A pentiptycene-derived molecular brake: photochemical E→Z and electrochemical Z→E switching of an enone module

The synthesis and brakelike performance of a new molecular system (1) consisting of a pentiptycene rotor and a 2-methyleneindanone brake are reported. The rotation kinetics of the rotor was probed by both variable-temperature (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, and the switching between the brake-on and brake-off states was conducted by a combination of photochemical and electrochemical isomerization. Because of the greater steric hindrance between the rotor and the brake units in the Z form ((Z)-1) than in the E form ((E)-1), rotation of the rotor is slowed down 500-fold at room temperature (298 K) on going from (E)-1 to (Z)-1, corresponding to the brake-off and brake-on states, respectively. The (E)-1→(Z)-1 photoisomerization in acetonitrile is efficient and reaches an (E)-1/(Z)-1 ratio of 11:89 in the photostationary state upon excitation at 290 nm, attributable to a much larger isomerization quantum efficiency for (E)-1 versus (Z)-1. An efficient (Z)-1→(E)-1 isomerization (96%) was also achieved by electrochemical treatment through the radical anionic intermediates. Consequently, the reversibility of the E-Z switching of 1 is as high as 85%. The repeated E-Z switching of 1 with alternating photochemical and electrochemical treatments is also demonstrated.     

Synthesis and NMR Characterization of (Z,Z,Z,Z,E,E,ω)-Heptaprenol

We describe a practical, multigram synthesis of (2Z,6Z,10Z,14Z,18E,22E)-3,7,11,15,19,23,27-heptamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22,26-octacosaheptaen-1-ol [(Z(4),E(2),ω)-heptaprenol, 4] using the nerol-derived sulfone 8 as the key intermediate. Sulfone 8 is prepared by the literature route and is converted in five additional steps (18% yield from 8) to (Z(4),E(2),ω)-heptaprenol 4. The use of Eu(hfc)(3) as an NMR shift reagent not only enabled confirmation of the structure and stereochemistry of 4, but further enabled the structural assignment to a major side product from a failed synthetic connection. The availability by this synthesis of (Z(4),E(2),ω)-heptaprenol 4 in gram quantities will enable preparative access to key reagents for the study of the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell envelope.     

Z→E Photoisomerization of Homoactivated Carbon Carbon Double Bonds

Z-configured 1,4-diene or β,γ-unsaturated carbonyl systems are readily available by the Wittig reaction. Isomerization required for access into the E-series can easily be accomplished by irradiation using an ordinary tungsten lamp and diphenyl disulphide sensitizer. There is very little formation of conjugated isomers (less than 1%).     

Photocatalytic E→Z Contra-Thermodynamic Isomerization of Vinyl Silanes with Lewis Base

Herein, we disclosed the contra-thermodynamic E→Z isomerization of alkenyl silanes, according to the in situ formation of a chromophoric species, in the presence of rac-BINAP as the catalyst. The reaction carried out in DMSO or CH₃CN under irradiation at 405 nm allowed the interconversion of the E-isomers into the Z-congeners in good to excellent yields and outstanding Z/E selectivities, on 18 examples. Finally, the mechanism of this E→Z isomerization was studied to get insight into the reaction mechanism.     

E−Z Isomerization in Guanidine: Second-order Saddle Dynamics,Non-statisticality,and Time-frequency Analysis

Our recent work on the E−Z isomerization reaction of guanidine using ab initio chemical dynamics simulations [Rashmi et al., Regul. Chaotic Dyn. 2021 , 26, 119] emphasized the role of second-order saddle ( SOS ) in the isomerization reaction; however, we could not unequivocally establish the non-statistical nature of the dynamics followed in the reaction. In the present study, we performed thousands of on-the-fly trajectories using forces computed at the MNDO level to investigate the influence of second-order saddle in the E−Z isomerization reaction of guanidine and the role of intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) on the reaction dynamics. The simulations reveal that while majority of the trajectories follow the traditional transition state pathways, 15 % of the trajectories follow the SOS path. The dynamics was found to be highly non-statistical with the survival probabilities of the reactants showing large deviations from those obtained within the RRKM assumptions. In addition, a detailed analysis of the dynamics using time-dependent frequencies and the frequency ratio spaces reveal the existence of multiple resonance junctions that indicate the existence of regular dynamics and long-lived quasi-periodic trajectories in the phase space associated with non-RRKM behavior.     

DNAB→Z构象转换的扭转角变化特征

选择鸟嘌呤脱氧单核苷酸（Ｇ）作为模型,在一定范围内改变确定ＤＮＡ分子构象的８ 个扭转角,对Ｂ→Ｚ转换过程中的不同构象进行量子化学计算。通过能量分析,可将转换中扭转角的作用分为三类：从Ｂ型到Ｚ型,随扭转角γ的变化,势能曲线呈现两个能垒,与８ 个扭转角同时变化一致,说明γ是最重要的。α角和δ角的变化使能量升高对Ｚ构象的形成有显著影响,而β、ε、χ、ν０、ν４ 的变化使能量基本保持不变对新构象的生成影响不大。     

Electronic and steric effects on the photo-induced C→E ring-opening of structurally modified furylfulgides

The ultrafast C→E ring-opening reactions of four selectively modified furylfulgides have been studied by means of ultrafast broadband transient absorption spectroscopy after femtosecond laser excitation at λ = 500 nm. A large difference in the dynamics was found in the case of benzannulation at the furyl moiety as an example for an electronic effect by extension of the conjugated π-electron system compared to furylfulgides carrying sterically different alkyl substituents at the central cyclohexadiene (CHD) ring. The measured very similar spectro-temporal absorption maps for the furylfulgides with a methyl or isopropyl group at the CHD ring or an intramolecular alkyl bridge from the CHD to the furyl moiety showed two distinctive excited-state absorptions with slightly different decay times. The first time constant (τ(1) = 0.39-0.57 ps) was assigned to the rapid departure of the excited wavepacket from the Franck-Condon region. The slightly longer second decay time of τ(2) = 0.66-0.92 ps, depending on the compound, was attributed to the electronic deactivation and ring-opening through a conical intersection to the S(0) state. In contrast, the benzannulation at the furyl moiety was found to lead to a bi-phasic excited-state decay with τ(2) = 4.7 ps and a much slower additional contribution of τ(3) = 17.4 ps, ≈25 times longer compared to the normal furylfulgides. The drastic change is attributed to a trapping of excited molecules in a local potential energy minimum en route to the conical intersection.     

Structures and Aromaticity of Planar XY2Z （X = Li,K, Y - P,As and Z = C,Si, Ge） Clusters

Clusters XY2Z species are theoretically investigated with density functional theory （DFT） method. The results show that for LiP2C, LiAs2Ge and KAs2C species, the C2v isomer is the most stable planar structure, while for other species the Cs isomer is the most stable planar structure at the B3LYP/6-311＋G＊ level. Wiberg Bond Index （WBI） and Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shift （NICS） values indicate the existence of delocalization in stable planar structures. A detailed Molecular Orbital （MO） analysis further reveals that planar isomers of these species have strong aromatic character, which strengthens the structural stability and makes them closely connect with the concept of aromaticity.     

A new method for preparing （2Z, 4Z, 6Z）-diethyl-4,5- oxepinedicarboxylates and some 1H-azepine analogues

A new method for preparing (2Z, 4Z, 6Z)-4,5-diethyloxepinodicarboxylate by one-step is described. The synthesis of several oxepines and azepines derivatives was carried out by the reaction of substituted furans or pyrroles with diethyl acetylenedicarbox-ylate in boiling toluene. The effect factors for this reaction were discussed and reaction condition was optimized.     

M≡E and M=E Complexes of Iron and Cobalt that Emphasize Three-fold Symmetry (E = O, N, NR)

Mid-to-late transition metal complexes that feature terminal, multiply bonded ligands such as oxos, imides, and nitrides have been invoked as intermediates in several catalytic transformations of synthetic and biological significance. Until about ten years ago, isolable examples of such species were virtually unknown. Over the past decade or so, numerous chemically well-defined examples of such species have been discovered. In this context, the presentreview summarizes the development of 4- and 5-coordinate Fe(E) and Co(E) species under local three-fold symmetry.     

Structure and stability of AuXe n Z (n = 1–3, Z = −1, 0, +1) clusters

We have explored the structures and stabilities of AuXe _n ^Z (n = 1–3, Z = ?1, 0, +1) cluster series at CCSD(T) theoretical level. The electron affinities and ionization potentials are correlated to the HOMO–LUMO gaps. The role of the interaction was investigated using the natural bond orbital analysis.     

Intramolecular O→Te and N→Te coordination bonds in molecules of β-tellurocyclohexenals and their nitrogen analogs

The structures of -tellurocyclohexenals and their nitrogen analogs, viz., -methyltellurocyclohexenal (6), -(4-ethoxyphenyltelluro)cyclohexenal (7), di(2-formylcyclohexen-1-yl) telluride (8), -(4-ethoxyphenyltelluro)cyclohexenylidene(4"-methylaniline) (9), -bromotellurenylcyclohexenylidene(4"-methylaniline) (10), and -bromotellurenylcyclohexenal (4-methylbenzoyl)hydrazone (11), were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 6—11 have a Z configuration at the double bond, which provides the formation of intramolecular OTe or NTe coordination bonds. The bonds about the Te atom have a T-shaped configuration. There is only one of two possible OTe coordination bonds in dialdehyde 8 and, consequently, this compound belongs to the 10-Te-3-tellurane structural type. Hydrazone 11 possesses both NTe and OTe intramolecular coordination bonds. Taking into account these interactions, the coordination polyhedron of the tellurium atom can be considered as a trigonal bipyramid. The intramolecular OTe or NTe coordination bond lengths in compounds 6 (2.692 ), 7 (2.657 ), 8 (2.657 ), and 9 (2.690 ) are 0.9—1.0 smaller than the sums of the van der Waals radii of the corresponding atoms. These bond lengths in compounds 10 (2.170 ) and 11 (2.203 ) are almost equal to the standard covalent bond length.     

Stereocomplementary syntheses of 1,ω-distannylated E,Z-isomeric conjugated trienes, tetraenes, and pentaenes

Stereoselective syntheses of 1,6‐bis(tributylstannyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐trienes, 1,8‐bis(tributylstannyl)octa‐1,3,5,7‐tetraenes, and 1,10‐bis(tributylstannyl)deca‐1,3,5,7,9‐pentaenes with various methylation patterns were achieved based on stereocomplementary C?C bond‐forming reactions. All‐E isomers resulted from Ramberg–Bäcklund rearrangements of distannylated diallyl‐, allylpentadienyl‐, or bis‐ (pentadienyl)sulfones. Mono‐Z‐configured 1,ω‐bis(tributylstannyl)‐1,3,5‐polyenes emerged from (Sylvestre–)Julia olefinations of Bu₃Sn‐substituted enals or dienals with Bu₃Sn‐substituted allyl or pentadienyl benzothiazolylsulfones. Related Ramberg–Bäcklund approaches provided all‐E‐1‐bromo‐6‐(tributylstannyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐triene but not all‐E‐1‐(tetramethyldioxaborolanyl)‐6‐(tributylstannyl)hexa‐1,3,5‐triene.     

(E)- and (Z)-β-borylallylsilanes by alkyne silaboration followed by regio- and stereoselective double-bond migration

Double take: β-Borylallylsilanes have been synthesized by the regioselective silaboration of terminal alkynes followed by palladium-catalyzed double-bond migration of the resulting β-borylalkenylsilanes. The stereoselectivity of the double-bond migration can be controlled by additives, thus leading to the stereocomplementary synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-β-borylallylsilanes.     

(9Z,12Z,15Z)-十八碳三烯醛的GC-MS分析

（9Z，12Z，15Z）－十八碳三烯醛是美国白蛾信息素的主要成效成分之一，在其合成的过程中，采用气相色谱监测分离提纯效果；提纯的样品成分在化学方法、IR、^1H NMR波谱分析基础上用气相色谱－质谱鉴定为该化合物，并用气相色谱的面积归一化法测得其含量大于99％；该法简单、准确可靠、无需标样。     

Protolytic properties of the structurally rigid analogs of 2,6-distyrylpyridine. Widening the pH sensitivity range by the photochemical E→Z isomerisation and introduction of substituents capable to protolytic interactions

Protolytic interactions in the series of prospective fluorescent ratiometric wide-range pH indicators — structurally rigid analogs of 2,6-distyrylpyridine — (3E,5E)-3,5-dibenzylidene-8-phenyl-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydrodicyclopentano[b,e]pyridine — were investigated. The pyridine nitrogen atom basicity in these compounds is significantly lower in comparison with that of unsubstituted heterocycle and 2,6-distyrylpyridine. The photochemical E→Z photoisomerization and the side benzene rings substituents influence on the acid-base equilibria were studied. The complex multi-stage mechanism of the acid-base interactions of the polysubstituted compounds was elucidated. The most significant spectral effects were typical to the N,N-dialkylamino substituted compounds of the investigated series. The widest pH sensitivity interval covering nearly the full range of 0–14 units was demonstrated for compounds with both proton donor and proton acceptor substituents.      

(E)-Selective hydrolysis of (E,Z)-α,β-unsaturated nitriles by the recombinant nitrilase AtNIT1 from Arabidopsis thaliana

From stereoisomeric α,β-unsaturated nitriles (E,Z)-1, the recombinant nitrilase AtNIT1 from Arabidopsis thaliana hydrolyses the (E)-isomers exclusively to the corresponding (E)-carboxylic acids (E)-2 with high specificity. The (E)-selectivity can also be utilised for the preparation of the isomerically pure nitriles (Z)-1. From (E,Z)-2-hydroxycinnamonitrile (E,Z)-3, the otherwise difficult obtainable (Z)-3 was prepared in 66% isolated yield. With β,γ-unsaturated (E,Z)-3-heptenenitrile (E,Z)-4, however, (E)-selectivity was not observed. AtNIT1 exhibits not only diastereoselectivity but also regioselectivity. From a mixture of the four isomers A–D of 3-(2-cyanocyclohex-3-enyl)propenenitrile 6, exclusively isomer D ((E)-cis-6) was hydrolysed to 3-(2-cyanocyclohex-3-enyl)propenoic acid (E)-cis-7, as stated by X-ray crystal structure. Only after complete conversion of D and high enzyme concentrations, isomer C ((E)-trans-6) was hydrolysed to a small extent.     

Excited state ab initio and Franck-Condon simulation of S1 → S0 fluorescence excitation spectra of p-, m-, and o-difluorobenzenes

Although difluorobenzenes (DFBs) are well-known organic molecules to understand the electronic structure and spectroscopy of benzene and its derivatives, few theoretical investigations have been performed to simulate their fine spectra and assign their vibrational bands. In this work, the fluorescence excitation (FEX) spectra of the first excited singlet states for three DFBs molecules (para-, meta- and ortho-difluorobenzene) were simulated by the Franck-Condon calculations with the displaced harmonic oscillator approximation plus the distorted correction. The calculated results indicated that the spectral profiles of three DFBs are primarily described by the Franck-Condon progression of their totally symmetric vibrational modes. Specifically, it is found that modes v(3) and v(5) of para-DFB, v(8) and v(9) of meta-DFB, and ortho-DFB play the most important roles in the fluorescence spectra. By taking into account the contributions of the distorted effect, we could assign most of the dominant overtones from the nontotally symmetric vibrational modes, and the results agree well with the experimental assignments. Some inferred and unassigned vibrational transitions in experiment were confirmed according to the present calculated results. In addition, in the simulated fluorescence spectra, we tentatively assigned several combination bands with relative moderate intensity and weak vibrational lines which appeared in the experimental observations but the corresponding assignments were not given. The present work reproduced satisfactorily the experimental FEX spectra of p-, m-, and o-DFBs derivatives and provided a useful method to simulate the FEX spectra of dihalogenated benzene molecules.     

Synthesis and Structural Studies of 2,2′-[(2E,5E)-hexane-2,5-diylidenedi-nitrilo]-dibenzenethiol and 2-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (2E,5E)-hexane-2,5-diylidenehydrazone ligands and their Mononuclear Cu(II) and Ni(II) Complexes

Monomeric copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes with tetradentate two new ligands, 2,2′-[(2E,5E)-hexane-2,5-diylidenedi- nitrilo]dibenzenethiol(H₂L) and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde (2E,5E)-hexane-2,5-diylidenehydrazone(H₂L¹) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic moments, molar conductance, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR, IR, mass spectral studies, theoretical calculations (MM2 and AM1) molecular methods. The mononuclear metal complexes of H₂L and (H₂L¹) were found to have a 1:1 metal:ligand ratio. Elemental analyses, stoichiometric and spectroscopic data of metal complexes indicated that the metal ions were coordinated to the sulphur (-SH) and/or (-OH) oxygen and imine nitrogen atoms (C = N). All of the data obtained from spectral, and molecular mechanics (MM2) or semi empirical calculations (AM1) studies support the structural properties of ligands and its Cu(II) and Ni(II) metal complexes.