Optimized 5-membered heterocycle-linked pterins for the inhibition of Ricin Toxin A

ACS Med Chem Lett. 2012 Jul 12;3(7):588-591. doi: 10.1021/ml300099t. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

The optimization of a series of pterin amides for use as Ricin Toxin A (RTA) inhibitors is reported. Based upon crystallographic data of a previous furan-linked pterin, various expanded furans were synthesized, linked to the pterin and tested for inhibition. Concurrently, hetero-analogs of furan were explored, leading to the discovery of more potent triazol-linked pterins. Additionally, we discuss a dramatic improvement in the synthesis of these pterin amides via a dual role by diazabicycloundecene (DBU). This synthetic enhancement facilitates rapid diversification of the previously challenging pterin heterocycle, potentially aiding future medicinal research involving this structure.