Design, Synthesis, Antiviral Evaluation, and SAR Studies of New 1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-1H-Pyrazol-4-yl-Methylaniline Derivatives.

A series of N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines 7a-p and 8a-l, structurally related to previously synthesized and tested (N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (1a-v), were designed and synthesized. The new derivatives were evaluated in cell-based assays for their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against a large panel of RNA and DNA viruses of public health significance. Generally, the tested compounds did not display cytotoxicity toward the cell lines used. The majority of derivatives 7a-p were able to interfered with YFV and RSV replication in the micromolar range showing a marked improvement in potency and selectivity with respect to the reference inhibitors 6-azauridine and ribavirin, respectively. The introduction of a p-methoxy substituent on the phenylsulfonyl group (compounds 8a-l) completely abolished the anti-RSV activity and reduced or eliminated the potency against YFV. On the contrary, several p-methoxy analogs were able to interfere with BVDV replication with a comparable (8b, 8c, 8g, and 8k) or better (8a and 8f) potency than the reference inhibitor, ribavirin. Compound 7e, selected for time of addition experiments on BHK-21 cell cultures infected with YFV, achieved the highest reduction of virus titer when added 2 h post infection and maintained up to 4 h post infection.

Introduction

The Flaviviridae family comprises single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses (ssRNA+) that are currently classified into four genera: Flavivirus, Hepacivirus, Pegivirus, and Pestivirus (Simmonds et al., 2017). Flaviviridae viruses are responsible for severe human and animal infectious diseases worldwide (Holbrook, 2017; Evans et al., 2018; Ray and Ray, 2019).

The genera Flavivirus and Hepacivirus include several human pathogenic viruses of global medical importance. Within the approximately 70 species of the genus Flavivirus, Yellow Fever Virus (YFV), West-Nile Virus (WNV), Dengue Virus (DENV), Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) are arthropod-borne emerging or reemerging pathogens. Flavivirus infections can result in diseases ranging from a “flu-like” illness with fever and general malaise, to sever and potentially fatal disease including hemorrhagic fever, jaundice, seizures, or fatal encephalitis (Sips et al., 2012; Holbrook, 2017). The Hepacivirus genus includes only the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), a major cause of human hepatitis, worldwide. HCV can cause both acute and chronic infection. Acute HCV infection is usually asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. However, more than 60% of infected person will develop chronic HCV infection with risk of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, effective, safer and well-tolerated new anti-HCV drugs have been developed (Li and De Clercq, 2017; Zajac et al., 2019). On the contrary, no effective antiviral therapy is currently available to fight Flavivirus infections. Although human vaccines are available for YFV, JEV, TBEV, and recently DENV, their use is lacking in many areas and outbreaks of Flavivirus infections still occur, with a significant mortality rate (Deen, 2016; Collins and Metz, 2017). Therefore, the development of effective drugs for the treatment of Flavivirus infections is urgently needed.

Viruses belonging to the Pestivirus genus comprise animal pathogens producing heavy economic losses for the livestock industry. The type specie Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) together with Border Disease Virus (BDV) of sheep and Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) are responsible of a range of clinical manifestations including respiratory problems, chronic wasting disease, immunosuppression leading to a higher susceptibility to secondary infections, abortion and teratogenicity. Despite the morbidity and even mortality caused by Pestivirus infections, no approved antiviral therapy is currently available (Yeşilbag et al., 2017).

As a part of our researches on heterocyclic compounds with antiviral activity (Conti et al., 2014, 2017; Carta et al., 2016; Fioravanti et al., 2017), we recently identified (N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (1a-v) as a new class of potent and selective inhibitors of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replication (Fioravanti et al., 2015). Some derivatives were also endowed with a moderate activity against YFV and BVDV representative type members of the Flavivirus genus and the Pestivirus genus, respectively, within the Flaviviridae family (Fioravanti et al., 2015). N-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (1a-d, 1g-i, 1k-o) able to interfere with YFV and/or BVDV replication were successively tested against two additional significant human pathogens such as DENV-2 and WNV, both belonging to the Flavivirus genus. The new antiviral data showed that the activity of tested compounds (1a-b, 1d, 1g-i, 1k-o) extended to DENV-2 replication, while WNV replication was marginally affected by few compounds (1g, 1i, 1n-o) (Table 1). In addition, the compounds exhibited a higher potency against DENV-2 replication than against other selected viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family.

Table 1

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of N-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (1a-d, 1g-i, 1k-o) against DENV-2 and WNV viruses.

Compounds	R	R1	BHK-21	DENV-2	cSI	WNV	cSI
			aCC50(μM)	bEC50(μM)	CC50/EC50	dEC50(μM)	CC50/EC50
1a	CH3	H	>100	30.0 ± 4.0	>3.3	eN.A.	–
1b	Br	H	>100	22.0 ± 6.0	>4.5	eN.A.	–
1c	H	Br	>100	eN.A.	–	eN.A.	–
1d	Cl	Br	>100	11.0 ± 0.4	>9.1	eN.A.	–
1g	Br	Br	>100	23.0 ± 6.0	>4.3	80.0 ± 8.5	>1.25
1h	H	Cl	>100	13.0 ± 5.0	>7.7	eN.A.	–
1i	Cl	Cl	73.0 ± 1	14.5 ± 3.5	5.0	57.5 ± 0.5	1.3
1k	CH3	Cl	>100	12.1 ± 3.0	>8.3	eN.A.	–
1l	Br	Cl	>100	12.9 ± 2.3	>7.8	eN.A.	–
1m	H	CH3	>100	11.2 ± 3.6	>8.9	eN.A.	–
1n	Cl	CH3	>100	11.1 ± 1.6	>9.0	39.0 ± 1.0	>2.6
1o	CF3	CH3	88.0 ± 0.5	14.3 ± 0.7	6.2	59.0 ± 1.1	1.5
REFERENCE COMPOUND
fNM 108			60.0 ± 3	1.2 ± 0.1	50.0	0.7 ± 0.2	85.7

Data represent mean values for three independent determinations. Variation among duplicate samples was < 15%.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected BHK (Hamster normal kidney fibroblast) monolayers by 50%, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of BHK cells from DENV-2 induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Selectivity index (SI) was the ratio between CC.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of BHK cells from WNV induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

No activity (N.A.) up to the highest concentration tested (100 μM).

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The identification of 5-amino-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl benzoate derivatives (SIDs) as potent but hydrolytically unstable, allosteric inhibitors of WNV NS2B-NS3 proteinase (Johnston et al., 2007; Sidique et al., 2009) suggested to combine the 1-phenylsulfonyl fragment of SIDs with the N-((3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)aniline core of compounds 1a-v in order to identify new promising Flaviviridae inhibitors (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Design of new N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (7a-p, 8a-l).

In this paper, we report the design and synthesis of novel 1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-methylaniline derivatives (7a-p and 8a-l), and their evaluation in cell-based assays for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against a large panel of RNA and DNA viruses.

Results and Discussion

Chemistry

As shown in Scheme 1, the compounds 7a-p and 8a-l were synthesized in five steps starting from the condensation of the suitable acetophenone with semicarbazide hydrochloride, in the presence of sodium acetate. The obtained semicarbazones 2a-d were treated with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent (DMF-POCl3) to give the corresponding 3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes (3a-d) which were converted into the respective 3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes (4a-g) by treatment with the appropriate benzenesulfonyl chloride in the presence of sodium hydride. The following condensation of the carbaldehydes 4a-g with properly substituted anilines provided the corresponding Schiff bases 5a-p and 6a-l which were directly converted into the desired N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (7a-p and 8a-l) by reduction with sodium borohydride.

Scheme 1

Synthesis of compounds 7a-p and 8a-l. Reagents and conditions (i) (1) EtOH, AcONa, r.t. (2) Semicarbazide hydrochloride, water, refluxed, 6 h. (3) r.t., 18 h; (ii) (1) dry DMF, POCl3, 0°C, 30′ (2) 65°C, 6 h (3) r.t., 18 h; (iii) dry THF, NaH, r.t., 24 h; (iv) dry EtOH, glacial AcOH, 80–90°C, 6 h; (v) dry THF, NaBH4, r.t., 24 h.

Antiviral Tests

All the new synthesized pyrazole derivatives (7a-p and 8a-l) and reference inhibitors were initially tested in cell based assays for their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against YFV and BVDV, representative of the Flavivirus and the Pestivirus genus, respectively, within the Flaviviridae family (Table 2). Their efficacy was also initially evaluated against RSV, a single-stranded, negative RNA virus (ssRNA−) belonging to Paramyxoviridae family (Table 2). The previously studied N-((1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines and the new derivatives able to inhibit YFV and/or BVDV replication were also evaluated against two additional pathogenic viruses belonging to the Flavivirus genus, DENV-2 and WNV (Tables 1, 2). All the new compounds were further assayed against representative members of a large panel of virus families. Among ssRNA+ viruses, a retrovirus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1, HIV-1), and two Picornaviruses (Coxsackie Virus type-5, CVB-5, and Poliovirus type-1, Sabin strain, Sb-1) were also considered. Among ssRNA− viruses, in addition to RSV, a Rhabdoviridae family member (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, VSV) was selected. Among double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses, a reovirus (Reo-1, Reoviridae) was included. Finally, among DNA viruses, Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1, Herpesviridae), and Vaccinia Virus (VV, Poxviridae) were involved (Table 3).

Table 2

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines 7a-p and 8a-l against ssRNA+ (BVDV, YFV, DENV-2, WNV) and ssRNA− (RSV) viruses.

Compounds	R	R1	R2	MDB K	BVDV	cSI	BHK-21	YFV	cSI	DENV-2	WNV	Vero76	RSV	cSI
				aCC50(μM)	bEC50(μM)	CC50/EC50	dCC50(μM)	eEC50(μM)	CC50/EC50	fEC50(μM)	gEC50(μM)	hCC50(μM)	iEC50(μM)	CC50/EC50
7a	H	H	H	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
7b	H	H	Cl	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	8.1 ± 1.3	>12.3	jN.A.	jN.A.	10.0 ± 0.1	jN.A.	–
7c	H	H	Br	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	5.9 ± 0.2	>16.9	jN.A.	jN.A.	3.0 ± 0.01	>3.0	–
7d	H	H	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	≥100	jN.A.	–
7e	Br	H	H	>100	19.5 ± 2.1	>5.1	>100	3.6 ± 0.8	>27.8	jN.A.	jN.A.	87.0 ± 1	17.8 ± 1.8	4.9
7f	Br	H	Cl	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	4.0 ± 0.7	>25.0	jN.A.	jN.A.	90.0 ± 2	15.3 ± 2.5	5.9
7g	Br	H	Br	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	6.2 ± 0.5	>16.1	jN.A.	jN.A.	90.0 ± 1	15.8 ± 2.0	5.7
7h	Br	H	CH3	>100	jN.A.		>100	4.9 ± 0.9	>20.4	jN.A.	jN.A.	93.0 ± 0.5	12.5 ± 2.5	7.4
7i	Cl	H	H	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	7.2 ± 0.9	>13.9	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	11.8 ± 2.5	>8.5
7j	Cl	H	Cl	>100	43.3 ± 1.1	>2.3	>100	4.4 ± 0.4	>22.7	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	8.5 ± 0.5	>11.8
7k	Cl	H	Br	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	5.6 ± 0.6	>17.9	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	13.8 ± 0.4	>7.2
7l	Cl	H	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	6.6 ± 0.6	>15.2	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	24.0 ± 1.0	>4.2
7m	CH3	H	H	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	11.5 ± 1.0	>8.7	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	12.5 ± 2.1	>8.0
7n	CH3	H	Cl	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	5.1 ± 0.6	>19.6	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	13.0 ± 2.8	>7.7
7o	CH3	H	Br	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	3.7 ± 1.3	>27.0	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	13.5 ± 0.5	>7.4
7p	CH3	H	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	3.6 ± 0.5	>27.8	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	12.0 ± 2.0	>8.3
8a	Br	OCH3	H	>100	5.6 ± 0.8	>17.9	>100	jN.A.	–	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8b	Br	OCH3	Cl	>100	20.0 ± 1.4	>5.0	>100	21.6 ± 0.8	>4.6	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8c	Br	OCH3	Br	>100	23.0 ± 3.5	>4.4	>100	>100	–	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8d	Br	OCH3	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	18.3 ± 1.1	>5.5	jN.A.	jN.A.	100	jN.A.	–
8e	Cl	OCH3	H	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
8f	Cl	OCH3	Cl	>100	7.9 ± 0.8	>12.7	>100	16.0 ± 0.7	>6.25	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8g	Cl	OCH3	Br	>100	12.4 ± 0.8	>8.1	>100	18.6 ± 0.8	>5.4	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8h	Cl	OCH3	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
8i	CH3	OCH3	H	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
8j	CH3	OCH3	Cl	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	jN.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
8k	CH3	OCH3	Br	>100	19.5 ± 1.4	>5.1	>100	N.A.	–	jN.A.	jN.A.	>100	jN.A.	–
8l	CH3	OCH3	CH3	>100	jN.A.	–	>100	N.A.	–	–	–	>100	jN.A.	–
REFERENCE COMPOUNDS
Ribavirin				55.0 ± 7.0	16.0 ± 2.0	3.4						>100	37.5 ± 2.5	>2.7
6-Azauridine							>100	46.0 ± 1.5	>2.2			9.3 ± 1.6	1.3 ± 0.3	7.2
kNM108							60.0 ± 3.0			1.2 ± 0.1	0.7 ± 0.2

Data represent mean values for three independent determinations. Variation among duplicate samples was < 15%.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected MDBK (Bovine normal kidney) cells by 50%, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of MDBK cells from the BVDV-induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Selectivity index (SI) was the ratio between CC.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected BHK (Hamster normal kidney fibroblast) monolayers by 50%, as determined by the MTTmethod.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected BHK cells from the YFV-induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of BHK cells from DENV-2 induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of BHK cells from WNV induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected VERO76 (monkey normal kidney) monolayers by 50% after contact with the cells for 5 days.

Compound concentration required to reduce the plaque number of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) by 50% in VERO 76 monolayers.

No activity (N.A.) up to the highest concentration tested (100 μM).

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Table 3

Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines 7a-p and 8a-l against ssRNA+ (HIV-1, CVB-5, Sb-1), ssRNA− (VSV), dsRNA (Reo-1) and DNA (VV, HSV-1) viruses.

Compounds	R	R1	R2	MT-4	HIV-1	BHK-21	Reo-1	Vero76	CVB-5	Sb-1	VV	HSV-1	VSV
				aCC50(μM)	bEC50(μM)	cCC50(μM)	dEC50(μM)	eCC50(μM)			EC50 f(μM)
7a	H	H	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7b	H	H	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	80.0 ± 1	20.0 ± 5.0	>80.0	>80.0	>80.0	>80.0
7c	H	H	Br	20	>20	>100	gN.A.	85.0 ± 0.5	24.0 ± 11.0	>85.0	>85.0	>85.0	>85.0
7d	H	H	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	≥100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7e	Br	H	H	>100	20.0 ± 2.4	>100	gN.A.	87.0 ± 2	>87.0	>87.0	>87.0	>87.0	>87.0
7f	Br	H	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	90.0 ± 1	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0
7g	Br	H	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	90.0 ± 1	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0	>90.0
7h	Br	H	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	93.0 ± 0.5	>93.0	>93.0	>93.0	>93.0	>93.0
7i	Cl	H	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7j	Cl	H	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7k	Cl	H	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7l	Cl	H	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7m	CH3	H	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7n	CH3	H	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7o	CH3	H	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
7p	CH3	H	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8a	Br	OCH3	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8b	Br	OCH3	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8c	Br	OCH3	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8d	Br	OCH3	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8e	Cl	OCH3	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8f	Cl	OCH3	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8g	Cl	OCH3	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8h	Cl	OCH3	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8i	CH3	OCH3	H	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8j	CH3	OCH3	Cl	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8k	CH3	OCH3	Br	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
8l	CH3	OCH3	CH3	>100	gN.A.	>100	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.	gN.A.
REFERENCE COMPOUNDS
hEFV				40 ± 2.5	0.002 ± 0.001
iACG								>100				2.9 ± 0.1
Pleconaril								70.0 ± 1	0.0025 ± 0.0005	2.0 ± 0.1
jM 5255								20.0 ± 0.3			2.0 ± 0.1
kNM107						>100	7.5 ± 1.5

Data represent mean values for three independent determinations. Variation among duplicate samples was < 15%.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected MT-4 (cd4+ Human T-cells containing an integrated HTL V-1 genome) cells by 50%, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of MT-4 cells from the HIV-1 induced cytioathigenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected BHK (hamster normal kidney fibroblast) monolayers by 50%, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to achieve 50% protection of BHK cells (kideney fibroblast) from the Reo (Reovirus 1), induced cytopathogenicity, as determined by the MTT method.

Compound concentration required to reduce the viability of mock-infected VERO76 (monkey normal kidney) monolayers by 50% after contact with the cells for 2 days for Sb-1 and VSV, and 3 days for CVB-5, VV and HSV-1.

Compound concentration required to reduce the plaque number of CVB-5 (Coxsackievirus B5), Sb-1 (Poliovirus 1), VV (Vaccina virus), HSV-1 (Herpesvirus 1) and VSV (Vescicular Stomatitis Virus) by 50% in VERO76 monolayers.

No activity (N.A.) up to the highest concentration tested (100 μM).

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.

Results reported in Tables 2, 3 displayed that the new N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines 7a-p and 8a-l exhibited no cytotoxicity against cell lines (MDBK, BHK-21, Vero76 and MT-4) used to support replication of selected viruses. The only exceptions were represented by the halo derivatives 7b and 7c that showed a significant cytotoxicity against Vero cells after incubation for 5 days, time necessary to detect RSV-induced cytopathogenicity (CC50 = 10.0 and 3.0 μM, respectively) (Table 2). Their cytotoxicity decreases substantially when the CC50 values were detected after 2 or 3 days of contact with Vero cells, time appropriate to detect Sb-1, VSV, CVB-5, VV and HSV-1 induced cytopathogenicity (CC50 = 80.0 μM and 85.0 μM, respectively) (Table 3).

The majority of new N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines 7e-p exhibited a better activity than the parent compounds 1a-v (Fioravanti et al., 2015) against YFV (EC50 ranging from 3.6 to 11.5 μM) coupled with the absence of cytotoxicity for BHK-21 cell line up to the highest concentration tested (100 μM), resulting in compounds with high selectivity (SI ranging from >27.8 to >8.7). Moreover, all these derivatives showed better activity and selectivity than the reference inhibitor, 6-azauridine (EC50 = 46.0 μM, SI > 2.2) (Table 2). Concerning the anti-YFV activity of the unsubstituted analogs in R and R1 (7a-d), the introduction in R2 of an electron-withdrawing group such as a chlorine (7b) or a bromine (7c) atom, is necessary for the antiviral activity.

Moreover, despite the presence of a p-methoxy substituent on the phenylsulfonyl group was required for a potent anti-flavivirus activity in SID compounds (Johnston et al., 2007; Sidique et al., 2009), the new p-methoxy phenylsulfonyl analogs 8a-l were totally inactive or less potent YFV inhibitors than the corresponding unsubstituted compounds 7e-p. Conversely, the introduction of a p-methoxy substituent generally converted the inactive or poor effective unsubstituted analogs 7e-p in the more potent anti-BVDV agents 8a-l. In particular, 8a was the best anti-BVDV compound among the new derivatives (EC50 = 5.6 μM, SI > 17.9) showing almost a 3-fold improvement in potency and a 5-fold improvement in selectivity with respect to the reference inhibitor, ribavirin (EC50 = 16.0 μM, SI = 3.4) (Table 2).

Antiviral activities against DENV-2 and WNV of 1-phenyl and 1-phenylsulfonyl analogs were reported in Tables 1, 2, respectively. Results revealed that also the DENV replication was affected by several 1-phenyl derivatives (1a-b, 1d, 1g-i, 1k-o), whereas only few compounds (1g, 1i, 1n-o) showed a modest activity against WNV (Table 1). Surprisingly, the replacement of the phenyl ring at N1 position with a phenylsulfonyl group completely abolished the activity against DENV-2 and WNV replication (Table 2).

Similarly to the N-phenyl derivatives 1a-v, N-phenylsulfonyl analogs 7e-p exhibited anti-RSV activity in the micromolar concentration (EC50 ranging from 8.5 to 24.0 μM) generally coupled with high selectivity (SI ranging from >11.8 to >4.2). SAR studies indicated that the para substitution at the 3-phenyl ring is necessary for RSV inhibitory activity. In fact, compounds 7a-d were devoid of efficacy against RSV up to the highest concentration tested. On the contrary, the introduction of the p-methoxy substituent on the phenylsulfonyl moiety (8a-l) abolished the activity (Table 2). Moreover, all the derivatives 7e-p able to interfere with RSV replication showed better activity and selectivity than the reference inhibitor ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral agent licensed for the treatment of RSV infection (Wu et al., 2003).

When tested against HIV-1, Reo-1, CVB-5, Sb-1, VV, HSV-1, and VSV, the compounds were devoid of antiviral activity up to the highest concentration tested, with the exceptions of analogs 6b and 6c that showed a moderate activity against CVB-5 (EC50 = 20.0 and 24.0 μM, respectively) and 6e that affected the HIV-1 replication (EC50 = 20.0 μM) (Table 3).

Time of Addition Studies

Due to its potency against YFV (EC50 = 3.6 μM) and low cytotoxicity against BHK-21 cell cultures (CC50 > 100 μM), compound 7e were selected for time of addition studies. In order to determine the possible step(s) in YFV replication cycle inhibited by the derivative 7e, time of addition experiments were performed on infected BHK-21 cells under a YFV single cycle conditions. 6-Azauridine, a nucleoside analog inhibitor of the orotidine monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase, was used as reference inhibitor. This enzyme is essential in the biosynthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides, as it converts the OMP in uridine monophosphate (UMP) (Neyts et al., 1996). In time of addition experiments, the selected pyrazole derivative 7e (at the concentration of 36 μM = 10 x EC50) or the reference inhibitor 6-azauridine (at the concentration of 90 μM = 2 × EC50) were added to BHK-21 cell cultures for 2 h before the infection with YFV (pre-treatment = time −2), during the 2 h of infection (during infection = time 0) or every 2 h post infection (p.i.), from time 0 to 10 h p.i., and removed after 2 h of contact (0–2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–8, 8–10). Data represented in Figure 2 showed that both pyrazole 7e and 6-azauridine reduced the YFV titer when present in the pre-treatment or during the 2 h of infection. However, 6-azauridine lost its effectiveness when added after the infection, while 7e retained its inhibitory activity when added at any time p.i. In particular, the highest reduction of virus yield was observed when 7e was added 2 h post infection and maintained up to 4 h post infection.

Figure 2

Effect of time of (drug)-addition on anti-YFV activity of derivative 7e [36 μM] (green). The same test was performed using the reference compound 6-Azauridine [90 μM] (blue) for comparison. In red we observe the untreated control. Mean results of two different experiments, each performed in duplicate; SD < 10%.

These data suggest that 7e interferes with different steps of YFV replication starting from the virus binding to host cell membrane but also covering some subsequent phase of the virus replication. However, further studies are necessary to identify the antiviral target(s) of this pyrazole derivative.

Conclusions

In order to improve the anti-Flaviviridae activity of previously studied (N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (1a-v), a series of N-((3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)anilines (7a-p and 8a-l) was designed, synthesized and assayed against a large panel of viruses belonging to Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Reoviridae, Retroviridae, Herpesviridae, and Poxviridae families. SAR studies showed that the analogs unsubstituted in R1 (7a-p) were generally potent and high selective YFV inhibitors (EC50 ranging from 3.6 to 11.5 μM and SI ranging from >27.8 to >8.7). The analogs 7e-p also interfered with RSV replication in the micromolar concentrations (EC50 ranging from 8.5 μM to 24.0 μM) providing an improvement in potency and selectivity with respect to the reference inhibitor ribavirin, the first drug licensed for the treatment of RSV infection. On the contrary, the introduction of a methoxy group in R1 resulted in compounds that preferentially affected BVDV replication. Among these derivatives, 8a was the most potent and selective inhibitor of BVDV replication (EC50 = 5.6 μM, SI > 17.9).

In conclusion the results of this work allowed the selection of a new generation of hits for the development of anti-YFV, -BVDV, and -RSV agents.

Materials and Methods

Solvents and reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich or Alfa Aesar and were used without further purification. The progress of reactions was routinely checked by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). TLC was performed on silica gel or aluminum oxide fluorescent coated plates (Fluka, DC-Alufolien Kieselgel or aluminum oxide F254). Melting points were determined on a Stuar Scientific SMP1 apparatus and are uncorrected. 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AM-400 spectrometer in CDCl3 or DMSO-d6, and chemical shifts were reported in ppm (δ) (Supplementary Figures S1–S31).

General Procedure for the Synthesis of the (E)-2-(1-phenylethylidene)hydrazinecarboxamides (2a-d)

A solution of semicarbazide hydrochloride (2.3 mmol) in water (43 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of the appropriate acetophenone (2.2 mmol) and sodium acetate (3 mmol) in ethanol (43 ml) at room temperature. After the addition, the mixture was refluxed for 6 h under magnetic stirring, cooled at room temperature and further stirred for 18 h. Afterwards the ethanol was removed under reduced pressure and the precipitate was collected by filtration and used for the next reaction without further purification.

(E)-2-(1-Phenylethylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide (2a)

Yield: 83%, m.p. = 196–197°C. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.40 (s, 1H, NH), 7.84 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 6.4 Hz), 7.37–7.35 (m, 3H, H3, H4, H5), 6.53 (s, 2H, NH2), 2.19 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 157.29, 143.93, 138.17, 128.32, 128.08, 125.84, 13.21.

(E)-2-(1-(4-Bromophenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide (2b)

Yield: 77%, m.p. = 198–201°C. 1H (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.47 (s, 1H, NH), 7.81 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.54 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 6.58 (s, 2H, NH2), 2.18 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 157.23, 142.84, 137.44, 130.99, 127.99, 121.74, 13.05.

(E)- 2-(1(4-Chlorophenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide (2c)

Yield: 74%, m.p. = 198–199°C. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.45 (s, 1H, NH), 7.88 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.4 Hz), 7.40 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.4 Hz), 6.57 (s, 2H, NH2), 2.18 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 157.22, 142.73, 137.06, 133.01, 128.07, 127.70, 13.09.

(E)-2(1(p-Tolyl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarboxamide (2d)

Yield: 87%, m.p. = 199–200°C (lit. = 200°C). The compound exhibited spectroscopic data identical to those previously reported (Vila et al., 1998).

General Procedure for the Synthesis of the 3-Phenyl-1H-Pyrazol-4-Carbaldeydes (3a-d)

To a solution of the suitable (E)-2-(1-phenylethylidene) hydrazinecarboxamides 2a-d (12 mmol) in dry DMF (9 ml) cooled in ice bath, POCl3 (2 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred in ice bath for 30 min and then heated at 65°C for 6 h. After cooling and stirring at room temperature for 18 h, the mixture was diluted with water and ice, neutralized with NaOH 2N and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by crystallization from CHCl3/n-Hexane. Intermediate 3c was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with a mixture of AcOEt and n-Hexane 1:1.

3-Phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3a)

Yield: 93%, m.p. = 129–130°C (lit. = 145°C) (Lebedev et al., 2005) from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 13.72 (s, 1H, NH), 9.91 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.60 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.83 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.56–7.50 (m, 3H, H3, H4, H5). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.71, 140.01, 133.08, 130.10, 128.76, 127.08, 126.49, 110.48.

3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3b)

Yield 97%, m.p. = 127–128°C (lit. = 163–165°C) (Lebedev et al., 2005) from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 13.80 (s, 1H, NH), 9.90 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.49 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.83 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.69 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.57, 152.81, 138.86, 138.56, 131.41, 130.39, 122.36, 119.85.

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3c)

Yield: 99%, m.p. = 130–131°C (lit. = 142–144°C) (Lebedev et al., 2005) from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 13.70 (s, 1H, NH), 9.91 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.49 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.90 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.56 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.64, 140.60, 133.71, 130.18, 128.49, 128.54, 125.39, 119.88.

3-(p-Tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (3d)

Yield: 60%, m.p. = 123–124°C (lit. = 123–125°C) (Lebedev et al., 2005) from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 12.58 (s, 1H, NH), 9.94 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.05 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.53 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J 2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 7.29 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J 2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 2.43 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 185.22, 150.08, 140.5, 138.80, 129.87, 128.69, 125.33, 120.03, 21.41.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of the 3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-carbaldehydes (4a-g)

NaH (6.8 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of the appropriate 3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde 3a-d (6.8 mmol) in dry THF (100 ml). The mixture was stirred 30 min at room temperature, then the suitable phenylsulfonyl chloride (9.6 mmol) was added. After stirring for 24 h at room temperature, water was added to the mixture and THF was removed under reduced pressure. The obtained suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed with brine and dried over Na2SO4 anhydrous, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by crystallization from suitable solvent.

3-Phenyl-1-(phenylsulphonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4a)

Yield: 50%, m.p. = 110–111°C from EtOH/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.92 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.71 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.11 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.71–7.69 (m, 3H, H2′, H6′, H4), 7.59 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.46–7.44 (m, 3H, H3′, H4′, H5′). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.38, 156.81, 140.93, 136.16, 135.99, 135.34, 130.07, 129.98, 129.68, 129.07, 128.70, 122.66.

3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4b)

Yield: 85%, m.p. = 121–122°C from AcOEt/Pet.Et. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.97 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.71 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.11 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 7.25 (t, 1H, H4, J3−−4 = 7.6 Hz), 7.66–7.56 (m, 6H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 183.63, 155.33, 137.24, 135.84, 135.45, 131.84, 130.58, 129.73, 129.02, 128.73, 124.56, 122.61.

3-(4-Clorophenyl)-1-(phenylsulphonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4c)

Yield: 60%, m.p. = 121–122°C from EtOH/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.95 (s, 1H, CHO), 9.41 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.15 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 7.87 (t, 1H, H4, J3−−4 = 7.6 Hz), 7.83 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.4 Hz), 7.74 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−−4 = 7.6 Hz), 7.54 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.4 Hz). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.65, 153.70, 140.92, 136.02, 135.10, 134.75, 130.52, 130.27, 128.74, 128.55, 128.26, 122.62.

1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4d)

Yield: 90%, m.p. = 126°C da AcOEt/Pet. Et. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.98 (s, 1H, CHO), 8.69 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.10 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.69 (t, 1H, H4, J3−−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.61–7.56 (m, 4H, H2′, H6′, H3, H5), 7.24 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 2,38 (s, 1H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.47, 156.87, 140.18, 136.14, 136.07, 135.27, 129.65, 129.41, 128.95, 128.67, 127.22, 122.65, 21.36.

3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4e)

Yield: 62%, m.p. = 110–112°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.94 (s, 1H, CHO), 9.33 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.07 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J 2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.75 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.67 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J2′-3′ = 8.0 Hz), 7.23 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 3.87 (s, 1H, OCH3). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 184.84, 164.93, 153.43, 140.27, 131.46, 130.96, 130.70, 129.24, 125.86, 123.43, 122.32, 115.50, 56.09.

3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4f)

Yield: 35%, m.p. = 114–115°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.93 (s, 1H, CHO), 9.34 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.07 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J 2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.82 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.52 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J2′-3′ = 8.0 Hz), 7.23 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J 2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 3.87 (s, 1H, OCH3). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 185.15, 165.42, 153.85, 140.94, 135.17, 131.46, 130.98, 129.35, 129.01, 126.33, 122.81, 115.98, 56.58.

1-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (4g)

Yield: 68%, m.p. = 107–108°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (DMSO-d6, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 9.94 (s, 1H, CHO), 9.27 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.07 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.68 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.27 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J2′-3′ = 8.0 Hz), 7.22 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J 2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 3.86 (s, 1H, OCH3), 2.35 (s, 1H, -CH3). 13C NMR (DMSO-d6, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 185.24, 165.34, 155.25, 140.26, 140.04, 131.40, 129.52, 129.11, 127.65, 126.52, 122.79, 115.94, 56.55, 21.36.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of (E)-N-((3-Phenyl-1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-1H-Pyrazol-4-yl)Methylene)Anilines (5a-p and 6a-l)

The suitable aniline (1.09 mmol) was added to a solution of the appropriate 1-phenylsulfonyl-1H-pyrazol-4-carbaldehyde 4a-g (1.2 mmol) in dry ethanol (30 mL) and glacial acetic acid (0.1 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 6 h under magnetic stirring. After cooling, water was added and ethanol was removed under reduced pressure. The obtained suspension was extracted with diethyl ether and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried on Na2SO4 anhydrous, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residual oil was used for the next reaction without further purification.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of N-[(3-Phenil-1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-1H-Pyrazol-4-il)Methyl]Anilines (7a-p and 8a-l)

To a stirred solution of the crude 1-phenylsulphonyl-1H-pirazol-4-yl-methyleneaniline 5a-p or 6a-l (1 mmol) in dry THF (17 mL), NaBH4 (10 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. After this period, water was added and THF was removed under reduced pressure. The suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried under Na2SO4 anhydrous, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue obtained was purified by crystallization from suitable solvent.

N-[(3-Phenyl-1-(phenysulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7a)

Yield: 64%, m.p. = 139°C, from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.1 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.66–7.61 (m, 3H, H4, H2′, H6′), 7.52 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.39–7.37 (m, 3H, H3′, H4′, H5′), 7.17 (t, 2H, H3′′, H5′′, J = J = 7.6 Hz), 6.76 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.58 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.27 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.77, 147.26, 137.17, 134.45, 131.66, 131.45, 129.36, 129.34, 129.11, 128.70, 128.12, 128.01, 121.04, 118.32, 113.20, 39.20. MS-ESI: m/z 390 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulphonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7b)

Yield: 14%, m.p. = 136–137°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.09 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.65–7.60 (m, 3H, H4, H2′, H6′), 7.52 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.38–7.37 (m, 3H, H3′, H4′, H5′), 7.08 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.4 Hz), 6.49 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.4 Hz), 4.25 (s, 1H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.79, 145.29, 137.11, 134.52, 131.74, 131.33, 129.39, 129.18, 128.72, 128.12, 127.98, 123.33, 120.35, 114.62, 39.42. MS-ESI: m/z 424 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7c)

Yield: 14%, m.p. = 122°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.09 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 7.66–7.59 (m, 3H, H4, H2′, H6′), 7.53 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−5 = 7.6 Hz), 7.37–7.35 (m, 3H, H3′, H4′, H5′), 7.22 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.45 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.25 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.79, 145.67, 137.10, 134.53, 132.06, 131.75, 131.31, 129.40, 129.20, 128.73, 128.13, 127.98, 120.25, 115.13, 110.46, 39.34. MS-ESI: m/z 470 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(3-phenyl-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7d)

Yield: 62% m.p. = 199°C, from CHCl3/n-Hexane. IR: 3396, 1376, 1185 cm-1. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.12 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.02 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.64–7.61 (m, 3H, H4, H2′, H6′), 7.52 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.38–7.36 (m, 3H, H3′, H4′, H5′), 6.97 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 7.2 Hz), 6.52 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.25 (s, 2H, CH2), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.86, 144.51, 137.25, 134.41, 131.77, 131.47, 129.84, 129.34, 129.08, 128.67, 128.14, 128.05, 120.92, 113.77, 39.74, 20.42. MS-ESI: m/z 404 (M + H+).

N-[(3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7e)

Yield: 36%; m.p. = 110–11°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.10 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.64 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 7.2 Hz), 7.57–7.48 (m, 6H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′), 7.18 (t, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = J = 7.6 Hz), 6.77 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.59 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.23 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.67, 147.24, 137.08, 134.57, 131.90, 131.86, 130.41, 129.56, 129.42, 129.40, 128.19, 123.53, 120.83, 118.48, 113.19, 39.12. MS-ESI: m/z 470 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(phenysulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7f)

Yield: 52%; m.p. = 137–138°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.65 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.55–7.49 (m, 6H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′), 7.11 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.4 Hz), 6.49 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.4 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.61, 145.70, 136.99, 134.64, 131.94, 131.80, 130.31, 129.50, 129.45, 129.23, 128.18, 123.61, 123.10, 120.40, 114.24, 39.16. MS-ESI: m/z 504 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline

(7g). Yield: 42%; m.p. = 150–151°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.65 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.56–7.49 (m, 6H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′), 7.24 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.4 Hz), 6.44 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.4 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.59, 146.10, 136.98, 134.64, 132.10, 131.94, 131.79, 130.28, 129.48, 129.44, 128.17, 123.60, 120.32, 114.71, 110.14, 39.04. MS-ESI: m/z 548 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7h)

Yield: 37%; m.p. = 112°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.09 (s, 1H, pirazolo-H5), 8.01 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.63 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.57–7.48 (m, 6H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.51 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.19 (s, 2H, CH2), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.69, 144.99, 137.09, 134.54, 131.87, 130.44, 129.87, 129.57, 129.40, 128.17, 127.73, 123.48, 121.02, 113.36, 39.41, 20.41. MS-ESI: m/z 484 (M + H+).

N-[(3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7i)

Yield: 21%, m.p. = 117–118°C from n-Hexane. IR: 3316, 1375, 1886 cm-1. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.12 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.02 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.6 Hz), 7.64 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 7.6 Hz), 7.60 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 7.6 Hz), 7.53 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−4 = 7.6 Hz), 7.33 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 7.6 Hz), 7.18 (t, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = J = 7.6 Hz), 6.78 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.60 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.24 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.72, 146.96, 137.09, 135.22, 134.58, 131.98, 129.87, 129.42, 129.40, 129.31, 128.92, 128.17, 120.50, 118.84, 113.54, 39.30. MS-ESI: m/z 424 (M + H+).

4-Cloro-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7j)

Yield: 21%, m.p. = 142–143°C from n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.12 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.02 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.66 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.58–7.53 (m, 4H, H2′, H6′, H3, H5), 7.35 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 6.8 Hz), 7.10 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 7.2 Hz), 6.52 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.2 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.67, 144.97, 136.93, 135.32, 134.66, 131.98, 129.74, 129.46, 129.43, 129.25, 128.96, 128.18, 123.73, 119.92, 114.78, 39.44. MS-ESI: m/z 458 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7k)

Yield: 28%, m.p. = 142–143°C from n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.14 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.02 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.67 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.57–7.54 (m, 4H, H2′, H6′, H3, H5), 7.35 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J2″−3″ = 7.6 Hz), 7.24 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J 8.4 Hz), 6.48 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.24 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.66, 145.40, 136.95, 135.33, 134.66, 132.12, 132.01, 129.74, 129.46, 129.25, 128.96, 128.17, 119.89, 115.28, 110.83, 39.35. MS-ESI: m/z 504 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]anyline (7l)

Yield 29%, m.p. = 100–101°C from n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.13 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.02 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.66–7.60 (m, 3H, H4, H2, H6), 7.53 (t, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.33 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.53 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.21 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.25 (s, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 154.72, 144.38, 137.04, 135.22, 134.55, 131.98, 129.88, 129.41, 129.33, 128.90, 128.27, 128.17, 120.61, 113.79, 39.65, 20.44. MS-ESI: m/z 438 (M + H+).

N-[(1-(Phenylsulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7m)

Yield: 20%, m.p. = 128–129°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.09 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.99 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.60 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.54–7.47 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′), 7.17–7.14 (m, 4H, H3′, H5′, H3″, H5″), 6.76 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.58 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.25 (s, 2H, CH2), 2.34 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.89, 146.92, 139.12, 137.25, 134.37, 131.72, 129.38, 129.33, 128.55, 128.08, 127.90, 120.76, 118.57, 114.96, 113.49, 39.39, 21.29. MS-ESI: m/z 404 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(1-(phenylsulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7n)

Yield: 22%, m.p. = 115°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.05 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.98 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.61 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 7.2 Hz), 7.54–7.48 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′), 7.17 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 7.2 Hz), 7.07 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.47 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.25 (s, 2H, CH2) 2.34 (s, 3H, CH3) 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.85, 145.52, 139.22, 137.15, 134.44, 131.66, 129.41, 129.35, 129.13, 128.45, 128.06, 127.84, 123.05, 120.43, 114.47, 39.36, 21.29. MS-ESI: m/z 438 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(1-(phenylsulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7o)

Yield: 24%, m.p. = 110°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ ppm 8.03 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.98 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.61 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 8.0 Hz), 7.51–7.48 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′), 7.21–7.15 (m, 4H, H3′, H5′, H3″, H5″), 6.42 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2), 2.33 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.84, 146.00, 139.22, 137.14, 134.44, 131.99, 131.66, 129.41, 129.35, 128.45, 128.05, 127.84, 120.41, 114.91, 110.05, 39.23, 21.29. MS-ESI: m/z 484 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(1-(phenysulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (7p)

Yield: 41%, m.p. = 123–124°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.08 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 8.00 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.61 (t, 1H, H4, J3−4 = 7.2 Hz), 7.55–7.47 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H2′, H6′), 7.17 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 7.6 Hz), 6.97 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.51 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2), 2.34 (s, 3H, CH3-Ar), 2.24 (s, 3H, CH3-Ar″). 13C (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 155.90, 144.75, 139.09, 137.29, 134.34, 131.68, 129.81, 129.36, 129.31, 128.61, 128.08, 127.91, 127.78, 121.00, 113.61, 39.69, 21.29, 20.42. MS-ESI: m/z 418 (M + H+).

N-[(3-Bromophenyl)-1-((4-methoxphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8a)

Yield: 41%, m.p. = 131–134°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 7.96 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.58 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.8 Hz), 7,57 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.4 Hz), 7.52(d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.19 (t, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = J = 8.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.4 Hz), 6.78 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.60 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.24 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.86 (s, 3H, OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.04, 146.71, 144.43, 131.37, 131.10, 130.15, 130.02, 129.06, 128.89, 127.65, 122.90, 119.80, 117.98, 114.15, 112.68, 55.28, 38.59. MS-ESI: m/z 498 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-((4-methoxphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8b)

Yield: 50%, m.p. = 153–154°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.95 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 7.52 (m, 4H, H2′, H6′, H3′, H5′), 7.12 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.8 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 6.50 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.21 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.86 (s, 3H, OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.05, 153.78, 144.81, 132.55, 131.39, 131.14, 130.15, 129.88, 129.00, 128.73, 127.53, 122.97, 119.17, 114.17, 114.02, 55.31, 38.80. MS-ESI: m/z 534 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-((4-methoxphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8c)

Yield: 63%, m.p. = 162–164°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.06 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.94 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.52 (m, 4H, H2, H6, H3′, H5′), 7.25 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.8 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 6.46 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.86 (3H, -OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.04, 153.41, 145.57, 132.55, 131.58, 131.40, 131.06, 130.14, 129.90, 128.98, 127.52, 122.97, 119.33, 114.22, 114.17, 55.32, 38.53. MS-ESI: m/z 578 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-((4-methoxphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8d)

Yield: 50%, m.p. = 164–166°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): (ppm) 8.06 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.99 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.61 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−6 = 8.8 Hz), 7.53 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.8 Hz), 7.03–6.99 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H3″, H5″), 6.55 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.23 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.89 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.28 (s, 3.H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 163.98, 153.85, 144.44, 131.34, 131.09, 130.14, 129.37, 129.08, 127.68, 127.27, 122.86, 120.22, 119.98, 114.14, 112.87, 55.28, 38.91, 19.99. MS-ESI: m/z 514 (M + H+).

N-[(3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methy])aniline (8e)

Yield: 42%, m.p. = 143–145°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.09 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.95 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.64 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.35 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.19 (t, 2H, H3″, H5″ J = J = 8.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 6.77 (t, 1H, H4″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.60 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.24 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 163.99, 153.78, 146.73, 134.60, 131.09, 130.14, 129.56, 128.88, 128.80, 128.41, 127.67, 119.83, 117.94, 114.16, 112.68, 55.29, 38.60. MS-ESI: m/z 454 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8f)

Yield: 36%, m.p. = 158–159°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.08 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.94 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.59 (d, 2H, H2, H6 J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.35 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.12 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.98 (d, 2H, H3, H5 J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 6.51 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.21 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.87 (s, 3H, OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.53, 154.26, 145.48, 135.19, 133.05, 131.61, 130.64, 129.92, 129,24, 128.95, 128.01, 123.21, 119.77, 114.40, 114.39, 55.82, 39.22. MS-ESI: m/z 488 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8g)

Yield: 35%, m.p. = 169–171°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.95 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.59 (d, 2H, H2, H6 J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.35 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.26 (m, 2H, H3″, H5″), 6.99 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 6.46 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J 8.0 Hz), 4.22 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.87 (s,3H, OCH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.55, 154.22, 146.01, 135.19, 132.09, 131.60, 130.63, 129.94, 129.23, 128.94, 128.04, 119.80, 114.82, 114.68, 110.18, 55.82, 39.09. MS-ESI: m/z 534 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8h)

Yield: 35%, m.p. = 169–171°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.12 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.99 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.64 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.37 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.01 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H3″, H5″), 6.46 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J 8.0 Hz), 4.22 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.87 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.28 (s, 3H, -CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.48, 154.33, 144.82, 135.07, 131.61, 130.63, 130.10, 129.87, 129.32, 128.88, 128.23, 127.89, 120.42, 114.64, 113.50, 55.78, 39.50, 20.42. MS-ESI: m/z 468 (M + H+).

N-[(1-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8i)

Yield: 40%, m.p. = 154–155°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 7.97 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.95 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.54 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.19–7.15 (m, 4H, H3′, H5′, H3″, H5″), 6.96 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0), 6.77 (t, 1H, H4″ J 7.6 Hz), 6.60 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 7.6 Hz), 4.27 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.35 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 163.82, 154.99, 146.88, 138.52, 130.83, 130.05, 128.88, 128.83, 128.22, 127.93, 127.39, 120.04, 117.70, 114.06, 112.63, 55.26, 38.70, 20.82. MS-ESI: m/z 434 (M + H+).

4-Chloro-N-[(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8j)

Yield: 56%, m.p. = 157–158°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.03 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.93 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 7.52 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.18 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.0 Hz), 7.09 (d, 2H, H3″, H5″, J = 8.0 Hz), 6.95 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 7.2 Hz), 6.48 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.0 Hz), 4.22 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.36 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.38, 155.44, 145.83, 139.10, 131.32, 130.53, 129.40, 129.13, 128.63, 128.33, 127.84, 122.78, 120.11, 114.58, 114.24, 55.77, 39.26, 21.31. MS-ESI: m/z 468 (M + H+).

4-Bromo-N-[(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8k)

Yield: 33%, m.p. = 151–153°C from AcOEt/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.96 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 7.54 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.28–7.20 (m, 4H, H3′, H5′, H3″, H5″), 7.01 (d, 2H, H3, H5, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 6.47 (d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.26 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.88 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.38 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 164.36, 155.45, 146.26, 139.14, 132.01, 131.34, 130.54, 129.42, 128.57, 128.25, 127.83, 120.06, 114.68, 114.59, 109.77, 55.80, 39.12, 21.35. MS-ESI: m/z 514 (M + H+).

4-Methyl-N-[(1-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl]aniline (8l)

Yield: 25%, m.p. = 145–146°C from CHCl3/n-Hexane. 1H NMR (CDCl3, 400 MHz): δ (ppm) 8.07 (s, 1H, pyrazole-H5), 7.95 (d, 2H, H2, H6, J2−3 = 8.8 Hz), 7.56 (d, 2H, H2′, H6′, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.18 (d, 2H, H3′, H5′, J 8.0 Hz), 6.99–6.95 (m, 4H, H3, H5, H3″, H5″), 6.53(d, 2H, H2″, H6″, J = 8.8 Hz), 4.24 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.85 (s, 3H, OCH3), 2.35 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 100 MHz): δ (ppm) 163.81, 155.02, 144.41, 138.46, 130.86, 130.04, 129.31, 128.84, 128.26, 128.01, 127.41, 127.38, 120.10, 114.04, 113.00, 55.24, 39.14, 20.80, 19.92. MS-ESI: m/z 448 (M + H+).

Biology

Test Compounds

New compounds and reference inhibitors were solubilized in DMSO at a concentration of 100 mM, and successively subjected to serial dilutions in the culture medium. The first dilution, with ratio 1:50, diluted the compounds from 100 mM to a concentration of 2 mM, reducing the percentage of DMSO from 100 to 2%. The second dilution, with ratio 1:20, leads the compounds from 2 mM to a concentration of 100 μM and reduces the concentration of DMSO from 2 to 0.1%, a non-toxic concentration for cells. Next dilutions, performed with ratio 1: 5, result in a further decrease in the percentage of DMSO in contact with the cells.

2′-C-methylguanosin (NM108), efavirenz (EFV), pleconaril, ribavirin, 6-azauridine were used as reference inhibitors for ssRNA+ viruses. 6-Azauridine, 2′-C-methylcitidine (NM107), acyclovir (ACG), and mycophenolic acid (M 5255) were used as reference compounds of ssRNA−, dsRNA and DNA viruses, respectively.

Cells and Viruses

Cell lines used to support the multiplication of RNA and DNA viruses were purchased from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The Hoechst staining method were employed to check periodically the absence of mycoplasma. Viruses were acquired from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), with the exception of Yellow Fever Virus (YFV), Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2), West Nile virus (WNV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1).

Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) [ATCC CCL10 (C-13) Mesocricetus auratus] cells were used for the replication of YFV [strain 17-D vaccine (Stamaril Pasteur J07B01)], DENV-2 [clinical isolate], WNV [clinical isolate], and reovirus type-1 (Reo-1) [simian virus 12, strain 3651 (ATCC VR- 214)]; Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) [ATCC CCL22 (NBL-1) Bos Taurus] cells for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) [strain NADL (ATCC VR-534)]; Monkey kidney (Vero 76) [ATCCCRL 1587 Cercopithecus Aethiops] cells for human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [strain A2 (ATCC VR-1540)], human enterovirus B [coxsackie type B5 (CV-B5) [strain Faulkner (ATCC VR-185)], human enterovirus C [poliovirus type-1 (Sb-1), Sabin strain Chat (ATCC VR-1562)], vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) [lab strain Indiana (ATCC VR 158)], vaccinia virus (VV) [strain Elstree (Lister Vaccine) (ATCC VR-1549)], and human herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) [strain KOS (ATCC VR- 1493)]; CD4+ human T-cells containing an integrated HTLV-1 genome (MT-4) for the IIIB laboratory strain of HIV-1, obtained from the supernatant of the persistently infected H9/IIIB cells (NIH 1983).

Cytotoxicity Assays

Cytotoxicity tests were performed in parallel with antiviral tests following the procedures previously described by us (Fioravanti et al., 2017). In brief, exponentially growing MT-4 cells were seeded at an initial density of 1 × 105 cells/mL in 96-well plates in RPMI-1640 medium, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 100 units/mL penicillin G and 100 mg/mL streptomycin. Cell cultures were then incubated at 37°C in a humidified, 5% CO2 atmosphere, in the absence or presence of serial dilutions of test compounds. Cell viability was determined after 96 h at 37°C by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. MDBK and BHK cells were seeded in 96-well plates at an initial density of 6 × 105 and 1 × 106 cells/mL, respectively, in Minimum Essential Medium with Earle′s salts (MEM-E), L glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate and 25 mg/L kanamycin, supplemented with 10% horse serum (MDBK) or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (BHK). Cell cultures were then incubated at 37°C in a humidified, 5% CO2 atmosphere in the absence or presence of serial dilutions of test compounds. Cell viability was determined after 72 h at 37°C by the MTT method. Vero76 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at an initial density of 5 × 105 cells/mL, in Dulbecco′s Modified Eagle Medium (D-MEM) with L-glutamine and 25 mg/L kanamycin, supplemented with 10% FBS. Cell cultures were then incubated at 37°C in a humidified, 5% CO2 atmosphere in the absence or presence of serial dilutions of test compounds. Cell viability was determined after 48–96 h at 37°C by the by the MTT method (Pauwels et al., 1988).

Antiviral Assays

Antiviral activity of compounds and reference inhibitors was evaluated by using the experimental protocol reported previously (Fioravanti et al., 2017). Protection of BHK-21 cells from YFV, DENV-2, WNV and Reo-1 -induced cytopathogenicity were determined by the MTT method (Pauwels et al., 1988). Similarly, protection of MDBK and MT-4 cells from induced cytopathogenicity by BVDV and HIV-1, respectively, were assessed by the MTT method (Pauwels et al., 1988). Antiviral activity against RSV, CVB-5, Sb-1, VSV, VV, and HSV-1 was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay in infected Vero 76 cell monolayers.

Time of Addition Assay

Time-of-addition experiments were performed on BHK-21 cells infected with YFV. The effects of compound 7e (36 μM = 10 × EC50) and reference inhibitor 6-azauridine (90 μM = 2 × EC50) were evaluated by using the experimental protocol reported previously (Fioravanti et al., 2017).

Linear Regression Analysis

The extent of cell growth/viability and viral multiplication, at each drug concentration tested, were expressed as percentage of untreated controls. Concentrations resulting in 50% inhibition (CC50 or EC50) were determined by linear regression analysis.

Author Contributions

ND, RF, AC, and RL designed and supervised the study. RF, LP, and EA performed chemical synthesis, purification, and characterization of compounds. ID and GC performed the biological assays. All the authors contributed to the analysis, interpretation, and discussion of the data. ND drafted the manuscript. All the authors discussed and revised the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.