Small-molecule inhibitors that block the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction (MDM2 inhibitors) are being intensely pursued as a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. We previously published a series of spirooxindole-containing compounds as a new class of MDM2 small-molecule inhibitors. We report herein a reversible ring opening-cyclization reaction for some of these spirooxindoles, which affords four diastereomers from a single compound. Our biochemical binding data showed that the stereo-chemistry in this class of compounds has a major effect on their binding affinities to MDM2; with >100-fold difference between the most potent and the least potent stereoisomers. Our study has led to the identification of a set of highly potent MDM2 inhibitors with a stereochemistry that is different from that of our previously reported compounds. The most potent compound (MI-888) binds to MDM2 with a Ki value of 0.44 nM and achieves complete and long-lasting tumor regression in an animal model of human cancer.

A simple, efficient and practical metal-free C-H sulfenylation process at the C2 position of non-protected indoles has been developed. 2-Thioindoles were obtained in moderate to high yields using stable and readily available N-(thio)succinimides at room temperature in the presence of TFA.

A simple, efficient, and practical metal-free C-H sulfenylation of substituted electron-rich arenes has been developed. This method is highly regioselective, and the corresponding aryl sulfides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields from stable and readily accessible N-(alkylthio)- and N-(arylthio)succinimides at room temperature in the presence of TFA.