N-nitroso compounds are a versatile class of organic structures that allow expedient access to a diversity of synthetically useful architectures through demonstrated reactivities. We report herein the development of a Rh(III)-catalyzed N-nitroso-directed methodology for the ortho-olefination of arenes. The heightened reactivity endowed by the N-nitroso group translates to mild reaction conditions, high reaction yields, and synthetic compatibility of otherwise elusive substrates (e.g., an unactivated olefin, 1-octene). Comprehensive mechanistic studies on the electronic effect, deuterium exchange, kinetic isotope effect, kinetic profile, and numerous Rh(III) complexes have established [RhCp*](2+) as the catalyst resting state, electrophilic C-H activation as the turnover-limiting step, and a five-membered rhodacycle as a catalytically competent intermediate. The ability to elaborate the N-nitroso moiety to an amine functionality provides a seminal example of the innumerable synthetic possibilities offered by this transformable directing group.
Inhibition of the mycolic acid pathway has proven a viable strategy in antitubercular drug discovery. The AccA3/AccD4/FadD32/Pks13 complex of Mycobacterium tuberculosis constitutes an essential biosynthetic mechanism for mycolic acids. Small molecules targeting the thioesterase domain of Pks13 have been reported, including a benzofuran-based compound whose X-ray cocrystal structure has been very recently solved. Its initial inactivity in a serum inhibition titration (SIT) assay led us to further probe other structurally related benzofurans with the aim to improve their potency and bioavailability. Herein, we report our preliminary structure-activity relationship studies around this scaffold, highlighting a natural product-inspired cyclization strategy to form coumestans that are shown to be active in SIT. Whole genome deep sequencing of the coumestan-resistant mutants confirmed a single nucleotide polymorphism in the pks13 gene responsible for the resistance phenotype, demonstrating the druggability of this target for the development of new antitubercular agents.
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