Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine- and quinoline-substituted 2-aminopyrimidine derivatives.

A series of 2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine- and quinoline-substituted 2-aminopyrimidines derivatives were synthesized using a convenient synthetic route. We evaluate the isosteric replacement of methyl groups in 4-(2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)-N-p-tolylpyrimidin-2-amine (compound 1) by trifluoromethyl groups and the isosteric substitution of the 2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl scaffold by quinolin-4-yl or quinolin-3-yl moieties. The replacement of hydrogen by fluorine does not affect notably the cytotoxic activity and CDK inhibitor activity in this series. Quinolin-4-yl-substituted compound, 8, presents cytotoxic activity and is most effective and selective against CDK1/CycA than against CDK2/CycB. Compound 11, which has a quinolin-3-yl moiety is CDK inhibitor but presents null cytotoxic activity. Quinolin-4-yl-substituted compounds constitute a new lead of cytotoxic and CDK inhibitor compounds from which more compelling and selective inhibitors can be designed.