Homochiral conglomerates and racemic crystals in two dimensions: tartaric acid on Cu(110)

Two-dimensional lattice structures formed by racemic tartaric acid on a single crystalline Cu(110) surface have been studied and compared with the enantiopure lattices. At low coverage, the doubly deprotonated bitartrate species is separated into two-dimensional conglomerates showing opposite enantiomorphism. At higher coverage, however, a singly deprotonated monotartrate species forms a heterochiral, racemic crystal lattice. While the enantioseparated bitartrate system undergoes decomposition at the same temperature as the enantiopure system, the racemic monotartrate lattice has a lower thermal stability than the enantiopure lattice of identical periodicity and surface density. At monolayer saturation coverage, the pure enantiomers form a denser lattice than the racemate. This is in contrast to the three-dimensional tartaric acid crystals, where the racemate crystallizes in a lattice of higher density, which is also more thermally stable than the enantiopure tartaric acid crystals.     

First principle lattice energy calculations for enantiopure and racemic crystals of α-(trifluoromethyl)lactic acid: Is self-disproportionation of enantiomers controlled by thermodynamic stability of crystals?

The lattice energies for the enantiopure and racemic crystals of α-(trifluoromethyl)lactic acid were calculated by a combination of the DFT calculations with the periodic boundary condition and the MP2 calculations of the interactions with neighboring molecules. The lattice energies calculated for the two crystals (−16.56 and −17.35 kcal/mol, respectively) show that the racemic crystals are thermodynamically more stable, although the racemic crystals sublime faster than the enantiopure crystals. The calculations suggest that the relative thermodynamic stability is not the cause of the faster sublimation rate of the racemic crystals compared with the enantiopure crystals. Although the crystals have hydrogen-bonding networks, the dispersion interactions contribute to the lattice energies significantly. The MP2 calculations for the evaluation of the dispersion interactions with the neighboring molecules are important for an accurate evaluation of the lattice energies. The relative thermodynamic stability of the two crystals is not determined solely by the hydrogen bonds. The interactions with other neighboring molecules also play important roles in determining the relative stability. We demonstrate that the geometry optimization is essential for an accurate evaluation of the lattice energy by the first principle calculation. The interaction energies calculated using the structure by X-ray diffraction often have large errors.     

Investigation of an Unusual Crystal Habit of Hydrochlorothiazide Reveals Large Polar Enantiopure Domains and a Possible Crystal Nucleation Mechanism

The observation of an unusual crystal habit in the common diuretic drug hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), and identification of its subtle conformational chirality, has stimulated a detailed investigation of its crystalline forms. Enantiomeric conformers of HCT resolve into an unusual structure of conjoined enantiomorphic twin crystals comprising enantiopure domains of opposite chirality. The purity of the domains and the chiral molecular conformation are confirmed by spatially revolved synchrotron micro‐XRD experiments and neutron diffraction, respectively. Macroscopic inversion twin symmetry observed between the crystal wings suggests a pseudoracemic structure that is not a solid solution or a layered crystal structure, but an unusual structural variant of conglomerates and racemic twins. Computed interaction energies for molecular pairs in the racemic and enantiopure polymorphs of HCT, and the observation of large opposing unit‐cell dipole moments for the enantiopure domains in these twin crystals, suggest a plausible crystal nucleation mechanism for this unusual crystal habit.     

Aza[6]helicene Platinum Complexes: Chirality Control of cis–trans Isomerism

It was serendipitously observed that cis‐[PtCl₂(NCEt)PPh₃] reacted differently with either racemic or enantiopure 4‐aza[6]helicene, giving respectively cis (racemic) and trans (enantiopure) [Pt^IICl₂(4‐aza[6]helicene)PPh₃] complexes. This unexpected reactivity is explained through a dynamic process (crystallization‐induced diastereoselective transformation) and enables a new aspect of reactivity in chiral transition‐metal complexes to be addressed.     

Racemic versus enantiopure alanine on Cu(110): an experimental study

The adsorption of racemic alanine on the Cu(110) surface has been compared to that of enantiopure alanine using low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). No evidence of chiral resolution at the surface was observed for the racemic system, indicating that the formation of separate enantiopure areas is not preferred. Also, in contrast to the enantiopure system, no chirally organized phase was observed for the racemic system. LEED shows that both systems display a common (3 x 2) phase at high coverage. However, the pathway and kinetic barriers to this phase differ markedly for the racemic and the enantiopure systems, with the racemic (3 x 2) appearing at a temperature that is more than 100 K below that required for the enantiopure system. In addition, we report intriguing complexities for the (3 x 2) LEED structure that is ubiquitous in amino acid/Cu(110) systems. First, a common (3 x 2) pattern with a zigzag distortion can be associated with both the racemic and enantiopure systems. For the racemic system, the coverage can be increased further to give a "true" (3 x 2) LEED pattern, which is a transformation that is impossible to enact for the enantiopure system. Most importantly, STM images of the "distorted" and "true" (3 x 2) structures created in the racemic system show subtle differences with neither arrangement being fully periodic over distances greater than a few molecules. Thus, the (3 x 2) phase appears to be more complicated than at first indicated and will require more complex models for a full interpretation.     

A Valuable Synthetic Route to the Enantiopure Functionalized N-Substituted Aziridines

Chiral butyrolacto[3,4-b]-2(S)-6(R)-1-N-akylaziridines 7 were synthesized in enantiopure form utilizing racemic 5-methoxy-3-bromo-2(5H)-furanone (5) and available amines (6) as key precursors. After highly effective reduction of 7, the functionaiized 2(S),3(R)-dihyroxymethyl-N-alkylaziridines (8) were obtained in good yields with ≥98% ee. This is a simple and pratical method for the preparation of enantiopure aziridines which are important intermediates in the synthesis of biologic active molecules.     

A Short Synthesis of Aphanamol I in Both Racemic and Enantiopure Forms

A short synthesis of the biologically active sesquiterpene natural product (+)‐aphanamol I in both racemic and enantiopure forms is reported. Key steps include: a catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition, an oxidative radical cyclization, and a ring‐expanding Claisen rearrangement.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Parallel Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Internal Allenes Towards Enantiopure Allylic 1,3‐Diketones

A rare case of a parallel kinetic resolution of racemic 1,3‐disubstituted allenes by means of a rhodium‐catalyzed addition to 1,3‐diketones furnishing enantiopure allylic 1,3‐diketones is described. Mechanistic experiments demonstrate that the different allene enantiomers react in parallel to either the diastereomeric E‐ or Z‐allylic 1,3‐diketones with the same absolute configuration of the newly formed stereogenic center. A broad substrate scope demonstrates the synthetic utility of this new method.     

Synthesis,Properties, and Two‐Dimensional Adsorption Characteristics of 5‐Amino[6]hexahelicene

A convergent synthesis of racemic 5‐amino[6]hexahelicene is described. Cross‐coupling reactions are used to assemble a pentacyclic framework, and a metal‐catalyzed ring‐closure comprises the final step. The enantiomers were separated by means of chromatography and the absolute configurations were assigned by comparison of the CD spectra with hexahelicene. The t_1/2 value for racemization at 210 °C was approximately 1 hour. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements were carried out on enantiopure and racemic samples of aminohelicene on Au(111) under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions.     

Near‐Enantiopure Trimerization of 9‐Ethynylphenanthrene on a Chiral Metal Surface

Enantioselectivity in heterogeneous catalysis strongly depends on the chirality transfer between catalyst surface and all reactants, intermediates, and the product along the reaction pathway. Herein we report the first enantioselective on‐surface synthesis of molecular structures from an initial racemic mixture and without the need of enantiopure modifier molecules. The reaction consists of a trimerization via an unidentified bonding motif of prochiral 9‐ethynylphenanthrene (9‐EP) upon annealing to 500 K on the chiral Pd₃‐terminated PdGa{111} surfaces into essentially enantiopure, homochiral 9‐EP propellers. The observed behavior strongly contrasts the reaction of 9‐EP on the chiral Pd₁‐terminated PdGa{111} surfaces, where 9‐EP monomers that are in nearly enantiopure configuration, dimerize without enantiomeric excess. Our findings demonstrate strong chiral recognition and a significant ensemble effect in the PdGa system, hence highlighting the huge potential of chiral intermetallic compounds for enantioselective synthesis and underlining the importance to control the catalytically active sites at the atomic level.     

Rastertunnelmikroskopie an chiralen Molekülen: Nanochemie

The imaging and manipulation capabilities of the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) render possible a novel nanoscale chemistry based on experiments with single molecules. Herein, we address several aspects of a nanoscale stereochemistry using the STM. As an example, we investigate 1‐nitronaphthalene on Au(111). 1‐Nitronaphthalene becomes chiral upon planar adsorption on the metal surface. High‐resolution STM images reflect the asymmetric electronic structure of the molecules and allow for the determination of the absolute configuration of any individual molecule within complex molecular structures. At medium coverage, spontaneous breaking of the chiral symmetry results in the formation of homochiral conglomerates, while at high coverage racemic structures prevail. Finally, the tip of the STM is used to separate “supramolecule‐by‐supramolecule” a racemic mixture of chiral 1‐nitronaphthalene aggregates into the enantiopure compounds.     

Synthesis,X‐ray Analysis,and Biological Activities of Novel Oxazolidinethiones

Oxazolidinethione compounds were synthesized starting from racemic and enantiopure β‐amino alcohols. The molecular structure of oxazolidinethione 6a was elucidated by single‐crystal x‐ray crystallography. Oxazolidinethione compounds screened for antimicrobial activity showed mild minimum inhibitory concentration values.     

Synthesis of Polycyclic Tertiary Carbinamines by Samarium Diiodide Mediated Cyclizations of Indolyl Sulfinyl Imines

Samarium diiodide mediated cyclizations of N‐acylated indole derivatives bearing sulfinyl imine moieties afforded polycyclic tertiary carbinamines with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities. Lithium bromide and water turned out to be the best additives to achieve these transformations in good yields. Using enantiopure sulfinyl imines the outcome strongly depends on the reactivity of the indole moiety. Whereas with unactivated indole derivatives desulfinylation and formation of racemic products was observed, indoles bearing electron‐withdrawing substituents at C‐3 afforded the polycyclic products with intact N‐sulfinyl groups and with excellent diastereoselectivity, finally allowing the preparation of enantiopure tertiary carbinamines. The mechanisms of these processes are discussed.     

A Robust,Recyclable Resin for Decagram Scale Resolution of (±)‐Mefloquine and Other Chiral N‐Heterocycles

Decagram quantities of enantiopure (+)‐mefloquine have been produced via kinetic resolution of racemic mefloquine using a ROMP‐gel supported chiral acyl hydroxamic acid resolving agent. The requisite monomer was prepared in a few synthetic steps without chromatography and polymerization was safely performed on a >30 gram scale under ambient conditions. The reagent was readily regenerated and reused multiple times for the resolution of 150 grams of (±)‐mefloquine and other chiral N‐heterocylces.     

Chiral J‐Aggregates of Atropo‐Enantiomeric Perylene Bisimides and Their Self‐Sorting Behavior

Herein we report on structural, morphological, and optical properties of homochiral and heterochiral J‐aggregates that were created by nucleation–elongation assembly of atropo‐enantiomerically pure and racemic perylene bisimides (PBIs), respectively. Our detailed studies with conformationally stable biphenoxy‐bridged chiral PBIs by UV/Vis absorption, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed structurally as well as spectroscopically quite different kinds of J‐aggregates for enantiomerically pure and racemic PBIs. AFM investigations showed that enantiopure PBIs form helical nanowires of unique diameter and large length‐to‐width ratio by self‐recognition, while racemic PBIs provide irregular‐sized particles by self‐discrimination of the enantiomers at the stage of nucleation. Steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy studies revealed that the photoluminescence efficiency of homochiral J‐aggregated nanowires (47±3 %) is significantly higher than that of heterochiral J‐aggregated particle‐like aggregates (12±3 %), which is explained in terms of highly ordered molecular stacking in one‐dimensional nanowires of homochiral J‐aggregates. Our present results demonstrate the high impact of homochirality on the construction of well‐defined nanostructures with unique optical properties.     

Cover Picture

The cover picture shows a further example of the power of transition metal complexes in organic synthesis: the enantiopure imidozirconium complex, top left, reacts with 1,3- disubstituted racemic allenes (right) in a highly enantioselective, stepwise cycloaddition. Both the enantiomers of an allene react to give the same diastereopure azazirconacyclobutane complex, the structure of which is shown in the center of the picture as a space filling model with the molecular framework superimposed. The reaction with 1,2-propadiene (bottom center) releases the enantiopure allene from the metallacycle. The overall process couples kinetic resolution with the complete inversion of the absolute configuration of a 1,3-disubstituted allene. More about this unusual new method for enantiomer separation and enrichment is reported by R. G. Bergman et al. on page 2339 pp.     

Structures of glycine, enantiopure alanine, and racemic alanine adlayers on Cu(110) and Cu(100) surfaces

We have determined the structures of dense adlayers of glycine and alanine on the Cu(110) and Cu(100) surfaces using plane wave density functional theory. These calculations resolve several experimental controversies regarding these structures. Glycine exists on Cu(110) as a single adlayer structure, while on Cu(100) two distinct glycine adlayers coexist. The glycine structures serve as useful starting points for constructing alanine adlayer structures. We considered separately the adsorption of enantiopure alanine and racemic alanine on each surface. Adlayers of enantiopure alanine are found to be closely related to the adlayers observed for glycine. Racemic alanine adlayers on Cu(110) are structurally analogous to those observed for glycine on this surface and adopt a pseudo-racemate ordering. On Cu(100), in contrast to glycine, racemic alanine is found to adopt a single adlayer structure that is an ordered racemate. Spontaneous segregation of molecular enantiomers does not occur in racemic adsorbed mixtures on either surface. Consideration of the orientationally distinct domains that may exist for each adlayer on these surfaces provides important information for the interpretation of the adlayer domain boundaries that are commonly observed in scanning tunneling microscopy images of amino acid adlayers. Examining this set of amino acid adlayers provides useful insight into the range of subtle behaviors that can arise in these and related systems where chiral molecules form ordered adlayers on flat metal surfaces.     

Do homochiral aggregates have an entropic advantage?

The present work seeks to illuminate the underlying principles which control the aggregation of chiral building blocks into larger aggregates by examining the role that entropy plays in this process. Entropic effects are first examined within the confines of a simple model system, and the results are then compared to experimental data on clusters of amino acids. The model system predicts that the formation of a specific structure is more likely to occur from an enantiopure solution because forming a particular structure from a racemic solution is hindered by significant entropic barriers. These predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results. In our examination of clusters of all of the amino acids, clusters which are unusually abundant are found only when enantiopure solutions are sampled. Furthermore, the majority of all clusters exhibit no preference for chiral composition, suggesting that entropic effects negate any changes in enthalpy. Although the experimental data are not comprehensive, our results strongly suggest that specificity in homochiral clusters is entropically advantageous compared to specificity in racemic clusters.     

Dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic gamma-aryl-delta-oxoesters. Enantioselective synthesis of 3-arylpiperidines

Cyclodehydration of racemic gamma-aryl-delta-oxoesters with (R)- or (S)-phenylglycinol stereoselectively affords bicyclic delta-lactams, in a process that involves a dynamic kinetic resolution. Subsequent reduction of these lactams leads to enantiopure 3-arylpiperidines. Starting from racemic aldehyde esters, this short sequence has been applied to the synthesis of (R)-3-phenylpiperidine and the antipsychotic drug (-)-3-PPP (an (S)-3-arylpiperidine), whereas starting from racemic ketone esters enantiopure cis-2-alkyl-3-arylpiperidines are prepared.     

Synthesis of Enantiopure Sulfonimidamides and Elucidation of Their Absolute Configuration by Comparison of Measured and Calculated CD Spectra and X‐Ray Crystal Structure Determination

Straightforward syntheses of enantiopure N‐benzoyl‐ and N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl‐protected sulfonimidamides, which can be used as building blocks in newly designed catalysts, are presented. Key synthetic step is a dynamic resolution of a racemic sulfinic acid sodium salt. All subsequent transformations proceed stereospecifically. The absolute configurations at the sulfur atoms of both sulfonimidamides were determined by comparison of measured and calculated CD spectra. An X‐ray crystal structure determination of a sulfonimidoylguanidine derivative confirmed this result.