ortho-Carbaborane derivatives of indomethacin as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors

Abstract: A series of novel indomethacin analogues with carbaboranes as three-dimensional substitutes for the chlorophenyl ring have been prepared. Their cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and enzyme selectivity has been tested and compared to the corresponding adamantyl analogues. Surprisingly, only the ortho-carbaborane derivatives were active compounds. Preliminary biological studies gave an interesting insight into the validity of employing carbaboranes as pharmacophores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]