N-(Aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)-α-alanines: Selective inhibitors of aldose reductase

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.056

Aldose reductase (ALR2), a NADPH-dependent reductase, is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism and is implicated in the pathogenesis of secondary diabetic complications. In the last decades, this enzyme has been ta

Full text of DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.056

Accepted Manuscript
N-(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)-α-alanines: selective inhibitors of aldose reduc-
tase
Susanna Nencetti, Concettina La Motta, Armando Rossello, Stefania Sartini,
Elisa Nuti, Lidia Ciccone, Elisabetta Orlandini
PII:
S0968-0896(16)31480-8
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.056
BMC 13654
Reference:
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
To appear in:
Received Date:
Revised Date:
Accepted Date:
19 January 2017
24 March 2017
26 March 2017
Please cite this article as: Nencetti, S., La Motta, C., Rossello, A., Sartini, S., Nuti, E., Ciccone, L., Orlandini, E.,
N-(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)-α-alanines: selective inhibitors of aldose reductase, Bioorganic & Medicinal
Chemistry (2017), doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2017.03.056
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N-(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)-ꢀ-alanines: selective inhibitors of aldose
reductase
Susanna Nencettia,, Concettina La Mottaa, Armando Rosselloa, Stefania Sartinia,
Elisa Nutia, Lidia Cicconeb, Elisabetta Orlandinia,c
aDipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
bCEA, iBiTec-S, Service d’Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), Gif-sur-Yvette, F-91191,
France
cDipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Pisa, Via S.Maria 53, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Abstract
Aldose reductase (ALR2), a NADPH-dependent reductase, is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of
the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism and is implicated in the pathogenesis of secondary
diabetic complications. In the last decades, this enzyme has been targeted for inhibition but despite
the numerous efforts made to identify potent and safe ALR2 inhibitors, many clinical candidates
have been a failure. For this reason the research of new ALR2 inhibitors highly effective, selective
and with suitable pharmacokinetic properties is still of great interest. In this paper some new N-
(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)alanines have been synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit
ALR2. Some of the synthesized compounds exhibit IC50 in the low micromolar range and all have
proved to be highly selective towards ALR2. The N-(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)-ꢀ-alanines are a
promising starting point for the development of new ALR2 selective drugs with the aim of delaying
the onset of diabetic complications.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, aldose reductase (ALR2), aldose reductase selective inhibitors, ꢀ-
alanines.
Corresponding author: Dr Susanna Nencetti, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via
Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa Italy; Telephone +39 050 2219559.
E-mail: susanna.nencetti@farm.unipi.it

1. Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of glucose
in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insufficient insulin production and needs a daily
administration of insulin. Actually, no prevention is known for Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes
normally occurs in adults, only recently seen also in children, and results from an ineffective use by
the body of the insulin produced. Healthy lifestyle and body weight, and regular physical activity
are recommended to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization
(WHO) estimates that 422 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. In 2012 1.5 million
deaths were directly caused by this pathology and it is believed that it will be the 7th leading cause
of death in 20301.
Diabetes can be successfully controlled by the administration of insulin and/or effective oral
antidiabetic drugs; however it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality because of the
gradual development of debilitating complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy,
nephropathy, retinopathy, cataracts, which negatively affect the quality of life and life expectancy
of diabetic patients. These complications arise from chronic hyperglycemia, which is the initiating
cause of diabetic tissue damage. In fact, diabetes selectively damages cells that does not efficiently
reduce the glucose transport inside the cell when these are exposed to hyperglycemia, such as
endothelial cells and mesangial cells, leading to high glucose levels inside the cell2-4.
Among the hypotheses that have been proposed the most accredited theory supported by
experimental and clinical evidence suggests that the pathogenic mechanisms leading to diabetes
complications is connected to glucose metabolism via the activation of the polyol pathway5. In
normal physiological conditions, glucose is phosphorylated by hexokinase while in hyperglycemic
conditions the excess of glucose is metabolized through the polyol pathway. Aldose reductase
(alditol: NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC1.1.1.2, ALR2), is a monomeric ubiquitous cytoplasmatic
protein member of the aldo-keto reductase super family (AKR) which consists of several enzymes
that perform oxidoreduction reactions on a wide variety of substrates6,7. ALR2 is a widely

expressed enzyme. It has been identified in various tissues like the brain, kidney, liver, lens and
skeletal muscle tissue. ALR2 is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway of glucose
metabolism8,9 and normally catalyzes the reduction of toxic aldehydes in cells to inactive alcohols;
but when the concentration of glucose in the cell becomes too high it also catalyzes the NADPH-
dependent reduction of glucose to sorbitol which is later oxidized to fructose by sorbitol
dehydrogenase (SDH), with NAD+ as the cofactor10 (Figure 1). In pathological conditions the
accumulation of the high concentration of sorbitol inside the cell causes osmotic stress and it has
been postulated that it contributes to the development of diabetic complications.
Figure 1. Aldose reductase and the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism.
In hyperglycemic conditions an increase in the activity of ALR2 causes oxidative stress due to
imbalance in the ratios of NADPH/NADP+ and NADH/NAD+ that may mediate the pathogenesis
of several diabetic complications like caractogenesis, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and
microangiopathy (8,11,12). It has been demonstrated that the polyol pathway has a central role in
ischemic injury in fact, the increase of ALR2 activity is detrimental under ischemic conditions and
impedes functional and metabolic recovery during reperfusion12. Recently, its implication has been
established in inflammatory and neoplastic processes13-15
.

In this context, the inhibition of ALR2 is a promising therapeutic strategy useful in preventing or
delaying the onset of diabetes complications and controling their evolution16. During the last
decades extensive efforts have been directed towards the development of aldose reductase inhibitors
(ARIs) as therapeutic tools for the prevention and/or arrest of the progression of long-term diabetic
complications17,18. Many compounds belonging to structurally different classes have been identified
as potent in vitro ALR2 inhibitors. Generally, these inhibitors contain a cyclic amide group, such as
in sorbinil, fidarestat, minalrestat, ranirestat, or acetic acid moiety, like in tolrestat, alrestatin,
epalrestat, zopolrestat, but also phenolic groups as in quercetin (Figure 2).
O
O
O
O
NH
NH
NH
N
HN
N
NH
NH
O
O
O
O
O
O
F
F
F
Br
Br
O
NH2
N
O
O
O
F
O
F
Sorbinil
Fidalrestat
Minalrestat
Ranirestat
COOH
O
N
S
COOH
O
S
O
N
COOH
CF3
S
N
COOH
N
N
N
S
MeO
O
CF3
Alrestatin
Tolrestat
Epalrestat
Zopolrestat
OH
O
OH
HO
O
OH
OH
Quercetin
Figure 2. Chemical structure of known ALR2 inhibitors.

Although several ARIs have reached various phases of clinical experimentation however most of
them have been withdrawn either due to an insufficient bioavailability13, their poor efficacy or
adverse side effects. Currently Epalrestat is in clinical use for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
The side effects are due to a lack of selectivity towards the aldehyde reductase (ALR1, EC 1.1.1.2),
which is a cytosolic enzyme of the AKR superfamily and is closely related to ALR2, showing high
structural homology (65% identity in their amino acid sequences), substrate specificities and kinetic
mechanisms19. ALR1 plays a detoxification role in the efficient removal of toxic aldehydes such as
hydroxynonenal (HNE), methylglyoxal and 3-deoxyglucosone arising from pathological conditions
connected with oxidative stress, like diabetes20,21
.
ALR2 is a monomeric (α/β)8-barrel cytoplasmatic protein of 36kDa composed of 316 amino acid
residues. The active site is located in the barrel core at the bottom of a large and deep hydrophobic
pocket at the C-terminal of the barrel22. The pyridine cofactor NADP+ is bound at the bottom of the
cleft through a flexible loop named the “safety-belt” loop23. Through a comparative analysis of the
ALR2-inhibitor complex crystal structures it has been suggested that the ALR binding site splits
into two parts with different flexibility properties. The first portion, mainly formed by the residues
of the catalytic site (Trp20, Tyr48, Val47, His110, Trp49 and Trp111) and the flanking cofactor
NADP+, is named the “anion binding pocket”. The second portion of the binding site is flexible and
affects the segments Leu300 and Trp111 that are determinant for the appearance of a “specificity
pocket”, also named the “induced cavity region”, which posseses hydrophobic features and shows a
high degree of flexibility 24. This pocket can adopt different conformations depending on the size
and nature of the bound ligand25,26. These features constitute important pharmacophoric
requirements for the design of selective inhibitors binding to ALR2. In particular, among the
members of the AKR superfamily the hydrophobic amino acid residues present in the specific
pocket of the ALR2 active site are less conserved than the hydrophilic ones providing the structural
basis for selectivity.

The flexibility of the binding site of ALR2 permits accommodating a wide variety of small
molecules with different shape and size. Although ALR2 inhibitors are structurally different they
have two common features: one or more aromatic moieties able to open the “specificity pocket”
which posseses a high degree of induced-fit adaptations (useful to arrange structurally different
ligands), and an acidic moiety which can interact with the “anionic binding pocket” by establishing
ionic and/or hydrogen bond interactions with Tyr48 and His11026.
In previous papers from our laboratory we have studied several series of glycine (R = H, n=0) and
β-alanine (R = H, n=1) derivatives (Figure 3) as ARIs27-29. In these studies, we have extensively
examined the structure-activity relationships (SARs) within this class and explored the effects on
inhibitory activity of aldose reductase by increasing both the distance between the aromatic portion
and the carboxylic group and the nitrogen core, and by inserting a methylene spacer between them.
Moreover, we have explored the effect obtained by shifting the phenyl ring away from the carbonyl
group by inserting various spacers of different lengths and degrees of rigidity. The biological results
indicate that the lengthened derivatives are in general less active with respect to the shorter ones.
Thus, these distances between the pharmacophoric groups appeared to be a crucial element in
determining the best spatial relationship between them within this structural class of compounds.
Figure 3. General formula of glycine and β-alanine derivatives.
In the present study we investigated three series of compounds starting from the structure of the
most active compounds reported previously27-29 (R =H,: Cl and R1=OMe, n=0, IC50= 3.5 µM and
6.3 µM, respectively A and B of Figure 4).

Figure 4. Our lead compounds.
For the first series we decided to verify the effects induced, on the ALR2 inhibitory properties, of
an additional steric hindrance on the carbon in α position with respect to the carboxylic group, by
introducing a methyl group (R2 = Me). Therefore, we synthesized a series of new ꢀ-alanine
derivatives of Type 1 (R1= H) and 2 (R1 = OMe) (Figure 5) in order to explore the structure activity
relationship and obtain useful information for further structure-based optimization within this class
of compounds. Similar to other well known carboxylate Type ALR2 inhibitors these compounds
possess a carboxylic head group that should occupy the anion binding pocket, attached through a
spacer to two aromatic moieties that may contribute to an efficient fit in the lipophilic region of the
ALR2 binding site including the specificity pocket. The electron-withdrawn (Cl) substituent was
introduced around the benzylic ring of all the synthesized compounds.
To investigate if the novel ꢀ-alanine compounds displayed a parallel SARs to those previously
studied27-29, for the second series we synthesized the compounds of Type 3 (R2 = Me, n= 0). Then
for the third, compounds of Type 4 (R2 = Me, n= 1), superior homologous of Type 3 in which a
benzylamidic group instead of a benzoylic group, was present on the nitrogen (Figure 5).

Figure 5. General formulas of synthesized compounds.
All the synthesized compounds were tested for their ALR2 inhibitory activity and selectivity.
2. Material and methods
2.1 Chemistry
The 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoic acid (1a-d, 2a-d) were prepared as described in
Scheme 1. For the preparation of the intermediate ethyl 2-(aryloxyamino)propanoates 8a-d we
followed the one previously described30 slightly modifying the synthetic route consisting of the
reaction of the opportune O-(arylmethyl)hydroxylamines hydrochlorides 5a-d with ethyl 2-oxo-
propanoate (6) and consequent reduction of the resulting oximinoacid 7a-d with borane-
trimethylamine complex to obtain the ethyl 2-(aryloxyamino)propanoates 8a-d. The alkaline
hydrolysis of 8a-d yielded the corresponding aminoacids 9a-d which in turn were transformed in
the tert-butyl esters 10a-d by reaction with tert-butyl acetate in the presence of perchloric acid. The
acylation of 10a-d in heterogenic phase with the opportune aroylchlorides gave the amides 11a-d
and 12a-d. The clevage of the tert-butyl esters with trifluoroacetic acid yielded the 2-(N-
(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoic acid 1a-d and 2a-d.

Scheme 1. Synthesis of 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoic acid derivatives 1a-d and 2a-d.
O
c
a
O
d
+
b
O
O
O
e
O
O
NH2
N
N
R
R
R
R
O
6
.HCl
H
O
O
5a-d
8a-d
7a-d
O
OH
O
O
O
O
N
N
N
R
R
H
H
O
O
O
9a-d
10a-d
O
11a-d, R1=H
12a-d, R1=OCH3
R1
f
O
OH
N
R
O
O
1a-d, R1=H
2a-d, R1=OCH3
R1
a, R= H, b, R= o-Cl; c, R= m-Cl; d, R= p-Cl.
t-
Reagents and conditions: a) MeOH/H2O, t.a., 1h; b) (Me)3N:BH3/ EtOH.HCl; c) NaOH, THF/H2O, 0°C; d) AcO
Bu, HClO4; e) ArCOCl, NaHCO3, AcOEt; f) CF3COOH, Anisolo, 0°C.
The synthesis of 2-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)propanoic acid derivatives 3a,c,d is outlined
in Scheme 2. The reaction of the previously described ethyl 2-(arylmethyloxyamino)propanoate
8a,c,d with (isocyanatomethyl)benzene in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-N,N-
dimethylamino pyridine yielded the ureido derivatives 13a,c,d which were saponified with
potassium hydroxide to obtain the ureido derivatives 3a,c,d.

Scheme 2. Synthesis of 2-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)propanoic acid derivatives 3a,c,d.
The synthesis of 3-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)butanoic acid derivatives 4a,d,h is described
in Scheme 3. The reaction of the opportune O-(arylmethyl)hydroxylamines hydrochlorides 5a,d,h
in MeOH/H2O mixture with ethyl 3-oxo-butanoate (14) afforded a mixture of the corresponding 3-
(arylmethyloxyimino)butanoate ethyl esters 15a,d,h(E/Z) in a ratio of 1:1. Reduction of the
isomeric mixture 15a,d,h with the borane-trimethylamine complex in alcoholic solution in the
presence of HCl, yielded the corresponding ethyl 3-(aryloxyamino)butanoate 16a,d,h. The reaction
of 16a,d,h with (isocyanatomethyl)benzene in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-N,N-
dimethylamino pyridine gave the ureido derivatives 17a,d,h which were treated with potassium
hydroxide to obtain the acids 4a,d,h.

Scheme 3. Synthesis of 3-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)butanoic acid derivatives 4a,d,h.
2.2 Biology
The newly synthesized 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoic acid derivatives 1a-d, 2a-d, and
the intermediate aminoacids 7a-d, were tested in vitro as inhibitors of aldose reductase ALR2,
isolated and purified from rat lenses. In order to evaluate the selectivity towards ALR2, all the
compounds were also tested for their ability to inhibit ALR1. The results (Table 1) are expressed as
IC50 values (ꢁM) and were determined by linear regression analysis of the log of the concentration
response curve. Their effectiveness was evaluated using as reference drugs Sorbinil and Tolrestat,
which are ALR2 selective drugs.

3. Results and discussion
All the synthesized compounds were tested for their activity and against ARL2 and selectivity
towards ARL1. Results obtained are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. ARL2 and ALR1 inhibitory activity (µM) of compounds 1a-d and 2a-d.
O
OH
N
R
O
O
R1
ALR2 (IC50, µM)a
46.7 (44.5-48.9)
4.88 (4.64-5.11)
12.5 (11.8 13.1)
2.69 (2.56 2.82)
>100
ALR1(IC50, µM)a
>100
R
R1
H
compd
H
1a
1b
o-Cl
m-Cl
p-Cl
H
H
>100
H
>100
1c
H
>100
1d
H
>100
2a
o-Cl
m-Cl
p-Cl
OMe
OMe
OMe
>100
2b
2.38 (2.31 2.47)
>100
>100
2c
>100
2d
10.1 (9.60 10.6)
2.0 (1.7-2.10)
0.029
Sorbinil
0.05 (0.03-0.06)
>100
Tolrestat
aIC50 (95% CL) values represent the concentration required to produce 50% of enzyme
inhibition.
Compounds 1a-d, 2a-d, and 7a-d were assayed as racemic mixtures, to identify the best ALR2
inhibitor that will be further studied for the functional properties of each enantiomeric form. Within
these series, the electron-withdrawn (Cl) substituent is introduced around the benzylic ring of all the
synthesized compounds.

Most of the tested compounds of Type 1 and 2 proved to inhibit ALR2, exhibiting potency levels in
the micromolar range. By observing the data of Table I we can evidence the following
−activity relationship (SAR)
structure
:
-
-
the insertion of electron-withdrawing chlorine atom as R substituent gave rise to a general
increase in the inhibitory potency with respect to unsubstituted parent compound 1a;
compounds 1b and 1d, bearing the orto- and para-chlorine atom as R moiety and a
hydrogen as R1 substituent showed appreciable inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 4.88
and 2.69 µM, respectively;
-
-
the trend of the inhibitory potency in compounds bearing a methoxy group as R1 substituent
shows a different trend in the potency: the unsubstituted compound 2a is completely
inactive as well as compound 2c m-chloro substituted;
the o-chloro substituted compound 2b possesses a higher potency with respect to the parent
compound 1b (R1=H) showing an IC50 value of 2.38µM vs 4.88µM and is the most effective
ALR2 inhibitors of the series. On the contrary among the p-chloro substituted compounds
1d (R1=H) and 2d (R1=OCH3) is the compound 1d that shows a 4-fold enhancement in
potency;
-
2-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)propanoic acid derivatives 3a,c,d and 3-(3-benzyl-1-
(arylmethyloxy)ureido)butanoic acid derivatives 4a,d,h showed no ability to inhibit the
enzyme ALR2.
In order to assess the importance of the amide function were also tested acids 9a-d devoid of this
group and intermediate for the synthesis of Type 2 compounds. Compounds 9a-d were found to be
completely inactive.
Unlike sorbinil (IC50ALR1 > 10 µM versus ARL1 = 0.029 µM, respectively), none of the
synthesized compounds 1-4 tested at 100 ꢁM showed to have an appreciable activity against ARL1,
proving to be completely selective towards the ALR2 enzyme.

The inhibition profile of the most active compounds, 1d and 2b, is quite similar to that of sorbinil
on ALR2 isoform whereas they prove to possess a better selectivity ALR2/ALR1 than sorbinil
being completely selective towards the ALR2 enzyme. ALR1, in fact, is thought to be the main
responsible of side effects and for this reason a clinically effective and safe ARI should be able to
inhibit ALR2 selectively.
4. Conclusions
ALR2 is involved in the pathogenesis of several diabetic complications. On the basis of the above
considerations, we investigated a new series of N-(aroyl)-N-(arylmethyloxy)alanines (1-4) obtained
by an original synthesis. These compounds were found highly selective for ALR2 enzyme because
they have no inhibitory activity against ALR1. The selectivity for ALR2 is considered as a great
advantage for aldose reductase inhibitors because of reduction of the risk of side effects. The results
of this work have allowed us to consider 1d and 2b a good starting point for further optimization to
obtain new drugs useful in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes complications.
5. Experimental
5.1 Material and methods
Analytical grade reagents and solvent were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO), and
were used as supplied. Solvents were dried according to standard methods. Melting points were
determined on a Köfler hot-stage apparatus and are uncorrected. IR spectra for comparison between
compounds were recorded on a Unicam Mattson 1000 FT-IR spectrometer (Cambridge, UK), as
Nujol mulls in the case of solid substances, or as liquid film in the case of liquids. 1H NMR spectra
were recorded with a Varian CFT20 spectrometer (Mountain View, CA) operating at 80 MHz at
25°C in a ca. 5% solution of CDCl3 and Chemical shifts (ꢂ) are reported in parts per million (ppm)
1
downfield from tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard. H-NMR spectra for compounds

3a,c,d and 4a,d,h were determined with a Bruker UltrashieldTM 400 MHz (Fällander, Switzerland).
Coupling constants J are reported in Hertz. The following abbreviations are used: singlet (s),
doublet (d), triplet (t), broad (br) and multiplet (m). Reactions were monitored by thin layer
chromatography (TLC) on silica gel plates containing a fluorescent indicator (Merck Silica Gel 60
F254) and spots were detected under UV light (254 nm). Preparative TLC were performed with
silica gel plates (2mm, Merck Silica Gel 60 F254). Chromatographic separations were performed on
silica gel columns by flash column chromatography (Kieselgel 40, 0.040ꢃꢄꢅꢄꢆꢇꢈꢉꢉꢊꢈꢋꢌꢍꢎꢏꢐꢅꢈꢑꢒꢈ
analyzes were performed on a Perkin-Elmer model 8410 apparatus with a flame ionization detector,
using a 1.5 m x 2.5mm column packed with methylsilicone OV-1 3% on Supelcoport 80-100 mesh.
Na2SO4 was always used as the drying agent. Evaporation was carried out “in vacuo” (rotating
evaporator). Elemental analyzes were performed by our analytical laboratory and agreed with the
theoretical values to within 0.4%.
5.2 Synthetic procedure
5.2.1 General procedure for the synthesis of 2-(arylmethyloxyamino)propionic acids (9a-d)
These compounds were prepared slightly modifying the synthetic route previously described30.
Treatment of aqueous 1:1 solution of the appropriate O-(arylmethyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride
5a-d and ethyl 2-oxo-2-propanoate (6) in MeOH (20 ml) at room temperature for 1 h afforded the
(E)-ethyl 2-(benzyloxyimino)propanoate (7a-d). Reduction of 7a-d with borane-methylamine
complex in EtOH in the presence of 10% aqueous HCl, yielded after the usual work-up the amino
esters 8a-d which afforded the corresponding acids 9a-d upon alkaline hydrolysis.
5.1.2 General procedure for the synthesis of tert-Butyl 2-(arylmethyloxyamino)propanoates
(10a-d)
To a solution of the opportune amino acids 9a-d (1.29 mmol) in tert-butylacetate (15.40 ml) was
added HClO4 (0.128 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 day, then

washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO3. Organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, and
concentrated in vacuo to give 10a-d practically pure (GC).
10a (98% yield); purity 98,7% (GC); IR ꢓ 3269 (NH), 1742 (C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.2
(d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.50 (s, 9H). 3.61 (m, 1H), 4.82 (s, 2H), 5.45 (brs, 1H), 7.47 (s, 5H); Anal.
Calcd for C14H21NO3 (251.15) C, 66.91; H, 8.42; N, 5.57; Found: C, 66.56; H, 8.56; N, 5.46. 10b
(70% yield); purity 99% (GC); IR ꢓ 3269 (NH), 1742 (C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.2 (d, 3H,
J = 7.0 Hz), 1.50 (s, 9H). 3.70 (m, 1H), 4.97 (s, 2H), 5.50 (brs, 1H), 7.53 (m, 4H); Anal. Calcd for
C14H20ClNO3 (285.77) C, 58.84; H, 7.05; N, 4.90; Found: C, 58.75; H, 6.97; N, 5.06. 10c (71%
yield); purity 99,0% (GC); IR ꢓ 3269 (NH), 1742 (C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.18 (d, 3H, J =
7.0 Hz), 1.47 (s, 9H). 3.64 (m, 1H), 4.73 (s, 2H), 5.53 (brs, 1H), 7.45 (m, 4H); Anal. Calcd for
C14H20ClNO3 (285.77) C, 58.84; H, 7.05; N, 4.90; Found: C, 58.95; H, 7.18; N, 5.01. 10d (71%
yield); purity 99,7% (GC); IR ꢓ 3269 (NH), 1742 (C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.16 (d, 3H, J =
7.0 Hz), 1.47 (s, 9H). 3.58 (m, 1H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 5.24 (brs, 1H), 7.37 (s, 4H); Anal. Calcd for
C14H20ClNO3 (285.77) C, 58.84; H, 7.05; N, 4.90; Found: C, 58.79; H, 7.11; N, 4.82.
5.2.3
General
procedure
for
the
synthesis
of
tert-Butyl
2-(N-
(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoate (11a-d) and tert-Butyl 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)-4-
methoxybenzamido)propanoate (12a-d)
To a stirred solution of the appropriate tert-butyl 2-(aryloxyamino)propanoates (10a-d) (3.82 mmol)
in EtOAc (30 ml) was added a saturated solution of NaHCO3 (30 ml). The resulting mixture was
treated dropwise with a solution of benzoyl chloride (3.82 mmol) or with a solution of 4-
methoxybenzoyl chloride (3.82 mmol) in EtOAc (30 ml) for 11a-d or 12a-d, respectively. The
mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16h. The organic phase was then separated, washed
(H2O, aqueous 5% HCl, saturated solution of NaHCO3, H2O), dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to
give the amides 11a-d as oils practically pure (GC), while the pure amides 12a-d were obtained by

flash chromatography of the crude oils on silica gel column, eluting with a EtOAc /hexane 4:1
mixture.
1
11a (78% yield); purity 97,2% (GC); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ:
1.55 (m, 12H), 4.83 (s 2H), 4.90 (m, 1H), 7.45 (m, 10H); Anal. Calcd for C21H25NO4 (355.43) C,
70.96; H, 7.09; N, 3.94; Found: C, 70.78; H, 7.16; N, 3.86. 11b (60% yield); purity 94,3% (GC); IR
ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.60 (m, 12H), 4.96 (s 2H), 4.90 (m, 1H),
7.59 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C21H24ClNO4 (389.87) C, 64.69; H, 6.20; N, 3.59; Found: C, 64.47;
1
H, 6.12; N, 3.68. 11c (63% yield); purity 95,5% (GC); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; H
NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.56 (m, 12H), 4.80 (s 2H), 4.86 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for
C21H24ClNO4 (389.87) C, 64.69; H, 6.20; N, 3.59; Found: C, 64.51; H, 6.18; N, 3.47. 11d (83%
1
yield); purity 96,4% (GC); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.60 (m,
12H), 4.80 (s 2H), 4.88 (m, 1H), 7.70 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C21H24ClNO4 (389.87) C, 64.69; H,
6.20; N, 3.59; Found: C, 64.77; H, 6.16; N, 3.65.
12a (40% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.56 (m, 12H), 3.85 (s
3H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 4.87 (m, 1H), 7.10 (m, 6H), 7.70 (m, 2H); Anal. Calcd for C22H27NO5 (385.45) C,
68.55; H, 7.06; N, 3.63; Found: C, 68.71; H, 7.13; N, 3.55. 12b (38% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O),
1
1665 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.44 (m, 12H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 4.86 (m,1H),
6.96 (m, 6H), 7.70 (m, 2H); Anal. Calcd for C22H26ClNO5 (419.90); C, 62.93; H, 6.24; N,
3.34;Found: C, 62.88; H, 6.17; N, 3.42. 12c (25% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1657 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H
NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.43 (m, 12H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 4.86 (m, 1H), 7.02 (m, 6H), 7.69 (m,
2H); Anal. Calcd for C22H26ClNO5 (419.90); C, 62.93; H, 6.24; N, 3.34;Found: C, 63.05; H, 6.16;
1
N, 3.26. 12d (32% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.42 (m,
12H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 4.86 (m, 1H), 7.02 (m, 6H), 7.69 (m, 2H); Anal. Calcd for
C22H26ClNO5 (419.90); C, 62.93; H, 6.24; N, 3.34;Found: C, 62.85; H, 6.02; N, 3.45.

5.2.4 General procedure for the synthesis of 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)benzamido)propanoic acids
(1a-d) and 2-(N-(arylmethyloxy)-4-methoxybenzamido)propanoic acids (2a-d).
To a stirred and cooled (0°C) solution of the appropriate ester 1a-d or 2a-d (2.20 mmol) in anisole
(5.0 ml) and CH2Cl2 (2 ml) was added dropwise CF3COOH (25 ml). After stirring at 0°C for 3 h the
solution was evaporated at reduced pressure, diluted with EtOAc and extracted with a saturated
solution of NaHCO3 and brine. Aqueous basic phases were then acidified with 1 N HCl until pH 3
and the product was extracted with EtOAc. Organic layers were collected, dried over Na2SO4, and
concentrated in vacuo to give 1a-d and 2a-d as white solids and crystallized by EtOAc/hexane. 1a
(38% yield); IR ꢓ 1749 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,63 (d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz),
4,76 (s, 2H), 5.11 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.48 (m, 10H), 10.10 (brs, 1H); Anal. Calcd for C17H17NO4
(299,32) C, 68.21; H, 5.72; N, 4.68; Found: C, 68.32; H, 5.63; N, 4.76. 1b (45% yield); IR ꢓ 1749
1
(C=O), 1649 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,68 (d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4,96 (s, 2H), 5.11 (q,
1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.86 (m, 9H), 10.16 (brs, 1H); Anal. Calcd for C17H16ClNO4 (333,77) C, 61.18; H,
4.83; N, 4.20; Found: C, 61.07; H, 5.04; N, 4.38. 1c (67% yield); IR ꢓ 1757 (C=O), 1634 (N-C=O)
cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,66 (d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4,77 (s, 2H), 5.03 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 7.63 (m,
9H), 9.11 (brs, 1H); Anal. Calcd for C17H16Cl NO4 (333,77) C, 61.18; H, 4.83; N, 4.20; Found: C,
61.28; H, 4.71; N, 4.32. 1d (71% yield); IR ꢓ 1757 (C=O), 1634 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3)
ꢂ: 1,63 (d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H), 4,87 (m, 2H), 4,91 (m, 1H), 6.84 (d 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.19
(m, 4H), 7.68 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 9.80 (brs, 1H); Anal. Calcd for C17H16Cl NO4 (333,77) C, 61.18;
H, 4.83; N, 4.20; Found: C, 61.32; H, 4.71; N, 4.09.
1
2a (40% yield); IR ꢓ 1749 (C=O), 1650 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,65 (d, 3H, J = 7.2
Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H), 4,87 (m, 2H), 4.91 (m, 1H), 6.84 (d 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.19 (m, 4H), 7.68 (d, 2H, J
= 8.8 Hz). Anal. Calcd for C18H19NO5 (329.35) C, 65.64; H, 5.82; N, 4.25; Found: C, 65.58; H,
5.87; N, 4.45. 2b (37% yield); IR ꢓ 1749 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,64 (d,
3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H), 4,87 (m, 2H), 4.90 (m, 1H), 6.83 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.16 (m, 4H),
7.70 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz). Anal. Calcd for C18H18ClNO5 (363,79) C, 59.43; H, 4.99; N, 3.85; Found:

1
C, 59.57; H, 4.87; N, 3.67. 2c (55% yield); IR ꢓ 1749 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=O) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.64 (d, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H), 4,68 (m, 2H), 4.93 (m, 1H), 6.86 (d, 2H, J = 8.8
Hz), 7.09 (m, 4H), 7.67 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz); Anal. Calcd for C18H18ClNO5 (363,79) C, 59.43; H,
4.99; N, 3.85; Found: C, 59.24; H, 4.83; N, 3.78. 2d (43% yield); IR ꢓ 1749 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=O)
cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1,63 (d, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 3.85 (s, 3H), 4,68 (m, 2H), 4.94 (m, 1H), 6.85
(d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.10 (m, 4H), 7.67 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz)Anal. Calcd for C18H18ClNO5 (363,79) C,
59.43; H, 4.99; N, 3.85; Found: C, 59.57; H, 4.81; N, 3.66.
5.2.5
General
procedure
for
the
synthesis
of
ethyl
2-(3-benzyl-1-
(arylmethyloxy)ureido)propanoate (13a,c,d).
To a stirred solution of the appropriate amino esters 8a,c,d (1.16 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (31
ml), Et3N (1.16 mmol) and a catalytic amount of DMAP (5 mg) was added dropwise with a solution
of phenylisocyanate (2.0 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (2 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at
room temperature for 12h. The organic phase was evaporated and the residue was purified by
column chromatography, eluting with a 3:2 hexane/ EtOAc mixture to yield pure derivatives
13a,c,d.
13a (70% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1688 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.22 (t, 3H, J = 7.2
Hz), 1.54 (d, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.15 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.30 (d, 2H, J = 5.6 Hz), 4.84 (m, 3H), 7.23
(m, 10H); Anal. Calcd for C20H24N2O4 (356.42); C, 67.40; H, 6.79; N, 7.86; Found: C, 67.58; H,
6.62; N, 7.74. 13c (81% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1688 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23
(t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.53 (d, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.16 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.33 (d, 2H, J = 5.6 Hz), 4.80
(m, 3H), 7.22 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C20H23ClN2O4 (390.86); C, 61.46; H, 5.93; N, 7.17; Found:
1
C, 61.62; H, 6.02; N, 7.31. 13d (45% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1688 (N-C=ON) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.53 (d, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.16 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.31 (d, 2H, J
= 5.6 Hz), 4.80 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C20H23ClN2O4 (390.86); C, 61.46; H, 5.93;
N, 7.17; Found: C, 61.38; H, 5.86; N, 7.08.

5.2.6 General procedure for the synthesis of 2-(3-benzyl-1-(arylmethyloxy)ureido)propanoic
acid (3a,c,d).
A THF (3 ml) solution of 13a,c,d (0.28 mmol) was treated with a solution of NaHCO3 (0.83 mmol)
in H2O (1 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature (24h) until the disappearance
of the starting ester (TLC, hexane/EtOAc 1:1). The solution was concentrated and the aqueous
residue was washed with Et2O, acidified to pH 3 with 10% aq. HCl and extracted with CHCl3.
Evaporation of the filtered organic layers afforded a residue which was purified by trituration with
n-hexane to give the desired acids 3a,c,d.
3a (90% yield); IR ꢓ 1796 (N-C=ON); 1734 cm-1 (C=O); 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.26 (d, 3H, J = 7.0
Hz), 3.92 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4,63 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.98 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.34 (m, 10H).
Anal. Calcd for C18H20N2O4 (328.37) C, 65.84; H, 6.14; N, 8.53; Found: C, 66.02; H, 6.28; N, 8.39.
3c (85% yield); IR ꢓ 1796 (N-C=ON); 1734 cm-1 (C=O); 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.27 (d, 3H, J = 7.0
Hz), 3.92 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4,62 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.97 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.33 (m, 9H).
Anal. Calcd for C18H19ClN2O4 (362.81) C, 59.59; H, 5.28; N, 7.72; Found: C, 59.72; H, 5.44; N,
7.60. 3d (82% yield); IR ꢓ 1796 (N-C=ON); 1734 cm-1 (C=O); );1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.25 (d, 3H, J
= 7.0 Hz), 3.99 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4,60 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.95 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.32 (m,
9H). Anal. Calcd for C18H19ClN2O4 (362.81) C, 59.59; H, 5.28; N, 7.72; Found: C, 59.69; H, 5.48;
N, 7.88.
5.2.7 General procedure for the synthesis of (E/Z)-ethyl 3-(arylmethyloxyimino)butanoate
(15a,d,h).
A solution of the appropriate O-(arylmethyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride 5a,d,h (0.084 mol) and
ethyl 3-oxobutanoate (0.084 mol) in anhydrous EtOH (65 ml) was treated dropwise, under stirring,
with a solution of AcONa (0.126 mol) in anhydrous EtOH (27 ml). The resulting mixture was

stirred at room temperature for 24 h and then evaporated at reduced pressure. The residue was
added to H2O and extracted with Et2O. The organic phase was separated, washed (5% aqueous HCl,
10% aqueous NaHCO3 and H2O) and evaporated to dryness to yield a 1:1 (GC) mixture of E and Z
isomers (15a,d,h) which, without any further purification, was used for the following reaction.
1
(E/Z)15a (76% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.95,
2.03 (s, 3H), 3.36 e 3.43 (s, 2H), 4.13 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 5.13 (s, 2H), 7.35 (m, 5H); Anal. Calcd
for C13H17NO3 (235.28); C, 66.36; H, 7.28; N, 5.95; Found: C, 65.28; H, 7.35; N, 5.71. (E/Z)15d
1
(80% yield); IR ꢓ 1726 (C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.93, 2.03 (s,
3H), 3.33 e 3.43 (s, 2H), 4.16 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 5.05 (s, 2H), 7.30 (m, 5H); Anal. Calcd for
C13H16ClNO3 (269,72); C, 57.89; H, 5.98; N, 5.19; Found: C, 57.78; H, 5.81; N, 5.36. (E/Z)15h
1
(80% yield); IR ꢓ 1726 (C=O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz), 1.93, 1.96 (s,
3H), 3.20 e 3.30 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.85 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz), 5.05 (s, 2H), 6.88 (d,2H, J = 8.0 Hz
), 7.32 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz); Anal. Calcd for C14H19NO4 (265,13); C, 63.38; H, 7.22; N, 5.28; Found:
C, 63.27; H, 7.36; N, 5.43.
5.2.8 General procedure for the synthesis of ethyl 3-(arylmethyloxyamino)butanoate (16a,d,h)
To a stirred and cooled (0°C) mixture of borane–trimethylamine complex (4.25 mmol) and the
appropriate oximether (15a,d,h) (4.25 mmol) in absolute EtOH (10 ml) was added dropwise
ethanolic hydrochloric acid (8 N, 34 ml). After stirring for 8h the solvent was evaporated and the
residue was dissolved in CH2Cl2 and supplemented with solid NaHCO3. After stirring for several
hours, the suspension was filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by
filtration through a silica gel column eluting with a hexane/EtOAc (4:1) mixture. Evaporation of the
final fraction yielded pure 16a,d,h as oils.
16a (90%): IR ꢓ 1734(C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.11(d, 3H, J = 6.0 Hz), 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.0
Hz), 2.46 (t, 2H, J = 6.0 Hz), 3.46 (m, 1H), 4.13 (q, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4.72 (s, 2H), 7.38 (m,5H);

Anal. Calcd for C13H19NO3 (237,29); C, 65.80; H, 8.07; N, 5.90; Found: C, 65.72; H, 7.94; N, 5.86.
16d (95%): IR ꢓ 1734(C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.11(d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.0
Hz), 2.45 (t, 2H, J = 6.0 Hz), 3.46 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4.13 (q, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4.66 (s, 2H), 7.33
(m,4H); Anal. Calcd for C13H18ClNO3 (271,74); C, 57.46; H, 6.68; N, 5.15; Found: C, 57.35; H,
6.81; N, 5.33. 16h (97%): IR ꢓ 1734(C=O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.08(d, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.18
(t, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 2.40 (t, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz), 3.46 (q, 1H, J = 7.0 Hz), 3.76 (s, 3H), 4.13 (q, 2H, J =
7.0 Hz), 4.56 (s, 2H), 6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.33 (d,2H, J = 8.0 Hz); Anal. Calcd for C14H21NO4
(267,32); C, 62.90; H, 7.92; N, 5.24; Found: C, 62.79; H, 7.85; N, 5.36.
5.2.9
General
procedure
for
the
synthesis
of
ethyl
3-(3-benzyl-1-
(arylmethyloxy)ureido)butanoate (17a,d,h)
To a stirred solution of the appropriate amino esters 16a,d,h (6.32 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (169
ml), Et3N (6.32 mmol) and a catalytic amount of DMAP (5 mg) was added dropwise with a solution
of benzylisocyanate (10.83 mmol) in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred
at room temperature for 1 day and monitored by TLC (hexane/EtOAc 3:2). The organic phase was
evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography, eluting with a 3:2
hexane/EtOAc mixture to yield pure derivatives 17a,d,h.
17a (61% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1680 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.24 (t, 3H, J = 7.0
Hz), 1.28 (d, 2H, J = 7.6 Hz), 2.54 (m, 1H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 4.13 (q, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4.29 (d, 2H, J =
5.6 Hz), 4.63 (m, 1H), 4.79 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 10H); Anal. Calcd for C21H26N2O4 (370,44); C,
68.09; H, 7.07; N, 7.56; Found: C, 68.18; H, 7.12; N, 7.63. 17d (40% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O),
1680 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.23 (t, 3H, J = 7.0 Hz), 1.28 (d, 2H, J = 7.6 Hz), 2.53
(m, 1H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 4.13 (q, 2H, J = 7.0 Hz), 4.29 (d, 2H, J = 5.6 Hz), 4.63 (m, 1H), 4.76 (m,
2H), 7.24 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C21H25ClN2O4 (404,89); C, 62.30; H, 6.22; N, 6.92; Found: C,
1
62.46; H, 6.32; N, 7.04. 17h (72% yield); IR ꢓ 1742 (C=O), 1680 (N-C=ON) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.26 (t, 3H, J = 7.1 Hz), 1.28 (d, 2H, J = 7.6 Hz), 2.52 (m, 1H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 3.78 (s,

3H), 4.14 (q, 2H, J = 7.1 Hz), 4.31 (d, 2H, J = 5.6 Hz), 4.63 (m, 1H), 4.73 (m, 2H), 6.81 (d, 2H, J =
8.7 Hz), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.19 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz), 7.28 (m, 3H); Anal. Calcd for C21H25ClN2O4
(404,89); C, 62.30; H, 6.22; N, 6.92; Found: C, 62.46; H, 6.32; N, 7.04.
5.2.10 General procedure for the synthesis of 3-(3-benzyl-1-(benzyloxy)ureido)butanoic acid
(4a,d,h)
A stirred THF (6.5 ml)/H2O (2.6ml) solution of 17a,d,h (1.25 mmol) was cooled (0°C) and treated
dropwise with NaOH 1N (1.29 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0°C until the disappearance
of the starting ester (TLC, hexane/EtOAc 1:1) (4h). The solution was concentrated and the aqueous
residue washed with Et2O, cooled and acidified to pH 3 with 10% aq. HCl, then extracted with
CHCl3. Evaporation of the filtered organic layers afforded a residue which was crystallized with
CHCl3/ n-hexane to give the desired acids 4a,d,h.
4a (97% yield); IR ꢓ 1711 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.29 (d, 3H, J = 6.7
Hz), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 2H), 4.56 (m, 1H), 4.80 (s, 2H), 6.03 (m, 1H), 7.26 (m,
10H); Anal. Calcd for C19H22N2O4 (342,39); C, 66.65; H, 6.48; N, 8.18; Found: C, 66.53; H, 6.33;
N, 7.95. 4d (65% yield); IR ꢓ 1711 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=ON) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ: 1.30 (d, 3H,
J = 6.7 Hz ), 2.56 (m, 1H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 2H), 4.55 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 6.04 (m, 1H)
7.19 (m, 9H); Anal. Calcd for C19H21ClN2O4 (376,12); C, 60.56; H, 5.62; N, 7.43; Found: C, 60.51;
1
H, 5.49; N, 7.58. 4h (89% yield); IR ꢓ 1711 (C=O), 1649 (N-C=ON) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) ꢂ:
1.29 (d, 3H, J = 6.7 Hz ), 2.57 (m, 1H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 4.56 (m, 1H), 4.74
(s, 2H), 6.06 (m, 1H), 6.81 (d, 2H, J = 8.4 Hz), 7.16 (m, 2H), 7.19 (d, 2H, J = 8.4 Hz), 7.29 (m,
3H); Anal. Calcd for C20H24N2O5 (372,41); 64.50; H, 6.50; N, 7.52; Found: C, 64.38; H, 6.37; N,
7.41.
5.3 Biology

Aldose reductase (ALR2) and aldehyde reductase (ALR1) were obtained from Sprague-Dawley
albino rats, 120–140 g body weight, supplied by Harlan Nossan, Italy. To minimize cross-
contamination between ALR2 and ALR1 in the enzyme preparation, rat lenses, in which ALR2 is
the predominant enzyme, and kidneys, where ALR1 shows the highest concentration, were used for
the isolation of ALR2 and ALR1, respectively. Pyridine coenzyme, D,L-glyceraldehyde, and
sodium D-glucuronate were from Sigma-Aldrich. Sorbinil is a gift from Pfizer, Groton CT.
Tolrestat was obtained from Lorestat Recordati, Italy. All other chemicals were of reagent grade.
5.3.1 Aldose reductase (ALR2)
A purified rat lens extract was prepared as described previously31-33. Briefly, lenses were quickly
removed from rats following euthanasia and were homogenized (Glas-Potter) in 3 volumes of cold
deionized water. The homogenate was centrifuged at 12 000 rpm at 0–48C for 30 min. Saturated
ammonium sulphate solution was added to the supernatant fraction to form a 40% solution, which
was stirred for 30 min at 0–48C and then centrifuged at 12 000 rpm for 15 min. Following this same
procedure, the recovered supernatant was subsequently fractionated with saturated ammonium
sulfate solution using first a 50% and then a 75% salt saturation. The precipitate recovered from the
75% saturated fraction, possessing ALR2 activity, was redissolved in 0.05 M NaCl and dialyzed
overnight in 0.05 M NaCl. The dialyzed material was used for the enzymatic assay.
5.3.2 Aldehyde reductase (ALR1)
Rat kidney ALR1 was prepared as reported earlier31-33. Briefly, kidneys were quickly removed from
normally killed rats and homogenized (Glas-Potter) in 3 volumes of 10 mM sodium phosphate
buffer, pH 7.2, containing 0.25 M sucrose, 2.0 mM EDTA dipotassium salt, and2.5 mM β-
mercaptoethanol. The homogenate was centrifuged at 12 000 rpm at 0–48C for 30 min, and the
supernatant was subjected to a 40–75% ammonium sulphate fractionation, following the same
procedure previously described for ALR2. The precipitate obtained from the 75% ammonium

sulfate saturation, possessing ALR1 activity, was redissolved in 50 volumes of 10 mM sodium
phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, containing 2.0 mM EDTA dipotassium salt and 2.0 mM b-
mercaptoethanol, and was dialyzed overnight using the same buffer. The dialyzed material was used
in the enzymatic assay.
5.3.3 Enzymatic assays.
The activity of the two test enzymes was determined spectrophotometrically by monitoring the
change in absorbance at 340 nm, which is due to the oxidation of NADPH catalyzed by ALR2 and
ALR1. The change in pyridine coenzyme concentration/min was determined using a Beckman DU-
64 kinetics software program (Solf Pack TM Module).
ALR2 activity was assayed at 30 °C in a reaction mixture containing 0.25 ml of 10 mM D,L-
glyceraldehyde, 0.25 ml of 0.104 mM NADPH, 0.25 ml of 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH
6.2), 0.1 ml of enzyme extract, and 0.15 mL of deionized water in a total volume of 1 ml. All the
above reagents, except D,L-glyceraldehyde, were incubated at 30°C for 10 min; the substrate was
then added to start the reaction, which was monitored for 5 min.
ALR1 activity was determined at 37°C in a reaction mixture containing 0.25 ml of 20 mM sodium
D-glucuronate, 0.25 ml of 0.12 mM NADPH, 0.25 ml of dialyzed enzymatic solution, and 0.25 ml
of 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) in a total volume of 1 ml.
5.3.4 Enzymatic inhibition
The inhibitory activity of the newly synthesized compounds against ALR2 and ALR1 was assayed
by adding 0.1 ml of the inhibitor solution to the reaction mixture described above. All the inhibitors
were solubilized in water and the solubility was facilitated by adjustment to a favorable pH. After
complete solution, the pH was readjusted to 7. To correct for the non-enzymatic oxidation of
NADPH and for absorption by the compounds tested, a reference blank containing all the above

assay components except the substrate was prepared. The inhibitory effect of the new derivatives
was routinely estimated at a concentration of 10-4 M. Those compounds found to be active were
tested at additional concentrations between 10-5 and 10-8 M. The determination of the IC50 values
was performed by linear regression analysis of the logdose response curve, which was generated
using at least four concentrations of the inhibitor, causing an inhibition between 20% and 80%, with
two replicates at each concentration. The 95% confidence limits (95% CL) were calculated from t
values for n – 2, where n is the total number of determinations.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported in part by the University of Pisa (Fondi di Ateneo and PRA_2016_27).

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