Synthesis of novel boron-containing capsaicinoids

Abstract

In recent years following the approval of a significant number of organoboron pharmaceuticals, the incorporation of boron into drug design and development has become very attractive. While capsaicin, the principal ingredient that gives chilli peppers their pungent heat, possesses medicinal properties, capsaicinoids containing a boron moiety remains entirely underexamined. To address this gap in knowledge, this study has successfully synthesized eight novel capsaicinoids via a multi-step divergent synthesis approach using readily available reagents. These compounds have been characterized using spectroscopic methods and melting point determination. However, mass spectrometry or elemental analysis should also be carried out to fully characterize these capsaicinoids. The immediate next step of this study involves the hydroboration of the synthesized capsaicinoids using a metal catalyzed approach to afford the target organoboron compounds. Following this, biological testing will be conducted to provide insights into the medicinal properties of these novel capsaicinoids.