Chemistry of Pentafluorosulfanyl Derivatives and Related Analogs: From Synthesis to Applications

Pentafluorosulfanyl (SF₅)-containing compounds and corresponding analogs are a highly valuable class of fluorine-containing building blocks owing to their unique properties. The reason for that is the set of peculiar and tremendously beneficial characteristics they can impart on molecules once introduced onto them. Despite this, their application in distinct scientific fields remains modest, given the extremely harsh reaction conditions needed to access such compounds. The recent synthetic approaches via S−F, and C−SF₅ bond formation as well as the use of SF₅-containing building blocks embody a “stairway-to-heaven” loophole in the synthesis of otherwise-inaccessible chemical scaffolds only a few years ago. Herein, we report and evaluate the properties of the SF₅ group and analogs, by summarizing synthetic methodologies available to access them as well as following applications in material science and medicinal chemistry since 2015.     

The Effect of the Spacer of Bis(biurea) Ligands on the Structure of A2L3‐type (A=anion) Phosphate Complexes

By tuning the length and rigidity of the spacer of bis(biurea) ligands L, three structural motifs of the A₂L₃ complexes (A represents anion, here orthophosphate PO₄^3?), namely helicate, mesocate, and mono‐bridged motif, have been assembled by coordination of the ligand to phosphate anion. Crystal structure analysis indicated that in the three complexes, each of the phosphate ions is coordinated by twelve hydrogen bonds from six surrounding urea groups. The anion coordination properties in solution have also been studied. The results further demonstrate the coordination behavior of phosphate ion, which shows strong tendency for coordination saturation and geometrical preference, thus allowing for the assembly of novel anion coordination‐based structures as in transition‐metal complexes.     

Functional Binding Surface of a β‐Hairpin VEGF Receptor Targeting Peptide Determined by NMR Spectroscopy in Living Cells

In this study, the functional interaction of HPLW peptide with VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) was determined by using fast ¹⁵N‐edited NMR spectroscopic experiments. To this aim, ¹⁵N uniformly labelled HPLW has been added to Porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells. The acquisition of isotope‐edited NMR spectroscopic experiments, including ¹⁵N relaxation measurements, allowed a precise characterization of the in‐cell HPLW epitope recognized by VEGFR2.     

Fracture behavior and mechanical,thermal, and rheological properties of biodegradable films extruded by flat die and calender

The development of biodegradable materials for tailored applications, particularly in the field of polymeric films and sheets, is a challenging technological goal as well as a contribution to help protect the environment. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) is a promising substitute for several oil-based polymers; however, to overcome its thermal and mechanical drawbacks, researchers have developed solutions such as blending PLA with polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), which is capable of increasing the ductility of the final material. In this study, PLA/PBAT binary blends, with minimum possible content of nonrenewable materials, were examined from processing, thermal, morphological, and rheological perspective. An optimized PLA/PBAT ratio was chosen as the polymeric basis to obtain a biodegradable formulation by adding a biobased plasticizer and appropriate fillers to produce a micrometer film with tailored flexibility and tear resistance. The processing technology involved flat-die extrusion, followed by calendering. The tearing resistance of the produced film was investigated, and the results were compared with literature data. A study on the essential work of fracture was implemented to explore the mode III out-of-plane fracture resistance starting from a trouser tear test.     

Flexible Structures Based on a Short Pitch Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

We report on the realization and characterization of electro-responsive and pressure sensitive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) conductive photonic structures combined with the reconfigurable properties of short pitch cholesteric liquid crystals (aligned in Grandjean configuration). By combining ion-implantation process and surface chemistry functionalization, we have overcome the insulating properties of PDMS and induced long range organization of cholesteric liquid crystals, thus controlling both diffraction and selective Bragg reflection of light by means of external perturbations (electric field, pressure). We have characterized our devices in terms of morphological, optical and electro-optical properties.     

PtII-Catalyzed Hydroxylation of Terminal Aliphatic C(sp3)−H Bonds with Molecular Oxygen

The practical application of Shilov-type Pt catalysis to the selective hydroxylation of terminal aliphatic C−H bonds remains a formidable challenge, due to difficulties in replacing Pt^IV with a more economically viable oxidant, particularly O₂. We report the potential of employing FeCl₂ as a suitable redox mediator to overcome the kinetic hurdles related to the direct use of O₂ in the Pt reoxidation. For the selective conversion of butyric acid to γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a significantly enhanced catalyst activity and stability (turnover numbers (TON)>30) were achieved under 20 bar O₂ in comparison to current state-of-the-art systems (TON<10). In this regard, essential reaction parameters affecting the overall activity were identified, along with specific additives to attain catalyst stability at longer reaction times. Notably, deactivation by reduction to Pt⁰ was prevented by the addition of monodentate pyridine derivatives, such as 2-fluoropyridine, but also by introducing varying partial pressures of N₂ in the gaseous atmosphere. Finally, stability tests revealed the involvement of Pt^II and FeCl₂ in catalyzing the non-selective overoxidation of GHB. Accordingly, in situ esterification with boric acid proved to be a suitable strategy to maintain enhanced selectivities at much higher conversions (TON>60). Altogether, a useful catalytic system for the selective hydroxylation of primary aliphatic C−H bonds with O₂ is presented.