Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of a Novel Series of Pyrazole SKF-96365 Analogues as Potential Store-Operated Calcium Entry (SOCE) Inhibitors

Abstract

From a series of (1R, 1S)-1[β-(phenylalkoxy)-(phenetyl)]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride as new analogues of SKF-96365, one has an interesting effect for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ release and store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) (IC₅₀ 25 μM) on the PLP-B lymphocyte cell line. A successful resolution of (±) 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol has been developed by using the method of “half-concentration” in the presence of (+)-(1S)- or (−)-(1R)-CSA.

1. Introduction

Cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ is very important for fundamental biological processes; this includes cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and gene expression [1]. The increase of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration following many plasma membrane receptors is connected to the release of stored Ca²⁺ within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) associated to the influx of extra-cellular Ca²⁺ across the plasma membrane. Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is the typical mechanism to generate Ca²⁺ signals that combines the intracellular and extra-cellular processes and represents one of the most common and ubiquitous Ca²⁺ influx routes in non-excitable cells [2,3,4]. SOC entry is mediated by calcium selective channels such as the archetypal calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels in lymphocytes, which are typically supported by Orai1 proteins and regulated by STIM1 (Stromal Interacting Molecule). STIM1 is a trans-membrane protein mainly located in the ER membrane acting as a calcium-sensing protein, whereas Orai1 is located in the plasmalemma forming the calcium-selective pore of the CRAC channel [5]. STIM and Orai are expressed in all tissues and therefore are of first important in the numerous cellular functions. Abnormal SOC channels activities cause several human diseases, such as breast cancer [6,7,8], inflammatory bowel diseases [9], thrombosis [10], and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) disorders [11], which leads to an increasing interest in developing small molecule compounds to regulate aberrant SOC and especially CRAC channels function [12]. The therapeutic potential of inhibiting CRAC currents (named I_CRAC) has been established by the clinical use of calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine A and tacrolinus) to prevent rejection of organ transplants. Examination of literature showed that the first identified inhibitor of the CRAC channel was SKF-96365 or 1-{β-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl}-1H-imidazole hydrochloride [13,14] in 1990 (Figure 1) and is still used as a tool for the probing of receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ entry processes [15] in non-excitable cells [16], but it is interesting to note that the synthesis of SKF-96365 was not detailed in academic literature and also not patented. Recent studies demonstrated that it strongly inhibits voltage-gated sodium current (I_Na) in rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch voltage-clamp technique [17]. SKF-96365 SOCE inhibitor exhibited potent anti-neoplastic activity by inducing cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 and HT29 cells) [18]. Effect of SKF-96365 was also observed on hERG current in HEK 293 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These blocking properties were similar to those observed previously for hERG channels by the calmodulin inhibitor W-7 [19]. All together, these results suggest a low specificity of this compound for CRAC channels.

A variety of new small molecules blocking the CRAC channels have been identified and developed, i.e., curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in ORAI1/STIM-co-expressing HEK 293 cells [20], 4′-[(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]carboxanilides exhibiting high selectivity for the CRAC channel over the voltage-operated Ca²⁺ (VOC) channels [21], 2-APB with a concentration-dependent effect [22], GSK-7975A by altering the Orai pore geometry [23], Synta 66 with good selectivity for CRAC channels, and no effect for Ca²⁺ pumps and K⁺ channels and no interference with STIM1 aggregation [24].

In this context [25], we decided to examine the synthesis of SKF-96365 analogues bearing substituted (or not) pyrazole platforms and the other parameters for this structure-activity relationship (SAR) study are respectively the length of the chain in position Cβ and the presence (or not) of a methoxy polar group in para-position on the phenylethyl skeleton and on the phenylalkyloxy side chain. The generic phenylethyl skeleton is maintained for this SAR study. Effects of these analogues are also examined for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ release and SOCE on a B lymphocyte cell line [26].

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Chemistry

These pyrazole analogues of SKF-96365 were prepared as shown in Scheme 1 using a modified method described in literature [27]. The first step involved reaction of 2-bromoacetophenone 1a or 2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one 1b with various pyrazoles 2 substituted by one or two trifluoromethyl groups (2a: pyrazole, 2b: 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole, and 2c: 3,5-bis-trifluoromethylpyrazole). The reaction was conducted with potassium carbonate in acetonitrile at room temperature. After work-up, the four desired N-substituted pyrazoles 3a–d were obtained in yields ranging from 53% to 69% (

Table 1. Results for the preparation of 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one 3a–d, 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4a–d and (±)-(1R, 1S) 1-[β-(phenylalkoxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7a–e from phenylalkyl halides 5a–d.

Compound	R 1	R 2	R 3	n	R 4	Yield (%) a	Overall Yield (%) b
3a	H	H	H	-	-	53	-
3b	MeO	H	H	-	-	66	-
3c	MeO	CF3	H	-	-	68	-
3d	MeO	CF3	CF3	-	-	69	-
4a	H	H	H	-	-	82	43
4b	MeO	H	H	-	-	86	57
4c	MeO	CF3	H	-	-	94	64
4d	MeO	CF3	CF3	-	-	98	68
7a	H	H	H	0	MeO	10	4
7b	H	H	H	2	MeO	21	9
7c	MeO	H	H	0	MeO	33	19
7d	MeO	H	H	2	MeO	18	10
7e	MeO	H	H	2	H	33	17
7f c	H	H	H	2	H	0	-
7g d	MeO	CF3	H	0	MeO	0	-
7hd	MeO	CF3	H	2	MeO	0	-
7i d	MeO	CF3	H	2	H	0	-
7jd	MeO	CF3	CF3	0	MeO	0	-
7k d	MeO	CF3	CF3	2	MeO	0	-
7l d	MeO	CF3	CF3	2	H	0	-

^a Isolated yield after purification; ^b Overall yield calculated from compound 3; ^c No crystallization observed after 168 h; ^d No crystallization after 336 h.

). Reduction of the ketone function of 3a–d was realized in methanol solution at 25 °C using sodium tetrahyborohydride during 5–7 h. The desired hydroxyl compounds 4a–b were obtained after elimination of volatile compounds in vacuo, and simple treatment of the crude reaction mixture with deionized water afforded 4a–d in good yields (82–98%) after crystallization.

In the next step, for the introduction of molecular diversity on Cβ hydroxyl group of 4 by O-alkylation, we used a series of alkyl halides 5 carrying various chains (n = 0 or 2) and methoxy group in para-position of the phenyl moiety (5a: 4-methoxybenzyl chloride; 5b: 1-(2-bromoethyl)-4-methoxybenzene; 5c: 1-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methoxybenzene; 5d: 3-phenylpropyl bromide). For optimization of the reaction condition parameters, we developed a set of experiments which are the following: (i) the choice of the solvent (DMF, DMSO, MeCN, etc.); (ii) the choice of appropriate base (DIPEA, Et₃N, KOH); (iii) the number of equivalents for the base; (iv) the reaction time; and (v) appropriate reaction temperature. We obtained good reproducibility (

Table 2. Optimization of the reaction conditions for the preparation of the intermediates 6a–n.

Entry	Starting Compound 4	Reagent 5 for O-alkylation	KOH (Number of Equiv.)	Reaction Time (h)	Conversion for 6 (%) a
1			2	48	6a	6′
2			2	48	6m	-
3			3	48	6b	76
4			2	48	6f	50
5			5	72	6c	68
6			5	72	6n	-
7			5	72	6d	43
8			5	72	6e	42
9			5	72	6g	86
10			5	72	6h	80
11			5	72	6i	74
12			5	72	6j	78
13			5	72	6k	70
14			5	72	6l	67

^a Conversion determined by ¹H NMR in DMSO-d₆ solution after monitoring of the reaction mixture by TLC on 0.2 mm precoated plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).

for each product) when we applied a reaction time of 48 or 72 h (monitored by thin layer chromatography on silica with appropriate eluent for evaluation of consumption of the starting reagents), 2–5 equivalents of KOH, heating at 50 °C (during 48 or 72 h) after addition of alkyl halide 5 to produce the intermediate 6 which was not isolated (initial attempts to isolate it by flash chromatography on silica gel failed). After the addition of saturated brine to the crude reaction mixture (to solubilize the N-alkylated pyrazolium by-product), the intermediate 6 was extracted with dry diethyl ether and the collected extracts were directly treated with a commercial solution of 1 M HCl in ether. The desired salt 7 was collected by simple filtration after complete crystallization. It should be noted that this protocol yielded compounds 7a–e in 10–33% (Table 1), on the contrary, attempts to prepare the lipophilic trifluoromethyl derivatives 7f–l failed in spite of long crystallization times (168 and 336 h) at 4 °C and modification of the solvent for reaction (THF, dioxane).

For this structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, we were also interested to evaluate the potential impact of chirality’s of the compounds 7 on SOC channels activities because our present protocol for preparation of these pyrazole SKF-96365 analogues produced a (±) racemic mixture. Based on this finding, our attention was attracted by the method of half-quantities [28] for resolution of our (±)-(1R, 1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b mixture (Scheme 2). To find a simple and cost effective resolution procedure for (1R)-4b and (1S)-4b, we used commercial (+)-(1S)- and (−)-(1R)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA). Treatment of (±)-(1R, 1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b with 0.5 equivalent of (−)-(1R)-CSA in dry acetone caused the formation of a fine suspension for the first fraction of diastereomer (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA (>85% de), which was recrystallized in dry acetone (52% isolated yield, >97% de). Then, a solution of this salt [(−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA] in dry acetone was submitted to diasteromeric enrichment by addition of 0.02 equivalent of (±) racemic 4b. After work-up the pure (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA was obtained in 48% yield (>99% de) as white powder with [α_D] = −6.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) (

Table 3. Products issued from resolution of (±)-(1R, 1S) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b with (−)-(1R)-CSA and (+)-(1S)-CSA using the method of “half-quantities”.

Product		[αD] a	Retention Time tR (min.) b	Yield (%) e
(−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA		−6	34.0 c	48
(+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA		+6	31.5 c	51
(−)-(1S)-4b		−10	52.6 d	38
(+)-(1R)-4b		+10	63.5 d	41

^a From: c 1.0, MeOH; ^b Retention time obtained by chiral HPLC analysis using Chiracel OJ-H column (250 × 4.60 mm) and UV detector at 220 nm; ^c hexane/i-PrOH 94:6 v/v as eluent with flow rate = 0.8 mL/min; ^d hexane/i-PrOH 96:4 v/v as eluent with flow rate = 0.6 mL/min; ^e Isolated yield after purification.

). This protocol was also applied to (+)-(1S)-CSA for resolution of the (±) racemic 4b, and after diastereomeric enrichment, the other diastereomer [(+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA, (>99% de)] was obtained in 51% yield with [α_D] = +6.0 (c 1.0, MeOH). Crystal structures of the salt diastereomers were determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis, as example the diastereomer (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA is shown in Figure 2.

Next, access to the free enantiomer (1S)-4b and (1R)-4b was operated by a simple neutralization of the respective diastereomers (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA or (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA using exactly 1 equivalent of MeONa in dry MeOH. After mixing during 12 h followed by elimination of volatile compounds in vacuo, the crude reaction mixture was treated with deionized water and the resulting insoluble enantiomer (−)-(1S)-4b or (+)-(1R)-4b precipitated and was collected by classical filtration. As can be seen in Table 3, pure enantiomers (−)-(1S)-4b and (+)-(1R)-4b were obtained respectively in isolated yields of 38 and 41% with [α_D] = −10.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) for (−)-(1S)-4b (>99% ee) and [α_D] = +10.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) for (+)-(1R)-4b (>99% ee).

During the resolution of the (±) racemic mixture 4b by the “half-quantities” protocol with (−)-(1R)-CSA or (+)-(1S)-CSA and neutralization of the two diastereomers, all these compounds were submitted to chiral HPLC analysis with a Chiracel OJ-H column (250 × 4.6 i.d. mm) and a UV detector at 220 nm using hexane/i-PrOH as mobile phase with appropriate composition and flow rate.

For the (±) racemic mixture 4b, we obtained only two peaks, the retention time of the first and second eluted enantiomers were measured respectively as 65.9 and 71.4 min (hexane/i-PrOH 96/4 v/v, flow rate = 0.6 mL/min). The quality of the results obtained by the “half-quantities” and neutralization methods were confirmed by the presence of only one peak for the two diastereomers (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA, (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA and the two enantiomers (−)-(1S)-4b and (+)-(1R)-4b. These data were summarized in Table 3 (the corresponding chromatograms were reported in Supplementary Materials).

With the two pure enantiomers (−)-(1S)-4b, (+)-(1R)-4b on hand, we were stimulated to prepare potentially the compounds (−)-(1S)-7d and (+)-(1R)-7d with the alkyl halide 1-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methoxybenzene 5c according to Scheme 2. We applied the protocol used initially for the preparation of racemic (1R, 1S)-7d using 5 equivalents of KOH in solution of DMSO at 50 °C during 72 h from (−)-(1S)-4b or (+)-(1R)-4b and 4-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methoxybenzene 5c (Scheme 3). Progress of the transformation and consumption of the starting reagents were monitored by ¹H NMR and also by thin layer chromatography on silica plates. After extraction with dry Et₂O and treatment of the collected extracts with a solution of 1 M HCl, to our surprise, we did not observe precipitation of the desired (−)-(1S)-7d and (+)-(1R)-7d. We tried to change the solvent for extraction (dioxane as example) but this modification was not well suited for crystallization at room temperature even for an additional day at 4 °C.

2.2. Biology

The synthesized hydrochloride compounds 7a–c as described above were evaluated for their ability on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ release and SOCE using the PLP-B lymphocyte cell line. For comparison, commercial SKF-96365 hydrochloride was used as reference. All compounds 7 and SKF-96365 were added 3 min before recording intracellular Ca²⁺ level variation in the presence of Fura-2 dye loaded on PLP-B lymphocyte cell. Fluorescence measurements were realized in Flex Station™ 3 microplate reader. Fura-2 loaded PLP-B lymphocyte cells were stimulated with 2 μM Thapsigargin (Tg) for 30 min and SOCE was measured after addition of 1.8 mM Ca²⁺ in the extracellular medium. Results are respectively summarized in

Table 4. Results for effects of (±)-(1R, 1S) 1-[β-(phenylalkoxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7a–e on store-operated Ca²⁺ entry with PLP-B lymphocyte. Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry was induced by depletion of Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ stores (ER Ca²⁺ stores) with thapsigargin (Tg) in a Ca²⁺-free medium and measured following the addition of 1.8 mM CaCl₂ in the extracellular medium.

Compound 7	Concentration of 7 (μM)	Effect of 7 on Amplitude of SOCE Peak a	IC50 (μM) b
	100	−44.4	102
	50	−29.0
	10	−14.5
	1	−12.0
	0.1	−24.5
	100	−83.0	34
	50	−65.0
	10	−14.8
	1	−9.3
	0.1	−5.6
	100	−53.1	60
	50	−46.0
	10	−2.2
	1	−7.1
	0.1	7.6
	100	−87.5	25
	50	−81.8
	10	−0.3
	1	−10.7
	0.1	−0.3
	100	−81.7	48
	50	−51.1
	10	−5.4
	1	−3.6
	0.1	−11.3
	100	−58.7	60
	50	−44.3
	10	−15.4
	1	−26.4
	0.1	−3.4

^a % of inhibition (−) or activation. Controlled with DMSO 100%; ^b IC₅₀ expressed in μM are the average of three assays, ±0.5 μM.

and also in Figure 3A–E. For this structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, we examined mainly the effect of MeO substituent on the para-phenyl group of the phenethyl-1H-pyrazolium skeleton and also on the phenylalkoxy chain of Cβ compared to the SKF-96365 reference.

Examination of Table 1 and also dose response curves (Figure 3E) showed that compound 7d (IC₅₀ 25 μM) was a better potent SOCE inhibitor than SKF-96365 (IC₅₀ 60 μM). This means that a slight modification of the heterocyclic platform, particularly the position of the second nitrogen atom (N-3 position in imidazole for SKF-96365 and N-2 position for 7d), has a direct impact on SOCE activity. The effect of the length for the Cβ-(4-methoxyphenylalkoxy) side chain appeared to be important in Figure 3C when we compared compounds 7c and 7d: for the same concentration of 7, the curve obtained for compound 7d gave higher effect on SOCE inhibition level (%). Again, the presence or absence of MeO group in para-position for the phenethyl-1H-pyrazolium skeleton of 7 and for the Cβ-phenylpropoxy side chain afforded variation of IC₅₀, i.e., comparison of 7b (IC₅₀ 34 μM) and 7d (IC₅₀ 25 μM) showed that absence of MeO group in the skeleton of 7b has a lower effect on SOCE IC₅₀. On the other hand, absence of MeO group of 7c (IC₅₀ 48 μM) on the side chain led to a more important effect and the IC₅₀ decreased. Similar observations were also made when a more physiological stimulation of SOCE activation was implemented (Figure 4). When B cells are stimulated with an antigen (M Immunoglobulin: IgM), B cell receptor (BCR) activation leads to an increase of Ca²⁺ concentration mainly due SOCE. However, inhibition by 7c and 7d compounds is quite identical and less than what was observed with SKF-96365.

Here, we have reported the racemic synthesis of pyrazole SKF-96365 analogues in four steps without substituent (CF₃ group) on the pyrazole platform in moderate to good yields. For the (±) hydroxyl intermediate 4, we have developed a successful approach for separation of enantiomers using the method of “half-concentration” with commercial (+)-(1S)- and (−)-(1R)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) followed by neutralization of diastereomers with MeONa in dry MeOH solution. With the pure enantiomers (−)-(1S)-4b and (+)-(1R)-4b, initial attempts to obtain the crystallized (−)-(1S)-7d and (+)-(1R)-7d after treatment of intermediate 6d with a solution of 1 M HCl (for precipitation of hydrochloride salt 7d). Effects of compounds 7a–d on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca²⁺ and SOCE were evaluated on PLP-B lymphocyte cell line, and 7d was identified as a better SOCE inhibitor than SKF-96365. However, the inhibitory effects of 7c and 7d compounds on SOCE are inferior to what was observed for SKF-96365 when evaluated with BCR stimulation. This preliminary SAR study showed that the MeO group in para-position of the phenethyl-1H-pyrazolium skeleton or for the Cβ-phenylpropoxy side chain of 7 influenced the SOCE activity. These results offered possibilities to increase molecular diversity for a complete SAR study, and we are also currently exploring the potential of this synthetic methodology.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Chemistry Section

General Information. Preparative chromatography was realized on a Combi Flash R_f 200 psi UV ref. 208K20284 (Serlabo Technologies, Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue, France) using pre-packed column of alumina gel 60 F 254 Merck equipped with a DAD UV/Vis 200–360 nm detector. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was accomplished on 0.2 mm precoated plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) with appropriate eluent. Visualization was made with ultraviolet light (254 and 365 nm) or with a fluorescence indicator. Solvents were evaporated with a BUCHI rotary evaporator (New Castle, PA, USA). All reagents and solvents were purchased from Acros Fisher (Illkirch, France), Sigma-Aldrich Chimie (St. Quentin Fallavier, France), and Fluka Chimie (Paris, France) and were used without further purification. ¹H NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker AC 300 P (300 MHz) spectrometer and ¹³C NMR spectra on Bruker AC 300 P (75 MHz) spectrometer. Chemical shifts are expressed in parts per million downfield. Data are given in the following order: δ value, multiplicity (s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; quint: quintuplet, m, multiplet; br, broad), number of protons, coupling constants J is given in Hertz. The high-resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were recorded in positive mode using direct Electrospray infusion, respectively on Waters Q-TOF 2 or on Thermo Fisher Scientific Q-Exactive spectrometers at the “Centre Régional de Mesures Physiques de l’Ouest” platform (CRMPO platform, ScanMAT UMS 2001 CNRS, Rennes, France). Melting points were determined on a Kofler melting point apparatus and were uncorrected. Optical rotations [α_D] were measured on a Perkin-Elmer 214 polarimeter at room temperature (25 °C) and are recorded in units of deg cm⁻³ g⁻¹ dm⁻¹ (c in g cm⁻³ in MeOH) with a 1.0 cm cell. The ee- and de-values were determined by chiral HPLC analysis using Chiracel OJ-H column (250 × 4.60 mm) with UV detector at 220 nm using hexane/i-PrOH as mobile phase with appropriate composition and flow rate.

1-Phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one (3a). To a solution of 2-bromoacetophenone 1a (4 g, 20.1 mmol) in 20.8 mL of acetonitrile, pyrazole 2a (1.45 g, 21.3 mmol, 1.06 equiv.) was added in small portions under vigorous magnetic stirring (550 rpm) at room temperature, and mixing was pursued until complete dissolution of the reagents. To this homogeneous solution, K₂CO₃ (2.92 g, 21.1 mmol, 1.05 equiv.) was poured and the resulting suspension was stirred for 8 h at 25 °C and monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using cyclohexane/AcOEt (1:1 v/v) as eluent. The reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL of AcOEt, and the resulting solution was filtered on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the residual precipitate was washed with AcOEt (2 × 10 mL). The collected filtrate was transferred into a separating funnel. The organic phase was washed successively with deionized water (3 × 80 mL), brine (3 × 80 mL), and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration on a filter paper, the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and the oily residue was submitted to purification by preparative chromatography (Combi Flash R_f 200 psi apparatus with a DAD 200/360 nm detector) on pre-packed column of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using a stepwise gradient of cyclohexane/AcOEt (0–50%) for elution. Pooling for 60 min and elimination of the solvent in vacuo gave 3.74 g (53% yield) of the pure desired compound 3a as yellowish powder. Mp = 96–97 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 5.84 (s, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 6.31 (dd, J = 2.3, 1.9 Hz, 1H, H-4′), 7.48 (dd, 1H, J = 1.9, 0.7 Hz, H-3′), 7.52–7.63 (m, 2H, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.66–7.77 (m, 2H, H-4″, H-5′, Ar), 7.97–8.09 (m, 2H, H-2″, H-6″). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 57.7 (C-2), 105.6 (C-4′), 128.1 (C-3″, C-5″), 129.0 (C-2″, C-6″), 131.6 (C-5′), 134.0 (C-4″), 134.6 (C-1″), 139.0 (C-3′), 193.7 (C=O). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 209.0689 found (calculated for C₁₁H₁₀N₂ONa [M + Na]⁺ requires 209.0691).

1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one (3b). To a solution of 2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one 1b (4.6 g, 20.1 mmol) in 20.8 mL of acetonitrile, pyrazole 2a (2.74 g, 40.2 mmol, 2 equiv.) was added in small portions under vigorous magnetic stirring (550 rpm) at room temperature, and mixing was pursued until complete dissolution of the reagents. To this homogeneous solution, K₂CO₃ (5.56 g, 40.2 mmol, 2 equiv.) was poured and the resulting suspension was stirred for 12 h at 25 °C and monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using cyclohexane/AcOEt (3:7 v/v) as eluent. The reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL of AcOEt, and the resulting suspension was filtered on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the residual precipitate was washed with AcOEt (2 × 10 mL). The collected filtrate was transferred into a separating funnel. The organic phase was washed successively with deionized water (3 × 80 mL), brine (3 × 80 mL), and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration on a filter paper, the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and the oily residue was submitted to purification by preparative chromatography (Combi Flash R_f 200 psi apparatus with a DAD 200/360 nm detector) on pre-packed column of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using a stepwise gradient of cyclohexane/AcOEt (0–70%) for elution. Pooling for 60 min and elimination of the solvent in vacuo gave 4.35 g (66% yield) of the pure desired compound 3b as yellowish needles. Mp = 102–103 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.86 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 5.77 (s, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 6.30 (t, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz, H-4′), 7.09 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.47 (dd, 1H, J = 1.9, 0.7 Hz, H-3′), 7.72 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5′), 8.01 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-2″, H-6″, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.7 (OCH₃), 57.3 (C-2), 105.5 (C-4′), 114.2 (C-3″, C-5″), 127.4 (C-5′), 130.4 (C-2″, C-6″), 131.6 (C-1″), 138.8 (C-3′), 163.6 (C-4″), 191.9 (C=O). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 239.0798 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₂N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 239.0797).

2-(3-Trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (3c). To a solution of 2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one 1b (0.5 g, 2.18 mmol) in 2.25 mL of acetonitrile, 3-trifluoromethylpyrazole 2b (0.89 g, 6.54 mmol, 3 equiv.) was added in small portions under vigorous magnetic stirring (550 rpm) at room temperature, and mixing was pursued until complete dissolution of the reagents. To this homogeneous solution, K₂CO₃ (0.905 g, 6.54 mmol, 3 equiv.) was poured and the resulting suspension was stirred for 12 h at 25 °C and monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using cyclohexane/AcOEt (1:1 v/v) as eluent. The reaction mixture was diluted with 5 mL of AcOEt, and the resulting solution was filtered on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the residual precipitate was washed with 5 mL of AcOEt. The collected filtrate was transferred into a separating funnel. The organic phase was washed successively with deionized water (3 × 20 mL), brine (3 × 20 mL), and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration on a filter paper, the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and gave a solid residue. After addition of 40 mL of hexane and mixing for 4 h, the solid was filtered on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) then dried at 60 °C for 3 h and gave 0.62 g (68% yield) of the desired compound 3c as white powder. Mp = 146–147 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.87 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 5.94 (s, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 6.78 (dd, 1H, J = 2.4, 0.7 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 7.12 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.95 (dq, 1H, J = 2.1, 1.0 Hz, H-5′, Ar), 8.02 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-2″, H-6″, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.8 (OCH₃), 58.1 (C-2), 104.4 (C-4′), 104.4 (C-4′), 114.2 (C-2″, C-6″), 114.3 (C-2″, C-6″), 127.1 (C-1″), 130.4 (C-3″, C-5″), 130.5 (C-3″, C-5″), 134.2 (C-5′), 134.3 (C-5′), 163.8 (C-4″), 191.0 (C-1). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 307.0671 found (calculated for C₁₃H₁₁N₂O₂F₃Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 307.0670); 285.0862 found (calculated for C₁₃H₁₂N₂O₂F₃ [M + H]⁺ requires 285.0851).

2-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one (3d). To a solution of 2-bromo-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one 1b (0.5 g, 2.18 mmol) in 2.25 mL of acetonitrile, 3,5-bis-trifluoromethylpyrazole 2c (1.778 g, 8.72 mmol, 4 equiv.) was added in small portions under vigorous magnetic stirring (550 rpm) at room temperature, and mixing was pursued until complete dissolution of the reagents. To this homogeneous solution, K₂CO₃ (1.205 g, 8.72 mmol, 4 equiv.) was poured and the resulting suspension was stirred for 24 h at 25 °C and monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using cyclohexane/AcOEt (1:1 v/v) as eluent. The reaction mixture was diluted with 5 mL of AcOEt, and the resulting solution was filtered on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the residual precipitate was washed with 5 mL of AcOEt. The collected filtrate was transferred into a separating funnel. The organic phase was washed successively with deionized water (3 × 20 mL), brine (3 × 20 mL), and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration on a filter paper, the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and gave a solid residue which was dried under high vacuum (10⁻² Torr) at 25 °C for 2 h. The desired compound 3d was obtained in 69% yield as white powder. Mp = 114–115 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.88 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.19 (s, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 7.12 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.69 (s, 1H, H-4′, Ar), 8.05 (d, 1H, J = 8.9 Hz, H-2″, H-6″, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.8 (OCH₃), 58.5 (C-2), 107.5 (C-4′), 114.3 (C-3″, C-5″), 126.3 (C-1″), 130.8 (C-2″, C-6″), 164.2 (C-4″), 189.9 (C=O). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 375.0544 found (calculated for C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂F₆Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 375.0544); 353.0734 found (calculated for C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₂F₃ [M + H]⁺ requires 353.0734).

3.1.1. General Procedure for Reduction of 1-Phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one (3a–c) into 1-Phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4a–c)

To a solution of 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one 3 (5 mmol) in an appropriate volume of anhydrous methanol (9–40 mL), sodium borohydride NaBH₄ (0.189 g, 5 mmol, 1 equiv.) was added in small portions at 0 °C (ice bath) under magnetic stirring (300 rpm). The resulting mixture was stirred (500 rpm) for an appropriate reaction time (5–7 h) at room temperature, and the reaction solution was monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using an appropriate mixture of solvents as eluent. The reaction mixture was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and the resulting solid residue was washed with deionized water (3 × 45–3 × 47 mL) on a Büchner funnel. Then, the desired compounds 3a–c were dried at 60 °C for 3 h.

1-Phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4a). According to the standard procedure, the compound 4a was prepared from 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one 3a (0.93 g, 5 mmol) in 9.3 mL of anhydrous methanol after a reaction time of 5 h using CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 9:1 v/v as eluent for thin layer chromatography. Washing work-up was realized with 3 × 45 mL of deionized water and gave 0.94 g (82% yield) of the desired compound 4a as white powder. Mp = 132–134 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 4.14–4.30 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 4.83–5.01 (m, 1H, CH, H-1), 5.65 (br d, 1H, J = 4.7 Hz, OH), 6.18 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4′), 7.19–7.39 (m, 5H, H-2″, H-3″, H-4″, H-5″, H-6″, Ar), 7.43 (dd, 1H, J = 1.9, 0.7 Hz, H-3′), 7.58 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5′). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 58.7 (C-2), 71.8 (C-1), 104.7 (C-4′), 126.1 (C-3″, C-5″), 127.4 (C-4″), 128.2 (C-2″, C-6″), 130.7 (C-5′), 138.5 (C-1″), 142.8 (C-3′). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 211.0848 found (calculated for C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 211.0847).

1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b). According to the standard procedure, the compound 4b was prepared from 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one 3b (1.08 g, 5 mmol) in 14.4 mL of anhydrous methanol after a reaction time of 7 h using CH₂Cl₂/MeOH 8:2 v/v as eluent for thin layer chromatography. Washing work-up was realized with 3 × 47 mL of deionized water and gave 1.091 g (86% yield) of the desired compound 4b as white crystals with de = 50% (hexane/i-PrOH 96:4 v/v as eluent, flow rate = 0.6 mL/min.), retention times t_R(1) = 65.92 and t_R(2) = 71.38 min. [α_D] = 0.0 (c 1.0, MeOH). Mp = 116–118 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.10–4.27 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 4.87 (dt, 1H, J = 7.5, 5.1 Hz, CH, H-1), 5.54 (br d, 1H, J = 4.6 Hz, OH), 6.17 (dd, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, H-4′), 6.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.15–7.29 (m, 2H, H-2″, H-6″, Ar), 7.42 (dd, 1H, J = 1.8, 0.7 Hz, H-3′), 7.57 (dd, 1H, J = 2.2, 0.8 Hz, H-5′). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.0 (OCH₃), 58.7 (C-2), 71.4 (C-1), 104.6 (C-4′), 113.5 (C-3″, C-5″), 127.2 (C-2″, C-6″), 130.5 (C-1″), 134.8 (C-5′), 138.4 (C-3′), 158.5 (C-4″). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 241.0954 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 241.0953).

1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4c). According to the standard procedure, the compound 4c was prepared from 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one 3c (1.42 g, 5 mmol) in 39 mL of anhydrous methanol after a reaction time of 7 h using hexane/AcOEt 1:1 v/v as eluent for thin layer chromatography. Washing work-up was realized with 3 × 47 mL of deionized water and gave 1.431 g (94% yield) of the desired compound 4c as white powder. Mp = 110–112 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.27 (d, 2H, J = 6.5 Hz, CH₂, H-2), 4.90 (t, 1H, J = 6.5 Hz, CH, H-1), 5.63 (br s, 1H, OH), 6.66 (d, 1H, J = 2.3 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 6.90 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.28 (d, 2H, J = 8.3 Hz, H-2″, H-6″, Ar), 7.85 (s, 1H, H-5′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.0 (OCH₃), 55.1 (OCH3), 59.3 (C-2), 71.0 (C-1), 103.7, (C-4′), 103.7 (C-4′), 113.6 (C-2″, C-6″), 113.6 (C-2″, C-6″), 127.2 (C-3″, C-5″), 127.3 (C-3″, C-5″), 133.1 (C-5′), 133.2 (C-5′), 134.2 (C-1″), 140.13 (q, J = 37.1 Hz, CF₃), 158.7 (C-4″). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 309.0824 found (calculated for C₁₃H₁₂N₂O₂F₃Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 309.0827); 269.0902 found (calculated for C₁₃H₁₁N₂OF₃ [M − H₂O + H]⁺ requires 309.0827).

2-(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-ol (4d). To a solution of 2-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethan-1-one 3d (1.76 g, 5 mmol) in 31 mL of anhydrous methanol, sodium borohydride NaBH₄ (0.378 g, 10 mmol, 2 equiv.) was added in small portions at 0 °C (ice bath) under magnetic stirring (300 rpm). The resulting mixture was stirred (500 rpm) for 7 h at room temperature and the reaction solution was monitored by thin layer chromatography on 0.2 mm plates of silica gel 60 F-254 (Merck) using hexane/AcOEt 1:1 v/v as eluent. After concentration of the reaction mixture in vacuo, 44 mL of deionized water was added in the crude oily residue, and extraction was conducted with AcOEt (3 × 44 mL) in a separating funnel. The combined extracts were washed with 44 mL of brine and dried over magnesium sulfate. After filtration on a filter paper, the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and gave an oily residue which was dried under high vacuum (10⁻² Torr) at 25 °C for 2 h. The desired compound 4d (1.771 g) was obtained as yellowish mobile oil in 98% yield. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.74 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.29 (dd, 1H, J = 13.9, 8.9 Hz, CH, H-2), 4.40 (dd, 1H, J = 13.9, 4.4 Hz, CH, H-2), 5.01 (dt, 1H, J = 8.9, 4.4 Hz, CH, H-1), 5.73 (dd, 1H, J = 4.6, 0.7 Hz, OH), 6.92 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H-3″, H-5″, Ar), 7.28 (d, 2H, J = 8.4 Hz, H-2″, H-6″, Ar), 7.50–7.54 (m, 1H, H-4′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.1 (OCH3), 58.8 (C-2), 70.6 (C-1), 106.8 (C-4′), 113.7 (C-3″, C-5″), 127.2 (C-2″, C-6″), 133.5 (C-1″), 158.9 (C-4″). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 377.0700 found (calculated for C₁₄H₁₂N₂O₂F₆Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 377.0701); 337.0763 found (calculated for C₁₄H₁₁N₂OF₆ [M − H₂O + H]⁺ requires 337.0776).

3.1.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of (1R, 1S) 1-[β-(Phenylalkoxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium Hydrochloride (7a–e)

Pellets of potassium hydroxide KOH (0.112 g, 2 mmol, 2 equiv.) were added to a solution of 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4 (1 mmol, 1 equiv.) in 3.76 mL of dry dimethylsulfoxide pa at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirred vigorously (550 rpm) for 30 min until complete dissolution of KOH, then commercial arylalkyl halide 5 (1 mmol, 1 equiv.) was added in one portion in the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was heated at 50 °C under magnetic stirring (300 rpm) for 48 h. After cooling down to room temperature, 18.7 mL of saturated brine was added to the reaction mixture and the resulting solution was transferred into a separating funnel. Extraction was conducted with 18.7 mL of diethyl ether Et₂O, then the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulphate and filtered on a filter paper. The filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The oily crude residue containing1-[β-(phenylalkoxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazole 6 was dissolved in appropriate volume of diethyl ether Et₂O pa under a stream of argon with magnetic stirring (200 rpm). To this homogeneous solution, a commercial solution of 1 M HCl (1 equiv.) in ether was added dropwise rapidly. During mixing at room temperature, the initial pale yellow oil crystallized progressively on the circumference of the round flask and mixing (from 24 h to 5 days) was pursued until complete crystallization of the desired 1-[β-(phenylalkoxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with dry diethyl ether pa. The desired compound 7 was dried at room temperature for 4 h and stored in a dessicator.

(1R, 1S) 1-[β-((4-Methoxybenzyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride (7a). Using the standard procedure from 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4a (0.188 g, 1 mmol) and 4-methoxybenzyl chloride 5a (0.157 g, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.), the 1-[β-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazole 6a (0.199 g, 0.65 mmol) was dissolved in 4.6 mL of dry diethyl ether pa under a stream of argon. The addition of 0.65 mL of 1M HCl (0.65 mmol, 1 equiv.) produced a viscous gum on the circumference of the round flask after mixing at room temperature for 5 days. Then, this reaction mixture was stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C for 2 weeks and produced a compact gum. This gum was then manually and carefully triturated in 4 mL of dry hexane and progressively produced a powder. The resulting suspension was stirred (200 rpm) at room temperature for 5 days, and produced a completely divided powder. The desired salt 7a was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with 0.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa. After drying at 25 °C for 4 h, the 1-[β-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7a (35.72 mg, 10% yield) was obtained as white powder. Mp = 62–65 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.72 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.09 (d, 1H, J = 11.6 Hz, CH, H-1″), 4.19–4.32 (m, 2H, CH, H-1″, H-1′), 4.40 (dd, 1H, J = 13.9, 8.5 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.78 (dd, 1H, J = 8.4, 4.4 Hz, CH, H-2′), 6.22 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4, Ar), 6.82 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3b, H-5b, Ar), 6.99 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2b, H-6b, Ar), 7.27–7.44 (m, 5H, H-2a, H-3a, H-4a, H-5a, H-6a), 7.46 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, H-3, Ar), 7.62 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz, H-5, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.1 (OCH₃), 57.0 (C-1′), 69.7 (C-1″), 79.4 (C-2′), 104.9 (C-4), 113.6 (C-3a, C-5a), 126.8 (C-2a, C-6a), 128.1 (C-4a), 128.6 (C-2a, C-6a), 128.8 (C-3a, C-5a), 129.9 (C-1b), 130.9 (C-5), 138.6 (C-3), 139.0 (C-1a), 158.6 (C-4b). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 331.1418 found (calculated for C₁₉H₂₀N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 331.1417).

(1R, 1S) 1-[β-((3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride (7b). Using the standard procedure from 1-phenyl-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4a (0.188 g, 1 mmol) and 1-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methoxybenzene 5c (0.229 g, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.), the 1-[β-((3-phenylpropyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazole 6b (0.151 g, 0.45 mmol) was dissolved in 3 mL of dry diethyl ether pa under a stream of argon. The addition of 0.45 mL of 1M HCl (0.45 mmol, 1 equiv.) produced a pale yellow viscous oil that crystallized progressively on the circumference of the round flask, and mixing (200 rpm, 72 h) was pursued until complete crystallization of the oily gum. The desired salt 7b was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with 3 × 0.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa. After drying at 25 °C for 4 h, the 1-[β-((3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propyl)oxy)-phenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7b (78.3 mg, 21% yield) was obtained as white powder. Mp = 76–80 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 1.62 (dt, 2H, J = 8.2, 6.2 Hz, CH₂, H-2″), 2.36 (dd, 2H, J = 8.4, 6.7 Hz, CH₂, H-3″), 3.05 (dt, 1H, J = 9.5, 6.1 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.22 (dt, 1H, J = 9.5, 6.0 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.69 (s, OCH₃), 4.23 (dd, 1H, J = 13.9, 4.4 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.37 (dd, 1H, J = 13.9, 8.7 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.69 (dd, 1H, J = 8.7, 4.2 Hz, CH, H-2′), 6.23 (t, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz, H-4, Ar), 6.77 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3b, H-5b, Ar), 6.94 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2b, H-6b, Ar), 7.27–7.44 (m, 5H, H-2a, H-3a, H-4a, H-5a, H-6a, Ar), 7.46–7.50 (m, 1H, H-3), 7.68 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 30.4 (C-3″), 31.1 (C-2″), 54.9 (OCH3), 57.2 (C-1′), 67.4 (C-1″), 80.1 (C-2′), 104.9 (C-4), 113.6 (C-3b, C-5b), 126.7 (C-2a, C-6a), 128.0 (C-4a), 128.5 (C-3a, C-5a), 129.2 (C-2b, C-6b), 131.0 (C-5), 133.4 (C-1b), 138.4 (C-3), 139.3 (C-1a), 157.3 (C-4b). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 359.1733 found (calculated for C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 359.1735); 337.1906 found (calculated for C₂₁H₂₅N₂O₂ [M + H]⁺ requires 337.1916).

(1R, 1S) 1-[β-((4-Methoxybenzyl)oxy)-(4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride (7c). Using the standard procedure from 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (0.218 g, 1 mmol) and 4-methoxybenzyl chloride 5a (0.157 g, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.), the 1-[β-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-(4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-pyrazole 6c (0.231 g, 0.68 mmol) was dissolved in 4.57 mL of dry diethyl ether pa under a stream of argon. The addition of 0.68 mL of 1M HCl (0.68 mmol, 1 equiv.) produced a pale pink viscous oil that crystallized rapidly (30 min.) on the circumference of the round flask, and mixing (200 rpm, 72 h) was pursued until complete crystallization of the viscous gum into divided powder. The desired salt 7c was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with 3 × 0.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa. After drying at 25 °C for 4 h, the 1-[β-((4-methoxybenzyl)oxy)-(4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7c (123.7 mg, 33% yield) was obtained as white powder. Mp = 112–113 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.72 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.76 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.06 (d, 1H, J = 11.6 Hz, CH, H-1″), 4.16–4.30 (m, 2H, CH, H-1′, H-1″), 4.40 (dd, 1H, J = 13.8, 8.5 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.71 (dd, 1H, J = 8.4, 4.5 Hz, CH, H-2′), 6.22 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4, Ar), 6.82 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 6.89–7.03 (m, 4H, H-2a H-6a, H-3b, H-5b, Ar), 7.26 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2b, H-6b, Ar), 7.47 (d, 1H, J = 1.9 Hz, H-3, Ar), 7.62 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz, H-5, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.1 (OCH₃), 55.1 (OCH₃), 57.0 (C-1′), 69.3 (C-1″), 78.9 (C-2′), 104.9 (C-4), 113.6 (C-3a, C-5a), 114.0 (C-3b, C-5b), 128.2 (C-2a C-6a), 128.8 (C-2b, C-6b), 130.0 5 (C-1a), 130.8 (C-1b), 130.9 (C-5), 138.5 (C-3), 158.6 (C-4a), 159.1 (C-4b). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 361.1526 found (calculated for C₂₀H₂₂N₂O₃Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 361.1528); 339.1715 found (calculated for C₂₀H₂₃N₂O₃ [M + H]⁺ requires 339.1709).

(1R, 1S) 1-[β-((4-Methoxyphenyl)-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride (7d). Using the standard procedure from 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (0.218 g, 1 mmol) and 1-(3-bromopropyl)-4-methoxybenzene 5c (0.229 g, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.), the 1-[β-((4-methoxyphenyl)-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazole 6d (0.156 g, 0.42 mmol) was dissolved in 2.84 mL of dry diethyl ether pa under a stream of argon. The addition of 0.42 mL of 1M HCl (0.42 mmol, 1 equiv.) produced a pale pink viscous oil that crystallized (12 h) on the circumference of the round flask, and mixing (200 rpm, 72 h) was pursued until complete crystallization of the viscous gum. The desired salt 7d was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with 3 × 0.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa. After drying at 25 °C for 4 h, the 1-[β-((4-methoxyphenyl)-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7d (72.53 mg, 18% yield) was obtained as white powder. Mp = 92–94 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 1.47–1.70 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2″), 2.36 (t, 2H, J = 7.5 Hz, CH₂, H-3″), 3.03 (dt, 1H, J = 9.6, 6.2 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.19 (dt, 1H, J = 9.5, 6.0 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.69 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.18 (dd, 1H, J = 13.8, 4.3 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.35 (dd, 1H, J = 13.8, 8.7 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.62 (dd, 1H, J = 8.7, 4.2 Hz, CH, H-2′), 6.22 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4, Ar), 6.77 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3b, H-5b, Ar), 6.86–7.02 (m, 4H, H-3a, H-5a, H-2b, H-6b, Ar), 7.26 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2a, H-6a, Ar), 7.47 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, H-3, Ar), 7.67 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz, H-5, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 30.4 (C-3″), 31.1 (C-2″), 54.9 (OCH₃), 55.1 (OCH₃), 57.2 (C-1′), 67.0 (C-1″), 79.7 (C-2′), 104.9 (C-4), 113.6 (C-3b, C-5b), 113.9 (C-3a, C-5a), 128.0 (C-2a, C-6a), 129.2 (C-2b, C-6b), 130.8 (C-3), 131.1 (C-1a), 133.4 (C-1b), 138.5 (C-5), 157.3 (C-4b), 159.0 (C-4a). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 389.1838 found (calculated for C₂₂H₂₆N₂O₃Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 389.1841).

(1R, 1S) 1-[β-((4-Methoxyphenyl)-(3-phenylpropoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride (7e). Using the standard procedure from 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (0.218 g, 1 mmol) and 1-bromo-3-phenylpropane 5d (0.199 g, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.), the 1-[β-((4-methoxyphenyl)-(3-phenylpropoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazole 6e (0.124 g, 0.37 mmol) was dissolved in 2.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa under a stream of argon. The addition of 0.37 mL of 1 M HCl (0.37 mmol, 1 equiv.) produced a translucent colourless viscous oil that crystallized progressively (24 h) on the circumference of the round flask, and mixing (200 rpm, 72 h) was pursued until complete crystallization in divided powder. The desired salt 7e was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and washed with 3 × 0.5 mL of dry diethyl ether pa. After drying at 25 °C for 4 h, the 1-[β-((4-methoxyphenyl)-(3-phenylpropoxyethyl)]-1H-pyrazolium hydrochloride 7d (82.04 mg, 22% yield) was obtained as white powder. Mp = 87–89 °C. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 1.54–1.76 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2″), 2.37–2.46 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-3″), 3.04 (dt, 1H, J = 9.6, 6.1 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.21 (dt, 1H, J = 9.6, 6.0 Hz, CH, H-1″), 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.18 (dd, 1H, J = 13.8, 4.3 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.35 (dd, 1H, J = 13.8, 8.7 Hz, CH, H-1′), 4.63 (dd, 1H, J = 8.7, 4.3 Hz, CH, H-2′), 6.21 (t, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz, H-4, Ar), 6.92 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 6.99–7.06 (m, 2H, H-2b, H-6b, Ar), 7.08–7.17 (m, 1H, H-4b, Ar), 7.17–7.31 (m, 4H, H-2a H-6a, H-3b, H-5b, Ar), 7.46 (dd, 1H, J = 1.9, 0.7 Hz, H-3, Ar), 7.66 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 30.9 (C-2″), 31.4 (C-3″), 55.1 (OCH₃), 57.2 (C-1′), 67.1 (C-1″), 79.7 (C-2′), 104.9 (C-4), 113.9 (C-3a, C-5a), 125.7 (C-4b), 128.1 (C-2a, C-6a), 128.2 (C-3b, C-5b), 128.4 (C-2b, C-6b), 130.8 (C-5), 131.2 (C-1a), 138.6 (C-3), 141.7 (C-1b), 159.1 (C-4a). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 359.1736 found (calculated for C₂₁H₂₄N₂O₂Na [M + Na]⁺ requires 359.1736).

3.1.3. Resolution of (±)-(1R, 1S) 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b) with (−)-(1R)-10-Camphorsulfonic Acid and (+)-(1S)-10-Camphorsulfonic Acid by Two Convergent Methods of Half-Quantities

Method 1 from (−)-(1R)-CSA:

(−)-(1S) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b): To a stirred solution of (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (0.5 g, 2.29 mmol) in 5 mL of dry acetone, a solution of (−)-(1R)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (0.266 g, 1.145 mmol) in 2 mL of dry acetone was added dropwise at room temperature for 5 min. Stirring (300 rpm) was pursued for 12 h at 25 °C. It is interesting to note that during the addition of the solution of (−)-(1R)-CSA, the formation of a white fine suspension of diastereomer appeared in the reaction mixture. This first fraction of diastereomer salt was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4), washed thoroughly with 4 × 0.3 mL of dry acetone, and dried in vacuum to give 0.363 g of the desired the salt (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA (>85% de). This salt was recrystallized in dry acetone and afforded 0.271 g (52% isolated yield) of salt (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA (>97% de). This salt was dissolved in 0.6 mL of dry acetone under magnetic stirring (300 rpm), and to this suspension, 0.02 equiv. of racemic (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b was added for diastereomeric enrichment. This suspension was stirred for 18 h at room temperature. The enriched salt was successively filtered on a Büchner funnel, washed with 0.5 mL of dry acetone, dried in vacuum, and recrystallized in dry acetone that produced 0.251 g (48% yield) of (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA (>99% de) as white powder; [α_D] = −6,0 (c 1.0, MeOH).

Starting from 200 mg of the pure salt (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA, a mixed suspension was prepared in 2.5 mL of dry methanol and 1 equiv. of commercial MeONa was added in one portion. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The crude solid residue was washed thoroughly with 4 × 2 mL of deionized water. The insoluble compound was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and dried in vacuum, which produced 0.096 g (38% yield) of the desired (−)-(1S) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (99% ee); [α_D] = −10,0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and Mp = 113–114 °C.

Recovery of the (+)-(1R) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b: The filtrate of the first fraction was submitted to concentration in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and afforded 0.345 g of a crude residue. To this solid residue, 14.5 mL of dry toluene was added and the resulting suspension was submitted to magnetic stirring for 4 h. This suspension was filtered through a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and produced 0.190 g (0.87 mmol) of a white powder of (+)-(1R)-4b (65% ee). This white solid was dissolved in 3.8 mL of dry acetone under magnetic stirring and to the resulting solution, a solution of (+)-(1S)-CSA (0.2 g, 0.87 mmol, 1 equiv.) in 1.52 mL of dry acetone was added dropwise. During the addition of the (+)-(1S)-CSA solution, a fine suspension appeared in the mixture, which was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The new diastereomer salt was collected by filtration then washed with 4 × 0.25 mL of dry acetone, dried in vacuum, which gave 0.249 g (63% yield) of the (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA salt (96% de) as white powder. From this salt, diastereomeric enrichment was conducted with 0.04 equiv. of racemic (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b. The enriched suspension was stirred for 18 h at room temperature and the resulting enriched salt was successively submitted to filtration on a Büchner funnel, washing with 0.5 mL of dry acetone, drying in vacuum, and finally recrystallisation in dry acetone which gave 0.202 mg (51% yield) of (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA (>99% de) as white needles; [α_D] = +6,0 (c 1.0, MeOH).

Starting from 200 mg of the pure salt (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA, a mixed suspension was prepared in 2.5 mL of dry methanol, and 1 equiv. of commercial MeONa was added in one portion. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The crude solid residue was washed thoroughly with 4 × 2 mL of deionized water. The insoluble compound was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and dried in vacuum which gave 0.078 g (41% yield) of the desired (+)-(1R) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (99% ee); [α_D] = +10,0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and Mp = 110–111 °C.

Method 2 with (+)-(1S)-CSA:

(+)-(1R) 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b): To a stirred solution of (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (0.5 g, 2.29 mmol) in 5 mL of dry acetone, a solution of (+)-(1S)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (0.266 g, 1.145 mmol) in 2 mL of dry acetone was added dropwise at room temperature for 5 min. Stirring (300 rpm) was pursued for 12 h at 25 °C. It is interesting to note that during the addition of the solution of (+)-(1S)-CSA, the formation of a white fine suspension of diastereomer appeared in the reaction mixture. This first fraction of diastereomer salt was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4), washed thoroughly with 4 × 0.3 mL of dry acetone, and dried in vacuum to give 0.358 g of the desired the salt (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA (>87% de). This salt was recrystallized in dry acetonitrile and afforded 0.280 g (54% isolated yield) of salt (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA (>96% de). This salt was dissolved in 0.6 mL of dry acetone under magnetic stirring (300 rpm) and to this suspension was added 0.02 equiv. of racemic (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b for diastereomeric enrichment. This suspension was stirred for 18 h at room temperature. The enriched salt was successively filtered on a Büchner funnel, washed with 0.5 mL of dry acetone, dried in vacuum, and recrystallized in dry acetone that gave 0.229 g (44% yield) of (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA (>99% de) as white powder; [α_D] = +6,0 (c 1.0, MeOH).

Starting from 200 mg of the pure salt (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA, a mixed suspension was prepared in 2.5 mL of dry methanol, and 1 equiv. of commercial MeONa was added in one portion. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The crude solid residue was washed thoroughly with 4 × 2 mL of deionized water. The insoluble compound was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and dried in vacuum, which gave 0.089 g (35% yield) of the desired (+)-(1R) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (99% ee); [α_D] = +10,0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and Mp = 110–111 °C.

Recovery of the (−)-(1S) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b: The filtrate of the first fraction was submitted to concentration in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and afforded 0.366 g of a crude residue. To this solid residue, 14.5 mL of dry toluene was added and the resulting suspension was submitted to magnetic stirring for 4 h. This suspension was filtered through a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and the filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure and produced 0.207 g (0.95 mmol) of a white powder of (−)-(1S)-4b (74% ee). This white solid was dissolved in 4.2 mL of dry acetone under magnetic stirring and to the resulting solution, a solution of (−)-(1R)-CSA (0.219 g, 0.95 mmol, 1 equiv.) in 1.66 mL of dry acetone was added dropwise. During the addition of the (−)-(1R)-CSA solution, a fine suspension appeared in the mixture, which was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The new diastereomer salt was collected by filtration then washed with 4 × 0.25 mL of dry acetone and dried in vacuum, which gave 0.285 g (66% yield) of the (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA salt (98% de) as white powder. From this salt, diastereomeric enrichment was conducted with 0.01 equiv. of racemic (±) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b. The enriched suspension was stirred for 18 h at room temperature and the resulting enriched salt was successively submitted to filtration on a Büchner funnel, washing with 0.5 mL of dry acetone, drying in vacuum, and finally recrystallisation in dry acetone which gave 0.258 mg (60% yield) of (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA (>99% de) as white needles; [α_D] = −6,0 (c 1.0, MeOH).

Starting from 200 mg of the pure salt (−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA, a mixed suspension was prepared in 2.5 mL of dry methanol, and 1 equiv. of commercial MeONa was added in one portion. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure. The crude solid residue was washed thoroughly with 4 × 2 mL of deionized water. The insoluble compound was collected by filtration on a Büchner funnel (porosity N°4) and dried in vacuum which gave 0.090 g (43% yield) of the desired (−)-(1S) 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol 4b (>99% ee); [α_D] = −10,0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and Mp = 113-114 °C.

(−)-(1S)-4b/(−)-(1R)-CSA salt: Yield = 48%. White powder, Mp = 168–170 °C. [α_D] = −6.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and >99% de (retention time t_R = 34.01 min. using hexane/i-PrOH 94:6 v/v as eluent, flow rate = 0.8 mL/min.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 0.75 (s, 3H, C-7″CH₃), 1.04 (s, 3H, C-7″CH₃), 1.19–1.40 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2″, H-5″), 1.81 (d, 1H, J = 18.1 Hz, CH, H-4″), 1.80–1.92 (m, 1H, CH, H-5″), 1.95 (t, 1H, J = 4.5 Hz, CH, H-4″), 2.16–2.34 (m, 1H, CH, H-3″), 2.46 (d, 1H, J = 14.7 Hz, CH, CH₂SO₃H), 2.55–2.76 (m, 1H, CH, H-2″), 2.93 (d, 1H, J = 14.7 Hz, CH, CH₂SO₃H), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.10–4.32 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 4.87 (dd, 1H, J = 7.3, 5.5 Hz, CH, H-1), 6.20 (t, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 7.22 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H-2a, H-6a, Ar), 7.47 (dd, 1H, J = 1.9, 0.7 Hz, H-3′, Ar), 7.61 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 19.5 (C-7″CH₃), 20.0 (C-7″CH₃), 24.2 (C-2″), 26.4 (C-5″), 42.1 (C-3″), 42.2 (C-4″), 46.8 (CH₂SO₃H), 47.1 (C-7″), 55.0 (OCH3), 58.1 (C-6″), 58.6 (C-2), 71.3 (C-1), 104.8 (C-4′), 113.5 (C-3a, C-5a), 127.2 (C-2a, C-6a), 130.9 (C-5′), 134.7 (C-1a), 138.1 (C-3′), 158.5 (C-4a), 216.0 (C=O). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 241.0946 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂Na [M – H + Na]⁺ requires 241.0947).

(+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA salt: Yield = 51%. White powder, Mp = 169-171 °C. [α_D] = +6.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and >99% de (retention time t_R = 35.5 min. using hexane/i-PrOH 94:6 v/v as eluent, flow rate = 0.8 mL/min.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 0.75 (s, 3H, C-7″CH₃), 1.04 (s, 3H, C-7″CH3), 1.17–1.42 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2″, H-5″), 1.81 (d, 1H, J = 18.1 Hz, CH, H-4″), 1.78–1.93 (m, 1H, CH, H-5″), 1.95 (t, 1H, J = 4.5 Hz, CH, H-4″), 2.25 (dt, 1H, J = 18.0, 4.0 Hz, CH, H-3″), 2.45 (d, 1H, J = 14.7 Hz, CH, CH₂SO₃H), 2.54-2.76 (m, 1H, CH, H-2″), 2.93 (d, 1H, J = 14.7 Hz, CH, CH₂SO₃H), 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.08–4.32 (m, 2H, CH₂, H-2), 4.87 (dd, 1H, J = 7.3, 5.5 Hz, CH, H-1), 6.20 (t, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 7.22 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, H-2a, H-6a, Ar), 7.43-7.41 (m, 1H, H-3′, Ar), 7.60 (dd, 1H, J = 2.3, 0.7 Hz, H-5′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 19.5 (C-7″CH₃), 20.0 (C-7″CH₃), 24.2 (C-2″), 26.4 (C-5″), 42.1 (C-3″), 42.2 (C-4″), 46.8 (CH₂SO₃H), 47.1 (C-7″), 55.0 (OCH₃), 58.1 (C-6″), 58.6 (C-2), 71.3 (C-1), 104.8 (C-4′), 113.5 (C-3a, C-5a), 127.2 (C-2a, C-6a), 130.9 (C-5′), 134.7 (C-1a), 138.1 (C-3′), 158.5 (C-4a), 216.0 (C=O). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 241.0946 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂Na [M − H + Na]⁺ requires 241.0947).

X-ray crystallographic data for (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA salt: (C₁₂H₁₅N₂O₂, C₁₀H₁₅O₄S); M = 450.54. APEXII, Bruker-AXS diffractometer, Mo-Kα radiation (λ = 0.71073 Å), T = 150(2) K; orthorhombic P 21 21 21 (I.T.#19), a = 7.2781(5), b = 9.5344(5), c = 32.8134(19) Å, V = 2277.0(2) ų. Z = 4, d = 1.314 g·cm⁻³, μ = 0.182 mm⁻¹. The structure was solved by direct methods using the SIR97 program [29], and then refined with full-matrix least-square methods based on F2 (SHELXL-97) [30] with the aid of the WINGX [31] program. All non-hydrogen atoms were refined with anisotropic atomic displacement parameters. Except oxygen- and nitrogen-linked hydrogen atoms that were introduced in the structural model through Fourier difference maps analysis, H atoms were finally included in their calculated positions. A final refinement on F² with 4854 unique intensities and 289 parameters converged at ωR(F²) = 0.0932 (R(F) = 0.0415) for 4347 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). Crystallographic data for the structure of (+)-(1R)-4b/(+)-(1S)-CSA salt in this paper have been deposited in the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre as supplementary publication number CCDC 1580544. Copies of the data can be obtained, free of charge, on application to CCDC, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB21EZ, UK (fax: +44(0)-1223-336033 or e-mail: [email protected]).

(−)-(1S) 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b): Yield = 38%. White powder, Mp = 113–114 °C. [α_D] = −10.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and >99% de (retention time t_R = 52.6 min. using hexane/i-PrOH 96:4 v/v as eluent, flow rate = 0.6 mL/min.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.06–4.30 (m, 2H, H-2, CH₂, H-2), 4.87 (q, 1H, J = 5.6 Hz, CH, H-1), 5.50 (br d, 1H, J = 4.5 Hz, OH), 6.16 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 7.21 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2a, H-6a, Ar), 7.41 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, H-3′, Ar), 7.56 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz, H-5′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.0 (OCH₃), 58.7 (C-2), 71.4 (C-1), 104.6 (C-4′), 113.5 (C-3a, C-5a), 127.2 (C-2a, C-6a), 130.5 C-5′), 134.8 (C-1a), 138.4 (C-3′), 158.5 (C-4a). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 241.0950 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂Na [M – H + Na]⁺ requires 241.0953).

(+)-(1R) 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (4b): Yield = 41%. White powder, Mp = 110–111 °C. [α_D] = +10.0 (c 1.0, MeOH) and >99% de (retention time t_R = 63.5 min. using hexane/i-PrOH 96:4 v/v as eluent, flow rate = 0.6 mL/min.). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 3.73 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.09–4.29 (m, 2H, H-2, CH₂, H-2), 4.87 (q, 1H, J = 5.6 Hz, CH, H-1), 5.50 (br d, 1H, J = 4.5 Hz, OH), 6.16 (t, 1H, J = 2.0 Hz, H-4′, Ar), 6.87 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-3a, H-5a, Ar), 7.22 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, H-2a, H-6a, Ar), 7.41 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, H-3′, Ar), 7.56 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz, H-5′, Ar). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ = 55.0 (OCH₃), 58.7 (C-2), 71.4 (C-1), 104.6 (C-4′), 113.5 (C-3a, C-5a), 127.2 (C-2a, C-6a), 130.5 C-5′), 134.8 (C-1a), 138.4 (C-3′), 158.5 (C-4a). ES⁺ HRMS, m/z = 241.0950 found (calculated for C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂Na [M − H + Na]⁺ requires 241.0953).

3.2. Biology Section

3.2.1. Reagents

Dimethyl Sulfoxyde (DMSO-Ref D2438) and Thapsigargin (Tg-Ref: T9033) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Corning^® Cell-Tak™ was purchased from Beckton Dickinson (Le Pont de Claix, France) (Ref: 354241). Fura-2 QBT™ Calcium Kit was purchased from Molecular Devices (Berkshire, UK) (Ref: R8198).

3.2.2. Cell Culture

The B-cell leukemia cell line PLP [32], which possesses the phenotypic characteristics of B-CLL cells [33], were maintained in RPMI-1640 containing 10% fetal calf serum and antibiotics (1% of penicillin/streptomycin).

3.2.3. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ Protocol

For Ca²⁺ experiments, cells were seeded overnight into four wells plate (Nunc^TM multidisches 4 wells flat-bottom-Ref: 176740) at 7 × 10⁵ cells/mL in 1 mL culture medium. Cell suspension was then transfered into 1.5 mL Microtube, pelleted, and loaded with Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2 QBT™) fluorochrome according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Cell suspension was dispensed onto Corning^® Cell-Tak™ pre-coated 96 wells black clear bottom plate (80 µL per wells, density approximatively 5 × 10⁴ cells per well) and incubated 1 h at 37 °C, 5% CO₂. The Fura-2 QBT™ was aspirated and replaced by an equal volume of free Ca²⁺ Hepes-buffered solution containing (in mM): 135 NaCl, 5 KCl, 1 MgCl₂, 1 EGTA, 10 Hepes, 10 glucose, pH adjusted at 7.45 with NaOH. The tested compounds or DMSO control solvent solutions were added in wells (4 µL) and incubated for 5 min at 37 °C until evaluating calcium level on FlexStation 3™ Instrument.

3.2.4. Measurement of Intracellular Calcium Levels

Intracellular calcium levels were monitored by using the FlexStation 3™ (Molecular Devices, Berkshire, UK), a fluorescence plate reader measuring time–resolved intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in a 96-well format with the dual-wavelength fluorescent calcium-sensitive dye Fura-2AM. Dual excitation wavelength capability permits ratiometric measurements of Fura-2AM peak emissions (510 nm) after excitations at 340 (bound to calcium) and 380 nm (unbound to Ca²⁺). Modifications in the 340/380 ratio reflect changes in intracellular-free Ca²⁺ concentrations. The FlexStation 3™ temperature was setting at 37 °C during data acquisition. Thapsigargin (2 µM) solution and Hepes-buffered solution with Ca²⁺ containing (in mM): 135 NaCl, 5 KCl, 1 MgCl₂, 2 CaCl₂, 10 Hepes, 10 glucose, pH adjusted at 7.45 with NaOH were added from a 96-well reservoir plate during Calcium Mobilization Assay running at 100 and 750 s, respectively. Experimental setup parameters were optimized (pipette heights, volumes and rate of additions) to minimize disturbance of the cells while ensuring rapid mixing. The data were stored for later analysis by using SoftmaxPro (Molecular Devices), Excel and Graph Pad Prism software (Graph Pad Software, La Jolla, CA, USA).

3.2.5. Measurement of Store-Operated Calcium (SOC) Entry

Intracellular Ca²⁺ stores were depleted with 2 μM Thapsigargin an inhibitor of ER SERCA pumps under Ca²⁺-free conditions to determine the magnitude of intracellular Ca²⁺ release. Next, cells were returned to Ca²⁺-containing Hepes-buffered solution to measure SOCE. The magnitude of SOCE was estimated as the maximal values of normalized F340/F340 ratio following Ca²⁺ re-addition.

3.2.6. Calculation and Data Analysis

Results are expressed as mean ± SEM for each group. The number of experiments for each group is represented as n. Data analysis for functional assays was performed using Softmax Pro and Graph Pad Prism. (Graph Pad): Ca²⁺ concentration variations are estimated using the ratio of peak RFU at 340 and 380 nm (F340/F380) and for each measurement F340/F380 ratio values are normalized to the initial basal ratio before TG addition. Results are expressed in terms of percentage of response or percentage of inhibition compared to the maximum response on control condition. Inhibition is estimated as follow: % Inhibition = (100 − % response). The EC₅₀ values were estimated from the dose/response curves (log(inhibitor) vs. amplitude of the Ca²⁺ response) using a regression model (Y = Min + (Max − Min)/(1 + 10^{(LogIC50−X)×HillSlope}) with variable slope (Prism5 GraphPad software). Min and Max are the minimal and maximal inhibition obtained. EC₅₀ is defined as the concentration of drug required to obtain 50% of inhibitory effect.