Searching for multi-targeting neurotherapeutics against Alzheimer's: Discovery of potent AChE-MAO B inhibitors through the decoration of the 2H-Chromen-2-one structural motif

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules21030362

The need for developing real disease-modifying drugs against neurodegenerative syndromes, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), shifted research towards reliable drug discovery strategies to unveil clinical candidates with higher therapeutic efficacy than single-targeting drugs. By following the multi-target approach, we designed and synthesized a novel class of dual acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors through the decoration of the 2H-chromen-2-one skeleton. Compounds bearing a propargylamine moiety at position 3 displayed the highest in vitro inhibitory activities against MAO-B. Within this series, derivative 3h emerged as the most interesting hit compound, being a moderate AChE inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 8.99 μM) and a potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 2.8 nM). Preliminary studies in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines demonstrated its low cytotoxicity and disclosed a promising neuroprotective effect at low doses (0.1 μM) under oxidative stress conditions promoted by two mitochondrial toxins (oligomycin-A and rotenone). In a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)II-MDR1 cell-based transport study, Compound 3h was able to permeate the BBB-mimicking monolayer and did not result in a glycoprotein-p (P-gp) substrate, showing an efflux ratio = 0.96, close to that of diazepam.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules21030362

molecules
Article
Searching for Multi-Targeting Neurotherapeutics
against Alzheimer’s: Discovery of Potent AChE-MAO
B Inhibitors through the Decoration of the
2H-Chromen-2-one Structural Motif
Leonardo Pisani 1, Roberta Farina 1, Ramon Soto-Otero 2, Nunzio Denora 1,
Giuseppe Felice Mangiatordi 1, Orazio Nicolotti 1, Estefania Mendez-Alvarez 2,
Cosimo Damiano Altomare 1, Marco Catto 1,* and Angelo Carotti 1,
*
1
Dipartimento di Farmacia—Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”,
via E. Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy; leonardo.pisani@uniba.it (L.P.); roberta.farina@uniba.it (R.F.);
nunzio.denora@uniba.it (N.D.); giuseppe.mangiatordi@uniba.it (G.F.M.); orazio.nicolotti@uniba.it (O.N.);
cosimodamiano.altomare@uniba.it (C.D.A.)
Grupo de Neuroquimica, Departamento de Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Medicina,
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco I, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
ramon.soto@usc.es (R.S.-O.); estefania.mendez@usc.es (E.M.-A.)
2
*
Correspondence: marco.catto@uniba.it (M.C.); angelo.carotti@uniba.it (A.C.);
Tel.: +39-080-544-2780 (M.C.); +39-080-544-2782 (A.C.); Fax: +39-080-544-2230 (M.C. & A.C.)
Academic Editors: Michael Decker and Diego Muñoz-Torrero
Received: 15 February 2016 ; Accepted: 10 March 2016 ; Published: 17 March 2016
Abstract: The need for developing real disease-modifying drugs against neurodegenerative
syndromes, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), shifted research towards reliable drug discovery
strategies to unveil clinical candidates with higher therapeutic efficacy than single-targeting drugs.
By following the multi-target approach, we designed and synthesized a novel class of dual
acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors through the decoration of the
2H-chromen-2-one skeleton. Compounds bearing a propargylamine moiety at position 3 displayed
the highest in vitro inhibitory activities against MAO-B. Within this series, derivative 3h emerged
as the most interesting hit compound, being a moderate AChE inhibitor (IC50 = 8.99 µM) and a
potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor (IC50 = 2.8 nM). Preliminary studies in human neuroblastoma
SH-SY5Y cell lines demonstrated its low cytotoxicity and disclosed a promising neuroprotective
effect at low doses (0.1 µM) under oxidative stress conditions promoted by two mitochondrial toxins
(oligomycin-A and rotenone). In a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)II-MDR1 cell-based transport
study, Compound 3h was able to permeate the BBB-mimicking monolayer and did not result in a
glycoprotein-p (P-gp) substrate, showing an efflux ratio = 0.96, close to that of diazepam.
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; cholinesterase inhibitors; coumarins; MAO inhibitors;
multi-target-directed ligands
1. Introduction
Nowadays, a growing share of the elderly population experiences the heavy burden of cognitive
decline associated with severe neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). In this context, a central role is
occupied by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), being the first cause of age-related dementia with a worrisome
projection of around 100 million patients worldwide by 2050. In people suffering from AD, learning
deficits along with the impairment of memory and language skills result from the disruption of
cholinergic transmission in hippocampal areas [1]. As a consequence of the so-called “cholinergic
hypothesis”, up to date, the pharmacological therapy of AD has been essentially based on the
Molecules 2016, 21, 362; doi:10.3390/molecules21030362
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Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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restoration of adequate levels of acetylcholine (ACh). Thus, the majority of registered drugs for
the curing of AD belongs to the class of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors (i.e., rivastigmine,
galantamine and donepezil) that are able to counteract ACh depletion by reducing its degradation
catalyzed by AChE [
(memantine), which has antagonism to NMDA receptors, has more recently been introduced for the
curing of moderate to severe forms of AD [ ]. However, none of these medicines is able to slow
2]. Apart from AChE blockade, a drug with a different mechanism of action
3
down or reverse the neuronal degeneration, and all of them exert only symptomatic relief. Despite
huge efforts performed by researchers, the curing of AD still represents a challenging task, and a real
disease-modifying therapy is still needed. As for many NDs, converging and rising evidences shed
light on the multifaceted etiology of AD [4]. This means that simultaneous aberrations, including metal
unbalance, protein misfolding/aggregation and production of toxic radicals among others, trigger
and/or sustain the neurotoxic cascade ultimately leading to neuronal death. By means of modulating
two or more targets involved in the onset and/or progression of the disease, the multi-target strategy
has been regarded as an innovative tool for discovering neurotherapeutics against AD [
years, programs hitting both production and aggregation of -amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau
protein failed to identify agents with therapeutic efficacy [ ]. Thus, the attention has been shifted to
other relevant pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, oxidative stress has been considered
a downstream event anticipating the deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles [ ].
5]. In recent
β
6
7
Deregulation of endogenous detoxification redox systems and over-production of radical species
lead to lipid peroxidation and nucleic acid mutations. In this context, a neuroprotective activity
against oxidative stress has been claimed for new chemical entities able to inhibit monoamine oxidases
(MAOs) [8]. These FAD-dependent enzymes catalyze the oxidative deamination of amines deriving
from diet (e.g., tyramine), physiological neuronal pathways (e.g., several neurotransmitters, such as
catecholamines) or drug assumption. The catalytic cycle produces hydrogen peroxide, a harmful
by-product capable of triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) release. Two isoforms (MAO-A and -B)
differing in sensitivity to substrate and inhibitors are known [9]. In particular, the MAO-B isoform
has received great attention. In fact, it predominates in CNS, and many studies reported its increased
activity in brains affected by AD [10]. Thus, the simultaneous inhibition of MAO-B, as well as AChE
enzymatic activity represents an innovative therapeutic weapon [8] and multifunctional molecules able
to reduce radicals’ formation and to tackle ACh decrease may be beneficial to hamper the neurotoxic
cascade in AD.
Coumarin (2H-chromen-2-one) is a nature-friendly heterocycle, easy to be functionalized with a
high degree of potential chemical diversity [11]. As we recently reported, its planar backbone can be
efficiently lodged into the MAO-B catalytic site [12,13] and is able to interact with the peripheral anionic
site (PAS) of AChE [14]. Aiming at identifying novel multipotent compounds with dual AChE-MAO-B
inhibitory activity [15], herein, we investigated the chemical decoration of the 2H-chromen-2-one core
around the less explored position 3, by introducing variously-substituted protonatable basic moieties.
On the other side, a lower variability was explored at positions 6 and 7 by studying the effect of methoxy
groups [16]. In vitro enzymatic screening towards ChEs and MAOs led us to identify a dual inhibitor
(derivative 3h) endowed with a potent and selective MAO-B inhibitory potency in the nanomolar
range (IC50 = 2.8 nM) together with a moderate AChE affinity (IC50 = 8.99 µM). Hit Compound 3h was
submitted to transport studies in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK)-II permeability model in order
to evaluate its ability to cross BBB and penetrate into CNS. Furthermore, cell-based assays were used to
assess the neuroprotective effect against different oxidative insults (hydrogen peroxide, oligomycin-A
and rotenone) in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines. Therefore, coumarin-based 3h emerged as
a promising neuroprotective agent with a multi-target profile, deserving a deeper investigation as a
potential anti-AD therapeutic agent.

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2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
The synthetic pathway to final multi-target coumarins 3a
–m
and
8
is depicted in Schemes 1 and 2.
3-Methyl-2H-chromen-2-ones 1b
Wittig-condensation followed by intramolecular cyclization in refluxing N,N-diethylaniline [17].
Bromination of 1b promoted by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and benzoyl peroxide (DBP) as
the radical initiator afforded intermediates 2a that were coupled with the suitable amine to
yield Compounds 3a (Scheme 1). As depicted in Scheme 2, AlCl3-mediated regioselective
bis-demethylation of 2,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde furnished aldehyde 18], which was heated
at reflux with the appropriate phosphorus ylide in o-xylene, thus obtaining coumarin derivative
After protecting the phenolic group, the resulting benzoate ester underwent a radical bromination
with NBS and DBP. Final coupling of with N-methylpropargylamine in the presence of an excess of
potassium carbonate allowed the removal of the benzoate group and the preparation of 8.
,c were obtained through a one-pot procedure starting with a
,c
–
c
–
m
4
[
5.
6
7
Scheme 1. Synthesis of coumarins 3a–m. Reagents and conditions: (i) N-bromosuccinimide, benzoyl
peroxide, CCl4, reflux, 2–7 h; (ii) suitable amine, triethylamine (for 3a,b, 3d–e, 3g, 3l–m) or K2CO3
(for 3c, 3f, 3h–k), DMF at 70 ˝C (for 3a, 3l–m) or THF at room temperature (3b–k), 3.5–24 h.
Scheme 2. Synthesis of coumarin 8. Reagents and conditions: (i) (carbethoxyethylidene)triphenylphosphorane,
o-xylene, reflux, 12 h; (ii) triethylamine, benzoyl chloride, dry THF, 5 h; (iii) N-bromosuccinimide,
benzoyl peroxide, CCl4, reflux, 12 h; (iv) N-methylpropargylamine, K2CO3, dry THF, overnight.
2.2. Biological Evaluation
Limited structural modifications were investigated at positions 6 and 7 of the coumarin backbone
with the introduction of methoxy groups. On the other side, a higher diversity was explored in the
flexible basic moiety where hydrophilic hydrogen-bonding, propargyl and bulkier benzylic groups
were inserted. Since cation-
π interactions stabilize the complexes of AChE with natural substrate
(ACh) and positively-charged inhibitors (e.g., quaternary ammonium salts) at the level of both binding

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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sites (PAS and CAS), a methylene spacer linked the amino group to the heterocyclic scaffold in order
to obtain a protonatable base. A ligand-based approach inspired the introduction of propargylamines,
a typical structural feature of potent and irreversible MAO-B inhibitors rasagiline [19] and selegiline.
2H-Chromen-2-ones 3a–m and 8 were evaluated as inhibitors of electric eel AChE (eeAChE),
equine serum butyrylcholinesterase (esBChE) and rat MAOs (rMAO-A and rMAO-B). Data are
illustrated in Table 1. In vitro enzymatic assays on ChEs were accomplished through the well-known
spectrophotometric Ellman’s method [20]. MAO inhibitory activities were measured on rat
brain mitochondrial homogenates [21]. Propargylamine-bearing inhibitors 3c
, 3f, 3h and 8 were
pre-incubated with the enzyme preparation for 30 min before the addition of kynuramine and
determination of MAO activity. Results are reported in Table 1 as IC50 (µM) or as the percentage of
inhibition at 10 µM.
Table 1. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and cholinesterase (AChE, BChE) inhibition data of Compounds
3a–m and 8.
R1
R2
R3
N
R4
O
O
IC50 (µM) or % Inhibition at 10 µM a
Comp.
R1
R2
R3
R4
AChE c
MAO-A b
MAO-B b
BChE d
3a
3b e
3c
H
H
H
H
Me
Me
Me
Me
Me
Me
Me
H
CH2CONH2
31-FBn
<5%
<5%
<5%
<5%
12 ˘ 1
6.8 ˘ 0.1
8.4 ˘ 0.5
6.6 ˘ 0.1
8.4 ˘ 0.3
14 ˘ 1
6.2% ˘ 0.3%
15% ˘ 2%
<5%
H
7.0 ˘ 1.4 f
6.0% ˘ 0.8%
9.2% ˘ 1.0%
0.377 ˘ 0.014 f
H
H
CH2C”CH
31-FBn
3d
3e
H
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OH
<5%
<5%
8.5% ˘ 2.4%
31-CNBn
CH2C”CH
31ClBn
H
<5%
3f e
3g e
3h e
3i e
3j
H
13% ˘ 1%
19% ˘ 2%
<5%
0.669% ˘ 0.010 f
7.0% ˘ 1.1%
0.214 ˘ 0.008 f
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
OMe
<5%
4.4 ˘ 1.1
9.0 ˘ 0.5
13 ˘ 1
<5% f
<5%
0.0028 ˘ 0.0004 f
CH2C”CH
Me
<5%
<5%
<5%
<5%
<5%
10% ˘ 2%
27% ˘ 1%
13% ˘ 2%
10% ˘ 1%
11% ˘ 1%
<5%
H
Bn
<5%
2.8 ˘ 0.2
8.4 ˘ 1.1
8.0 ˘ 1.2
7.7 ˘ 0.4
9.3 ˘ 0.4
41CNBn
3k
3l
3m
8
H
20% ˘ 3%
H
CH2CONH2
CH2CONHMe
CH2C”CH
<5%
H
<5%
35% ˘ 2% f
11% ˘ 1% f
Me
Donepezil
Rasagiline
-
-
0.020 ˘ 0.002
2.3 ˘ 0.1
0.412 + 0.123 g
0.0044 + 0.0009 g
-
-
a
Values are mean of three independent experiments; b from rat brain homogenates; c from electric eel; d from
equine serum; e tested as hydrochloride salt; f determined after 30 min pre-incubation; g data taken from [19].
Concerning ChEs’ activities, all tested compounds showed no activity or very low inhibitory
potency towards BChE, and 3j was the most active inhibitor (27% inhibition at 10
µM). For the entire
series, the affinity towards AChE was moderate, and IC50 values were in the range 2.78–14.4
µM,
clearly indicating that the reported structural modifications both on the coumarin skeleton and on the
basic moiety exerted a limited influence on the activity. Within both small series of unsubstituted and
7-monomethoxy compounds (3a
group was tolerated by AChE better than the propargyl and hydrophilic amide groups (3b
3c 3d 3e 3f). The presence of the hydrogen bonding benzylamine group yielded the most potent
AChE inhibitor (3j, IC50 = 2.78 M) belonging to the class of 6,7-dimethoxy derivatives. Regarding
MAOs affinity, with the exception of propargylamines 3c 3f and 3h, the inhibitory activities displayed
–
c
and 3d
–
f, respectively), the more hindered and lipophilic benzylic
>
3a and
,
,
>
µ
,
by compounds herein reported were surprisingly very low, irrespective of the electronic and lipophilic
features of the basic chain and coumarin substituents. An interesting effect on activity and isoform
selectivity can be observed for methoxy substituents at positions 6 and 7, with MAO-B affinity rising
from unsubstituted to mono- and di-methoxy compounds (3c
was performed towards MAO-A (3h 3f 3c), where the affinity drop determined the outstanding
selectivity displayed by 3h. The dramatic loss of affinity for 6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin might
< 3f < 3h). Interestingly, an opposite trend
<
<
8
be ascribed to the possibility of forming an intramolecular hydrogen bond responsible for the lack of
polar interactions, which negatively influenced the binding of 8 with both MAO isoforms.

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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On the basis of the enzymatic screening, Compound 3h came into light as a promising dual
AChE-MAO-B inhibitor deserving deeper investigations. Therefore, a preliminary evaluation of the
cytotoxicity and neuroprotective efficacy of this hit compound was undertaken in the human SH-SY5Y
neuroblastoma cell line by following the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide
(MTT) assay [22]. The viability of SH-SY5Y cells was measured after 24 hours incubation with different
concentrations of 3h ranging from 0.1–50 µM, and untreated cells were used as the control (Figure 1).
The compound showed a negligible cytotoxicity also at the highest doses employed in the experiment.
In the same SH-SY5Y cell line, the neuroprotective activity of 3h against three pro-apoptotic insults
(hydrogen peroxide, rotenone and oligomycin-A) was studied in separate tests (Figure 2). All of these
models of neuronal damage induce oxidative stress conditions and over-production of radicals with
different mechanisms. In fact, H2O2 may act as a radical initiator, producing other harmful reactive
oxygen species. On the other hand, both rotenone [23] and oligomycin-A behave as mitochondrial
toxins by impairing at different levels the respiratory chain and the ATP production. At a 1 µM
concentration, 3h displayed no increase of cell survival. A moderate neuroprotection against rotenone
and oligomycin-A was observed at a lower concentration (0.1 µM).
Figure 1. Viability of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells incubated for 24 h with Compound 3h
at different concentrations (range 0.1–50 µM). Untreated cells were used as the control. Results are
expressed as the percentage of viable cells observed after treatment with Compound 3h vs. untreated
control cells (100%) and shown as the mean ˘ SD (n = 3).
Figure 2. Neuroprotection effect of 3h on the viability of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Viability
was measured after 24 h co-incubation of SH-SY5Y cells with the neurotoxic insult (H2O2 195
µM,
oligomycin-A 30 M or rotenone 75 M) and Compound 3h at different concentrations (1 M and
µ
µ
µ
0.1 µM) or in the absence of 3h (control experiments). Results are expressed as the percentage of viable
cells, and data represent the means ˘ SD (n = 3).

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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CNS-active molecules should be able to enter the brain after permeating the blood brain
barrier (BBB) by passive diffusion and should be devoid of interactions with glycoprotein-P (P-gp),
which limits brain uptake and serves as a defensive efflux mechanism of xenobiotics for the CNS.
Brain permeation and P-gp interaction were estimated in a cell-based in vitro method using the
Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line [24,25]. After transfection with the human MDR1
cDNA (MDCKII-MDR1), this line shows a high expression of P-gp (MDR1) and very tight cellular
junctions, thus representing a reliable BBB in vitro model. Bidirectional transport for 3h was evaluated
in apical-to-basal (AP) and basal-to-apical (BL) directions, and the measured apparent permeability
values (Papp AP = 2.27
ˆ
10´5 cm/s, Papp BL 2.18
ˆ
10´5 cm/s) were superior to those of diazepam
(Papp AP = 1.46
ˆ
10´5 cm/s, Papp BL 1.23
ˆ
10´5 cm/s), used as positive CNS-permeant control
(Table 2). An efflux ratio (ER) equal to 0.96 and much lower than the threshold value (ER = 2) indicates
that 3h is not likely to be a substrate for P-gp. Taken together, these results pointed out that 3h
might be considered a promising, non-cytotoxic and neuroprotective hit compound endowed with a
multi-target profile based on a potent MAO-B inhibition and a moderate AChE affinity. Derivative 3h
can be regarded as a CNS active agent able to rapidly permeate the tight monolayer without interacting
with efflux systems and deserves further studies as an anti-Alzheimer agent in animal models.
Table 2. Bi-directional transport of 3h and control compounds across Madin-Darby canine kidney
(MDCK)II-MDR1 cells.
Compd.
Papp AP (cm/s)
Papp BL (cm/s)
ER a Papp BL/Papp AP
2.27 ˆ 10´5
1.46 ˆ 10´5
1.03 ˆ 10´6
2.18 ˆ 10´5
1.23 ˆ 10´5
2.08 ˆ 10´7
3h
diazepam
FD-4
0.96
0.84
0.20
a
Efflux ratio (ER) was calculated using the following equation: ER = Papp BL/Papp AP, where Papp BL is the
apparent permeability of basal-to-apical transport and Papp AP is the apparent permeability of apical-to-basal
transport. An efflux ratio greater than 2 indicates that a test compound is likely to be a substrate for P-gp
transport. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD4) and diazepam were used as paracellular and transcellular
markers, respectively, of cell monolayers’ integrity and as an internal control to verify tight junction integrity
during the assay.
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Chemistry
Starting materials, reagents and analytical-grade solvents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich
(Milan, Italy). The purity of all of the intermediates, checked by 1H-NMR and HPLC, was always better
than 95%. All of the newly-prepared and tested compounds showed an HPLC purity higher than 98%.
Column chromatography was performed using Merck silica gel 60 (0.063–0.200 mm, 70–230 mesh).
Flash chromatographic separations were performed on a Biotage SP1 purification system (Biotage
Sweden AB, Uppsala, Sweden) using flash cartridges prepacked with KP-Sil 32–63 µm, 60 Å silica.
All reactions were routinely checked by TLC using Merck Kieselgel 60 F254 aluminum plates and
visualized by UV light or iodine. Regarding the reaction requiring the use of dry solvents, the glassware
was flame-dried and then cooled under a stream of dry argon before use. Elemental analyses were
performed on a EuroEA 3000 analyzer (Eurovector, Milan, Italy) only on the final compounds tested
as MAOs and ChEs inhibitors. The measured values for C, H and N agreed to within
theoretical values. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded on a Varian Mercury
300 instrument at 300 MHz (Varian, Milan, Italy) at ambient temperature in the specified deuterated
˘
0.40% of the
solvent. Chemical shifts (δ) are quoted in parts per million (ppm) and are referenced to the residual
solvent peak. The coupling constants J are given in Hertz (Hz). The following abbreviations were used:
s (singlet), d (doublet), dd (doublet of doublet), t (triplet), q (quadruplet), m (multiplet), br s (broad
signal); signals due to OH and NH protons were located by deuterium exchange with D2O. Melting
points were determined by the capillary method on a Stuart Scientific SMP3 electrothermal apparatus
(Bibby Scientific, Stone, UK) and are uncorrected.

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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7-Methoxy-3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (1b): 7-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one [15] (3.80 g,
20.0 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (70 mL), and potassium carbonate (2.76 g, 20.0 mmol)
was added. After stirring for 1 h, methyl iodide (1.49 mL, 24.0 mmol) was dropped via syringe. The
mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then poured onto crushed ice. After extraction
with ethyl acetate (3
of the solvent yielded the desired coumarin
ˆ
250 mL), the organic phases were collected and dried over Na2SO4. Evaporation
, which was used without further purification. Yield:
1
61%. Spectroscopic and analytic data agree with those reported in the literature [26].
2-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde: 2,4,5-Trimethoxybenzaldehyde (3.92 g, 20.0 mmol) was dissolved
in dry CH2Cl2 (20 mL) before adding dropwise boron tribromide (1.0 N in CH2Cl2, 20 mmol, 20 mL)
while cooling at 0 ˝C. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed at room temperature and left under
vigorous magnetic stirring for 20 h. Water (250 mL) was carefully added with simultaneous cooling
with an external ice-bath. The suspension was stirred for 1 h and then partitioned with an additional
amount of CH2Cl2 (80 mL). After extraction with CH2Cl2 (3
collected and dried over Na2SO4. The mixture was concentrated to dryness and purified through flash
ˆ
100 mL), the organic layers were
chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 10%
Ñ
50%), yielding a yellow solid. Yield:
1
78%. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 3.71 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.80 (3H, s, OCH3), 6.53 (1H, s, H-3), 7.11 (s, 1H, H-6),
10.00 (s, 1H, CHO), 10.69 (s, 1H, disappearing with D2O, OH).
6,7-Dimethoxy-3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (1c): To a solution of 2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde
(3.29 g, 18.0 mmol) in N,N-diethylaniline (60 mL), (carbethoxyethylidene) triphenylphosphorane
(7.18 g, 19.8 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and then refluxed
for 3 h. After cooling at room temperature, HCl (4.0 N in water, 150 mL) was slowly added while
˝
cooling at 0 C, and the resulting suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate (3
ˆ
80 mL). The organic
layers were collected, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to dryness under rotary evaporation. The
resulting crude oil residue was purified through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate
in n-hexane 0%
Ñ
60%), thus furnishing the desired coumarin 1c as an off-white solid. Yield: 80%.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 2.04 (3H, s, CH3), 3.77 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.82 (3H, s, OCH3), 7.03 (1H, s, H-8), 7.13
(s, 1H, H-5), 7.74 (s, 1H, H-4).
3-(Bromomethyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (2a): 3-Methyl-2H-chromen-2-one [27] 1a (1.60 g, 10.0 mmol) was
suspended in CCl4 (10 mL), and then N-bromosuccinimide (1.78 g, 10.0 mmol) and benzoyl peroxide
(0.484 g, 1.00 mmol) were added. The mixture was refluxed for 3.5 h, and the succinimide residue
was filtered off. The desired bromide crystallized from the hot solution. An additional amount of 2a
was obtained as follows. The mother liquor was concentrated to dryness, thus furnishing a crude
solid that was treated with methanol and filtered, yielding 2a as a yellow solid with satisfactory purity.
1
Yield: 76%. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 4.55 (2H, s, CH2Br), 7.37–7.40 (1H, m, H-6), 7.43–7.45 (1H, m, H-8),
7.63–7.66 (1H, m, H-7), 7.74 (1H, dd, J1 = 7.8 Hz, J2 = 1.5 Hz, H-5), 8.30 (1H, s, H-4).
3-(Bromomethyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (2b): To a stirred suspension of 7-methoxy-3-methyl-
2H-chromen-2-one (1b, 1.82 g, 9.60 mmol) in CCl4 (9.6 mL), N-bromosuccinimide (2.05 g, 11.5 mmol)
and benzoyl peroxide (0.465 g, 1.92 mmol) were added. After heating at reflux for 2 h, the hot reaction
mixture was filtered to remove the succinimide by-product, and bromo-derivative 2b crystallized from
1
CCl4 as a yellowish solid. Yield: 62%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 3.89 (3H, s, OCH3), 4.43 (2H, s, CH2Br),
6.85 (1H, d, J = 1.9 Hz, H-8), 6.88 (1H, dd, J1 = 8.3 Hz, J2 = 2.5 Hz, H-6), 7.40 (1H, d, J = 8.8 Hz, H-5),
7.80 (1H, s, H-4).
3-(Bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (2c): 6,7-Dimethoxy-3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one
(1c, 1.98 g, 9.00 mmol) was dissolved in hot CCl4 (9 mL). N-Bromosuccinimide (1.69 g, 9.50 mmol) was
added followed by benzoyl peroxide (0.218 g, 0.90 mmol), while heating. The reaction mixture was
refluxed for 7 h. After cooling at room temperature, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure.
The resulting crude solid was treated with methanol, filtered and washed with hot ethanol, yielding

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
8 of 15
1
2c as a yellow solid. Yield: 77%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 3.92 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.96 (3H, s, OCH3), 4.44
(2H, s, CH2Br), 6.85 (1H, s, H-8), 6.86 (1H, s, H-5), 7.78 (1H, s, H-4).
General procedure for the synthesis of amines 3a 3l and 3m: GlyNH2 HCl (for 3a, 3l, 0.464 g,
,
¨
4.20 mmol) or GlyNHCH3 HCl (for 3m, 0.523 g, 4.20 mmol) were suspended in DMF (4 mL) with
triethylamine (0.585 mL, 4.20 mmol) under vigorous magnetic stirring while heating at 70 ˝C. The
¨
suitable bromide 2a (0.143 g, 0.60 mmol) or 2c (0.179 g, 0.60 mmol), previously dissolved in DMF
˝
(2 mL), was added portion-wise within 3.5 h (0.250 mL every 30 min). The mixture was stirred at 70 C
for an additional 4 h. After cooling at room temperature, brine (50 mL) was added, and the mixture
was extracted with ethyl acetate (3
ˆ
30 mL). The organic layers were collected, washed with brine
(3 ˆ 20 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude mixtures were
further purified as indicated below.
N2-[(2-oxo-2H-Chromen-3-yl)methyl]glycinamide (3a): Purification through flash chromatography
˝
(gradient eluent: methanol in chloroform 0%
(DMSO-d6)
Ñ
5%). Yield: 62%. Mp: 149 (dec.), 159–160 C. 1H-NMR
δ
: 2.62 (1H, s, NH; dis. with D2O), 3.11 (2H, s, CH2CO), 3.54 (2H, s, CH2NH), 7.07 (1H, s,
NH; dis. with D2O), 7.33–7.36 (2H, m, NH, H-6; 1H dis. with D2O), 7.40 (1H, d, J = 8.3 Hz, H-8), 7.57
(1H, t, J = 7.8 Hz, H-7), 7.70 (1H, d, J = 7.3 Hz, H-5), 8.00 (1H, s, H-4). Anal. C 62.41, H 5.26, N 12.00%,
calcd. for C12H12N2O3, C 62.06, H 5.21, N 12.06%.
N2-[(6,7-Dimethoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl]glycinamide
chromatography (gradient eluent: methanol in chloroform 0%
crystallized from hot ethanol 95˝. Yield: 57%. Mp: 176–178 ˝C. 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
CH2CO), 3.49 (2H, s, CH2NH), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH3), 7.05 (1H, s, H-8), 7.06 (1H, s
(
3l): Purification through flash
15%) afforded a solid that was further
: 3.09 (2H, s,
Ñ
δ
,
NH; dis. with D2O), 7.23 (1H, s, H-5), 7.34 (1H, s, NH; dis. with D2O), 7.90 (1H, s, H-4); NH not
detected. Anal. C 57.86, H 5.27, N 9.24%, calcd. for C14H16N2O5, C 57.53, H 5.52, N 9.58%.
N2-[(6,7-Dimethoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl]-N1-methylglycinamide (3m): Purification through
flash chromatography (gradient eluent: methanol in chlorofor˝m 0%
Ñ
10%) afforded a solid that was
further crystallized from hot ethanol. Yield: 65%. Mp: 147–149 C. 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 2.59 (3H, d,
J = 4.7 Hz, CH3NH), 3.10 (2H, s, CH2CO), 3.48 (2H, s, CH2NH), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH3),
7.06 (1H, s, H-8), 7.21 (1H, s, H-5), 7.82 (1H, br q, J = 4.7 Hz, CH3NH; dis. with D2O), 7.89 (1H, s, H-4);
NH not detected. Anal. C 59.07, H 5.65, N 8.93%, calcd. for C15H18N2O5, C 58.82, H 5.92, N 9.15%.
General procedure for the synthesis of amines 3b
2.40 mmol) and suitable substituted N-benzylmethylamine hydrochlorides [15] (0.72 mmol) were
added to a solution of the appropriate bromo-intermediate 2a (0.60 mmol) in THF (5 mL). After
, 3d, 3e and 3g: Triethylamine (0.335 mL,
–
c
stirring at room temperature for 24 h, the inorganic residue was filtered-off, and the solvent was
evaporated under vacuum. Flash chromatography purification afforded the desired compounds with
different eluting conditions illustrated as follows.
3-{[(3-Fluorobenzyl)(methyl)amino]methyl}-2H-chromen-2-one hydrochloride (3b): Purification through
flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 0%
transformed into the corresponding hydrochloride by treatment with the commercially available
solution of HCl 4.0 N in dioxane. Yield: 60%. Mp: 236–237 ˝C. 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
: 2.71 (3H, s,
Ñ70%) afforded an oil that was
δ
NCH3), 4.16–4.26 (2H, m, CH2), 4.36–4.39 (1H, m, Ar-CHa), 4.51–4.54 (1H, m, Ar-CHb), 7.30–7.33
(1H, m, H-6), 7.37–7.53 (5H, m, C6H4, H-8), 7.71 (1H, t, J = 7.3 Hz, H-7), 7.77 (1H, d, J = 7.3 Hz,
H-5), 8.33 (1H, s, H-4), 10.02 (1H, s, NH+; dis. with D2O). Anal. C 65.02, H 4.96, N 4.00%, calcd. for
C18H17FClNO2, C 64.77, H 5.13, N 4.20%.
3-{[(3-Fluorobenzyl)(methyl)amino]methyl}-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (3d): Purification through flash
chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in dichloromethane 0%
Ñ
20%). Yield: 74%. Oil
1
compound. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 2.17 (3H, s, NCH3), 3.38 (2H, s, CH2), 3.61 (2H, s, Ar-CH2), 3.84
(3H, s, OCH3), 6.94 (1H, dd, J1 = 8.8 Hz, J2 = 2.5 Hz, H-6), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 1.9 Hz, H-8), 7.03–7.07

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
9 of 15
(1H, m, Ar-CHa), 7.19–7.20 (2H, m, Ar-CHb, Ar-CHc), 7.33–7.37 (1H, m, Ar-CHd), 7.68 (1H, d,
J = 8.8 Hz, H-5), 7.98 (1H, s, H-4). Anal. C 70.03, H 5.59, N 4.39%, calcd. for C19H18FNO3, C
69.71, H 5.54, N 4.28%.
3-{[[(7-Methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl](methyl)amino]methyl}benzonitrile
through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in dichloromethane 0%
an oil that was treated with diethyl ether and furnished the desired product as a yellow solid. Yield:
(
3e): Purification
Ñ20%) afforded
˝
1
88%. Mp: 123–125 C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 2.16 (3H, s, NCH3), 3.39 (2H, s, CH2), 3.65 (2H, s,
Ar-CH2), 3.84 (3H, s, OCH3), 6.94 (1H, dd, J1 = 8.8 Hz, J2 = 2.4 Hz, H-6), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 2.4 Hz,
H-8), 7.53 (1H, t, J = 7.3 Hz, H-5a), 7.67 (1H, d, J = 8.8 Hz, H-5), 7.70–7.72 (2H, m, H-4a, H-6a),
7.81 (1H, s, H-2a), 7.98 (1H, s, H-4). Anal. C 72.09, H 5.38, N 8.15%, calcd. for C20H18N2O3, C 71.84, H
5.43, N 8.38%.
3-{[(3-Chlorobenzyl)(methyl)amino]methyl}-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-chromen-2-one hydrochloride (3g): Purification
through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 0%
that was dissolved in dioxane and transformed into the corresponding hydrochloride by treatment
Ñ
60%) afforded an oil
˝
with the commercially available solution of HCl 4.0 N in dioxane. Yield: 96%. Mp: 229–230 C.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
: 2.65 (3H, br s, NCH3), 3.81 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.87 (3H, s, OCH3), 4.14–4.18 (2H, m,
δ
CH2), 4.29–4.35 (1H, m, Ar-CHaN), 4.47–4.51 (1H, m, Ar-CHbN), 7.15 (1H, s, H-8), 7.23 (1H, s, H-2a),
7.45–7.58 (3H, m, H-4a, H-5a, H-6a), 7.73 (1H, s, H-5), 8.24 (1H, s, H-4), 10.35 (1H, br s, NH+; dis. with
D2O). Anal. C 58.09, H 5.08, N 3.27%, calcd. for C20H21Cl2NO4, C 58.55, H 5.16, N 3.41%.
General procedure for the synthesis of amines 3c, 3f and 3h: Appropriate bromide 2a–c (0.6 mmol)
was dissolved in THF (3 mL), and K2CO3 (0.083 g, 0.6 mmol) and N-methylpropargylamine (0.10 mL,
1.2 mmol) were added. After stirring for 6 h at room temperature, the inorganic residue was filtered
off, and the resulting mixture was purified as described below.
3-{[Methyl(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]methyl}-2H-chromen-2-one (3c): Purified through crystallization from
ethanol/water. Yield: 46%. Mp: 77–78 ˝C. 1H-NMR (acetone-d6)
δ: 2.38 (3H, s, NCH3), 2.75 (1H, t,
J = 2.3 Hz, C
”
CH), 3.45 (2H, d, J = 2.3 Hz, CH2-C
”
CH), 3.50 (2H, s, CH2-N(CH3)-CH2-C CH),
”
7.33–7.36 (2H, m, H-6, H-8), 7.55–7.61 (1H, m, H-7), 7.70 (1H, dd, J1 = 8.2 Hz, J2 = 1.8 Hz, H-5), 7.92
(1H, s, H-4). Anal. C 74.36, H 5.55, N 6.01%, calcd. for C14H13NO2, C 73.99, H 5.77, N 6.16%.
7-Methoxy-3-{[methyl(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]methyl}-2H-chromen-2-one hydrochloride (3f): Purification
through column chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 40% 70%) afforded
Ñ
an oil that was transformed into the corresponding hydrochloride as follows with the commercially
1
available solution of HCl 4.0 N in dioxane. Yield: 66%. Mp: 203–205 ˝C (dec.). H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ
: 2.76 (3H, s, NCH3), 3.86 (4H, br s, C
CH, OCH3), 4.11–4.14 (4H, m, CH2-NH+-CH2), 6.99 (1H, dd,
”
J1 = 8.8 Hz, J2 = 2.3 Hz, H-6), 7.07 (1H, d, J = 2.3 Hz, H-8), 7.68 (1H, d, J = 8.2 Hz, H-5), 8.22 (1H, s, H-4),
10.50 (1H, br s, NH+; dis. with D2O). Anal. C 61.49, H 5.49, N 4.49%, calcd. for C15H16ClNO3, C 61.33,
H 5.49, N 4.77%.
6,7-Dimethoxy-3-{[methyl(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]methyl}-2H-chromen-2-one hydrochloride (3h): Purification
through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 20%
solid that was transformed into the corresponding hydrochloride with the commercially available
solution of HCl 4.0 N in dioxane. Yield: 92%. Mp: 223–225 ˝C. 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
: 2.76 (3H, s,
Ñ70%) afforded a yellow
δ
NCH3), 3.81 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.87 (3H, s, OCH3), 4.11 (4H, br s, CH2-NH+-CH2), 7.15 (1H, s, H-8), 7.25
(1H, s, H-5), 8.19 (1H, s, H-4), 10.52 (1H, s, NH+; dis. with D2O); C
5.41, N 4.26%, calcd. for C16H18ClNO4, C 59.35, H 5.60, N 4.33%.
”CH not detected. Anal. C 59.58, H
General procedure for the synthesis of amines 3i, 3j and 3k: The appropriate amine (for 3i:
commercially available methylamine 2.0 N in THF, 1.5 mL, 3.0 mmol; for 3j: benzylamine, 0.328 mL,
3.0 mmol; for 3k: 4-(aminomethyl)benzonitrile hydrochloride [15], 0.506 g, 3.0 mmol) was diluted or
suspended in THF (2.2 mL), and K2CO3 (0.138 g, 1.0 mmol) was added. The mixture was kept at room

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
10 of 15
temperature under magnetic stirring, and bromide 2c (0.155 g, 0.50 mmol), previously dissolved in
THF (2.8 mL), was added in small aliquots every 30 min (7 portions, 0.40 mL each). The mixture was
stirred for an additional 30 min. The inorganic residue was filtered, and the resulting solution was
concentrated under vacuum and purified through flash chromatography as detailed below.
6,7-Dimethoxy-3-[(methylamino)methyl]-2H-chromen-2-one hydrochloride (3i): Purification through flash
chromatography (gradient eluent: methanol in ethyl acetate 0% 5%) afforded an oil that was
Ñ
transformed into the corresponding hydro˝chloride with the commercially available solution of HCl
1.25 N in ethanol. Yield: 92%. Mp: 215–217 C. 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 2.59 (3H, s, NCH3), 3.81 (3H, s,
OCH3), 3.87 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.99 (2H, s, NCH2), 7.15 (1H, s, H-8), 7.25 (1H, s, H-5), 8.11 (1H, s, H-4),
8.76 (2H, br s, NH2+; dis. with D2O). Anal. C 54.90, H 5.36, N 4.77%, calcd. for C13H16ClNO4, C 54.65,
H 5.64, N 4.90%.
3-[(Benzylamino)methyl]-6,7-dimethoxy-2H-chromen-2-one (3j): Purification through flash chromatography
˝
1
(gradient eluent: methanol in ethyl acetate 0%
Ñ
5%). Yield: 88%. Mp: 112–114 C. H-NMR
(DMSO-d6): 2.62 (1H, br s, NH), 3.49 (2H, s, NCH2), 3.74 (2H, s, Ar-CH2), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.83
δ
(3H, s, OCH3), 7.05 (1H, s, H-8), 7.27 (1H, s, H-5), 7.19–7.38 (5H, m, Ph), 7.92 (1H, s, H-4). Anal. C 70.23,
H 5.72, N 4.17%, calcd. for C19H19NO4, C 70.14, H 5.89, N 4.31%.
4-({[(6,7-Dimethoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)methyl]amino}methyl)benzonitrile (3k): Purification through
flash chromatography (gradient eluent: methanol in ethyl acetate 0%
Ñ
5%). Yield: 93%. Mp:
˝
1
146–148 C. H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ: 3.49 (2H, s, NCH2), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 3.83–3.85 (5H, m, Ar-CH2,
OCH3), 7.06 (1H, s, H-8), 7.25 (1H, s, H-5), 7.58 (2H, d, J = 8.3 Hz, H-3a, H-5a), 7.78 (2H, d, J = 8.3 Hz,
H-2a, H-6a), 7.90 (1H, s, H-4); NH not detected. Anal. C 68.88, H 5.06, N 7.94%, calcd. for C20H18N2O4,
C 68.56, H 5.18, N 8.00%.
2,4-Dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde (4) [18]: In a flame-dried round-bottom flask, dry AlCl3
(8.00 g, 60.0 mmol) was suspended in dry dichloromethane (30 mL), and a solution of
2,4,5-trimethoxybenzaldehyde (1.96 g, 10.0 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (20 mL) was added dropwise
while cooling at 0 ˝C with an external ice bath. The mixture was then refluxed for 4 h and poured
onto crushed ice (100 g). Concentrated HCl (10 mL) was carefully added, and the resulting suspension
was vigorously stirred for additional 15 min. After extraction with dichloromethane (3
ˆ
50 mL),
the organic layers were collected and dried over Na2SO4. The solvent was removed under rotary
evaporation, and the resulting crude was crystallized from hot toluene. Yield: 75%. Spectroscopic and
analytic data agree with those reported in the literature [18].
7-Hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (5): Aldehyde 4 (0.841 g, 5.00 mmol) was dissolved
in dry o-xylene (25 mL) before the addition of (carbethoxyethylidene)triphenylphosphorane (2.72 g,
7.50 mmol). After heating at reflux for 12 h, the solvent was evaporated under vacuum. Column
chromatography purification (eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 40%, v/v) afforded the desired
1
coumarin. Yield: 56%. H-NMR (acetone-d6)
δ: 2.09 (3H, s, CH3), 3.90 (3H, s, OCH3), 6.79 (1H, s, H-8)
,
7.12 (1H, s, H-5), 7.65 (1H, s, H-4); OH not detected.
6-Methoxy-3-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl benzoate (6): Intermediate 5 (0.516 g, 2.50 mmol), was
dissolved in dry THF (20 mL), and triethylamine (0.522 mL, 3.75 mmol) was added. The solution was
cooled at 0 ˝C, and benzoyl chloride (0.435 mL, 3.75 mmol) was added dropwise. After 10 min, the
cooling bath was removed, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The resulting
suspension was diluted with dichloromethane (100 mL) and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3
(3
ˆ
40 mL). The organic phase was dried over Na2SO4 and filtered, and the solvent was evaporated
under vacuum. The residue purified through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: ethyl acetate in
n-hexane 0%
H-8), 7.61 (2H, t, J = 7.8 Hz, H-3a, H-5a), 7.73–7.77 (2H, m, H-5, H-4a), 7.96 (1H, s, H-4), 8.18 (2H, d,
J = 7.3 Hz, H-2a, H-6a).
1
Ñ
40%). Yield: 59%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ: 2.84 (3H, s, CH3), 3.87 (3H, s, OCH3), 7.33 (1H, s,

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
11 of 15
3-(Bromomethyl)-6-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl benzoate (
7
): N-Bromosuccinimide (0.214 g, 1.20 mmol
)
was added to a suspension of 6-methoxy-3-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl benzoate
6
(0.310 g,
1.00 mmol) in CCl4 (2 mL) followed by benzoyl peroxide (0.073 g, 0.30 mmol). The mixture was
refluxed for 12 h under magnetic stirring. After the removal of the solvent under rotary evaporation,
the solid residue was purified through flash chromatography (gradient eluent: CH2Cl2 in n-hexane
1
40%
Ñ
90%). Yield: 39%. H-NMR (CDCl3)
δ
: 3.88 (3H, s, OCH3), 4.45 (2H, s, BrCH2), 7.04 (1H, s, H-8),
7.24 (1H, s, H-5), 7.55 (2H, t, J = 7.3 Hz, H-3a, H-5a), 7.66–7.69 (1H, m, H-4a), 7.86 (1H, s, H-4), 8.21–8.23
(2H, m, H-2a, H-6a).
7-Hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-{[methyl(prop-2-yn-1-yl)amino]methyl}-2H-chromen-2-one (8): Bromide 7 (0.117 g,
0.30 mmol) was dissolved in THF (2 mL) before adding K2CO3 (0.415 g, 3.0 mmol) and
N-methylpropargylamine (0.051 mL, 0.60 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature
overnight, and the inorganic residue was filtered off after washing with THF. The resulting solution
was concentrated under rotary evaporation and purified through flash chromatography (gradient
˝
1
eluent: ethyl acetate in n-hexane 10%
(DMSO-d6) : 2.25 (3H, s, NCH3), 3.18 (1H, t, J = 2.4 Hz, C
3.36 (2H, d, J = 2.4 Hz, CH2-C CH), 3.79 (3H, s, OCH3), 6.75 (1H, s, H-8), 7.25 (1H, s, H-5), 7.80 (1H, s,
Ñ
60%). Yield: 91%. Mp: 161 (dec.), 167–168 C. H-NMR
δ
”
CH), 3.35 (2H, s, CH2-N(CH3)-CH2-C CH),
”
”
H-4), 10.20 (1H, s, OH; dis. with D2O). Anal. C 66.14, H 5.33, N 5.07%, calcd. for C15H15NO4, C 65.92,
H 5.53, N 5.13%.
3.2. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition Assays
The rMAO inhibitory activity of compounds in Table 1 was assessed using a continuous
spectrophotometric assay [28], monitoring the rate of oxidation of the nonselective nonfluorescent MAO
substrate kynuramine to 4-hydroxyquinoline, as previously reported [21]. Propargylamine-bearing
inhibitors 3c, 3f, 3h and 8 were pre-incubated with the enzyme preparation for 30 min before the
addition of kynuramine and determination of MAO activity. Finally, IC50 values were determined by
nonlinear regression of MAO inhibition vs. -log of the concentration plots, using the program Origin,
Version 6.0 (Microcal Software Inc., Northampton, MA, USA).
3.3. Cholinesterases Inhibition Assays
The spectrophotometric Ellman’s test [20] for the in vitro inhibition assay of AChE from electric
eel (463 U/mg; Sigma Aldrich, Milan, Italy) and BChE from equine serum (13 U/mg; Sigma) was
followed as previously described [29]. The concentration of compound that determined 50% inhibition
of the ChE activity (IC50) was calculated by non-linear regression of the response-log(concentration)
curve, using GraphPad Prism v. 5.
3.4. Cytotoxicity Assays
˝
Human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y were maintained at 37 C in a humidified incubator
containing 5% CO2 in DMEM nutrient (Lonza) supplemented with 10% heat inactivated FBS, 2 mM
L-glutamine, 100 U/mL penicillin and 100
microtiter plates at a density of 10,000 cells/well. Following overnight incubation, cells were treated
with a range of different concentrations of Compound 3h (0.1–50 M). Then, the plates were incubated
L of 0.5% w/v MTT was further added to each well, and the plates
µg/mL streptomycin. Cells were dispensed into 96-well
µ
˝
at 37 C for 24 h. An amount of 10
µ
˝
were incubated for an additional 3 h at 37 C. Finally, the cells were lysed by the addition of 100
µL of
DMSO/EtOH 1:1 (v/v) solution. The absorbance at 570 nm was determined using a Perkin Elmer 2030
multi-label reader Victor TM X3 (Perkin Elmer, Milan, Italy).
3.5. Neuroprotection against Oxidative Stress Insults
Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were dispensed into 96-well microtiter plates at a density
of 10,000 cells/well. After 24 h of incubation at 37 ˝C in a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2,

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
12 of 15
cells were co-incubated with H2O2 (195
µM) or oligomycin A (30
µM) or rotenone (75
µM), and
compounds were tested at several concentrations (0.1
µM and 1 µM) for further 24 h. The cell viability
was determined by the MTT assay and analyzed as above described. Each compound was tested
in triplicate, and the experiments were repeated three times. Statistical significance was assigned to
p < 0.01 and calculated using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Bonferroni
post hoc tests (GraphPad Prism vers. 5). Where indicated, the standard error of the mean (SD) for data
points has been calculated, and the number of experiments is given (n).
3.6. Bidirectional Transport Studies
MDCKII-MDR1 cells were cultured in DMEM medium and seeded at a density of 100,000 cell/cm2
onto polyester 12 well Transwell inserts (pore size: 0.4 µm; 12 mm diameter; apical volume: 0.5 mL;
basolateral: volume 1.5 mL). MDCKII-MDR1 cell barrier function was verified prior to the described
transport experiments by means of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) using an EVOM
apparatus and the measurement of the flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD4, Sigma
Aldrich, Milan, Italy) (200 µg/mL) and diazepam (75 µM). The TEER was measured in growth
media (DMEM) at room temperature and calculated as the measured resistance minus the resistance
of an empty Transwell (blank without cells). Cell monolayers with TEER values 800 Ohm/cm2
were used. Following the TEER measurements, the cells were equilibrated in transport medium in
both the apical and basolateral chambers for 30 min at 37 ˝C. The composition of transport medium
was as follows: 0.4 mM K2HPO4, 25 mM NaHCO3, 3 mM KCl, 122 mM NaCl, 10 mM glucose,
pH = 7.4. The osmolarity was equal to 300 mOsm, as determined by a freeze point-based osmometer.
At Time 0, culture medium was aspirated from both the AP and BL chambers of each insert, and cell
monolayers were washed three times (10 min per wash) with Dulbecco’s Phosphate-Buffered Saline
(DPBS) pH = 7.4. Finally, a solution of compound diluted in transport medium was added to the apical
or basolateral chamber. For AP-to-BL or BL-to-AP flux studies, the drug solution was added in the
AP chamber or in the BL chamber, respectively. Except for FD4, which was solubilized directly in the
assay medium at a concentration of 200
µg/mL, the other compounds were first dissolved in DMSO
and then diluted with the assay medium to a final concentration of 75
µM. Next, the tested solutions
were added to the donor side (0.5 mL for the AP chamber and 1.5 mL for the BL chamber), and fresh
assay medium was placed in the receiver compartment. The percentage of DMSO never exceeded 1%
˝
(v/v) in the samples. The transport experiments were carried out under cell culture conditions (37 C,
5% CO2, 95% humidity). After an incubation time of 120 min, samples were removed from the apical
and basolateral side of the monolayer and then stored until further analysis.
Quantitative analysis of Compounds 3h and diazepam was performed through UV-visible (VIS)
spectroscopy using a PerkinElmer double-beam UV-visible spectrophotometer Lambda Bio 20 (Perkin
Elmer, Milan, Italy), equipped with 10-mm path-length-matched quartz cells. Standard calibration
curves were prepared at the maximum absorption wavelength of each compound using PBS as the
solvent and were linear (r2 = 0.999) over the range of tested concentrations (from 5–100
µM). The FD4
samples were analyzed with a Victor3 fluorimeter (Wallac Victor3, 1420 Multilabel Counter, Perkin
Elmer) at excitation and emission wavelengths of 485 and 535 nm, respectively. Each compound was
tested in triplicate, and the experiments were repeated three times.
The apparent permeability, in units of cm/s, was calculated using the following equation:
˜
¸
ˆ
˙
rdrugsacceptor
rdrugsinitial
VA
area ˆ time
Papp
“
ˆ
where “VA” is the volume in the acceptor well, “area” is the surface area of the membrane, “time” is
the total transport time, “[drug]acceptor” is the concentration of the drug measured by UV-spectroscopy
and “[drug]initial” is the initial drug concentration in the AP or BL chamber. The efflux ratio (ER) was
calculated using the following equation: ER = Papp, BL-AP/Papp, AP-BL, where Papp, BL-AP is the

Molecules 2016, 21, 362
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apparent permeability of basal-to-apical transport and Papp, AP-BL is the apparent permeability of
apical-to-basal transport. An efflux ratio greater than 2 indicates that a test compound is likely to be a
substrate for P-gp transport.
4. Conclusions
The discovery of novel therapeutics able to halt or reverse the neurotoxic cascade in Alzheimer’s
disease still represents an unmet goal. Starting from our expertise in the field of the chemical decoration
of the coumarin backbone and in the structure-based design of MAO and AChE inhibitors, herein,
we described the development of novel multi-target ligands able to potentially improve the cognitive
and learning symptoms of AD (by inhibiting AChE), to reduce the production of ROS and ameliorate
oxidative stress neuronal conditions through the inhibition of MAO-B activity, taking advantage of a
synergy of actions against the disease. Limited structural variations were studied at positions 6 and 7
of the coumarin backbone, where the presence of two methoxy groups strongly improved MAO-B
affinity. The molecular framework was essentially based on the presence of a variously-substituted
basic head at position 3 with different steric, stereoelectronic and hydrogen bonding features. The
in vitro biological screening towards ChEs and MAOs led to the identification of a hit compound
(3h) endowed with a good AChE affinity and acting as a putative “suicide-type” MAO-B inhibitor
with an outstanding potency in the low nanomolar range. Such irreversible mechanism of inhibition,
deriving from the formation of a covalent bond between the flavin cofactor and the alkyne group, has
widely been documented in the literature for propargylamine inhibitors of MAO [30,31]. In addition,
the extraordinarily high MAO-B/-A selectivity promises a safe in vivo profile devoid of cheese-effect
toxicity. The interesting multi-target profile of 3h prompted us to study its intrinsic cytotoxicity and to
analyze its behavior in the presence of different oxidative insults. In cell-based assays, 3h displayed a
wide therapeutic index and moderately protected neurons against toxicity induced by two respiratory
chain breakers, i.e., oligomycin-A and rotenone. Bidirectional transport studies proved its ability
to rapidly permeate BBB without suffering interactions with the P-gp-mediated efflux system, thus
endorsing its potential application in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Author Contributions: L.P. designed the molecules and performed syntheses. R.F. performed syntheses and ChE
inhibition assays. R.S.-O. and E.M.-A. performed MAO inhibition assays. N.D. performed cellular assays. G.F.M.,
O.N. and C.D.A. discussed the results and revised the paper. M.C. and A.C. supervised the research.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds 3a–m and 8 are available from the authors.
©
2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution
(CC-BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).