Spirocyclic scaffolds are incorporated in various approved drugs and drug candidates. The increasing interest in less planar bioactive compounds has given rise to the development of synthetic methodologies for the preparation of spirocyclic scaffolds. In this Perspective, we summarize the diverse synthetic routes to obtain spirocyclic systems. The impact of spirocycles on potency and selectivity, including the aspect of stereochemistry, is discussed. Furthermore, we examine the changes in physicochemical properties as well as in in vitro and in vivo ADME using selected studies that compare spirocyclic compounds to their nonspirocyclic counterparts. In conclusion, the value of spirocyclic scaffolds in medicinal chemistry is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-183
Number of pages34
JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry
Volume64
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 14 Jan 2021

    Research areas

  • SMALL-MOLECULE INHIBITORS, RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS, GPR40 AGONISTS, HIGH-AFFINITY, DISCOVERY, POTENT, FENSPIRIDE, OPTIMIZATION, PROLINE, DESIGN

    Scopus subject areas

  • Drug Discovery
  • Molecular Medicine

ID: 73598376