Rapid Construction of (-)-Paroxetine and (-)-Femoxetine via -Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Homoenolate Addition to Nitroalkenes.

A concise enantioselective synthesis of (-)-paroxetine () and (-)-femoxetine has been achieved. Key to these syntheses is a -heterocyclic carbene catalyzed homoenolate addition to a nitroalkene followed by in situ reduction of the nitro-group to rapidly access δ-lactams.

A Late Stage Strategy for the Functionalization of Triazolium-based NHC catalysts.

A strategy for the diversification of triazolium-based catalysts is presented. This method is based on the reduction to the triazoline, which serves as a suitable and stable substrate for Pd-mediated cross-coupling, followed by trityl cation mediated reoxidation to the triazolium.

Enamine/Carbene Cascade Catalysis in the Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclopentanones.

Herein we report an enantioselective synthesis of complex cyclopentanones using aliphatic aldehydes and activated enones. With the combination of a chiral secondary amine and a chiral triazolium catalyst, high diastereoselectivity and excellent enantioselectivity can be achieved. We present evidence of a clear cooperative effect when these two catalysts are present simultaneously in the system.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new monoamine reuptake inhibitors with potential therapeutic utility in depression and pain.

Two new series of monoamine triple reuptake inhibitors (TRIs) have been discovered through scaffold homologation of our recently reported series of 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidine TRIs. The regioisomeric 2- and 3-ketopyrrolidines demonstrated high levels of potency against all three monoamine transporters as well as good human in vitro stability, low drug-drug interaction potential and a decreased propensity for hERG channel binding. Representative compounds from these series displayed good in vivo pharmacokinetics and high monoamine receptor occupancies which are indicators of good brain penetration.

Novel 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidines as selective triple serotonin/norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

A series of 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidine monoamine triple reuptake inhibitors were discovered. Analogues with low nanomolar potency, good human in vitro microsomal stability and in vitro permeability, and low drug-drug interaction potential are described. One example showed in vivo anti-depressant-like effects in the mouse tail suspension assay with a minimum effective dose of 30 mg/kg i.