Efficient synthesis of boron-containing α-acyloxyamide analogs via microwave irradiation

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules18089488

In this report, a Passerini three-component reaction utilizing boron-containing carboxylic acids or aldehydes is discussed. The reaction was carried out in water and facilitated by the use of microwave irradiation. This methodology allowed for the efficient formation of a broad range of boron-containing α-acyloxyamides under mild conditions within a short time. Two series of boron-containing α-acyloxyamides were synthesized and subsequently screened for cytotoxicity using the MTT cell viability assay. Two potential lead compounds were found to have potent activity against the HepG2 cancer cell line, demonstrating the potential of this methodology for use in the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules18089488

Molecules 2013, 18, 9488-9511; doi:10.3390/molecules18089488
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Efficient Synthesis of Boron-Containing α-Acyloxyamide
Analogs via Microwave Irradiation
Chih-Cheng Chai 1, Pin-Yi Liu 1, Chia-Hung Lin 1, Hsien-Chi Chen 1, Yang-Chang Wu 2,3,4
Fang-Rong Chang 5,6 and Po-Shen Pan 1,*
,
1
Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, New Taipei 25137, Taiwan
2
School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
Chinese Medicine Research and Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404,
Taiwan
3
4
5
6
Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: popan@mail.tku.edu.tw;
Tel.: +886-2-2621-5656 (ext. 2842); Fax: +886-2-2620-9924.
Received: 27 June 2013; in revised form: 2 August 2013 / Accepted: 5 August 2013 /
Published: 8 August 2013
Abstract: In this report, a Passerini three-component reaction utilizing boron-containing
carboxylic acids or aldehydes is discussed. The reaction was carried out in water and
facilitated by the use of microwave irradiation. This methodology allowed for the efficient
formation of a broad range of boron-containing α-acyloxyamides under mild conditions
within a short time. Two series of boron-containing α-acyloxyamides were synthesized and
subsequently screened for cytotoxicity using the MTT cell viability assay. Two potential
lead compounds were found to have potent activity against the HepG2 cancer cell line,
demonstrating the potential of this methodology for use in the development of
novel pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: boron; multicomponent reaction; Passerini reaction; HepG2

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1. Introduction
Boron-based compounds possess a unique and potentially valuable feature, whereby the empty
p-orbital on the boron atom is able to interact with a nucleophile from a biological target [1–7],
forming a stable tetrahedral complex. This distinctive property provides great promise in the field of
pharmaceuticals, as it allows boron-based compounds to react with a target of interest from a different
perspective to their conventional carbon-based analogs. The FDA approval of bortezomib [VelcadeTM,
Figure 1a] in 2003 for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma [8–10] represents
one of the greatest examples of successful utilization of organoboron entities for treating human
diseases. Encouraged by the success of bortezomib, several boron-containing molecules have since
been developed to treat a wide range of diseases, a number of which are currently undergoing clinical
trials (Figure 1b–e) [11–17].
Figure 1. Boron-containing analogs as pharmaceutical agents.
Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are convergent synthetic strategies in which three or more
reagents are combined in one pot to produce the desired products [18,19]. It is an invaluable platform
in the development of pharmaceutical agents as, owing to their versatility, MCRs are perfectly suited
for producing boron-containing compounds for potential biological applications.
One of the most widely utilized MCRs is the isocyanide-based Passerini reaction, where an
isocyanide, an aldehyde, and a carboxylic acid are condensed, generating α-acyloxyamides [20,21].
Although widely used by the organic and medicinal chemistry communities, the Passerini reaction has
several shortcomings. One such drawback is that poor yields are often observed when a weakly acidic

Molecules 2013, 18
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carboxylic acid [22] or no Lewis acid promoters [23] are involved in the reaction. In the last decades,
tremendous progress has been made in the optimization of the Passerini reaction [24–30]. However,
these studies mainly focused on improving the conditions for constructing molecules containing the
elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens, and sulfur. Reports on utilizing an MCR as a
platform to generate boron-containing analogs are very limited, and those that have been published
often demonstrate the requirement for a prolonged reaction time or excessive purification procedures [31].
Herein, we report the use of the Passerini reaction for the efficient synthesis of boron-containing
α-acyloxyamides. This eco-friendly procedure could be carried out on a broad range of substrates at a
moderate temperature under microwave irradiation conditions, with a reduced reaction time possible.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
Initial experiments were carried out in order to determine the optimal conditions for the synthesis of
boron-containing α-acyloxyamide analogs (Table 1). First, 1.0 equivalent of 4-carboxyphenylboronic
acid pinacol ester (1a), 1.0 equivalent of benzaldehyde (2), and 1.0 equivalent of cyclohexyl
isocyanide (3) were dissolved in the selected solvent and allowed to react at 45 °C for 90 min under
microwave irradiation (150 W). It was found that while dichloromethane (entry 1) and methanol (entry 2)
did not give desired product A1, using THF gave a moderate yield of 39% (entry 3). The yield was
greatly improved to 77% when water was used as the solvent (entry 4). Increasing the reactant
concentrations from 0.25 M to 1.0 M (entry 5) resulted in an increased isolated yield (84%), and
extension of the reaction time from 90 min to 120 min (entry 6) gave an even higher yield (88%). In an
attempt to improve the yield further, the temperature was increased to 55 °C for 120 min; however,
rather than giving an increased amount of the desired product, a lower isolated yield was obtained
(60%), suggesting product degradation due to overheating (entry 7). Thus, this series of optimization
experiments highlighted a range of temperatures, reagent concentrations, and solvents that were
effective for producing desired product A1 in good isolated yields. The desired product was purified
using a simple precipitation procedure with an appropriate solvent system, and no additional column
chromatography or reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography was required for affording
satisfactory purity. This finding could be of particular importance for the construction of boron-containing
libraries, as one of the main challenges in boron chemistry is the purification of the final product, with
excessive purification protocols often required for achieving satisfactory purity.
Table 1. Optimization of Passerini reaction using boron-containing acid building block.

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Table 1. Cont.
Entry
Temp. (°C)
45 °C
Solvent
Conc. (M)
Time (min)
Yields (%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DCM
MeOH
THF
H2O
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
1
90
90
N.R.
N.R.
39
45 °C
45 °C
90
45 °C
90
77
45 °C
H2O
90
84
45 °C
H2O
1
120
120
1day
88
55 °C
H2O
1
N.D. a
69 b
55 °C
H2O
1
a The decomposition of the product was observed; b Reaction performed without microwave irradiation.
Three carboxylphenylboronate esters 1a–c, seven aldehydes 2a–g, and cyclohexyl isocyanide (3)
were then used to evaluate the scope of the reaction under the optimized conditions that were deduced
from the results shown in Table 1. As demonstrated in Table 2, in all cases, the desired products A1–20
were isolated in moderate to good yields, ranging from 56%–88%. It was found that the position of the
boronate ester did not influence the reaction as 4- and 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid pinacol esters 1a
and 1b (entries 1 and 2) gave the desired products A1 and A2 in good yields, respectively. Apart from
the result shown in entry 3, attachment of an electron-withdrawing group to the acid building block
appeared to impede the reaction, as analogs A6, A9, A12, A15, and A18 were obtained in lower
isolated yields. However, this trend was not observed when an electron-withdrawing group was
attached to the aldehyde building block, as demonstrated by the good yields of analogs A4–9 obtained.
Further, the attachment of an electron-donating group to the aldehyde building block was also
tolerated, with analogs A10–15 achieved in good yields. Finally, as heteroaryl moieties are frequently
found in many pharmaceutical agents [32–35], 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (2f), and furfural (2g) were
used to construct the corresponding Passerini boronate esters. Five Passerini boronate esters containing
heteroaryl motifs A16–20 were successfully synthesized in moderate to good yields using the
optimized microwave-assisted conditions.
Table 2. Synthesis of Passerini products with boron containing acid building blocks.
Entry
R1
R2
Product
A1
Yields (%)
1
88
(2a)
(1a)
2
A2
83
(1b)

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Table 2. Cont.
Entry
R1
R2
Product
A3
Yields (%)
3
80
(1c)
4
5
A4
A5
76
79
(2b)
6
7
A6
A7
51
87
(2c)
8
9
A8
A9
86
68
70
10
A10
(2d)
11
A11
77
12
13
14
A12
A13
A14
63
87
79
(e)
15
16
A15
A16
63
56
(f)

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Table 2. Cont.
R1
R2
Product
A17
Yields (%)
Entry
17
52
18
19
A18
A19
56
57
(g)
20
A20
63
Encouraged by the results presented in Table 2, experiments were initiated in order to explore the
possibility of using boron-containing aldehyde building blocks to synthesize Passerini analogs (Table 3).
Although they are structurally similar, the optimal conditions for preparing A1 did not appear to be
adequate for producing B1. For instance, the conditions of entries 4–6 in Table 1 were able to generate
A1 in 77%, 84%, and 88% yields, while only affording B1 in 0%, 58%, and 65% (Table 3, entries 1–3).
It was found that prolonged microwave irradiation was required to promote the reaction, with an
improved yield of 75% achieved after 150 min of reaction time (entry 4). However, after an additional
60 min irradiation, the yield declined to 60% (entry 5), suggesting degradation of the product might
have occurred under such extensive microwave treatment.
Table 3. Optimisation of Passerini reaction using boron-containing aldehyde building block.
Entry
Temp. (°C)
45 °C
Solvent
H2O
Conc. (M)
Time (min)
Yields (%)
1
2
3
4
5
0.25
90
90
N.R.
58
45 °C
H2O
1
1
1
1
45 °C
H2O
120
150
210
65
45 °C
H2O
75
45 °C
H2O
60
After elucidating the optimal reaction conditions (Table 3, entry 4), six acid building blocks, two
boron-containing aldehydes, and cyclohexyl isocyanide were used to synthesize B1–12. In all cases,
the desired products were isolated in good yields, ranging from 50%–89% (Table 4). It was found that

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the reactions were greatly influenced by the nature of the acid building blocks. For instance, reactions
with benzoic acid (1d) gave higher yields (entries 1 and 2, 69%–75%) than for those achieved for the
compound with an electron-withdrawing group (entries 3 and 4, 57%–59%). Furthermore, acids with
an electron-donating group generally gave even higher yields than those without (entries 5–10,
72%–89%). Incorporation of a heteroaryl motif to the Passerini product was successfully accomplished
in moderate yields of 50%–55% by using pyrazinecarboxylic acid (1i) (entries 11 and 12).
Table 4. Synthesis of Passerini products with boron containing aldehyde building blocks.
Entry
R1
R2
Product
B1
Yields (%)
1
75
(1d)
(2h)
2
3
B2
B3
69
57
(2i)
(1e)
4
5
6
7
8
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8
59
72
63
80
82
(1f)
(1g)
9
B9
85
(1h)

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Table 4. Cont.
Entry
R1
R2
Product
B10
Yields (%)
10
89
11
12
B11
B12
51
42
(1i)
2.2. In Vitro Biological Evaluation
The thirty three boron-containing α-acyloxyamides mentioned above were subsequently screened
for anti-proliferative activity against the HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cancer cell line
using the MTT cell viability assay. It was found that A4 and A5 gave IC50 values of 33.6 μM and 27.5 μM,
respectively, where non-boron analog A21 was observed to be inactive. Further boron-containing
α-acyloxyamides are currently being synthesized using the method developed in the present study, and
their structure–activity relationships will be reported in due course.
3. Experimental
3.1. General
All starting materials were obtained from commercial suppliers and used without further
purification unless otherwise noted. Reactions were performed on a CEM Co., Discover microwave
1
reactor using sealed vessels. H-, 13C-, 11B-NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance 600
FT-NMR spectrometer at 600.13, 150.90, and 192.54 MHz, respectively. All 11B chemical shifts were
referenced to external BF3·OEt2 (0.0 ppm). Data are represented as follows: chemical shifts (ppm),
multiplicity (s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet, m = multiplet, br = broad), coupling constant J (Hz).
Melting points were determined by using a Fargo MP-2D melting point apparatus and were
uncorrected. High resolution ESI mass spectra were obtained by Finnigan MAT 95S.
3.2. General Procedure A for the Synthesis of Boron-Containing α-Acyloxyl Amides A1–21
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate (A1).
A 10 mL glass tube containing the 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol),
benzaldehyde (0.10 mL, 1.00 mmol), and D.I. H2O (1 mL) was first microwave irradiated for 6 min

Molecules 2013, 18
9496
(45 °C, 150 W) under medium speed magnetic stirring. Cyclohexyl isocyanide (3, 0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol)
was then added to the reaction mixture. The additional microwave irradiation was applied for 120 min
(45 °C, 150 W) under medium speed magnetic stirring. After being diluted in dichloromethane, the
resulted reaction mixture was washed twice with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO3 and with
brine. The resulted organic layer was collected and dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The
crude product was then dissolved in ethyl acetate (3 mL) prior the slow addition of n-hexane. The
resulting precipitate was formed and collected by filtration affording the desired product in 88% yield.
mp = 198 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.06 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.2 Hz,
2H), 7.42–7.33 (m, 3H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 6.03 (br, 1H), 3.87–3.79 (m, 1H), 1.94 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 1.91–1.85
13
(m, 1H), 1.72–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.61–1.56 (m, 3H), 1.41–1.31 (m, 14H), 1.23–1.08 (m, 3H). C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 167.3, 164.9, 135.7, 134.9, 131.4, 128.9, 128.8, 128.7, 127.4, 84.3, 76.0, 48.1, 32.8, 25.4,
24.9, 24.6. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.0. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 464.2607.
C27H34BNO5 requires 464.2606.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate (A2).
The desired compound (384 mg, 83% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using 3-carboxyphenyl
boronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), benzaldehyde (0.102 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl
isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 152 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J = 7.8 Hz,
1H), 8.03 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32–7.41 (m, 3H),
6.31 (s, 1H), 6.15 (br, 1H), 3.80–3.89 (m, 1H), 1.87–1.98 (m, 2H), 1.64–1.74 (m, 3H), 1.56–1.64 (m,
2H), 1.32–1.43 (m, 12H), 1.13–1.27 (m, 4H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.4, 164.9, 139.8, 136.0, 132.4,
11
128.9, 128.7, 128.1, 127.4, 84.2, 76.0, 48.1, 32.8, 25.5, 24.8, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.0. HRMS
(ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 464.2583. C27H34BNO5 requires 464.2606.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate
(A3). The desired compound (311 mg, 80% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using
4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol), benzaldehyde (0.102 mL, 1.00 mmol)
1
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 181 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 7.93 (t,
J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67–7.59 (m, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.38–7.28 (m, 3H), 6.82 (br, 1H), 6.31 (s,
1H), 3.87–3.79 (m, 1H), 1.96–1.88 (m, 2H), 1.70 (td, J = 8.9, 4.3 Hz, 2H), 1.63–1.55 (m, 1H), 1.41–1.30
(m, 12H), 1.29–1.17 (m, 4H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.1, 162.5, 161.2(d), 135.7, 131.8, 130.3, 130.3,
128.8, 128.7, 128.6, 127.3, 122.7, 122.6, 119.7, 119.6, 84.5, 76.0, 47.9, 32.6, 25.3, 24.7, 24.4.

Molecules 2013, 18
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11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.44. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 482.2515. C27H33BFNO5
requires 482.2520.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-
2-yl)benzoate (A4). The desired compound (405 mg, 76% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde
1
(0.13 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol). mp = 249 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 8.06 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.69–7.62 (m, 4H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 6.17 (br,
1H), 3.86–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.95–1.86 (m, 2H), 1.72–1.63 (m, 2H), 1.60 (td, J = 12.9, 3.8 Hz, 1H), 1.41–1.31
13
(m, 14H), 1.23–1.11 (m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.6, 164.7, 139.5, 135.0, 130.9, 128.7, 127.6,
11
125.7, 125.7, 123.9(d), 84.3, 75.1, 48.3, 32.8, 25.4, 24.8, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.2. HRMS
(ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 532.2483. C28H33BF3NO5 requires 532.2488.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-
2-yl)benzoate (A5). The desired compound (416 mg, 79% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde
1
(0.136 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 150 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.16 (td, J = 7.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.08–8.03 (m, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.63
(d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (br, 1H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 3.87–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.92 (dt,
J = 12.4, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 1.73–1.65 (m, 2H), 1.63–1.56 (m, 1H), 1.41–1.32 (m, 13H), 1.26–1.14 (m, 3H).
13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.7, 164.7, 140.0, 139.7, 135.9, 132.3, 130.8, 128.3, 128.1, 127.6, 125.6,
11
125.5, 123.9(d), 84.2, 75.2, 48.2, 32.7, 25.4, 24.8, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI,
positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 532.2487. C28H33BF3NO5 requires 532.2488.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-
dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate (A6). The desired compound (279 mg, 51% yield) was prepared by
General Procedure A using 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenyl boronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol),

Molecules 2013, 18
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4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (0.136 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL,
1.00 mmol); mp = 220 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 7.93 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.68–7.60 (m, 6H), 6.83 (br,
1H), 6.34 (s, 1H), 3.85–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.96–1.88 (m, 2H), 1.71 (td, J = 13.4, 4.0 Hz, 2H), 1.60 (td,
13
J = 12.6, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 1.43–1.31 (m, 14H), 1.28–1.20 (m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.4, 162.5,
161.3, 139.7, 132.0, 130.9, 130.5, 127.6, 125.6, 125.6, 124.8, 122.8, 119.3, 119.2, 84.7, 75.6, 48.1,
32.7, 32.6, 25.4, 24.8, 24.4. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found
550.2376. C28H32BF4NO5 requires 550.2394.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A7). The desired compound (418 mg, 87% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-fluorobenzaldehyde (0.105 mL,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 167 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.05
(d, J = 8.30 Hz, 2H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (dt, J = 7.4, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (ddt, J = 7.7, 5.5, 1.7 Hz,
1H), 7.19–7.14 (m, 1H), 7.08 (t, J = 9.1 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 6.17 (br, 1H), 3.87–3.79 (m, 1H),
2.00–1.93 (m, 1H), 1.88–1.81 (m, 1H), 1.73–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.61–1.55 (m, 1H), 1.40–1.29 (m, 13H),
13
1.27–1.10 (m, 3H) C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.5, 164.9, 160.7(d), 134.8, 131.2, 130.7, 130.0, 128.7,
11
124.4, 124.4, 123.2, 115.7, 84.2, 70.8, 48.2, 32.6, 25.4, 24.8, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.1. HRMS
(ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 482.2512. C27H33BFNO5 requires 482.2520.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A8). The desired compound (415 mg, 86% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-fluorobenzaldehyde (0.105 mL,
1
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 173 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
8.50 (s, 1H), 8.13 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.60–7.55 (m, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.5 Hz,
1H), 7.34–7.28 (m, 1H), 7.15 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (t, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 6.32 (br, 1H), 3.87–3.80 (m,
1H), 1.96 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 1.85 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H), 1.72–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.59–1.53 (m, 1H),
1.40–1.29 (m, 14H), 1.29–1.12 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.5, 164.8, 160.6, 139.7, 135.9,
132.2, 130.6, 129.9, 128.5, 127.9, 124.3, 123.2, 115.5, 84.0, 70.7, 48.1, 32.5, 25.3, 24.7, 24.4.
11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 482.2514. C27H33BFNO5
requires 482.2520.

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2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-
2-yl)benzoate (A9). The desired compound (340 mg, 68% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-fluorobenzaldehyde
1
(0.10 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 69 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 7.89 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.63–7.55 (m, 2H), 7.50 (dt, J = 7.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.31–7.26 (m,
1H), 7.11 (dt, J = 7.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.06–7.01 (m, 1H), 6.78 (br, 1H), 6.45 (s, 1H), 3.87–3.79 (m, 1H),
1.94 (dd, J = 12.0, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 1.91–1.85 (m, 1H), 1.68 (tdd, J = 17.1, 13.1, 4.0 Hz, 3H), 1.60–1.52
13
(m, 1H), 1.38–1.19 (m, 18H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.3, 162.5, 161.8, 160.1, 131.7, 130.7, 130.0,
11
124.2, 123.2, 122.5, 119.4, 115.6, 84.4, 71.2, 47.9, 32.4, 25.3, 24.7, 24.3. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.8.
HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 500.2425. C27H32BF2NO5 requires 500.2425.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A10). The desired compound (347 mg, 70% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 3-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.12 mL,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 176 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.06
(d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (s,
1H), 6.89 (dd, J = 8.2, 2.3Hz, 1H), 6.27 (s, 1H), 6.08 (br, 1H), 3.84–3.77 (m, 4H), 1.92 (d, J = 9.5 Hz,
1H), 1.89–1.84 (m, 1H), 1.66 (dt, J = 14.4, 4.0 Hz, 2H), 1.61–1.55 (m, 1H), 1.40–1.30 (m, 14H), 1.21–1.08
13
(m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.1, 164.9, 159.7, 137.1, 134.8, 131.4, 129.7, 128.7, 119.5, 114.4,
11
113.0, 84.2, 75.8, 55.2, 48.1, 32.7, 25.4, 24.8, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.8. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2717. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A11). The desired compound (377 mg, 77% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 3-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.121 mL,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 167 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.51
(s, 1H), 8.16 (td, J = 7.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (t, J = 8.0 Hz,
1H), 7.13–7.08 (m, 2H), 6.89 (dd, J = 8.2, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 6.27 (s, 1H), 6.15 (br, 1H), 3.87–3.80 (m, 4H),

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1.97–1.87 (m, 2H), 1.74–1.64 (m, 3H), 1.59 (td, J = 12.8, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 1.41–1.33 (m, 14H), 1.27–1.14
13
(m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.3, 164.8, 159.7, 139.8, 137.2, 136.0, 132.4, 129.7, 128.7, 128.0,
11
119.6, 114.5, 112.9, 84.2, 75.8, 55.3, 48.1, 32.7, 25.5, 24.8, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.5. HRMS
(ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2704. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-
2-yl)benzoate (A12). The desired compound (320 mg, 63% yield) was prepared by General Procedure
A using 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol), 3-methoxybenzaldehyde
1
(0.12 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 163 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 7.95 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.68–7.59 (m, 2H), 7.30–7.26 (m, 1H), 7.13–7.06 (m, 2H), 6.89–6.85
(m, 1H), 6.75 (br, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 3.86–3.81 (m, 1H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 1.93 (br, s, 2H), 1.71 (td, J = 8.6,
13
4.2 Hz, 2H), 1.63–1.57 (m, 1H), 1.43–1.38 (m, 2H), 1.36 (s, 13H), 1.28–1.19 (m, 3H). C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 166.9, 162.5, 161.2, 159.6, 137.1, 131.9, 130.3, 129.6, 122.6, 119.6, 119.4, 114.4, 112.9,
11
84.5, 76.2, 55.1, 47.9, 32.6, 25.4, 24.7, 24.4. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.2. HRMS (ESI, positive ion):
m/z [M+H]+, found 512.2615. C28H35BFNO6 requires 512.2625.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A13). The desired compound (428 mg, 87% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.121 mL,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 182 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.08
(d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.34–7.29 (m, 1H), 7.00 (t,
J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.57 (s, 1H), 6.17 (br, 1H), 3.89–3.84 (m, 3H), 3.82–3.74 (m,
1H), 1.98–1.92 (m, 1H), 1.79–1.72 (m, 1H), 1.69–1.63 (m, 1H), 1.60–1.51 (m, 2H), 1.38–1.26 (m,
14H), 1.25–1.12 (m, 2H), 1.10–1.03 (m, 1H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.3, 165.3, 156.5, 134.6, 131.8,
129.9, 128.7, 128.5, 124.2, 121.0, 110.9, 84.1, 77.2, 76.8, 70.8, 55.5, 47.8, 32.5, 25.4, 24.7, 24.3.
11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.0. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2713. C28H36BNO6
requires 494.2720.

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2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)
benzoate (A14). The desired compound (392 mg, 79% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-methoxybenzaldehyde (0.121 mL,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 164 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.54
(s, 1H), 8.18 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.5 Hz,
1H), 7.30 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.91 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 6.57 (s, 1H), 6.24 (br,
1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.82–3.76 (m, 1H), 1.95 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 1H), 1.77 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 1.70–1.63
13
(m, 1H), 1.61–1.51 (m, 2H), 1.38–1.27 (m, 13H), 1.26–1.06 (m, 4H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.4,
165.3, 156.6, 139.3, 136.0, 132.3, 129.9, 129.0, 128.6, 127.7, 124.2, 120.9, 110.9, 83.9, 70.9, 55.5,
47.7, 32.5, 25.3, 24.7, 24.3. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found
494.2715. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-
2-yl)benzoate (A15). The desired compound (324 mg, 63% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol), 2-methoxybenzaldehyde
1
(0.121 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 75 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 7.93 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (dd,
J = 7.6, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.30–7.26 (m, 2H), 6.95 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.60 (br,
1H), 6.56 (s, 1H), 3.86–3.76 (m, 4H), 1.95 (dd, J = 12.0, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 1.84–1.78 (m, 1H), 1.72–1.65
13
(m, 1H), 1.65–1.58 (m, 1H), 1.58–1.52 (m, 1H), 1.39-1.28 (m, 14H), 1.27–1.11 (m, 3H). C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 167.2, 162.8, 162.0, 160.3, 156.8, 131.6, 130.0, 129.1, 124.1, 122.5, 122.4, 120.8, 120.1,
11
111.0, 84.3, 71.7, 55.5, 47.6, 32.4, 25.3, 24.6, 24.3. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.1. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 512.2608. C28H35BFNO6 requires 512.2625.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate
(A16). The desired compound (260 mg, 56% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using
4-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), pyridine-3-aldehyde (0.09 mL, 1.00 mmol),
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 230 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.60
(d, J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.93-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.32 (dd, J = 7.9, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 6.32 (s,
1H), 6.25 (br, 1H), 3.84–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.95–1.85 (m, 2H), 1.71–1.62 (m, 2H), 1.61–1.56 (m, 1H),
1.39–1.30 (m, 13H), 1.25–1.10 (m, 4H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.5, 164.8, 150.1, 148.5, 135.3,
11
135.0, 131.7, 130.9, 128.7, 123.5, 84.3, 73.8, 48.3, 32.7, 25.3, 24.8, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6.
HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 465.2553. C26H33BN2O5 requires 465.2566.

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2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate
(A17). The desired compound (240 mg, 52% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using
3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), pyridine-3-aldehyde (0.094 mL, 1.00 mmol),
1
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 127 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.76 (s, 1H),
8.56 (s, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H),
7.43 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32–7.27 (m, 1H), 6.60 (br, 1H), 6.28 (s, 1H), 3.82–3.74 (m, 1H), 1.93–1.81
13
(m, 2H), 1.67–1.59 (m, 2H), 1.57–1.50 (m, 1H), 1.35–1.27 (m, 13H), 1.22–1.09 (m, 4H). C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 166.5, 164.7, 149.8, 148.5, 140.0, 135.9, 135.3, 132.3, 128.1, 123.5, 84.1, 73.7, 48.2, 32.6,
25.3, 24.7, 24.5. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.9. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 465.2548.
C26H33BN2O5 requires 465.2566.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethyl2-fluoro-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-
yl)benzoate (A18). The desired compound (270 mg, 52% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A
using 4-carboxy-3-fluorophenylboronic acid ester (266 mg, 1.00 mmol), pyridine-3-aldehyde (0.094 mL,
1
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 203 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
8.75 (s, 1H), 8.57 (dd, J = 4.7, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (td, J = 7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1H),
7.66–7.58 (m, 2H), 6.83 (br, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 3.86–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.95–1.89 (m, 2H), 1.70 (td,
J = 8.9, 4.1 Hz, 2H), 1.62–1.55 (m, 1H), 1.41–1.31 (m, 14H), 1.26–1.19 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
166.2, 162.6, 161.3, 150.0, 148.6, 135.2, 131.9, 131.8, 130.5, 123.4, 122.7, 119.2, 84.6, 74.1, 48.1,
11
32.6, 25.4, 24.8, 24.4. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.0. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found
483.2455. C26H32BFN2O5 requires 483.3012.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(furan-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate
(A19). The desired compound (260 mg, 57% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using
4-carboxyphenyl boronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), furan-2-carbaldehyde (0.08 mL, 1.00 mmol),
1
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 182.5 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.02 (d,
J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (s, 1H), 6.55 (d, J = 3.2 Hz, 1H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 6.36 (dd,
J = 3.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.20 (br, 1H), 3.87–3.80 (m, 1H), 1.99–1.93 (m, 1H), 1.90–1.83 (m, 1H),

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1.71–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.57 (td, J = 12.9, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 1.38–1.29 (m, 14H), 1.25–1.09 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 164.9, 164.8, 148.1, 143.5, 134.7, 131.1, 128.7, 111.2, 110.6, 84.2, 69.2, 48.2, 32.6, 25.3,
24.7, 24.5. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 454.2399.
C25H32BNO6 requires 454.2406.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-1-(furan-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzoate
(A20). The desired compound (280 mg, 63% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using
3-carboxyphenylboronic acid ester (248 mg, 1.00 mmol), furan-2-carbaldehyde (0.082 mL, 1.00 mmol),
1
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 161.5 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.46 (s, 1H),
8.12 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.55 (d,
J = 3.3 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 6.35 (dd, J = 3.0, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.30 (br, 1H), 3.89–3.81 (m, 1H), 1.97 (d,
J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 1.91–1.85 (m, 1H), 1.73–1.62 (m, 2H), 1.54–1.60 (m, 1H), 1.29–1.40 (m, 14H),
1.12–1.28 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 165.0, 164.7, 148.2, 143.4, 139.7, 135.9, 132.4, 128.4, 127.9,
111.2, 110.5, 84.0, 69.2, 48.2, 32.5, 25.3, 24.7, 24.4. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.7. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 454.2394. C25H32BNO6 requires 454.2406.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethyl benzoate (A21). The desired compound
(360 mg, 89% yield) was prepared by General Procedure A using benzoic acid (122.12 mg, 1.00
mmol), 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde (0.13 mL, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL,
1
1.00 mmol); mp = 201 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.10 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.67–7.63 (m, 5H), 7.52 (t,
J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 6.34 (s, 1H), 6.14 (br, 1H), 3.84–3.79 (m, 1H), 1.94–1.90 (m, 2H), 1.72–1.63 (m, 2H),
13
1.90–1.60 (m, 4H), 1.39–1.33 (m, 2H), 1.23–1.16 (m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.6, 164.6, 139.6,
133.9, 131.1, 130.9, 129.7, 128.9, 128.7, 127.58, 125.7, 124.7, 122.9, 75.1, 48.3, 32.9, 32.8, 25.3, 24.6.
3.3. General Procedure B for the Synthesis of Boron-Containing α-Acyloxyl Amide B1–10
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl benzoate (B1).
A 10 mL glass tube containing the benzoic acid (122 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid

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ester (232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and D.I. H2O (1 mL) was first microwave irradiated for 6 min (45 °C, 150 W)
under medium speed magnetic stirring. The cyclohexyl isocyanide (3, 0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol) was then
added to the reaction mixture. The additional microwave irradiation was applied for 150 min (45 °C,
150 W) under medium speed magnetic stirring. After being diluted in dichloromethane, the resulted
reaction mixture was washed twice with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO3 and with brine. The
resulted organic layer was collected and dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude
product was then dissolved in ethyl acetate (3.0 mL) prior the slow addition of n-hexane. The resulting
precipitate was formed and collected by filtration affording the desired product in 75% yield, mp = 166 °C.
1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.08 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.61–7.56 (m, 1H), 7.54 (d,
J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 6.11 (br, 1H), 3.83–3.75 (m, 1H), 1.93–1.82 (m,
2H), 1.69–1.60 (m, 2H), 1.59–1.53 (m, 1H), 1.36–1.27 (m, 15H), 1.19–1.04 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 167.0, 164.9, 138.5, 135.1, 133.5, 129.7, 129.2, 128.5, 126.5, 83.8, 75.9, 48.2, 32.7, 25.3,
24.7, 24.6. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.5. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 464.2616.
C27H34BNO5 requires 464.2614.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl benzoate (B2).
The desired compound (320 mg, 69% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B using benzoic acid
(122.12 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl
isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 165 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.08 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.96 (s,
1H), 7.80 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 7.6 Hz,
2H), 7.39 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 6.11 (br, 1H), 3.85–3.78 (m, 1H), 1.93 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H),
1.86 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H), 1.70–1.60 (m, 2H), 1.60–1.54 (m, 1H), 1.40–1.25 (m, 14H), 1.22–1.06 (m,
13
3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.2, 164.9, 135.3, 135.0, 134.0, 133.4, 130.2, 129.7, 129.3, 128.4, 128.0,
11
83.8, 76.0, 48.1, 32.7, 25.3, 24.7, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.6. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z
[M+H]+, found 464.2607. C27H34BNO5 requires 464.2614.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-nitro-
benzoate (B3). The desired compound (290 mg, 57% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B
using 4-nitrobenzoic acid (167.19 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg,
1
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 108 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
8.30–8.20 (m, 4H), 7.84 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 6.23 (s, 1H), 5.93 (br, 1H),
3.80–3.73 (m, 1H), 1.92–1.86 (m, 1H), 1.80 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 1H), 1.69–1.53 (m, 3H), 1.37–1.26 (m,
14H), 1.17–1.00 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.4, 163.5, 150.7, 137.6, 135.3, 134.7, 130.9, 126.8,

Molecules 2013, 18
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11
123.6, 83.9, 76.7, 48.5, 32.6, 25.3, 24.7, 24.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.0. HRMS (ESI, positive ion):
m/z [M+H]+, found 509.2448. C27H33BN2O7 requires 509.2465.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-nitro-
benzoate (B4). The desired compound (299 mg, 59% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B using
4-nitrobenzoic acid (167 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and
cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 94 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.21 (s, 4H), 7.94 (s,
1H), 7.79 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.22 (s, 1H), 6.16 (br,
1H), 3.78–3.70 (m, 1H), 1.87 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 1.80–1.75 (m, 1H), 1.66–1.55 (m, 2H), 1.55–1.50 (m,
1H), 1.34–1.23 (m, 14H), 1.17–0.99 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 166.6, 163.4, 150.5, 135.6, 134.7,
134.1, 134.0, 130.8, 130.3, 128.2, 123.4, 83.8, 76.7, 48.4, 32.5, 25.2, 24.6, 24.5. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
30.8. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 509.2442. C27H33BN2O7 requires 509.2465.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-methyl-
benzoate (B5). The desired compound (344 mg, 72% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B using
4-methylbenzoic acid (163.38 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg, 1.00 mmol),
1
and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 90 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 7.97 (d,
J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (s,
1H), 6.07 (br, 1H), 3.83–3.75 (m, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 1.92–1.84 (m, 3H), 1.69–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.60–1.55
13
(m, 1H), 1.37–1.30 (m, 14H), 1.18–1.07 (m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.2, 164.9, 144.4, 138.6,
11
135.1, 129.7, 129.3, 126.5, 83.8, 75.7, 48.1, 32.7, 25.3, 24.8, 24.6, 21.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.9.
HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 478.2752. C28H36BNO5 requires 478.2771.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-methyl-
benzoate (B6). The desired compound (302 mg, 63% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B
using 4-methylbenzoic acid (163.38 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg,
1
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 81 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
8.00–7.93 (m, 3H), 7.79 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (d,
J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.28 (s, 1H), 6.14 (br, 1H), 3.85–3.77 (m, 1H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 1.92 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H),

Molecules 2013, 18
9506
1.86 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 1H), 1.70–1.61 (m, 2H), 1.59–1.53 (m, 1H), 1.37–1.28 (m, 14H), 1.23–1.07 (m,
3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.4, 164.9, 144.2, 135.2, 135.1, 133.9, 130.2, 129.7, 129.1, 128.0, 126.5,
11
83.8, 75.8, 48.1, 32.6, 25.3, 24.7, 24.5, 21.6. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.7. HRMS (ESI, positive ion):
m/z [M+H]+, found 478.2752. C28H36BNO5 requires 478.2771.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-methoxybenzoate
(B7). The desired compound (393 mg, 80% yield) was prepared by General Procedure B using
4-methoxybenzoic acid (182.58 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 94 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 8.02
(d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.81 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 6.90 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.28–6.23
(m, 2H), 3.82–3.72 (m, 4H), 1.89–1.78 (m, 2H), 1.66–1.57 (m, 2H), 1.56–1.50 (m, 1H), 1.33–1.24 (m,
14H), 1.14–1.02 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.2, 164.5, 163.7, 138.7, 134.9, 131.7, 126.3, 121.4,
11
113.7, 83.6, 75.5, 55.2, 48.0, 32.5, 25.2, 24.6, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 30.8. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2717. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-4-
methoxybenzoate (B8). The desired compound (404 mg, 82% yield) was prepared by General
Procedure B using 4-methoxybenzoic acid (182.58 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester
1
(232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 80 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 8.01 (d, J = 8.56 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.77 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.35
(t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.29 (br, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 3.81–3.72 (m, 4H), 1.87 (d,
J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 1.80 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 1.66–1.56 (m, 2H), 1.55–1.48 (m, 1H), 1.34–1.22 (m,
14H), 1.18–1.02 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.4, 164.5, 163.5, 135.1, 135.0, 133.8, 131.6, 130.0,
11
127.8, 121.4, 113.6, 83.6, 75.5, 55.2, 48.0, 32.4, 25.1, 24.6, 24.4. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.6. HRMS
(ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2707. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.

Molecules 2013, 18
9507
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-3-
methoxybenzoate (B9). The desired compound (419 mg, 85% yield) was prepared by General
Procedure B using 3-methoxybenzoic acid (182.58 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid ester
1
(232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 74 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 7.81 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.58–7.50 (m, 3H), 7.32 (dt, J = 7.8, 3.5
Hz, 1H), 7.10–7.05 (m, 1H), 6.33 (br, 1H), 6.24 (s, 1H), 3.803.71 (m, 4H), 1.86 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H),
1.83–1.77 (m, 1H), 1.61 (t, J = 13.8 Hz, 2H), 1.52 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H), 1.33–1.23 (m, 14H), 1.16–1.01
13
(m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 167.0, 164.7, 159.4, 138.4, 134.9, 130.4, 129.4, 126.3, 121.8, 119.5,
11
114.3, 83.6, 75.9, 55.2, 48.1, 32.5, 25.2, 24.6, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.5. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 494.2702. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl-3-
methoxybenzoate (B10). The desired compound (437 mg, 89% yield) was prepared by General
Procedure B using 3-methoxybenzoic acid (182.58 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester
1
(232 mg, 1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 67 °C. H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ: 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.78 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.57
(s, 1H), 7.36 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (dd, J = 8.3, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.29–6.22 (m,
2H), 3.82–3.76 (m, 4H), 1.89 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H), 1.82 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H), 1.67–1.58 (m, 2H),
13
1.56–1.51 (m, 1H), 1.34–1.26 (m, 14H), 1.19–1.13 (m, 1H), 1.13–1.05 (m, 2H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ:
167.2, 164.8, 159.4, 135.2, 134.9, 133.8, 130.4, 130.0, 129.4, 127.9, 121.9, 119.6, 114.3, 83.7, 75.9,
11
55.2, 48.1, 32.5, 25.2, 24.6, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ: 31.5. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+,
found 494.2713. C28H36BNO6 requires 494.2720.
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl pyrazine-
2-carboxylate (B11). The desired compound (237 mg, 51% yield) was prepared by General Procedure
B using pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (124 mg, 1.00 mmol), p-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg,
1
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 184 °C. H-NMR (CDCl3) δ
9.30 (s, 1H), 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.72 (s, 1H), 7.82(d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 6.46 (br.), 6.32
(s, 1H), 3.80–3.79 (m, 1H), 1.91–1.84 (m, 2H), 1.69–1.64 (m, 2H), 1.58–1.56 (m, 1H), 1.34–1.32 (m,
14H), 1.25–1.20 (m, 3H). 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 166.5, 162.4, 148.0, 146.4, 144.4, 142.8, 137.8, 135.2,
11
126.7, 83.87, 83.8, 48.2, 32.7, 32.6, 25.3, 24.7, 24.5. B-NMR (CDCl3) δ 30.9. HRMS (ESI, positive
ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 466.2503. C25H32BN3O5 requires 466.2519.

Molecules 2013, 18
9508
2-(Cyclohexylamino)-2-oxo-1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)phenyl)ethyl pyrazine-
2-carboxylate (B12). The desired compound (195 mg, 42% yield) was prepared by General Procedure
B using pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (124 mg, 1.00 mmol), m-formylphenylboronic acid ester (232 mg,
1.00 mmol), and cyclohexyl isocyanide (0.124 mL, 1.00 mmol); mp = 140 °C. 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 9.32
(s, 1H), 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.40
(t, J = 7.2, 15 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (br.), 6.34 (s, 1H), 3.84–3.77 (m, 1H), 1.88–1.87 (m, 2H), 1.73–1.66
13
(m, 4H), 1.61–1.58 (m, 1H), 1.38–1.33 (m, 14H), 1.26–1.16 (m, 3H). C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 166.7,
162.5, 148.0, 146.5, 144.4, 143.0, 135.7, 134.4, 134.2, 130.5, 128.3, 83.9, 48.3, 32.8, 32.7, 25.4, 24.9,
24.8, 24.61. 11B-NMR (CDCl3) δ 30.4. HRMS (ESI, positive ion): m/z [M+H]+, found 466.2512.
C25H32BN3O5 requires 466.2519.
3.4. In Vitro Biological Evaluation
In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assay
The anti-tumor activities of boron-containing analogs against lung (A549), breast (MDA-MB-231),
and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines were evaluated using a microculture tetrazolium test (MTT,
Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA). Briefly, tumor cells or fibroblasts (5000 cells in 100 μL
complete medium per well) were seeded into a 96-well plate (Nunc, Roskilde, Denmark). After
incubation at 37 °C for 24 h, 100 μL of culture medium with or without boron-containing analogs was
added to each well in triplicate for 48 h of consecutive incubation at 37 °C. In the treatment of each
cell line, cells were incubated for another 24, 48 and 72 h. MTT solution 50 μL (Sigma) was added to
each well. Following incubation at 37 °C for an additional 4 h, supernatants were removed and 100 μL
DMSO was added to dissolve the MTT-formazan product. The plate was read using a microplate
reader (Labsystems, Helsinki, Finland) at 550 nm. The cell inhibitions at 20, 10, 5, 2.5 μg/mL of
boron-containing analogs were estimated and the IC50 for boron-containing analogs calculated for the
control group was set to 100% [36].
4. Conclusions
In conclusion, a convenient and efficient microwave-assisted Passerini MCR under aqueous
conditions was developed. Broad ranges of boron-containing α-acyloxyamides were synthesized in
moderate to good yields using this method. In addition, a simple acid/base extraction protocol was
developed, which enabled simple and effective purification of these boron-containing compounds. This
is a major achievement that renders this synthetic strategy suitable for use in the library synthesis of
boron molecules. All of the synthesized analogs were screened using the MTT assay, with two compounds
found to be active against the HepG2 cell line. Further structure–activity relationship evaluations based
on these two analogs is currently ongoing, and the results will be reported in due course.

Molecules 2013, 18
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Supplementary Materials
Supplementary materials can be accessed at: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/18/8/9488/s1.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Science Council in Taiwan (NSC-99-2113-032-002-MY2,
NSC-101-2113-M-032-001-MY2, NSC-102-2911-1-002-303, NSC-103-2911-1-002-303). We thank
Department of Chemistry of Tamkang University for the equipment and financial support. We thank
11
Shen-Shen Chen for conducting B-NMR experiments, and we thank Shu-Li Chen for conducting
MTT experiments.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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