Hydrogenative desulphurization of thienopyrrolizinones: An easy and selective access to (Z)-phenethylidenepyrrolizinones with in vitro cytotoxic activity

Attempts in view to dearomatize some previously reported tripentones with potent antineoplastic activities led in thiophene series to an unexpected hydrogenative desulphurization reaction. The resulting (Z)-phenethylidenepyrrolizinones were tested in vitro over human epidermoid carcinoma KB cell line. The results of this biological evaluation indicated that the tricyclic core of our model can be cleaved with a partial respect of the activity.

Graphical abstractAttempts in view to dearomatize some previously reported tripentones with potent antineoplastic activities led in thiophene series to an unexpected hydrogenative desulphurization reaction. The resulting (Z)-phenethylidenepyrrolizinones were tested in vitro over human epidermoid carcinoma KB cell line. The results of this biological evaluation indicated that the tricyclic core of our model can be cleaved with a partial respect of the activity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide