A novel and efficient free-radical-promoted copper-catalyzed decarboxylative alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with ICH2CF3 and its analogues has been developed. This methodology provides a convenient access to the synthesis of allylic trifluoromethyl and β-CF3 ketone containing compounds as well as other biologically useful fluorinated molecules and materials.

A novel series of biaryl amides was identified as RORγt inhibitors through core replacement of a starting hit 1. Structure–activity relationship exploration on the biaryl moiety led to discovery of potent RORγt inhibitors with good oral bioavailability and CNS penetration. Compounds 9a and 9g demonstrated excellent in vivo efficacy in EAE mice dose dependently with once daily oral administration.Keywords: biaryl amides; EAE; multiple sclerosis; RORγt inhibitor; Th17 cell differentiation

A novel series of N-(4-aryl-5-aryloxy-thiazol-2-yl)-amides as RORγt inverse agonists was discovered. Binding mode analysis of a RORγt partial agonist (2c) revealed by co-crystal structure in RORγt LBD suggests that the inverse agonists do not directly interfere with the interaction between H12 and the RORγt LBD. Detailed SAR exploration led to identification of potent RORγt inverse agonists such as 3m with a pIC50 of 8.0. Selected compounds in the series showed reasonable activity in Th17 cell differentiation assay as well as low intrinsic clearance in mouse liver microsomes.