1-(2-Pyridyl)-2-propen-1-ol: a multipurpose reagent in organic synthesis

A peculiar thermal behaviour of hydroxyallylpyridyl derivatives, likely associated to the weak acidity of the ‘picoline-type’ hydrogen atom and responsible for the formation of allyl inversion products, has been reported. The ‘mobility’ of the same hydrogen atom allowed the unprotected title compound to behave regioselectively as C-1, C-2 or C-3 carbon nucleophile depending on the thermal or base-promoted experimental conditions and on the kind of electrophile; moreover, the corresponding Hantzsch-type pyridine tautomer displayed a biomimetic ability to transfer hydrogen to aromatic and heteroaromatic nitro derivatives.     

Reusable resin plug-bound palladium catalysts for organic synthesis

Resin plugs, a unique and conveniently handled form of resin, prepared by sintering high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with pre-functionalised resins, were derivatised and loaded with palladium(0). These ‘plugs’ were used in the preparation of a Suzuki reaction based library and the removal of allyl ester protecting groups. The ‘plugs of catalyst’ were easily separated from the reaction mixture and were re-used multiple times with minimal loss of activity.     

Functionalized ionic liquids with highly polar polyhydroxylated appendages and their rapid synthesis via thiol-ene click chemistry

The thiol-ene ‘click’ reaction of 1-thioglycerol with ionic liquids incorporating cations bearing appended vinyl- and/or allyl groups is a versatile, single-step means for their conversion into derivatives bearing up to eight hydroxyl groups per cation.     

Synthesis of 9-oxa-noradamantane derivative, an aesthetically pleasing ‘oxa-basket’

A simple protocol for the synthesis of an aesthetically pleasing ‘oxa-basket’ (5-methoxy-2,8,13-trioxapentacyclo[7.2.1.1.^5,120.^4,110^6,10]tridecane-3,7-dione), possessing 9-oxa-noradamantane core, is described. The readily available diquinane based dichloro bis-γ-lactone precursor upon treatment with MeSO₃H furnished dichloro ‘oxa-basket’ which was dechlorinated using TBTH/AIBN to obtain the title compound. The key role of the chlorines was demonstrated by replacement with hydrogen or allyl substituents which redirects the cascade to simple hydrolysis products.     

E/Z product distribution in the metathesis of allyl alcohol derivatives with a first generation ruthenium-based catalyst

Based on experiments with four simple derivatives of allyl alcohol, it has been shown that the product of cross-metathesis as mediated by a ‘first generation’ ruthenium catalyst increases in its proportion of the E-isomer as the reaction progresses. This increase is due to equilibration, which is also mediated by the ruthenium catalyst.     

Regiodivergent Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of fused ketone substrates by recombinant whole-cells expressing two monooxygenases from Brevibacterium

Microbial Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of fused bicyclic ketones with a cyclobutanone structural motif were investigated using recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing two monooxygenases from Brevibacterium. In a kinetic resolution process fused ketones were transformed to regioisomeric lactones: ‘normal’ lactones were generated by migration of the more substituted carbon atom and ‘abnormal’ lactones resulted from migration of the less substituted carbon atom. The two Baeyer-Villigerases demonstrated a significantly different stereoselectivity for the regiodivergent biotransformation.     

Development of resin-to-resin transfer reactions (RRTR) using Sonogashira chemistry

Sonogashira chemistry can be used according to the ‘resin-to-resin transfer reaction’ (RRTR) concept. Two fragments, one containing the halide moiety and the second one incorporating the alkyne functionality, are anchored on different solid supports using allyl and/or Wang-type linkages. Treatment with Pd(0) cleaves the allyl-linked fragment(s) which subsequently undergo Sonogashira coupling under the same conditions.     

The synthetic versatility of alkoxycarbonyl- and hydroxymethyl-piperazine-2,5-diones

Alkoxycarbonylpiperazine-2,5-diones are versatile precursors for the α-functionalisation of piperazine-2,5-diones. The alkoxycarbonyl group activates the α-carbon position to alkylation reactions and this provides a mild and selective method for the extension of the carbon framework of piperazine-2,5-diones. In addition, the alkoxycarbonyl group can be converted to the carboxy group, which in turn can be ‘deleted’ or manipulated for the installation of carbon and/or heteroatom substituents where desired, the latter via N-acyliminium chemistry. We also demonstrate that hydroxymethylpiperazine-2,5-diones complement carboxypiperazinediones as precursors for the generation of N-acyliminium ions.     

DMAP-catalyzed four-component one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized spirooxindole-1,4-dihydropyridines derivatives in aqueous ethanol

An efficient, clean, and environmental friendly ‘one-pot’ four-component reaction was developed for assembling a novel type of spirooxindole derivatives containing dihydropyridine and pyrrolidinone. The reaction could be easily performed in aqueous ethanol with 4-DMAP as catalyst in good yields. The high efficiency and the simple and mild condition of the reaction, in addition with its avoidance of time-consuming, costly syntheses, and tedious workup, endowed the reaction with application significance. A series of spirooxindole derivatives were therefore prepared in excellent yields by using this ‘one-pot’ four-component reaction method.     

Introduction of the Aib-Pro unit into peptides by means of the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’ on solid phase

A method for the direct introduction of Aib-Pro into peptides on solid phase was developed. The Aib-Pro unit was introduced by means of the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’ using allyl N-(2,2-dimethyl-2H-azirin-3-yl)-l-prolinate as the synthon. After the reaction of the resin-bound amino or peptide acid with allyl N-(2,2-dimethyl-2H-azirin-3-yl)-l-prolinate, the allyl protecting group of the resulting extended peptide could be removed by a mild Pd⁰-promoted procedure. Cleavage of the peptide from the resin was performed with UV light at 352 nm and yielded C-terminal protected peptides. The method found a successful application in the syntheses of different Aib-Pro containing peptaibol segments. Furthermore, a protected derivative of the peptide antibiotic Trichovirin I 1B was prepared by segment condensation.     

25,26-Dialkoxycalix[4]arenes. Part 1: 25-Alkoxy-26,27-diacetoxy route

Acetylation of calix[4]arene 1,3-dialkyl ethers yielded the corresponding monoacetates. The ¹H NMR spectral analysis indicated that the products’ alkoxy moieties were ‘rotation restricted’. Acylation of calix[4]arene monoalkyl ethers with acetyl chloride yielded monoacetates and/or 2,3-diacetates in different reaction conditions. A simple recrystallization process was able to isolate 2,3-diacetates in good yield. The ¹H NMR spectra of the diacetylated products indicated that those compounds also possessed the ‘rotation restricted’ alkoxy moieties. In the presence of K₂CO₃ as reaction base, alkylation of 2,3-diacetates produced the acetyl-migrated 1,3-dialkyloxy derivatives. Basic hydrolysis of the acetyl-migrated compounds yielded the known 1,3-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes. In the presence of NaH as reaction base, 2,3-diacetates were alkylated with and without the acetyl-migration. For the highly reactive benzyl bromide and allyl bromide, the majority of alkylation proceeded without acetyl-migration. In the other alkyl halides, the products were the acetyl-migrated 1,3-dialkoxy derivatives along with less than one-fourth the amount of non-migrated 1,2-dialkoxy derivatives.     

Pre-analytical method for NMR-based grape metabolic fingerprinting and chemometrics

Although metabolomics aims at profiling all the metabolites in organisms, data quality is quite dependent on the pre-analytical methods employed. In order to evaluate current methods, different pre-analytical methods were compared and used for the metabolic profiling of grapevine as a model plant. Five grape cultivars from Portugal in combination with chemometrics were analyzed in this study. A common extraction method with deuterated water and methanol was found effective in the case of amino acids, organic acids, and sugars. For secondary metabolites like phenolics, solid phase extraction with C-18 cartridges showed good results. Principal component analysis, in combination with NMR spectroscopy, was applied and showed clear distinction among the cultivars. Primary metabolites such as choline, sucrose, and leucine were found discriminating for ‘Alvarinho’, while elevated levels of alanine, valine, and acetate were found in ‘Arinto’ (white varieties). Among the red cultivars, higher signals for citrate and GABA in ‘Touriga Nacional’, succinate and fumarate in ‘Aragonês’, and malate, ascorbate, fructose and glucose in ‘Trincadeira’, were observed. Based on the phenolic profile, ‘Arinto’ was found with higher levels of phenolics as compared to ‘Alvarinho’. ‘Trincadeira’ showed lowest phenolics content while higher levels of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids were found in ‘Aragonês’ and ‘Touriga Nacional’, respectively. It is shown that the metabolite composition of the extract is highly affected by the extraction procedure and this consideration has to be taken in account for metabolomics studies.     

Microwave-induced by-products in the synthesis of 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylpiperazinyl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile

The Letter describes the investigation of an industrial reaction of N-methylphenylpiperazine and chloronicotinonitrile, under microwave heating. Besides the formation of the expected 2-(4-methyl-2-phenylpiperazinyl)pyridine-3-carbonitrile (4), extension of the scale leads to unexpected by-products. A specific pathway due to the formation of a reactive ‘ionic alkylating intermediate’ formed in situ under microwave conditions is proposed to explain the results observed.     

Enatioselective organocatalytic synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydrothiophenes by a Michael-aldol cascade reaction

A catalytic asymmetric Michael-aldol cascade process for efficient synthesis of trisubstituted tetrahydrothiophenes is reported with high enantio- and diastereo-selectivities. Notably, three consecutive stereogenic centers including one chiral quaternary carbon center are efficiently created in the ‘one-pot’ operation.     

Coordination of bidentate aniline derivatives to the fac-[Re(CO)3] core

A series of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes, containing bidentate derivatives of aniline, was synthesized and structurally characterized. With 1,2-diaminobenzene (Hpda) the ‘2+1’ complex salt fac-[Re(CO)₃(Hpda)₂]Br was isolated. The neutral complex [Re(CO)₃(Hapa)Br] was formed with 2-aminodiphenylamine (Hapa) as ligand. 2-Aminophenol (Hopa) also produced the neutral ‘2+1’ complex [Re(CO)₃(opa)₂(Hopa)], but with 2-mercaptophenol (Hspo) the bridged dimer [Re₂(CO)₇(spo)₂] was found. In the complex [Re(CO)₃(Htpn)Br] (Htpn = N′-{(2-methylthio)benzylidene}benzene-1,2-diamine) the potentially tridentate ligand Htpn is coordinated via the methylthio sulfur and imino nitrogen atoms only, with a free amino group.     

Expeditious preparation of triazole-linked glycolipids via microwave accelerated click chemistry and their electrochemical and biological assessments

A series of triazole-linked ester-type glycolipids were efficiently prepared via a two-step sequence involving microwave accelerated ‘click’ chemistry and debenzylation. All carbon chain length varied O-alkynyl fatty esters used to couple with 1-azido-tetra-O-benzyl-β-d-glucoside showed excellent tolerance to the microwave-assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click reaction), forming the unique cycloadducts in almost quantitative yields of 92.9-99.0% within a quarter. The desired glycolipids were then readily afforded via the successive hydrogenolysis promoted by PdCl₂/H₂. Their adsorption competence on gold electrode were evaluated through EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) measurement and the resulting structure-activity relationship (SAR) was discussed. In addition, the cytotoxicity of this triazolyl glycolipid class on HeLa (cervix cancer) cell line was identified by MTT assay.     

Iridium(I)-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective allylic amidation

Ir(I)-catalyzed intermolecular allylic amidation of ethyl allyl carbonates with soft nitrogen nucleophiles under completely ‘salt-free’ conditions is described. A combination of [Ir(COD)Cl]₂, a chiral phosphoramidite ligand L^∗, and DBU as a base in THF effects the reaction. The reaction appears to be quite general, accommodating a wide variety of R-groups and soft nitrogen nucleophiles, and proceeds with excellent regio- and enantioselectivities to afford the branched N-protected allylic amines. The developed reaction was conveniently utilized in the asymmetric synthesis of N-Boc protected α- and β-amino acids as well as (−)-cytoxazone.     

Indole synthesis: palladium-catalyzed C-H bond amination via reduction of nitroalkenes with carbon monoxide

Nitroalkenes have been called ‘chemical chameleons’ due to their versatility in numerous synthetic transformations. Herein, we describe the first transition metal-catalyzed transformation of conjugated nitroalkenes into indoles. Under mild reaction conditions (1 atm carbon monoxide, 110 °C), palladium catalyzes the reductive cyclization of nitroalkenes to form a putative nitrosoalkene intermediate, which then rearranges to provide 3-arylindoles in high yields. Notably, this novel C-H bond amination takes advantage of carbon monoxide as an inexpensive stoichiometric reductant and produces carbon dioxide as the major byproduct.     

Surface modification of chromatography adsorbents by low temperature low pressure plasma

In this study we show how low temperature glow discharge plasma can be used to prepare bi-layered chromatography adsorbents with non-adsorptive exteriors. The commercial strong anion exchange expanded bed chromatography matrix, Q HyperZ, was treated with plasmas in one of two general ways. Using a purpose-designed rotating reactor, plasmas were employed to either: (i) remove anion exchange ligands at or close to the exterior surface of Q HyperZ, and replace them with polar oxygen containing functions (‘plasma etching and oxidation’); or (ii) bury the same surface exposed ligands beneath thin polymer coatings (‘plasma polymerization coating’) using appropriate monomers (vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, safrole) and argon as the carrier gas. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (first ∼10 nm depth) of Q HyperZ before and after the various plasma treatments confirmed that substantial changes to the elemental composition of Q HyperZ's exterior had been inflicted in all cases. The atomic percent changes in carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, yttrium and zirconium observed after being exposed to air plasma etching were entirely consistent with: the removal of pendant Q (trimethylammonium) functions; increased exposure of the underlying yttrium-stabilised zirconia shell; and introduction of hydroxyl and carbonyl functions. Following plasma polymerization treatments (with all three monomers tested), the increased atomic percent levels of carbon and parallel drops in nitrogen, yttrium and zirconium provided clear evidence that thin polymer coats had been created at the exteriors of Q HyperZ adsorbent particles. No changes in adsorbent size and surface morphology, nor any evidence of plasma-induced damage could be discerned from scanning electron micrographs, light micrographs and measurements of particle size distributions following 3 h exposure to air (220 V; 35.8 W L⁻¹) or ‘vinyl acetate/argon’ (170 V; 16.5 W L⁻¹) plasmas. Losses in bulk chloride exchange capacity before and after exposure to plasmas enabled effective modification depths within hydrated Q HyperZ adsorbent particles to be calculated as 0.2–1.2 μm, depending on the conditions applied. The depth of plasma induced alteration was strongly influenced by the power input and size of the treated batch, i.e. dropping the power or increasing the batch size resulted in reduced plasma penetration and therefore shallower modification. The selectivity of ‘surface vs. core’ modification imparted to Q HyperZ by the various plasma treatments was evaluated in static and dynamic binding studies employing appropriate probes, i.e. plasmid DNA, sonicated calf thymus DNA and bovine serum albumin. In static binding studies performed with adsorbents that had been exposed to plasmas at the 5 g scale (25 g L⁻¹ of plasma reactor), the highest ‘surface/core’ modification selectivity was observed for Q HyperZ that had been subjected to 3 h of air plasma etching at 220 V (35.8 W L⁻¹). This treatment removed ∼53% of ‘surface’ DNA binding at the expense of a 9.3% loss in ‘core’ protein binding. Even more impressive results were obtained in dynamic expanded bed adsorption studies conducted with Q HyperZ adsorbents that had been treated with air (220 V, 3 h) and ‘vinyl acetate/argon’ (170 V, 3 h) plasmas at 10.5 g scale (52.5 g L⁻¹ of plasma reactor). Following both plasma treatments: the 10% breakthrough capacities of the modified Q HyperZ adsorbents towards ‘surface’ binding DNA probes dropped very significantly (30–85%); the DNA induced inter-particle cross-linking and contraction of expanded beds observed during application of sonicated DNA on native Q HyperZ was completely eradicated; but the ‘core’ protein binding performance remained unchanged cf. that of the native Q HyperZ starting material.     

First X-ray structural characterisation of host-guest interactions in tetra-tetrazole macrocycles

The syntheses of tetra-tetrazole macrocycles, containing two 1,3-bis(tetrazole)benzene units linked by a variety of n-alkyl (n=3, 5, 7 or 9 carbon atoms) chain lengths, are described. The crystal structures of two 1,3-bis(tetrazole)benzenes containing pendant bromoalkyl chains (n=3 or 5) are reported. A tetra-tetrazole macrocycle has also been structurally characterised and contains an unexpected ‘host-guest’ interaction through binding of a chloroform solvent molecule. The resulting deviation of the macrocycle from planarity results from a combination of the ‘host-guest’ interaction and strong intermolecular interactions between adjacent tetrazole and phenylene rings.