BioDuro LLC, a global life science R&D organization, has created AISF ([4-(Acetylamino)phenyl]-ImidodiSulfuryl diFluoride), a shelf-stable crystalline reagent for the synthesis of fluorosulfates and sulfamoyl fluorides. AISF was developed through a research collaboration with Pfizer.
 
Three attributes were sought for a solid reagent that could be an alternative to sulfuryl fluoride gas: the reagent must demonstrate comparable or improved reactivity to sulfuryl fluoride gas; it must be a crystalline, shelf-stable and easily manipulated solid; and it must be readily accessible for manufacturing on a large scale from commercially available starting materials. 
 
According to the company, 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. 
 
“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 chief executive officer, 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.” 
 
“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.