Comprehensive Analysis of Structure Activity Relationships of α-Ketoheterocycles as sn-1-Diacylglycerol Lipase α Inhibitors

Abstract

Diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα) is responsible for the formation of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in the central nervous system. DAGLα inhibitors are required to study the physiological role of 2-AG. Previously, we identified the α-ketoheterocycles as potent and highly selective DAGLα inhibitors. Here, we present the first comprehensive structure-activity relationship study of α-ketoheterocycles as DAGLα inhibitors. Our findings indicate that the active site of DAGLα is remarkably sensitive to the type of heterocyclic scaffold with oxazolo-4N-pyridines as the most active framework. We uncovered a fundamental substituent effect in which electron-withdrawing meta-oxazole substituents increased inhibitor potency. (C6-C9)-acyl chains with a distal phenyl group proved to be the most potent inhibitors. The integrated SAR data was consistent with the proposed binding pose in a DAGLα homology model. Altogether our results may guide the design of future DAGLα inhibitors as leads for molecular therapies to treat neuroinflammation, obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Introduction

Sn-1-specific diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLs), of which two isoforms exist (DAGLα and β), catalyse the formation of the signalling lipid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) from diacylglycerols.¹ 2-AG is a full cannabinoid CB₁ receptor agonist and modulates synaptic plasticity at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses by regulating neurotransmitter release.^{2, 3} In the periphery, 2-AG is mainly produced by DAGLβ, a key enzyme involved in the regulation of marcrophage pro-inflammatory responses.⁴ 2-AG signalling is linked to diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders, as well as to addiction and (neuro)inflammation.^{2, 3, 5}

2-AG is hydrolysed by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), α/β-hydrolase domain 6 and 12 (ABHD6, ABHD12) to give arachidonic acid. Both 2-AG and arachidonic acid can be converted by cyclooxygenase-2 into eicosanoids, including pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (and their ester derivatives) that contribute to neuroinflammation.^6–9 The many players involved in 2-AG metabolism signify that 2-AG and its metabolic products have a wide array of physiological functions, of which many are still poorly understood.¹⁰ For a better understanding of 2-AG-mediated physiological processes, the development of inhibitors that selectively perturb DAGL activity, and hence 2-AG biosynthesis, are of great importance.¹¹ In addition, these inhibitors may serve as valuable probes to evaluate DAGLα as a novel target to treat human conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.⁷

Recently, we discovered α-ketoheterocycles as a novel and highly potent class of DAGLα inhibitors.^{12, 13} α-Ketoheterocycles have previously been applied to the discovery of potent inhibitors of diverse serine and cysteine proteases, such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH),¹⁴ elastase,^15–17 thrombin,^{18, 19} factor Xa,²⁰ chymase,²¹ tryptase,²² cathepsin K and cathepsin S.^{23, 24} The α-ketoheterocycle scaffold provides an electrophilic ketone group with tunable reactivity, as well as a structural template to introduce important interactions with key amino acids in the binding site to obtain potency and selectivity.²⁴ α-Ketoheterocycles have been shown to be orally bioavailable and have entered human clinical trials, and thus provide an interesting scaffold for probe and drug discovery purposes. We identified 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (LEI104, OL-100)²⁵ via pharmocophore-based screening approach, as the first covalent and reversible inhibitor for DAGLα. Compound 1 (LEI104) had an IC50 of 37 ± 5 nM in a colorimetric surrogate DAGLα substrate assay and was highly selective over a panel of serine hydrolases as assessed by gel-based competitive activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). FAAH was identified as its only detected off-target, which was not surprising, because 1 was originally designed as a potent inhibitor of FAAH,¹⁴ an enzyme that inactivates the other endocannabinoid anandamide.

Here, we report the first extensive SAR study of α-ketoheterocycles as DAGLα inhibitors. We screened a 1040-member, focused library of FAAH inhibitors, mainly based on the α-ketoheterocycle scaffold. We included newly synthesized analogues in our screens, and by this means systematically investigated the structural requirements for interaction of α-ketoheterocycles with DAGLα.

Results and Discussion

To investigate the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of 1 we screened a focused library consisting of 1040 previously published α-ketoheterocycles and their corresponding precursors^{14, 26–33} using a colorimetric DAGLα activity assay (Figure 1).¹² In total, 64 active compounds were identified with more than 50% inhibitory activity at 10 µM final inhibitor concentration. These active compounds were further analysed in concentration response experiments. To complement the SAR analysis of the focused library, we synthesized and tested 19 additional α-ketoheterocycles (3–16, 106–110).² The combined structure-activity-relationships are described in a topological fashion below.

Figure 1. Results of a focused library of serine hydrolase inhibitors.

1040 compounds were screened in duplicate (N = 2) at 10 µM using a colorimetric 96-well assay in which para-nitrophenylbutyrate was used as a surrogate substrate on membranes of HEK293T cells overexpressing recombinant human DAGLα.¹² A total of 64 actives (indicated in green) showed >50% inhibitory activity and were selected for further concentration response analysis.

Central heterocyclic scaffold modifications

First, we explored the influence of the central heterocyclic scaffold on DAGLα activity. A diverse set of α-ketoheterocycles, including benzoxazole (2), benzimidazole (3), benzothioazole (4) and their 4-pyridine analogues (1, 5 and 6, respectively) were analysed. N4-oxazolopyridine (1) was identified as the most potent scaffold with a pIC₅₀ of 7.4 ± 0.05, whereas the other scaffolds have a pIC₅₀ < 6 (Table 1) or are completely inactive (17–42). The imidazolopyridine (5) and thiazolopyridine (6) are predicted to reduce electrophilicity of the C-2 carbonyl (lower σ_i)^{12, 13}, thereby possibly reducing inhibitor activity.^{15, 34} The basic nitrogen of the oxazolopyridine scaffold is another important feature of the scaffold, because its removal resulted in a 100-fold drop in potency (compare 1 and 2). This observation is corroborated by the fact that other regioisomers of the oxazolopyridine scaffold (7 and 8) are also less potent (Table 2). Introduction of other electron withdrawing groups such as fluorine (9–12) and nitro-substituents (13, 14) resulted in a 5–50 fold increased potency compared to their benzoxazole analogue (2), but they did not reach the same extent of inhibition as observed with the oxazolopyridine (1). This indicates that the nitrogen at the 4-position is not only required for its electron withdrawing properties, but may also have a specific interaction, likely an H-bond acceptor, with amino acid residues in the binding site. Interestingly, halogens at the 7-position in the heterocyclic scaffold (12, 16) are not allowed.

Table 1.

Structure Activity Relationship of compounds with a varying central heterocyclic scaffold (1–42)

Entry	X1	X4	X5	X6	X7	pIC50 ± SEM
112	O	N	CH	CH	CH	7.43 ± 0.05
212	O	CH	CH	CH	CH	5.44 ± 0.05
3	NH	CH	CH	CH	CH	4.92 ± 0.21
4	S	CH	CH	CH	CH	< 5
5	NH	N	CH	CH	CH	5.91 ± 0.10
6	S	N	CH	CH	CH	< 5
7	O	CH	N	CH	CH	6.69 ± 0.08
-	O	CH	CH	N	CH	Unstable
8	O	CH	CH	CH	N	5.77 ± 0.12
9	O	CF	CH	CH	CH	6.93 ± 0.17
10	O	CH	CF	CH	CH	5.85 ± 0.12
11	O	CH	CH	CF	CH	6.15 ± 0.11
12	O	CH	CH	CH	CF	< 5
13	O	CH	CNO2	CH	CH	6.05 ± 0.08
14	O	CH	CH	CNO2	CH	7.06 ± 0.08
15	O	CH	CH	CBr	CH	5.23 ± 0.12
16	O	CH	CH	CH	CBr	< 5
17–19						< 5
20–25						< 5
26–31						< 5
32–33						< 5
34–38						< 5
39–42						< 5

Table 2.

Structure Activity Relationship of isoxazoles and oxadiazoles 43–105.^{26,27,31–33}

Entry	Substituent X	pIC50 ± SEM X4 (X5 = CH)	Entry	pIC50 ± SEM X5 (X4 = CH)
43	CH	< 5	-	-
44	N	5.57 ± 0.03	-	-
-	N	-	61	< 5
45	−CC(O)CF3	6.91 ± 0.02	62	5.74 ± 0.03
46	−CC(O)CH3	6.91 ± 0.03	63	< 5
47	−CCF3	6.67 ± 0.03	64	< 5
48	−CSO2Me	6.41 ± 0.03	65	< 5
49	−CC(O)tBu	6.32 ± 0.04	-	-
50	−CCN	6.24 ± 0.05	66	< 5
51	−CC(O)OMe	6.20 ± 0.04	67	< 5
52	−CCHO	5.82 ± 0.02	68	< 5
53	−CI	5.63 ± 0.07	-	-
54	−CCl	5.62 ± 0.05	69	< 5
55	−CCONMe2	5.47 ± 0.03	70	< 5
56	−COMe	< 5	71	< 5
57	−CBr	< 5	72	< 5
58	−CMe	< 5	73	< 5
59	−CSMe	< 5	74	< 5
60	−CC(O)NHMe	< 5	75	< 5

Entry	Substituent X	X4	X5	pIC50 ± SEM
76	-phenyl	CX	CH	5.06 ± 0.08
77	pyridin-2-yl	CX	CH	< 5
78	pyridin-4-yl	CX	CH	< 5
79	-phenyl	CH	CX	< 5
80–84	Mono substituted phenyl (e.g. 2, 3 or 4-F, −COCF3, −OMe)	CH	CX	< 5
85–87	Mono substituted pyridine (e.g. 4-Me, −OMe, −CF3)	CH	CX	< 5
88	furan-2-yl	CX	N	6.03 ± 0.03
89	6-cyanopyridin-2-yl	CX	N	5.98 ± 0.05
90	thiophen-2-yl	CX	N	5.71 ± 0.04
91	6-bromopyridin-2-yl	CX	N	5.69 ± 0.06
92	pyridin-2-yl	CX	N	5.56 ± 0.04
93–96	methyl-6-picolinate, 6-picolinic acid, 6-chloropyridin-2-yl, 6- iodopyridin-2-yl	CX	N	< 5
97–101	furan-2-yl, pyridin-2-yl, pyridin- 3-yl, pyridin-4-yl, Ph	N	CX	< 5
102–105	R = C(O)OMe, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, pyridin-2-yl			< 5

Deconstruction of the oxazolopyridine scaffold by removal of the pyridyl moiety is not allowed, because using a simple oxazole (43) or oxadiazole (44,61) as scaffolds results in inactive compounds. These results align with the observation, noted above, that the pyridyl provides important interactions with amino acids in the binding pocket. Activity of the oxazole scaffold can be (partly) rescued, however, by introducing small electron withdrawing groups at the meta-position (X₄: 45–55), but not at the para-position (X₅: 62–75) (Table 2). A clear correlation between the electron withdrawing effect of the substituents and pIC₅₀ was observed. A plot of the inhibition (pIC₅₀-values) versus the Hammet σ_m constants for the substituents (Figure 2) was found to follow a well-defined correlation (r² = 0.78) and the substituent effect was large (ρ = 2.95). This resulted in an almost 1000-fold increase in potency per unit change in σ_m, which indicates that the electron withdrawing effect of the substituent is the dominant factor contributing to the rescue of inhibitory activity. This may be explained by the increased electrophilic character of the reacting C-2 ketone imparted by the electron withdrawing C-4 substituent that leads to an increased strength of the covalent transient state in which Ser472 of the enzyme forms a hemiketal with the inhibitor, thereby increasing its affinity. The magnitude of the effect is similar as that reported previously for the activity of the α-ketoheterocycle inhibitors on FAAH, which indicates that this is a fundamental relationship for α-ketoheterocycles as serine hydrolase inhibitors.³²

Figure 2. Effect of meta electron withdrawing substituent on potency of oxazoles.

Electron withdrawing effect of meta (X₅) subsituted oxazoles, Hammet constant σ_m versus pIC₅₀ (for exact values see SI). A linear correlation (R² = 0.78) with a slope ρ = 2.95 was found. Potency of inhibitors 46 and 49 (−CC(O)CH₃ and −CC(O)^tBu) is higher than predicted solely by the electron withdrawing effect, indicating a potential additional interaction with the enzyme.

The aforementioned hypothesis allowed us to establish that both the aldehyde (52) and trifluoromethylketone (45) inhibit DAGLα as carbonyl active species and not as gemdiols, as previously observed for the FAAH inhibitors,³² because the σ_m values for CH(OH)₂ and C(OH)₂CF₃, (0.02 and 0.33, respectively), do not explain the observed inhibition, while the σ_m values for C(O) and C(O)CF₃ (0.35 and 0.63, respectively) do correlate with DAGL α perturbation. The variation in assay buffer pH (7.4 vs 9.0 for the DAGLα assay and FAAH assay, respectively) may explain the observed differences in hydration state of the activated ketones. Of note, compounds featuring a methyl ketone (46) or a t-butyl ketone (49) display higher than expected activity based on their σ_m values. This would indicate that these inhibitors exhibit additional H-bond or van der Waals interactions with the enzyme. Remarkably, all para-substituted compounds (62–75) that are able to directly conjugate with the electrophilic carbonyl, did not show any substantial inhibitor activity, whereas the meta-substituted derivatives (45–60), which exert their effects only through inductive electron-withdrawing properties, do inhibit the enzyme. This might be explained by steric hindrance of the para-substituents, thereby generating a steric clash that precludes their interaction with DAGLα (Figure 3B). The oxazoles could, however, at least theoretically, simply flip their orientation in the active site reversing the location of the nitrogen and oxygen atom of the heterocycle in a manner that places the substituent in a comparable location as the meta-substituents. Apparently, this does not happen, which indicates that the electron-withdrawing effect is required, but not sufficient to inhibit DAGLα with meta- or para-substituted compounds. It also suggests that an additional interaction is required with the meta-substituted compounds to perturb DAGLα activity (Figure 3A), which cannot be formed by their para-substituted analogues (Figure 3C). Indeed, the nitrogen of the oxazole-scaffold has previously been implicated in H-bonding with the histidine residue of the catalytic triad of elastase.¹⁷ It is, therefore, reasonable to suggest that in our α-ketoheterocycles the oxazole nitrogen is also required for its interaction with the catalytic His650 from DAGLα. Finally, substituted oxazoles with more sterically demanding side-groups (e.g. phenyl/ pyridine, entries 77–87, such as potent FAAH inhibitor OL-135)²⁶ are not active on DAGLα, which suggest that the meta-substituents are located in a pocket that is restricted in size.

Figure 3. Proposed binding mode of substituted α-keto oxazoles.

A. Meta (X₄) substituted oxazole (exemplified by 45) forms a hydrogen bond with His650 and positions the substituent away from the highly sterically restricted pocket at X₅. B. Para (X₅) substituted oxazoles (exemplified by 62) have a potential steric clash with the enzyme, possibly explaining their low potency on DAGLα. C. If the oxazole flips to avoid steric clash (para substituted), the oxazole nitrogen is excluded from hydrogen bond formation with His650.

Length of C2-acyl substituents

To investigate the influence of the C-2 acylphenyl spacer length we measured the activity of analogues (1, 106–111) in which the number of methylene groups was increased from 2 to 8 (Table 3). The inhibitory activity was higher with increasing number of methylene groups, and was highest at n=8 (compound 111), thereby making it the most potent inhibitor identified in this study with a pIC₅₀ of 8.44 ± 0.04. Compound 109 (n=6) exhibits a >10-fold drop in activity compared to compound 1 (n=5). The reason for this reduced activity is not easily explained. When taking lipophilicity into account (i.e. lipophilic efficiency: LipE = pIC₅₀ - cLogP), the most efficient linker length was n=5 (compound 1). A similar trend was also observed for α-ketoheterocycles in which the C-2 acyl chain consisted of either saturated or mono-unsaturated fatty acids (112–123, Table 4) Compounds bearing C₂-C₆ chains were inactive, but DAGLα inhibition increased upon further elongation of the acyl chain and was found to be optimal with an oleoyl chain (C_18:1) in compound 121. Interestingly, compound 122 with an arachidonoyl substituent (C_20:4) displayed almost 100-fold less activity compared to its oleoyl analogue. This might indicate that the C-2 acyl chain is located in the hydrophobic channel that harbours the sn-1 acyl chain of the natural substrate of DAGLα.

Table 3.

Structure Activity Relation of C2-acyl derivatives 106–111.^{12, 14}

Entry	n	pIC50± SEM	cLogP	LipE
106	2	4.74 ± 0.15	2.63	2.11
107	3	5.65 ± 0.10	3.01	2.64
108	4	6.69 ± 0.07	3.54	3.15
1	5	7.43 ± 0.05	4.07	3.35
109	6	6.28 ± 0.10	4.60	1.68
110	7	7.33 ± 0.07	5.13	2.20
111	8	8.44 ± 0.04	5.66	2.78

Table 4.

Structure Activity Relation of of C2-acyl derivatives 112–123. ¹⁴

Entry	R	pIC50 ± SEM
112	(O)C2H3	< 5
113	(O)C5H9	< 5
114	(O)C6H11	< 5
115	(O)C8H15	6.20 ± 0.03
116	(O)C10H19	7.13 ± 0.02
117	(O)C10:1 Δ9	6.26 ± 0.04
118	(O)C12H23	7.51 ± 0.02
119	(O)C14H27	7.13 ± 0.06
120	(O)C16H31	7.19 ± 0.04
121	Oleoyl (C18:1)	7.58 ± 0.03
122	Arachidonoyl (C20:4)	5.62 ± 0.08
123		6.71 ± 0.12

FAAH off-target activity

The compounds of the focused library were originally developed as FAAH inhibitors; therefore, we have plotted the DAGLα pIC₅₀ data of the hits against previously reported FAAH pK_i values (Figure 4). Most of the hits are dual FAAH/DAGLα inhibitors and display high FAAH activity (pK_i > 8). Oleoyl-based benzimidazole (123, Table 4) and compound 45 were the only two inhibitors selective over FAAH, but they were only moderately potent in our DAGLα assay (pIC₅₀ < 7).

Figure 4. Graphical representation of DAGLα inhibition (pIC₅₀) versus FAAH activity (pK_i).

FAAH activity is that reported in the literature.^{14, 26–33} For a list with exact values see SI

Binding mode

Previously, we reported the development of a homology model for DAGLα and performed a molecular dynamics simulation with 1 to understand its interaction with hDAGLα at a molecular level.¹² The model represented the typical α,β-hydrolase fold and the catalytic triad, represented by Ser472, His650, and Asp524, was appropriately aligned in the binding cavity. The tetrahedral transition state of 1, which is formed through the nucleophilic attack of Ser472 on the α-carbonyl, was minimized and subjected to a short molecular dynamics refinement. The oxyanion intermediate was stabilized by the backbone N–H of Leu473, as well as by the backbone N–H and side chain O–H of Thr400. The oxazole nitrogen of 1 formed hydrogen-bond interactions with His650 and the pyridine nitrogen showed hydrogen-bond interactions with His471 and His650, both of which could further stabilize the tetrahedral intermediate. These proposed hydrogen bonds are in line with the 4N-oxazolopyridine being the optimal heterocycle. In addition, aliphatic amino acids like Leu427 and Val419 line the hydrophobic pocket accommodating the flexible acyl chain of 1. This study indicates that this large pocket might normally accommodate sn-1 acyl chain of the natural substrate. The proposed binding mode is thus consistent with the observed structure–activity relationships reported in this study.

Conclusions

Screening of an extensive focused library of α-ketoheterocyclic FAAH inhibitors, combined with the synthesis and analysis of novel α-ketoheterocycles, resulted in the rapid generation of a comprehensive and detailed set of structure-activity relationships for DAGLα inhibitors. We showed that the binding site of DAGLα is remarkably sensitive to the type of α-ketoheterocycle with oxazolo-4N-pyridine as the optimal scaffold. The potency of the α-ketoheterocycle is also strongly influenced by a fundamental substituent effect in which the electron-withdrawing character of the functional group on the meta-position of substituted oxazoles, but not on the para-position, increased to large extent inhibitor potency. As previously observed, the C-2 carbonyl (i.e. site of reversible covalent attachment) is key to inhibitor activity and its reduction to an hydroxyl group abolished DAGLα inhibition^12,13. Increasing C-2 acyl chain length enhanced inhibitor activity and was optimal for an oleoyl (C_18:1) group, while an arachidonoyl (C_20:4) chain was less preferred. C₆–C₉ acyl chains with a distal phenyl group yielded the most potent inhibitors. These detailed SAR results provided valuable insight in the structural requirements for DAGLα inhibition by α-ketoheterocycles and was fully consistent with the proposed binding pose of 1 in our homology model. We have successfully applied this homology model to guide the design of new DAGLα inhibitors, which led to in the identification of 6-phenyl-1-(6-(p-tolyl)oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)hexan-1-one (LEI105) as a highly selective, reversible and dual DAGLα/DAGL-β inhibitor that was active in cells and reduced cannabinoid CB₁-receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity.¹³ Our current efforts are directed towards optimizing the physicochemical properties of the α-ketoheterocycles to improve their pharmacokinetic properties. Of note, the reversible character of the α-ketoheterocycle inhibitors may have less probability to induce idiosyncratic toxic side effects, which may be associated with covalent irreversible inhibitors. Consequently, α-ketoheterocycles may provide potential leads for small molecule therapies to treat human conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases where high 2-AG signalling and/or 2-AG metabolite levels play a crucial role.

Experimental Section

Experimental Procedures Computational Chemistry

The homology model was constructed as previously reported, based on the S146A Mutant Of Thermomyces (Humicola) Lanuginosa Lipase in Complex With Oleic Acid (PDB code 1GT6) as template.¹²

Experimental Procedures Biochemistry

Cloning Procedures

Cloning procedures were performed as previously reported.¹² In brief, full-length human hDAGL-α cDNA was purchased from Biosource and cloned into mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1, containing genes for ampicillin and neomycin resistance. The empty vector was used as a negative control (mock). All plasmids were grown in XL-10 Z-competent cells and prepped (Maxi Prep, Qiagen). The sequences were confirmed by sequence analysis at the Leiden Genome Technology Centre.

Cell Culture and Membrane Preparation

Cell culture and membrane preperations were performed as previously reported.¹² In brief, HEK293T cells were grown in DMEM with stable glutamine and phenol red (PAA) with 10% new born calf serum, penicillin, and streptomycin. Cells were passaged every 2–3 days by resuspension in medium and seeding to the appropriate confluence. Membranes were prepared from transiently transfected HEK293T cells. 24 Hours prior to transfection, 10⁷ cells were seeded in a 15 cm Petri dish. Cells were transfected by the addition of a 3:1 mixture of polyethyleneimine (60 µg) and plasmid DNA (20 µg) in 2 mL of serum free medium. The medium was refreshed after 24 h, and after 72 h the cells were harvested by suspending them in 20 mL of medium. The supernatant was removed by centrifuge for 10 min at 1000 rpm. The cell pellet quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 °C until use. Cell pellets were thawed on ice and suspended in lysis buffer A (20 mM Hepes, pH 7.2, 2 mM DTT, 0.25 M sucrose, 1 mM MgCl₂, 1× cocktail (Roche cOmplete EDTA free), 25 U/mL Benzonase). The suspension was homogenized by polytrone (3 × 7 s) and incubated for 30 min on ice. The membrane fraction was seperated by ultracentrifuge (100.000g, 30 min, 4 °C, Beckman Coulter, type Ti70 rotor) and the pellet was resuspended in lysis buffer B (20 mM Hepes, pH 7.2, 2 mM DTT, 1× cocktail (Roche cOmplete EDTA free)). The protein concentration was determined with Qubit protein assay (Invitrogen). The total protein concentration was diluted to 1 mg/mL and the samples were quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in small aliquots at −80 °C until use.

Biochemical hDAGL-α Activity Assay

The biochemical hDAGL-α activity assay was performed as previously reported.¹² In brief, the biochemical hDAGL-α activity assay is based on the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenylbutyrate (PNP-butyrate) by membrane preparations from HEK293T cells transiently transfected with hDAGL-α. Reactions (200 µL) were performed in a flat bottom Greiner 96-wells plates, 50 mM HEPES pH 7.2 buffer with 0.05 µg/µL (final protein concentration) hDAGL-α transfected membrane fractions.

The focused library hit identification was performed using the 96 well plate protocol. Compound plates (13 plates, N = 2) were screened over a total of 4 days. A total of 68 actives were identified (< 50% activity at 10 µM inhibitor concentration, 6.54%).

Focused Library Dose Response Analysis

Dose response analysis was performed on the 64 hits of the hit identification screen. The hits were analysed (ten-fold serial dilution) using the above protocol¹² with minor adjustments for high throughput; 384 well plate, 50 µL total volume, OD₄₀₅ was measured after 60 minutes incubation with PNP-butyrate (final concentration 0.3 mM) on an Envision plate reader.

Experimental Procedures Chemistry

General Remarks

All reactions were performed using oven- or flame-dried glassware and dry solvents. Reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, Acros, and Merck and used without further purification unless noted otherwise. All moisture sensitive reactions were performed under an argon atmosphere. Traces of water were removed from starting compounds by co-evaporation with toluene. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AV 400 MHz spectrometer at 400.2 (¹H) and 100.6 (¹³C) MHz using the reported deuterated solvent. Chemical shift values are reported in ppm with tetramethylsilane or solvent resonance as the internal standard (CDCl₃: δ 7.26 for ¹H, δ 77.16 for ¹³C; CD₃OD: δ 3.31 for 1H, δ 49.00 for ¹³C). Data are reported as follows: chemical shifts (δ), multiplicity (s = singlet, d = doublet, dd = double doublet, td = triple doublet, t = triplet, q = quartet, quintet = quint, b = broad, m = multiplet), coupling constants J (Hz), and integration. High resolution mass spectra were recorded on a Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL. Compound purity (>95% unless stated otherwise) was measured by liquid chromatography on a Finnigan Surveyor LC/MS system, equipped with a C18 column. Flash chromatography was performed using SiliCycle silica gel type SiliaFlash P60 (230–400 mesh). TLC analysis was performed on Merck silica gel 60/Kieselguhr F254, 0.25 mm. Compounds were visualized using either Seebach’s reagent (a mixture of phosphomolybdic acid (25 g), cerium(IV) sulfate (7.5 g), H₂O (500 mL), and H₂SO₄ (25 mL)) or a KMnO₄ stain (K₂CO₃ (40 g), KMnO₄ (6 g), and H₂O (600 mL)).

2-Hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 6-phenylhexan-1-ol (1.70 g, 9.51 mmol) to yield 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (1.67 g, 8.22 mmol, 86% over 2 steps) using previously reported procedures. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with those previously reported.¹²

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (125)

To a dry round bottom flask containing a solution of dry EtOH (1.4 mL, 17 mmol) and dry CHCl₃ (1.4 mL) was added dropwise AcCl (1.4 mL, 19 mmol) at 0°C under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes after which a solution of 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 117 mg, 0.58 mmol) in dried CHCl₃ (1.0 mL) was added dropwise at 0°C under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h, slowly warmed up to rt and concentrated at 25°C in vacuo. The crude mixture was coevaporated with toluene (3×5 mL) untill the white solid immidate was obtained. The solid was dissolved in dry EtOH (1.0 mL) and was added under argon to a sealed and dried microwave tube containing a prestirred solution (80°C for 30 minutes, then to rt) of commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (68.8 mg, 0.63 mmol) with pyridine (50 µL, 0.63 mmol) in dry EtOH (4.0 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux (80°C) for 8 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography to yield 1-(oxazolo[4,5- b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (34 mg, 0.58 mmol, 20%). Spectroscopic data are in agreement with those previously reported.¹²

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (1)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (125) as previously reported.¹²

1-(Benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (2)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol as previously reported.¹²

1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (126)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 100 mg, 0.49 mmol) and commercially available benzene-1,2-diamine (55 mg, 0.51 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (136 mg, 0.46 mmol, 94%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.47 (dd, J = 7.0, 3.4 Hz, 2H), 7.25 – 7.11 (m, 3H), 7.06 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 6.77 – 6.65 (m, 2H), 5.29 (bs, 2H), 4.92 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H), 2.43 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.94 – 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.55 – 1.04 (m, 4H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 157.55, 142.67, 137.57, 134.67, 128.44(2C), 128.31(2C), 125.69, 122.81, 120.49, 116.92, 115.00, 68.43, 36.90, 35.86, 31.31, 29.04, 25.23.

1-(1H-Benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (3)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (126, 65 mg, 0.22 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (22 mg, 0.075 mmol, 34%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₂₁N₂O ([M + H]), 293.1648; found, 293.1648. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 10.75 (bs, 1H), 7.91 (bs, 1H), 7.55 (bs, 1H), 7.40 (bs, 2H), 7.29 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.31 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 2.62 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.70 (p, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.55 – 1.41 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 194.82, 147.60, 142.86 (bs), 142.52, 134.18 (bs), 128.40(2C), 128.27(2C), 125.66, 124.83 (bs, 2C), 121.42 (bs), 112.62 (bs), 38.36, 35.77, 31.30, 28.84, 23.82. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (127)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 50 mg, 0.25 mmol) and commercially available 2-aminobenzenethiol (0.03 mL, 0.28 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (63 mg, 0.20 mmol, 83%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.97 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J = 8.2, 1H), 7.51 – 7.41 (m, 1H), 7.41 – 7.32 (m, 1H), 7.31 – 7.21 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.10 (m, 4H), 5.08 (t, J = 7.9, 1H), 2.59 (t, J = 7.8, 2H), 2.11 – 1.26 (m, 8H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 152.76, 142.61, 134.81, 130.91, 128.41(2C), 128.26(2C), 126.11, 125.64, 125.04, 122.86, 121.86, 72.29, 38.05, 35.83, 31.30, 29.01, 24.98.

1-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (4)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (127, 50 mg, 0.16 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (16 mg, 0.05 mmol, 32%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₂₀NOS ([M + H]), 310.1260; found, 310.1260. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.23 – 8.13 (m, 1H), 8.01 – 7.93 (m, 1H), 7.61 – 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.31 –7 .23 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.27 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.70 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 – 1.42 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 195.65, 166.67, 153.69, 142.65, 137.38, 128.53(2C), 128.39(2C), 127.73, 127.07, 125.78, 125.51, 122.57, 38.65, 35.88, 31.37, 28.96, 23.94. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(1H-Imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (128)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 254 mg, 1.25 mmol) and commercially available pyridine-2,3-diamine (54 mg, 0.40 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (24 mg, 0.08 mmol, 16%). ¹H NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): δ 8.33 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (dd, J = 8.0, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.23 – 7.17 (m, 2H), 7.16 – 7.05 (m, 3H), 4.98 – 4.91 (m, 1H), 2.57 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.06 – 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.61 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.51 – 1.42 (m, 2H), 1.41 – 1.31 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (MeOD, 101 MHz): δ 162.22, 153.23 (bs), 144.53, 143.79, 131.27 (bs), 129.36(2C), 129.22(2C), 126.60, 124.00 (bs), 119.27, 69.40, 37.70, 36.76, 32.58, 29.99, 25.97.

1-(1H-Imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (5)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (128, 23.7 mg, 0.08 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (10 mg, 0.034 mmol, 43%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₈H₂₀N₃O ([M + H]), 294.1601; found, 294.1600. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 14.92 (bs, 1H), 8.91 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (dd, J = 8.2, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 3.32 (t, J = 8.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.65 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.89 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.78 – 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.57 – 1.45 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 194.41, 149.12, 147.18, 142.52, 136.08, 136.10, 130.78, 128.42(2C), 128.27(2C), 125.67, 119.55, 38.17, 35.78, 31.28, 28.87, 23.75. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

2-Aminopyridine-3-thiol (129)

Commercially available 3-(tert-butylthio)pyridin-2-amine (235.4 mg, 1.291 mmol) was refluxed in 37% aq. HCl (5 mL, 60.0 mmol) for 14 h untill completion. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and coevaporated with toluene (3 × 20 mL). The resulting solid was taken up in sat. NaHCO₃ (40 mL), extracted with EtOAc (3 × 20 mL), washed with brine, dried and concentrated in vacuo to obtain 2-aminopyridine-3-thiol (155 mg, 1.228 mmol, 95 % yield) without further purification. ¹H NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): δ 7.95 (dd, J = 5.0, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (dd, J = 7.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (dd, J = 7.5, 5.0 Hz, 1H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (MeOD, 101 MHz): 161.06, 150.74, 146.34, 114.42, 114.36.

1-(Thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (130)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 52.3 mg 0.257 mmol) and 2-aminopyridine-3-thiol (129, 41.9 mg, 0.332 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (15.4 mg, 0.049 mmol, 19%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.68 (dd, J = 4.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (dd, J = 8.0, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.28 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 5.19 (dd, J = 8.0, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.97 (bs, 1H), 2.58 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.12 – 1.86 (m, 2H), 1.69 – 1.48 (m, 4H), 1.46 – 1.35 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 181.08, 163.86, 148.00, 142.72, 131.12, 128.65, 128.51(2C), 128.36(2C), 125.74, 119.85, 72.49, 37.88, 35.95, 31.40, 29.12, 24.99.

1-(Thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (6)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (130, 15.4 mg, 0.049 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(thiazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (10.9 mg, 0.035 mmol, 71%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₈H₁₉N₂OS ([M + H]), 311.1213; found, 311.1213. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.89 (dd, J = 4.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.2, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 7.31 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.18 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H), 3.35 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.86 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.75 – 1.64 (m, 2H), 1.54 – 1.43 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 195.55, 169.14, 163.78, 149.94, 142.60, 131.94, 131.48, 128.53(2C), 128.40(2C), 125.79, 122.10, 38.89, 35.87, 31.32, 28.96, 23.96. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

3-Amino-4-hydroxypyridine (131)

To a solution of commercially available 4-hydroxy-3-nitropyridine (500 mg, 3.58 mmol) in methanol (25 mL) was added 100 mg of 10% Pd/C. The reaction mixture was stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 10 h. Upon completion the solution was filtered and concentrated in vacuo to obtain 3-amino-4-hydroxypyridine (350 mg, 3.18 mmol, 89%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ 7.34 (dd, J = 6.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (s, 1H), 5.99 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (s, 2H).

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (132)

To a dry round bottom flask containing a solution of dry EtOH (1.0 mL, 17 mmol) and dry CHCl₃ (1.0 mL) was added dropwise AcCl (1.0 mL, 14 mmol) at 0°C under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes after which a solution of 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 213 mg, 1.05 mmol) in dry CHCl₃ (1.0 mL) was added dropwise at 0°C under argon. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h, slowly warmed up to rt and concentrated at 25°C in vacuo. The immidate was dissolved in dry EtOH (1.0 mL) and was added under argon to a sealed microwave tube containing 3-amino-4-hydroxypyridine (131, 121 mg, 1.1 mmol) in dry EtOH (4.0 mL). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux (80°C) for 8 h using microwave irridiation. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography to yield 1-(oxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (16 mg, 0.054 mmol, 5%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 9.03 (s, 1H), 8.56 (dd, J = 5.6, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dt, J = 5.6, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.28–7.24 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.10 (m, 3H), 5.00 (dd, J = 7.6, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.13 – 1.93 (m, 2H), 1.64 (p, 2H), 1.58 – 1.47 (m, 2H), 1.46 – 1.39 (m, 2H).¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.81, 156.07, 145.56, 142.85, 142.59, 138.46, 128.49(2C), 128.38(2C), 125.80, 106.91, 68.04, 35.91, 35.52, 31.33, 28.97, 24.92.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (7)

To a solution of 1-(oxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (132, 15 mg, 0.050 mmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (3 mL) was added Dess-Martin periodinane (43 mg, 0.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 h and quenched with 5 mL sat. NaHCO3 (aq.) upon completion. The organic layer was washed with sat. NaHCO₃ (aq.), brine, dried on MgSO4, filtered, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography to obtain 1-(oxazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (9.7 mg, 0.033 mmol, 66%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₈H₁₉N₂O₂ (M + H⁺) 295.1441; found 295.1440. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 9.26 (s, 1H), 8.77 – 8.70 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (d, J = 5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.29 –7.25 (m, 2H), 7.19 – 7.15 (m, 3H), 3.23 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.87 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.69 (p, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.53 – 1.42 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.78, 157.42, 155.66, 148.03, 145.64, 142.46, 128.51(2C), 128.42(2C), 125.85, 107.73, 39.77, 35.82, 31.26, 28.78, 23.71. Purity of 90% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(Oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (133)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 59 mg, 0.29 mmol) and commercially available 3-amino-2-hydroxypyridine (35 mg, 0.31 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 132. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (5 mg, 0.018 mmol, 6%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.36 (dd, J = 5.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J = 7.8, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.20 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 5.01 – 4.95 (m, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.14 – 1.90 (m, 2H), 1.82 – 1.73 (m, 2H), 1.60 – 1.50 (m, 4H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.19, 159.96, 144.98, 142.65, 132.46, 128.82(2C), 128.51(2C), 128.39, 125.78, 121.16, 68.30, 35.93, 35.45, 31.37, 29.02, 24.85.

1-(Oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (8)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (133, 5 mg, 0.018 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (3 mg, 0.010 mmol, 57%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₈H₁₉N₂O₂ (M + H⁺) 295.1441; found 295.1441. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.58 (dd, J = 4.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.0, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.19 – 7.16 (m, 3H), 3.21 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.75 – 1.66 (m, 2H), 1.50 – 1.44 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.73, 156.64, 148.66, 142.39, 132.41, 131.24, 128.40(2C), 128.30(2C), 125.72, 122.15, 39.40, 35.71, 31.15, 28.68, 23.56. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(4-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (134)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 100 mg, 0.49 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-fluorophenol (62 mg, 0.49 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(4-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (99 mg, 0.32 mmol, 65%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.34 – 7.29 (m, 1H), 7.29 – 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.05 (ddd, J = 9.3, 7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 4.97 (dd, J = 7.7, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.09 – 1.91 (m, 2H), 1.68 – 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.56 – 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.44 – 1.37 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.28, 153.47 (d, J = 256.54 Hz), 153.03 (d, J = 7.1 Hz), 142.67, 129.23 (d, J = 16.2 Hz), 128.49(2C), 128.36(2C), 125.76 (d, J = 7.1 Hz), 125.74, 110.96 (d, J = 17.6 Hz), 107.07 (d, J = 4.5 Hz), 68.09, 35.91, 35.55, 31.36, 28.99, 24.90.

1-(4-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (9)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(4-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (134, 63 mg, 0.20 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(4-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (41 mg, 0.13 mmol, 66%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉FNO₂ ([M + H]), 312.1394; found, 312.1393. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.23 – 8.13 (m, 1H), 8.01 – 7.93 (m, 1H), 7.61 – 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.31 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.27 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.70 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 – 1.42 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.01, 157.23, 154.85 (d, J = 260.6 Hz), 152.67 (d, J = 6.1 Hz), 142.52, 129.79 (d, J = 20.2 Hz), 129.16 (d, J = 7.1 Hz), 128.51(2C), 128.40(2C), 125.81, 111.73 (d, J = 17.2 Hz), 108.16 (d, J = 5.1 Hz), 39.56, 35.83, 31.29, 28.78, 23.72. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(5-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (135)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 124 mg, 0.61 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-4-fluorophenol (72 mg, 0.57 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 132. This yielded 1-(5-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (133 mg, 0.42 mmol, 75%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.45 (dd, J = 8.9, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J = 8.3, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.20 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 7.08 (td, J = 9.1, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 4.94 (dd, J = 7.6, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.70 (bs, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 2.12– 1.87 (m, 2H), 1.70 – 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.56 – 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.45 – 1.33 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 169.65, 160.15 (d, J = 241.4 Hz), 147.24 (d, J = 1.0 Hz), 142.65, 141.35 (d, J = 13.1 Hz), 128.51(2C), 128.39(2C), 125.78, 113.05 (d, J = 26.3 Hz), 111.26 (d, J = 10.1 Hz), 106.66 (d, J = 25.3 Hz), 68.21, 35.93, 35.58, 31.39, 29.01, 24.89.

1-(5-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (10)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(5-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (135, 44 mg, 0.14 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(5-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (33 mg, 0.10 mmol, 74%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉FNO₂ ([M + H]), 312.1394; found, 312.1395. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.61 (dd, J = 9.0, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (dd, J = 8.0, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32 – 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.20 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.75 – 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.52 – 1.41 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.10, 160.66 (d, J = 244.4 Hz), 158.69, 147.20 (d, J = 1.0 Hz), 142.53, 141.35 (d, J = 14.1 Hz), 128.53(2C), 128.42(2C), 125.84, 116.97 (d, J = 27.3 Hz), 112.71 (d, J = 10.1 Hz), 108.28 (d, J = 25.3 Hz), 39.63, 35.85, 31.31, 28.82, 23.75. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

2-Amino-5-fluorophenol (136)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 5-fluoro-2-nitrophenol (500 mg, 3.18 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 131. This yielded 2-amino-5-fluorophenol (388 mg, 3.05 mmol, 96%). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ 6.53 (dd, J = 8.3, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 6.46 (dd, J = 10.3, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 6.35 (td, J = 8.7, 2.7 Hz, 1H). ¹³C APT NMR (DMSO-d6, 101 MHz): δ 154.63 (d, J = 230.8 Hz), 144.99, 133.47, 114.32 (d, J = 9.3 Hz), 105.16 (d, J = 21.3 Hz), 102.28 (d, J = 24.9 Hz).

1-(6-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (137)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 110 mg, 0.54 mmol) and 2-amino-5-fluorophenol (136, 72 mg, 0.57 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 132. This yielded 1-(6-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (66 mg, 0.21 mmol, 39%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.62 (dd, J = 8.8, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.24 – 7.21 (m, 1H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.08 (ddd, J = 9.5, 8.7, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.93 (dd, J = 7.6, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.59 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.08 – 1.89 (m, 2H), 1.63 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.55 – 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.44 – 1.36 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.45 (d, J = 4.0 Hz), 160.72 (d, J = 244.4 Hz), 150.84 (d, J = 15.2 Hz), 142.65, 136.83 (d, J = 1.0 Hz), 128.50(2C), 128.38(2C), 125.78, 120.41 (d, J = 10.1 Hz), 112.69 (d, J = 24.2 Hz), 99.01 (d, J = 28.3 Hz), 68.11, 35.93, 35.52, 31.38, 29.01, 24.92.

1-(6-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (11)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(6-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (137, 44 mg, 0.14 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(6-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (37 mg, 0.12 mmol, 85%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉FNO₂ ([M + H]), 312.1394; found, 312.1393. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.23 – 8.13 (m, 1H), 8.01 – 7.93 (m, 1H), 7.61 – 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.31 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.27 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.70 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.54 – 1.42 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.79, 162.71 (d, J = 250.5 Hz), 158.04 (d, J = 4.0 Hz), 151.03 (d, J = 15.2 Hz), 142.50, 136.98 (d, J = 1.0 Hz), 128.49(2C), 128.38(2C), 125.80, 123.11 (d, J = 10.1 Hz), 114.66 (d, J = 25.3 Hz), 99.73 (d, J = 27.3 Hz), 39.48, 35.82, 31.25, 28.81, 23.79. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(7-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (138)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 124 mg, 0.61 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-6-fluorophenol (75 mg, 0.59 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(7-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (157 mg, 0.50 mmol, 85%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.50 (dd, J = 8.0, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.33 – 7.22 (m, 3H), 7.20 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 7.13 – 7.06 (m, 1H), 4.97 (dd, J = 7.7, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.06 (bs, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 2.19 – 1.88 (m, 2H), 1.73 – 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.58 – 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.46 – 1.33 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.34, 147.16 (d, J = 253.5 Hz), 143.82 (d, J = 2.0 Hz), 142.66, 138.05 (d, J = 11.1 Hz), 128.51(2C), 128.38(2C), 125.78, 125.15 (d, J = 5.0 Hz), 115.93 (d, J = 4.0 Hz), 112.17 (d, J = 16.2 Hz), 68.13, 35.93, 35.60, 31.38, 29.00, 24.90.

1-(7-Fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (12)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(7-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (138, 46 mg, 0.15 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(7-fluorobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (39 mg, 0.13 mmol, 86%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉FNO₂ ([M + H]), 312.1394; found, 312.1395. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.68 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (td, J = 8.2, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 7.31 – 7.24 (m, 3H), 7.21 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 3.22 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.74 – 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.52 – 1.41 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.70, 157.49, 147.54 (d, J = 255.5 Hz), 143.65 (d, J = 1.0 Hz), 142.53, 138.34 (d, J = 11.1 Hz) 128.53(2C), 128.42(2C), 126.26 (d, J = 6.1 Hz), 125.84, 118.10 (d, J = 4.04 Hz), 114.89 (d, J = 16.2 Hz), 39.84, 35.85, 31.31, 28.81, 23.72. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(5-Nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (139)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 131 mg, 0.64 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-4-nitrophenol (99 mg, 0.64 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(5-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (120 mg, 0.35 mmol, 55%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.58 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.9, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.18 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 5.01 (dd, J = 7.7, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.11 – 1.93 (m, 2H), 1.64 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.57 – 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.45 – 1.37 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 171.10, 154.28, 145.41, 142.49, 140.96, 128.42(2C), 128.33(2C), 125.75, 121.43, 116.49, 111.18, 68.06, 35.84, 35.41, 31.27, 28.90, 24.87.

1-(5-Nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (13)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(5-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (139, 74 mg, 0.22 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(5-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (55 mg, 0.16 mmol, 74%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₃₈H₃₇N₄O₈ ([2M + H]), 677.2606; found, 677.2605. 1H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.79 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (dd, J = 9.0, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.15 (m, 3H), 3.24 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.86 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.76 – 1.66 (m, 2H), 1.53 – 1.43 (m, 2H) ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.60, 159.38, 153.98, 146.13, 142.38, 140.83, 128.45(2C), 128.36(2C), 125.80, 124.05, 118.84, 112.55, 39.74, 35.76, 31.19, 28.71, 23.61. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(6-Nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (140)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 100 mg, 0.49 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-5-nitrophenol (76 mg, 0.49 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(6-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (59 mg, 0.17 mmol, 35%). ₁H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.42 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.28 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.18 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 5.01 (dd, J = 7.7, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.12 – 1.93 (m, 2H), 1.64 (p, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.57 – 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.45 – 1.38 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 172.53, 150.10, 145.85, 145.50, 142.54, 128.48(2C), 128.40(2C), 125.82, 120.85, 120.21, 107.65, 68.25, 35.90, 35.55, 31.32, 28.94, 24.87.

1-(6-Nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (14)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(6-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (140, 40 mg, 0.12 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(6-nitrobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (35 mg, 0.10 mmol, 86%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₃₈H₃₇N₄O₈ ([2M + H]), 677.2606; found, 677.2605. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.15 (m, 3H), 3.23 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.86 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.71 (p, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.53 – 1.43 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.50, 160.31, 149.92, 147.49, 145.34, 142.38, 128.45(2C), 128.37(2C), 125.82, 122.69, 121.43, 108.76, 39.83, 35.76, 31.17, 28.72, 23.59. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

1-(6-Bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (141)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 124 mg, 0.61 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-5-bromophenol (93 mg, 0.50 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 132. This yielded 1-(6-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (116 mg, 0.31 mmol, 62%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.84 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.11 (m, 3H), 4.94 (dd, J = 7.6, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (bs, 1H), 2.16 – 1.85 (m, 2H), 1.63 (p, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.57 – 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.45 – 1.34 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 169.03, 149.94, 142.64, 142.18, 128.51(2C), 128.41, 128.39(2C), 125.79, 123.21, 117.44, 112.18, 68.16, 35.93, 35.57, 31.38, 29.00, 24.88.

1-(6-Bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (15)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(6-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (141, 43 mg, 0.11 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 7. This yielded 1-(6-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (38 mg, 0.10 mmol, 89%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉BrNO₂ ([M + H]), 372.0594 and 374.0573; found, 372.0596 and 374.0575. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.03 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.31 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.21 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 3.20 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.84 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.75 – 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.52 – 1.41 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.09, 158.00, 149.77, 142.52, 142.13, 131.77, 128.53(2C), 128.42(2C), 125.85, 125.23, 118.67, 113.38, 39.68, 35.85, 31.30, 28.81, 23.74. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

2-Amino-6-bromophenol (142)

To a solution of commercially available 2-bromo-6-nitrophenol (200 mg, 0.92 mmol) in EtOH (3 mL) under argon atmosphere was added SnCl2 (870 mg, 4.59 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated to 70°C. After full conversion (5 minutes) the reaction mixture was cooled to rt and poured into ice water (20 mL). The pH was set to 10 (3M NaOH) and the mixture was stirred for thirty minutes. The water layer was extracted with 3× 30 mL EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with 50 mL brine, treated with charcoal and filtered, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 2-amino-6-bromophenol (42 mg, 0.22 mmol, 25%). ¹H NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): δ 7.07 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 6.93 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 6.67 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H). ¹³C APT NMR (MeOD, 101 MHz): δ 145.56, 132.00, 127.50, 122.52, 119.45, 111.94.

1-(7-Bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (143)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (124, 98 mg, 0.49 mmol) and 2-amino-6-bromophenol (142, 92 mg, 0.49 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(7-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (132 mg, 0.36 mmol, 73%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.61 (dd, J = 7.9, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.22 – 7.11 (m, 4H), 4.97 (dd, J = 7.8, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.58 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.11 – 1.91 (m, 2H), 1.67 – 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.56 – 1.47 (m, 2H), 1.43 – 1.37 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 168.30, 148.97, 142.60, 141.12, 128.44(2C), 128.31(2C), 125.80, 119.09, 102.74, 67.99, 35.86, 35.49, 31.31, 28.93, 24.95.

1-(7-Bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (16)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(7-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-ol (143, 37 mg, 0.10 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(7-bromobenzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-6-phenylhexan-1-one (41 mg, 0.13 mmol, 66%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₁₉BrNO₂ ([M + H]), 372.0594 and 374.0573; found, 372.0596 and 374.0574. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.83 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.20 – 7.16 (m, 3H), 3.20 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.63 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.74 – 1.65 (m, 2H), 1.52 – 1.43 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.67, 157.18, 149.16, 142.54, 141.24, 131.57, 128.53(2C), 128.42(2C), 126.96, 125.84, 121.37, 103.90, 39.77, 35.85, 31.30, 28.82, 23.80. Purity of 95% as determined by LC/MS.

2-Hydroxy-4-phenylbutanenitrile (144)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 3-phenylpropanal (1.00 g 7.45 mmol) according to the previously reported procedure.¹² This yielded 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanenitrile (810 mg, 5.02 mmol, 68%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.38 – 7.33 (m, 2H), 7.30 – 7.23 (m, 3H), 4.40 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.19 (bs, 1H), 2.83 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.18 – 2.07 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 139.56, 128.54(2C), 128.40(2C), 126.35, 119.96, 60.02, 36.28, 30.46.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol (145)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanenitrile (144, 190 mg, 1.18 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (142 mg, 1.29 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol (44 mg, 0.17 mmol, 15%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.52 (dd, J = 4.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.24 – 7.19 (m, 3H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 1H), 5.06 (dd, J = 7.8, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (bs, 1H), 2.92 – 2.79 (m, 2H), 2.47 – 2.26 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 171.12, 154.90, 146.51, 143.15, 140.90, 128.68(2C), 128.53(2C), 126.16, 120.40, 118.83, 67.33, 36.91, 31.17.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropan-1-one (106)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropan-1-ol (145, 43.8 mg, 0.17 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropan-1-one (40 mg, 0.16 mmol, 93%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₅H₁₃N₂O₂ ([M + H]), 253.0972; found, 253.0970. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.76 (dd, J = 4.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34 – 7.27 (m, 4H), 7.25 – 7.16 (m, 1H), 3.63 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 189.38, 158.53, 154.20, 148.90, 143.77, 140.10, 128.72(2C), 128.58(2C), 126.53, 123.36, 120.44, 41.43, 29.70. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS.

2-Hydroxy-5-phenylpentanenitrile (146)

The title compound was synthesized commercially available 4-phenylbutan-1-ol (500 mg, 3.33 mmol) according to the previously reported 2 step procedure.¹² This yielded 2-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanenitrile (439 mg, 2.51 mmol, 75% over 2 steps). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.32 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.22– 7.14 (m, 3H), 4.46 – 4.38 (m, 1H), 3.10 (bs, 1H), 2.69 – 2.65 (m, 2H), 1.90 – 1.74 (m, 4H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 141.24, 128.59(2C), 128.49(2C), 126.23, 120.04, 61.16, 35.10, 34.61, 26.27.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylbutan-1-ol (147)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanenitrile (146, 206 mg, 1.18 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (129 mg, 1.17 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylbutan-1-ol (56 mg, 0.21 mmol, 18%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.48 (dd, J = 4.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.27 – 7.21 (m, 3H), 7.19 – 7.12 (m, 3H), 5.08 (dd, J = 7.5, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 4.62 (bs, 1H), 2.67 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.12 – 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.94 – 1.78 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 171.31, 154.87, 146.35, 143.05, 141.86, 128.48(2C), 128.39(2C), 125.90, 120.31, 118.84, 67.91, 35.51, 34.96, 26.80.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylbutan-1-one (107)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylbutan-1-ol (147, 52.4 mg, 0.20 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-4-phenylbutan-1-one (22 mg, 0.08 mmol, 42%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₆H₁₅N₂O₂ ([M + H]), 267.1128; found, 267.1126. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.76 (dd, J = 4.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.31 – 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.24 – 7.14 (m, 3H), 3.31 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 2.76 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.22 – 2.11 (m, 2H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.12, 158.58, 154.22, 148.85, 143.72, 141.19, 128.64(2C), 128.58(2C), 123.29, 120.40, 39.25, 35.12, 25.41. Purity of 94% as determined by LC/MS. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

2-Hydroxy-6-phenylhexanenitrile (148)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 5-phenylpentanol (513 mg 3.12 mmol) according to the previously reported 2 step procedure.¹² This yielded 2-hydroxy-6-phenylhexanenitrile (318 mg, 1.68 mmol, 54% over 2 steps). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.33–7.19 (m, 5H), 4.43 (bs, 1H), 4.18–4.12 (m, 1H), 2.66 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.86 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.70 (p, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.55 (p, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 141.96, 128.81(2C), 128.32(2C), 125.79, 120.20, 60.92, 35.56, 34.90, 30.72, 24.21.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-1-ol (149)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-6-phenylhexanenitrile (148, 174 mg, 0.92 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (102 mg, 0.93 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-1-ol (51 mg, 0.18 mmol, 20%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.49 (dd, J = 5.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (dd, J = 8.2, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.29 – 7.20 (m, 4H), 7.18 – 7.10 (m, 3H), 5.05 (dd, J = 7.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.12 – 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.72 – 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.60 – 1.49 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 170.88, 154.90, 146.59, 143.08, 142.26, 128.38(2C), 128.30(2C), 125.74, 120.31, 118.68, 68.14, 35.71, 35.34, 31.12, 24.57.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-1-one (108)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-1-ol (149, 40 mg, 0.14 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-5-phenylpentan-1-one (35 mg, 0.10 mmol, 86%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₇H₁₇N₂O₂ ([M + H]), 281.1285; found, 281.1282. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.75 (dd, J = 4.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.23 – 7.16 (m, 3H), 3.31 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.69 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.93 – 1.83 (m, 2H), 1.81 – 1.72 (m, 2H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.23, 158.61, 154.26, 148.85, 143.73, 142.01, 128.66(2C), 128.44(2C), 125.92, 123.26, 120.35, 39.72, 35.69, 30.87, 23.53. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

2-Hydroxy-8-phenyloctanenitrile (150)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 7-phenylheptan-1-ol (500 mg, 2.60 mmol) according to the previously reported 2 step procedure.¹² This yielded 2-hydroxy-8-phenyloctanenitrile (430 mg, 1.98 mmol, 76% over 2 steps). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.29 – 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.18 – 7.10 (m, 3H), 4.34 (q, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H), 3.86 – 3.78 (bs, 1H), 2.57 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.75 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.59 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.49 – 1.38 (m, 2H), 1.37 – 1.27 (m, 4H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 142.51, 128.31(2C), 128.20(2C), 125.58, 120.14, 60.97, 35.76, 34.85, 31.20, 28.88, 28.68, 24.40.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-7-phenylheptan-1-ol (151)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-8-phenyloctanenitrile (150, 231 mg, 1.06 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (101 mg, 0.92 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-7-phenylheptan-1-ol (38 mg, 0.12 mmol, 13%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.53 (dd, J = 4.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.19 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 5.03 (dd, J = 7.6, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (bs, 1H), 2.58 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 2.10 – 1.91 (m, 2H), 1.65 – 1.54 (m, 2H), 1.54 – 1.44 (m, 2H), 1.41 – 1.29 (m, 4H). δ ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 171.29, 154.97, 146.54, 143.15, 142.82, 128.48(2C), 128.34(2C), 125.70, 120.37, 118.82, 68.21, 36.01, 35.54, 31.48, 29.27, 29.20, 24.96. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-7-phenylheptan-1-one (109)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-7-phenylheptan-1-ol (151, 38 mg, 0.12 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-7-phenylheptan-1-one (23 mg, 0.07 mmol, 61%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₁₉H₂₁N₂O₂ ([M + H]), 309.1598; found, 309.1596. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.77 (dd, J = 4.8, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.20 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.27 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 1.83 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.70 – 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.51 – 1.35 (m, 4H). ¹³C BBDEC NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.48, 158.68, 154.25, 148.81, 143.77, 142.75, 128.51(2C), 128.37(2C), 125.74, 123.30, 120.47, 39.91, 35.98, 31.38, 29.08, 29.05, 23.86. Purity of 94% as determined by LC/MS. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

2-Hydroxy-9-phenylnonanenitrile (152)

The title compound was synthesized from commercially available 8-phenyloctan-1-ol (1.00 g 4.85 mmol) according to the previously reported 2 step procedure. This yielded 2-hydroxy-9-phenylnonanenitrile (850 mg, 4.11 mmol, 85% over 2 steps). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 7.32 – 7.23 (m, 2H), 7.22 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 4.46 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.9 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (bs, 1H), 1.90 – 1.77 (m, 2H), 1.67 – 1.55 (m, 2H), 1.54 – 1.43 (m, 2H), 1.39 – 1.28 (m, 6H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 142.86, 128.52(2C), 128.38(2C), 125.74, 120.03, 61.50, 36.03, 35.32, 31.53, 29.31, 29.19, 28.95, 24.60.

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-8-phenyloctan-1-ol (153)

The title compound was synthesized from 2-hydroxy-7-phenylheptanenitrile (152, 337 mg, 1.46 mmol) and commercially available 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (159 mg, 1.44 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 125. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-8-phenyloctan-1-ol (104 mg, 0.32 mmol, 22%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.49 (dd, J = 4.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.28 – 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.18 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 5.05 (dd, J = 7.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (bs, 1H), 2.57 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 2.12 – 1.90 (m, 2H), 1.63 – 1.53 (m, 2H), 1.53 – 1.40 (m, 2H), 1.39 – 1.20 (m, 6H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 171.46, 154.92, 146.34, 143.05, 142.87, 128.44(2C), 128.28(2C), 125.62, 120.26, 118.79, 68.06, 35.99, 35.47, 31.53, 29.37, 29.30, 29.26, 25.05. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

1-(Oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-8-phenyloctan-1-one (110)

The title compound was synthesized from 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-8-phenyloctan-1-ol (153, 50 mg, 0.15 mmol) according to the procedures described for compound 1. This yielded 1-(oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-yl)-8-phenyloctan-1-one (42 mg, 0.13 mmol, 84%). HRMS (ESI+) m/z: calculated for C₂₀H₂₃N₂O₂ ([M + H]), 323.1754; found, 323.1755. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ 8.76 (dd, J = 4.8, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.3, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.30 – 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.20 – 7.13 (m, 3H), 3.27 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.60 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (p, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 1.62 (p, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.48 – 1.30 (m, 6H). ¹³C APT NMR (CDCl₃, 101 MHz): δ 190.58, 158.65, 154.30, 148.89, 143.74, 142.91, 128.53(2C), 128.37(2C), 125.71, 123.30, 120.41, 39.95, 36.06, 31.56, 29.33, 29.22, 29.14, 23.95. Purity of >95% as determined by LC/MS. Spectroscopic data are in agreement with reported literature.¹⁴

Figure 5. Proposed binding mode of 1 in DAGLα.

Abbreviations used

2-AG

2-arachidonoylglycerol

ABHD6

α/β-hydrolase domain 6

ABHD12

α/β-hydrolase domain 12

DAGLα

Diacylglycerol lipase α

DAGLβ

Diacylglycerol lipase β

DAGLs

Sn-1-specific diacylglycerol lipases

FAAH

fatty acid amide hydrolase

MAGL

monoacylglycerol lipase