Medicinal-chemistry optimization follows strategies replacing functional groups and attaching larger substituents at a promising lead scaffold. Well-established bioisosterism rules are considered, however, it is difficult to estimate whether the introduced modifications really match the required properties at a binding site ...
Medicinal-chemistry optimization follows strategies replacing functional groups and attaching larger substituents at a promising lead scaffold. Well-established bioisosterism rules are considered, however, it is difficult to estimate whether the introduced modifications really match the required properties at a binding site. The electron density distribution and pK a values are modulated influencing protonation states and bioavailability. Considering the adjacent H-bond donor/acceptor pattern of the hinge binding motif in a kinase, we studied by crystallography a set of fragments to map the required interaction pattern. Unexpectedly, benzoic acid and benzamidine, decorated with the correct substituents, are totally bioisosteric just as carboxamide and phenolic OH. A mono-dentate pyridine nitrogen out-performs bi-dentate functionalities. The importance of correctly designing pK a values of attached functional groups by additional substituents at the parent scaffold is rendered prominent.
Organizational Affiliation:
Philipps Universität Marburg, Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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