Sulfonamides are one of the most important pharmacophores
in medicinal
chemistry, and sulfonamide analogues have gained substantial interest
in recent years. However, the protein interactions of sulfonamides
and especially of their analogues are underexplored. Using FKBP12
as a model system, we describe the synthesis of optically pure sulfenamide,
sulfinamide, and sulfonimidamide analogues of a well characterized
sulfonamide ligand. This allowed us to precisely determine the binding
contributions of each sulfonamide oxygen atom and the consequences
of nitrogen replacements. We also present high-resolution cocrystal
structures of sulfonamide analogues buried in the pocket of a protein
target. This revealed intimate contacts with the protein including
an unprecedented hydrogen bond acceptor of sulfonimidamides. The use
of sulfonamide analogues enabled new exit vectors that allowed remodeling
of a subpocket in FKBP12. Our results illuminate the protein interaction
potential of sulfonamides/sulfonamide analogues and will aid in their
rational design.