Organocatalytic Asymmetric Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Sesamol with Isatins: Access to Biologically Relevant 3‐Aryl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles

The Friedel–Crafts reaction of electron‐rich phenols with isatins was developed by employing bifunctional thiourea–tertiary amine organocatalysts. Cinchona alkaloid derived thiourea epiCDT‐ 3 a efficiently catalyzed the Friedel–Crafts‐type addition of phenols to isatin derivatives to provide 3‐aryl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles 7 and 9 in good yield (80–95 %) with good enantiomeric excess (83–94 %). Friedel–Crafts adduct 7 t was subjected to a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition to obtain biologically important 3‐aryl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindole 11 in good enantiomeric excess and having a 1,2,3‐triazole moiety.     

Synthesis and formulation of self-immolative PEG-aryl azide block copolymers and click-to-release reactivity with trans-cyclooctene

Self-immolative aryl azides can react with trans-cyclooctenes (TCO), triphenylphosphines or hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) to activate prodrugs, imaging probes and drug delivery systems. To date, the synthesis of polymers containing these aryl azide self-immolative linkers and their reactivity with a strained alkene (i.e., in a bioorthogonal reaction) has not been explored. Also, due to the instability of aryl azides towards light and high temperatures, the polymerization methods compatible with aryl azides are limited. Through systematic investigation of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) methods, a self-immolative PEG-aryl azide block copolymer (PEG₄₅-b-ABOC₂₈ 2 ) and a non-responsive 4-fluoroaryl block copolymer (PEG₄₅-b-FBOC₂₄ 3 ) was prepared. ATRP provided the desired polymers in a highly controlled manner, whereas the RAFT conditions led to higher levels of aryl azide polymer degradation. The ATRP derived polymers 2 and 3 were formulated into nanoparticles of approximately 200 nm diameter, and particle triggering was demonstrated by the [3+2]-cycloaddition reaction of TCO with PEG₄₅-b-ABOC₂₈ 2 in solution (pure polymer) and as a formulated nanoparticle. Preliminary in vitro cell viability studies suggested that the stimuli-responsive aryl azide polymers/nanoparticles are not cytotoxic up to 200 μg/ml concentrations.     

“Click” chemistry for in situ formation of thermoresponsive P(NIPAAm‐co‐HEMA)‐based hydrogels

The strategy for in situ chemical gelation of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate) [P(NIPAAm‐co‐HEMA)]‐based polymers was demonstrated. Two types of new P(NIPAAm‐co‐HEMA) derivatives with alkyne and azide pendant groups, respectively, were prepared. When the solutions of the two derivatives were mixed together, a crosslinking reaction, a type of Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar azide‐alkyne cycloaddition, in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst occurs. The morphology, equilibrium swelling ratio, swelling kinetics, and temperature response kinetics of the in situ gelated hydrogels were studied. In comparison with the conventional PNIPAAm hydrogel, because of the spatial hindrance of polymeric chains, the resulted hydrogels had a macroporous structure as well as a fast shrinking rate. The strategy described here presents a potential alternative to the traditional synthesis techniques for the in situ formation of thermoresponsive hydrogels. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5263–5277, 2008     

Synthesis of Upconverting Hydrogel Nanocomposites Using Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry: Template for the Formation of Dendrimer‐Like Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies

The synthesis of upconverting hydrogel nanocomposites by base‐catalyzed thiol‐ene click reaction between 10‐undecenoic acid capped Yb³⁺/Er³⁺‐doped NaYF₄ nanoparticles and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) as tetrathiol monomer is reported. This synthetic strategy for nanocomposite gels is quite different from works where usually the preformed gels are mixed with the nanoparticles. Developing nanocomposites by surface modification of capping ligands would allow tuning and controlling of the separation of the nanoparticles inside the gel network. The hydrogel nanocomposites prepared by thiol‐ene click reaction show strong enhancement in luminescence intensity compared to 10‐undecenoic acid‐capped Yb³⁺/Er³⁺‐doped NaYF₄ nanoparticles through the upconversion process (under 980 nm laser excitation). The hydrogel nanocomposites display strong swelling characteristics in water resulting in porous structures. Interestingly, the resulting nanocomposite gels act as templates for the synthesis of dendrimer‐like Au nanostructures when HAuCl₄ is reduced in the presence of the nanocomposite gels.     

Synthesis of well‐defined azide‐terminated poly(vinyl alcohol) and their subsequent modification via click chemistry

A new azide‐functionalized xanthate, S‐(4‐azidomethylbenzyl) O‐(2‐methoxyethyl) xanthate, was synthesized and used to mediate the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate. The polymerization was demonstrated to be controlled, and well‐defined PVAc with α‐azide, ω‐xanthate groups were obtained, the xanthate groups of which were further removed by radical‐induced reduction with lauroyl peroxide in the presence of excess 2‐propanol. Hydrolysis of α‐azide‐terminated PVAc (N₃‐PVAc) led to the formation of the corresponding α‐azide‐terminated PVA (N₃‐PVA). Finally, end‐modification of N₃‐PVA by click chemistry with alkyne‐end‐capped poly(caprolactone) (A‐PCL), alkynyl‐mannose, and alkynyl‐pyrene was carried out to obtain a new block copolymer PCL‐b‐PVA, and two PVA with mannose or pyrene as the end functional groups. The polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and FTIR. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4494–4504, 2009     

Modular Synthesis of Thermosensitive P(NIPAAm‐co‐HEMA)/β‐CD Based Hydrogels via Click Chemistry

Two kinds of representative polymers, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) were selected and modified with azide and alkyne fucntional groups, respectively. When the solutions of these two modified polymers were mixed together, a cross‐linking reaction, a type of Huisgen's 1,3‐dipolar azide‐alkyne cycloaddition, occurred in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst. The strategy described here provides several advantages for the hydrogel formation including mild reaction conditions and controllable gelation rate. The resulted hydrogels were studied in terms of scanning electric microscopy (SEM), equilibrium swelling ratio and swelling/shrinking kinetics. The data obtained demonstrated the hydrogels had a porous structure as well as favorable thermosensitivity.

     

In‐column preparation of a brush‐type chiral stationary phase using click chemistry and a silica monolith

Brush‐type chiral stationary phases (CSP) have been prepared both from a silica monolith and, separately, from 10 μm porous silica beads via a process of in‐column modification including attachment of the chiral selector via copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition. Azide functionalities were first introduced on the pore surface of each type of support by reaction with 3‐(azidopropyl)trimethoxysilane, followed by immobilization of a proline‐derived chiral selector containing an alkyne moiety. This functionalization reaction was carried out in dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper (I) iodide. The separation performance of these triazole linked stationary phases was demonstrated in enantioseparations of four model analytes, which afforded separation factors as high as 11.4.     

Efficient Atropodiastereoselective Access to 5,5′‐Bis‐1,2,3‐triazoles: Studies on 1‐Glucosylated 5‐Halogeno 1,2,3‐Triazoles and Their 5‐Substituted Derivatives as Glycogen Phosphorylase Inhibitors

Whereas copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) between acetylated β‐D ‐glucosyl azide and alkyl or phenyl acetylenes led to the corresponding 4‐substituted 1‐glucosyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles in good yields, use of similar conditions but with 2 equiv CuI or CuBr led to the 5‐halogeno analogues (>71 %). In contrast, with 2 equiv CuCl and either propargyl acetate or phenyl acetylene, the major products (>56 %) displayed two 5,5′‐linked triazole rings resulting from homocoupling of the 1‐glucosyl‐4‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. The 4‐phenyl substituted compounds (acetylated, O‐unprotected) and the acetylated 4‐acetoxymethyl derivative existed in solution as a single form (d.r.>95:5), as shown by NMR spectroscopic analysis. The two 4‐phenyl substituted structures were unambiguously identified for the first time by X‐ray diffraction analysis, as atropisomers with aR stereochemistry. This represents one of the first efficient and highly atropodiastereoselective approaches to glucose‐based bis‐triazoles as single atropisomers. The products were purified by standard silica gel chromatography. Through Sonogashira or Suzuki cross‐couplings, the 1‐glucosyl‐5‐halogeno‐1,2,3‐triazoles were efficiently converted into a library of 1,2,3‐triazoles of the 1‐glucosyl‐5‐substituted (alkynyl, aryl) type. Attempts to achieve Heck coupling to methyl acrylate failed, but a stable palladium‐associated triazole was isolated and analyzed by ¹H NMR and MS. O‐Unprotected derivatives were tested as inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase. The modest inhibition activities measured showed that 4,5‐disubstituted 1‐glucosyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles bind weakly to the enzyme. This suggests that such ligands do not fit the catalytic site or any other binding site of the enzyme.     

Ligand‐free,copper‐catalyzed,one‐pot,three‐component synthesis of novel 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked indoles in magnetized water

Magnetized water (MW) is used as a green and new solvent‐promoting medium for the one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of novel 1,2,3‐triazole‐linked indoles catalyzed by copper iodide. A broad range of 2‐aryl‐1‐(prop‐2‐ynyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehydes were reacted with alkyl halides and sodium azide via copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions in MW in the absence of any ligand. This method offers the advantages of short reaction times, green procedure, low cost, simple work‐up, quantitative reaction yields, and no need for any organic solvent.     

Super‐Resolution Imaging of the Golgi in Live Cells with a Bioorthogonal Ceramide Probe

We report a lipid‐based strategy to visualize Golgi structure and dynamics at super‐resolution in live cells. The method is based on two novel reagents: a trans‐cyclooctene‐containing ceramide lipid (Cer‐TCO) and a highly reactive, tetrazine‐tagged near‐IR dye (SiR‐Tz). These reagents assemble via an extremely rapid “tetrazine‐click” reaction into Cer‐SiR, a highly photostable “vital dye” that enables prolonged live‐cell imaging of the Golgi apparatus by 3D confocal and STED microscopy. Cer‐SiR is nontoxic at concentrations as high as 2 μM and does not perturb the mobility of Golgi‐resident enzymes or the traffic of cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi and to the plasma membrane.     

Controlling the formation of long‐subchain hyperbranched polystyrene from seesaw‐type AB2 macromonomers: Solvent polarity and solubility

Through atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene with 1,3‐dibromomethyl‐5‐propargyloxy‐benzene as initiator followed by the conversion of bromine end‐groups into azide end‐groups, well‐defined seesaw‐type polystyrene (PSt) macromonomers with two molecular weights (M_n = 8.0 and 28.0 k) were obtained. Thus, a series of long‐subchain hyperbranched (lsc‐hp) PSt with high overall molar masses and regular subchain lengths were obtained via copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry performed in THF and DMF, respectively. The polycondensation of seesaw‐type macromonomers was monitored by gel permeation chromatography. Because DMF is the reaction medium with higher polarity, click reaction proceeds more easily in DMF. Therefore, the growth of lsc‐hp PSt in DMF has faster rate than that in THF for the shorter seesaw‐type macromonomer (Seesaw‐8k). However, THF is the solvent with better solubility to PSt and leads to looser conformation of PSt chains. Thus, for the longer seesaw macromonomer (Seesaw‐28k), lsc‐hp PSt in THF has higher overall molar mass. As well, the self‐cyclization of seesaw‐type macromonomers also depends on both solvent and molar mass of macromonomer. The self‐cyclization degrees of Seesaw‐8k in DMF and THF are almost the same while that of Seesaw‐28k macromonomer is obviously lower in THF. The experimental results suggest a physical consideration to control the growth of hyperbranched polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Polymer end group modifications and polymer conjugations via “click” chemistry employing microreactor technology

This study presents the development of microreactor protocols for the successful continuous flow end group modification of atom transfer radical polymerization precursor polymers into azide end‐capped materials and the subsequent copper‐catalyzed azide alkyne click reactions with alkyne polymers, in flow. By using a microreactor, the reaction speed of the azidation of poly(butyl acrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), and polystyrene can be accelerated from hours to seconds and full end group conversion is obtained. Subsequently, copper‐catalyzed click reactions are executed in a flow reactor at 80 °C. Good coupling efficiencies are observed and various block copolymer combinations are prepared. Furthermore, the flow reaction can be carried out in only 40 min, while a batch procedure takes several hours to reach completion. The results indicate that the use of a continuous flow reactor for end group modifications as well as click reactions has clear benefits towards the development and improvement of well‐defined polymer materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 1263–1274     

An Alkyne‐Appended,Click‐Ready PtII Complex with an Unusual Arrangement in the Solid State

To better understand the range of cellular interactions of Pt^II‐based chemotherapeutics, robust and efficient methods to track and analyze Pt targets are needed. A powerful approach is to functionalize Pt^II compounds with alkyne or azide moieties for post‐treatment conjugation through the azide–alkyne cycloaddition (click) reaction. Herein, we report an alkyne‐appended cis‐diamine Pt^II compound, cis‐[Pt(2‐(5‐hexynyl)amido‐1,3‐propanediamine)Cl₂] ( 1 ), the X‐ray crystal structure of which exhibits a combination of unusual radially distributed CH/π(C?C) interactions, Pt? Pt bonding, and NH:O/NH:Cl hydrogen bonds. In solution, 1 exhibits no Pt? alkyne interactions and binds readily to DNA. Subsequent click reactivity with nonfluorescent dansyl azide results in a 70‐fold fluorescence increase. This result demonstrates the potential for this new class of alkyne‐modified Pt compound for the comprehensive detection and isolation of Pt‐bound biomolecules.     

An Efficient Synthesis of New 5‐(1‐Aryl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazoles from 1‐Aryl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbonitriles via [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction

A series of new 5‐(1‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐yl)‐1H‐tetrazoles 4a‐l were synthesized via [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction from 1‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carbonitriles 3a‐l , sodium azide and ammonium chloride, using dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent, in good yields: 64–85%. The structures of these newly synthesized compounds were determined from the IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopic data and elemental analyses.     

Temperature‐induced spontaneous sol–gel transitions of poly(D,L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(D,L‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) triblock copolymers and their end‐capped derivatives in water

The spontaneous hydrogel formation of a sort of biocompatible and biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer in water was observed, and the underlying gelling mechanism was assumed. A series of ABA‐type triblock copolymers [poly(D,L ‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(D,L ‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)] and different derivatives end‐capped by small alkyl groups were synthesized, and the aqueous phase behaviors of these samples were studied. The virgin triblock copolymers and most of the derivatives exhibited a temperature‐dependent reversible sol–gel transition in water. Both the poly(D,L ‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) length and end group were found to significantly tune the gel windows in the phase diagrams, but with different behaviors. The critical micelle concentrations were much lower than the associated critical gel concentrations, and an intact micellar structure remained after gelation. A combination of various measurement techniques confirmed that the sol–gel transition with an increase in the temperature was induced not simply via the self‐assembly of amphiphilic polymer chains but also via the further hydrophobic aggregation of micelles resulting in a micelle network due to a large‐scale self‐assembly. The coarsening of the micelle network was further suggested to account for the transition from a transparent gel to an opaque gel. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1122–1133, 2007     

An Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of 1‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles from Arylboronic Acids in Water under Mild Conditions

A convenient method for one‐pot two‐step 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditon reaction of arylboronic acid, sodium azide followed with terminal alkynes in the presence of 2‐pyrrolecarbaldiminato‐Cu(II) complexes catalyst is reported. Various 1‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles were prepared in 63%–97% yields in water at 30°C without any additives and avoiding the isolation of unstable aryl azides.     

Regioselective synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted triazoles using bis[(L)prolinato‐N,O]Zn complex as an efficient catalyst in water as a sole solvent

A concise, convenient and mild route for one‐pot regioselective synthesis of N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkyltriazoles in water as a sole solvent is reported. The methodology involves a three‐component reaction comprising aryl/alkyl‐alkyne, sodium azide and aryl/alkyl/allyl halide catalyzed by zinc(II) L ‐prolinate. Prominent features of our protocol are incorporation of transition metal catalyst other than copper, water as the reaction medium, recyclability of catalyst and avoidance of hazardous aryl azide as a reactant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hyperbranched poly(ether–urea)s using AB2‐type blocked isocyanate monomer and azide monomer: Synthesis,characterization, reactive end functionalization,and copolymerization with AB monomer

3,5‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl phenylcarbamate—a novel AB₂‐type blocked isocyanate monomer and 3,5‐bis{ethyleneoxy(4‐aminophenoxy)}phenyl carbonyl azide—a novel AB₂‐type azide monomer were synthesized in high yield. Step‐growth polymerization of these monomers were found to give a first example of hyperbranched poly (aryl‐ether‐urea) and poly(aryl‐alkyl‐ether‐urea). Molecular weights (M_w) of the polymer were found to vary from 1,858 to 52,432 depending upon the monomer and experimental conditions used. The polydispersity indexes were relatively narrow due to the controlled regeneration of isocyanate functional groups for the polymerization reaction. The degree of branching (DB) was determined using ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy and the values ranged from 87 to 54%. All the polymers underwent two‐stage decomposition and were stable up to 300 °C. Functionalized end‐capping of poly(aryl‐ether‐urea) using phenylchloroformate and di‐t‐butyl dicarbonate (Boc)₂O changed the thermal properties and solubility of the polymers. Copolymerization of AB₂‐type blocked isocyante monomer with functionally similar AB monomer were also carried out. The molecular weights of copolymers were found to be in the order of 6 × 10⁵ with narrow dispersity. It was found that the T_g's of poly(aryl‐alkyl‐ether‐urea)s were significantly less (46–49 °C) compared to poly(aryl‐ether‐urea)s. Moreover the former showed melting transition at 154 °C, which was not observed in the latter case. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2959–2977, 2007     

Bis‐clickable Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Straightforward Preparation of Light‐Actuated Nanomachines for Controlled Drug Delivery with Active Targeting

Bis(clickable) mesoporous silica nanospheres (ca. 100 nm) were obtained by the co‐condensation of TEOS with variable amounts (2–5 % each) of two clickable organosilanes in the presence of CTAB. Such nanoparticles could be easily functionalized with two independent functions using the copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction to transform them into nanomachines bearing cancer cell targeting ligands with the ability to deliver drugs on‐demand. The active targeting was made possible after anchoring folic acid by CuAAC click reaction, whereas the controlled delivery was performed by clicked azobenzene fragments. Indeed, the azobenzene groups are able to obstruct the pores of the nanoparticles in the dark whereas upon irradiation in the UV or in the blue range, their trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization provokes disorder in the pores, enabling the delivery of the cargo molecules. The on‐command delivery was proven in solution by dye release experiments, and in vitro by doxorubicin delivery. The added value of the folic acid ligand was clearly evidenced by the difference of cell killing induced by doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticles under blue irradiation, depending on whether the particles featured the clicked folic acid ligand or not.     

Reversible Dehalogenation in On‐Surface Aryl–Aryl Coupling

In the emerging field of on‐surface synthesis, dehalogenative aryl–aryl coupling is unarguably the most prominent tool for the fabrication of covalently bonded carbon‐based nanomaterials. Despite its importance, the reaction kinetics are still poorly understood. Here we present a comprehensive temperature‐programmed x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of reaction kinetics and energetics in the prototypical on‐surface dehalogenative polymerization of 4,4′′‐dibromo‐p‐terphenyl into poly(para‐phenylene) on two coinage metal surfaces, Cu(111) and Au(111). We find clear evidence for reversible dehalogenation on Au(111), which is inhibited on Cu(111) owing to the formation of organometallic intermediates. The incorporation of reversible dehalogenation in the reaction rate equations leads to excellent agreement with experimental data and allows extracting the relevant energy barriers. Our findings deepen the mechanistic understanding and call for its reassessment for surface‐confined aryl–aryl coupling on the most frequently used metal substrates.