We describe here the design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of a series of small molecule, nonpeptide inhibitors of SARS-CoV PLpro. Our initial lead compound was identified via high-throughput screening of a diverse chemical library. We subsequently carried out structure-activity relationship studies, and optimized the lead structure to potent inhibitors that have shown antiviral activity against SARS-CoV infected Vero E6 cells. Based upon the X-ray crystal structure of one of the potent inhibitors 24-bound to SARS-CoV PLpro, a drug-design template was created. Our structure-based modification led to the design of a more potent inhibitor, 2 (enzyme IC50 = 0.46 μM; antiviral EC50 = 12.5 μM). Interestingly, its methylamine derivative 49 displayed good enzyme inhibitory potency (IC50 = 1.3 μM) and most potent SARS antiviral activity (EC50 = 2.5 μM) in the series. We have carried out computational docking studies and generated a predictive 3D-QSAR model for SARS-CoV PLpro inhibitors.

The traditional homogeneous access to aromatic amine derivatives is a nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the corresponding aryl halides. The halogen atom is usually relatively inert to amination reaction unless it is activated by the presence of electron withdrawing groups. Consequently, there has been particular emphasis over the past decade on the synthesis of metal complexes that are active catalysts for the preparation of aromatic amines. This tutorial review focuses on the use of metal-based complexes for the direct amination of aryl halides with ammonia.

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