10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.10.014
The research focuses on the development of novel antibacterial fluoroquinolone agents with a 4-alkylidenylpiperidine 7-position substituent, which are effective against both quinolone-susceptible and quinolone-resistant gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and MRSA. The study was prompted by the increasing bacterial resistance to existing quinolones, limiting their clinical use. The researchers hypothesized that a specific 2-aminoethylidenylpiperidine substituent, derived from fragment 4, would position the amino and alkyl groups similarly to the potent prema?oxacin side chain, enhancing antibacterial activity. Key chemicals involved in the synthesis included ketone 7, triethyl 2-substituted-2-phosphonoacetate 8, phthalimide, and various heterocyclic core structures related to marketed quinolones and naphthyridones. The synthesis process involved multiple steps, including Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reactions, reductions, Mitsunobu reactions, and deprotections. The resulting compounds were tested for in vitro and in vivo efficacy, with analogs 22b, 23c, and 24 demonstrating superior activity to cipro?oxacin against resistant strains.