Synthesis and antitrypanosomal activity of 2-aminomethyl-1-(2-oxyphenyl)naphthalenes

A broad variety of enantiopure axially chiral 2-aminomethyl-1-(2-oxyphenyl)naphthalenes were prepared via short and efficient synthetic pathways by using the ‘lactone method’ for the regio- and stereoselective construction of the biaryl axis. Their in vitro activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagasʹ disease, was evaluated. In particular, the M-configured atropisomers, with the 2-oxy function equipped with an O-triflate group, were found to exhibit good antitrypanosomal activities (down to IC50=1.6 μg/mL), combined with low levels of cytotoxicity.