BioDuro LLC, a global life science research and development organization, announces the creation of AISF ([4-(Acetylamino)phenyl]-ImidodiSulfuryl diFluoride), a convenient, shelf-stable, crystalline reagent for the synthesis of fluorosulfates and sulfamoyl fluorides. AISF was developed through a research collaboration with Pfizer Inc..

While fluorosulfates have immense potential applications, from chemical biology to polymer chemistry, the currently utilized method of synthesis relies on the use of sulfuryl fluoride gas. Because sulfuryl fluoride gas is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas that requires specialized equipment and additional safety precautions when using, this potentially valuable functional group has previously not been fully evaluated or broadly adopted.

"This breakthrough is just one example of what deeply committed and engaged scientists can achieve in a collaborative environment," said Cyrus K. Mirsaidi, president and CEO, BioDuro. "The creation of AISF and its development into a commercially viable, and environmentally safe product, is a result of a collaboration between the Pfizer and BioDuro chemistry teams, and one that I look forward to continuing as we seek to address new challenges."

Three key attributes were sought for a solid reagent that could be an alternative to sulfuryl fluoride gas: (1) the reagent must demonstrate comparable or improved reactivity to sulfuryl fluoride gas; (2) it must be a crystalline, shelf-stable and easily manipulated solid; and (3) it must be readily accessible for manufacturing on a large scale from commercially available starting materials.

AISF is a stable, crystalline solid that allows for a user-friendly fluorosulfonation reaction set-up, and it has excellent substrate scope. The reagent is easily manipulated in an open atmosphere and is stable at ambient temperature as either a solid or in solution, over a prolonged period of time.

"We are proud of this collaboration and our ability to address a common challenge in pharmaceutical preparation, delivering a solution that has a positive impact for both scientists and the environment," said Charlotte Allerton, head of medicine design, Pfizer.

BioDuro is a leading, global life sciences research and development organization that provides biopharmaceutical clients and partners with comprehensive, fully integrated drug discovery services spanning target identification to IND filing, through to manufacture of drug substance for clinical trials.