A new class of potent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors designed by structure-based optimization of the well-known arylsulfonamide scaffold is presented. Molecules show an ethylene linker connecting the sulfonamide group with the P1' aromatic portion and a d-proline residue bearing the zinc-binding group. The affinity improvement provided by these modifications led us to discover a nanomolar MMP inhibitor bearing a carboxylate moiety as zinc-binding group, which might be a promising lead molecule. Notably, a significant selectivity for MMP-8, MMP-12, and MMP-13 was observed with respect to MMP-1 and MMP-7.

Pyrrolidines and piperidines were synthesized from (aminoalkyl)pyridine N-oxides with a general and quite efficient method developed by using di-tert-butylsilyl bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) as a new promoter for a Boekelheide-type reaction. The use of a new Boekelheide promoter, which is compatible with amino groups, opens new perspectives in view of its application in intramolecular cyclizations.

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The asymmetric organocatalyzed Michael addition of aldehydes to alpha,beta-gamma,delta-unsaturated nitro compounds has been accomplished using only 5 mol % of (S)-diphenylprolinol silyl ether and 2 equiv of aldehyde in a mixture of ethanol and water (5% v/v). The Michael adducts were obtained in good yields, diastereoselectivities up to 94/6, and ee's up to 99%. This process provides synthetically useful compounds which can easily lead to more complex molecules, as exemplified with substituted tetrahydropyran or cyclohexene.

A general, mild and efficient procedure with which to access hydroxamic acids, in good yields and purity, is reported. Esters are used as substrates and reacted with hydroxylamine, in the presence of a base, under microwave activation. The method has been successfully applied to enantiomerically pure esters without loss of stereochemical integrity.