Base-Mediated 1,6-Aza-Michael Addition of Heterocyclic Amines and Amides to para-Quinone Methides Leading to Meclizine-, Hydroxyzine- and Cetirizine-like Architectures

Abstract

An expeditious, cost-effective synthetic methodology for a wide range of nitrogen-containing unsymmetrical trisubstituted methanes (TRSMs) is reported. The synthesis involves base-mediated 1,6-conjugate addition of heterocyclic amines and amides to substituted para-quinone methides, giving the unsymmetrical TRSMs in moderate to very good yields (up to 83%) in one pot. The low cost, mild temperature, high atom economy and yields, easy scale-up and broad substrate scope are some of the salient features of this protocol. Further, the methodology could be extended for the synthesis of meclizine-, ­hydroxyzine- and cetirizine-like molecules. The structure of one such compound, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-((4-chlorophenyl)(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis.