Doubly N‐Confused [36]Octaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1): Isomerization,Bis‐Metal Coordination,and Topological Chirality

A novel [36]octaphyrin analogue embedding two N‐confused pyrrole units demonstrated unique prototropy‐coupled isomerization between the Figure‐of‐eight and dumbbell conformers. Upon bis‐metal coordination, fixation of fully π‐conjugated Figure‐of‐eight structures was achieved as referred from the X‐ray crystal structure. Chirogenesis of the helical enantiomers was proved by intense circular dichroism (CD) response in the near infrared (NIR) region.     

Reactions of 4,7‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds

The reaction of 5,7‐diphenyl‐4,7‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine ( 1 ) with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds 2a‐f led to the formation of the alkylated heterocycles 3a‐f (Figure 1). However, the reaction of 5‐methyl‐7‐phenyl‐4,7‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine ( 5 ) with 2a‐c yielded under the same conditions the triazolo[5,1‐b]quinazolines 6a‐c (Figure 3). In this case, the alkylation is followed by a cyclocondensation. The structure elucidation of the products is based on ir, ms, ¹H and ¹³C nmr measurements and on an X‐ray diffraction study.     

Synthesis,characterization, and fluorescence of pyrene‐containing eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymer with pentaerythritol core

Novel and well‐defined pyrene‐containing eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymers were successfully achieved by combination of esterification, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), divergent reaction, ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), and coupling reaction on the basis of pentaerythritol. The reaction of pentaerythritol with 2‐bromopropionyl bromide permitted ATRP of styrene (St) to form four‐arm star‐shaped polymer (PSt‐Br)₄. The molecular weights of these polymers could be adjusted by the variation of monomer conversion. Eight‐hydroxyl star‐shaped polymer (PSt‐(OH)₂)₄ was produced by the divergent reaction of (PSt‐Br)₄ with diethanolamine. (PSt‐(OH)₂)₄ was used as the initiator for ROP of ε‐caprolactone (CL) to produce eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymer (PSt‐b‐(PCL)₂)₄. The molecular weights of (PSt‐b‐(PCL)₂)₄ increased linearly with the increase of monomer. After the coupling reaction of hydroxyl‐terminated (PSt‐b‐(PCL)₂)₄ with 1‐pyrenebutyric acid, pyrene‐containing eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymer (PSt‐b‐(PCL‐pyrene)₂)₄ was obtained. The eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymers presented unique thermal properties and crystalline morphologies, which were different from those of linear poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). Fluorescence analysis indicated that (PSt‐b‐(PCL‐pyrene)₂)₄ presented slightly stronger fluorescence intensity than 1‐pyrenebutyric acid when the pyrene concentration of them was the same. The obtained pyrene‐containing eight‐arm star‐shaped dendrimer‐like copolymer has potential applications in biological fluorescent probe, photodynamic therapy, and optoelectronic devices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2788–2798, 2008     

The First Synthesis of (4S,5R,6R)‐5,6‐Dihydroxy‐4‐(prop‐1‐en‐2‐yl)cyclohex‐1‐ene‐1‐carboxylic Acid

A putative acid metabolite of a novel highly effective antiparkinsonian agent, (4S,5R,6R)‐5,6‐dihydroxy‐4‐(prop‐1‐en‐2‐yl)cyclohex‐1‐ene‐1‐carboxylic acid ( 5 ), was synthesized for the first time. Several synthetic approaches based on different transformations of O‐bearing monoterpenoids of the pinane and p‐menthane series were developed and tested in the course of the study. Acid 5 was synthesized starting from a commercially available monoterpenoid, (?)‐verbenone, in a total yield of 4.4% over eight steps.     

Photopolymers: Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(3‐methacryloyloxystyryl‐2‐naphthyl ketone)

3‐Methacryloyloxystyryl‐2‐naphthyl ketone containing a photosensitive α,β‐unsaturated ketone moiety was synthesized and polymerized in methyl ethyl ketone using benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. The thermally stable polymer was characterized by means of UV, IR and NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weight data as obtained from gel permeation chromatography suggests a high tendency for chain termination by disproportionation. The photosensitivity of the polymer in the presence and absence of photosensitizers and the effect of solvent on the rate of photocrosslinking (see Figure) was also investigated.     

Conducting Polyaniline Confined in Semi‐Interpenetrating Networks

Conducting semi‐interpenetrating network composites with low conductivity percolation threshold were synthesized from waterborne conducting polyaniline (cPAn) and melamine‐urea resin. A perfect network of cPAn in the composite was observed by means of TEM (see Figure). The conductivity stability of cPAn in water was improved by confining the chain mobility of cPAn via in‐situ crosslinking of melamine‐urea resin. Cyclic voltammetry of the composites reveals electrochemical activities and reversibilities similarly to those of pure cPAn.     

(1R,8R,11R)‐3,3,11‐Tri­methyl‐6,6‐ethyl­ene­dioxy­bi­cyclo­[6.3.0]­undecan‐2‐one and (1R,2R,8R,11R)‐3,3,11‐tri­methyl‐6,6‐ethylenedioxybicyclo[6.3.0]undecan‐2‐ol

The reduction of (1R,8R,11R)‐3,3,11‐tri­methyl‐6,6‐ethyl­ene­dioxy­bi­cyclo­[6.3.0]­undecan‐2‐one, C₁₆H₂₆O₃, (I), gave exclusively an alcohol, C₁₆H₂₈O₃, (II). The stereochemistry of the hydroxyl group in (II) was shown as R. The conformation around the eight‐membered carbocycle in (I) differs markedly from that in (II).     

An Efficient Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Bioactive (3R,5R)‐1‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐7‐phenylheptane‐3,5‐diol via Asymmetric Aldol Reaction

An efficient stereoselective total synthesis of (3R,5R)‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐7‐phenylheptane‐3,5‐diol ( 1 ) is reported based on the Mukaiyama aldol reaction. The total synthesis of compound 1 was accomplished with 30% overall yield in simple eight steps from commercially available trans‐cinnamaldehyde.     

Synthesis and Aqueous Self‐Assembly of a Polyferrocenylsilane‐block‐poly(aminoalkyl methacrylate) Diblock Copolymer

Water‐soluble cylindrical micelles with an organometallic core are formed by self‐assembly of the first polyferrocenylsilane‐block‐polyacrylate block copolymer, synthesized by anionic polymerization, in water at pH 8. A transmission electron microscopy image of the micelles is shown in the Figure.     

Strain‐Accelerated Formation of Chiral,Optically Active Buta‐1,3‐dienes

The formal [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) reactions between tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and strained, electron‐rich dibenzo‐fused cyclooctynes were studied. The effect of ring strain on the reaction kinetics was quantified, revealing that the rates of cycloaddition using strained, cyclic alkynes are up to 5500 times greater at 298 K than those of reactions using unstrained alkynes. Cyclobutene reaction intermediates, as well as buta‐1,3‐diene products, were isolated and their structures were studied crystallographically. Isolation of a rare example of a chiral buta‐1,3‐diene that is optically active and configurationally stable at room temperature is reported. Computational studies on the enantiomerization pathway of the buta‐1,3‐diene products showed that the eight‐membered ring inverts via a boat conformer in a ring‐flip mechanism. In agreement with computed values, experimentally measured activation barriers of racemization in these compounds were found to be up to 26 kcal mol^?1.     

Retention Prediction System of O‐Aryl,O‐(1‐methylthioethylidene‐amino)phosphates on RP‐HPLC

Using factor analysis and stepwise linear regression methods, two parameters – CMR and ECCR – were selected from eight solute‐related structure parameters as the most retention‐influencing parameters. The relationships between the retention data (k ´) and the two structure parameters were established for 13 O‐aryl,O‐(1‐methylthioethylideneamino)phosphate compounds under a wide range of experimental conditions. The retention data (k ´) of another seven compounds with similar structures were predicted using these QSRR equations. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental k ´ values and predicted ones.     

Screening and identifying antioxidants from Oplopanax elatus using 2,2ʹ‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl with off‐line two‐dimensional HPLC coupled with diode array detection and tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

The root of Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai has a well‐known history of use for the treatment of diseases such as neurasthenia, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer by the native people in northeast China. It is important to screen and identify the bioactive molecules from its root rapidly. Hereby, an off‐line two‐dimensional high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry together with 2,2?‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl was established to screen antioxidants from the root of O. elatus. A Waters cyanogen column (150 × 3.9 mm, id, 4 μm) was used for the first dimensional liquid chromatography, while a Hypersil BDS‐C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, id, 5 μm) was installed for the second dimension liquid chromatographic analysis. Twenty‐eight compounds had been tentatively identified from the methanol extract of the air‐dried root of O. elatus including six polyynes and eight phenolic derivatives were screened with antioxidant activity. The developed method could be expedient for screening and identifying antioxidants from O. elatus.     

Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with β‐Trifluoromethyl β,β‐Disubstituted Enones

Reported herein is an asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides with β‐trifluoromethyl β,β‐disubstituted enones, a reaction which is enabled by a Ming‐Phos‐derived copper(I) catalyst (Ming‐Phos=chiral sulfinamide monophosphines, Figure 2 ). This method provides scalable and efficient access to the highly substituted pyrrolidines with a trifluoromethylated, all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter in good yields with up to greater than 20:1 d.r. and 98 % ee. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and tolerates a wide range of functional groups.     

Benzidine/Quinoidal‐Benzidine‐Linked,Superbenzene‐Based π‐Conjugated Chiral Macrocycles and Cyclophanes

Synthesis of fully conjugated cyclophanes containing large‐size polycyclic aromatics is challenging. Now, three benzidine‐linked, hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (superbenzene)‐based ortho‐, para‐, and meta‐cyclophanes are synthesized through intermolecular Yamamoto coupling reaction of structurally pre‐organized precursors. Subsequent oxidative dehydrogenation gave the corresponding quinoidal benzidine‐linked cyclophanes. Their geometries were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and their electronic properties were investigated by electronic absorption, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations. The quinoidal benzidine‐linked cyclophanes show thermally populated paramagnetic activity with a relatively large singlet‐triplet energy gap. Two enantiomers for the ortho‐cyclophanes ( 1‐NH and 1‐N ) were isolated and their chiral figure‐of‐eight macrocyclic structures were identified. The cage‐like cyclophanes 2‐NH and 3‐NH with concave surface can selectively encapsulate fullerene C₇₀.     

One‐Pot Cannizzaro Cascade Synthesis of ortho‐Fused Cycloocta‐2,5‐dien‐1‐ones from 2‐Bromo(hetero)aryl Aldehydes

An intramolecular Cannizzaro‐type hydride transfer to an in situ prepared allene enables the synthesis of ortho‐fused 4‐substituted cycloocta‐2,5‐dien‐1‐ones with unprecedented technical ease for an eight‐ring carboannulation. Various derivatives could be obtained from commercially available (hetero)aryl aldehydes, trimethylsilylacetylene, and simple propargyl chlorides in good yields.     

Dipyrrin‐Bis(N‐Confused Porphyrin) Conjugate: Synthesis,Synergetic Ligation and Chirality Sensing

A fully conjugated system 4 consisting of two 2‐aza‐21‐carbaporphyrin (NCP) subunits bridged by dipyrrin was synthesized by a highly selective condensation of 3‐pyrrole‐NCP 2 with aryl aldehydes. The free base 4 as well as its silver(III) complex 5 exhibited flexibility of the bridge allowing synergetic binding of Ag^I, thus leading to a mixed‐valence tetraporphyrinic assembly consisting of eight silver atoms which was characterized both in the solid state and in solution. Binding of chiral acid by 4 and 5 was shown by observation of an induced optical activity of the adducts.     

Synthesis of 9‐[2‐(2‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐methyl‐, ‐(2‐acetoxymethyl‐2‐methyl‐, ‐(2,2‐di(hydroxymethyl)‐, and ‐(2,2‐Di(acetoxymethyl)‐1,3‐dioxan‐5‐yl)ethyl] derivatives of guanine and 2‐aminopurine

Synthesis of 9‐[2‐(2‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐methyl‐, ‐(2‐acetoxymethyl‐2‐methyl‐, ‐(2,2‐di(hydroxymethyl)‐, and ‐(2,2‐di(acetoxymethyl)‐1,3‐dioxan‐5‐yl)ethyl] derivatives of guanine and 2‐aminopurine, 2–9 , has been accomplished in seven to eight step sequences from readily available 1‐(tert‐butyldiphenylsilyloxy)‐acetone, 1,3‐di(tert‐butyldiphenylsilyloxy)acetone, and the diol 10 . Formation of cyclic ketals 11 and 12 was carried out successfully under an acidic condition using a catalytic amount of methanesulfonic acid along with excess anhydrous copper(II) sulfate in toluene. Subsequent reactions of desilylation, acetylation, hydrogenolysis, and bromination afforded the key intermediates 19 and 20 , which were coupled with 2‐amino‐6‐chloropurine to produce the purine compounds 21 and 22 in good yields. Guanine derivatives 2–5 were obtained from 21 and 22 by hydrolysis and acetylation, while the dechlorination and hydrolysis of 21 and 22 yielded the 2‐aminopurine compounds 6–9 .     

Figure‐eight Octaphyrin Bis‐Ge(IV) Complexes: Synthesis,Structures, Aromaticity,and Chiroptical Properties

Highly twisted structures of expanded porphyrin provide a prominent basis to unravel the relationship between aromaticity and chirality. Here we report the synthesis of bis‐Ge(IV) complexes of [38]octaphyrin that display rigid figure‐eight structures. Two bis‐Ge(IV) [38]octaphyrin isomers with respect to the stereochemistry of the axial hydroxy groups on the germanium ions were obtained and found to be aromatic. Upon oxidation with MnO₂, these [38]octaphyrin complexes were converted to a single syn‐type isomer of [36]octaphyrin with retained figure‐eight conformation. The enantiomers have been successfully separated by HPLC equipped with a chiral stationary phase. While aromatic [38]octaphyrin Ge(IV) complexes showed quite large molar circular dichroism of up to Δ?=1500 M^?1cm^?1 with a dissymmetry factor g_abs of 0.035, weakly antiaromatic [36]octaphyrin Ge(IV) complexes underscored moderate values; Δ?=540 M^?1cm^?1 with g_abs of 0.023. Thus, the figure‐eight octaphyrin scaffold has been proved to be an attractive platform for novel chiroptical materials with tunable aromaticity.     

Phenol‐Substituted Tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines: pH‐Dependent Fluorescence in Basic Media

Tetrapyrazinoporphyrazines (TPyzPzs) bearing one, two, four or eight 3,5‐di(tert‐butyl)‐4‐hydroxyphenol moieties were synthesized as zinc(II) complexes and metal‐free derivatives. The deprotonation of the phenol using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide induced the formation of a strong donor for intramolecular charge transfer that switched OFF the red fluorescence (λ_F～660 nm) of the parent zinc TPyzPzs. The changes were fully reversible for TPyzPzs with one to four phenolic moieties, and an irreversible modification was observed for TPyzPzs substituted with eight phenols. The sensors were anchored to lipophilic particles in water, and a pK_a approximately 12.5–12.7 was determined for the phenolic hydroxyl based on fluorescence changes in different buffers. In addition, a novel concept for fluorescence OFF‐ON‐OFF switching in metal‐free TPyzPzs bearing phenolic moieties upon addition of specific amounts of base was demonstrated.     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble aromatic polyamides derived from 1,4‐Bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)‐2, 5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene

Aromatic polyamides based on a novel bis(ether‐carboxylic acid) were synthesized by the direct phosphorylation condensation method. 1,4‐Bis(4‐carboxyphenoxy)‐2,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzene was combined with various diamines containing flexible linkages and side substituents to render a set of eight novel aromatic polyamides. The polymers were produced with high yields and moderate to high inherent viscosities (0.49–1.32 dL/g) that corresponded to weight‐average and number‐average molecular weights (by gel permeation chromatography) of 31,000–80,000 and 19,000–50,000, respectively. Except for a single example, the polyamides were essentially amorphous and soluble in a variety of common solvents such as cyclohexanone, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran. They showed glass‐transition temperatures of 250–295 °C (by differential scanning calorimetry) and 10% weight loss temperatures above 460 °C, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen. Polymer films, obtained by casting from N,N‐dimethylacetamide solutions, exhibited good mechanical properties, with tensile strengths of 83–111 MPa and tensile moduli of 2.0–2.2 GPa. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 475–485, 2001