Thalidomide metabolites and analogues.: 3.: Synthesis and antiangiogenic activity of the teratogenic and TNFα-modulatory thalidomide analogue 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidine-3-yl)phthalimidine

Versatile synthesis of the teratogenic, TNFalpha-modulatory, and antiangiogenic thalidomide analogue 2-(2,6-dioxopiperidine-3-yl)phthalimidine (1) and its direct antiangiogenic properties are described. With thalidomide or thalidomide derivatives as precursors, the synthesis involved either carbonyl reduction/thiation-desulfurization or carbonyl reduction/acyliminium ion reduction protocols. Compared to earlier studies with thalidomide, which was only active with microsomal treatment, I exhibited marginal inhibitory activity in the rat aortic ring assay, thereby demonstrating the requirement for metabolic activation.