One-pot cascade synthesis of 2-aminomaleimides and thioaminomaleimides: an alternative fluorogenic platform capable of drug conjugation

Abstract

A one-pot, metal-free and solvent-free cascade strategy for the synthesis of 2-aminomaleimides, thioaminomaleimides, and 2-amidomaleimides directly from maleic anhydride is reported. DFT calculations support the proposed cascade pathway for the reaction. The method provides an additional site for drug–maleimide conjugation. The fluorogenic and thiol-sensing potential of the synthesized maleimides is also demonstrated.