Multicatalysis-Enabled Multicomponent Reactions Generate a PTP1B Inhibitor

Multicomponent reactions are powerful tools for expanding the chemical space in drug discovery, yet achieving selectivity remains a formidable challenge. Here, we introduce a multicatalytic strategy to enable a multicomponent reaction, utilizing a cooperative system of rhodium, copper, Brønsted acid, and magnesium catalysts. This approach achieves excellent chemo-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity (up to 99% yield, >20:1 dr, and 99% ee). Mechanistic studies, combining experimental and computational analyses, reveal a cascade sequence involving cyclopropenation, desilylation, cyclization, isomerization, aldol addition, and hydrolysis. This highly selective method exhibits broad substrate generality, producing 50 diverse CHBOs. Virtual screening and rapid biological evaluation led to the discovery of (<i>S</i>, <i>S</i>)-<b>3ak</b>, a potent PTP1B inhibitor with a submicromolar IC₅₀ value. Notably, (<i>S</i>, <i>S</i>)-<b>3ak</b> demonstrated 3-fold higher potency than its enantiomer, underscoring the critical role of chirality. Molecular docking studies elucidated the enantioselective binding mechanism, revealing key interactions responsible for activity differences. In summary, this MMCR strategy enables efficient access to enantiopure bioactive molecules and facilitates drug discovery, exemplified by a novel chiral PTP1B inhibitor.