Synthesis and ‘double click’ density functionalization of 8-aza-7-deazaguanine DNA bearing branched side chains with terminal triple bonds

The 7-[di(prop-2-ynl)amino]prop-1-ynyl derivative of 8-aza-7-deaza-2′-deoxyguanosine (1) was synthesized from 7-iodo-8-aza-7-deaza-2′-deoxyguanosine (7) by Sonogashira cross-coupling and converted into the phosphoramidite building block 10. Oligonucleotides bearing branched side chains with terminal triple bonds were prepared by solid-phase synthesis containing single or multiple residues of 1 as 2′-deoxyguanosine surrogates. T_m measurements demonstrate that compound 1 has a positive effect on duplex stability, which is comparable to the stabilizing effect of the octa-1,7-diynylated non-branched nucleoside 2. Nucleoside 1 and corresponding oligonucleotides were functionalized by the Cu(I)-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition ‘double click’ reaction with diverse ligands (AZT 3, benzyl azide 4, 11-azidoundecanol 5 and m-dPEG™₄-azide 6). The conjugation reactions were carried out in solution and on solid support. Nucleoside 1 allowed ‘double’ functionalization of a single residue with two reporter groups. The ‘double click’ reaction proceeded smoothly even when two residues of nucleoside 1 were arranged in proximal positions. Hybridization with complementary strands led to a stable oligonucleotide duplex. Molecular modeling indicates that inspite of the crowded steric situation with four AZT ligands within closest proximal positions, all ligands are well accommodated in the major groove not disturbing the DNA helix.     

UFU (‘Ullmann-Finkelstein-Ullmann’): a new multicomponent reaction

We developed conditions to carry out the first ‘one-pot’ Ullmann-Finkelstein-Ullmann multicomponent reaction reported. This reaction allows the one-pot synthesis of dissymmetrical para-disubstituted benzene scaffold from 1-bromo-4-iodobenzene and two N-nucleophiles. CuI/N,N′-dimethyl-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine was used as a catalyst/ligand couple, K₃PO₄ as a base and the reaction was performed in dioxane.     

Zn selective luminescent ‘off-on’ probes derived from diaryl oxadiazole and aza-15-crown-5

New photo-induced electron transfer (PET) probes OMOX and OBOX, carrying an additional binding site in the form of ‘oxadiazole nitrogen’ have been designed to evaluate binding interactions with biologically significant Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺ including environmentally toxic Ba²⁺ and Cd²⁺ using optical spectral techniques. While Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ did not appreciably perturb either the absorption or emission spectra, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ induced slight red shifts (2-8 nm) in the UV-visible spectra as well as pronounced chelation induced enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). Both OMOX and OBOX exhibited the highest CHEF in contact with the zinc ion, whereas Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ induced relatively less emission enhancements. OBOX, which is a poorer emitter (Φ_f=0.0062) than OMOX (Φ_f=0.015), showed highly promising 160-fold emission enhancement in the presence of Zn²⁺. Potential, therefore is available in OBOX to function as a selective luminescent ‘off-on’ sensor for Zn²⁺ in the presence of coordinatively competing Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions.     

Cl/Cl isotope effects in Rh NMR of [RhCln(H2O)6−n] complex anions in hydrochloric acid solution as a unique ‘NMR finger-print’ for unambiguous speciation

A detailed analysis of the ³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl isotope effects observed in the 19.11 MHz ¹⁰³Rh NMR resonances of [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ complexes (n = 3–6) in acidic solution at 292.1 K, shows that the ‘fine structure’ of each ¹⁰³Rh resonance can be understood in terms of the unique isotopologue and in certain instances the isotopomer distribution in each complex. These ³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl isotope effects in the ¹⁰³Rh NMR resonance of the [Rh^35/37Cl₆]³⁻ species manifest only as a result of the statistically expected ³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl isotopologues, whereas for the aquated species such as for example [Rh^35/37Cl₅(H₂O)]²⁻, cis-[Rh^35/37Cl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻ as well as the mer-[Rh^35/37Cl₃(H₂O)₃] complexes, additional fine-structure due to the various possible isotopomers within each class of isotopologues, is visible. Of interest is the possibility of the direct identification of stereoisomers cis-[RhCl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻, trans-[RhCl₄(H₂O)₂]⁻, fac-[RhCl₃(H₂O)₃] and mer-[RhCl₃(H₂O)₃] based on the ¹⁰³Rh NMR line shape, other than on the basis of their very similar δ(¹⁰³Rh) chemical shift. The ¹⁰³Rh NMR resonance structure thus serves as a novel and unique ‘NMR-fingerprint’ leading to the unambiguous assignment of [RhCl_n(H₂O)_6−n]³⁻ⁿ complexes (n = 3–6), without reliance on accurate δ(¹⁰³Rh) chemical shifts.     

Participation of host ‘spacer’ atoms in carboxylic acid binding: implications for amino acid recognition

Chiral 4,4′-diamido-2,2′-biimidazoles were synthesized and found to bind N-Boc protected amino acids in CDCl₃. The biimidazole that features (R)-tetrahydrofurfuryl units discriminates between N-Boc-l-Ser (K_assoc=120 M⁻¹) and its non-natural d-enantiomer (270 M⁻¹). X-ray diffraction and computational analyses show that members of this receptor class adopt a cleft-like conformation, presenting a donor-spacer-donor-acceptor H-bonding array. Complexes of such biimidazoles with the -COOH unit of amino acids are stabilized by direct involvement of what is nominally a ‘spacer’ atom, unlike other D-Sp-D-A hosts.     

Design and synthesis of a new coumarin-based ‘turn-on’ fluorescent probe selective for Cu

The novel coumarin-based ‘turn-on’ fluorescent probe (E)-3-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylideneamino)-7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (MGM) was designed, synthesized, and characterized. This compound shows high selectivity for Cu⁺², combined with a large fluorescence enhancement upon binding to Cu²⁺. Benesi-Hildebrand and Job plots demonstrate that the stoichiometry of the Cu²⁺ complex formed is 2:1. Preliminary studies employing epifluorescence microscopy demonstrated that Cu⁺² could be imaged in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells treated with MGM.     

A highly selective and femto-molar sensitive fluorescence ‘turn-on’ chemodosimeter for Hg

A selective fluorescence ‘turn-on’ chemodosimeter N,N′-bis-(4-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3-diamine (3) based on a Schiff base for femto-molar detection of the Hg²⁺ has been described. It presents the highest level of detection limit for Hg²⁺ through Schiff base hydrolysis.     

Oxidative hydrolysis of a cyclic 1,N-propano-2′-deoxyguanosine, an adduct of 2′-deoxyguanosine with acetaldehyde or crotonaldehyde

The SO₄⁻-oxidation of cyclic 1,N²-propano-2′-deoxyguanosine, chemo- and regioselectively produced in the reaction of 2′-deoxyguanosine with excessive acetaldehyde or crotonaldehyde, resulted in the smooth formation of (4-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyltetrahydrofuran-2-ylimino)-(4-hydroxy-6-methyltetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylideneamino)acetic acid, 3-(4-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-6-methyl-3H-1,3,4,5,8a-pentaazacyclopenta[b]naphthalen-9-one, and 2′-deoxyguanosine even under neutral conditions. The formation of the guanine-ring opened product during the reaction is very interesting and appears to closely relate to the mechanisms for the point-mutations of DNA by these mutagenic and carcinogenic aldehydes.     

Efficient novel 1,2-diphosphite ligands derived from d-mannitol in the Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation

A novel Pd/1,2-diphosphite catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of 1,3-diarylpropenyl acetate with malonates was developed. Catalyst optimization via a variation in the protecting groups at the 1,2- and/or 5,6-positions of d-mannitol skeleton and in biaryl moieties of the ligands led to a ‘lead’ catalyst, which efficiently mediated the allylic alkylations. The activities and enantioselectivities of the reaction clearly showed that the stereogenic centers of the skeleton and the axially chiral diaryl moieties of the ligands had a synergic effect. The ligand 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-3,4-bis[(S)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl]phosphite-d-mannitol afforded excellent yields (up to 99%) and high levels of enantioselectivies (ee up to 98%) in 1,4-dioxane/CH₂Cl₂ mixture (v/v, 1:1) using [Pd(π-allyl)Cl]₂ as catalytic precursor and LiOAc as base. Dramatic changes in the sense and in the degree of the enantioselectivity depending on the configuration of the diaryl moieties of the ligands and reaction conditions were observed.     

Cyclization versus oligomerization of SP- and RP-5′-OH-N-benzoyl-2′-deoxycytidine-3′-O-(2-thio-4,4-pentamethylene-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane)s

The S_P-isomer of 5′-OH-N⁴-benzoyl-2′-deoxycytidine-3′-O-(2-thio-4,4-pentamethylene-1,3,2-oxathiaphospholane) undergoes DBU-promoted intramolecular cyclization providing as a sole product S_P-deoxycytidine cyclic 3′,5′-O,O-phosphorothioate. Unexpectedly, the R_P-counterpart yields a mixture of products consisting of R_P-deoxycytidine cyclic 3′,5′-O,O-phosphorothioate and macrocyclic oligo(deoxycytidine phosphorothioate)s. The results of molecular modeling indicate that the dychotomy observed for the R_P substrate may result from remarkably higher energy of the corresponding transition states, caused by the presence of bulky ‘spiro’ pentamethylene substituent at the position C4 in the oxathiaphospholane ring.     

Cobalt complexes of a selenium diimide and a tellurium diimide dimer

[CoCl₂{N,N′-Te₂(N^tBu)₄}] (1) was obtained in good yields by the reaction of equimolar amounts of (^tBu)NTe(μ-N^tBu)₂TeN(^tBu) and CoCl₂ in toluene under an argon atmosphere. The crystal structure of 1·CH₂Cl₂ showed that the dimeric tellurium diimide ligand is N,N′-chelated to cobalt. The related reaction of Se(N^tBu)₂ and CoCl₂ affords a green product tentatively identified as a 1:1 adduct [CoCl₂{N,N′-Se(N^tBu)₂}] (CHN analysis). However, recrystallization from thf produces the ion-separated complex [Co₂(μ-Cl)₃{N,N′-Se(N^tBu)₂}₂(thf)₂][CoCl₃{NH₂(^tBu)}]·1½thf (2·1½thf), in which the monomeric selenium diimide ligand is N,N′-chelated to cobalt in the cation. A pathway for the formation of 2 from [CoCl₂{N,N′-Se(N^tBu)₂}] in thf is proposed.     

Unexpected highly selective fluorescence ‘turn-on’ and ratiometric detection of Hg based on fluorescein platform

Methylated fluorescein 1 was explored for fluorescence ‘turn-on’ and ratiometric detection of Hg²⁺ in THF and CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (v/v=9:1), respectively, with unexpected high selectivity. In the presence of Hg²⁺, characteristic structured absorption band of 1 diminished and a new sharp band appeared at 445 nm. Meanwhile a blue shifted and enhanced emission was observed. The ratio of the fluorescence intensity at 559 and 478 nm increased linearly with [Hg²⁺], and solution color changing from yellow to cyan under irradiation at 365 nm in CH₂Cl₂/MeOH. Job plot indicated a 1:1 stoichiometry for 1-Hg²⁺ complex in solution. ¹H NMR titration and IR spectra suggested the coordination of carbonyl group in xanthene moiety to Hg²⁺, affording its spectral behavior. Compound 2 bearing two triazolyl amino esters in place of methyl group showed quite similar behavior to Hg²⁺, which indicated that substituents did not interfere with the specific binding behavior of fluorescein platform. Our work presents a new way to explore xanthene dyes as new chemosensors by modulating electron density on the xanthene ring through non-covalent interactions with carbonyl group.     

Photovoltaic properties of new cyanine-naphthalimide dyads synthesized by ‘Click’ chemistry

Two novel cyanine dyads, in which a naphthalimide unit is attached to benzoindole ring of unsymmetric trimethine cyanine, have been synthesized via ‘Click’ reaction and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS-ESI. Under the illumination of AM 1.5 (75 mW cm⁻²), the power conversion efficiency of cyanine I reached 4.8% (J_sc = 14.5 mA cm⁻², V_oc = 0.50, FF = 0.49). The results show that the two cyanine dyes are promising sensitizers for nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell.     

Substitution reactions of [MBr(π allyl)(CO)2(LL)] complexes (M = Mo,W; L-L = 2,2 -bipyridine 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane) with xanthates and dithiocarbamates

The complexes [MBr(π-allyl)(CO)₂(bipy)] (M = Mo, W, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) react with alkylxanthates (M^IRxant), and N-alkyldithiocarbamates (M^IRHdtc) (M^I = Na or K), yielding complexes of general formula [M(S,S)- (π-allyl)(CO)₂(bipy)] (M = Mo, (S,S) = Rxant (R = Me, Et, t-Bu, Bz), RHdtc (R = Me, Et); M = W, (S,S) = Extant). A monodentate coordentate coordination of the (S,S) ligand was deduced from spectral data. The reaction of [MoBr(π-allyl)(CO)₂(bipy)] with MeHdtc and Mexant gives the same complexes whether pyridine is present or not. The complexes [Mo(S,S)(π-allyl)(CO)₂(bipy)] ((S,S) = MeHdtc, Mexant) do not react with an excess of (S,S) ligand and pyridine.No reaction products were isolated from reaction of [MoBr(π-allyl)(CO)₂(dppe)] with xanthates or N-alkyldithiocarbamates.     

Synthesis, properties, and hepatic metabolism of strongly fluorescent fluorodipyrrinones

From non-fluorescent 8-H fluorophenyldipyrrinones, highly fluorescent (?_F 0.4-0.6) analogs have been synthesized by reaction with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole to bridge the dipyrrinone nitrogens and form an N,N′-carbonyldipyrrinone (3H,5H-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:2′,1′-f]pyrimidine-3,5-dione). Amphiphilic, water-soluble 8-sulfonic acid derivatives are then obtained by reaction with concd H₂SO₄. The resulting fluorinated and sulfonated N,N′-carbonyl-bridged dipyrrinones, isolated as their sodium salts, are potential cholephilic fluorescence and ¹⁹F MRI imaging agents for use in probing liver and biliary metabolism. After intravenous injection in the rat they were excreted rapidly and largely unchanged in bile. ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy of a pentafluorophenyl-tosylpyrrolinone synthetic precursor exhibited rarely seen diastereotopicity.     

The design and synthesis of a new potentially C3-symmetric ferrocenylphosphine

A new potentially C₃-symmetric phosphine ligand ‘manphos’ has been obtained and fully characterized. The ligand which is a tri-ferrocenyl-tetra-phosphine is obtained in a simple and effective two step synthesis starting from 1,1′-dibromoferrocene via the intermediate compound tris-(1′-bromoferrocenyl)phosphine or alternatively via 1'-bromo-1-diphenylphosphinoferrocene. The iso-propylphosphino-analogue of manphos, tris-(1'-diisopropylphosphinoferrocenenyl)phosphine, has also been obtained, in addition to several functionalised derivatives of triferrocenylphosphine where the ferrocene rings have been substituted in the 1′-position.     

New di- and triorganotin(IV) derivatives of tyrosinylphenylalanine as models for metal-protein interactions: Synthesis and structural characterization. Crystal structure of Me2Sn(Tyr-Phe) · MeOH

New di- and triorganotin(IV) derivatives of tyrosinylphenylalanine (H₂Tyr-Phe) with general formulae R₂Sn(Tyr-Phe) where R = Me,n-Bu, n-Oct and Ph, and R₃^′Sn(HTyr-Phe) where R^′ = Me and Ph have been synthesized. The bonding and coordination behaviour in these derivatives are discussed on the basis of FT-IR, multinuclear ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopic studies. These investigations suggest that dipeptide in R₂Sn(Tyr-Phe) acts as dianionic tridentate coordinating through −C(O)O⁻, -NH₂ and (-CO)N⁻_peptide groups while in case of R^′₃Sn(HTyr-Phe) the ligand acts as monoanionic bidentate coordinating through -C(O)O⁻ and -NH₂, and the polyhedron around tin in R₂Sn(Tyr-Phe) and R^′₃Sn(HTyr-Phe) is a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal. It is further confirmed by the single crystal X-ray structure of Me₂Sn(Tyr-Phe) · MeOH which shows two methyl groups and peptide nitrogen (N⁻_peptide) in the equatorial positions, while the two axial positions are occupied by the carboxylic oxygen (O⁻_carboxyl) and the amino nitrogen (N_amino) atom from the same ligand molecule. One methanol molecule is also present in the asymmetric unit.     

Highly efficient asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by chiral ‘roofed’ cis-diamine-Ru(II) complex

A new type of chiral Ru(II) complex, prepared from a conformationally rigid, sterically bulky ‘roofed’ cis-diamine and [RuCl₂(benzene)]₂, functions as an efficient catalyst for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a wide variety of aryl ketones, including sterically bulky ketones, when the reaction is conducted in the presence of 5HCO₂H·2NEt₃.     

A convenient stereoselective synthesis of cationic (η3-allyl)iron tetracarbonyl complexes

Allylic alcohols have been found to react with Fe₂(CO)₉ in ether to afford after addition of HBF₄/acetic anhydride, the corresponding (η³-allyl)Fe(CO)₄⁺BF₄^?- species (I) in moderate to good yields. The geometry of the starting alcohol is retained in the product complex; thus E-crotyl and -cinnamyl alcohols led to anti-substituted complexes, whereas the corresponding Z-alcohols produced syn-complexes.     

Preparation of macrocyclic and ‘C-clamp’ dicarboxylate compounds

Reductive amination of bis-1,3-(aminomethyl)-4,6-diisopropylbenzene with the 4,4″-dicarboxaldehyde of 1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl-2′-carboxylic acid, sodium salt, afforded a novel macrocyclic dicarboxylate compound in 71% isolated yield. Purification was effected by filtration in a single step. The synthesis and characterization of two new ‘C-clamp’ compounds, which also contain two m-terphenyl carboxylates but exhibit much greater degree of flexibility, are also described. These compounds are of interest as potential ligands or for host-guest chemistry.