-
viously, primary 5-aminothiazoles bearing an aliphatic
group at C-4 are unstable.15 We subsequently found that
although they are relatively more stable, the secondary
derivatives (R3 ¼ H) also decompose significantly over time,
even upon cold storage. Clearly, such unstable compounds
are not of interest as subjects for biological screening.
The direct synthesis of intermediates of type 1 also opened
up the possibility of exploring alternatives to 1,1,3,3-tetra-
methylbutyl protection at the terminal amide position. Iso-
cyanide 3b17,18 was used in place of Walborsky’s reagent to
introduce a 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl group at this site instead
(Scheme 3), which we assumed would prove easier to remove.
The resultant products 7a-d could for the most part be
successfully converted into 5-(trifluoroacetamido)oxazoles
8a-d using a combined deprotection/cyclization procedure
in one pot as illustrated, in the yields reported in Table 4. This
approach mirrors a similar example reported recently by
ourselves,18 wherein a related, doubly DMB-protected dia-
mide was converted into an oxazole derivative of type 8.
Unexpectedly though, attempted synthesis of 8c failed,
putatively due to preferential protonation of the pyrazole
ring at C-2 preventing deprotection of the DMB group.
About half of the starting material 7b was recovered, sug-
gesting a higher concentration of acid or longer reaction time
would be required where a nitrogen-containing heterocycle is
present.
aReactions performed on a 1 mmol scale in 20 mL of anhydrous
solvent at reflux, in the presence of 1.2 equiv of Lawesson’s reagent; 1f in
m-xylene for 3 h; 1g-j, 1q-t in m-xylene for 20 min; 1k-p in toluene for
1 h. bAttempted synthesis of 5i from 1n failed apparently due to thermal
instability, as under heating the reaction mixture rapidly darkened to a
very deep brown color, and none of the desired product was isolated.
Nonetheless, the majority of the 5-(trifluoroacetamido)-
oxazoles were isolated in moderate to good yields. Utilizing a
subsequent one-pot, acylation-deprotection procedure,
(17) Costa, S. P. G.; Maia, H. L. S.; Pereria-Lima, S. M. M. A. Org.
Biomol. Chem. 2003, 1, 1475–1479.
(18) Thompson, M. J.; Adams, H.; Chen, B. J. Org. Chem. 2009, 74,
3856–3865.
conversion was complete much more quickly than for the
examples we have described previously. This observation is
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009 7087

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
SCHEME 3. Alternative Protection Strategy Offering Access
to a Wider Range of Post-Condensation Transformations
TABLE 4. Percentage Yields of Synthetic Sequence Depicted in
Scheme 3, with Differing Substituents at the Two Variable Positions
aYield estimated by HPLC; 9b was obtained as a mixture which was
purified following deprotection. HPLC yield: overall isolated yield of
b
6b from 7b was 7%. cNo significant product formation (∼50% of
starting material recovered).
the DMB group under heating. The lower reflux temperature
of toluene gave better results, with longer reaction times
required (60 min compared to 20 min), though yields of
DMB-protected 5-aminothiazoles 9 were still relatively low
(Table 4). In contrast, removal of the DMB group necessi-
tated less strongly acidic conditions than those for cleavage
of the 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl group investigated pre-
viously, such that free 5-aminothiazoles 6a-d were obtained
in noticeably improved yields as compared to the earlier
deprotection method.
Although the route studied herein (Scheme 3) does present
an interesting alternative approach to free 5-aminothiazoles
6, given the unexpectedly low cyclization yields obtained, it
appears that use of the 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl group de-
rived from Walborsky’s reagent 3a should usually be the first
choice for accessing these intermediates. By way of example,
deprotection of 5a (1:1 TFA-CH2Cl2, 20 min) proceeded in
63% yield, resulting in an overall yield of 7.6% for the three-
step synthesis of 6c (Ugi 4-CC, cyclization and deprotection
to the free amine). In comparison, the route to this same
product outlined above (Scheme 3) offered a barely im-
proved overall yield of 8.8%. Relatedly, 6d was prepared in
10.6% overall yield beginning from 3a, in contrast to a 5.8%
overall yield for the route depicted in Scheme 3. Thus,
1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl protection for the amino group is
preferred, though use of the DMB protection strategy pre-
sented above does offer another option employing milder
reaction conditions, should such recourse be necessary.
The primary and secondary 5-aminothiazoles 5 and 6
synthesized as above were then utilized in further library
synthesis via additional acylation reactions (Table 5).
The primary 5-aminothiazoles 6 were previously acylated
using pyridine as solvent;19 an improved procedure was
developed using only a small amount of pyridine (2.5 equiv)
in alternative solvents. THF gave the best results, though
CH2Cl2 also resulted in acceptable (albeit lower) yields.
Secondary amines 5 required longer reaction times together
these intermediates represent valuable precursors to oxazole-
5-amide libraries via methodology that we described re-
cently.18 The present examples confirm the general scope
of such an approach, provided that removal of the DMB
protecting group is not hindered by protonation of other
basic groups within the molecule. Thus, rapid access to key
intermediates for library synthesis (two diversity points and
two synthetic steps) is again offered. Furthermore, in utiliz-
ing ammonia in the Ugi 4-CC step to reach the
5-(trifluoroacetamido)oxazoles 8;instead of employing
2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine as an ammonia equivalent as in
our earlier work;consumption of this relatively costly
amine is reduced, compared to proceeding via the doubly
DMB-protected intermediate, illustrating one advantage
of the “protecting-group-free” approach to Ugi 4-CC
adducts 1.
In another application of DMB-protected compounds
7a-d, they were cyclized to the corresponding N-(2,4-
dimethoxybenzyl)-5-aminothiazoles 9a-d in the presence
of Lawesson’s reagent (Scheme 3). Surprisingly, very low
yields were obtained for these transformations at reflux in
m-xylene (15% or lower), presumably due to thermal in-
stability of the products at high temperature;though free 5-
aminothiazoles were not isolated from the reaction mixtures,
signifying other decomposition pathways than cleavage of
€
with a larger excess of acylating agent, and Hunig’s base
was employed in these reactions in place of pyridine.
Derivatization of the secondary amines with acyl chlorides
proved to be the method of choice, since attempted amide
formation from carboxylic acids mediated by benzotriazol-
1-yloxytripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate
7088 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
TABLE 5. Thiazole-5-amides Prepared by Parallel Synthesis
been ruled out for primary 5-aminothiazoles 6 as it was
found to result in double acylation at N-5, presumably due to
deprotonation of the initial amide product under the basic
reaction conditions.19
Using the methods described, a representative library of
amide products was prepared (Table 5), concluding the
synthesis of final compounds containing up to four variable
diversity points.
Conclusions
Using concentrated aqueous ammonia as a convenient
source, a wide range of Ugi reactions employing ammonia as
the amine component was carried out successfully in 2,2,2-
trifluoroethanol. This synthetically useful protocol was
shown to be wide in scope and provided quick access to
diamide products 1 in yields at least as good, and often better,
when compared to an alternative two-step procedure utiliz-
ing 2,4-dimethoxybenzylamine as an ammonia equivalent.
Through a series of postcondensation modifications, Ugi
adducts 1 were transformed into useful synthetic intermediates
including 5-(trifluoroacetamide)oxazoles 8;valuable precur-
sors to oxazole-5-amide libraries;and either primary or sec-
ondary 5-aminothiazoles. These aminothiazoles readily under-
went N-acylation, giving compounds containing up to four
diversity points in just three straightforward synthetic steps.
Experimental Section
Isocyanides. Walborsky’s reagent 3a and 4-methoxyphenyl
isocyanide 3c were sourced commercially; 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl
isocyanide 3b18 and 4-chlorobenzyl isocyanide 3d20 were synthe-
sized as reported. The other isocyanides 3e-h were prepared as
detailed below.
Preparation of Isocyanides 3e-g from Aliphatic Amines. Gen-
eral Procedure. The appropriate primary amine was stirred for
24 h with ethyl formate (1.2 equiv), at rt (3e, 3g) or 50 °C (3f).
Where the formamide intermediate was a liquid (3f, 3g), the
reaction mixture was simply dried under high vacuum for
several hours before proceeding. Where the formamide was a
solid (3e), it was collected by filtration, washed several times
with hexane, then dried thoroughly. Either way, the formamide
intermediate was then dissolved in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (2.5 mL
mmol-1) under N2 and triethylamine (3.0 equiv) added. The
solution was cooled to 0 °C and then phosphorus oxychloride
(1.0 equiv) added portionwise over 10 min. After 1 h, 1.1 M aq
Na2CO3 (1.0 equiv) was added and reaction continued for a
further 1 h, ensuring efficient stirring of the thickening reaction
mixture. The mixture was diluted with additional CH2Cl2 and
water, the organic layer separated, and the aqueous layer
extracted with a second portion of CH2Cl2. The combined
organic extracts were dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to
provide the crude product, which was purified by flash column
chromatography on silica, as detailed for each individual ex-
ample.
2-(2-Thienyl)ethyl Isocyanide (3e).21 Prepared from 2-(2-
thienyl)ethylamine (3.82 g, 30 mmol). Column eluent 5-10%
EtOAc-hexane. Title compound obtained as a highly pungent,
pale yellow oil (2.93 g, 71%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.24 (dd,
1H, J = 1.0, 5.0), 7.02-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.98-6.95 (m, 1H), 3.66
aIsolated yields.
(19) Heal, W.; Thompson, M. J.; Mutter, R.; Cope, H.; Louth, J. C.;
Chen, B. J. Med. Chem. 2007, 50, 1347–1353.
(20) Jacobsen, E. J.; Stelzer, L. S.; Belonga, K. L.; Carter, D. B.; Im, W.
B.; Sethy, V. H.; Tang, A. H.; von Voigtlander, P. F.; Petke, J. D. J. Med.
Chem. 1996, 39, 3820–3836.
was much slower, only resulting in a poor extent of conver-
sion to the desired products 10. This approach has already
(21) Thompson, M. J.; Hurst, J. M.; Chen, B. Synlett 2008, 3183–3187.
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009 7089

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
(dt, 2H, J = 1.5, 7.0), 3.23 (t, 2H, J = 7.0); δC (100 MHz,
CDCl3) 157.2, 138.5, 127.2, 126.2, 124.7, 43.2, 30.0; m/z (EI), 137
(Mþ); HRMS found 137.0297 (C7H7NS, Mþ, requires
137.0299).
Method C. With Preformation of the Imine Intermediate. The
calculated volume of ammonia solution of known concentration
(5 mmol) was added to a solution of the aldehyde (5 mmol) in
2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (2.5 mL). After 30 min, further 2,2,2-
trifluoroethanol (2.5 mL) was added followed by the carboxylic
acid (5 mmol) and isocyanide (5 mmol) and then stirring
continued at rt overnight (18-24 h). Solvent was removed by
rotary evaporation and the product purified as indicated (see the
Supporting Information).
2-(Trifluoromethyl)benzyl Isocyanide (3f).21 Prepared from
2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylamine (7.01 mL, 8.76 g, 50 mmol).
Column eluent 2.5f5f10% ethyl acetate-hexane. Title com-
pound obtained as a malodorous, pale yellow oil (3.78 g, 41%):
δ
H (250 MHz, CDCl3) 7.81-7.63 (m, 3H), 7.56-7.46 (m, 1H),
4.89 (s, 2H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 159.5, 132.7, 130.3, 128.6,
128.5, 127.3 (q, J = 30.5), 126.3, 124.0 (q, J = 273), 42.7; m/z
(FAB), 185 (Mþ); HRMS found 185.0455 (C9H6F3N, Mþ,
requires 185.0452).
1-Chloro-4-(2-isocyanoethyl)benzene (3g). Prepared from 2-(4-
chlorophenyl)ethylamine (4.67 g, 30 mmol). Column eluent
2.5f5f10f15% EtOAc-isohexane. Title compound obtained
as a yellow oil (4.03 g, 83%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.34 (dd, 2H,
J = 2.0, 9.0), 7.21-7.17 (m, 2H), 3.62 (tt, 2H, J = 1.5, 7.0),
3.00-2.94(m, 2H);δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 157.0 (t, J= 5.5), 135.1,
133.2, 130.0, 129.0, 42.8 (t, J = 6.5), 34.9; m/z (EI), 165 ([M]þ);
HRMS found 165.0353 (C9H8ClN requires 165.0345).
2-Fluoro-4-isocyano-1-methylbenzene (3h). The formamide
derivative of this less reactive arylamine was prepared from
3-fluoro-4-methylaniline (5.00 g, 40 mmol) according to the
method of Janza and Studer22 and obtained as a greasy, yellow
solid (3.34 g, 55%). This intermediate (3.06 g, 20 mmol) was then
dissolved in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (130 mL) under N2 and triethyl-
amine (8.36 mL, 6.07 g, 60 mmol) added. The solution was
cooled to 0 °C and then phosphorus oxychloride (1.86 mL,
3.07 g, 20 mmol) added portionwise over 10 min. After the
mixture was stirred at 0 °C to rt over 3 h, 1.1 M aq Na2CO3
(1.0 equiv) was added and the reaction continued for a further
90 min, ensuring efficient stirring of the thickening reaction
mixture. The mixture was diluted with additional CH2Cl2 and
water, the organic layer separated, and the aqueous layer
extracted with a second portion of CH2Cl2. The combined
organic extracts were dried over MgSO4 and evaporated to
provide the crude product, which was purified by flash column
chromatography on silica, eluted with 2.5f5f10%
EtOAc-isohexane. The title compound was obtained as a
strong smelling, blue oil (2.18 g, 81%) which was stored at
-20 °C: δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.22 (t, 1H, J = 8.0), 7.13-7.04
(m, 2H), 2.32 (d, 3H, J = 2.0); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 164.5,
160.6 (d, J = 247), 132.1 (d, J = 5.5), 127.3 (d, J = 17.5),
125.3-124.8 (m), 122.1 (d, J = 3.5), 113.5 (d, J = 26.5), 14.5 (d,
J = 3.0); m/z (EI), 135 ([M]þ); HRMS found 135.0489 (C8H6FN
requires 135.0484).
Ugi Reactions with Ammonia. General Procedure. Prior to
carrying out the reactions, the exact concentration of a 30%
aqueous ammonia solution was determined by titration against
a standard 2.00 M solution of hydrochloric acid. Values were
typically in the range of 15 ( 0.5 M; thus, for example, the
calculated amount of ammonia solution required for a 5 mmol
scale reaction would be 330 μL of an ammonia solution deter-
mined as 15.2 M.
Method A. Methanol as Solvent. A calculated volume of
ammonia solution of known concentration (5 mmol) was added
to a stirred solution or suspension of the carboxylic acid
(5 mmol) in methanol (5 mL). The aldehyde (5 mmol) and
isocyanide (5 mmol) were then introduced, and stirring was
continued at rt overnight (18-24 h). Solvent was removed by
rotary evaporation and the crude product purified as detailed in
the Supporting Information for each individual case.
Two-Step Synthesis of Diamides 1d,g-j (Table 2). Step 1:
Synthesis of 4d,g-j by Ugi 4-CC. 2,4-Dimethoxybenzylamine
(751 μL, 836 mg, 5 mmol) was added to a solution of thiophene-
2-carboxaldehyde (467 μL, 561 mg, 5 mmol) in methanol (2 mL).
After the solution was stirred for 30 min, additional methanol
(2 mL) was added followed by benzoic acid (611 mg, 5 mmol)
and the relevant isocyanide (5 mmol). The reaction mixture was
allowed to stir at room temperature overnight and then evapo-
rated under vacuum. Purification of the DMB-protected ad-
ducts 4 was carried out by column chromatography as detailed
below.
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-4-fluoro-N-(1-oxo-4-phenyl-1-(2,4,
4-trimethylpentan-2-ylamino)butan-2-yl)benzamide (4d). Basic
alumina column, eluted with 0f1f2% MeOH-CH2Cl2.
Glassy, yellow solid (514 mg, 18%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3)
7.52-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.15 (m, 5H), 7.14-6.82 (m, 4H),
6.46-6.29 (m, 2H), 4.61-4.33 (m, 2H), 4.24 (t, 1H, J = 7.0),
3.86-3.75 (m, 3H), 3.67 (br s, 2H), 2.70 (br s, 2H), 2.52 (br s,
1H), 2.26 (br s, 1H), 1.83-1.66 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.51 (m, 1H), 1.29
(s, 3H), 1.25 (s, 3H), 0.98 (s, 9H); δC (62.8 MHz, CDCl3) 172.5,
169.3, 163.3 (d, J = 251), 160.8, 158.2, 141.2, 130.3, 129.4,
129.2, 128.5, 126.1, 115.4 (d, J = 21.5), 104.2, 98.7, 62.3, 55.4,
55.0, 54.8, 33.0, 31.54, 31.45, 30.4, 28.9; m/z (ESI) 563 ([M þ
H]þ); HRMS, found 563.3281 (C34H44FN2O4 requires
563.3285).
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(2-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-2-oxo-
1-(thiophene-2-yl)ethyl)benzamide (4g). Silica column, eluted with
0f1f2f4% MeOH-CH2Cl2. Brown-colored foam (1.04 g,
40%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.44 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, 2H, J = 6.5),
7.52-7.37 (m, 4H), 7.34-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.18 (d, 1H, J = 3.0), 7.03
(t, 1H, J = 4.5), 6.82 (d, 2H, J = 9.0), 6.46 (dd, 1H, J = 2.0, 8.5),
6.21 (d, 1H, J = 2.0), 5.71 (s, 1H), 4.57 (AB system, 2H, J = 15.5),
3.79 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 173.5,
166.6, 160.9, 158.5, 156.3, 137.0, 135.5, 133.4, 130.9, 130.6, 130.4,
130.1, 129.2, 127.6, 127.5, 126.3, 121.9, 113.9, 104.1, 98.4, 55.5,
55.4, 55.0; m/z (ESI) 517 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 517.1810
(C29H29N2O5S requires 517.1797).
N-(2-(4-Chlorobenzylamino)-2-oxo-1-(thiophene-2-yl)ethyl)-
N-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)benzamide (4h). Silica column, eluted
with 0f1f2% MeOH-CH2Cl2. Pale yellow, crystalline solid
(1.08 g, 40%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.59-7.54 (m, 2H),
7.46-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.35-7.22 (m, 5H), 6.97 (d, 1H, J = 1.5),
6.93 (dd, 1H, J = 3.5, 5.0), 6.52-6.42 (m, 2H), 6.29 (d, 1H, J =
2.5), 5.31 (s, 1H), 4.59-4.50 (m, 3H), 4.33-4.25 (m, 1H), 3.81
(s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 172.5, 168.7, 160.8,
158.4, 137.4, 136.7, 135.6, 133.3, 133.0, 130.09, 130.05, 129.6,
128.9, 128.7, 128.4, 128.3, 127.9, 127.2, 126.2, 116.6, 104.0,
98.5, 61.1, 55.4, 54.9, 43.1, 26.9; m/z (ESI) 557 ([M þ Na]þ);
HRMS found 557.1291 (C29H27ClN2O4SNa requires
557.1278).
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(2-oxo-1-(thiophene-2-yl)-
2-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzylamino)ethyl)benzamide (4i). Basic alu-
mina column, eluted with 50f75f100% CH2Cl2-hexane then
1f2% MeOH-CH2Cl2. Off-white solid (1.22 g, 43%): δH
(400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.71 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 7.61 (d, 1H, J = 8.0),
7.59-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.46-7.32 (m, 6H), 7.01-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.95
(dd, 1H, J = 3.5, 5.0), 6.52-6.45 (m, 2H), 6.30 (d, 1H, J = 2.0),
4.79-4.69 (m, 1H), 4.62-4.47 (m, 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.60 (s, 3H);
δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 172.5, 168.7, 160.8, 158.4, 137.3, 136.6,
Method B. 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol as Solvent. The procedure
was carried out exactly as above for method A, except that 2,2,2-
trifluoroethanol (5 mL) was used in place of methanol.
(22) Janza, B.; Studer, A. Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 1875–1878.
7090 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
135.7, 132.5, 130.1, 129.8, 129.6, 128.3, 127.9, 127.2, 126.1, 125.7
(q, J = 5.5), 116.6, 104.0, 98.4, 61.0, 55.4, 54.9, 53.4, 40.2, 26.9;
7.58-7.53 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.12 (m, 2H), 7.08 (d,
1H, J = 8.5), 7.01 (dd, 1H, J = 3.z, 5.0), 6.54 (d, 1H, J = 2.5), 6.44
(dd, 1H, J = 2.5, 8.5), 6.00 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 4.29-4.17 (m, 2H),
3.76 (s, 3H), 3.74 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 168.8, 166.0,
159.8, 157.7, 141.1, 133.7, 131.5, 128.9, 128.2, 127.7, 126.6, 125.9,
125.6, 118.4, 104.2, 98.2, 55.3, 55.2, 52.7, 37.3; νmax (solid)/cm-1
3278, 1627, 1509, 1296, 1206, 1031, 823, 695; m/z (ESI) 411
([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 411.1370 (C22H23N2O4S requires
411.1379).
m/z (ESI) 569 ([M
(C30H28F3N2O4S requires 569.1722).
þ
H]þ); HRMS found 569.1704
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(2-oxo-1-(thiophene-2-yl)-2-(2-
(thiophene-2-yl)ethylamino)ethyl)benzamide (4j). Basic alumina
column, eluted with 60f80f100% CH2Cl2-hexane then 1%
MeOH-CH2Cl2. Bright yellow foam (1.18 g, 43%): δH
(400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.56 (d, 2H, J = 6.5), 7.49 (d, 1H, J = 8.5),
7.43-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.32 (dd, 1H, J = 1.5, 5.0), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.13
(dd, 1H, J = 1.0, 5.0), 6.95-6.89 (m, 3H), 6.83-6.81 (m, 1H),
6.51 (dd, 1H, J = 2.0, 8.0), 6.33 (d, 1H, J = 2.5), 6.24 (t, 1H, J =
5.5), 5.23 (s, 1H), 4.59-4.47 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.65-3.53 (m,
4H), 3.46-3.35 (m, 1H), 3.02 (t, 2H, J = 6.5); δC (100 MHz,
CDCl3) 172.6, 168.6, 160.6, 158.3, 141.3, 137.5, 135.7, 130.1,
129.8, 129.5, 128.3, 127.7, 127.2, 127.0, 126.1, 125.6, 123.7,
116.8, 103.9, 98.4, 61.2, 55.4, 55.0, 41.3, 29.7; νmax (solid)/cm-1
1676, 1613, 1506, 1206, 1032, 696; m/z (ESI) 521 ([M þ H]þ);
HRMS found 521.1547 (C28H29N2O4S2 requires 521.1569).
Two-Step Synthesis of Diamides 1d,g-j (Table 2). Step 2:
Deprotection of 4d,g-j. The DMB-protected intermediate 4 was
dissolved in TFA-DCM (1:4, 10 mL) and the mixture stirred at
room temperature for 1 h and then evaporated to dryness. The
diamide product 1 was purified as described below and isolated
in the yields reported in Table 2; spectroscopic data were in
agreement with those listed above for the samples prepared
directly by the Ugi-4CC with ammonia.
1g-i. The crude product was triturated with satd aq NaH-
CO3, and then ether (approximately 5 mL) was added to the
mixture and trituration continued until the initially sticky gum
had precipitated as a solid. The crude product was collected by
filtration using a sintered funnel and washed successively with
satd aq NaHCO3 (ꢀ3), water (ꢀ2), and then ether (2 ꢀ 10 mL).
Purified product was isolated by washing through the sinter
slowly with chloroform (4 ꢀ 30 mL), in each case leaving behind
a small amount of insoluble, pink residue. The chloroform
solution was dried over MgSO4, filtered, and then evaporated
giving the diamide product.
1d,j. These compounds were more organically soluble and
were thus extracted into ether (ꢀ2) and washed with satd
NaHCO3, and the organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and
then evaporated. Column chromatography on silica (1j) or basic
alumina (1d), eluted with 0-1-2-4% MeOH-CH2Cl2, pro-
vided the title compounds.
Cyclization of Diamides to N-Substituted 5-Aminothiazoles
5a-k. The diamide 1 (1 mmol) was suspended in anhydrous m-
xylene (1f-j,q-t) or toluene (1k-p, 20 mL), together with
Lawesson’s reagent (485 mg, 1.2 mmol) under N2. The mixture
was heated at reflux for either 20 min (1g-j,q-t), 1 h (1k-p), or
3 h (1f). Following evaporation of the solvent, the thiazole
product 5a-o was isolated by column chromatography as
described for each individual example (see the Supporting
Information for details).
N-(2-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzylamino)-1-(4-methoxy-3-(methoxy-
methyl)phenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-3-phenylbutanamide (7b). The initial
reddish gum was triturated thoroughly with ether; addition of a
small amount of CH2Cl2 with continued trituration induced
crystallization. The product was obtained as a mixture of
diastereoisomers, as indicated by the presence of two sets of
peaks in the NMR spectra. Off-white solid (2.17 g, 42%): mp
149-152 °C; δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.31-7.13 (m, 6.5H),
7.09-7.00 (m, 1.5H), 6.83-6.77 (m, 1H), [6.88 (d, 0.3H, J =
7.0) and 6.73 (d, 0.7H, J = 8.5)], 6.41-6.36 (m, 2H), [6.22 (t,
0.65H, J = 6.0) and 6.16 (t, 0.35H, J = 6.0)], 5.33 (t, 1H, J =
6.5), 4.49-4.24 (m, 4H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.80-3.78 (m, 3H),
3.71-3.69 (m, 3H), [3.39 (s, 1H) and 3.38 (s, 2H)], 3.29-3.19
(m, 1H), 2.56-2.37 (m, 2H), [1.27 (d, 2H, J = 7.0) and 1.22 (d,
1H, J = 7.0)]; δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 170.9, [169.69 and 169.62],
160.6, 158.4, [156.97 and 156.94], [145.97 and 145.85], 130.4,
[130.18 and 130.13], [128.54 and 128.49], [128.06 and 128.01],
[127.81 and 127.71], [127.08 and 126.96], [126.75 and 126.73],
[126.31 and 126.24], 118.2, 110.5, 103.8, 98.5, [69.46 and 69.44],
58.4, [56.63 and 56.53], 55.5, 55.4, 55.2, [45.40 and 45.13], [39.46
and 39.41], [36.87 and 37.77], [21.66 and 21.57]; νmax (solid)/
cm-1 3294, 2934, 1623, 1540, 1508, 1294, 1250, 1207, 1099, 1034,
704; m/z (ESI) 521 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 521.2643
(C30H37N2O6 requires 521.2652).
N-(2-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzylamino)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)-
1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide (7c). Crystallized from
ether/hexane. Pale brown solid (1.45 g, 33%): mp 172-173 °C;
δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.75 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 8.50 (t, 1H, J =
5.5), 7.58-7.46(dd, 2H, J = 5.5, 8.5), 7.20 (t, 2H, J=8.5), 6.98 (d,
1H, J = 8.5), 6.85 (s, 1H), 6.52 (d, 1H, J = 1.5), 6.41 (dd, 1H, J =
2.0, 8.0), 5.68 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 4.27-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H),
3.72 (s, 6H), 2.15(s, 3H);δC (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 170.1, 162.5 (d,
J = 244), 160.7, 159.9, 158.6, 146.1, 136.0, 135.4, 130.5 (d, J =
8.0), 129.7, 119.2, 115.9 (d, J = 21.5), 108.2, 105.0, 99.1, 56.5, 56.2,
56.0, 39.3, 38.2, 13.9; νmax (solid)/cm-1 3297, 1634, 1508, 1210,
1158, 1132, 1039, 833, 790; m/z (ESI) 441 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS,
found 441.1920 (C23H26FN4O4 requires 441.1938).
2-Acetamido-N-(2,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methoxy-
phenyl)acetamide (7d). No column chromatography necessary;
recrystallized directly from EtOAc. White powder (1.72 g, 44%):
mp 200 °C; δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8.58 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 8.51
(t, 1H, J = 5.5), 7.24 (dd, 1H, J = 2.0, 8.0), 7.21-7.15 (m, 1H),
7.02-6.93 (m, 2H), 6.53 (d, 1H, J = 2.5), 6.40 (dd, 1H, J = 2.5,
8.5), 5.51 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 4.14 (ddd, 2H, J = 6.0, 9.0, 15.0), 3.80
(s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 6H), 1.91 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 170.5,
169.7, 160.6, 158.5, 151.7 (d, J = 242), 147.6 (d, J = 11.0), 136.8
(d, J = 3.0), 129.5, 120.3 (d, J = 7.0), 119.4, 116.3 (d, J = 18.0),
113.6, 105.0, 99.1, 56.7, 56.5, 56.2, 56.0, 37.9, 23.3; νmax (solid)/
cm-1 3306, 1631, 1614, 1509, 1288, 1261, 1207, 1156, 1132, 1031;
m/z (ESI) 391 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 391.1672 (C20H24-
FN2O5 requires 391.1669).
DMB-Protected Ugi Adducts (7a-d). General Procedure. A
calculated volume of ammonia solution of known concentration
(10 mmol) was added to a stirred solution or suspension of the
carboxylic acid (10 mmol) in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (10 mL).
The aldehyde (10 mmol) and 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl isocyanide
(1.77 g, 10 mmol) were then introduced, and stirring continued
at rt overnight (18-24 h). Solvent was removed by rotary
evaporation and the crude product purified by column chroma-
tography on basic alumina, eluted with 0f1f2%
MeOH-CH2Cl2, followed by further crystallization as indi-
cated.
Cyclization of 7a-d to DMB-Protected 5-Aminothiazoles
9a-d. The DMB-protected diamide 7 (1 mmol) was suspended
in anhydrous toluene (20 mL) under N2, together with Lawesson’s
reagent (485 mg, 1.2 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 1 h, the
solvent evaporated, and the residue purified by column chroma-
tography on basic alumina, as indicated for each case.
N-(2-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzylamino)-2-oxo-1-(thiophene-2-yl)ethyl)-
benzamide (7a). Crystallized from ether/hexane. Pale brown solid
(1.16 g, 28%): mp 160-163 °C dec; δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6)
8.98 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 8.56 (t, 1H, J = 5.5), 7.96-7.91 (m, 2H),
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-2-phenyl-4-(thiophene-2-yl)thiazol-
5-amine (9a). Column eluent 2f8f15f20% EtOAc-hexane.
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009 7091

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
Thick, yellow gum (102 mg, 25%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3)
7.90-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, 2H, J = 7.5), 7.37-7.31 (m, 2H),
7.30-7.23 (m, 2H), 7.11 (dd, 1H, J = 3.5, 5.0), 6.50 (d, 1H, J =
2.0), 6.49-6.45 (m, 1H), 4.86 (br s, 1H), 4.36 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H),
3.83 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 160.8, 158.6, 152.4, 145.7,
138.5, 134.1, 130.4, 129.9, 128.7, 127.3, 125.5, 123.2, 122.2,
118.3, 103.9, 98.8, 55.4, 55.3, 50.1; νmax (neat)/cm-1 2932,
1613, 1588, 1540, 1498, 1449, 1287, 1206, 1155, 1131, 1031,
824, 758, 687; m/z (ESI) 391 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found
391.1672 (C20H24FN2O5 requires 391.1669).
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-4-(4-methoxy-3-(methoxymethyl)-
phenyl)-2-(2-phenylpropyl)thiazol-5-amine (9b). Column eluent
5f10f15f20f25% EtOAc-hexane. Thick, yellow oil seen
to be a mixture by NMR and HPLC analysis (213 mg): δH (400
MHz, CDCl3) 7.63 (d, 1H, J = 2.5), 7.55 (dd, 1H, J = 2.5, 8.5),
7.36-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 3H), 7.11 (d, 1H, J = 8.0),
6.91 (d, 1H, J = 9.0), 6.46-6.41 (m, 2H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.48 (br s,
1H), 4.18-4.12 (m, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.75 (s, 3H),
3.42 (s, 3H), 3.27-3.06 (m, 3H), 1.35 (d, 3H, J = 6.5); δC (100
MHz, CDCl3) 160.6, 158.5, 156.1, 154.8, 146.2, 144.2, 134.0,
130.3, 128.8, 128.4, 127.9, 127.8, 127.1, 126.5, 126.3, 119.1,
110.5, 103.7, 98.6, 69.7, 58.2, 55.6, 55.4, 55.2, 50.3, 42.1, 40.7,
21.6; νmax (neat)/cm-1 1 2927, 1612, 1589, 1501, 1250, 1207,
1027, 700; m/z (ESI) 519 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 519.2336
(C30H35N2O4S requires 519.2318).
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-2-(1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-
4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-5-amine (9c). Column eluent 10f
15f20f25f30% EtOAc-isohexane. Thick, bright yellow gum
(122 mg, 28%), which gradually solidified on standing: δH
(400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.71 (dd, 2H, J = 5.5, 9.0), 7.20 (d, 1H, J =
8.0), 7.13 (t, 2H, J = 9.0), 6.50-6.44 (m, 2H), 6.28 (s, 1H), 4.84 (t,
1H, J = 6.0), 4.27 (d, 2H, J = 6.0), 4.19 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.80
(s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 162.7, 159.7 (d, J =
233), 147.3, 146.7, 142.3, 136.5, 133.3, 131.2, 130.5, 128.7 (d, J =
8.0), 118.1, 115.6 (d, J = 21.5), 105.3, 103.9, 98.8, 55.4, 55.3, 50.3,
38.8, 13.4; νmax (solid)/cm-1 1616, 1504, 1206, 1159, 1030, 832, 762,
566; m/z (ESI) 439 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 439.1599 (C23H24-
FN4O2S requires 439.1604).
N-(2,4-Dimethoxybenzyl)-4-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-
thiazol-5-amine (9d). Column eluent 5f10f15f20f25% Et-
OAc-isohexane. Thick, yellow gum (89 mg, 23%): δH
(400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.36 (dd, 1H, J = 2.0, 8.5), 7.18-7.13 (m,
2H), 7.09 (dd, 1H, J = 8.5, 11.0), 6.47-6.44 (m, 1H), 6.43 (d, 1H,
J = 2.5), 4.55 (t, 1H, J = 6.5), 4.19 (d, 2H, J = 6.5), 3.92 (s, 3H),
3.82 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 2.60 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3)
160.7, 158.6, 151.8, 145.1, 130.4, 119.1, 118.8, 115.9 (d, J = 18.5
Hz), 113.0, 103.8, 98.6, 56.2, 55.4, 55.2, 50.4, 19.3; νmax (neat)/
cm-1 2940, 1606, 1588, 1507, 1456, 1288, 1262, 1206, 1156, 1117,
1031, 823, 772, 735; m/z (ESI) 389 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found
389.1338 (C20H22FN2O3S requires 389.1335).
4-(4-Methoxy-3-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)-2-(2-phenylpropyl)-
thiazol-5-amine (6b). Prepared from 9b (210 mg, 0.40 mmol).
Column eluent 0f1f2% MeOH-CH2Cl2. This gave mixed
material as a thick, orange gum (112 mg). Further purification
by preparative HPLC (Alltech Alltima HP C18 HL 5 μm
column, 22 ꢀ 150 mm, eluted with 80:20 MeOH-H2O at
20 mL min-1; UV detection at 254 nm) provided the title
compound as an amorphous, pale orange gum (25 mg, 7%
overall from 7b): δH 7.68 (d, 1H, J = 2.0), 7.65-7.61 (dd, 1H,
J = 1.5, 8.5), 7.37-7.21 (m, 4H), 6.96 (d, 1H, J = 8.5), 4.55 (s,
2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.29-3.13 (br m, 3H), 1.37 (d, 3H,
J = 6.5); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 156.2, 155.3, 145.8, 139.0, 128.5,
128.3, 128.0, 127.2, 126.7, 126.4, 110.7, 69.6, 58.4, 55.6, 41.8,
40.7, 21.8; νmax (solid)/cm-1 2926, 1595, 1498, 1453, 1252, 908,
729, 700; m/z (ESI) 369 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 369.1649
(C21H25N2O2S requires 369.1637).
2-(1,3-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazol-
5-amine (6c). Prepared from 9c (119 mg, 0.27 mmol). Column
eluent 0f1f2% MeOH-CH2Cl2. Yellowish to orange solid
(74 mg, 95%): mp 205-207 °C. δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 7.84
(dd, 2H, J = 5.5, 9.0), 7.25 (t, 2H, J = 9.0), 6.34 (s, 1H), 6.17 (s,
2H), 4.08 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 161.2
(d, J = 243), 147.1, 146.3, 140.2, 136.5, 132.4 (d, J = 3.0),
131.6, 129.0 (d, J = 8.0), 116.1 (d, J = 21.0), 105.9, 39.4, 13.9;
ν
max (solid)/cm-1 3293, 3152, 1630, 1498, 1211, 955, 847, 774,
667, 652, 560; m/z (ESI) 289 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found
289.0917 (C14H14FN4S requires 289.0923).
4-(4-Fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylthiazol-5-amine (6d).
Prepared from 9d (209 mg, 0.54 mmol). Column eluent
10f20f30f40f50f100% EtOAc-isohexane. Thick yellow
oil (74 mg, 57%), which crystallized on standing to give a pale
yellow solid: mp 116 °C. δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.39 (d, 1H, J =
8.0), 7.24-7.17 (m, 1H), 7.11 (t, 1H, J = 10.0), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.84
(br s, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 152.0, 151.3 (d,
J = 247), 147.8 (d, J = 10.0), 140.0, 134.4, 131.3 (d, J = 3.5),
119.3 (d, J = 6.5), 116.0 (d, J = 18.5), 112.8, 56.3, 19.2; νmax
(solid)/cm-1 3407, 3260, 3152, 1604, 1513, 1266, 1203, 1166,
1118, 1031, 862, 832, 772; m/z (ESI) 239 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS,
found 239.0656 (C11H12FN2OS requires 239.0654).
Synthesis of Oxazoles 8a-d from Amides 7a-d. General
Procedure. Diamide 7 (1 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2
(4 mL), and then TFA (2 mL) was added. After 20 min, TFAA
(2 mL) was also added and stirring continued for 40 min
more. The mixture was evaporated and the residue redissolved
in CH2Cl2 and then washed with satd NaHCO3. The organic
layer was evaporated and the crude material recrystallized
from CHCl3-hexane to afford the oxazole-5-trifluoroaceta-
mide 8.
2,2,2-Trifluoro-N-(2-phenyl-4-(thiophene-2-yl)oxazol-5-yl)-
acetamide (8a). Pale brown powder (168 mg, 50%): mp 178-
180 °C dec; δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 12.35 (br s, 1H), 8.06-8.00
(m, 2H), 7.70 (dd, 1H, J = 1.0, 5.0), 7.62-7.56 (m, 3H), 7.40 (dd,
1H, J = 1.0, 3.5), 7.21 (dd, 1H, J = 3.5, 5.0); δC (100 MHz,
DMSO-d6) 158.3, 156.5 (q, J = 38.0), 133.7, 131.5, 131.4, 129.3,
128.9, 128.1, 127.2, 126.1, 125.8, 125.5, 115.4 (q, J = 288); νmax
(solid)/cm-1 3238, 1717, 1636, 1537, 1508, 1156, 1028, 713, 684;
m/z (ESI) 339 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 339.0419 (C15H10F3-
N2O2S requires 339.0415).
Deprotection to 5-Aminothiazoles 6a-d. General Procedure.
The DMB-protected derivative 9 was dissolved in TFA-CH2Cl2
(1:4, 10 mL mmol-1) and the solution stirred at rt for 20 min and
then carefully partitioned between satd NaHCO3 and CH2Cl2.
The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO4, and evapo-
rated, followed by purification of the crude material by basic
alumina (9b, 9c) or neutral alumina (9a, 9d) column chromato-
graphy using the eluent specified.
2-Phenyl-4-(thiophene-2-yl)thiazol-5-amine (6a). Prepared
from 9a (141 mg, 0.35 mmol). Column eluent 10f20f30%
EtOAc-hexane, then neat CH2Cl2: pale green powder (60 mg,
87%); mp 143-145 °C; δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.90-7.85 (m,
2H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 4H), 7.32 (dd, 1H, J = 1.0, 5.0), 7.15 (dd,
1H, J = 3.5, 5.0), 4.12 (br s, 2H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 153.7,
140.3, 137.8, 133.8, 132.4, 129.2, 128.8, 127.5, 125.8, 124.0,
123.2; νmax (solid)/cm-1 3259, 3141, 1606, 1536, 1493, 1469,
1432, 1188, 967, 760, 686; m/z (ESI) 259 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS,
found 259.0367 (C13H11N2S2 requires 259.0364).
2,2,2-Trifluoro-N-(4-(4-methoxy-3-(methoxymethyl)phenyl)-
2-(2-phenylpropyl)oxazol-5-yl)acetamide (8b). Viscous, pale
yellow oil (356 mg, 79%): δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.61 (s, 1H),
7.54 (d, 1H, J = 2.5), 7.50 (dd, 1H, J = 2.5, 8.5), 7.33 (t, 2H,
J = 7.5), 7.28-7.20 (m, 3H), 6.86 (d, 1H, J = 8.5), 4.49 (s, 2H),
3.85 (s, 3H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.40-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.06-2.91 (m,
2H), 1.35 (d, 3H, J = 7.0); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 161.4, 157.2,
156.3 (q, J = 39.5), 145.3, 132.4, 131.7, 128.6, 126.9, 126.8,
126.7, 126.6, 122.0, 115.5 (q, J = 288), 110.4, 69.3, 58.5, 55.5,
38.2, 37.0, 21.3; νmax (neat)/cm-1 2965, 1750, 1500, 1149, 1024,
7092 J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009

Thompson and Chen
JOCArticle
699; m/z (ESI) 449 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found 449.1698
(C23H24F3N2O4 requires 449.1688).
liquid-liquid extraction column. After evaporation of the
organic extract, the amide product was further purified as
indicated for each example (see the Supporting Information);
typically, a single recrystallization from EtOAc-hexane gave a
sample of good purity.
Method B, from Secondary 5-Aminothiazoles 5. N,N-Diiso-
propylethylamine (1.5 equiv) was added to a 0.1 M solution of
the secondary 5-aminothiazole 5 (between 0.30-0.75 mmol) in
dry THF, under N2. The relevant acyl chloride (1.3 equiv) was
introduced, followed by DMAP (catalytic amount), and the
mixture stirred at rt for 24 h. Workup and purification were
carried out as detailed for method A.
2,2,2-Trifluoro-N-(4-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylox-
azol-5-yl)acetamide (8d). Off-white, microcrystalline solid (158
mg, 50%): mp 140-141 °C; δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.19 (s, 1H),
7.29-7.24 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.06 (m, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H);
δ
C (100 MHz, CDCl3) 159.8, 156.4 (q, J = 38.5), 152.4 (d, J =
248), 147.9 (d, J = 10.0), 132.7, 132.2, 126.1 (d, J = 3.5), 118.7
(d, J = 7.0), 116.4 (d, J = 18.0), 115.4 (q, J = 288), 111.6, 56.1,
14.2; νmax (solid)/cm-1 3230, 1722, 1541, 1518, 1279, 1206, 1175,
872, 780, 737, 668; m/z (ESI) 319 ([M þ H]þ); HRMS, found
319.0702 (C13H11F4N2O3 requires 319.0706).
Thiazole-5-amides 10. Method A, from Primary 5-Aminothia-
zoles 6. Pyridine (2.5 equiv) was added to a solution or suspen-
sion of the primary 5-aminothiazole 6 (between 0.25-0.5 mmol)
in dry THF (10 mL mmol-1) under N2. The relevant acyl
chloride (1.1 equiv) was introduced to the reaction mixture,
which was then stirred at rt for 4 h, after which time the solvent
was evaporated. The remaining material was stirred rapidly with
ethyl acetate (20 mL) and 1 M HCl (10 mL) for 10-15 min, and
then the organic layer was separated by passing through a
Acknowledgment. This work was funded by a grant from
BBSRC (Grant No. BB/E014119/1).
Supporting Information Available: Characterization data
for libraries 1, 5, and 10; copies of 1H and 13C NMR spectra for
all compounds; analysis of compound purity by HPLC. This
material is available free of charge via the Internet at http://
pubs.acs.org.
J. Org. Chem. Vol. 74, No. 18, 2009 7093