Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel phenyl sulfonamide derivatives designed as modulators of pulmonary inflammatory response

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules171214651

In this paper we report the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a new series of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2a-h and 3-8 planned by structural modification on the anti-inflammatory prototype LASSBio-468 (1). Among the synthesized analogues, the tetrafluorophthalimide LASSBio-1439 (2e) stands out showing an in vitro anti-TNF-a effect similar to the standard thalidomide. The relevance of tetrafluorination of the phthalimide nucleus was also confirmed by the anti-inflammatory profile of 2e, through oral administration, in a murine model of pulmonary inflammation. The corresponding tetrafluorocarboxyamide metabolite LASSBio-1454 (15), generated from partial hydrolysis of the derivative 2e, presented a significant in vitro effect and a pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules171214651

Molecules 2012, 17, 14651-14672; doi:10.3390/molecules171214651
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Phenyl
Sulfonamide Derivatives Designed as Modulators of Pulmonary
Inflammatory Response
Maria Letícia de Castro Barbosa 1,2, Thiago José Figueira Ramos 3, Ana Carolina Santos de Arantes 3,
Marco Aurélio Martins 3, Patrícia Machado Rodrigues e Silva 3, Eliezer J. Barreiro 1,2 and
Lídia Moreira Lima 1,2,
*
1
Laboratory of Evaluation and Synthesis of Bioactive Substances (LASSBio®), Federal University of
Rio de Janeiro, P.O. Box 68024, 21944-971, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Graduate Program of Chemistry (PGQu), Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro,
Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909, RJ, Brazil
2
3
Laboratory of Inflammation—Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ),
Rio de Janeiro, 21045-900, RJ, Brazil
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: lidia@pharma.ufrj.br;
Tel.: +55-21-2562-6503; Fax: +55-21-2562-6644.
Received: 17 October 2012; in revised form: 19 November 2012 / Accepted: 5 December 2012 /
Published: 10 December 2012
Abstract: In this paper we report the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of
a new series of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2a–h and 3–8 planned by structural
modification on the anti-inflammatory prototype LASSBio-468 (1). Among the
synthesized analogues, the tetrafluorophthalimide LASSBio-1439 (2e) stands out showing
an in vitro anti-TNF-α effect similar to the standard thalidomide. The relevance of
tetrafluorination of the phthalimide nucleus was also confirmed by the anti-inflammatory
profile of 2e, through oral administration, in a murine model of pulmonary inflammation.
The corresponding tetrafluorocarboxyamide metabolite LASSBio-1454 (15), generated
from partial hydrolysis of the derivative 2e, presented a significant in vitro effect and a
pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Keywords: inflammation; TNF-α; LASSBio-468; LASSBio-596; phthalimide

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1. Introduction
Inflammation is the body’s response to insults, including trauma, infections and hypersensitivity. In
the lung, this response is usually induced by pathogens, toxins, pollutants, irritants and allergens [1].
Normally, the acute inflammatory response is disrupted once the triggering insult is eliminated, the
infection is cleared and the damaged tissue is repaired, but if the stimulus is not properly eliminated,
the inflammatory process persists and acquires new characteristics, becoming detrimental due to its
negative effects on tissue function. In some cases this undesirable inflammatory response results in
overt tissue damage [2].
Since the lung is a vital organ for gas exchange, excessive inflammation can be life threatening [1].
Thus, the protective roles and the detrimental potential of the inflammatory response have to be delicately
balanced to maintain lung homeostasis [3]. Clinically, acute lung inflammation is present in
pneumonia, acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), whereas chronic
lung inflammation is represented by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1,4,5].
Knowing that inflammation is an important feature of many pulmonary diseases, several strategies
have been adopted to interfere with the lung immune response, including the modulation of
pro-inflammatory cytokines and the regulation of cellular signal transduction [1].
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a crucial cytokine in immunity and inflammation. On the
other hand, despite its physiological relevance, it is well-known that the increased biosynthesis and
release of TNF-α lead to exacerbation of inflammatory and oxidative responses, which are related to
the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases [6,7]. Among pulmonary diseases, TNF-α is implicated in
asthma, COPD, ALI and ARDS [4].
In the context of a research program aimed at the discovery of new anti-inflammatory lead
compounds useful in the treatment of airway diseases, Lima and colleagues previously described
LASSBio-468 (1), a thalidomide analogue with pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in a murine
model of acute lung inflammation (ED50 = 2.5 mg/kg; i.p.) [8–10].
In a continuing effort to identify new anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drug candidates,
we report in this paper the design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of novel phenyl
sulfonamide derivatives 2a–h and 3–8 planned by structural modifications on the prototype 1.
The design concept was based on previous reports in literature suggesting the importance of
structural modifications on the phthalimide subunit to optimize the anti-TNF-α effect of thalidomide
(9) and analogues [6,10–13].
Therefore, the novel compounds 2a–f were designed through the introduction of electron
withdrawing or electron donating substituents on the phthalimide core, aiming to study the influence of
electronic parameters on the anti-TNF-α activity. Moreover, the homologation strategy and the
classical bioisosteric replacement were employed in the design of compounds 2g and 2h, respectively
(Scheme 1).

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Scheme 1. Structural design of the target derivatives 2a–h.
In an attempt to understand the different pharmacophoric contributions in the phthalimide core to
the anti-inflammatory effects of prototype 1, sequential molecular simplifications were employed in
the phthalimide subunit. The simplified derivatives 3–8 of LASSBio-468 (1) are shown in Scheme 2.
Scheme 2. Structural design of the simplified derivatives 3–8.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
The synthesis of the new phenyl sulfonamide analogues 2a–h and 3–6 was undertaken employing
the aniline LASSBio-1448 (8) as a key intermediate. This compound, containing the phenyl

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sulfonamide fragment of the designed derivatives, was easily obtained in high yield, by the synthetic
sequence depicted in Scheme 3, using a classical methodology based on several functional
group interconversions.
The acetylation of aniline (10) with acetic anhydride provided acetanilide (11) in 90% yield [14,15].
The second step in the synthesis of 8 was based on a regioselective electrophilic aromatic substitution
employing chlorosulfonic acid, giving 12 in 85% yield [16,17]. With this intermediate in hand,
the acetamide LASSBio-1295 (7) was synthesized in 65% yield by condensation of the
4-(acetylamino)benzenesulfonyl chloride (12) with thiomorpholine [15,18]. The key intermediate 8
was obtained in 93% yield through alkaline hydrolysis of the acetamide 7 (Scheme 3) [19].
Scheme 3. Synthesis of the key intermediate 8 (LASSBio-1448).
Reagents and conditions: (a) acetic anhydride, glacial acetic acid, CH3CO2Na anhydrous, r.t.,
30 min, 90%; (b) HSO3Cl, 60 °C, 30 min, 85%; (c) thiomorpholine, CH2Cl2, r.t., 30 min, 65%;
(d) KOH, H2O, MeOH, 60 °C, 3 h, 93%.
Afterwards, the synthesis of the imide core of compounds 2a, 2c, 2e–h, 3 and 4 was undertaken
employing the condensation of the key intermediate LASSBio-1448 (8) with functionalized anhydrides
through the methodologies depicted in Scheme 4 [20,21].
Scheme 4. Synthesis of the imide derivatives 2a, 2c, 2e–h, 3 and 4.
Reagents and conditions: (e) glacial acetic acid, 140 °C, 3 h, 73%; (f) solvent free, 180 °C, 1–4 h, 50–95%.
Then, the aminophthalimide analogues 2b (LASSBio-1438) and 2d (LASSBio-1441) were obtained
from the nitro derivatives 2a (LASSBio-1438) and 2c (LASSBio-1440), respectively, through a
functional group interconversion (Scheme 5) [22].

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Scheme 5. Synthesis of the aminophthalimide analogues 2b and 2d.
14655
Reagents and conditions: (g) Fe°, NH4Cl, EtOH, H2O, 78 °C, 2 h, 57–61%.
As described above, the simplified derivatives 7 and 8 were obtained as synthetic intermediates for
the preparation of the designed imide analogues of 1 (Scheme 3). Finally, the isoindolinone LASSBio-577
(5) was prepared through chemoselective reduction of the phthalimide ring of prototype 1
(LASSBio-468, Scheme 6) [23]; and the benzamide LASSBio-1446 (6) was synthesized in 76% yield
through the condensation of the key intermediate 8 with benzoyl chloride (13, Scheme 7) [24].
Scheme 6. Synthesis of the isoindolinone 5 (LASSBio-577).
Reagents and conditions: (h) Zn dust, glacial acetic acid, 140 °C, 72 h, 71%.
Scheme 7. Synthesis of the benzamide 6 (LASSBio-1446).
Reagents and conditions: (i) CH2Cl2, r.t, 20 min, 76%.
2.2. Pharmacological Screening
The pharmacological screening of the phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2a–h and 3–8 was based on
in vitro quantification of TNF-α using an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). These
compounds were evaluated for their ability to modulate the production of this pro-inflammatory
cytokine in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (Figure 1).
The results depicted in Figure 1 indicate a significant inhibitory effect on murine TNF-α production
for the tetrafluorophthalimide derivative LASSBio-1439 (2e), which caused 50% inhibition, showing a
similar anti-TNF-α effect to the standard thalidomide (9), which caused 33% inhibition at a screening
concentration of 100 µM.

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Interestingly, under these experimental conditions, the phthalimide prototype LASSBio-468 (1) did
not show any statistically significant inhibitory effect, although previous reports have described its
pronounced anti-TNF-α effect in vivo after intraperitoneal administration [9].
Figure 1. Effect of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives (1, 2a–h, 3–8) and standard thalidomide
(9) on TNF-α production from peritoneal murine macrophages stimulated with LPS in vitro
(0.1 µg/mL). Screening concentration of 100 μM was used. Values are mean ± SEM.
+ p < 0.05 compared with the group stimulated with medium; * p < 0.05 compared with the
group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls Student test.
Taken together, the experimental data demonstrated the relevance of tetrafluorination of the
phthalimide ring to optimize the anti-TNF-α profile of the analogue 2e, confirming the potential of this
functionalization to improve the inhibitory effect on this pro-inflammatory cytokine, as previously
described [11,13,25,26].
The viability of macrophages was measured using an inverted microscope by the exclusion test with
trypan blue, based on the fact that this hydrophilic dye does not cross the plasma membrane of viable
cells, in contrast to what occurs in the case of membrane lysis and cell death. Among the synthesized
analogues, only the maleimide compound LASSBio-1447 (3) has shown cytotoxic activity. This
derivative caused a drastic reduction in the percentage of viable cells to 3%, characterizing the
cytotoxic profile of 3 at the screening concentration of 100 µM. Therefore, the complete inhibition of
TNF-α production observed in the presence of 100 µM of 3 is, in fact, due to 97% death of macrophages.
2.3. Chemical Hydrolysis and Plasma Stability Studies
It is well known that the drug thalidomide (9) undergoes spontaneous non-enzymatic hydrolytic
cleavage at pH 7.4, resulting in partial hydrolysis of all imides present in the structure of 9 and
generating the corresponding carboxamide derivatives [27,28]. Considering the structural relatedness
of the phthalimide derivatives LASSBio-468 (1) and LASSBio-1439 (2e) to thalidomide (9), we
decided to study the chemical (i.e., pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline-PBS) and the plasma stability of
these derivatives. As expected, both compounds have time-dependent lability, generating the
corresponding carboxyamide metabolites. However, the tetrafluorophthalimide LASSBio-1439 (2e)
presented greater kinetics of hydrolysis in plasma and pH 7.4 than the non-fluorinated derivative
LASSBio-468 (1) (data not shown).

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2.4. Synthesis and Anti-TNF-α Effect of Carboxyamide Metabolites
Since the hypothesis of hydrolysis of the phthalimide nucleus was confirmed for compounds 1 and
2e, we decided to perform the synthesis of the corresponding carboxyamide derivatives LASSBio-596 (14)
and LASSBio-1454 (15) to corroborate the supposition that they could be active metabolites in vivo.
The carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15 were obtained from the phthalimides LASSBio-468 (1)
and LASSBio-1439 (2e), respectively, through alkaline hydrolysis, as previously described for the
synthesis of 14 (Scheme 8) [8].
Scheme 8. Synthesis of the carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15.
Reagents and conditions: (j) KOH, EtOH, r.t, 1 h, 84–86%.
The HPLC and UV analyses of the synthesized compounds LASSBio-596 (14) and LASSBio-1454
(15) confirmed that they corresponded to the metabolites formed by chemical (pH 7.4) or enzymatic
(plasma) hydrolysis of the phthalimides LASSBio-468 (1) and LASSBio-1439 (2e), respectively.
The carboxyamide metabolites 14 and 15 were also evaluated for their ability to modulate the
production of TNF-α in murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), comparing the
results to those obtained for the phthalimide precursors 1 and 2e (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Effect of the phthalimide phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 1 and 2e, the
carboxyamide phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 14 and 15, and the standard thalidomide (9)
on TNF-α production from peritoneal murine macrophages stimulated with LPS in vitro
(0.1 µg/mL). Screening concentration of 100 μM was used. Values are mean ± SEM.
+ p < 0.05 compared with the group stimulated with medium; * p < 0.05 compared with the
group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls Student test.

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The tetrafluorinated carboxyamide LASSBio-1454 (15) showed an anti-TNF-α effect in vitro (42%
inhibition; 100 μM) similar to that observed for the tetrafluorophthalimide 2e (46% inhibition;
100 μM), indicating that 15 could be partly responsible for the anti-TNF-α activity observed for 2e.
Additionally, the carboxyamide LASSBio-596 (14), probably generated in vivo as a metabolite of
the prototype 1, showed significant anti-TNF-α effect (34% inhibition; 100 μM). This fact can justify
why the prototype 1 did not demonstrate any statistically significant TNF-α inhibition in vitro in the
screening assay, although it had shown a pronounced anti-TNF-α effect in vivo after intraperitoneal
administration [9].
2.5. Pharmacological Evaluation in Acute Lung Inflammation
In view of the previously published results describing 1 as an anti-inflammatory prototype with
pronounced effect after intraperitoneal administration [8]; we decided to evaluate the oral anti-
inflammatory effect of the lead-compound 1 and its tetrafluorophthalimide analogue 2e in a murine
model of pulmonary inflammation induced by LPS (Figures 3 and 4). The results depicted in Figures 3
and 4 demonstrated once again, now in an in vivo model, the relevance of the tetra-fluorination of the
phthalimide ring to the optimization of anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α profiles, once the prototype
1 (LASSBio-468) was orally inactive at the dose of 50 mg/kg, while its tetrafluorophthalimide
analogue 2e significantly inhibited the infiltration of neutrophils (32% inhibition; 50 mg/kg; p.o.) and
the production of TNF-α (37% inhibition; 50 mg/kg, p.o.) in the lung tissue.
Considering the high rate of hydrolysis detected in vitro for the tetrafluorophthalimide nucleus of
2e, the anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α effects observed for this compound in vivo are probably due
to the corresponding carboxyamide metabolite LASSBio-1454 (15), suggesting that 15 would be an
active metabolite of 2e. Aiming to verify if the oral administration of the carboxyamide metabolites 14
or 15 could also result in an anti-inflammatory effect, these compounds were evaluated in the same
animal model of acute lung inflammation.
Figure 3. Effect of the phthalimide derivatives 1 and 2e (50 mg/kg; p.o.) on pulmonary
neutrophil infiltration in a murine model of acute lung inflammation induced by LPS
+
(25 μg/animal, i.n.). Values are mean ± SEM from six animals. p < 0.05 as compared
with saline group; * p < 0.05 as compared with the group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA
followed by Newman-Keuls Student test.

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Figure 4. Effect of the phthalimide derivatives 1 and 2e (50 mg/kg; p.o.) on tissue TNF-α
production in a murine model of acute lung inflammation induced by LPS (25 μg/animal,
i.n.). Values are mean ± SEM from six animals. + p < 0.05 as compared with saline group;
* p < 0.05 as compared with the group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA followed by
Newman-Keuls Student test.
Both compounds were orally inactive at the doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg. This result can be
associated to a limited oral bioavailability of the carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15. In fact, previous
results demonstrated that 14 has an oral bioavailability of 3.6% in Wistar rats [29].
Thus, to confirm this hypothesis, the anti-inflammatory activity of the carboxyamides 14 and 15
was further evaluated in the same model by intraperitoneal administration (Figure 5). After changing
the drug administration route, the tetrafluoroderivative 15 showed a higher inhibitory effect for
controlling the infiltration of neutrophils into the lung tissue (59% inhibition; 100 mg/kg; i.p.), when
compared to the non-fluorinated analogue 14 (43% inhibition; 100 mg/kg; i.p.). As demonstrated in
Figure 6, the intranasal instillation of LPS induced a pronounced inflammatory response characterized
by the presence of inflammatory cells in the lung (Figure 6B), that was interestingly reduced by
intraperitoneal treatment with 14 (Figure 6C) and 15 (Figure 6D).
Figure 5. Effect of the carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15 (50 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.) on
tissue neutrophil infiltration in a murine model of acute lung inflammation induced by LPS
+
(25 μg/animal, i.n.). Values are mean ± SEM from six animals. p < 0.05 as compared
with saline group; * p < 0.05 as compared with the group stimulated with LPS; ** p < 0.01
as compared with the group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls
Student test.

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The ability of compounds 14 and 15 to inhibit TNF-α production in vivo in the lung tissue of mice
stimulated with LPS was also determined. These compounds have shown similar anti-TNF-α effects
in vivo at the dose of 100 mg/kg after intraperitoneal administration (55% and 59% inhibition,
respectively). However, only compound 14 was able to inhibit the production of this cytokine at the
lower dose of 50 mg/kg (i.p.; 37% inhibition) (Figure 7).
Figure 6. Light photomicrographs of lung tissue sections from mice stimulated with LPS
(25 μg/animal, i.n.). (A) saline; (B) LPS; (C) LPS + 14; (D) LPS + 15. The effect of
carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15 (100 mg/kg; i.p.) was evaluated 24 h after LPS
stimulation. Hetamoxylin & eosin staining. (200×).
Figure 7. Effect of the carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15 (50 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.) on
TNF-α production in the lung tissue of mice stimulated with LPS (25 μg/animal, i.n.).
+
Values are mean ± SEM from six animals. p < 0.05 as compared with saline group;
* p < 0.05 as compared with the group stimulated with LPS; ANOVA followed by
Newman-Keuls Student test.
Furthermore, the carboxyamide analogue LASSBio-596 (14) improved the parameters of lung
elastance and resistance in these animals at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, effect that was
observed for the fluorinated analogue LASSBio-1454 (15) only at the dose of 100 mg/kg (Figure 8).

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Figure 8. Effect of the carboxyamide derivatives 14 and 15 (50 and 100 mg/kg; i.p.) on
methacholine-induced increase of lung resistance (A) and elastance (B) in mice stimulated
+
with LPS (25 μg/animal, i.n.). Values are mean ± SEM from six animals. p < 0.05 as
compared with saline group; * p < 0.05 as compared with the group stimulated with LPS;
ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls Student test.
In view of the presented results, the carboxyamide derivative 15 (LASSBio-1454) can be
considered a new anti-inflammatory prototype able to improve the parameters of lung elastance and
resistance and to reduce the inflammatory cell migration and TNF-α release during the lung
inflammation process.
3. Experimental
3.1. General
Reactions were routinely monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in silica gel (F245 Merck
1
19
13
plates) and the products visualized with iodine or ultraviolet lamp (254 and 365 nm). H-, F- and C-
NMR spectra were determined in DMSO-d6, DMF-d7 or CDCl3 solutions using a Bruker AC-200 or a
Varian UNITY-300 spectrometers. The chemical shifts are given in parts per million (δ) from
tetramethylsilane as internal standard, and coupling constant values (J) are given in Hz. Signal
multiplicities are represented by: s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quadruplet), qu (quintuplet), m
(multiplet) and br (broad signal). Infrared (IR) spectra were obtained using an ABB FTLA2000-100 IR
spectrometer. Samples were examined as potassium bromide (KBr) disks. Elemental microanalyses
were obtained on an Elemental Analyzer (Flash EA 1112 Series, Thermo Scientific) from vacuum-dried
samples. The analytical results for C, H, and N were within ± 0.4% of the theoretical values. Melting
points were determined using a Quimis instrument and are uncorrected. All described products have
shown-NMR spectra according to the assigned structures. All organic solutions were dried over

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anhydrous sodium sulphate and all organic solvents were removed under reduced pressure in
rotatory evaporator.
N-Phenylacetamide (11). A solution of anhydrous sodium acetate (2.1 g, 25.6 mmol) in glacial acetic
acid (8.0 mL, 139.9 mmol) was prepared. Aniline (10, 8.0 mL, 87.8 mmol) was slowly added,
followed by acetic anhydride (8.5 mL, 90.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at
room temperature and the end of the reaction was checked by TLC. After cooling, the
N-phenylacetamide (11) was filtered through a Büchner funnel, washed twice with 200 mL of water
and obtained as a white shiny powder, 90% yield, mp 116 °C. The melting point, 1H-NMR and IR data
for compound 11 are in agreement with previous reports [14,30].
4-(Acetylamino)benzenesulfonyl chloride (12). Chlorosulfonic acid (5.2 mL, 78.27 mmol) was slowly
added to N-phenylacetamide (11, 2.0 g, 14.80 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred and heated at
60 °C for 30 min. After cooling, the reaction medium was poured into a water and ice mixture. Then,
the 4-(acetylamino)benzenesulfonyl chloride (12) was filtered through a Büchner funnel, washed twice
with 100 mL of water and was obtained as a white powder, 85% yield, mp 143–148 °C. The melting point
and IR data for compound 12 are in agreement with previous reports [16,17].
N-[4-(Thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfonyl)phenyl]acetamide (LASSBio-1295, 7). Thiomorpholine (0.5 mL,
5.0 mmol) was added to a solution of the sulfonylchloride derivative 12 (500 mg, 2.14 mmol) in methylene
chloride (50 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at room temperature and the end of the
reaction was checked by TLC. The sulfonamide 7 was isolated by addition of 50 mL of methylene
chloride and extraction, washing the organic layer with 10% aq HCl and brine. The organic layer was
then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure to give the title
1
13
compound as a yellow powder, 65% yield, mp 207–209 °C. The melting point, H-NMR, C-NMR
and IR data for compound 7 are in agreement with previous reports [15]. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6,
TMS) δ (ppm): 2.09 (s, 3H, COCH3); 2.65 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2' and H6'); 3.16 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'
and H5'); 7.67 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H2 and H6); 7.82 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H3 and H5); 10.40 (s, 1H,
CONH). 13C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 24.2 (COCH3); 26.4 (C-2' and C-6'); 47.8 (C-3'
and C-5'); 118.8 (C-2 and C-6); 128.5 (C-3 and C-3); 129.5 (C-4); 143.5 (C-1); 169.2 (C=O).
IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3352, 1702, 1321, 1153, 835. Anal. Calcd. for C12H16N2O3S2: C, 47.98;
H, 5.37; N, 9.33. Found: C, 47.84; H, 5.33; N, 9.24.
4-(Thiomorpholin-4-ylsulfonyl)aniline (LASSBio-1448, 8). A solution of potassium hydroxide (4.67 g,
83.33 mmol) in water (5 mL) was slowly added to a solution of the acetamide 7 (5 g, 16.67 mmol) in
methanol (25 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred and heated at 60 °C for 3 h and the end of the
reaction was checked by TLC. The aniline derivative 8 was isolated by concentration at reduced
pressure, followed by filtration of obtained precipitate through a Büchner funnel. Purification was
performed through recrystallization from ethanol, giving the title compound as yellow needles, 93%
yield, mp 179–181 °C. The melting point for compound 8 is in agreement with previous reports [31].
1H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl3, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.71 (br, 4H, H2' and H6'); 3.29 (br, 4H, H3' and H5');
4.15 (br, 2H, NH2); 6.69 (d, 2H, J = 8.3 Hz, H3 and H5); 7.50 (d, 2H, J = 8.3 Hz, H2 and H6).
13C-NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3, TMS) δ (ppm): 27.4 (C-2' and C-6'); 48.0 (C-3' and C-5'); 114.2 (C-3 e

Molecules 2012, 17
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C-5); 124.7 (C-4); 129.7 (C-2 and C-6); 150.9 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3454, 3368, 1635, 1314,
1153, 827. Anal. Calcd. for C10H14N2O2S2: C, 46.49; H, 5.46; N, 10.84. Found: C, 46.65; H, 5.40; N, 10.70.
1-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (LASSBio-1447, 3). In a 25 mL flask
equipped with a reflux condenser, the reaction mixture containing the key intermediate LASSBio-1448
(8, 500 mg, 1.94 mmol), maleic anhydride (196.12 mg, 2.00 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (8.0 mL,
140 mmol) was stirred and heated at 140 °C for 3 h. The end of the reaction was observed by TLC and
the reaction medium was then cooled in an ice bath. The obtained precipitate was filtered through a
Büchner funnel and purified in a silica gel chromatographic column using CH2Cl2 100% as eluent. The
1
title compound was isolated as yellow crystals, 73% yield, mp 184 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6,
TMS) δ (ppm): 2.68 (br, 4H, H2'' and H6''); 3.24 (br, 4H, H3'' e H5''); 7.25 (s, 2H, H4 and H5); 7.66 (d,
13
2H, J = 8.2 Hz, H3' and H5'); 7.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.2 Hz, H2' and H6'). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6,
TMS) δ (ppm): 26.4 (C2'' and C6''); 47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 126.7 (C-3' and C-5'); 128.0 (C-2' and C-6');
134.7 (C-4'); 135.0 (C-4 and C-5); 135.8 (C-1'); 169.4 (C-1 and C-3). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3099,
2926, 2849, 1711, 1376, 1161, 968, 838. Anal. Calcd. for C14H14N2O4S2: C, 49.69; H, 4.17; N, 8.28.
Found: C, 49.64; H, 4.09; N, 8.28.
3.1.1. General Procedure for Synthesis of Imide N-phenyl Sulfonamide Derivatives
In a 10 mL flask equipped with a reflux condenser, the key intermediate LASSBio-1448 (8, 100 mg,
0.39 mmol; mp 179–181 °C) was heated until complete melting. Then, the functionalized anhydrides
(0.80 mmol) were slowly added and the reaction mixture was stirred and heated at 180 °C until the end
of reaction (as indicated by TLC, 1–4 h). The reaction medium was cooled down to room temperature,
distilled water was added and the obtained precipitate was filtered through a Büchner funnel and
washed with ethanol.
2-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-468, 1). The title compound
was obtained by condensation of 8 with phthalic anhydride as white crystals, 80% yield after
recrystallization from ethanol, mp 190–192 °C. The melting point, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and IR data for
1
compound 1 are in agreement with previous reports [8]. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.69 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2'' and H6''); 3.27 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 7.78 (d, 2H,
J = 8.5 Hz, H3' and H5'); 7.97 (m, 6H, H2', H6', H4, H5, H6 and H7). 13C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6,
TMS) δ (ppm): 26.4 (C2'' and C6''); 47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 123.5 (C-4 and C-7); 127.6 (C-3' and C-5');
127.9 (C-2' and C-6'); 131.4 (C-3a and C-7a); 134.9 (C-5 and C-6); 135.1 (C-4'); 136.0 (C-1'); 166.5
(C-1 and C-3). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 2908, 2855, 1789, 1717, 1370, 1169, 834, 743. Anal. Calcd.
for C18H16N2O4S2: C, 55.65; H, 4.15; N, 7.21. Found: C, 55.58; H, 4.22; N, 7.18.
4-Nitro-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1437, 2a). The title
compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with 3-nitrophthalic anhydride as yellow crystals, 95%
1
yield after recrystallization from ethanol, mp > 250 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.69 (br, 4H, H2'' and H6''); 3.27 (br, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 7.75 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz, H3' and H5');
7.94 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz, H2' and H6'); 8.14 (dd, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz, H6); 8.30 (d, 1H, J = 7.5 Hz,
H7); 8.37 (d, 1H, J = 7.9 Hz, H5). 13C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.5 (C2'' and C6'');

Molecules 2012, 17
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47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 122.8 (C-3a); 127.2 (C-5); 127.9 (C-3' and C-5'); 128.0 (C-2' and C-6'); 128.6 (C-7);
133.5 (C-7a); 135.6 (C-4'); 135.8 (C-1'); 136.6 (C-6); 144.6 (C-4); 162.2 (C-3); 164.7 (C-1). IR (max
,
KBr)  (cm−1): 3109, 2920, 2855, 1789, 1731, 1537, 1370, 1337, 1169, 833, 770, 709. Anal. Calcd. for
C18H15N3O6S2: C, 49.88; H, 3.49; N, 9.69. Found: C, 49.83; H, 3.42; N, 9.58.
5-Nitro-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1440, 2c). The title
compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with 4-nitrophthalic anhydride as yellow crystals, 93%
1
yield after recrystallization from ethanol, mp > 250 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.70 (br, 4H, H2'' and H6''); 3.28 (br, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 7.79 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H3' and H5');
7.96 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H2' and H6'); 8.26 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, H7); 8.63 (s, 1H, H4); 8.70 (d, 1H,
13
J = 8.2 Hz, H6). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.5 (C2'' and C6''); 47.9 (C3'' and
C5''); 118.4 (C-4); 125.1 (C-7); 127.7 (C-3' and C-5'); 128.1 (C-2' and C-6'); 130.0 (C-6); 133.0
(C-3a); 135.6 (C-4'); 135.7 (C-1'); 136.2 (C-7a); 151.7 (C-5); 164.8 (C-3); 165.1 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)
 (cm−1): 3106, 2925, 2850, 1780, 1723, 1535, 1379, 1339, 1164, 823. Anal. Calcd. for C18H15N3O6S2:
C, 49.88; H, 3.49; N, 9.69. Found: C, 50.10; H, 3.47; N, 9.63.
4,5,6,7-Tetrafluoro-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl) isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1439, 2e).
The title compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophthalic anhydride as a
white shiny powder, 93% yield after purification in a silica gel chromatographic column using CH2Cl2
100% as eluent, mp 195–197 °C. The 13C-NMR data are not described for this compound, as the
spectrum obtained employing a conventional proton decoupling experiment was very cumbersome to
interpret unequivocally. It’s well known that 13C-NMR spectra for polyfluorinated compounds are
difficult to obtain for several reasons. First of all, in the absence of directly bound protons, lack of
nuclear Overhauser enhancement and slow relaxation rates can give weaker signals. On the other hand,
multicoupling to fluorine 19F nucleus (1J, 2J and 3J) reduces even more the intensity of them and gives
a complex spectrum [32]. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMF-d7, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.76 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2''
and H6''); 3.36 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 7.89 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H3' and H5'); 8.05 (d, 2H,
19
J = 8.5 Hz, H2' and H6’). F-NMR (282 MHz, DMF-d7) δ (ppm): −145.3 (dd, 2F, IJI = 9.6 Hz and
20.6 Hz, F-5 and F-6); −139.6 (dd, 2F, IJI = 9.6 Hz and 20.6 Hz, F-4 and F-7). IR (max, KBr) 
(cm−1): 3122, 2900, 1788, 1727, 1408, 1344, 1161, 824. Anal. Calcd. for C18H12F4N2O4S2: C, 46.96; H,
2.63; N, 6.08. Found: C, 47.07; H, 2.61; N, 6.01.
4-Methyl-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1442, 2f). The title
compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with 3-methylphthalic anhydride as beige shiny crystals,
1
77% yield after recrystallization from ethanol, mp 173 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.68 (br, 7H, CH3, H2'' and H6''); 3.27 (br, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 7.75 (m, 5H, H5, H6, H7, H3'
and H5'); 7.92 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H2' and H6’). 13C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 17.2
(CH3); 26.5 (C2'' and C6''); 47.9 (C3'' and C5''); 121.3 (3a); 127.7 (C-3' and C-5'); 127.9 (C-2' and C-6');
128.1 (C-4); 131.9 (C-7a); 134.4 (C-4'); 135.1 (C-1'); 136.1 (C-7); 137.0 (C-5); 137.8 (C-6); 166.4 (C-3);
167.1 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3044, 2919, 2851, 1774, 1724, 1371, 1157, 834, 815, 716. Anal.
Calcd. for C19H18N2O4S2: C, 56.70; H, 4.51; N, 6.96. Found: C, 56.55; H, 4.48; N, 6.82.

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2-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione (LASSBio-1443, 2g). The title
compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with homophthalic anhydride as yellow shiny crystals,
60% yield after recrystallization from ethanol, mp > 250 °C. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.70 (br, 4H, H2'' and H6''); 3.28 (br, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 4.30 (s, 2H, H4); 7.51 (m, 4H, H5, H6,
H3' and H5'); 7.73 (dd, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz and 7.6 Hz, H7); 7.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.4 Hz, H2' and H6'); 8.07 (d,
13
1H, J = 7.6 Hz, H8). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.5 (C2'' and C6''); 36.7 (C-4);
47.9 (C3'' and C5''); 125.1 (C-8a); 127.4 (C-5); 127.7 (C-7); 127.9 (C-3' and C-5'); 128.1 (C-8); 130.4
(C-2' and C-6'); 133.9 (C-6); 135.8 (C-4a); 136.0 (C-4'); 140.4 (C-1'); 164.7 (C-1); 169.9 (C-3). IR
(max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3100, 2921, 2854, 1724, 1678, 1368, 1160, 819, 752. Anal. Calcd. for
C19H18N2O4S2: C, 56.70; H, 4.51; N, 6.96. Found: C, 56.66; H, 4.54; N, 6.92.
6-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5,7(6H)-dione
(LASSBio-1459,
2h). The title compound was obtained by condensation of 8 with pyridine 2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride
1
as yellow crystals, 50% yield after recrystallization from ethanol, mp > 250 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz,
CDCl3, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.74 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2'' and H6''), 3.42 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'' and H5'');
7.76 (m, 3H, H6, H3' and H5'); 7.91 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H2' and H6'), 8.32 (d, 1H, J = 6.4 Hz, H7);
13
9.10 (d, 1H, J = 3.3 Hz, H5). C-NMR (50 MHz, CDCl3, TMS) δ (ppm): 27.5 (C2'' and C6''); 48.0
(C3'' and C5''); 126.6 (C-3' and C-5'); 127.0 (C-7a); 128.3 (C-6); 128.5 (C-2' and C-6'); 132.1 (C-7);
135.5 (C-4'); 136.7 (C-1'); 151.0 (C-3a); 156.5 (C-5); 164.62 (C-3); 164.65 (C-1). IR (max, KBr) 
(cm−1): 3073, 2931, 2847, 1753, 1730, 1375, 1333, 1172, 838, 806, 700. Anal. Calcd. for
C17H15N3O4S2: C, 52.43; H, 3.88; N, 10.79. Found: C, 52.50; H, 3.76; N, 10.87.
1-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (LASSBio-1449, 4). The title compound
was obtained by condensation of 8 with succinic anhydride as a white shiny powder, 85% yield after
purification in a silica gel chromatographic column using CH2Cl2 100% as eluent, mp > 250 °C.
1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.68 (t, 4H, J = 4.5 Hz, H2'' and H6''); 2.81 (s, 4H, H4
and H5); 3.25 (t, 4H, J = 4.5 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 7.58 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H3' and H5'); 7.89 (d, 2H,
13
J = 8.5 Hz, H2' and H6'). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.4 (C2'' and C6''); 28.6
(C-4 and C-5); 47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 127.8 (C-3' and C-5'); 127.9 (C-2' and C-6'); 135.5 (C-4'); 136.8
(C-1'); 176.6 (C-1 and C-3). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 2916, 2858, 1781, 1706, 1393, 1160, 826. Anal.
Calcd. for C14H16N2O4S2: C, 49.40; H, 4.74; N, 8.23. Found: C, 49.27; H, 4.68; N, 8.17.
3.1.2. General Procedure for Synthesis of Aminophthalimide N-phenyl Sulfonamide Derivatives
In a 50 mL flask equipped with a reflux condenser, a reaction mixture containing the
nitrophthalimide derivative (0.46 mmol), metallic iron dust (146 mg, 2.6 mmol), ammonium chloride
(73.8 mg, 1.38 mmol), ethanol (12 mL) and distilled water (6 mL) was stirred and heated at 78 °C for
2 h. The end of the reaction was checked by TLC. The product was isolated by filtration on Celite®
followed by washing with methylene chloride. Subsequently, the organic extract obtained was washed
with brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure. The residue
was purified in a silica gel chromatographic column using MeOH:CH2Cl2 1% as eluent.

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4-Amino-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1438, 2b). The title
compound was obtained from the nitrophthalimide precursor LASSBio-1437 (2a) as yellow crystals,
1
61% yield after purification by chromatographic column, mp 195–197 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz,
DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.69 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2'' and H6''); 3.26 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'' and
H5''); 6.62 (s, 2H, NH2); 7.08 (d, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, H5); 7.10 (d, 1H, J = 7.1 Hz, H7); 7.52 (dd, 1H,
J = 7.1 Hz and 8.4 Hz, H6); 7.75 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H3' and H5’); 7.89 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H2' and
13
H6'). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.5 (C2'' and C6''); 47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 108.6
(C-7); 111.3 (C-5); 121.8 (C-3a); 127.3 (C-3' and C-5'); 127.9 (C-2' and C-6'); 132.0 (C-7a); 134.7
(C-6); 135.7 (C-4'); 136.3 (C-1'); 147.1 (C-4); 166.6 (C-3); 167.8 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3464,
3365, 2927, 2849, 1768, 1715, 1637, 1370, 1164, 834, 814, 719. Anal. Calcd. for C18H17N3O4S2: C,
53.58; H, 4.25; N, 10.41. Found: C, 53.47; H, 4.28; N, 10.39.
5-Amino-2-(4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (LASSBio-1441, 2d). The title
compound was obtained from the nitrophthalimide precursor 2c as yellow crystals, 57% yield after
1
purification by chromatographic column, mp 230°C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm):
2.68 (t, 4H, J = 4.3 Hz, H2'' and H6''); 3.25 (t, 4H, J = 4.3 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 6.64 (s, 2H, NH2); 6.89
(d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, H6); 7.02 (s, 1H, H4); 7.62 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, H7); 7.73 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H3′
13
and H5'); 7.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H2' and H6'). C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.5
(C3'' and C5''); 47.8 (C2'' and C6''); 107.2 (C-4); 116.1 (C-6); 117.4 (C-7a); 125.6 (C-7); 127.1 (C-3'
and C-5'); 127.8 (C-2' and C-6'); 134.2 (C-4'); 134.5 (C-1'); 136.6 (C-3a); 155.5 (C-5); 166.3 (C-3);
166.8 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3464, 3365, 2918, 2856, 1768, 1710, 1637, 1379, 1164, 834.
Anal. Calcd. for C18H17N3O4S2: C, 53.58; H, 4.25; N, 10.41. Found: C, 53.49; H, 4.19; N, 10.32.
2-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)isoindolin-1-one (LASSBio-577, 5). In a 25 mL flask equipped
with a reflux condenser, the reaction mixture containing the phthalimide derivative 1 (870 mg,
2.24 mmol), zinc dust (1.465 g, 22.4 mmol) and 20 mL of acetic acid was stirred and heated at 140 °C
for 72 h. The end of the reaction was observed by TLC and the warm reaction medium was then
filtered, followed by addition of distilled water to the filtrate until precipitation. Subsequently, the
obtained precipitate was filtered through a Büchner funnel, giving the title compound as a white solid,
71% yield, mp > 250 °C. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.68 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H2''
and H6''); 3.22 (t, 4H, J = 5.0 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 5.10 (s, 2H, H3); 7.55 (m, 1H, H4); 7.69 (m, 2H, H5
13
and H6); 7.81 (m, 3H, H7, H3' and H5'); 8.18 (d, 2H, J = 9.0 Hz, H2' and H6'). C-NMR (75 MHz,
DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 26.3 (C2'' and C6''); 47.7 (C3'' and C5''); 50.3 (C-3); 118.6 (C-3' and C-5');
123.4 (C-7); 123.5 (C-6); 128.3 (C-4); 128.4 (C-2' and C-6'); 130.2 (C-7a); 131.7 (C-4'); 132.8 (C-5);
141.0 (C-1'); 143.4 (C-3a); 167.2 (C-1). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 2927, 2852, 1692, 1384, 1163, 843,
729. Anal. Calcd. for C18H18N2O3S2: C, 57.73; H, 4.84; N, 7.48. Found: C, 57.68; H, 4.81; N, 7.38.
N-(4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)benzamide (LASSBio-1446, 6). Benzoyl chloride (13, 0.1 mL,
0.8 mmol) was slowly added to a solution of the key intermediate 8 (200 mg, 0.78 mmol) in 20 mL of
methylene chloride. The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at room temperature and the end of
the reaction was checked by TLC. The benzamide 6 was isolated by addition of 50 mL of methylene
chloride and extraction, washing the organic layer with 10% aq HCl and brine. The organic layer was

Molecules 2012, 17
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then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated at reduced pressure to give the title
1
compound as a white shiny powder, 76% yield, mp 204 °C. H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 2.67 (t, 4H, J = 4.8 Hz, H2'' and H6''); 3.20 (t, 4H, J = 4.8 Hz, H3'' and H5''); 7.55 (m, 3H, H3,
H4 and H5); 7.74 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, H3' and H5'); 7.97 (dd, 2H, J = 1.5 Hz and 8.0 Hz, H2 and H6);
8.07 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, H2' and H6'); 10.67 (s, 1H, CONH). 13C-NMR (50 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ
(ppm): 26.4 (C2'' and C6''); 47.8 (C3'' and C5''); 120.0 (C-3 and C-5); 127.8 (C-3' and C-5'); 128.3 (C-2'
and C-6'); 128.5 (C-2 and C-6); 130.2 (C-1); 132.0 (C-4); 134.4 (C-1'); 143.5 (C-4'); 166.2 (C=O). IR
(max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3381, 2916, 2858, 1683, 1336, 1160, 833, 733, 712. Anal. Calcd. for
C17H18N2O3S2: C, 56.33; H, 5.01; N, 7.73. Found: C, 56.22; H, 4.88; N, 7.68.
3.1.3. General Procedure for Synthesis of Carboxyamide N-Phenyl Sulfonamide Derivatives
The reaction mixture containing the phthalimide precursors (0.43 mmol), potassium hydroxide (49 mg,
0.86 mmol) and ethanol (5 mL) was vigorously stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and the end of
the reaction was checked by TLC. The reaction medium was then diluted with 10 mL of methylene
chloride followed by addition of 5 mL of distilled water. Subsequently, the extraction was performed
in a separatory funnel. The aqueous layer was acidified with 10% aq HCl until pH 3 and the obtained
precipitate was, then, filtered through a Büchner funnel to provide the carboxyamide derivatives in
good yields.
2-((4-(Thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl)carbamoyl)benzoic acid (LASSBio-596, 14). The title
compound was obtained from alkaline hydrolysis of the phthalimide precursor 1 as a white shiny
powder, 86% yield, mp 187–189 °C. The melting point, 1H-NMR and IR data for compound 14 are in
agreement with previous reports [8]. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.67 (m, 4H, H2''
and H6''); 3.18 (m, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 3.61 (br, 1H, COOH); 7.56 (m, 1H, H4); 7.60 (br, 1H, H3); 7.65
(dd, 1H, J = 1.7 Hz and 2.1 Hz, H5); 7.72 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H2' and H6'); 7. 90 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz,
H6); 7.94 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H3' and H5'); 10.82 (s, 1H, CONH). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3495,
3325, 2929, 2857, 1731, 1693, 1330, 1159, 837, 724. Anal. Calcd. for C18H18N2O5S2.H2O: C, 50.93;
H, 4.75; N, 6.60. Found: C, 51.08; H, 4.78; N, 6.59.
2,3,4,5-Tetrafluoro-6-((4-(thiomorpholinosulfonyl)phenyl) carbamoyl) benzoic acid (LASSBio-1454,
15). The title compound was obtained from alkaline hydrolysis of the phthalimide precursor 2e as a
white powder, 84% yield, mp > 250 °C. 1H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d6, TMS) δ (ppm): 2.67 (br, 4H,
H2'' and H6''); 3.19 (br, 4H, H3'' and H5''); 3.91 (br, 1H, COOH); 7.72 (d, 2H, J = 7.9 Hz, H2' and
H6'); 7.85 (d, 2H, J = 7.9 Hz, H3' and H5'); 11.25 (s, 1H, CONH). IR (max, KBr)  (cm−1): 3497,
3323, 2919, 2855, 1730, 1694, 1402, 1375, 1161, 838. Anal. Calcd. for C18H14F4N2O5S2: C, 45.19; H,
2.95; N, 5.86. Found: C, 45.23; H, 3.01; N, 5.81.
3.2. Chemical Hydrolysis and Plasma Stability Studies
The compounds (5 µM) were incubated at 37 °C under stirring in 250 µL of PBS (pH 7.4) or rat
plasma (50% in PBS) for different times (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 30 and 60 min). The reaction was stopped by
addition of 750 µL of acetonitrile (0.4% trifluoroacetic acid). The samples were centrifuged and the

Molecules 2012, 17
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supernatants were filtered and analyzed by HPLC. The HPLC analyses were conducted in a Shimadzu
LC-20AD apparatus equipped with a SHIM-PACK CLC-ODS analytical column (4.6 mm × 250 mm)
or a Kromasil 100-5C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm) and with a Shimadzu SPD-M20A diode array detector.
The mobile phase was consisted of acetonitrile-water (60:40% v/v), both acidified with 0.1%
trifluoroacetic acid, and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. This method allowed monitoring the
consumption of the phthalimide precursors LASSBio-468 (1) and LASSBio-1439 (2e) and the
appearance of the corresponding metabolites LASSBio-596 (14) and LASSBio-1454 (15), respectively.
3.3. Biological Assays
3.3.1. Animals
A/J and Swiss-Webster mice (18–20 g) were obtained from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation breeding
colonies (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). They were kept in the animal-housing facilities at a controlled room
temperature (22–25 °C) and a 12h/12h light:dark cycle (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). All the procedures related to
care and use of laboratory animals in this study were examined and approved by the Animal Ethics
Committee of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (CEUA-FIOCRUZ, license 034/09).
3.3.2. Model of Lung Inflammation Induced by LPS and Treatment
Lung inflammation was induced in anesthetized A/J mice by an intranasal instillation of LPS (from
E.coli serotype 0127:B8; SIGMA, St. Louis, MO, USA) (1 mg/mL) or saline (control group). The
testing compounds were dissolved in saline solution containing 0.5% Tween 80 and administered
orally or intraperitoneally (50 or 100 mg/kg) 1 h before LPS instillation. All solutions were prepared
immediately before use. The evaluation was conducted 24 h after LPS instillation.
3.3.3. Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics
Airway responsiveness was assessed as a change in airway function after challenge with aerosolized
methacholine (3, 9 and 27 mg/mL) in a Buxco System (Finepoint). Mice were anesthetized with
nembutal (60 mg/kg) and neuromuscular activity was blocked with bromide pancuronium (1 mg/kg).
Tracheostomized mice were mechanically ventilated and the lung function was assessed. The trachea
was cannulated and the cannula connected to a pneumotachograph. The air flow and the
transpulmonary pressure were recorded using a Buxco pulmonary mechanics processing system
(Finepoint). The parameters of resistance (RL) (cmH2O/mL/s) and dynamic lung elastance
(mL/cmH2O) in each breath cycle were calculated. Lung elastance was calculated as the inverse of
compliance values. Analogical signals from the computer were digitized using a Buxco Analog/Digital
Converter (Buxco Electronics). Increasing concentrations of methacholine (3, 9 and 27 mg/mL) were
aerosolized for 5 min each and basal lung resistance and lung function were assessed under condition
of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) aerosolization.

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3.3.4. Histopathological Analysis
Immediately after lung function analysis, the animals were killed and the lung was perfused with
saline/EDTA solution throughout the heart. Lungs were removed and the left lobe was fixed with 4%
formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. 5 μm-thick slices were obtained by using a microtome and
stained with Picrus-sirius. The material was examined using an optical microscope (200×). The right
lung lobes were quick-frozen by immersion in liquid nitrogen.
3.3.5. Tissue Myeloperoxidase Quantification
Lung samples were homogenized in 5 μM EDTA buffer solution containing 0.5% hexadecyl-
trimethylammonium bromide (HTBA; SIGMA, St. Louis, MO, USA) using a tissue homogenizer.
Samples were centrifuged at 1,700 × g for 15 min at 4 °C. The supernatants were collected, centrifuged
at 15,295 × g for 15 min at 4 °C and assayed spectrophotometrically for MPO determination. 50 μL of
sample were mixed with 50 μL of a EDTA/HTBA solution containing 0.68 mg/mL of o-dianisidine
dihydrochloride (SIGMA) and 0.0005% hydrogen peroxide. The absorbance was read at 460 nm using
a spectrophotometer and the results were expressed as optical density.
3.3.6. Peritoneal Macrophages Isolation
Swiss-Webster mice were killed by CO2 asphyxiation and peritoneal macrophages obtained by
washing the peritoneal cavity with 10 μM EDTA solution. The cells were pelleted (433 × g, 5 min) and
ressuspended in RPMI 1640 Medium (Invitrogen Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA). Total
mononuclear cells counts were performed in Neubauer chamber after sample dilution in Turk’s
solution (acetic acid 0.2%). The cells were added (0.5 × 106 cells/mL) to a 24-well plate and incubated
(37 °C and 5% CO2) in RPMI 1640 medium with bovine fetal serum (BSA) (2%) (Cultilab, Campinas,
São Paulo, Brazil) supplemented with 200 U/mL penicillin and 200 mg/mL streptomycin for adhesion
(1 h). After the adhesion step, the medium was removed and the macrophages were incubated in RPMI
1640 medium without BSA and supplemented with 200 U/mL penicillin and 200 mg/mL streptomycin.
The cells were incubated with the testing compounds (100 μM) at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for 1 h and then
stimulated with LPS (0.1 μg/mL). Twenty four hours later, the cells were centrifuged (433 × g, 5 min)
and the supernatants were recovered and frozen at -80°C for further cytokine quantification by ELISA.
3.3.7. ELISA
Levels of TNF-α in macrophage culture supernatants and lung tissue samples were measured
by commercial ELISA kits (R&D Systems Inc, Minneapolis, MN, USA) according to
manufacturer’s protocols.
3.3.8. Statistical Analysis
The statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA followed by the Newman-Keuls Student test
or with Student’s t-test.

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4. Conclusions
Among the synthesized phenyl sulfonamide derivatives 2a–h and 3–8, designed by structural
modification on the anti-inflammatory lead-compound LASSBio-468 (1), the tetrafluorophthalimide
analogue LASSBio-1439 (2e) stands out showing an anti-TNF-α effect in vitro similar to the standard
thalidomide (9). These results confirm the data previously described in the literature [11,13,25,26]
suggesting the relevance of tetrafluorination of the phthalimide moiety to improve the anti-TNF-α
activity in comparison with the non-fluorinated precursor.
The relevance of tetrafluorination in the phthalimide nucleus was also demonstrated by the
anti-inflammatory profile of 2e after oral administration in a murine model of pulmonary
inflammation. Moreover, this functionalization increased the chemical and enzymatic lability of the
phthalimide subunit, indicating that the anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α effects observed for 2e
in vivo are probably due to the corresponding carboxamide metabolite LASSBio-1454 (15).
The tetrafluorinated carboxamide metabolite 15 has shown an anti-TNF-α effect in vitro similar to
that observed for the phthalimide precursor 2e. Additionally, the tetrafluorometabolite 15 presented
pronounced anti-inflammatory effects in vivo after intraperitoneal administration; and a higher
inhibitory effect in the control of neutrophils infiltration into the lung tissue when compared with the
non-fluorinated analogue 14, showing once again the relevance of this functionalization.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank CNPq (BR), CAPES (BR), FAPERJ (BR) and INCT-INOFAR
(BR, #573.564/2008-6) for fellowship and financial support; and the PhD student Leandro Louback da
Silva (LASSBio-UFRJ-BR) for his assistance in performing the chemical and plasma stability assay.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds 2a–h, 3–8 and 15 are available from the authors, after
prior order of the desired amount.
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