MALDI‐TOF MS characterization of dihydroxy telechelic polyisobutylene

MALDI‐TOF MS characterizations of dihydroxy telechelic polyisobutylene is reported. Dichloro telechelic polyisobutylene (Cl—PIB—Cl) was synthesized by means of living cationic polymerization using p‐dicumyl chloride/BCl₃/DMSO initiating systems. The resulting polymer was functionalized by polymer analogous reactions to yield dihydroxy telechelic polyisobutylene (HO—PIB—OH). It was then investigated by MALDI‐TOF MS in the cation mode using 1,8‐dihidroxy‐9(10H)‐anthracenone (dithranol)/CF₃COOAg matrix. The MALDI TOF MS spectra showed an increase in mass by 56 amu units attributed to the isobutylene monomer increment. The endgroups of HO—PIB—OH were determined. A good agreement was also found between the calculated isotope distributions and the isotope distributions determined by means of MALDI.     

Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions with Oxidized Guanidino‐Functionalized Aromatic Compounds: Novel Options for σ‐Bond Activation

We present a new option for metal‐free σ‐bond activation, making use of oxidized, guanidino‐functionalized aromatic compounds (GFAs). We demonstrate this new option by the homocoupling reactions of thiols and phosphines. The kinetics and the reaction pathway were studied by a number of experiments (including heterocoupling of thiols and phosphines), supported by quantum‐chemical computations. Reaction of the oxidized GFA with p‐dihydrobenzoquinone to give p‐benzoquinone shows that typical proton‐coupled electron‐transfer reactions are also possible.     

Synthesis of dendritic carbohydrate end‐functional polymers via RAFT: Versatile multi‐functional precursors for bioconjugations

Well‐defined pyridyl disulfide (PDS) end‐functionalized polymer‐dendritic carbohydrate scaffolds are reported as novel precursors for the attachment of biomolecules. This synthetic approach combines reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and “click” reactions. Poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide) (PHPMA) with 2‐mercaptothiozalidine end‐groups was prepared by RAFT polymerization yielding molecular weights of M_n = 4300 and 9900, both with a polydispersity of less than 1.2. These polymers were then attached to dendritic mannose scaffolds preconstructed via consecutive “click” reactions. Finally, the ω‐dithiobenzoate RAFT end‐group of PHPMA was modified to yield PDS functionality, by aminolysis in the presence of 2,2′‐dithiodipyridine. This PDS end‐functionalized PHPMA‐dendritic carbohydrate scaffold is a versatile precursor for bioconjugations, as the synthetic procedure can easily accommodate a range of sugar functionalities. In addition, the PDS groups can be used to react with any thiol present in a biomolecule (e.g., cysteine residue in proteins, or ? SH terminal nucleotides). To demonstrate the utility of these scaffolds we describe their bioconjugation to short interfering RNA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4302–4313, 2009     

De Novo Design of Functional Oligonucleotides with Acyclic Scaffolds

In this account, we demonstrate a new methodology for the de novo design of functional oligonucleotides with the acyclic scaffolds threoninol and serinol. Four functional motifs—wedge, interstrand‐wedge, dimer, and cluster—have been prepared from natural DNA or RNA and functional base surrogates prepared from d ‐threoninol. The following applications of these motifs are described: (1) photoregulation of formation and dissociation of a DNA duplex modified with azobenzene, (2) sequence‐specific detection of DNA using a fluorescent probe, (3) formation of fluorophore assemblies that mimic quantum dots, (4) improved strand selectivity of siRNA modified with a base surrogate, and (5) in vivo tracing of the RNAi pathway. Finally, we introduce artificial nucleic acids (XNAs) prepared from d ‐threoninol and serinol functionalized with each of the four nucleobases, which have unique properties compared with other acyclic XNAs. Functional oligonucleotides designed from acyclic scaffolds will be powerful tools for both DNA nanotechnology and biotechnology.     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Integrated One‐Flow Synthesis of Heterocyclic Thioquinazolinones through Serial Microreactions with Two Organolithium Intermediates

The synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds via short‐lived intermediates in a microreactor is attractive, because of the fast flow and high throughput. Additionally, intermediates can be utilized sequentially to efficiently build up a library in a short time. Here we present an integrated microfluidic synthesis of biologically active thioquinazolinone libraries. Generation of o‐lithiophenyl isothiocyanate and subsequent reaction with aryl isocyanate is optimized by controlling the residence time in the microreactor to 16 ms at room temperature. Various S‐benzylic thioquinazolinone derivatives are synthesized within 10 s in high yields (75–98 %) at room temperature. These three‐step reactions involve two organolithium intermediates, an isothiocyanate‐functionalized aryllithium intermediate, and a subsequent lithium thiolate intermediate. We also demonstrate the gram‐scale synthesis of a multifunctionalized thioquinazolinone in the microfluidic device with a high yield (91 %) and productivity (1.25 g in 5 min).     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Heterograft copolymers via double click reactions using one‐pot technique

The double click reactions (Cu catalyzed Huisgen and Diels–Alder reactions) were used as a new strategy for the preparation of well‐defined heterograft copolymers in one‐pot technique. The synthetic strategy to the various stages of this work is outlined: (i) preparing random copolymers of styrene (St) and p‐chloromethylstyrene (CMS) (which is a functionalizable monomer) via nitroxide mediated radical polymerization (NMP); (ii) attachment of anthracene functionality to the preformed copolymer by the o‐etherification procedure and then conversion of the remaining ? CH₂Cl into azide functionality; (iii) by using double click reactions in one‐pot technique, maleimide end‐functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐MI) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of MMA and alkyne end‐functionalized poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG‐alkyne) were introduced onto the copolymer bearing pendant anthryl and azide moieties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6969–6977, 2008     

Highly Regioselective Sequential 1,1‐Dihydrosilylation of Terminal Aliphatic Alkynes with Primary Silanes

A regioselective double 1,1‐hydrosilylation of terminal aliphatic alkynes with primary silanes catalyzed by one cobalt catalyst has been developed. gem‐Bis(dihydrosilyl)alkanes containing four silicon‐hydrogen bonds are efficiently constructed in an atom‐economical manner. Tolerated substrates include simplest alkyne‐ethyne, a complicated drug derivative and various functionalized terminal aliphatic alkynes. Asymmetric approach using two catalysts is achieved with excellent enantioselectivities to access corresponding chiral products. The transformations of Si—H bonds into Si—C, Si—O, and Si—F bonds and the synthesis of enantioriched α‐hydroxysilane show synthetic utility.     

Synthesis of meta‐Functionalized Pyridines by Selective Dehydrogenative Heterocondensation of β‐ and γ‐Amino Alcohols

New reactions that convert alcohols into important classes of compounds are becoming increasingly important as their development contributes to the conservation of our fossil carbon feedstock and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Two key catalytic alcohol conversion concepts are borrowing hydrogen or hydrogen autotransfer and acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation. Herein, we combined both concepts to synthesize meta ‐functionalized pyridines. First, diols and amines were linked to β‐amino alcohols, which can then undergo a selective dehydrogenative heterocondensation with γ‐amino alcohols. Iridium catalysts stabilized by PN₅P pincer ligands that were developed in our laboratory mediate the reactions most efficiently. All of the 3‐aminopyridines that we describe in this paper have been synthesized for the first time, emphasizing the degree of innovation of this method and the problems associated with the synthesis of such meta ‐functionalized pyridines.     

Organocatalytic Triazole Formation,Followed by Oxidative Aromatization: Regioselective Metal‐Free Synthesis of Benzotriazoles

Herein we report on our studies on the sequential one‐pot combinations of amine‐catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs). We have developed the copper‐free synthesis of functionalized bicyclic N‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazole and N‐arylbenzotriazole products 4 and 5 from the simple unmodified starting materials through [3+2]‐cycloaddition ([3+2]‐CA) and oxidative aromatization reactions in one pot under amine catalysis. The sequential one‐pot reaction proceeds in good yields with high selectivity by using pyrrolidine as the catalyst from the simple unmodified substrates of enones, aryl azides, and 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ). Furthermore, we have demonstrated the medicinal applications of products 4 and 5 through simple organic reactions.     

Preparation of single‐walled carbon nanotubes‐induced poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) crystals

Crystallization of oligomers was applied for the preparation of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)/poly(p‐oxybenzoyl) (POB) crystals using SWNTs as a nucleating agent. Polymerization conditions were investigated to induce the crystallization of POB oligomers through SWNTs. SWNTs/POB plate‐like or lozenge‐shaped crystals were successfully prepared by direct polymerization of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) in a mixed solvent of DMF/Py with TsCl in the presence of functionalized SWNTs. The size of the plate‐like crystals were ～200 nm to 3 μm. The crystals consisted of some layers, ～3 nm thick plates. Model reactions showed that esterification reactions proceed between functionalized SWNTs and HBA monomers in the polymerization system. The obtained crystals exhibited unique morphology and high crystallinity, producing a novel SWNT/POB hybrid. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1265–1277, 2008     

Modular synthesis of ABC type block copolymers by “click” chemistry

Heterotelechelic polystyrene (PS), poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (PtBA), and poly (methyl acrylate) (PMA), containing both azide and triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) protected acetylene end groups, were prepared in good control (M_w/M_n ≤ 1.24) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The end groups were independently applied in two successive “click” reactions, that is: first the azide termini were functionalized and, after deprotection, the acetylene moieties were utilized for a second conjugation step. As a proof of concept, PS was consecutively functionalized with propargyl alcohol and azidoacetic acid, as confirmed by MALDI‐ToF MS. In addition, the same methodology was employed to modularly build up an ABC type triblock terpolymer. Size exclusion chromatography measurements demonstrated first coupling of PtBA to PS and, after the deprotection of the acetylene functionality on PS, connection of PMA, yielding a PMA‐b‐PS‐b‐PtBA triblock terpolymer. The reactions were driven to completion using a slight excess of azide functionalized polymers. Reduction of the residual azide groups into amines allowed easy removal of this excess of polymer by column chromatography. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2913–2924, 2007     

Computational design of S‐nitrosothiol “click” reactions

To address a long‐standing problem of finding efficient reactions for chemical labeling of protein‐based S‐nitrosothiols (RSNOs), we computationally explored hitherto unknown (3+2) cycloaddition RSNO reactions with alkynes and alkenes. Nonactivated RSNO cycloaddition reactions have high activation enthalpy (>20 kcal/mol at the CBS‐QB3 level) and compete with alternative S—N bond insertion pathway. However, the (3+2) cycloaddition reaction barriers can be dramatically lowered by coordination of a Lewis acid to the N atom of the —SNO group. To exploit this effect, we propose to use reagents with Lewis acid and a strain‐activated carbon–carbon multiple bond linked by a rigid scaffold, which can react with RSNOs with small activation enthalpies (～5 kcal/mol) and high reaction exothermicities (～40 kcal/mol). The proposed efficient RSNO cycloaddition reactions can be used for future development of practical RSNO labeling reactions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

From Alkanes to Carboxylic Acids: Terminal Oxygenation by a Fungal Peroxygenase

A new heme–thiolate peroxidase catalyzes the hydroxylation of n‐alkanes at the terminal position—a challenging reaction in organic chemistry—with H₂O₂ as the only cosubstrate. Besides the primary product, 1‐dodecanol, the conversion of dodecane yielded dodecanoic, 12‐hydroxydodecanoic, and 1,12‐dodecanedioic acids, as identified by GC–MS. Dodecanal could be detected only in trace amounts, and 1,12‐dodecanediol was not observed, thus suggesting that dodecanoic acid is the branch point between mono‐ and diterminal hydroxylation. Simultaneously, oxygenation was observed at other hydrocarbon chain positions (preferentially C2 and C11). Similar results were observed in reactions of tetradecane. The pattern of products formed, together with data on the incorporation of ¹⁸O from the cosubstrate H₂¹⁸O₂, demonstrate that the enzyme acts as a peroxygenase that is able to catalyze a cascade of mono‐ and diterminal oxidation reactions of long‐chain n‐alkanes to give carboxylic acids.     

Catalytic activities of NHC‐PdCl2 species based on functionalized tetradentate imidazolium salt in three types of C‐C coupling reactions

A functionalized tetradentate imidazolium salt 9,10‐bis{di[2′‐(N‐ethylimidazolium‐1‐yl)ethyl]aminomethyl}anthracene tetrakis(hexafluorophosphate) ( 1 ) has been synthesized and characterized. The catalytic activity of the NHC‐PdCl₂ species formed by compound 1 and PdCl₂ was tested in Suzuki‐Miyaura, Heck‐Mizoroki and Sonogashira reactions. The results showed that this catalytic system was effective for above three types of C‐C coupling reactions.     

Synthesis of Bifunctional Azobenzene Glycoconjugates for Cysteine‐Based Photosensitive Cross‐Linking with Bioactive Peptides

Azobenzene linker molecules can be utilized to control peptide/protein function when they are ligated to appropriately spaced amino acid side chains of the peptide. This is because the photochemical E/Z isomerization of the azobenzene N?N double bond allows to switch peptide conformation between folded and unfolded. In this context, we have introduced carbohydrate‐functionalized azobenzene derivatives in order to advance the biocompatible properties of azobenzene peptide linkers. Chloroacetamide‐functionalized and O‐allylated carbohydrate derivatives were synthesized and conjugated with azobenzene to achieve new bifunctional cross‐linkers, in order to allow ligation to cysteine side chains by nucleophilic substitution or thiol‐ene reaction, respectively. The photochromic properties of the new linker glycoconjugates were determined and first ligation reactions performed.     

Diels-Alder Reactions of N-Functionalized Acryloyl α-Pyrrolidone Derivatives Using FeCl3·6H2O as an Efficient Catalyst under Solvent-free Conditions

Diels-Alder reactions of N-functionalized acryloyl α-pyrrolidone derivatives were investigated, which were catalyzed by FeCl3·6H2O as an efficient catalyst under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. The corresponding cycloadducts with functionalized-pyrrolidone were prepared in high yield with high stereoselectivity by a green chemistry procedure. N-Functionalized acryloyl pyrrolidone derivatives, a kind of pyrrolidone-functionalized chelating α,β-unsaturated ketone usable as a dienophile in Diels-Alder reaction, were synthesized by N-acylation procedure in ionic liquid as a novel synthetic method.     

Direct C?H Functionalization of Enamides and Enecarbamates by Using Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis

Direct C? H functionalization of various enamides and enecarbamates was realized through visible‐light photoredox catalyzed reactions. Under the optimized conditions using [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)PF₆] as photocatalyst in combination with Na₂HPO₄, enamides such as N‐vinylpyrrolidinone could be easily functionalized by irradiation of the reaction mixture overnight in acetonitrile with visible light. The scope of the reaction with respect to enamide and enecarbamate substrates by using diethyl 2‐bromomalonate for the alkylation reaction was explored, followed by an investigation of the scope of alkylating reagents used to react with the enamides and enecarbamates. The results indicated that reaction takes place with quite broad substrate scope, however, tertiary enamides with an internal C?C double bond in the E configuration could not be alkylated. Alkylation of N‐vinyl tertiary enamides and enecarbamates gave monoalkylated products exclusively in the E configuration. Alkylation of N‐vinyl secondary enamides gave doubly alkylated products. Double bond migration was observed in the reaction of electron‐deficient bromides such as 3‐bromoacetyl acetate with N‐vinylpyrrolidinone. A mechanism is proposed for the reaction that is different from reported reactions of SOMOphiles with a nonfunctionalized C?C double bond. Further tests on the trifluoromethylation and arylation of enamides and enecarbamates under similar conditions showed that the reactions could serve as a mild, practical, and environmentally friendly approach to various functionalized enamides and enecarbamates.     

Spacer‐length‐dependent association in polymers with multiple‐hydrogen‐bonded end groups

Herein, we investigate the influence of spacer length on the homoassociation and heteroassociation of end‐functionalized hydrogen‐bonding polymers based on poly(n‐butyl acrylate). Two monofunctional ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) end‐functionalized polymers were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization using self‐complementary UPy‐functional initiators that differ in the spacer length between the multiple‐hydrogen‐bonding group and the chain initiation site. The self‐complementary binding strength (K_dim) of these end‐functionalized polymers was shown to depend critically on the spacer length as evident from ¹H NMR and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy. In addition, the heteroassociation strength of the end‐functionalized UPy polymers with end‐functionalized polymers containing the complementary 2,7‐diamido‐1,8‐naphthyridine (NaPy) hydrogen‐bond motif is also affected when the aliphatic spacer length is too short. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011