NMR reveals two-step association of Congo Red to amyloid β in low-molecular-weight aggregates.

Aggregation of the Amyloid β peptide into amyloid fibrils is closely related to development of Alzheimer's disease. Many small aromatic compounds have been found to act as inhibitors of fibril formation, and have inspired the search for new drug candidates. However, the detailed mechanisms of inhibition are largely unknown.

A versatile approach to beta-amyloid fibril-binding compounds exploiting the Shirakawa/Hayashi protocol for trans-alkene synthesis.

Application of the Sonogashira coupling reaction followed by a trans-selective alkyne reduction proved highly adaptable for the efficient synthesis of a class of beta-amyloid fibril binding compounds possessing a styrylbenzene motif such as FSB, an FSB dimer, and (19)F-BAY94-9172.