CBI analogs of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins

[0002] This application is a 371 of PCT/US96/16481 filed Oct. 3, 1996 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional No. 60/004,752 filed Oct. 3, 1995.

[0004] The invention relates to antitumor antibiotics. More particularly, the invention relates to analogs of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins having antitumor antibiotic activity.

[0005] (+)-CC-1065 (1) and the duocarmycins 2-3 represent the initial members of a class of exceptionally potent antitumor antibiotics. Members of this class of antitumor antibiotic derive their biological effects through the reversible, stereoelectronically-controlled sequence selective alkylation of duplex DNA. (H. Sugiyama, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1990, 31, 7197; C. H. Lin, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1992, 114, 10658; H. Sugiyama, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1993, 34, 2179; K. Yamamoto, et al., Biochemistry1993, 32, 1059; A. Asai, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1994, 116, 4171; and D. L. Boger, et al., Tetrahedron1991, 47, 2661.) (+)-CC-1065 (1) was first disclosed in 1981 by L. J. Hanka, et al.. (J. Am. Chem. Soc.1981, 103, 7629.) The duocarmycins 2-3 were first disclosed in 1988 and 1990. (Takahashi, et al.. J. Antibiot.1988, 41, 1915; T. Yasuzawa, et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull.1988, 36, 3728; M. Ichimura, et al., J. Antibiot.1988, 41, 1285; M. Ichimura, et al., J. Antibiot.1990, 43, 1037; M. H. Ichimura, et al., J. Antibiot.1991, 44, 1045; K. Ohba, et al., J. Antibiot.1988, 41, 1515; and S. Ishii, J. Antibiot.1989, 42, 1713.)

[0006] Subsequent to their disclosure, extensive efforts have been devoted to establish their duplex DNA alkylation selectivity and its structural origin. (D. L. Boger, Acc. Chem. Res.1995, 28, 20; D. L. Boger, Proc. Nal. Sci. U.S.A.in press; D. L. Boger, Chemtracts: Org. Chem.1991, 4, 329; D. L. Boger, In Proceed R. A. Welch Found. Conf. on Chem. Res., XXXV. Chem. at the Frontiers of Medicine1991, 35, 137; D. L. Boger, In Advances in Heterocyclic Natural Products Synthesis,Vol. 2, Pearson, W. H. Ed.; JAI Press: Greenwich, Conn., 1992, 1-188; D. L. Boger, Pure Appl. Chem.1993, 65, 1123; D. L. Boger, Pure Appl. Chem.1994, 66, 837; R. S. Coleman, In Studies in Nat. Prod. Chem.,Vol 3, Rahman, A.-u.-, Ed.; Elsevier: Amsterdam, 1989, 301; and D. L. Boger, In Heterocycles in Bioorganic Chemistry;J. Bergman, H. C. van der Plas, and M. Simonyl, Eds; Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge, 1991, 103.) Progress has also been made with respect to characterizing the link between DNA alkylation and the ensuing biological properties. (D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.1994, 4, 631.) Extensive efforts have also been devoted to define the fundamental principles underlying the relationships between structure, chemical reactivity, and biological properties. (W. Wierenga, et al., Adv. Enzyme Regul.1986, 25, 141; M. A. Warpehoski, et al., J. Med. Chem.1988, 31, 590; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1993, 115, 9025; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1992, 114, 10056; H. Muratake, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1994, 35, 2573; Y. Fukuda, et al., Tetrahedron1994, 50, 2793; Y. Fukuda, et al., Tetrahedron1994, 50, 2809; Y. Fukuda, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.1992, 2, 755; Y. Fukuda, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1990, 31, 6699; W. Wierenga, J. Am. Chem. Soc.1981, 103, 5621; P. Magnus, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1987, 109, 2706; G. A. Kraus, et al., J. Org. Chem.1985, 50, 283; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1988, 110, 1321, 4796; R. E. Bolton, et al., J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans.1 1988, 2491; R. J. Sundberg, et al., J. Org. Chem.1988, 53, 5097; R. J. Sundberg, et al., J. Org. Chem.1991, 56, 3048; V. P. Martin, Helv. Chim. Acta1989, 72, 1554; M. Toyota, et al., J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans.1 1992, 547; and L. F. Tietze, et al., J. Org. Chem.1994, 59, 192.) The relationships between structure, chemical reactivity, and biological properties of CI-based analogs have also been characterized. (D. L. Boger, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.1991, 88, 1431; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1991, 113, 3980; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1989, 54, 1238; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1990, 112, 5230; K. J. Drost, et al., J. Org. Chem.1989, 54, 5985; J. H. Tidwell, et al., J. Org. Chem.1992, 57, 6380; J. Sundberg, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1986, 27, 2687; Y. Wang, et al., Heterocycles1993, 36, 1399; Y. Wang, et al., J. Med. Chem.1993, 36, 4172; L. F. Tietze, et al., Chem. Ber.1993, 126, 2733; and T. Sakamoto, et al., J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans.1 1993, 1941.) The relationships between structure, chemical reactivity, and biological properties of C₂BI-based analogs have also been characterized. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1992, 114, 9318; and D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem.1993, 1, 27.) The relationships between structure, chemical reactivity, and biological properties of CBQ-based analogs have also been characterized. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1994, 116, 6461; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1994, 116, 11335.) F. Mohamadi et al. have characterized the relationships between structure, chemical reactivity, and biological properties of CFI-based analogs (J. Med Chem.1994, 37, 232.) A p-quinonemethide analog was characterized by D. L. Boger, et al.. (J. Org. Chem.1994, 59, 4943.)

[0007] Concurrent with the above structure/function studies, substantial efforts have been devoted to developing potential clinical candidates based on the natural product structures having enhanced in vivo efficacy. Compounds 4-8 are analogs of the natural product structures having enhanced in vivo efficacy with clinical potential. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1984, 49, 2240; M. A. Warephoski, M. A. Tetrahedron Lett.1986, 27, 4103; Li, L. H.; Invest New Drugs1991, 9, 137; B. K. Bhuyan, et al., Cancer Res.1992, 52, 5687; B. K. Bhuyan, et al., Cancer Res.1993, 53, 1354; L. H. Li, et al., Cancer Res.1992, 52, 4904; M. A. Mitchell, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1991, 113, 8994. Lee, C.-S.; Gibson, N. W. Cancer Res.1991, 51, 6586. Lee, C.-S.; Gibson, N. W. Biochemistry1993, 32, 9108; Wierenga, W. Drugs Fut.1991, 16, 741; K. Gomi, et al., Jpn. J. Cancer Res.1992, 83, 113. Okamoto, A.; Okabe, M.; Gomi, K. Jpn. J. Cancer Res.1993, 84, 93; E. Kobayashi, et al., Cancer Res.1994, 54, 2404; and H. Ogasawara, Jpn. J. Cancer Res.1994, 85, 418. ) A Phase I clinical trial one one drug candidate in this class is described by G. F. Fleming, et al., (J. Natl. Cancer Inst.1994, 86, 368.) Efforts have also focused on the development of analogs having decreased delayed toxicity as compared to the natural form of (+)-CC-1065. (J. P. McGovren, et al., Cancer Res.1993, 53, 5690.) Importantly, this unusual property has not been observed with ent-(−)-CC-1065, although it is equally cytotoxic, and is not observed with the naturally-derived duocarmycins as well as simplified analogs of the natural products.

[0008] The first preparation and examination of agents containing the 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (CBI) alkylation subunit were described in connection with efforts to evaluate CC-1065 and duocarmycin analogs bearing deep-seated structural alterations in the alkylation subunit. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1989, 111, 6461; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1990, 55, 5823.) These agents were employed as tools to identify the structural features of compounds 1-3 associated with their sequence selective alkylation of duplex DNA and to define the fundamental relationships between structure, chemical or functional reactivity and biological properties.

[0009] Prior to the present invention, it had been assumed that the unique alkylating activity of the naturally occurring CPI subunit of CC-1065 would be degraded if this portion of the molecule were structurally altered. (L. H. Hurley, et al., Science1984, 226, 843; V. L. Reynolds, et al., Biochemistry1985, 24, 6228. L. H. Hurley, et al., Biochemistry1988, 27, 3886; L. H. Hurley, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1990, 112, 4633; M. A. Warpehoski, et al., J. Biochemistry1992, 31, 2502; D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem.1994, 2, 115; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1990, 112, 4623; M. A. Warpehoski, et al., In Advances in DNA Sequence Specific Agents;Hurley, L. H., Ed.; JAI Press: Greenwich, Conn., 1992, Vol 1, 217; M. A. Warpehoski, Drugs Fut.1991, 16, 131; M. A. Warpehoski, et al., in Molecular Basis of Specificity in Nucleic Acid-Drug Interactions;B. Pullman and J. Jortner, Eds.; Kluwer: Netherlands; 1990, 531; M. A. Warpehoski, et al., Chem. Res. Toxicol.1988, 1, 315; Hurley, L. H.;. In Molecular Aspects of Anticancer Drug-DNA Interactions;Neidle, S., Waring, M., Eds.; CRC Press: Ann Arbor, Mich. 1993, Vol 1, 89; and L. H. Hurley, et al., Acc. Chem. Res.1986, 19, 230.) The above assumption is disclosed herein to be inaccurate. Furthermore, the natural enantiomers of the CBI-based analogs of (+)-CC-1065, have been shown to be approximately four times more stable chemically and approximately four times more potent biologically as compared to the corresponding agents incorporating the natural CPI alkylation subunit of CC-1065. (D. L. Boger, et al., Tetrahedron Lett.1990, 31, 793; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1992, 57, 2873; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1995, 60, 0000.) The CBI analogs are also considerably more synthetically accessible as compared to the naturally occuring CPI compounds. (+)-CBI-indole₂(27) exhibits cytotoxic potency comparable to that of the (+)-CC-1065 and greater (4×) than that of the potential clinical candidate (+)-CPI-indole₂(4, U71,184) introduced by Upjohn. (+)-CBI-indole₂(27) also exhibits potent and efficacious in vivo antitumor activity. (D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.1991, 1, 115.) (+)-CBI-indole₂(27) was the first efficacious antitumor activity by a CC-1065 analog possessing a structurally altered and simplified DNA alkylation subunit. Moreover, the agent further lacked the delayed fatal toxicity characteristic of (+)-CC-1065.

[0010] The natural enantiomers of the CBI-based analogs have been shown to alkylate DNA with an unaltered sequence selectivity as compared to the corresponding CPI analog. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1994, 116, 7996; and P. A. Aristoff, et al., J. Med Chem.1993, 36, 1956.) Furthermore, the DNA alkylation of CBI-based analogs occurs at an enhanced rate as compared to the corresponding CPI analogs (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1991, 113, 2779) and with a greater efficiency than the corresponding CPI analog. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1992, 114, 5487)

[0011] Refined models of the DNA alkylation reactions of the duocarmycins have been developed which accomodate the reversed and offset AT-rich adenine N3 DNA alkylation selectivity of the enantiomeric agents and their structural analogs. (D. L. Boger, et al.,i J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 4499; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1990, 112, 8961; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1991, 113, 6645; D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1993, 115, 9872; D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.1992, 2, 759; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1994, 116, 1635.) A similar refined model of the DNA alkylation reactions of CC-1065 have been developed which also accomodate the reversed and offset AT-rich adenine N3 DNA alkylation selectivity of the enantiomeric agents and their structural analogs. (D. L. Boger, et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem.1994, 2, 115; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.1990, 112, 4623.) These models teach that the diastereomeric adducts derived from the unnatural enantiomers suffer a significant destabilizing steric interaction between the CPI C7 center (CH₃) or the CBI C8 center with the base adjacent to the alkylated adenine which is not present with the natural enantiomer adducts. Moreover, the distinguishing features of the natural and unnatural enantiomers diminish or disappear as the inherent steric bulk surrounding this center is reduced or removed. Because of the unnatural enantiomer sensitivity to destabilizing steric interactions surrounding the CPI C7 or CBI C8 center, the unnatural enantiomers of the CBI-based analogs are particularly more effective than the corresponding CPI analog displaying an even more enhanced relative rate and efficiency of DNA alkylation.

[0012] An extensive study of analogs of the potent antitumor antibiotics CC-1065 and the duocarmycins which incorporate the 1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (CBI) alkylation subunit are detailed. In contrast to early speculation, deep-seated modifications in the CC-1065 and duocarmycin alkylation subunits are well tolerated and the CBI-based analogs proved to be potent cytotoxic agents and efficacious antitumor compounds. Full details of studies defining a direct relationship between functional stability and in vitro cytotoxic potency are described. As such, the readily accessible CBI-based analogs were found to be 4× more stable and 4× more potent than the corresponding analogs containing the authentic CPI alkylation subunit of CC-1065 and comparable in potency to agents containing the authentic alkylation subunit of duocarmycin SA. Similarly, the CBI-based agents alkylate DNA with an unaltered sequence selectivity at an enhanced rate and with a greater efficiency than the corresponding CPI analog and were comparable to the corresponding analog incorporating the duocarmycin SA alkylation subunit. Systematic and extensive modifications and simplifications in the DNA binding subunits attached to CBI were explored with the comparisons of both enantiomers of 1-3 with both enantiomers of 18-24, 25-29, 57-61, 62-65, 66-68, 72-73 and 78-79.

[0013] Simple Derivatives of CBI. Role of the N²Substituent and Validation of a Direct Relationship Between Functional Stability and In Vitro Cytotoxic Potency. Substantial quantities of optically active natural-(1S)- and ent-(1R)-15 were prepared through use of our original synthesis of CBI and its precursors, as referenced above with two recent modifications. (D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1992, 57, 2873; and D. L. Boger, et al., J. Org. Chem.1995, 60, 0000.) The most efficient approach now proceeds in 9 steps and in 38% overall yield from commercially available 1,3-dihydroxynapthalene based on a key 5-exo-trig aryl radical-alkene cyclization for the direct preparation of N-BOC-5-benzyloxy-1-hydroxymethyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole. Moreover, the initial resolution we described based on the chromatographic separation of the diastereomeric (R)-O-acetyl madelate esters of the primary alcohol precursor to 15 which has been adopted by others has been since improved in our efforts. The more advanced synthetic intermediate 15, and in fact the penultimate intermediate to the CBI-based analogs, may be directly and more efficiently resolved (α=1.28) on an analytical or preparative Daicel Chiralcel OD column without recourse to diastereomeric derivatization. For our purposes, 20 mg of 15 could be separated in a single injection on a semipreparative 10 μm, 2×25 cm OD HPLC column (5% i-PrOH-hexane, 8 mL/min) with a 90-100% recovery of the total sample. Conversion of natural (1S)- and ent-(1R)-15 to (+)- and ent-(−)-N-BOC-CBI (9), and (+)- and ent-(−)-CBI (17) have been detailed in our initial studies, and provided our comparison standards for the studies detailed below (FIG. 1).

[0014] Initial studies conducted with simple derivatives of the (+)-CC-1065 alkylation subunit (CPI) led to the proposal that there exists a direct relationship between an agent's reactivity and in vitro cytotoxic potency (L1210, IC₅₀) and established the expectation that the biological potency may be enhanced as their electrophilic reactivity is increased. In our complementary series of studies conducted with agents containing deep-seated modifications in the alkylation subunit including 9-14, the reverse relationship has been observed and the agents possessing the greatest chemical solvolysis stability exhibited the most potent in vitro cytotoxic activity. Moreover, a direct relationship between solvolytic stability and biological potency has been observed and proved to be general with both simple and advanced analogs of the natural products.

[0015] As a consequence of these studies, we became interested in the inherent role of the CC-1065 and duocarmycin N²substituent. Consequently, the simple derivatives 21-24 of (+)-CBI were prepared for examination and, by virtue of their structural similarities, were expected to more accurately reflect a potential relationship between functional reactivity and biological potency than the preceding studies. Treatment of crude, freshly prepared 16 with methyl isocyanate (2 equiv, 3 equiv NaHCO₃, THF, 0-25° C., 1 h, 83%) provided 18 and attempts to conduct this reaction in more polar solvents including DMF or in the presence of a stronger base (i.e. Et₃N) which promotes competitive closure of 16 to CBI (17) led to lower conversions. Spirocyclization of 18 to 21 was effected by treatment with DBU (2 equiv, DMF, 4° C., 48 h, 90%) and the use of shorter reaction periods (24 h, 55%) or less polar solvents (THF, 18 h, 35%) provided lower conversions. Treatment of the freshly generated crude indoline hydrochloride salt 16 with ClCO₂CH₃(2 equiv, 3 equiv NaHCO₃, THF, 0-25° C., 1.5 h) provided 19 (100%) in quantitative conversion. Spirocyclization of 19 to provide 22 was effected by treatment with DBU (2 equiv, THF, 0° C., 48 h and 25° C., 10 h, 93%) and the rate of ring closure of 19 to 22 only became significant at 25° C. under these conditions. Even treatment of 19 with K₂CO₃(1.5 equiv, THF, 25° C., 5 d, 51%) provided 22 albeit with this latter reaction requiring a long reaction period. Similarly, treatment of crude 16 with ClCOCH₂CH₃(2 equiv, 3 equiv NaHCO₃, THF, 0-25° C., 5 h or 0° C., 1H) cleanly provided 20 (94-98%). Spirocyclization of 20 to cleanly provide 23 was effected by simply dissolving 20 in a 1:1 mixture of 5% aqueous NaHCO₃-THF (25° C., 5-10 h, 97%) and stirring the resulting two-phase reaction mixture at room temperature. Given the ease of hydrolysis of N-acyl-CBI derivatives upon exposure to aqueous base, it is of special note that this set of reaction conditions worked so well for 23. Lower conversions to 23 were observed upon treatment of 20 with DBU (2 equiv, THF, 0-25° C., 18 h) and, although this was not examined in detail, can be attributed to a slow cyclization under the reaction conditions resulting in significant amounts of recovered, unreacted 20. Surprisingly, the most challenging of the derivatives to prepare was 24. Attempts to couple freshly generated 16 with ClSO₂CH₂CH₃under a wide range of reaction conditions deliberately generating or avoiding sulfene formation suffered from competitive or preferential O-sulfonylation or competitive closure to 17. Although this approach could be used to generate 24, the most productive preparation was accomplished simply by reaction of the sodium salt of CBI (17, 2.5 equiv NaH, THF, 0° C., 10 min) with ClSO₂CH₂CH₃(7 equiv, 3 equiv Et₃N, 25° C., 3 h, 45%) to provide 24 directly.

[0016] The acid-catalyzed solvolysis of 21-24 conducted at pH 3 (CH₃OH—H₂O) were followed spectrophotometrically by UV with the disappearance of the characteristic long-wavelength absorption band of the CBI chromophore and with the appearance of a short-wavelength absorption band attributable to the seco-N-BOC-CBI derivative, FIGS. 19A-19B. The results of these studies along with the cytotoxic activities of 21-24 are summarized in FIGS. 20A-20D. The cytotoxic activity of the full set of agents examined and the comparisons with the related CPI-based agents are summarized in FIG. 7.

[0017] The comparisons of 21-24 revealed a direct, linear relationship between the cytotoxic potency (L1210, log 1/IC₅₀) and the solvolytic stability (−log k_solv, pH 3) of the agents (FIGS. 20A-20D). Thus, similar to the trend observed with 9-14, the solvolytically more stable derivatives of CBI proved to be the most potent. Similarly, a linear relationship was found between the electron-withdrawing properties of the N²substituents (Hammett σ_pconstant) and the solvolysis reactivity (−log k_solv, pH 3) of the agents with the strongest electron-withdrawing substituents providing the most stable agents (FIGS. 20A-20D). This latter relationship reflects the influence of the N²substituent on the ease of C4 carbonyl protonation required for catalysis of solvolysis and cyclopropyl ring cleavage with the stronger electron-withdrawing N²substituents exhibiting slower solvolysis rates. Less obvious but more fundamental, the observations were found to follow a predictable linear relationship between the cytotoxic potency (L1210, log 1/IC₅₀) and the electron-withdrawing properties of the N²substituent (Hammett σ_p) with the strongest electron-withdrawing substituents providing the biologically most potent agents (FIGS. 20A-20D).

[0018] These fundamental correlations between the electron-withdrawing properties of the N²substituent, the functional reactivity of the agents, and their biological potency should prove useful in the predictable design of new analogs. In fact, it is this fundamental validation of the direct relationship between functional stability and biological potency that suggests that the CBI-based analogs, which are 4× more stable than the corresponding CPI-based analogs, offer rationally-based advantages that may be expected to be even further enhanced by the inherent selectivity that is intrinsic in the diminished reactivity. For agents in this class which possess sufficient reactivity to effectively alkylate duplex DNA, the chemically more stable agents may be expected to constitute the biologically more potent agents. Presumably, this may be attributed to the more effective delivery of the more stable agents to their intracellular target, and the solvolysis rates may be taken to represent a general measure of the relative functional reactivity. Notably, the consumption of the agent in route to its intracellular target need not be simply nonproductive solvolysis but competitive alkylation of nonproductive extra- and intracellular sites as well including the potential of nonproductive sites within duplex DNA. Since the chemically more stable agents provide thermodynamically less stable and more readily reversed addition products, the observations may also represent a more effective thermodynamic partitioning of the agents to their productive intracellular target or site(s).

[0019] Consistent with prior observations, the corresponding seco agents 15 and 18-20 which serve as the immediate synthetic precursors to 9 and 21-23 exhibited a cytotoxic potency indistinguishable from that of the corresponding agent incorporating the preformed cyclopropane ring. Since simple C4 phenol O-alkyl (CH₃, CH₂Ph) and O-acyl derivatives of 15 exhibit substantially diminished cytotoxic potency (10-100×), this equivalency of the seco precursors 15 and 18-20 with 9 and 21-23 most likely may be attributed to their facile closure to the biologically relevant and more potent cyclopropane containing agents. Notably, such observations have been instrumental in the successful development of prodrug strategies for the advanced analogs of the natural products including 6-8.

[0020] Although we have described an extensive account of the DNA alkylation properties of (+)- and ent-(−)-N-BOC-CBI (9) and their comparison with those of (+)- and ent-(−)-N-BOC-CPI (11) the properties of 21-24 and their relationship to the biological evaluations are worth summarizing. The agents 21-24 behaved in a manner comparable to 9. The natural and unnatural enantiomers of 21-24 were substantially less efficient (ca. 10⁴×), less selective (selectivity=5′-AA>5′-TA) with 40-45% of all adenines alkylated over a 10-fold agent concentration range, and exhibited an altered DNA alkylation profile than (+)- or ent-(−)-1-3. Moreover, the natural enantiomers of 21-24, like (+)- vs ent-(−)-9, proved to be approximately 5-10× more efficient than the unnatural enantiomers at alkylating DNA, but were found to exhibit the same selectivity and alkylate the same sites. This alkylation selectivity of 21-24, like that of 9, was identical to that of (+)- or ent-(−)-N-BOC-CPI. However, both the natural enantiomers (5×) and especially the unnatural enantiomers (10-100×) of the CBI-based agents were more effective at alkylating DNA than the corresponding CPI-based agent consistent with models that we have discussed in detail. Importantly, the less reactive CBI-based agents were found to alkylate DNA at a faster rate, with a greater efficiency, and with a slightly greater selectivity among the available sites than the corresponding CPI-based agent. This may be interpreted in terms of agents steric accessibility to the adenine N3 alkylation site where the C7 methyl group of the CPI alkylation subunit sterically decelerates the rate of DNA alkylation to the extent that the less reactive, but more accessible, CBI subunit alkylates DNA at a more rapid rate. Since the unnatural enantiomers are even more sensitive to destabilizing steric interactions at the CPI C7 or CBI C8 position, the unnatural enantiomers of the CBI-based agents are particularly more effective than the CPI-based agents.

[0021] Advanced Analogs of CC-1065 and the Duocarmycins: Simplification of the DNA Binding Subunits. The preparation and evaluation of both enantiomers of CBI-CDPI₂(25), CBI-CDPI₁(26), CBI-indole₂(27), CBI-indole₁(28), and CBI-TMI (29) and their corresponding seco precursors 30-34 have been disclosed in our early studies and their detailed comparisons with both enantiomers of CC-1065 or the duocarmycins described. More recently, 27, 28, and CBI-PDE-I₂have been disclosed by Aristoff and co-workers. The comparative cytotoxic activity of these prior agents prepared in our studies is summarized in FIG. 9 along with that of the corresponding CPI-based analog.

[0022] In an extension of our investigations which first revealed efficacious antitumor activity for 27, we have expanded the studies to the preparation and evaluation of 57-61, a larger series based on 27. The DNA binding subunits of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins contribute in several ways to the properties of the natural products. They contribute significantly to the DNA binding affinity which serves both to increase the rate of DNA alkylation relative to 9 and to thermodynamically stabilize the inherently reversible DNA alkylation reaction. While the former has been suggested to be the origin of the differences in the cytotoxic potency of 1 and 11 by others based principally on the comparisons of (+)-N-BOC-CPI (11), (+)-CPI-indole₁, and (+)-CPI-indole₂, we have proposed that it is the latter that constitutes the biologically significant distinction. This thermodynamic versus kinetic distinction was first proposed before the reversibility of the DNA alkylation reaction was experimentally verified and was based in part on the observation that the cytotoxic potency of a class of agents would plateau. For example, (+)-CC-1065, (+)-CPI-PDE-I₁, and (+)-CPI-CDPI_n(n=1-3) were found to be indistinguishable in our cytotoxic assays (IC₅₀=20 pM, L1210). Although the five agents exhibit large differences in their rates of DNA alkylation, all five form thermodynamically stable adducts under physiological conditions. We attribute the increase in cytotoxic potency of CPI-CDPI_n(n=1-3) vs 11 to noncovalent binding stabilization of the reversible DNA adduct formation and that it is the simple event not extent of this stabilization that results in their essentially equivalent properties. This interpretation further suggests that CPI-indole, and CBI-indole₁lack the sufficient stabilization for observation of full potency. Moreover, the interpretation is consistent with the observation that a maximum potency is achievable and that the level of this potency is directly related to the functional stability of the agents. Thus, the CBI-based agents examined to date exhibit a similar plateau of potency (5 pM, L1210) but at a level 4× more potent than that of the corresponding CPI-based agents (20 pM, L1210).

[0023] In addition, the DNA binding subunits of CC-1065 contribute to a strong AT-rich DNA binding selectivity which we have recently shown not only contributes to the alkylation selectivity of the agents but exerts an overriding dominate control. In early studies, we were able to demonstrate that the noncovalent binding affinity was derived nearly exclusively from stabilizing van der Waals contacts and hydrophobic binding. Not only did the studies suggest that CC-1065 is best represented as a selective alkylating agent superimposed on the trimer skeleton but removal of the peripheral methoxy and hydroxy substituents (PDE-I-CDPI) had no effect on its noncovalent AT-rich binding selectivity and little effect on its binding affinity. This dependence on hydrophobic binding stabilization results in preferential binding in the narrower, deeper AT-rich regions of the minor groove where the stabilizing van der Waals contacts are maximal (ΔG°=9.5-11.5 kcal/mol). Moreover, such studies suggested seminal ways in which the DNA binding subunits could be simplified (removal of polar substituents) without altering the characteristics responsible for the essential DNA binding affinity or selectivity.

[0024] The DNA binding subunits of the agents may also have a significant impact on the physical properties and characteristics of the agents. Most apparent is the remarkable solubility properties of CC-1065 which is essentially insoluble in all solvents except DMSO or DMF including polar protic or aprotic solvents, water, or nonpolar solvents. A major impact that structural variations in the central and right hand subunits may have is in the solubility properties of the agent and hence its biodistribution and bioavailability.

[0025] Finally, we have speculated that the extent of the noncovalent binding stabilization of the inherently reversible DNA alkylation reaction may be responsible for the unusual, delayed toxicity of CC-1065. That is, the extensive noncovalent binding stabilization of 1 that renders its DNA alkylation reaction irreversible while that of simpler agents including 2-3 are slowly reversible under physiological conditions offers a potential explanation for the apparently confusing toxicity profile among the analogs detailed to date. The only agents that have exhibited the delayed toxicity that we are aware of are (+)-CC-1065 (1), (+)-CPI-CDPI₂, and (+)-CBI-PDE-I₂. Each provide irreversible adduct formation under physiological conditions, and the unnatural enantiomers of each, which form inherently less stable and more reversible adducts, do not exhibit the delayed toxicity. Although speculative, it does suggest that simplified DNA binding subunits which provide sufficient but not extensive binding stabilization of the reversible DNA adduct might offer important advantages that relate to the inherent repair or reversal of nonproductive DNA alkylation sites. Moreover, this would also provide a further strong rationale for the use of less reactive alkylation subunits (CBI versus CPI) whose DNA adducts, while stable, are inherently less stable and more readily reversed.

[0026] The preparation of the expanded series of agents 57-61 and their corresponding seco derivatives 52-56 is summarized in FIG. 10. The simplified DNA binding subunits were assembled by coupling methyl 5-aminoindole-2-carboxylate (35) or methyl 5-aminobenzoxazole-2-carboxylate (36) with 37-39. Hydrolysis of the methyl esters 40-45 (LiOH, THF—CH₃OH—H₂O, 25° C.) followed by coupling of the carboxylic acids 46-51 with freshly generated 16 (EDCI, DMF, 25° C.) deliberately conducted in the absence of added base provided excellent yields of the seco agents 32 and 52-56. Spirocyclization of 32 and 52-56 was effected by treatment with NaH, DBN, or P₄-tBu and provided the agents 27 (CBI-indole₂) and 57-61.

[0027] The results of the cytotoxic evaluations of the agents are summarized in FIG. 11 along with those of CBI-indole₂(27) and CPI-indole₂. Several aspects of these comparative evaluations are notable. First, the natural enantiomers are substantially more potent than the unnatural enantiomers (130-1000×). In addition, the seco agents 32 and 52-56 exhibited the same levels of cytotoxic activity as the cyclopropane containing agents where compared although this was not investigated in detail. Most notably and with the exception of 60, the cytotoxic potency of natural enantiomers of the new agents were equivalent to or exceeded those of 27 and 57 and all were 2-6× more potent than the corresponding CPI analog. Moreover, the potencies of 32 and 52-56 approach or are equivalent with the ceiling of potency observed with 25-36 (5 pM).

[0028] Although we have described an extensive account of the DNA alkylation properties of both enantiomers of 25-27, 28, and 29 elsewhere, their comparisons with the corresponding CPI-based agents and their relationship to the biological evaluations merit summarizing. In these studies, a detailed investigation leading to the definition of the 3.5-5 base pair AT-rich adenine N3 alkylation selectivity of the agents were disclosed for both the natural and unnatural enantiomers, models were disclosed which accommodate the reversed binding orientations and offset AT-rich alkylation selectivity, and a beautiful explanation emerged which explains the diminished DNA capabilities of the unnatural enantiomers. Moreover, a clearer picture of the origin of the DNA alkylation selectivity and the structural features of the agents responsible have emerged from these studies. In a detailed comparative examination of the DNA alkylation properties of the CBI-based agents and the corresponding CPI-based analog or duocarmycin SA based agent, they have been found to exhibit identical DNA alkylation selectivities. This is nicely illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the comparisons of CBI-indole₂(27)/CPI-indole₂(4) and CBI-TMI (29)/duocarmycin SA (2), respectively. In addition, the CBI-based agents have been shown to alkylate DNA both at a faster rate and with a greater efficiency than the corresponding CPI-based agent. This is nicely illustrated in FIG. 21 with the comparison of (+)-CBI-indole₂(27) and (+)-CPI-indole₂(4) where 27 is 10× more efficient at alkylating w794 (4° C. or 37° C., data for latter not shown). Moreover, when the relative rates of DNA alkylation were directly compared at the single high affinity site of w794 DNA, that of CBI-indole₂was considerably faster, k(27)/k(4)=14, FIGS. 23A-23B. In contrast, the natural enantiomer of CBI-based agents and corresponding duocarmycin SA based agents have been found to alkylate w794 DNA with essentially indistinguishable efficiencies (FIG. 22) and at comparable rates, k(29)/k(2)=0.9, FIGS. 23A-23B.

[0029] In addition, because of the unnatural enantiomer sensitivity to destabilizing steric interactions surrounding the duocarmycin C7, CPI C7 or CBI C8 center, the unnatural enantiomers of the simpler CBI-based analogs are approximately 4-100× less effective than the natural enantiomers. In comparison, the unnatural enantiomers of the CPI-based analogs are 10-1000× less effective and the duocarmycin SA based analogs or agents are 1-10× less effective in both the cytotoxic assays and in their relative DNA alkylation rate or efficiency. Moreover, this distinction in the enantiomers diminishes only with the larger agents, ie. 25, where the extensive noncovalent binding interactions are sufficiently large to overcome the destabilizing steric interactions of the unnatural enantiomer alkylation. Importantly, these trends follow closely the relative cytotoxic potency of the agents, the relative stabilities of the three classes of agents, and highlight the enhanced distinctions of the CBI- versus CPI-based analogs and the comparable properties of the duocarmycin SA and CBI-based agents. Fundamental to members of this class of antitumor antibiotics, the natural enantiomers of the agents were found to follow a well-defined relationship between solvolysis (functional) stability (−log k, pH 3) and cytotoxic potency (1/log IC₅₀, L1210) where the chemically more stable agents within a given class exert the greatest potency, FIGS. 24A-24E. FIGS. 24A-24E include data for 4-6 available classes of agents that bear five different DNA binding subunits which we have examined, and although this relationship is undoubtedly a second order polynomial indicative of a parabolic relationship that will exhibit an optimal stability-reactivity/potency, the agents employed in FIGS. 24A-24E lie in a near linear range of such a plot. What is unmistakable in the comparisons, is the fundamental direct correlation between functional (solvolytic) stability and cytotoxic potency.

[0030] CBI-CDPBO₁and CBI-CDPBI₁: Deep-Seated Structural Variations in the DNA Binding Subunits. The efforts of Lown and Dervan have demonstrated that the distamycin AT-rich noncovalent binding selectivity may be altered to accommodate a G-C base-pair or to exhibit progressively altered AT-GC rich binding selectivity through introduction of a nitrogen within the backbone core structure capable of serving as hydrogen bonding acceptor. Accordingly, we have investigated whether similar changes in the core structure of CC-1065 would impact on its DNA binding selectivity and resulting DNA alkylation selectivity. Key to the importance of this examination was the recognition that the more rigid structure of CC-1065, its rigid helical bound conformation, and its near exclusive dependence on stabilizing van der Waals contacts and hydrophobic binding which dictates the preference for binding and alkylation within the narrower, deeper AT-rich minor groove may not be so easily overridden by introduction of a single hydrogen bond acceptor or donor.

[0031] In the conduct of these studies, we reported the preparation of (+)- and ent-(−)-CBI-CDPBO₁(62), (+)- and ent-(−)-CBI-CDPBI₁(64) and their corresponding seco precursors 63 and 65 bearing deep-seated modifications in the DNA binding subunit including the incorporation of a nitrogen atom capable of functioning as a hydrogen bond acceptor (CDPBO, CDPBI) or hydrogen bond donor (CDPBI) on their inside convex face which is projected to be in intimate contact with the minor groove floor.

[0032] The initial comparisons were made with agents containing a single DNA binding subunit where the single deep-seated structural modification in the DNA binding subunit might be expected to exert a more pronounced effect. In these studies, the DNA alkylation selectivities and efficiencies of the natural enantiomers of 62 and 64 were found to be essentially identical. Moreover, both were approximately 100× less efficient at alkylating DNA than (+)-CBI-CDPI₁(26). Thus, the simple incorporation of a single nitrogen into 64 versus 26 has a pronounced and detrimental effect on the relative efficiency of DNA alkylation. Identical to trends detailed in our prior work on the CBI-derived agents, the unnatural enantiomers of 62 abd 64 proved to be 10-100× less efficient at alkylating DNA than the corresponding natural enantiomers.

[0033] More interesting was the observed DNA alkylation selectivities of 62 and 64. The DNA alkylation selectivities of (+)-62 and (+)-64 were essentially identical and both were comparable to the selectivity observed with (+)-26. Although the DNA alkylation selectivity of (+)-62 and (+)-64 potentially could have been significantly altered or have become increasingly more tolerant of a GC base-pair in the alkylation sequence, the selectivity proved more revealing than this simple expectation. Not only did (+)-62 and (+)-64 alkylate DNA with the near identical selectivity of (+)-26, but the unnatural enantiomer selectivity for 62 and 64 proved essentially identical to that of ent-(−)-26. Thus, in a manner essentially identical to (+)- and ent-(−)-26 which exhibit distinct alkylation selectivities (5′-A/TA/TA/TA versus 5′-A/TAA/TA/T, respectively) characteristic of the reverse binding orientations and offset 3.5 base-pair AT-rich binding sites surrounding the alkylation site, the two entantiomers of 62 and 64 alkylated essentially the same sites as the corresponding enantiomers of 26 within duplex DNA. Moreover, this was observed to occur not with the increasing tolerance for incorporation of GC base-pairs in the alkylation sequence, but rather with a diminished DNA alkylation efficiency (100×) relative to that of (+)- and ent-(−)-CBI-CDPI₁(26). The potential origin of these effects have been discussed elsewhere.

[0034] The cytotoxic properties of 62-65 and that of the closely related CBI agents are summarized in FIG. 13. Consistent with their relative efficiencies of DNA alkylation, the natural enantiomers of 62 and 64 were essentially indistinguishable (500-1000 pM, L1210) and 100-200× less potent than (+)-CBI-CDPI₁(26). Thus, the introduction of the single nitrogen atom in the DNA binding subunit of 64 reduced the biological potency 100 to 200-fold. Consistent with prior observations, the natural enantiomers of 62 and 64 were 10-100× more potent than the corresponding unnatural enantiomers. CBI-Indole-NMe₃⁺: Electropositive Substituents Capable of Enhancing DNA

[0035] Alkylation Efficiency Through Stabilizing Electrostatic Interactions. In recent studies, we have studied the impact that electronegative and electropositive substituents placed on peripheral face of the agents have on the noncovalent DNA binding affinity and selectivity. In these studies, we defined a destabilizing contribution to the DNA binding affinity that results from the introduction of a strong electronegative substituent and described a substantial enhancement of noncovalent binding affinity that results from introduction of an electropositive substituent. This was attributed to a spatially well-defined destabilizing or stabilizing electrostatic interaction with the negatively charged DNA phosphate backbone, respectively, and was found to have little impact on the intrinsic AT-rich binding selectivity of the parent agents. These studies were recently extended to the preparation of 66-68, close analogs of 28/33, containing a peripheral quaternary ammonium salt capable of providing a strong, stabilizing electrostatic interaction with the DNA phosphate backbone. Consistent with expectations, the agents 66-68 alkylated DNA with the same relative efficiency as 1-2 and were approximately 100× more effective than 28 or 33 which lack the ammonium salt substituent. Because of the smaller size of the agents, they exhibited a DNA alkylation selectivity that was subtly altered from that of (+)-CC-1065, but comparable to that of (+)-duocarmycin SA. In addition, the agents were water soluble and offer potential advantages over the existing agents.

[0036] Consequently, we were interested in the relative cytotoxic properties of 66-68 and the results of their evaluations are summarized in FIG. 15. Although 66-68 were essentially identical in their cytotoxic potencies (10 nM), they proved to be slightly less potent than (+)-CBI-indole₁(28) and approximately 1000× less potent than (+)-1 and (+)-2. This is in contrast to expectations based on their relative efficiencies of DNA alkylation. Although this was not investigated, we attribute this diminished cytotoxic potency to ineffective cellular penetration required for the agents to reach their intracellular target.

[0037] Additional Analogs. In the course of our investigations, several additional agents have been examined including 73 and 75, simple derivatives of the CBI alkylation subunit which possess enhanced DNA alkylation capabilities and in vitro cytotoxic potency by virtue of stabilizing electrostatic DNA binding. That is, in place of the DNA binding affinity derived from hydrophobic binding and stabilizing van der Waals contacts provided by the central and right-hand subunits of 1-3, the simple electrostatic binding affinity provided by the protonated amine of 73 and 75 with the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA proved sufficient to substantially enhance the DNA alkylation intensity and in vitro cytotoxic activity.

[0038] The semicarbazide of CBI and its seco chloride precursor were prepared as detailed in FIG. 16. Treatment of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)carbonate (69) with tert-butylcarbazate (70, 1 equiv, 24° C., 2 h, EtOAc) provided 71 (61%) and a convenient acylating agent for introduction of the tert-butyloxycarbonyl protected hydrazide. N-deprotection of 15 (3 N HCl-EtOAc, 24° C., 20 min, 100%) followed by immediate treatment of the unstable amine hydrochloride salt 16 with 71 (1.3 equiv, 1 equiv Et₃N, 24° C., 5.5 h, THF, 91%) provided 72 in excellent yield. Acid-catalyzed N-BOC deprotection of 72 provided 73 and exposure of 72 or 73 to 5% aqueous NaHCO₃-THF (24° C.) provided 74 or 75, respectively.

[0039] The results of the in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of the N-semicarbazide of CBI conducted on its more stable seco precursor 73 are detailed in FIG. 18 along with the comparative results from the evaluation of N-BOC-CBI (15) and 72. Notably, 73 which possesses the free amine exhibited more potent in vitro cytotoxic activity than its precursor possessing the tert-butylcarbazate (72, ca. 100×) or N-BOC-CBI (9) itself, and proved to be only 100× less potent than (+)-CC-1065.

[0040] Consistent with the trends observed in the relative cytotoxic potency of the agents, the intensity of DNA alkylation similarly increased with the introduction of the free semicarbazide and the results of these studies have been detailed elsewhere. Thus, the introduction of a positively charged functionality (protonated amine) onto the simple CBI alkylation subunit served to enhance the DNA alkylation intensity of the agent presumably by providing noncovalent electrostatic DNA binding affinity to the agents. Consistent with the enhancement in the DNA alkylation intensity (100×), the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the agents increased correspondingly (100×).

[0041] The introduction of a terminal semicarbazide onto CBI-CDPI₂was carried for comparison purposes (FIG. 17). Acid-catalyzed deprotection of N-BOC-CDPI₂(76, CF₃CO₂H, 25° C., 1 h) followed by coupling of crude amine salt with 71 (1.5 equiv, 1 equiv Et₃N, 25° C., 19 h, 91% overall) provided 77 in excellent conversion. Direct coupling of 77 with freshly generated 16 (3 equiv EDCI, DMF, 25° C., 10 h) provided 78 (65%) in good conversions. Acid-catalyzed deprotection (3M HCl-EtOAc, 25° C., 30 min) cleanly provided 79 (95-100%).

[0042] The examination of 78 and 79 revealed that this alteration in the C-terminus of CBI-CDPI₂(25) did not impact on the inherent properties of the agent, FIG. 18. Thus, in contrast to 73 where the introduction of a stabilizing electrostatic interaction enhances the DNA alkylation efficiency and cytotoxic potency of the agent, it had no impact on the properties of 79 versus 78/25. Presumably, this may be attributed to the fact that the noncovalent hydrophobic binding affinity of 25 is already sufficient to provide fuill stabilization of the reversible DNA adduct and the maximal cytotoxic potency and that the additional electrostatic stabilization provided in 79 is unnecessary.

[0043] Notably, the terminal acyl hydrazides of 73, 75 and 79 may serve as useful functionality for subsequent reversible or irreversible conjugation with tumor selective delivery systems and such studies are underway.

[0044] In contrast to early speculation, deep-seated modifications in the CC-1065 and duocarmycin alkylation subunit are well tolerated and the CBI-based analogs proved to be potent cytotoxic agents and efficacious antitumor compounds. A direct relationship between functional stability and cytotoxic potency was defined and validated. As such, the readily accessible CBI-based analogs were found to be 4× more stable and 4× more potent than the corresponding analogs containing the CPI alkylation subunit of CC-1065 and comparable in potency to the agents containing the duocarmycin SA alkylation subunit. Similarly, the CBI-based agents alkylate DNA with an unaltered sequence selectivity at an enhanced rate and with a greater efficiency than the corresponding CPI analogs and were comparable to the corresponding DSA analog. Systematic modification and simplification of the attached DNA binding subunits have provided a series of synthetic and potent cytotoxic agents including 25-29 and 57-61 whose biological profile are under further study. A number of the agents detailed herein exhibit potent and efficacious antitumor activity.

[0045] One aspect of the invention is directed to a compound represented by the following structure:

[0046] wherein R₁is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, —NHNHCO₂^tBu, and a radical. The radical is represented by the following structure:

[0047] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of NH and O; B is selected from the group consisting of C and N; R₂is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃and a first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₃is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃₁the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₄is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), and N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃; R₅is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), and N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃; and V₁represents a first vinylene group between R₂and R₃. The following provisos apply: if R₂participates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₃also particlates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; if R₃participates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₂also particlates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; if R₂and R₃participate in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₄and R₅are hydrogen; and if R₂is hydrogen, then R₄and R₅are hydrogen and R₃is N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃. The first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring is fused to the first vinylene group between R₂and R₃and is represented by the following structure:

[0048] wherein V₁represents the first vinylene group between R₂and R₃; R₆is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, —NHNHCO₂^tBu, and a radical. The radical is represented by the following structure:

[0049] wherein C is selected from the group consisting of NH and O; D is selected from the group consisting of C and N; R₇is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃, and a second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₈is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃, the second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; and V₂represents the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈. The following provisos apply: if R₇participates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₈also particlates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; and if R₈participates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring only if R₇also particlates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring. The second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring is fused to the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈and is represented by the following structure:

[0050] wherein V₂represents the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈; and R₉is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, and —NHNHCO₂^tBu.

[0051] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound represented by the following structure:

[0052] wherein X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine, iodine, and OTOS; and R₁is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, —NHNHCO₂^tBu, and a radical. The radical is represented by the following structure:

[0053] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of NH and O; B is selected from the group consisting of C and N; R₂is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃and a first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₃is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6), the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₄is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), and N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃; R₅is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), and N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃; and V₁represents a first vinylene group between R₂and R₃. The following provisos apply: if R₂participates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R3 also particlates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; if R₃participates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₂also particlates in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; if R₂and R₃participate in the first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₄and R₅are hydrogen; and if R₂is hydrogen, then R₄and R₅are hydrogen and R₃is N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃. The first N-substituted pyrrolidine ring is fused to the first vinylene group between R₂and R₃and is represented by the following structure:

[0054] wherein V₁represents the first vinylene group between R₂and R₃; R₆is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, —NHNHCO₂^tBu, and a radical. The radical is represented by the following structure:

[0055] wherein C is selected from the group consisting of NH and O; D is selected from the group consisting of C and N; R₇is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃, and a second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; R₈is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, O-alkyl (C1-C6), N-alkyl (C1-C6)₃, the second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; and V₂represents the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈. The following provisos apply: if R₇participates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring, then R₈also particlates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring; and if R₈participates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring only if R₇also particlates in the N-substituted pyrrolidine ring. The second N-substituted pyrrolidine ring is fused to the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈and is represented by the following structure:

[0056] wherein V₂represents the second vinylene group between R₇and R₈; and R₉is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂CH₃(alkyl), —NHCH₃(-N-alkyl), —OCH₃(O-alkyl), —NH₂, —NHNH₂, and —NHNHCO₂^tBu.

[0057] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound represented by the following structure:

[0058] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of NH and O and B is selected from the group consisting of NH, O, and S.

[0059] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0060] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structures:

[0061] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0062] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0063] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0064] where R is selected from the group comprising of: H, 5-NMe₃⁺, 6-NMe₃⁺, 7-NMe₃⁺.

[0065] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0066] where R is selected from the group comprising of: CO₂^tBu, H—HCl.

[0067] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0068] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0069] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0070] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0071] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0072] where R is selected from the group comprising of: H—HCl, CONHMe, CO₂CH₃, COEt.

[0073] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0074] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0075] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of O and R is selected from the group consisting of NO₂and NH₂.

[0076] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0077] wherein B is selected from the group consisting of O and S.

[0078] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0079] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of NH and O and B is selected from the group consisting of NH, O, and S and R is selected from the group consisting of H and CH₃.

[0080] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a compound compound represented by the following structure:

[0081] wherein A is selected from the group consisting of NH and O and B is selected from the group consisting of NH, O, and S.

[0082] FIG. 1 illustrates the structures of (+)-CC-1065 (+)-1b, (+)-duocarmycin SA (+)-2, (+)-duocarmycin A and (+)-3.

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates the structures of adozelesin (derivatives 4 and 5), carzelesin (6) and KW-2189 (8).

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates the structures of CBI analogs which are based on CPI analogs.

[0085] FIG. 4 illustrates the synthesis of compound 14 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0086] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the synthesis of compounds 16, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 and 34 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates the structures of compounds 9, 10, 11, 12, and 14 with the indicated rate constant k (s⁻¹, pH 3) of acid-catalyzed solvolysis, half life t_½in solution and cytotoxic activity IC₅₀(L1210 cells).

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates a summary of the cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀(L1210, nM)) of the set of agents examined and the comparison with the related CPI-based agents. Agents are indicated as natural or unnatural.

[0089] FIG. 8 illustraes the structures of CBI analogs 25-29 and the intermediate CBI analogs 30-34 with the indicated R groups.

[0090] FIG. 9 illustrates a summary of the comparative cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀(L1210, nM)) of prior agents prepared in our studies. Agents are indicated as natural or unnatural.

[0091] FIG. 10 illustrates the synthesis of compounds 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates a summary of the results of the cytotoxic evaluations of the agents examined and the comparison with the related CPI-based agents. Agents are indicated as natural or unnatural.

[0093] FIG. 12 illustrates the structures of CBI analogs (+)-62, 63, (+)-64 and 65, and indicates functional groups on the CDPBO and CDPBI analogs which are H-bond acceptor and donor, respectively.

[0094] FIG. 13 illustrates a summary of the results of the cytotoxic evaluations (IC₅₀(L1210, pM))of the agents examined and the comparison with the related CPI-based agents. Agents are indicated as natural or unnatural.

[0095] FIG. 14 illustrates the structures of CBI intermediate analogs 33, 66, 67 and 68.

[0096] FIG. 15 illustrates a summary of the relative alkylation efficiency (Rel DNA Alkylation) and representative cytotoxicity (IC₅₀(L1210, nM)) of agents 66-68 which contain a peripheral quaternary ammonium salt and are close analogs with 28 (values indicated).

[0097] FIG. 16 illustrates the synthesis of compounds 102 and 104 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0098] FIG. 17 illustrates the synthesis of compound 112 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0099] FIG. 18 illustrates a summary of the relative alkylation efficiency (Rel DNA Alkylation) and representative cytotoxicity (IC₅₀(L1210, nM)) of agents 9, 72, 73, 78, 79, and 25.

[0100] FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate the solvolysis of 23. Top: UV-visible spectra of 23 in 50% CH₃OH-aqueous buffer (pH 3) recorded at various time intervals (0, 21, 57, 84, 160, 371 h). Bottom: Plot of the disappearance of 23, 1−[(A−A_i)/(A_f−A_i) versus time from which the first order solvolysis rate constant was derived.

[0101] FIGS. 20A-20D illustrate the results of studies acid-catalyzed solvolysis studies of 21-24 conducted at pH 3 (CH₃OH—H₂O) were followed spectrophotometrically by UV with the disappearance of the characteristic long-wavelength absorption band of the CBI chromophore and with the appearance of a short-wavelength absorption band attributable to the seco-N-BOC-CBI derivative.

[0102] The comparisons of 21-24 reveal a direct, linear relationship between the cytotoxic potency (L1210, log 1/IC₅₀) and the solvolytic stability (−log k_solv, pH 3) of the agents. Similarly, a linear relationship was found between the electron-withdrawing properties of the N²substituents (Hammett_pconstant) and the solvolysis reactivity (−log k_solv, pH 3) of the agents with the strongest electron-withdrawing substituents providing the most stable agents. This latter relationship reflects the influence of the N²substituent on the ease of C4 carbonyl protonation required for catalysis of solvolysis and cyclopropyl ring cleavage with the stronger electron-withdrawing N²substituents exhibiting slower solvolysis rates. Less obvious but more fundamental, the observations were found to follow a predictable linear relationship between the cytotoxic potency (L1210, log 1/IC₅₀) and the electron-withdrawing properties of the N²substituent (Hammett_p) with the strongest electron-withdrawing substituents providing the biologically most potent agents.

[0103] FIG. 21 illustrates the thermally-induced strand cleavage of double-stranded DNA (144 bp, nucleotide no. 138-5238, clone w794) after 24 h incubation of agent-DNA at 4° C. followed by removal of unbound agent and 30 inutes incubation at 100° C.; denaturing 8% polyacrylamide gel and autoradiography. Lanes 1-4, Sanger G,C,A, and T sequencing reactions; lane 5, control labeled w794 DNA; lanes 6-8, (+)-CPI-indole₂((+)-4, 1×10⁻⁴-1×10⁻⁶M); lanes 9-11, (+)-CBI-indole₂((+)-27, 1×10⁻⁵-1×10⁻⁷M).

[0104] FIG. 22 illustrates the thermally-induced strand clealvage of 5′ end-labeled duplex DNA (clone w794, 144 bp, nucleotide no 138-5238). Incubation of agent-DNA at 25° C. (24 h) followed by removal of unbound agent and 30 min thermolysis at 100° C., denaturing 8% PAGE, and autoradiography. Lanes 1-2, ent-(−)-duocarmycin SA ((−)-2, 1×10⁻⁶and 1×10⁻⁷M); lanes 3-5, (+)-duocarmycin SA, ((+)-2, 1×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻⁸M); lanes 6-9, G, C, A and T sequencing reactions; lane 10, control labeled w794 DNA; lanes 11-13, (+)-CBI-TMI ((+)-29, 1×10⁻⁶-1×10⁻⁸M); lanes 14-15, ent-(−)-CBI-TMI ((−)-29, 1×10⁻⁵and 1×10⁻⁶M).

[0105] FIGS. 23A-23B represent the following: Top: Plot of % integrated optical density (% IOD) versus time established through autoradiography of 5′ ³²P end-labeled DNA and used to monitor the relative rate of w794 alkylation at the 5′-AATTA high affinity site for (+)-CBI-indole₂(27) and (+)-CPI-indole₂(4); 37° C., 0-5 d, 1×10⁻⁵M agent. Bottom: Plot of % integrated optical density (% IOD) versus time established through autoradiography of 5′ ³²P end-labeled DNA and used to monitor the relative rate of w794 alkylation at the 5′-AATTA high affinity site for (+)-duocarmycin SA (2) and (+)-CBI-TMI (29); 4° C., 0-24 h, 1×10⁻⁶M agent.

[0106] FIGS. 24A-24E illustrate the data for 4-6 available classes of agents that bear five different DNA binding subunits which we have examined and although this relationship is undoubtedly a second order polynomial indicative of a parabolic relationship that will exhibit an optimal stability-reactivity/potency, the agents employed in the figure lie in a near linear range of such a plot. What is unmistakable in the comparisons, is the fundamental direct correlation between functional (solvolytic) stability and cytotoxic potency.

[0107] FIG. 25 illustrates the synthesis of compound 128 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0108] FIG. 26 illustrates the synthesis of compound 154 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0109] FIG. 27 illustrates the synthesis of compounds 160 and 162 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0110] FIGS. 28A-28B illustrate the structures of CBI analogs (+)-160, intermediate 156, (+)-162 and intermediate 158, and indicates functional groups on the CDPBO and CDPBI analogs which are H-bond acceptor and donor, respectively.

[0111] FIG. 29 illustrates the synthesis of compounds 182, 184 and 186 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0112] FIG. 30 illustrates the synthesis of compounds 190, 192, 194, and 196 with the indicated intermediates, substrates, and intermediate steps.

[0113] Compound 4 (Illustrated in FIG. 4). A solution of 2 (as prepared in three steps from commercially available 1,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (71% overall), by Boger et. al. J. Org. Chem.1992, 2873) (1.28 g, 3.66 mmol) in 60 mL of a 1:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran-CH₃OH was cooled to −78° C. and 20 μL of H₂SO₄(or 20 mg P-toluenesulfonic acid H₂O) in 0.5 mL of tetrahydrofuran was added. N-Iodosuccinimide (910 mg, 4.03 mmol) in 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran was then introduced by cannula over 5 min. Upon complete reaction (ca. 3 h at −78° C.), 10 mL of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃and 50 mL of Diethyl ether were added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 25° C. and solid NaCl was added to saturate the aqueous layer. The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with Diethyl ether (2×10 mL). The organic layers were combined, washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃(1×10 mL) and saturated aqueous NaCI (2×10 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated. The crude product was purified by elution through a short column of SiO₂(2×4 cm, 20% Ethylacetate-hexane) to provide 4 (1.48 g, 85%) as a white, crystalline solid: mp 111-112° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.21 (dd, 1H, J=8.4, 0.8 Hz), 8.03 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 7.55-7.33 (m, 7H), 7.30 (br s, 1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 1.56 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 155.7, 152.8, 138.3, 136.6, 134.8, 131.2, 128.7, 128.6, 128.5, 128.1, 127.8, 124.5, 123.7, 122.7, 100.0, 81.2, 70.4, 28.4; IR (film) 3384, 2974, 2923, 1739, 1617, 1598, 1567, 1515, 1494, 1444, 1392, 1366, 1332, 1226, 1152, 1107, 1082 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-CsI) m/z 607.9715 (C₂₂H₂₂INO₃+Cs⁺ requires 607.9699). Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂₂INO₃: C, 55.59; H, 4.67; N, 2.95. Found: C, 55.85; H, 4.43; N, 2.97.

[0114] A solution of 4 (1.38 g, 2.90 mmol) in 25 mL of dimethylformamide at 0° C. was treated with NaH (60% dispersion in oil, 139 mg, 3.5 mmol) in several portions over 15 min. After 45 min, allyl bromide (1.05 g, 8.70 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was warmed to 25° C. and stirred for 3 h. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of 20 mL saturated aqueous NaHCO₃and the aqueous layer was extracted with Ethylacetate (4×15 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous NaCl (2×10 mL), dried (Na2SO₄), and concentrated under reduced pressure. Centrifugal thin layer chromatography (2 mm Chromatotron plate, 20-50% CH₂Cl₂-hexanes) provided 6 (1.24 g, 83%, typically 80-95%) as a colorless oil (mixture of amide rotamers in CDCl₃): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) (major rotamer) 8.30 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.29 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz), 7.60-7.29 (m, 7H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 5.96-5.86 (m, 1H), 5.27-4.96 (m, 4H), 4.52 (dd, 1H, J=15.0, 5.7 Hz), 3.79 (dd, 1H, J=15.0, 7.2 Hz, 1.29 (s, 9H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) (major rotamer) 154.9, 153.8, 143.0, 136.4, 135.3, 133.5, 132.7, 128.7, 128.6, 128.4, 128.1, 127.2, 126.1, 122.4, 117.9, 108.0, 95.0, 80.3, 70.2, 52.1, 28.3; IR (film) 3048, 2976, 2923, 1703, 1590, 1403, 1367, 1326, 1251, 1147, 1105 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-NaI) m/z 538.0855 (C₂₅H₂₆INO₃+Na⁺ requires 538.0860).

[0115] A solution of 6 (1.85 g, 3.59 mmol) and Tempo (1.68 g, 10.8 mmol) in 120 mL of freshyl distilled benzene (Na/benzophenone) under N₂was treated with Bu₃SnH (1.045 g, 3.59 mmol). The solution was warmed at 70° C. and three additional equivalents of Tempo (3×0.56 g) and Bu₃SnH (4×1.045 g) were added sequentially in four portions over the next 45 min. After 1 h, the solution was cooled to 25° C. and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. Centrifugal thinlayerchromatography (4 mm Chromatotron plate, 0-10% Ethylacetate-hexanes gradient elution) followed by recrystallization from hexanes provided 8 (1.71 g, 87%, typically 70-90%) as white needles: mp 170-172° C.; ¹H NM (C₆D₆, 400 MHz) 8.56 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz), 8.38 (br s, 1H), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.35 (ddd, 1H, J=8.3, 7.6, 1.2 Hz), 7.28 (d, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 7.20 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz), 7.15 (t, 2H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 4.36 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd, 1H, J=9.0, 4.5 Hz), 3.84 (m, 1H), 3.61 (m, 1H), 1.53 (s, 9H), 1.37-1.17 (m, 6H), 1.22 (s, 3H), 1.13 (s, 3H), 1.07 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 154.1, 151.4, 140.0, 135.8, 129.4, 127.3, 126.7, 126.3, 125.8, 121.9, 121.6, 121.4, 121.1, 114.8, 95.3, 79.2, 69.0, 58.5, 51.5, 38.4, 38.3, 37.2, 31.9, 27.3, 18.9, 15.8; IR (film) 2973, 2930, 1704, 1626, 1582, 1460, 1406, 1381, 1367, 1328, 1266, 1144, 1037, 787, 759 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-CsI) m/z 677.2340 (C₃₄H₄₄N₂O₄+Cs⁺ requires 677.2355). Anal Calcd for C₃₄H₄₄N₂O₄: C, 74.97; H, 8.14; N, 5.14. Found: C, 74.68; H, 8.37; N, 5.19.

[0116] A solution of 8 (1.61 g, 2.95 mmol) in 70 mL of a 3:1:1 mixture of HOAc-tetrahydrofuran-H₂O was treated with zinc powder (2.31 g, 35.4 g atoms) and the resulting suspension was warmed at 70° C. with vigorous stirring. After 2 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and the zinc was removed by filtration. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was dissolved in 40 mL of Ethylacetate and filtered. The solution was concentrated and subjected to centrifugal thin layer chromatography (4 mm Chromatotron plate, 15-35% Ethylacetate-hexanes gradient elution) to provide 10 (0.96 g, 1.19 g theoretical, 80%) identical in all respects with authentic material (see Boger et. al J. Am. Chem. Soc.1992, 114, 5487.

[0117] A solution of 10 (1.0 equiv.) and triphenylphosphine (2.0 equiv.) in methylene chloride (0.2 Molar) at 24° C. under argon was treated with carbon tetrachloride (6.0 equiv.) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 h (24° C.). Flash chromatography and resolution as derived from the cooresponding mandelate ester (see Boger et. al J. Org. Chem.,1990, 55, 5830, expt. 31), affords the enantiomerically pure compound 12.

[0118] A solution of 12 (1.0 equiv.) in 0.05 Molar tetrahydrofuran at 0° C. under argon was treated sequentially with a 25% aqueous ammonium formate (0.5 M) and 10% palladium/carbon (0.10 equiv.) and the reaction mixture stirred vigorously for 2.5 h (0° C.). Ether was mixed with the reaction mixture, and the mixture was dried (Magnesium sulphate). The solid was removed by filtration through Celite (ether wash). Concentration of the filtrate in vacuo afforded 14 as colorless needles.

[0119] Compound 14 (1.0 equiv.) was treated with anhydrous 3N hydrochloric acid in ethyl acetate (0.033 M) at 24° C. for 20 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude, unstable 16 (95%-100%). The crude product was directly carried on without purification (for a related procedure see Boger et. al. J. Org. Chem.1990, 23, 5831 experimental 5).

[0120] A solution of 14 (1.0 equiv.) in 0.01 M of tetrahydrofuran-dimethylformamide (1:1) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with NaH (1.5 equiv). The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 3.5 h. The mixture was placed on a flash chromatography column (SiO₂, 0.5×3 mm), and eluted with 5-10% CH₃OH—CHCl₃(gradient elution) to afford 18 as a bright yellow solid.

[0121] A solution of 16 (1.0 equiv.) in tetrahydrofuran (0.02 M) was treated with 0.02 M of 5% aqueous NaHCO₃and the two-phase mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 5 h under N₂. The reaction mixture was extracted with Ethylacetate (3×). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography afforded 20 as a pale yellow solid. As an alternative, one can obtain compound 20 from compound 18 in trifluoroacetic acid (0.1 equiv.) and methylene chloride (0.02 M) at 0° C. for 2 hours (for a related procedure see Boger et. al. J. Org. Chem.1990, 23, 5831 experimental 5).

[0122] Phenol 14 (6.9 mg, 21 μmol) was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl-Ethylacetate at 24° C. for 30 min under Ar. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude, unstable 16 (quantitative). A solution of 16 and NaHCO₃(5.2 mg, 62 μmol, 3 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (0.3 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with CH₃NCO (2.4 μL, 41 μmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was kept at 0° C. for 1 h under Ar before the solvent was removed under a stream of N₂. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0.5×3 cm, 50-80% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 22 (5.0 mg, 6.0 mg theoretical, 83%) as a pale greenish solid: ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.11 (d, 1H, J =8.4 Hz, C6-H), 7.68 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.65 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C9-H), 7.44 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C8-H), 7,24 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7-H), 4.06-4.14 (m, 3H, C2-H₂, C1-H), 3.92 (d, 1H, J=11.4 Hz, CHHCl), 3.51-3.53 (m, 1H, CHHCl), 2.83 (s, 3H, CH₃); IR (film)_max3816, 1624, 1585, 1522, 1384, 1339, 1250, 1121 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 290.0818 (M⁺+H, C₁₅H₁₅ClN₂O₂requires 290.0822). Natural (1S)-22: [α]⁵−4.5 (c 0.36, CH₃OH). Ent-(1R)-22: [α]⁵+5.7 (c 0.11, CH₃OH).

[0123] A solution of 22 (3.0 mg, 10.3 μmol) in dimethylformamide (0.9 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 1,8-DIZABICYCLO[5.4.0]UNDEC-7-ENE (3.2 μL, 21 μmol, 2 equiv) and the mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 2 d. The solvent was removed in vacuo and flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0.5×3 cm, 0-10% CH₃OH-Ethylacetate gradient elution) afforded 24 (2.3 mg, 2.6 mg theoretical, 90%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.08 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.55 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C7-H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C8-H), 6.93 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.05 (dd, 1H, J=10.0, 5.1 Hz, C1-H), 3.95 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz, C1-H), 3.08 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 2.79 (s, 3H, CH₃), 1.73 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 4.2 Hz, C9-H), 1.48 (t, 1H, J=4.6 Hz, C9-H); IR (neat)_max3358, 2920, 1680, 1622, 1594, 1539, 1466, 1458, 1410, 1281 cm⁻¹; UV (CH₃OH)_max311 (15000), 257 (7300), 217 (17000), 200 (17000) nm; UV (tetrahydrofuran)_max304 (11000), 248 (7200), 216 (17000), 208 (15000) nm; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 255.1140 (M⁺+H, C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₄requires 255.1134). Natural (+)-24: [α]³+183 (c 0.08, CH₃OH). Ent-(−)-24: [α]⁵−184 (c 0.13, CH₃OH).

[0124] A solution of freshly prepared, crude 16 (52 μmol) and NaHCO₃(13.2 mg, 157 μmol, 3 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (0.5 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with ClCO₂CH₃(8.1 μL, 104 μmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was warmed to 25° C. and stirred for 1.5 h before it was concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1×10 cm, 20-40% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 26 (15 mg, 15 mg theoretical, 100%) as a white solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.59 (br s, 1H, OH), 8.25 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C6-H), 7.94 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.50 (t, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C8-H), 7.35 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C7-H), 4.31 (d, 1H, J=11.4 Hz, C2-H), 4.12 (apparent t, 1H, J=9.3 Hz, C2-H), 3.90-3.99 (m, 5H, C1-H, CHHCl, CO₂CH₃), 3.40 (t, 1H, J=10.5 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3275, 2918, 1678, 1442, 1388, 1335 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 291.0664 (M⁺, C₁₅H₁₄ClNO₄requires 291.0662). Natural-(1S)-26: [α]³−30.3 (c 0.11, CH₃OH). Ent-(1R)-26: [α]³+31.8 (c 0.24, CH₃OH).

[0125] A solution of 26 (10.0 mg, 34 μmol) in tetrahydrofuran (3 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 1,8-DIZABICYCLO[5.4.0]UNDEC-7-ENE (10.5 μL, 68 μmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 4° C. for 41 h and then warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 10 h.⁶¹The reaction mixture was treated with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl (3 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂(3×2 mL). The combined organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1×10 cm, 10-50% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 28 (8.1 mg, 8.7 mg theoretical, 87%) as a yellow solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.21 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.48 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C6-H), 6.87 (s, 1H, C3-H), 6.86 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C8-H), 3.86-4.08 (m, 2H, CH₂N), 3.86 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.79 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 1.56-1.59 (m, 1H, C9-H), 1.39 (t, 1H, J=4.8 Hz, C9-H); IR (neat)_max3283, 2984, 1728, 1626, 1559, 1436, 1405, 1380, 1328, 1277, 1246, 1195, 1118, 1077, 1021, 764 cm⁻¹; UV (CH₃OH)_max307 (32000), 255 (24000), 216 (32000), 200 (33000) nm; UV (tetrahydrofuran)_max296 (33000), 253 (23000), 217 (38000), 203 (44000) nm; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 256.0986 (M⁺+H, C₁₅H₁₃NO₃requires 256.0974). Natural (+)-28: [α]³+198 (c 0.48, CH₃OH). Ent-(−)-28: [α]⁵−196 (c 0.14, CH₃OH).

[0126] A solution of freshly prepared, crude 16 (45 μmol) and NaHCO₃(11.3 mg, 135 μmol, 3 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (0.4 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with ClCOEt (8 μL, 90 μmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 5 h under N₂. The solvent was removed under a stream of N₂. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1×10 cm, 10-40% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 30 (12.8 mg, 13 mg theoretical, 98%) as a white solid: 1H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 9.70 (br s, 1H, OH), 8.39 (s, 1H, C4-H), 8.32 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.66 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.52 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C8-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7-H), 4.32 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 10.9 Hz, C2-H), 4.23 (d, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.04 (m, 1H, C1-H), 3.97 (dd, 1H, J=2.9, 11.3 Hz, CHHCl), 3.41 (t, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, CHHCl), 2.59-2.72 (m, 2H, CH₂CH₃), 1.39 (t, 3H, J=7.4 Hz, CH₂CH₃); IR (film)_max3170, 2918, 1628, 1582, 1427, 1389 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 290.0953 (M⁺+H, C₁₆H₆ClNO₂requires 290.0953). Natural (1S)-30: [α]⁵−4 (c 0.08, tetrahydrofuran). Ent-(1R)-30: [α]⁵+59 (c 0.13 tetrahydrofuran).

[0127] A solution of 30 (5.0 mg, 17 μmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.9 mL) was treated with 0.9 mL of 5% aqueous NaHCO₃and the two-phase mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 5 h under N₂. The reaction mixture was extracted with Ethylacetate (3×3 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (Florisil, 1×5 cm, 60% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 32 (4.2 mg, 4.3 mg theoretical, 97%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.22 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.51 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz, C7-H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C6-H), 6.89 (br s, 1H, C3-H), 6.88 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C8-H), 4.13-4.16 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.03 (dd, 1H, J=10.6, 4.9 Hz, C1-H), 2.76-2.81 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 2.54-2.56 (m, 2H, CH₂CH₃), 1.67 (dd, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, 4.5 Hz, C9-H), 1.43 (t, 1H, J=4.8 Hz, C9-H), 1.22 (t, 3H, J=7.3 Hz, CH₃); IR (neat)_max2924, 1698, 1626, 1599, 1562, 1461, 1406, 1241 cm⁻¹; UV (CH₃OH)_max311 (16000), 258 (9100), 218 (14000), 201 (19000) nm; UV (tetrahydrofuran)_max301 (15000), 253 (9400), 219 (15000), 204 (15000) nm; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 254.1173 (M⁺+H, C₁₆H₁₅NO₂requires 254.1181).Natural (+)-32: +193 (c 0.03, CH₃OH). Ent-(−)-32: −197 (c 0.12, CH₃OH).

[0128] NaH (1.5 mg, 60% oil dispersion, 38 μmol, 2.5 equiv) in a flame-dried flask was treated with (+)-CBI (20, 3.0 mg, 15.2 μmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.8 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min at 24° C. under N₂. A premixed solution of Triethylamine (7 μL, 50 μmol, 3.3 equiv) and ClSO₂Et (10 μL, 106 μmol, 7 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (0.8 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 3 h before being concentrated. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0.5×3 cm, 40-60% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 34 (2.0 mg, 4.4 mg theoretical, 45%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.19 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.49 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C6-H), 6.85 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C8-H), 6.46 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.09 (m, 2H, CH₂N), 3.21-3.28 (m, 2H, CH₂CH₃), 2.83 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 1.69 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 4.6 Hz, C9-H), 1.54 (t, 1H, partially obscured by H₂O, C9-H), 1.43 (t, 3H, J=7.4 Hz, CH₃); IR (neat)_max2923, 1618, 1559, 1354, 1149 cm⁻¹; UV (CH₃OH)_max301 (12000), 248 (11000), 214 (15000) nm; UV (tetrahydrofuran)_max293 (13000), 248 (14000), 216 (16000), 208 (14000) nm; FABHRMS (NBA-NaI) m/e 290.0850 (M⁺+H, C₁₅H₁₅NO₃S requires 290.0851). Natural (+)-34: +73 (c 0.10, CHCl₃). Ent-(−)-34: −70 (c 0.12, CHCl₃).

[0129] The compounds 24,28,32,34 were dissolved in CH₃OH (1.5 mL). The CH₃OH solution was mixed with aqueous buffer (pH=3, 1.5 mL). The buffer contained 4:1:20 (v/v/v) 0.1 M citric acid, 0.2 M Na₂HPO₄, and H₂O, respectively. After mixing, the solvolysis solutions were stoppered and kept at 25° C. in the dark. The UV spectrum of the solutions was measured 3-4 times in the first two days and twice a day for 24 weeks for 24,28,32 and 3 months for 34. The UV monitoring was continued until no further change was detectable. The long-wavelength absorption at 316 nm (24,28,32) or 306 nm (34) and short-wavelength absorption at 256 nm (24,28,34) or 248 nm (32) were monitored. The solvolysis rate constant and half-life were calculated from the data recorded at the short wavelength (256 nm for 24,28,32 and 248 nm for 34) from the least square treatment (r=0.995, 24; r=0.997, 28; r=0.985, 32; r=0.994, 34) of the slopes of plots of time versus 1−[(A−A_initial)/A_final−A_initial)].

[0130] 5-Nitrobenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid from Transworld chemicals inc. (500 mg, 2.4 mmol) in 20 mL of CH₃OH was treated with 5 drops of H₂SO₄. The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 24 h and warmed at 50° C. for 2 h. The mixture was cooled to 24° C., diluted with H₂O (20 mL) and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃(20 mL), and extracted with Ethylacetate (3×30 mL). The combined organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×20 cm, 40-60% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded the methyl ester (469 mg, 534 mg theoretical, 88%) as a white solid: mp >230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.64 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz, C4-H), 8.37 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 9.2 Hz, C6-H), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz, C7-H), 7.64 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.02 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃-CD₃OD, 100 MHz) 157.8 (C), 122.7 (CH), 120.9 (C), 119.4 (CH), 118.5 (C), 114.1 (CH), 112.7 (CH), 112.0 (C), 109.2 (C), 52.4 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3383, 3108, 1731, 1620, 1571, 1521, 1441, 1349, 1270, 1177, 827, 750 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 222.0405 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₇NO₅requires 222.0402).

[0131] Condensation of 3-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl 2-azidoacetate (8 equiv, 6 equiv NaOCH₃, CH₃OH, −23 to 0° C., 6 h, 88%) followed by thermolysis of the resulting methyl 2-azidocinnamate (xylene, reflux, 4.5 h, 81%) provided a readily separable mixture (4:1) of methyl 5- and 7-nitroindole-2-carboxylate. For methyl 5-nitroindole-2-carboxylate: ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 12.65 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.73 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz, C4-H), 8.14 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.45 (d, 1H, J=0.7 Hz, C3-H), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃); IR (film)_max3316, 1701, 1614, 1531, 1435, 1343, 1261, 1203, 992, 746 cm⁻¹. Catalytic hydrogenation of the 5-NO₂group (1 atm H₂, 0.1 wt equiv 10% Pd—C, Ethylacetate, 25° C., 4-5 h) provided the corresponding amine. (36): 92%, mp 150-152° C. (CH₂Cl₂); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.72 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.23 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.03 (dd, 1H, J=1.0, 2.1 Hz, C3-H), 6.93 (dd, 1H, J=1.0, 2.0 Hz, C4-H), 6.81 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.6 Hz, C6-H), 3.93 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.57 (br s, 2H, NH); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 160.0 (C), 150.3 (C), 145.6 (C), 143.0 (C), 127.7 (C), 117.7 (CH), 113.5 (CH), 112.6 (CH), 106.1 (CH), 52.2 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3320, 1691, 1628, 1531, 1437, 1376, 1337, 1232, 1034, 997, 766 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 190.0746 (M⁺ H, C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₂requires 190.0742).

[0132] A solution of methyl 5-nitrobenzofuran-2-carboxylate (469 mg, 2.12 mmol) in 50 mL of Ethylacetate was treated with 10% Pd—C (235 mg, 0.5 wt equiv), placed under 1 atm of H₂, and stirred at 25° C. (12 h). The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×20 cm, 40-60% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 38 (360 mg, 404 mg theoretical, 89%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 109-111° C. (CH₂Cl₂, pale yellow fine needles); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 7.36 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.36 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C7-H), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz, C4-H), 6.83 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 8.9 Hz, C6-H), 3.94 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.45 (br s, 2H, NH₂); IR (film)_max3359, 1725, 1562, 1488, 1434, 1331, 1301, 1222, 1158 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 192.0663 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₉NO₃requires 192.0661).

[0133] General Procedure for the Preparation of 46,48,50,52,54,56 (Illustrated in FIG. 10)

[0134] Methyl 5-aminoindole-2-carboxylate (36), or methyl 5-aminobenzofuran-2-carboxylate (38), 1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI) (3 equiv) and indole-2-carboxylic acid (40) Aldrich company, benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid (42) Aldrich company or benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (44) Aldrich company (1 equiv) were stirred in dimethylformamide (0.04-0.06 M) at 24° C. under Ar for 12 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the dry residue was mixed with H₂O and stirred for 30 min. The precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed with 1N aqueous HCl, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃, and H₂O. Drying the solid in vacuo afforded desired aqueous methyl esters 46,48,50,52,54,56 in typical yields of 50-73%.

[0135] 5 h, 61%; mp>270° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXDE-d₆, 400MHz) 11.92 (s, 1H, NH), 11.69 (s, 1H, NH), 10.16 (s, 1H, NH), 8.16 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz, C4-H), 7.67 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C4′-H), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.9 Hz, C6-H), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7′-H), 7.45 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.41 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.21 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C6′-H), 7.18 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, C5′-H), 3.88 (s, 3H, CH₃); IR (neat)_max3277, 1700, 1652, 1553, 1535, 1310, 1247, 1225, 1022, 999, 742 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-NaI) m/e 356.1004 (M⁺ Na, C₁₉H₁₅N₃O₃requires 356.1011).

[0136] Methyl 5-[((Benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylate (48): 5 h, 73%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.91 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.48 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz, C4-H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C4′-H), 7.76 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.72 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C7′-H), 7.61 (dd, 1H, J=1.9, 8.9 Hz, C6-H), 7.50 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6′-H), 7.44 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C7-H), 7.37 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C5′-H), 7.18 (s, 1H, C3-H), 3.88 (s, 3H, CH₃); IR (film)_max3333, 1695, 1658, 1591, 1535, 1442, 1303, 1255, 746 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 335.1036 ((M⁺+H, C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₄requires 335.1032).

[0137] Methyl 5-[((Benzo[b]thieno-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylate (50): 7 h, 62%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.93 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.47 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.35 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, C4-H), 8.05 (d, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.99 (d, 1H, J=6.7 Hz, C4′-H), 7.57 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.9 Hz, C6-H), 7.44-7.50 (m, 2H, C6′-H, C5′-H), 7.44 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.17 (s, 1H, C3-H), 3.87 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100MHz) 161.7, 160.1, 140.5, 140.4, 139.2, 134.6, 131.6, 127.7, 126.6, 126.4, 125.3 (two CH), 125.0, 122.8, 119.9, 113.2, 112.6, 107.9, 51.8; IR (film)_max3336, 1694, 1633, 1532, 1455, 1336, 1309, 1257, 1232 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 351.0810 (M⁺+H, C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₃S requires 351.0803).

[0138] Methyl 5-[((1H-Indol-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylate (52): 8 h, 52%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.75 (s, 1H, NH), 10.36 (s, 1H, NH), 8.34 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz, C4-H), 7.84 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.83 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C4′-H), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7′-H), 7.43 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.22 (t, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, C6′-H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.1 Hz, C5′-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH₃); IR (film)_max3346, 1712, 1643, 1577, 1543, 1308, 1289, 1234, 745 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 335.1040 (M⁺+H, C₁₉H₁₄N₂O₄requires 335.1032).

[0139] Methyl 5-[((Benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylate (54): 12 h, 62%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.44 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.28 (apparent t, 1H, J=1.3 Hz, C4-H), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C4′-H), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=0.8 Hz, C3-H or C3′-H), 7.54-7.56 (apparent d, 3H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.51 (s, 1H, C3-H or C3′-H), 7.45 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C6′-H), 7.31 (t, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C5′-H), 3.97 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100MHz) 159.8 (C), 156.7 (C), 154.8 (C), 152.8 (C), 148.3 (C), 146.3 (C), 133.3 (C), 127.6 (C), 127.4 (C), 127.3 (CH), 124.0 (CH), 122.9 (CH), 121.0 (CH), 114.1 (CH), 114.0 (CH), 112.7 (CH), 111.8 (CH), 111.7 (CH), 52.5 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3382, 1729, 1663, 1562, 1541, 1475, 1431, 1291, 1204, 1151, 1103 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 336.0878 (M⁺+H, C₁₉H₁₃NO₅requires 336.0872).

[0140] Methyl 5-[((Benzo[b]thieno-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylate (56): 8h, 50%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 10.67 (s, 1H, NH), 8.38 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 8.31 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4-H), 8.06 (dd, 1H, J=1.7, 6.9 Hz, C7′-H), 8.00 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 6.9 Hz, C4′-H), 7.83 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.80 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.74 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.50 (dt, 1H, J=1.7, 7.1 Hz, C6′-H), 7.47 (dt, J=2.0, 7.1 Hz, C5′-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH₃); IR (film)_max3287, 1728, 1657, 1546, 1473, 1436, 1296, 1216, 1154 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 352.0650 (M⁺+H, C₁₉H₁₃NO₄S, requires 352.0644).

[0141] General Procedure for the Preparation of 58,60,62,64,66,68 (Illustrated in FIG. 10).

[0142] A solution of one the methyl esters 46,48,50,52,54 or 56 prepared as above in tetrahydrofuran-CH₃OH—H₂O (3:1:1) was treated with 4 equiv of LiOH H₂O. The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 4-6 h. The solvent was removed and the dry residue was mixed with H₂O, acidified with 1N aqueous HCl to pH 1. The precipitate was collected by centrifuigation and washed with H₂O (2×). Drying the solid in vacuo afforded the desired acid 58,60,62,64,66,68 with yields 80-100%.

[0143] 5-[((1H-Indol-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylic Acid (58): 3 h, 89%; mp>270° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.82(s, 1H, NH), 11.23 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.14 (s, 1H, NH), 7.99 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.66 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C4′-H), 7.48 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.41 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.39-7.41 (m, 2H, C7′-H and C7-H), 7.20 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C6′-H), 7.06 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C5′-H), 6.69 (br s, 1H, C3′-H); IR (film)_max3413, 3354, 3315, 1665, 1596, 1532, 1463, 1444, 1409, 1306, 1222, 1159, 1080 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 320.1041 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁₃N₃O₃requires 320.1035).

[0144] 5-[((Benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylic Acid (60): 5 h, 77%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.62 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.43 (s, 1H, NH), 8.12 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C4′-H), 7.75 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C7′-H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C6-H), 7.50 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6′-H), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C7-H), 7.37 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C5′-H), 7.00 (br s, 1H, C3-H); IR (film)_max3297, 1661, 1594, 1537, 1299, 1258, 1229, 743 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 321.0880 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁₂N₂O₄requires 321.0875).

[0145] 5-[((Benzo [b]thieno-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]-1H-indole-2-carboxylic Acid (62): 3 h; 80%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.63 (s, 1H, NH), 10.46 (s, 1H, NH), 8.36 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 8.08 (s, 1H, C4-H), 8.04 (d, 1H, J=6.8 Hz, C7′-H), 7.99 (d, 1H, J=6.6 Hz, C4′-H), 7.52 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C6-H), 7.44-7.48 (m, 2H, C6′-H, C5′-H), 7.41 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C7-H), 7.00 (s, 1H, C3-H); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 163.1, 160.0, 140.6, 140.4, 139.3, 134.2, 131.1, 126.9, 126.3, 125.3, 125.3 (CH and C), 125.0, 122.9, 118.9, 113.1, 112.4, 106.4; IR (film)_max3429, 3375, 1648, 1542, 1431, 1305, 1249, 739 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 337.0654 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁₂N₂O₃S requires 337.0647).

[0146] 5-[((1H-Indol-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylic Acid (64): 4 h, 80%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.54 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 11.74 (s, 1H, NH), 10.34 (s, 1H, NH), 8.30 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz, C4H), 7.81 (dd, 1H, J=1.9, 9.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.72 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C4′-H), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7′-H), 7.43 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.22 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6′-H), 7.06 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C5′-H); IR (film)_max3285, 1703, 1649, 1547, 1475, 1420, 1312, 1231, 1195, 1159, 744 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 321.0870 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁₂N₂O₄requires 321.0875).

[0147] 5-[((Benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylic Acid (66): 12 h, 100%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.50 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 10.61 (s, 1H, NH), 8.22 (d, 1H, J=1.7 Hz, C4-H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C4′-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=0.8 Hz, C3′-H), 7.73 (dd, 1H, J=0.7, 8.4 Hz, C7′-H), 7.72 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C7-H), 7.50 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6′-H), 7.37 (t, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C5′-H), 7.35 (br s, 1H, C3-H); IR (film)_max3362, 1709, 1659, 1564, 1473, 1438, 1292, 1226, 1152, 790 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 322.0720 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁NO₅requires 322.0715).

[0148] 5-[((Benzo[b]thieno-2′-yl)carbonyl)amino]benzofuran-2-carboxylic Acid (68): 12 h, 82%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.61 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 10.67 (s, 1H, NH), 8.40 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 8.30 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, C4-H), 8.09 (dd, 1H, J=1.7, 6.8 Hz, C7′-H), 8.05 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 6.2 Hz, C4′-H), 7.79 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 9.1 Hz, C6-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.70 (br s, 1H, C3-H), 7.53 (dt, 1H, J=1.6, 7.1 Hz, C6′-H), 7.50 (dt, 1H, J=1.5, 7.1 Hz, C5′-H); IR (film)_max3395, 1697, 1653, 1551, 1479, 1296, 1273, 1231, 1155, 1024, 991, 762 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 338.0480 (M⁺+H, C₁₈H₁₁NO₄S requires 338.0487).

[0149] Preparation of compounds 70,72,74,76,78,80 (Illustrated in FIG. 10)—General Procedure for the Coupling of 16 with 58,60,62,64,66,68. Phenol 14 was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl-Ethylacetate at 24° C. for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude unstable 16 (quantitative). A solution of 16, one of the carboxylic acids 58,60,62,64,66,68 (1 equiv), and 1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI) (2-3 equiv) in dimethylformamide (0.04-0.06 M) was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 8-12 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum and suspended in H₂O and the precipitate was collected by centrifugation, and washed with H₂O (2×). Flash chromotagraphy (SiO₂, 40-60% tetrahydrofuran-hexane) afforded 70 and 72,74,76,78,80 in yields of 60-90%.

[0150] 3-[(5′-(((1H-Indol-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (70): 8.5 h, 73%; mp>255° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (dimethylformamide-d₇, 400 MHz) 11.76 (s, 1H, NH), 11.69 (s, 1H, NH), 10.58 (s, 1H, NH), 10.28 (s, 1H, OH), 8.40 (d, 1H, J=1.7 Hz, C4′-H), 8.25 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6-H), 8.10 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.96 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C4″-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=2.0, 8.9 Hz, C6′-H), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C9-H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C7″-H), 7.59 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C7′-H), 7.57 (t, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C8-H), 7.53 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.41 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.30 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.26 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6″-H), 7.10 (t, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C5″-H), 4.90 (apparent t, 1H, J=10.6 Hz, C2-H), 4.76 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 10.9 Hz, C2-H), 4.30-4.34 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.13 (dd, 1H, J=3.1, 11.0 Hz, CHHCl), 3.96 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 11.0 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3258, 2923, 1659, 1624, 1578, 1512, 1411, 1395, 1233, 745 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 535.1526 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₃ClN₄O₃requires 535.1537). Natural (1S)-70: [ ]⁵+70 (c 0.17, dimethylformamide). Ent-(1R)-70: [α]⁵ −70 (c 0.17, dimethylformamide).

[0151] 3-[(5′-(((Benzofuro-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (72): 14 h, 60%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.73 (s, 1H, NH), 10.59 (s, 1H, NH), 10.56 (s, 1H, OH), 8.44 (d, 1H, J=1.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8;24 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6-H), 8.10 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.94 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C4″-H), 7.85 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C7″-H), 7.80 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.8 Hz, C6′-H), 7.78 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C9-H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C7′-H), 7.56 (t, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C6″-H), 7.52 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C8-H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5″-H or C7-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C5″-H or C7-H), 7.32 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 4.90 (apparent t, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.75 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 10.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.32-4.34 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.13 (dd, 1H, J=3.2, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl), 3.96 (dd, 1H, J=7.6, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl); ¹³C NMR (tetrahydrofuran-d₈, 100 MHz) 161.1 (C), 156.9 (C), 155.9 (C), 155.7 (C), 151.2 (C), 143.6 (C), 134.8 (C), 132.8 (C), 132.6 (C), 131.3 (C), 129.0 (two C), 128.0 (CH), 127.4 (CH), 124.5 (CH), 124.4 (CH), 123.7 (C), 123.6 (CH), 123.4 (CH), 123.1 (CH), 119.9 (CH), 116.0 (C), 114.1 (CH), 112.5 (CH), 112.4 (CH), 110.9 (CH), 106.7 (CH), 101.4 (CH), 56.1 (CH), 47.2 (CH₂), 43.9 (CH₂); IR (film)_max3272, 2954, 1610, 1585, 1513, 1408, 1253, 1135, 741 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 536.1390 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₂ClN₃O₄requires 536.1377). Natural (1S)-72: [α]³+56 (c 0.23, tetrahydrofuran).

[0152] 3-[(5′-(((Benzo[b]thieno-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (74): 11 h, 68%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.80 (s, 1H, NH), 10.52 (s, 1H, NH), 10.48 (s, 1H, OH), 8.40 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 8.20 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz, C4′-H), 8.15 (d, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C6-H), 8.08 (d, 1H, J=6.9 Hz, C7″-H), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=6.7 Hz, C4″-H), 8.01 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.88 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C9-H), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J=1.9, 8.9 Hz, C6′-H), 7.48-7.57 (m, 4H, C6″-H, C5″-H, C8-H, C7′-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C7-H), 7.25 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 4.85 (apparent t, 1H, J=10.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.60 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 11.0 Hz, C2-H), 4.24-4.28 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.06 (dd, 1H, J=3.1, 11.1 Hz, CRHCl), 3.91 (dd, 1H, J=7.3, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3286, 1655, 1628, 1587, 1518, 1409, 1262, 1239 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 552.1152 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₂ClN₃O₃S requires 552.1149). Natural (1S)-74: [α]³+111 (c 0.15, dimethylformamide).

[0153] 3-[(5′-(((1H-Indol-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (76): 13 h, 80%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.78 (s, 1H, NH), 10.51 (s, 1H, NH), 10.38 (s, 1H, OH), 8.35 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8.12 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 7.92 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.86 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C9-H), 7.84 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.0 Hz, C6′-H), 7.80 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.69 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C4″-H), 7.53 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C8-H), 7.48 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C7″-H), 7.45 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.38 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.23 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6″-H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C5″-H), 4.79 (apparent t, 1H, J=9.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.58 (d, 1H, J=9.9 Hz, C2-H), 4.24 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.01 (dd, 1H, J=3.1, 11.1 Hz CHHCl), 3.89 (dd, 1H, J=7.4, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3274, 2928, 1655, 1621, 1579, 1546, 1414, 1390, 1329, 1240 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA ) n/e 536.1360 (M⁺+, C₃₁H₂₂ClN₃O₄requires 536.1377). Natural (1S-76: [α]³ +26 (c 0.36, dimethylformamide).

[0154] 3-[(5′-(((Benzofuro-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl]1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-diliydro-3H-benz[e]indole (78): 11 h, 88%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d_{6, 400}MHz) 10.72 (s, 1H, NH), 10.48 (s, 1H, OH), 8.38 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8.14 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6H), 7.71-7.95 (m, 7H), 7.54 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C8-H), 7.52 (t, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C6″-H), 7.39 (t, 2H, J=7.9 Hz, C7-H and C5″-H), 4.79 (apparent t, 1H, J=10.6 Hz, C2-H), 4.59 (d, 1H, J=9.8 Hz, C2-H), 4.25 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.02 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl), 3.90 (dd, J=7.4, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3267, 2923, 1664, 1581, .1554, 1410, 1390, 1328, 1256 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 537.1210 (M⁺+, C₃₁H₂₁ClN₂O₅requires 537.1217). Natural (1S)-78: [α]³+26 (c 0.28, dimethylformamide).

[0155] 3-[(5′-(((benzo[b]thieno-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (80): 18 h, 68%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 10.69 (s, 1H, NH), 10.52 (s, 1H, OH), 8.40 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 8.32 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, C4′-H), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 8.07 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, C7″-H), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=6.2 Hz, C4″-H), 7.94 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.86 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.82 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 9.0 Hz, C6′-H),7.80 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.45-7.55 (m, 3H, C8-H, C6″-H, C5″-H), 7.38 (t, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C7-H), 4.79 (apparent t, J=10.0 Hz, C2-H), 4.59 (d, 1H, J=10.0 Hz, C2-H), 4.22-4.26 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.02 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl), 3.88 (dd, 1H, J=7.4, 11.0 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3259, 2923, 1659, 1630, 1583, 1549, 1413, 1392, 1336, 1244, 1211 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 553.0985 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₁ClN₂O₄S requires 553.0989). Natural (1S)-80: [α]³+30 (c 0.33, dimethylformamide).

[0156] Preparation of compounds 82 and 84,86,88,90,92 (Illustrated in FIG. 10)—General Procedures for the Spirocyclization and Preparation of 82 and 84,86,88,90,92. Method A: A suspension of NaH (60% oil dispersion, 2 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran at 0° C. under Ar was treated with a solution of 70, 72,74,76,78,80 prepared above in tetrahydrofuran-dimethylformamide (1:1, ca. 0.015 M reaction concentration). The reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min-1 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the solid residue was washed with H₂O and dried in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 50-70% tetrahydrofuran-hexane) afforded 82, 84,86,88,90,92 in 50-93% yield.

[0157] Method B: A solution of compounds 70, 72,74,76,78,80 in tetrahydrofuran-dimethylformamide (2:1, ca. 0.015 M) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 1,5-diazabicyclo [4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture then was allowed to warm to 24° C. and stirred for 2-4 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and flash chromatography (SiO₂, 50-70% tetrahydrofuran-hexane) afforded 82, 84,86,88,90,92 with 40-75% yield.

[0158] Method C: A sample of 70 (1.6 mg, 0.0030 mmol) in tetrahydrofliran (0.20 mL) was treated with the phosphazene base P₄-t-Bu (3.3 μL, 1 M solution in hexane, 1.1 equiv) at −78° C. The mixture was stirred under Ar at −78° C. for 40 min, at 0° C. for 6 h, and at 25° C. for 2 h. The crude mixture was purified directly by chromatography (SiO₂, 60% tetrahydrofuran-hexane) to provide 82 (1.4 mg, 1.5 mg theoretical, 93%) as a yellow solid.

[0159] N²-[5′-(((1H-Indol-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (82, CBI-indole₂): Method A, 93%; method B, 75%; method C, 93%; mp>240° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 300 MHz) 11.86 (br s, 1H, NH), 11.73 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.19 (s, 1H, NH), 8.24 (d, 1H, J=2.6 Hz, C4′-H), 8.02 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.67 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C4″-H), 7.63 (m, 2H, C6-H and C7-H), 7.47 (m, 4H), 7.29 (s, 1H, C3′-H or C3″-H), 7.25 (m, 2H, C8-H and C6″-H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.3 Hz, C5″-H), 6.98 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.65 (dd, 1H, J=4.9, 10.2 Hz, C1-H), 4.53 (apparent d, 1H, J=10.2 Hz, C1-H), 3.20 (m, 1H, obscured by H₂O, C9a-H), 1.77 (dd, 1H, J=4.2, 7.4 Hz, C9-H), 1.73 (t, 1H, J=4.2 Hz, C9-H); IR (KBr)_max3432, 1648, 1522, 1384, 1266, 1126, 744 cm⁻¹UV (dimethylformamide)_max316(=45000), 274 nm (25000); FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 499.1792 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₂N₄O₃requires 499.1770). Natural (+)-82: [α]³+114 (c 0.03, dimethylformamide), [α]⁵+81 (c 0.12, tetrahydrofuran). Ent (−)-82: [α]⁵−120 (c 0.1, dimethylformamide), [α]⁵−81 (c 0.12, tetrahydrofuran).

[0160] N²-[(5′-(((Benzofuro-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (84): Method A, 60%; method B, 49%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.89 (s, 1H, NH), 10.51 (s, 1H, NH), 8.25 (d, 1H, J=1.4 Hz, C4′-H), 8.04 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.85 (d, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C4″-H), 7.79 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.75(d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7″-H), 7.66 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 8.9 Hz, C6′-H), 7.63 (t, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C7-H), 7.53 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6″-H), 7.50 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, C7′-H), 7.46 (t, 1H, J=7.2 Hz, C6-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C5″-H), 7.31 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.28 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C8-H), 7.00 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.66 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 10.3 Hz, C1-H), 4.53 (d, 1H, J=10.3 Hz, C1-H), 3.28-3.32 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 1.79 (dd, 1H, J=4.1, 7.6 Hz, C9-H), 1.73 (apparent t, 1H, J=4.4 Hz, C9-H); ¹³C NMR (tetrahydrofuran-d₈, 100 MHz) 185.2 (C), 162.3 (C), 160.7 (C), 157.0 (C), 155.9 (C), 151.1 (C), 141.4 (C), 135.2 (C), 134.1 (C), 132.8 (C), 132.2 (CH), 131.6 (C), 128.7 (C), 127.5 (CH), 127.1 (CH), 126.9 (CH), 124.5 (CH), 123.4 (CH), 122.5 (CH), 120.5 (CH), 114.1 (CH), 112.7 (CH), 112.4 (two CH), 110.9 (CH), 108.4 (C), 107.9 (CH), 55.3 (CH₂), 33.2 (C), 29.9 (CH) 28.5 (CH₂): IR (film)_max3299,1654, 1595, 1517, 1388, 1262, 1127, 744 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 500.1610 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₁N₃O₄requires 500.1610). Natural (+)-84: [α]³+91 (c 0.13, tetrahydrofuran).

[0161] N²-[(5′-(((Benzo [b]thieno-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)-1H-indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (86): Method A, 50%; method B, 46%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.88 (s, 1H, NH), 10.50 (s, 1H, NH), 8.36 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 8.18 (s, 1H, C4′-H), 8.06 (d, 1H, J=6.7 Hz, C7″-H), 8.01 (d, 2H, J=7.2 Hz, C4″-H, C5-H), 7.61 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C7-H), 7.59 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C6′-H), 7.42-7.51 (m, 4H, C6-H, C6″-H, C5″-H, C7′-H), 7.28 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.26 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C8-H), 6.98 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.65 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 10.3 Hz, C1-H), 4.51 (d, 1H, J=10.2 Hz, C1-H), 3.28 (m, 1H, partially obscured by H₂O, C9a-H), 1.76 (dd, 1H, J=4.2, 7.6 Hz, C9-H), 1.71 (apparent t, 1H, J=4.8 Hz, C9-H); IR (film)_max3321, 1652, 1593, 1554, 1516, 1386, 1256, 1121 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 516.1391 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₁N₃O₃S requires 516.1382). Natural (+)-86: +73 (c 0.05, dimethylformamide).

[0162] N²-[(5′-(((1H-Indol-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuran-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (88): Method A, 63%; method B, 45%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 11.77 (s, 1H, NH), 10.38 (s, 1H, NH), 8.35 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8.01 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.87 (s, H, C3′-H), 7.85 (dd, H, J=2.1, 9.0 Hz, C6′-H), 7.75 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.68 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz, C4″-H), 7.61 (t, 1H, J=7.8 hz, C7-H), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C7″-H), 7.44 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.44 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.25 (d, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C8-H), 7.22 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C6″-H), 7.07 (t, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C5″-H), 6.91 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.53-4.59 (m, 2H, C1-H₂), 3.27-328 (m, 1H, partially obscured by H₂O, C9a-H), 1.72-1.78 (m, 2H, C9-H₂); IR (film)_max3330, 1660, 1548, 1382, 1300, 1242, 1035 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 500.1600 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₁N₃O₄requires 500.1610). Natural (+)-88: +176 (c 0.09, dimethylformamide).

[0163] N²-[(5′-(((Benzofuro-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa[c]benz[e]indol-4-one (90): Method A, 93%; method B, 49%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 10.74 (s, 1H, NH), 8.39 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8.04 (d, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C5-H), 7.90 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.89 (dd, 1H, J=2.2, 9.0 Hz, C6′-H), 7.87 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C4″-H), 7.82 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.77 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C7″-H), 7.64 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz, C7-H), 7.54 (t, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6″-H), 7.47 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C6-H), 7.41 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5″-H), 7.27 (d, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C8-H), 6.94 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.62 (dd, 1H, J=4.7, 10.5 Hz, C1-H), 4.57 (d, 1H, J=10.4 Hz, C1-H), 3.30 (m, 1H, partially obscured by H₂O, C9a-H), 1.80 (dd, 1H, J=4.1, 7.7 Hz, C9-H), 1.76 (t, 1H, J=4.6 Hz, C9-H); IR (film)_max3369, 2921, 1660, 1600, 1549, 1378, 1295, 1244, 1050 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 501.1470 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₀N₂O₅requires 501.1450). Natural (+)-90: [α]³+90 (c 0.10, dimethylformamide).

[0164] N²-[(5′-(((Benzo[b]thieno-2″-yl)carbonyl)amino)benzofuro-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydrocyclopropa [c]benz[e]indol-4-one (92): Method B, 50%; mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 10.72 (s, 1H, NH), 8.41 (s, 1H, C3″-H), 8.34 (d, 1H, J=2.2 Hz, C4′-H), 8.09 (d, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C5-H), 8.05 (d, 1H, J=7.0 Hz, C7″-H), 8.04 (d, 1H, J=6.2 Hz, C4″-H), 7.90 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.85 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.9 Hz, C6′-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C7′-H), 7.64 (t, 1H, J=6.2 Hz, C7-H), 7.45-7.55 (m, 3H, C6-H, C6″-H, C5″-H), 7.27 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C8-H), 6.94 (s, 1H, C3-H), 4.58-4.62 (m, 2H, C1-H₂), 3.27-3.28 (m, 1H, obscured by H₂O, C9a-H), 1.76-1.80 (m, 2H, C9-H₂); IR (film)_max2920, 2851, 1661, 1599, 1555, 1466, 1381, 1297, 1243 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 517.1233 (M⁺+H, C₃₁H₂₀N₂O₄S requires 517.1222). Natural (+)-92: [α]³+69 (c 0.04, dimethylformamide).

[0165] A suspension of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)carbonate (94, 394 mg, 1.0 mmol) as prepared by Gray et. al. Tetrahedron,1977,33, 739, in 1.5 mL of Ethylacetate at 24° C. under N₂was treated with a solution of tert-butylcarbazate from Aldrich company (132 mg, 1.0 mmol) in Ethylacetate (6 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h (24° C.). The reaction mixture was filtered through a glass filter. The filtrate was concentrated to 2 mL below 24° C. in vacuo and mixed with hexane (10 mL). The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration to afford 96 (271 mg, 72% pure as a mixture with 2,4-dinitrophenol) and a second crop of crystals was obtained from the mother liquor to afford pure 96 (12 mg) as colorless flakes: mp 105-107° C. (hexane, colorless flakes); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃200 MHz) 8.93 (d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz, C3-H), 8.51 (dd, 1H, J=2.7, 9.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.05 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.43 (br s, 1H, NH), 1.48 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (KBr)_max3414, 3268, 3112, 2978, 1754, 1738, 1612, 1538, 1484, 1394, 1346, 1240, 1166, 1070, 1024, 918, 858, 834, 752, 728, 642 cm⁻¹.

[0166] Preparation of 3-[N¹-[N²-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)hydrazino]carbonyl]-1-chloromethyl-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (98) (Illustrated in FIG. 16). Phenol 14 (6.0 mg, 18 μmol) was treated with anhydrous 3N HCl-Ethylacetate (0.5 mL) at 24° C. for 20 min. the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude, unstable 16 quantitatively. A solution of 16 in tetrahydrofuran (0.4 mL) at 24° C. under Ar was treated sequentially with 96 (11 mg, 72% pure, 23.4 μmol, 1.3 equi,) and Triethylamine (2.5 μL, 18 μmol, 1 equiv), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5.5 h (24° C.). Flash chromatography (1.5×15 cm SiO₂, 66% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 98 (6.4 mg, 7.0 mg theoretical, 91%) as a white solid: mp 221° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃-dimethylformamide-d₇, 200 MHz) 9.82 (s, 1H, OH), 8.25 (d, 1H, J=8 Hz, C6-H), 7.82 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.64 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz, NH), 7.58 (d, 1H, J=8 Hz, C9-H), 7.46 (ddd, 1H, J=1.4, 7, 8 Hz, C8-H), 7.30 (ddd, 1H, J=1.4, 7, 8 Hz, C7-H), 6.86 (br s, 1H, NH, 4.24 (dd, 1H, J=3, 10 Hz, C2-H), 4.17 (t, 1, J=10 Hz, C2-H), 3.98 (m 1H, C1-H), 3.92 (dd, 1H, J=3, 11 Hz, CHHCl), 3.37 (t, 1H, J=11 Hz, CHHCl), 1.50 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (KBr)_max3408, 2926, 1718, 1654, 1584, 1522, 1476, 1394, 1246, 1160, 862, 758 cm⁻¹; UV (tetrahydrofuran)_max318 (=9500), 308 (8200), 260 (31000), 254 nm (32000); FABHRMS (DTT-DTE) m/e 392.1364 (M⁺+H, C₁₉H₂₂ClN₃O₄requires 392.1377).

[0167] Preparation of 1-(Chloromethyl)-3-(hydrazino)carbonyl-5hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole hydrochloride (100) (Illustrated in FIG. 16). A sample of 98 (1.0 mg, 2.6 μmol) was treated with anhydrous 3N HCl-Ethylacetate (1 mL) at 24° C. for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 100 (0.9 mg, 0.87 mg theoretical, 100%) as a white solid: mp 225° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃-DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 300 MHz) 10.00 (bs s, N⁺H₃), 9.96 (s, 1H, OH), 9.77 (s, 1H CONH), 8.18 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 7.78 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.63 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.48 (t, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C8-H), 7.30 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz, C7-H), 4.26 (m, 2H, C2-H), 4.07 (m, 1H C1-H), 3.93 (dd, 1H, J=2, 11 Hz, CHHCl), 3.51 (t, 1H, J=10.2 Hz, CHHCl); IR (KBr)_max3400 (br), 3200 (br), 2926, 1670, 1632, 1584, 1520, 1478, 1420, 1394, 1352, 1242, 1154, 1126, 1074, 1024, 756 cm⁻¹; UV (dimethylformamide)_max322 (=9300), 310 (sh, 7900), 270 nm (23000); FABHRMS (DTT-DTE) m/e 292.0867 (M⁺+H, C₁₄H₁₄ClN₃O₂requires 292.0853).

[0168] Preparation of compounds 102 and 104 (Illustrated in FIG. 16). A solution of 98 or 100 (1.0 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (0.02 molar) was treated with 0.02 molar of 5% aqueous NaHCO₃and the two-phase mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 5 h under N₂. The reaction mixture was extracted with Ethylacetate (3×). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography affords 102 and 104 as a pale yellow solid.

[0169] Preparation of N¹-[N₂-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)hydrazino]carbonyl-CDPI₂(108) (Illustrated in FIG. 17). N-BOC-CDPI₂(106, 6.2 mg, 12.8 μmol) as previously described in Boger et. al J. Org. Chem.1987, 52, 1521, was treated with CF₃CO₂H (0.5 mL) at 24° C. for 1 h. The CF₃CO₂H was removed by a stream of N₂and the residue was dried in vacuo. A solution of the crude salt in dimethylformamide (0.2 mL) at 24° C. under Ar was treated sequentially with 96 (72% pure in 2,4-dinitrophenol, 9.1 mg, 19.3 μmol, 1.5 equiv) and Triethylamine (1.8 μL, 12.8 pmol, 1 equiv) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 19 h (24° C.). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was washed with saturated aqueous NAHCO₃(1 mL), H₂O (0.5 mL), 10% aqueous citric acid (1 mL), and H₂O (4×1 mL). Drying the solid in vacuo afforded 108 (6.3 mg, 6.9 mg theoretical, 91%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 257° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 300 MHz) 11.84 (s, 1H, NH), 11.61 (s, 1H, NH), 8.62 (s, 1H, CONH), 8.42 (s, 1H, CONH), 8.28 (br d, 1H, J=9 Hz, C4-H), 7.94 (d, H, J=8.9 Hz, C4′-H), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=9 Hz, C5-H), 7.26 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C5′-H), 7.06 (s, 1H, C8′-H), 6.98 (s, 1H, C8-H), 4.64 (t, 2H, J=8.3 Hz, C2-H₂), 4.02 (t, 2H, J=8.3 Hz, C2′-H₂), 3.2-3.6 (m, 4H, partly obscured by H₂O, C1-H₂, C1′-H), 1.43 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (KBr)_max3424, 1686, 1508, 1438, 1372, 1160, 800, 684 cm⁻¹.

[0170] Preparation of N¹[N²-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)hydrazino]carbonyl-seco-CBI-CDPI₂(110) (Illustrated in FIG. 17). A slurry of crude 16 freshly prepared from 14 (3.7 mg, 11.1 μmol), 1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI) (6.4 mg, 33 μmol, 3 equiv), and 108 (6.0 mg, 11.1 μmol, 1 equiv) in dimethylformamide (0.2 mL) at 24° C. under Ar was vigorously stirred for 10 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was washed with H₂O (2×2 mL) and dried in vacuo. Flash chromatography (0.5×5 cm SiO₂, 0-66% dimethylformamide-toluene gradient elution) afforded 110 (5.5 mg, 8.4 mg theoretical, 65%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 250° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 300 Mz) 11.83 (s, 1H, NH), 11.63 (s, 1H, NH), 10.45 (s, 1H, OH), 8.63 (s, 1H, CONH), 8.43 (s, 1H, CONH), 8.29 (br d, 1H, J=9 Hz, C4′-H), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz, C6-H), 7.99 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.95 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C4″-H), 7.87 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.54 (t, 1H, J=7.6 Hz, C8-H), 7.40 (d, 1H, J=9.3 Hz, C5′-H), 7.38 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C7-H), 7.27 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C4″-H), 7.19 (s, 1H, C8′-H), 7.01 (s, 1H, C8″-H), 4.85 (t, 1H, J=10 Hz, C2-H), 4.68 (t, 2H, J=8 Hz, C2′-H₂), 4.59 (d, 1H, J=10 Hz, C2-H), 4.26 (m, 1H, CHHCl), 4.03 (t, 2H, J=8 Hz, C2″-H₂), 3.9-4.0 (m, 2H, C1-H), CHHCl), 3.2-3.6 (m, 4H, partly obscured by H₂O, C1′-H₂, C1″-H₂), 1.44 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (KBr)_max3410, 3315, 2962, 2927, 1664, 1610, 1582, 1508, 1416, 1370, 1340, 1262, 1158, 1098, 802, 762, 528 cm⁻¹; UV (dimethylformamide)_max340 (=43000), 310 (44000), 270 nm (26000); FABHRMS (DTT-DTE) m/e 760.2635 (M⁺+H, C₄₁H₃₈ClN₇O₆requires 760.2650).

[0171] A sample of 110 (1.0 equiv.) is treated with anhydrous 3N HCl-Ethylacetate (0.25 M) at 24° C. for 30 min. The solvent is then removed in vacuo to afford 112 as a white solid.

[0172] Preparation of 2-[(Benzyloxy)methyl]pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole (116) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A solution of 5-hydroxyindole 114 (499 mg, 3.75 mmol) from Aldrich company and 2-(benzyloxy)ethylamine (1.13 g, 7.50 mmol, 2 equiv) monobenzylated from Aldrich company in anhydrous ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME, 120 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and activated MnO₂(15 g, 30 wt equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at 24° C. for 14 h before filtration through a Celite pad to remove MnO₂. The solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2.5×25 cm, 40-50% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 116 (500 mg, 1.04 g theoretical, 48%) as a pale orange-yellow oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.98 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.27-7.40 (m, 8H, ArH), 6.92-6.93 (m, 1H, ArH), 4.84 (s, 2H, PhCH₂), 4.70 (s, 2H, C2-CH₂); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 161.4 (C), 146.1 (C), 137.1 (C), 133.7 (C), 128.5 (two CH), 128.1 (two CH), 128.05 (CH), 127.8 (C), 125.3 (CH), 119.4 (C), 109.3 (CH), 104.8 (CH), 100.1 (CH), 73.2 (CH₂), 64.6 (CH₂); IR (neat)_max3265, 2862, 1671, 1452, 1367, 1212, 1089, 738, 698 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 279.1140 (M⁺+H, C₁₇H₁₄N₂O₂requires 279.1134).

[0173] Preparation of 2-(Hydroxymethyl)pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole (118) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A solution of 116 (67 mg, 0.24 mmol) in Ethanol (4 mL) was treated with 3 drops of conc HCl followed by 10% Pd—C (34 mg, 0.5 wt equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. under 1 atm of H₂for 30 min, and neutralized with the addition of Triethylamine. The mixture was filtered through a Celite pad to remove the catalyst and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1.0×20 cm, 60-80% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 118 (31.5 mg, 45.1 mg theoretical, 70%) as a white crystalline solid: mp 169-171.5° C. (CH₃OH—CH₂Cl₂); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 7.42 (dd, 1H, J=0.8, 8.8 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (d, 1H, J=3.1 Hz, C7-H), 7.32 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, ArH), 6.78 (dd, 1H, J=0.8, 3.1 Hz, C8-H), 4.82 (s, 2H, CH₂OH); ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD, 100 MHz) 165.5 (C), 147.0 (C), 135.6 (C), 133.3 (C), 126.8 (CH), 120.3 (C), 110.6 (CH), 105.0 (CH), 99.7 (CH), 58.2 (CH₂); IR (film)_max3266, 1566, 1438, 1364, 1221, 1083, 1037, 775, 735, 668 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 189.0668 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₈N₂O₂requires 189.0664). Anal. Calcd for C₁₀H₈N₂O₂: C, 63.81; H, 4.29; N, 14.89. Found: C, 63.50; H, 4.20; N, 14.50.

[0174] Preparation of methyl Pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole-2-carboxylate (120) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A solution containing NaCN (42 mg, 0.85 mmol, 5 equiv) and activated MnO₂(148 mg, 1.7 mmol, 10 equiv) in 10.5 mL of CH₃OH was treated with a solution of 118 (32 mg, 0.17 mmol) in CH₃OH (5.5 mL) at 0° C. under Ar. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 24° C. and was stirred for 4 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite pad (2×30 mL Ethylacetate wash) to remove MnO₂and the combined organic layer was washed with H₂O, saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1×15 cm, 40% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 120 (37 mg, 37 mg theoretical, 100%) as an off-white solid: mp 207-208° C. (Ethylacetate-hexane); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.69 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.57 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, ArH), 7.46 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, ArH), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=2.8 Hz, C7-H), 7.05-7.06 (m, 1H, C-8H), 4.09 (s, 3H, CH₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 157.2 (C), 151.1 (C), 146.7 (C), 133.9 (C), 133.2 (C), 125.8 (CH), 119.8 (C), 113.0 (CH), 104.7 (CH), 100.4 (CH), 53.5 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3356, 2921, 1738, 1537, 1437, 1371, 1148 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NA) m/e 217.0610 (M⁺+H, C₁₁H₈N₂O₃requires 217.0613). Anal. Calcd for C₁₁H₈N₂O₃: C, 61.10; H, 3.73; N, 12.96. Found: C, 60.92; H, 3.71; N, 12.79.

[0175] Preparation of Methyl 1,2-Dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole-7-carboxylate (122) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). Compound 120 (47.6 mg, 0.22 mmol) was dissolved in CF₃CO₂H (1 mL) and cooled to 0° C. The mixture was stirred for 10 min before Et₃SiH (355 μL, 2.20 mmol, 10 equiv) was added to the reaction mixture. The mixture was warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 4.5 h. The solvent was removed under a stream of N₂and the residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂(10 mL), and washed with saturated aqueous NAHCO₃(10 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to afford crude 9 as a yellow solid which was used directly in the next step without further purification due to its propensity to air oxidize back to starting material. For crude 122: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 7.25 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, C5-H), 6.80 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, C4-H), 4.01 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.65 (t, 2H, J=8.6 Hz, C2-H₂), 3.31 (t, 2H, J=8.6 Hz, C1-H₂); FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 219.0768 (M⁺ +H, C₁₁H₁₀N₂O₃requires 219.0770).

[0176] Preparation of Methyl 3-Carbamoyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole-7-carboxylate (124) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A solution of crude 122 (from 0.22 mmol of 120) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂(2 mL) was treated with 85% trimethylsilyl isocyanate (Me₃SiNCO, 174 μL, 1.10 mmol, 5 equiv) and the mixture was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 4 h. The resulting insoluble residue was collected by centrifugation and washed with CH₂Cl₂(2×3 mL) and CH₃OH (3 mL). Drying the solid in vacuo afforded pure 124 (32.7 mg, 57.4 mg theoretical, 57% from 120) as a pale yellow solid: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400MHz) 8.20 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4-H), 7.57 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C5-H), 6.35 (br s, 2H, NH₂), 4.04 (t, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, C2-H₂), 3.96 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.38 (t, 2H, J=8.9 Hz, Cl-H₂); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 156.5 (C), 155.9 (two C), 146.1 (C), 143.0 (C), 136.9 (C), 122.0 (C), 115.2 (CH), 109.3 (CH), 53.4 (CH₃), 48.2 (CH₂), 25.2 (CH); IR (film)_max3448, 3179, 1727, 1675, 1606, 1543, 1487, 1423, 1321, 1229, 1155, 1140, 1028, 818 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 262.0830 (M⁺+H, C₁₂H₁₁N₃O₄requires 262.0828). Anal. Calcd for C₁₂H₁₁N₃O₄: C, 55.16; H, 4.25; N, 16.09. Found: C, 54.93; H, 4.17; N, 15.95.

[0177] Preparation of Methyl 3-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole-7-carboxylate (126) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A solution of crude 122 (1.8 mg, 0.008 mmol) dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (100 L) was treated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (3.6 mg, 3.8 μL, 0.016 mmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 2 h and 4° C. for 24 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and flash chromatography (SiO₂, 20-40% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 126 (2.0 mg, 2.6 mg theoretical, 76%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.17 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.43 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C5-H), 4.13 (t, 2H, J=8.8 Hz, C2-H₂), 4.07 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.41 (t, 2H, J=8.8 Hz, Cl-H₂), 1.56 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 319.1290 (M⁺+H, C₁₆H₁₈N₂O₅requires 319.1294).

[0178] Preparation of 3Carbamoyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzoxazole-7-carboxylic Acid (128) (Illustrated in FIG. 25). A suspension of 124 (27 mg, 0.103 mmol) and LIOH H₂O (8.8 mg, 0.21 mmol, 2 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran-CH₃OH—H₂O (3:1:1, 2.5 mL) was stirred at 24° C. for 4 h. The solvent was removed under a stream of N₂and the residual solid was suspended in H₂O (2 mL) and acidified with 1N aqueous HCl to pH 1. The insoluble residue was collected by centrifigation and washed with H₂O (2×3 mL). Drying the solid in vacuo afforded 128 (25 mg, 25 mg theoretical, 100%) as a pale yellow powder: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CF₃CO₂D, 400 MHz) 8.31 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, C4-H), 7.76 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, C5-H), 4.41 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C2-H₂), 3.73 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, Cl-H₂); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 155.9 (C), 154.8 (two C), 145.2 (C), 142.0 (C), 136.3 (C), 120.9 (C), 112.2 (CH), 108.4 (CH), 48.1 (CH₂), 25.2 (CH₂); IR (film)_max3476, 3174, 1677, 1606, 1481, 1419, 1369, 1234, 1061, 815 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 248.0674 (M⁺+H, C₁₁H₉N₃O₄requires 248.0671).

[0179] A solution of 5-nitroindole (130, 2.0 g, 12.3 mmol) from Aldrich company and 4-DIMETHYLAMINOPYRIDINE (226 mg, 1.85 mmol, 0.15 equiv) in dioxane (90 mL) was treated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (5.38 g, 24.7 mmol, 2 equiv), and the reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 10-15 min before the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2.5×25 cm, 20-50% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 132 (3.17 g, 3.17 g theoretical, 100%) as an off-white solid: mp 135-137° C. (CH₂Cl₂, off-white fine needles); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.42 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz, C4-H), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=9.1 Hz, C7-H), 8.14 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.1, Hz, C6-H), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=3.8 Hz, C2-H), 6.67 (d, 1H, J=3.8 Hz, C3-H), 1.67 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 148.9 (C), 143.6 (C), 138.2 (C), 130.2 (C), 128.8 (CH), 119.4 (CH), 117.2 (CH), 115.2 (CH), 107.8 (CH), 85.1 (C), 28.0 (three CH₃); IR(film)_max2982, 1737, 1515, 1462, 1329, 1285, 1254, 1156, 1027, 904, 768, 745 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 263.1043 (M⁺+H, C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₄requires 263.1032). Anal. Calcd for C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₄: C, 59.52; H, 5.38; N, 10.69. Found: C, 59.53; H, 5.36; N, 10.53.

[0180] Preparation of 5-Amino-1-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)indole (134) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). A solution of 132 (1.0 g, 3.81 mmol) in Ethylacetate (30 mL) was treated with 10% Pd—C (500 mg, 0.5 wt equiv) and the mixture was stirred under 1 atm of H₂at 24° C. for 5 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×20 cm, 40-60% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 134 (593 mg, 884 mg theoretical, 67%) as a pale brown oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 7.90 (br s, 1H, C7-H), 7.50 (br s, 1H, C2-H), 6.82 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz, C4-H), 6.70 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 8.7 Hz, C6-H), 6.39 (d, 1H, J=3.6 Hz, C3-H), 3.43 (br s, 2H, NH₂), 1.65 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 149.8 (C), 142.3 (C), 131.7 (C), 129.1 (C), 126.2 (CH), 115.7 (CH), 113.8 (CH), 106.9 (CH), 106.0 (CH), 83.2 (C), 28.3 (three CH₃); IR (neat)_max3359, 1725, 1477, 1454, 1380, 1357, 1343, 1285, 1229, 1166, 1150, 1132, 1024cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 232.1212 (M⁺, C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂requires 232.1212).

[0181] Preparation of 5-(2-Benzyloxyacetyl)amino-1-(tert-butyloxy-carbonyl)-indole (136) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). A solution of 134 (991 mg, 4.27 mmol) and K₂CO₃(400 mg, 5.12 mmol, 1.2 equiv) in tetrahydrofuran (75 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and stirred for 10 min before benzyloxyacetyl chloride (851 μL, 5.12 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture then was allowed to warm to 24° C. and stirred under N₂for 2 h. The mixture was diluted with H₂O (100 nL), extracted with Ethylacetate (3×150 mL), dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×20 cm, 40-50% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 136 (1.53 g, 1.62 g theoretical, 94%) as a pale yellow oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.37 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.06 (br d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.95 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C4-H), 7.56 (d, 1H, J=3.9 Hz, C2-H), 7.34-7.41 (m, 5H, C₆H₅), 7.27(dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.6 Hz, C6-H), 6.51 (d, 1H, J=3.9 Hz, C3-H), 4.65 (s, 2H, PhCH₂), 4.11 (s, 2H, COCH₂), 1.65 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 62.5 MHz) 167.4 (C), 149.5 (C), 136.5 (C), 132.2 (two C), 130.9 (C), 128.7 (two CH), 128.3 (CH), 128.0 (two CH), 126.6 (CH), 116.9 (CH), 115.3 (CH), 112.1 (CH), 107.3 (CH), 83.6 (C), 73.7 (CH₂), 69.6 (CH₂), 28.1 (three CH₃); IR (neat)_max3381, 2978, 1732, 1688, 1537, 1473, 1372, 1131, 745, 699cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 381.1823 (M⁺+H, C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₄requires 381.1814).

[0182] Preparation of 5(2-Benzyloxyacetyl)amino-1-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-4-nitroindole (138) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). Compound 136 (783 mg, 2.06 mmol) was dissolved in CH₃NO₂(38 mL), cooled to 0° C., and treated with 65% HNO₃(1.1 mL). The mixture was warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 3 h before it was diluted with H₂O (50 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂(3×40 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×20 cm, 20-40% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 138 (570 mg, 878 mg theoretical, 65%) as a bright yellow solid: mp 145-146.5° C. (CH₂Cl₂, light yellow flakes); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 11.40 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.63 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, ArH), 8.40 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, ArH), 7.71 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz, C2-H), 7.27-7.40 (m, 5H, C₆H₅), 7.17 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz, C3-H), 4.68 (s, 2H, PhCH₂), 4.10 (s, 2H, COCH₂), 1.62 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 168.9 (C), 148.8 (C), 136.5 (C), 132.2 (C), 130.7 (C), 129.8 (CH), 129.6 (C), 128.6 (two CH), 128.2 (CH), 128.0 (two CH), 125.7 (C), 122.2 (CH), 117.9 (CH), 107.2 (CH), 85.2 (C), 73.8 (CH₂), 69.7 (CH₂), 28.1 (three CH₃); IR (film)_max3319, 1737, 1701, 1491, 1372, 1323, 1288, 1152, 1108 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 425.1605 (M⁺+H, C₂₂H₂₃N₃O₆requires 425.1587). Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂₃N₃O₆: C, 62.09; H, 5.45; N, 9.88. Found: C, 61.84; H, 5.47; N, 9.99.

[0183] Preparation of 4-Amino-(2-benzyloxyacetyl)amino-1-(tertbutyloxy-carbonyl)-indole (140) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). Method A. Compound 138 (212 mg, 0.50 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (3.5 mL) and treated with a solution of Na₂S₂O₄(870 mg, 5.0 mmol, 10 equiv) in H₂O (3.5 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 20 h before it was diluted with H₂O (10 mL), and extracted with Ethylacetate (3×10 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1.5×20 cm, 50-60% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 140 (138 mg, 197 mg theoretical, 70%) as a pale yellow oil identical in all respects to the sample described below.

[0184] Method B. A solution of 138 (910 mg, 2.13 mmol) in Ethylacetate (45 mL) was treated with 10% Pd—C (455 mg, 0.5 wt equiv) and the mixture was stirred under 1 atm of H₂at 24° C. for 3 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×25 cm, 60% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 140 (776 mg, 846 mg theoretical, 92%) as a pale yellow oil (no debenzylation product was detected): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.23 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.55 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.49 (d, 1H, J=3.8 Hz, C2-H), 7.34-7.39 (m, 5H, C₆H₅), 7.01 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz, ArH), 6.50 (d, 1H, J=3.8 Hz, C3-H), 4.67 (s, 2H, PhCH₂), 4.17 (s, 2H, COCH₂), 4.16 (br s, 2H, NH₂), 1.64 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 168.4 (C), 149.8 (C), 136.8 (C), 134.6 (C), 134.5 (C), 128.8 (two CH), 128.4 (CH), 128.2 (two CH), 124.8 (CH), 122.7 (CH), 120.6 (C), 116.1 (C), 106.2 (CH), 103.9 (CH), 83.8 (C), 73.8 (CH₂), 69.7 (CH₂), 28.3 (three CH₃); IR (neat)_max3362, 2978, 1731, 1676, 1491, 1350, 1299, 1152, 1126cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-CsI) m/e 528.0878 (M⁺+Cs, C₂₂H₂₅N₃O₄requires 528.0899). Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₂₅N₃O₄: C, 66.80; H, 6.38; N, 10.63. Found: C, 66.58; H, 6.34; N, 10.39.

[0185] Preparation of 2-[(Benzyloxy)methyl]-6-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-pyrrolo-3,2-e]benzimidazole (142) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). Compound 140 (192 mg, 0.484 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (25 mL) and treated with a solution of tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) containing 2 drops of conc H₂SO₄. The mixture was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 24 h before the reaction was neutralized with the addition of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃(20 mL). The mixture was extracted with Ethylacetate (3×20 mL) and the organic layer was concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 1.5×20 cm, 40-50% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 142 (181 mg, 183 mg theoretical, 99%) as a pale orange oil: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.15 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.66 (d, 1H, J=3.5 Hz, C7-H), 7.45 (br d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C4-H), 7.32-7.36 (m, 5H, C₆H₅), 6.92 (br s, 1H, C8-H), 4.91 (s, 2H, PhCH₂), 4.65 (s, 2H, C2-CH₂), 1.69 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (neat) 2978, 1732, 1436, 1370, 1343, 1286, 1150, 1128 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 378.1826 (M⁺+H, C₂₂H23N₃O₃requires 378.1818).

[0186] Preparation of 6-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzimidazole (144) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). A solution of 142 (677 mg, 1.79 mmol) in Ethanol (20 mL) was treated with 3 drops of conc HCl followed by 10% Pd—C (340 mg, 0.5 wt equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. under 1 atm of H₂for 5 h before being quenched with the addition of several drops of Triethylamine. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×25 cm, 10-20% CH₃OH-Ethylacetate gradient elution) afforded 144 (481 mg, 516 mg theoretical, 93%) as an off-white powder: mp 152° C. (dec, CH₃OH—CH₂Cl₂); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.10(d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.67 (d, 1H, J=3.7Hz, C7-H), 7.44 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4-H), 6.93 (d, 1H, J=3.7 Hz, C8-H), 4.87 (s, 2H, CH₂OH), 1.69 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD—CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 154.0 (C), 150.9 (C), 133.2 (C), 132.7 (C), 132.0 (C), 126.1 (CH), 119.7 (C), 111.5 (CH), 110.9 (CH), 104.9(CH), 84.6 (C), 58.6 (CH₂), 28.4 (three CH₃); IR (film)_max3179, 2920, 1729, 1676, 1365, 1342, 1289, 1150, 1126 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA-NaI) m/e 310.1160 (M⁺+Na, C₁₅H₁₇N₃O₃requires 310.1168).

[0187] Methyl 6-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzimidazole2-carboxylate (146) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). A solution containing NaCN (478 mg, 9.75 mmol, 5 equiv) and activated MnO₂(1.69 g, 19.5 mmol, 10 equiv) in CH₃OH (42 mL) was treated with a solution of 144 (560 mg, 1.95 mmol) in CH₃OH (17 mL) at 0° C. under Ar. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 4° C. and was stirred for 8 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite pad (Ethylacetate wash) to remove MnO₂. Ethylacetate was added (150 mL total) and the combined organic layer was washed with H₂O (100 mL), saturated aqueous NaCl, dried (Na₂SO₄), and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 2×25 cm, 60-80% Ethylacetate-hexane gradient elution) afforded 146 (485 mg, 615 mg theoretical, 79%) as a light yellow foam: ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.26 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.64 (d, 1H, J=3.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.49 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4-H), 6.98 (br s, 1H, C8-H), 4.01 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 1.62 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); IR (film)_max3378, 1729, 1364, 1341, 1319, 1243, 1146, 1127 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 316.1299 (M⁺+H, C₁₆H₁₇N₃O₄requires 316.1297). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆H₁₇N₃O₄: C, 60.93; H, 5.44; N, 13.33. Found: C, 60.84; H, 5.53; N, 12.97.

[0188] Preparation of Methyl Pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzimidazole-2-carboxylate (148) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). Compound 146 (100 mg, 0.32 mmol) was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl in Ethylacetate (10 mL) at 24° C. for 5 h. The reaction then was neutralized with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃to pH 7-8 and extracted with Ethylacetate (2×10 mL) and CH₃CN (2×15 mL). The combined organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to afford 148 as a yellow solid which was used in the next reaction without further purification. For 148: mp 182° C. (dec, CH₃OH—CH₂Cl₂, light yellow powder); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 7.45 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, ArH), 7.37 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, ArH), 7.29 (d, 1H, J=3.0 Hz, C7-H), 6.85 (d, 1H, J=3.0 Hz, C8-H), 4.02 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃);IR (film)_max3380, 1716, 1631, 1518, 1434, 1387, 1314, 1238 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 216.0779 (M⁺+H, C₁₁H₉N₃O₂requires 216.0773).

[0189] Preparation of A Methyl 3-Carbamoyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (152) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). Crude 148 prepared above (0.32 mmol theoretical) was treated with CF₃CO₂H (2.5 mL) and the mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 40 min. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. before Et₃SiH (510 μL, 3.17 mmol, 10 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 6 h. The solvent was removed under a stream of N₂and the dry residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂(20 mL). Several drops of CH₃OH were added to help dissolve the residue. The organic solution was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃and concentrated in vacuo to afford 150 as a bright yellow solid which was used directly in the next reaction without further purification due to its propensity to air oxidize back to starting material. A solution of 150 dissolved in 10 mL of CH₂Cl₂-dimethylformamide (10:1) was treated with 85% Me₃SiNCO (220 μL, 1.38 mmol, 5 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 8 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the dry residue was slurried in CH₂Cl₂(5 mL). The sample was collected by centrifugation, washed with CH₂Cl₂(2×) and CH₃OH (1×) to afford pure 152 (55.4 mg, 82.5 mg theoretical, 67% from 146) as a light gray solid: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CF₃CO₂D, 400 MHz) 8.42 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, C4-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz, C5-H), 4.35 (t, 2H, J=8.4 Hz, C2-H₂), 4.21 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.64 (t, 2H, J=8.4 Hz, C1-H₂), a doubling of the ¹H NMR signals was observed when the spectrum was recorded in DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆which we attribute to the two accessible tautomeric forms of 152; ¹³C NMR (CF₃CO₂D, 100 MHz) 160.8 (C), 156.6 (C), 145.7 (C), 139.4 (C), 130.5 (C), 130.3 (C), 121.9 (CH), 119.8 (C), 117.0 (CH), 57.5 (CH₃), 50.9 (CH₂), 27.0 (CH₂); IR (KBr)_max3406, 3187, 3027, 1727, 1664, 1441, 1394, 1209, 769 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 261.0993 (M⁺+H, C₁₂H₁₂N₄O₃requires 261.0988).

[0190] Preparation of 3-Carbamoyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[3,2-e]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic Acid (154) (Illustrated in FIG. 26). A suspension of 152 (50 mg, 0.19 mmol) in 6 mL of tetrahydrofuran-CH₃OH—H₂O (3:1:1) was treated with LiOH H₂O (16 mg, 0.38 mmol, 2 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 6 h before the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residual solid was mixed with H₂O (3 mL) and acidified with 1N aqueous HCl to pH 1. The precipitate was collected by centrifugation and washed with H₂O (2×2 mL). Drying the solid in vacuo afforded 154 (47 mg, 47 mg theoretical, 100%) as a pale yellow fluffy solid: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CF₃CO₂D, 400 MHz) 8.45 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C4-H), 7.83 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C5-H), 4.40 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C2-H₂), 3.69 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C1-H₂); ¹³C NMR (CF₃CO₂D, 100 MHz) 160.7 (C), 157.8 (C), 145.4 (C), 140.1 (C), 130.6 (C), 130.2 (C), 121.7 (CH), 119.8 (C), 116.9 (CH), 50.8 (CH₂), 26.9 (CH₂); IR (film)_max3183, 1665, 1587, 1496, 1448, 1247, 1119 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 247.0838 (M⁺+H, C₁₁H₁₀N₄O₃requires 247.0831).

[0191] Preparation of 3-[3′-Carbamoyl-1′,2′-dihydro-3′H-pyrrolo [3′,2′-e]benzoxazol-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (156) (Illustrated in FIG. 27). Phenol 14 (5.3 mg, 0.0159 mmol) was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl-Ethylacetate (2 mL) at 24° C. for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude unstable 16 (quantitative). A mixture of 16, [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-ethylcarbodimide hydrochloride (1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI), 6.1 mg, 0.032 mmol, 2 equiv), and CDPBO, 128 (3.7 mg, 0.015 mmol, 0.95 equiv) was stirred in dimethylformamide (400 μL) at 24° C. under Ar for 12 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the dry residue was mixed with H₂O (1 mL) and stirred for 10 min. The precipitate was collected by centrifugation, and washed with H₂O (2×1 mL) and dried in vacuo. Flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0.5×10 cm, 0-10% CH₃OH—CHCl₃gradient elution) afforded 156 (6.4 mg, 7.3 mg theoretical, 88%) as a pale greenish powder: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 10.57 (s, 1H, OH), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4′-H), 8.14 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 8.02 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.86 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C9-H), 7.61 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C5′-H), 7.55 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz, C8-H), 7.40 (t, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C7-H), 6.36 (br s, 2H, NH₂), 4.90 (d, 1H, J=10.5 Hz, C2-H), 4.78 (dd, 1H, J=8.8, 11.9 Hz, C2-H), 4.23-4.25 (m, 1H, C1-H), 3.99-4.08 (m, 3H, CHHCl and C2′-H₂), 3.86 (dd, 1H, J=7.9, 10.9 Hz, CHHCl), 3.38-3.43 (m, 2H, C1′-H₂); ¹³C NMR (DIETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 156.1, 155.9, 154.4, 154.1, 145.4, 142.9, 141.3, 136.7, 129.8, 127.6, 123.8, 123.2, 123.1, 122.7, 121.8, 116.2, 114.5, 109.0, 100.0, 55.3, 48.2, 47.5, 41.2, 25.3; IR (film)_max3359, 3225, 1650, 1583, 1488, 1424, 1258, 1120, 1024, 764 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 463.1182 (M⁺+H, C₂₄H₁₉ClN₄O₄requires 463.1173).Natural (1S)-156 [α]³+44 (c 0.12, dimethylformamide). Ent-(1R)-156: [α]³−41 (c 0.09, dimethylformamide).

[0192] Preparation of 3-[(3′-Carbamoyl-1′,2′-dihydro-3′H-pyrrolo [3′,2′-e]benzimidazol-7′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (158) (Illustrated in FIG. 27). Phenol 14 (4.6 mg, 0.0138 mmol) was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl-Ethylacetate (2 mL) at 24° C. for 40 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude unstable 16 (quantitative). A mixture of 16, [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI), 5.3 mg, 0.028 mmol, 2 equiv) and CDPBI₁154 (3.4 mg, 0.14 mmol, 1 equiv) was stirred in dimethylformamide (400 μL) at 24° C. under N₂for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The dry residue was dissolved in 10% CH₃OH—CHCl₃and loaded on a flash chromatography column (SiO₂, 0.8×10 cm) and eluted with 0-10% CH₃OH—CHCl₃gradient elution to afford 158 (5.2 mg, 12.6 mg theoretical, 42%) as a light gray solid: mp>230° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.16 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.49 (br s, 1H, OH), 8.09-8.14 (m, 2H, ArH), 8.03 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, ArH), 7.86 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.52-7.56 (apparent t, 2H, J=8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.38 (t, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C7-H), 6.25 and 6.21 (two s, 2H, NH₂), 5.17 (d, 1H, J=10.4 Hz, C2-H), 4.83 (apparent t, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C2-H), 4.24 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.02 (t, 3H, J=8.7 Hz, CHHCl, C2′-H), 3.83-3.88 (m, 1H, CHHCl), 3.27-3.37 (m, 2H, obscured by H₂O, C1′-H₂); IR (film)_max3355, 3212, 2925, 1620, 1584, 1499, 1446, 1423, 1333, 1257, 1122, 1019cm⁻¹; FABHRMS(NBA) m/e462.1345 (M⁺+H, C₂₄H₂₀ClN₅O₃requires 462.1333) Natural (1S)-158: [α]³+49 (c 0.19, dimethylformamide).Ent-(1R)-158: [α]³−48 (c 0.04, dimethylformamide).

[0193] Preparation of N²-[(3′-carbamoyl-1′,2′-dihydro-3′H-pyrrolo[3′,2′-e]benzimidazol-7′-yl)carbonyl]-1,2,9,9a-tetrahydro-cyclopropa-[c]-enz[e]-indol-4-one (162) or COMPOUND (160) (Illustrated in FIG. 27). A solution of 156 or 158 (1.4 mg, 3 μmol) in 300 μL of tetrahydrofuran-dimethylformamide (1:1) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with DBN (0.5 μL, 4.5 μmol, 1.5 equiv). The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to 24° C. and stirred for 3.5 h. The mixture was placed on a flash chromatography column (SiO₂, 0.5×3 mm), and eluted with 5-10% CH₃OH—CHCl₃(gradient elution) to afford 160 or 162 (0.8 mg, 1.3 mg theoretical, 63%) as a bright yellow solid. Selected representative data for 162: mp>230° C.; ¹H NMR (dimethylformamide-d₇, 400 MHz) 13.40 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C4′-H), 8.10 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C5-H), 7.64 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz, C7-H), 7.55 (d, 1H, J=8.9 Hz, C5′-H), 7.48 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.31 (s, 1H, C4-H), 7.29 (d, 1H, J=7.8 Hz, C8-H), 6.29 (br s, 2H, NH₂), 5.33 (d, 1H, J=11.8 Hz, C1-H), 4.77 (dd, 1H, J=5.0, 11.8 Hz, C1-H), 4.20 (t, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C2′-H₂), 3.44 (t, 2H, partially obscured by H₂O, J=8.8 Hz, C1′-H₂), 3.31-3.35 (m, 1H, C9a-H), 1.76-1.80 (m, 2H, C9-H₂); IR (film)_max1656, 1620, 1589, 1495, 1442, 1406, 1272, 1125 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 426.1545 (M⁺+H, C₂₄H₁₉N₅O₃requires 426.1566). Natural (+)-162: [α]³+95 (c 0.04, dimethylformamide). Ent-(−)-162: [α]⁴−94 (c 0.05, dimethylformamide).

[0194] DNA Alkylation Studies. General procedures, the preparation of singly ³²P 5′ end-labeled double-stranded DNA, the agent binding studies, gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography were conducted according to procedures described in full detail elsewhere. (Boger et. al Tetrahedron1991, 47, 2661). Eppendorf tubes containing the 5′ end-labeled DNA (9 μL, w794 and w836) in TE buffer (10 mM Tris, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) were treated with the agent DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE (1 μL at the specified concentration). The solution was mixed by vortexing and brief centrifugation and subsequently incubated at 25° C. for 3 days. The covalently modified DNA was separated from unbound agent by Ethanol precipitation and resuspended in TE buffer (10 μL). The solution of DNA in an Eppendorf tube sealed with parafilm was heated at 100° C. for 30 min to induce cleavage at the alkylation sites, allowed to cool to 25° C. and centrifuged. Formamide dye (0.33% xylene cyanol FF, 0.03% bromophenol blue, 8.7% Na₂EDTA 250 mM) was added (5 μL) to the supernatant. Prior to electrophoresis, the sample was denatured by warming at 100° C. for 5 min, placed in an ice bath, and centrifuged, before the supernatant (3 μL) was loaded directly onto the gel. Sanger dideoxynucleotide sequencing reactions were run as standards adjacent to the reaction samples. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was run on an 8% sequencing gel under denaturing conditions (8 M urea) in TBE buffer (100 mM Tris, 100 mM boric acid, 0.2 mM Na₂EDTA) followed by autoradiography.

[0195] Condensation of 3-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl 2-azidoacetate (8 equiv, 6 equiv NaOCH₃, CH₃OH, −23 to 0° C., 6 h, 88%) both reagents commercially available from Aldrich, followed by thermolysis of the resulting methyl 2-azidocinnamate (xylene, reflux, 4.5 h, 81%) provided a readily separable mixture (4:1) of methyl 5- and 7-nitroindole-2-carboxylate. For methyl 7-nitroindole-2-carboxylate (164): mp 122-125° C. (CH₂Cl₂, light yellow fine needles); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 10.37 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.31 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C4-H), 8.06 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.36 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz, C3-H), 7.28 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5-H), 3.99 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃); IR (film)_max3372, 1727, 1531, 1445, 1344, 1298, 1249, 1188, 1107, 830, 763 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 221.0560 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₈N₂O₄requires 221.0562). For methyl 5-nitroindole-2-carboxylate (168): ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 12.65 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.73 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz, C4-H), 8.14 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.60 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.45 (d, 1H, J=0.7 Hz, C3-H), 3.90 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃); IR (film)_max3316, 1701, 1614, 1531, 1435, 1343, 1261, 1203, 992, 746 cm⁻¹. Similarly, condensation of 4-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl 2-azidoacetate (8 equiv, 6 equiv NaOCH₃, CH₃OH, −23 to 0° C., 7 h, 84%) followed by thermolysis (xylene, reflux, 4 h, 83%) provided methyl 6-nitroindole-2-carboxylate (166): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 9.27 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.39 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C7-H), 8.04 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=8.0Hz, C4-H), 7.28 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz, C3-H), 4.00 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃).

[0196] Catalytic hydrogenation of 164,166 or 168 (1 atm H₂, 0.1 wt equiv 10% Pd—C, Ethylacetate, 25° C., 4-5 h) provided the corresponding amines. For methyl 7-aminoindole-2-carboxylate (170): 79%; mp 184° C. (dec, pale green crystals); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 9.47 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.21 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.20 (d, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C6-H), 6.99 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz, C5-H), 6.67 (d, 1H, J=7.4 Hz, C4-H), 3.97 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 2.30 (br s, 2H, NH₂); IR (film)_max3205, 2815, 1693, 1547, 1437, 1345, 1247, 1211, 1112, 997, 827, 783, 734 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 190.0747 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₂requires 190.0742). For methyl 6-aminoindole-2-carboxylate (172): 76%, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.58 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.45 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C4-H), 7.11 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz, C3-H), 6.62 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz, C7-H), 6.59 (dd, 1H, J=1.9, 8.4 Hz, C5-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.79 (br s, 2H, NH₂); IR (film)_max3351, 2922, 1694, 1629, 1528, 1440, 1271, 1206, 1130, 999, 834, 736, 668 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 190.0740 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₂requires 190.0742). For methyl 5-aminoindole-2-carboxylate (174): 92%, mp 150-152° C. (CH₂Cl₂); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) 8.72 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.23 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C7-H), 7.03 (dd, 1H, J=1.0, 2.1 Hz, C3-H), 6.93 (dd, 1H, J=1.0, 2.0 Hz, C4-H), 6.81 (dd, 1H, J=2.0, 8.6 Hz, C6-H), 3.93 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.57 (br s, 2H, NH₂); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz) 160.0 (C), 150.3 (C), 145.6 (C), 143.0 (C), 127.7 (C), 117.7 (CH), 113.5 (CH), 112.6 (CH), 106.1 (CH), 52.2(CH₃);R (film)_max3320, 1691, 1628, 1531, 1437, 1376, 1337, 1232, 1034, 997, 766 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 190.0746 (M⁺+H, C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₂requires 190.0742).

[0197] General Method for the Preparation of Trimethylammonium Substituted Indole-2-carboxylate Methyl Esters: Methyl 5-(Trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylate Iodides (176-180) (Illustrated in FIG. 29). Compound 174 (76 mg, 0.4 mmol) was dissolved in dimethylformamide (3 mL) and treated with NaHCO₃(168 mg, 2.0 mmol, 5 equiv) and CH₃I (568 mg, 248 μL, 4.0 mmol, 10 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. under N₂for 4 h before the solvent was removed in vacuo. The dry residue was slurried in H₂O and precipitate was collected by centrifugation. Recrystallization from CH₃CN afforded 180 (129 mg, 144 mg theoretical, 90%) as a pale yellow solid: mp 228° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 12.37 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.26 (d, 1H, J=2.6 Hz, C4-H), 7.89 (dd, 1H, J=2.6, 9.3 Hz, C6-H), 7.64 (d, 1H, J=9.3 Hz, C7-H), 7.29 (s, 1H, C3-H), 3.86 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.65 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHIMSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 161.4 (C), 140.6 (C), 136.4 (C), 129.7 (C), 125.9(C), 116.9 (CH), 114.1 (CH), 113.9 (CH), 108.9 (CH), 56.9 (three CH₃), 52.2 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3446, 1708, 1537, 1437, 1339, 1259, 1205, 995, 937, 770, 742 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 233.1290 (M⁺−I, C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂requires 233.1290). Anal. Calcd for C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂: C, 43.35; H, 4.76; N, 7.78. Found: C, 42.99; H, 4.6; N, 7.51.

[0198] Methyl 7-(trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylate Iodide (176) procedure as above except with 170: mp 151.5° C. (dec, pale green fine needles); ¹H NMR (CD₃CN, 400 MHz) 10.27 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.07 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C4-H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.53 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.41 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5-H), 4.05 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.89 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ³C NMR (CD₃OD, 100 MHz) 162.8 (C), 133.5 (C), 133.2 (C), 131.5 (C), 128.0 (C), 127.1 (CH), 121.7 (CH), 117.8 (CH), 111.2 (CH), 56.7 (three CH₃), 52.8 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3188, 1717, 1614, 1467, 1438, 1306, 1254, 1204, 1149, 944, 833, 731 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 233.1297 (M⁺−I, C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂requires 233.1290). Anal. Calcd for C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂: C, 43.35; H, 4.76; N, 7.78. Found: C, 43.37; H, 4.73; N, 7.78.

[0199] Methyl 6-(Trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylate Iodide (178) procedure as above except with 172: mp 209° C. (dec, colorless crystals); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 12.48 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.91 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4-H), 7.80 (d, 1H, J=2.0 Hz, C7-H), 7.75 (dd, 1H, J=2.1, 9.1 Hz, C5-H), 7.25 (s, 1H, C3-H), 3.86 (s, 3H, CO₂CH₃), 3.68 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (DIETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 153.5 (C), 124.2 (C), 123.9 (C), 122.2 (C), 118.7 (C), 117.8 (CH), 112.4 (CH), 108.5 (CH), 101.9 (CH), 47.4 (three CH₃), 43.5 (CH₃); IR (film)_max3409, 1716, 1605, 1564, 1489, 1433, 1325, 1226, 1005, 942 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 233.1290 (M⁺−I, C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂requires 233.1290). Anal. Calcd for C₁₃H₁₇IN₂O₂: C, 43.35; H, 4.76; N, 7.78. Found: C, 43.36; H, 4.72; N, 7.81.

[0200] General Method for the Preparation of Trimethylammonium Substituted Indole-2-carboxylic Acids: 5-(Trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylic Acid (182,184,186) (Illustrated in FIG. 29). A solution of 180 (100 mg, 0.28 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran-CH₃OH—H₂O (3:1:1, 2.6 mL) was treated with LiOH—H₂O (35 mg, 0.83 mmol, 3 equiv), and the reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 6 h. The solvent was removed and the dry residue was mixed with H₂O (10 mL) and saturated aqueous NaCl (5 mL). The solution was acidified to pH 1 with the addition of 1N aqueous HCl and extracted with CH₃CN (10 mL each) until no UV active material was detected in aqueous solution. The extracts were combined, dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Recrystallization from CH₃CN afforded 186 (73.8 mg, 96.2 mg theoretical, 77%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.31 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 12.19 (br s, 1H, NH), 8.23 (d, 1H, J=1.8 Hz, C4-H), 7.88 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C6-H or C7-H), 7.59 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C6-H or C7-H), 7.19 (d, 1H, J-=1.1 Hz, C3-H), 3.65 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100MHz) 162.4 (C), 140.5 (C), 136.3 (C), 131.3 (C), 126.1 (C), 116.5 (CH), 133.8 (two CH), 108.2 (CH), 56.8 (three CH₃); IR (film)_max3342, 3016, 1697, 1538, 1469, 1419, 1339, 1226, 1194, 938, 852, 772 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 219.1143 (M⁺−Cl, C₁₂H₁₅ClN₂O₂requires 219.1134.)

[0201] 7-(Trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylic Acid (182) procedure as above except use 176: mp>198° C. (dec, white solid); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.41 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 12.23 (br s, 1IX NH), 7.94 (d, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C4-H), 7.74 (d, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C6-H), 7.38 (s, 1H, C3-H), 7.26 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5-H), 3.79 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSLFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 162.2 (C), 132.2 (C), 131.5 (C), 131.3 (C), 126.6 (C), 125.3 (CH), 120.1 (CH), 116.9 (CH), 109.5 (CH), 55.5 (three CH₃); TR (film)_max3327, 1694, 1477, 1444, 1416, 1388, 1328, 1173, 1141, 940, 730cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 219.1141 (M⁺−Cl, C₁₂H₁₅ClN₂O₂requires 219.1134).

[0202] 6-(Trimethylammonio)indole-2-carboxylic Acid (184) procedure as above except use 178: mp>195° C. (dec, off-white needles); ¹H NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 400 MHz) 13.12 (br s, 1H, CO₂H), 12.33 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.88 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz, C4-H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=2.2 Hz, C7-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=2.2, 9.0 Hz, C5-H), 7.17 (d, 1H, J=1.7 Hz, C3-H), 3.66 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃); ¹³C NMR (DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE-d₆, 100 MHz) 162.3 (C), 143.7 (C), 135.7 (C), 131.6 (C), 126.9 (C), 123.6 (CH), 112.5 (CH), 107.0 (CH), 104.5 (CH), 56.5 (three CH₃); IR (film)_max3260, 1689, 1530, 1328, 1222, 1131, 835, 778 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 219.1142 (M⁺−Cl, C₁₂H₁₅ClN₂O₂requires 219.1134).

[0203] Preparation of 3-[(Indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (seco-CBI-indole₁, 190) (illustrated in FIG. 30). A sample of 14 (4.0 mg, 0.012 mmol) was treated with anhydrous 4 M HCl-Ethylacetate (1 mL) at 25° C. for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude unstable 16 (quantitative). A mixture of 16, [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI), 5.8 mg, 0.030 mmol, 2.5 equiv), and indole-2-carboxylic acid (188, 2.9 mg, 0.018 mmol, 1.5 equiv) from Aldrich company in 0.2 mL of dimethylformamide was stirred at 25° C. under Ar for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with 0.3 mL of H₂O and extracted with Ethylacetate (0.4 LL×4). The combined organic layer was concentrated. Chromatography (SiO₂, 40% Ethylacetate-hexane) afforded 190 (3.4 mg, 4.3 mg theoretical, 79%) as a pale yellow solid: ¹H NMR (tetrahydrofuran-d₈, 400 MHz) 11.04 (br s, 1H, NH), 9.31 (s, 1H, OH), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 8.02 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.78 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.67 (d, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C4′-H), 7.48 (dd, 1H, C8-H partially obscured by overlapping C7′-H), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C7′-H), 7.30 (dd, 1H, J=8.0, 8.3 Hz, C7-H), 7.22 (dd, 1H, J=7.1, 8.3 Hz, C6′-H), 7.17 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.06 (dd, 1H, J=7.1, 7.9 Hz, C5′-H), 4.78 (m, 2H, C2-H₂), 4.17 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.00 (dd, 1H, J=3.2, 11.1 Hz, CHHCl), 3.61 (m, 1H, CHHCl); IR (film)_max, 3427, 3225, 3056, 2965, 2865, 1608, 1578, 1512, 1417, 1394, 1363, 1338, 1316, 1252, 1140, 1058, 850, 804, 743 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 377.1065 (M⁺+H, C₂₂H₁₇ClN₂O₂requires 377.1057). Natural (1S)-2: [α]³+8.8 (c 0.17, tetrahydrofuran).

[0204] General Method for the Coupling of seco-N-BOC-CBI (14) with 15-17: 3-[7′-((Trimethylammonio)indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indoles (190,192,194,196) (Illustrated in FIG. 30). Phenol 14 (9.0 mg, 0.027 mmol) was treated with anhydrous 3M HCl-Ethylacetate (2 mL) at 24° C. for 30 min. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford crude unstable 16 (quantitative). A mixture of 16, [3-(dimethylamino)propyl]ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (1-(3-DIMETHYLAMINOPROPYL)-3-ETHYLCARBODIMIDE HYDROCHLORIDE (EDCI), 10.3 mg, 0.054 mmol, 2.0 equiv), and 182 (9.3 mg, 0.027 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in 0.5 mL of dimethylformamide was stirred at 24° C. under Ar for 12 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the dry residue was mixed with H₂O (3 mL) and saturated aqueous NaCl (2 mL). The mixture was extracted with CH₃CN (5 mL×3). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄) and concentrated. Chromatography (SiO₂, n-Butanol-H₂O-Ethylacetate-HOAc, 5:5:5:3) afforded 192 (10.3 mg, 15.2 mg theoretical, 68%) as a pale yellow solid: mp>152° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.22 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 8.02 (d, 1H, J=7.9 Hz, C4′-H), 7.97 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz, C6′-H or C9-H), 7.79 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C6′-H or C9-H), 7.55 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C8-H), 7.43 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C7-H), 7.35 (t, 1H, J=8.0 Hz, C5′-H), 4.73-4.77 (m, 1H, C2-H), 4.65 (dd, J=1.7, 11.0 Hz, C2-H), 4.17-4.21 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.00 (dd, 1H, J=3.1, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl), 3.90 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃), 3.69 (apparent t, 1H, J=10.6 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3354, 1624, 1584, 1466, 1414, 1326, 1259 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 434.1648 (M⁺−Cl, C₂₅H₂₅Cl₂N₃O₂requires 434.1635). Natural (1S)-3: [ ]³−9.9 (c 0.10, CH₃OH).

[0205] 3-[6′-((Trimethylammonio)indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-1-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (194) procedure as above except use 186: ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.21 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 7.99 (d, 1H, J=8.8 Hz, C4′-H), 7.87 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.80 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.65 (dd, 1H, J=2.3, 9.3 Hz, C5′-H), 7.64 (s, 1H, C7′-H), 7.54 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C8-H), 7.36-7.45 (m, 1H, C7-H), 7.30 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 4.75-4.82 (m, 1H, C2-H), 4.70 (dd, 1H, J=1.8, 10.9 Hz, C2-H), 4.194.23 (m, 1H, C1-H), 4.00 (dd, 1H, J=3.2, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl), 3.75 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃), 3.69 (dd, 1H, J=3.0, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3373, 1625, 1577, 1558, 1519, 1409, 1342, 1256 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 434.1722 (M⁺−Cl, C₂₅H₂₅Cl₂N₃O₂requires 434.1714). Natural (1S)-4: [ ]³+53 (c 0.04, CH₃OH).

[0206] 3-[5′-((Trimethylammonio)indol-2′-yl)carbonyl]-(chloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-1,2-dihydro-3H-benz[e]indole (196) procedure as above except use 188: ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz) 8.27 (d, 1H, J=2.6 Hz, C4′-H), 8.21 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C6-H), 7.83 (br s, 1H, C4-H), 7.81 (dd, 1H, J=2.8, 9.3 Hz, C6′-H), 7.80 (d, 1H, J=8.3 Hz, C9-H), 7.73 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz, C7′-H), 7.53 (t, 1H, J=8.2 Hz, C8-H), 7.37 (t, 1H, J=8.4 Hz, C7-H), 7.33 (s, 1H, C3′-H), 4.68-4.76 (m, 2H, partially obscured by H₂O, C2-H2), 4.17-4.21 (m, 1H, C1-H), 3.99 (dd, H, J=3.2, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl), 3.73 (s, 9H, N(CH₃)₃), 3.65 (dd, 1H, J=8.8, 11.2 Hz, CHHCl); IR (film)_max3374, 1557, 1416, 1342, 1265, 1232, 758 cm⁻¹; FABHRMS (NBA) m/e 434.1619 (M⁺−Cl, CH₂₅H₂₅Cl₂N₃O₂requires 434.1635). Natural (1S)-5 [ ]³+64 (c 0.10, CH₃OH).

[0207] DNA Alkylation Studies of 2-5: Selectivity and Efficiency. Eppendorf tubes containing singly ³²P 5′-end-labeled double-stranded DNA¹⁰(9 μL) in TE buffer (10 mM Tris, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) were treated with the agents 190-196 in DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE (1 μL, at the specified concentrations). The solutions were mixed by vortexing and brief centrifugation and subsequently incubated at 4° C. for 24 h. The covalently modified DNA was separated from unbound agent by Ethanol precipitation of the DNA. The Ethanol precipitations were carried out by adding t-RNA as a carrier (1 μL, 10 1μg/μL), a buffer solution containing salt (0.1 volume, 3 M NaOAc in TE) and −20° C. Ethanol (2.5 volumes). The solutions were mixed and chilled at −78° C. in a REVCO freezer for 1 h or longer. The DNA was reduced to a pellet by centrifugation at 4° C. for 15 min, washed with −20° C. 70% Ethanol (in TE containing 0.2 M NaCl) and recentrifuged briefly. The pellets were dried in a Savant Speed Vac concentrator and resuspended in TE buffer (10 μL). The solutions of alkylated DNA were warmed at 100° C. for 30 min to induce cleavage at the adenine N3 alkylation sites. After brief centrifugation, formamide dye solution (5 μL) was added. Prior to electrophoresis, the samples were denatured by warming at 100° C. for 5 min, placed in an ice bath, centrifuged briefly, and the supernatant (2.8 μL) was loaded onto a gel. Sanger dideoxynucleotide sequencing reactions were run as standards adjacent to the agent treated DNA reaction samples. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was run on an 8% sequencing gel under denaturing conditions (19:1 acrylamide: N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide, 8 M urea) in TBE buffer (100 mM Tris, 100 mM boric acid, 0.2 mM Na₂EDTA). PAGE was pre-run for 30 min with formamide dye solution prior to loading the samples. Autoradiography of dried gels was carried out at −78° C. using Kodak X-Omat AR film and a Picker Spectra™ intensifying screen.