Synthesis of, and structural assignments to the stereoisomers of bis (2,2')- and tris (2,2',2")-tetrahydrofurans: conformational features and ionic binding capacities of these gateway polycyclic networks

Construction of the polytetrahydrofuranyl building blocks 6-10 from the common bissiloxyacetone precursor 11 is detailed. The approach is concise and, for the bis-(THF) pair, capitalizes on the full retention of configuration observed during the rhodium-promoted decarbonylation of aldehydes 18 and 19. The capability of the title compounds to associate with alkali metal ions in solution and the gas phase has demonstrated a preference for Li+ over Na+ and K+ in all cases, with 6 and 7 exhibiting somewhat higher binding selectivities than 8-10. The relative energy orderings of attainable conformations with the bis-THF and tris-THF series were explored computationally. The various envelope arrangements present in the individual THF units are shown to play a significant role alongside prevailing gauche interactions. The "gauche effect" is shown computationally not to be an accurate predictor of the lowest energy conformer.     

Synthesis and reversible thermo-induced conformational transitions of a stable nitroxide biradical based on calix[4]arene

A stable paramagnetic calix[4]arene(III) bearing two nitroxide groups on the upper rim is synthesized, which exhibits a strong intramolecular spin-spin exchange interaction and is found to be able to undergo reversible conformational transitions upon heating.     

Heat capacities at 298.15 K of the extended [CnC1im][Ntf2] ionic liquid series

High-precision heat capacities at 298.15 K of the [C_nC₁im][Ntf₂] ionic liquid series were measured with an uncertainty of less than ±0.3%, using a drop heat capacity apparatus that was recently updated. The dependence of the $c_p^o$ values on the alkyl side chain length for the extended ionic liquid series [C_nC₁im][Ntf₂] (with n = 2 to 8, 10, and 12) displays a trend shift at [C₆C₁im][Ntf₂], which is taken as an evidence for percolation limit. Above this limit there is an increase in the methylene group contribution to the molar heat capacity which is in agreement with the higher molar absolute entropies change observed from the (liquid + vapor) equilibrium results. The obtained experimental results support the model that the ionic liquids tend to be segregated into a polar network and non-polar domains, being followed by an increase of the entropy contribution of the non-polar domains.     

Azabrendanes V. Synthesis and reactions of stereoisomeric exo- and endo-5-aminomethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-based ureas

A number of stereoisomeric ureas (N-[aryl(benzyl, or cycloalkyl)carbamoyl]-exo(endo)-5-aminomethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-enes) have been synthesized from bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-en-exo(endo)-5-carbonitrile by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride and subsequent reaction of the resulting amines with aryl (benzyl, or cycloalkyl) isocyanates. Regioselective alkylation of stereoisomeric ureas has been performed with benzyl chloride under liquid/solid phase-transfer catalysis. The outcome of the reactions of ureas with peroxy acids is dependent upon the orientation of substituents in the bicyclic fragment. Exo-isomeric ureas are transformed into corresponding epoxy-derivatives, while reactions of the endo-isomers are accompanied by intramolecular cyclization, resulting in the formation of azatricyclononane derivatives. Quantum-chemical calculations have established a decisive role for additional hydrogen bonding in the stabilization of transition states in these heterocyclization reactions of ureas. The structures and stereochemical homogeneity of the products have been confirmed by the analysis of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra and correlation spectroscopy. The mechanism of the intramolecular heterocyclization reaction of ureas and carboxamide of endo-5-aminomethyl-exo-2,3-epoxybicyclo[2.2.1]heptane series has been studied at the BHandHLYP/6-31G(d) level of theory.      

Theoretical study on conformational features and cation-binding properties of a diquinone calix[4]arene

Theoretical studies of a diquinone calix[4]arene and its interactions with the cations Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺ have been performed. Conformational features and cation-binding properties were evaluated with the restricted hybrid Becke three-parameter exchange functional method using the 6-31G(d) basis set and its relativistic effective core potentials. To model the effect of medium, the polarisable continuum model was also used. Four typical conformations of the parent diquinone calix[4]arene were studied. The calculated results show that the most stable conformers are 1,3-alternate and partial cone in the gas phase and in CH₂Cl₂ solution, respectively. The optimised geometric structures were used to perform natural bond orbital analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions are investigated. The calculated binding energy for cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺) is discussed. The calculated results indicate that cone complexes are the most stable.     

Synthesis and conformational study of the first triply bridged calix[6]azatubes

[reaction: see text] The first C(3)(v)- and D(3)(h)-symmetrical triply bridged calix[6]azatubes were prepared in good yields from the known 1,3,5-tris-methylated calix[6]arene through an efficient [1 + 1] macrocyclization reaction. A remarkably regioselective hexa ipso-nitration reaction led to a calix[6]azatube substituted at the wide rim in alternate position by tBu and nitro groups. A (1)H NMR study showed that, whereas the parent bis-calix[6]arenes self-include their methoxy groups, thereby closing their inner tube, the nitro-substituted calix[6]azatube undergoes a conformational change with the expulsion of the methoxy groups, hence presenting a three-dimensional structure open for host-guest applications.     

Selenium heterocycles. XXXII . Synthesis of [1]benzoxepino[3,4-d]-thiazole, [1]benzothiepino[3,4-d]thiazole, [1]benzoxepino[3,4-d]selenazole,and [1]benzothiepino[3,4-d]selenazole. four novel heterocycles

Starting from the readily available ethyl 2-phenyl-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxylate (III), 2-phenyl-4-chloromethyl-thiazole (VIII) and 2-aryl-4-chloromethylselenazole (XIV), 2-phenyl-4,10-dihydro-10-oxo-[1]benzoxepino[3,4-d]thiazole (Ia), 2-phenyl-4,10-dihydro-10-oxo[1]benzothiepino[3,4-d]thiazole (Ib), 2-aryl-4,10-dihydro-10-oxo[1]benzoxepino[3,4-d]selenazoles (IIa-IIe) and 2-aryl-4,10-dihydro-10-oxo[1]benzothiepino[3,4-d]selenazoles (IIf-IIj) were prepared.     

Synthesis and conformational analysis by 1H NMR and restrained molecular dynamics simulations of the cyclic decapeptide [Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly]

Summary The design of enzyme mimics with therapeutic and industrial applications has interested both experimental and computational chemists for several decades. Recent advances in the computational methodology of restrained molecular dynamics, used in conjunction with data obtained from two-dimensional ¹H NMR spectroscopy, make it a promising method to study peptide and protein structure and function. Several issues, however, need to be addressed in order to assess the validity of this method for its explanatory and predictive value. Among the issues addressed in this study are: the accuracy and generizability of the GROMOS peptide molecular mechanics force field; the effect of inclusion of solvent on the simulations; and the effect of different types of restraining algorithms on the computational results. The decapeptide Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly, which corresponds to the sequence of ACTH_1–10, has been synthesized, cyclized, and studied by two-dimensional ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Restrained molecular dynamics (RMD) and time-averaged restrained molecular dynamics (TARMD) simulations were carried out on four different distance-geometry starting structures in order to determine and contrast the behavior of cyclic ACTH_1–10 in vacuum and in solution. For the RMD simulations, the structures did not fit the NOE data well, even at high values of the restraining potential. The TARMD simulation method, however, was able to give structures that fit the NOE data at high values of the restraining potential. In both cases, inclusion of explicit solvent molecules in the simulation had little effect on the quality of the fit, although it was found to dampen the motion of the cyclic peptide. For both simulation techniques, the number and size of the NOE violations increased as the restraining potential approached zero. This is due, presumably, to inadequacies in the force field. Additional TARMD vacuum-phase simulations, run with a larger memory length or with a larger sampling size (16 additional distance-geometry structures), yielded no significantly different results. The computed data were then analyzed to help explain the sparse NOE data and poor chymotryptic activity of the cyclic peptide. Cyclic ACTH_1–10, which contains the functional moieties of the catalytic triad of chymotrypsin, was evaluated as a potential mimic of chymotrypsin by measurement of the rate of hydrolysis of esters of L-and d-phenylalanine. The poor rate of hydrolysis is attributed to the flexibility of the decapeptide, the motion of the side chains, which result in the absence of long-range NOEs, the small size of the macrocycle relative to that of the substrate, and the inappropriate orientation of the Gly, His, and Ser residues. The results demonstrate the utility of this method in computer-aided molecular design of cyclic peptides and suggest structural modifications for future work based on a larger and more rigid peptide framework.     

Synthesis, 1H-NMR conformational analysis and complexation studies of two di-imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes

The synthesis of a new di-imidazolyl-di-methoxy acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 4 is reported. 4 has been prepared by reacting the corresponding di-methyl ester di-methoxy derivative with histamine in 1:1 mixture of methanol: toluene. The binding properties of 4 towards alkali, alkaline earth, transition (Zn²⁺, Co²⁺) and heavy (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺) metals have been investigated along with the complexes stoichiometries. The ¹H-NMR spectra of complexes show the location of cations in receptor 4. Partial cone conformation is observed only with strontium and calcium whereas the cone conformation is detected with most of the cations. Comparison of the complexation results with those obtained for di-imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 3 missing the methyl groups is also reported.     

Mixed-valence, mixed-spin-state, and heterometallic [2x2] grid-type arrays based on heteroditopic hydrazone ligands: synthesis and electrochemical features

An extended family of heterometallic [(M1)2(M2)2(L-)4](n+) [2x2] grid-type arrays 1-9 has been prepared. The three-tiered synthetic route encompasses regioselective, redox and enantioselective features and is based on the stepwise construction of heteroditopic hydrazone ligands A-C. These ligands contain ionisable NH and nonionisable NMe hydrazone units, which allows the metal redox properties to be controlled according to the charge on the ligand binding pocket. The 2-pyrimidine (R) and 6-pyridine (R') substituents have a significant effect on complex geometry and influence both the electrochemical and magnetic behaviour of the system. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies show that the Fe(II) ions in the grid can be low spin, high spin or spin crossover depending on the steric effect of substituents R and R'. This steric effect has been manipulated to construct an unusual array possessing two low-spin and two spin-crossover Fe(II) centres (grid 8). Electrochemical studies were performed for the grid-type arrays 1-9 and their respective mononuclear precursor complexes 10-13. The grids function as electron reservoirs and display up to eight monoelectronic, reversible reduction steps. These processes generally occur in pairs and are assigned to ligand-based reductions and to the Co(III)/Co(II) redox couple. Individual metal ions in the heterometallic grid motif can be selectively addressed electrochemically (e.g., either the Co(III) or Fe(II) ions can be targeted in grids 2 and 5). The Fe(II) oxidation potential is governed by the charge on the ligand binding unit, rather than the spin state, thus permitting facile electrochemical discrimination between the two types of Fe(II) centre in 7 or in 8. Such multistable heterometallic [2x2] gridlike arrays are of great interest for future supramolecular devices incorporating multilevel redox activity.     

Chemistry of 1,2,3-thiadiazole. IV. Synthesis of [1]benzoxepino-[3,4-d][1,2,3]thiadiazole, [1]benzothiepino-[3,4-d][1,2,3]thiadiazole, [1]benzoxepino[4,3-d][1,2,3]thiadiazole, [1]benzoxepino[4,3-d]oxazole and [1]benzoxepino[4,3-d]oxazole. Four novel heterocycles

Starting from the readily available 4-bromomethy-5-carbethoxy 1,2,3-thiadiazole (V), 5-bromomethy-4-carbethoxy-1,2,3-thiadiazole (IX) and ethyl 2-aryl-5-bromomethyloxazole-4-carboxylate (XIV), 4,10-dihydro-10-oxo[1]benzoxepino[3,4-d][1,2,3]thiadiazole (Ia), 4,10-dihydro-10-oxo[1]benzothiepino[3,4-d][1,2,3]thiadiazole (Ib), 4,10-dihydro-4-oxo[1]benzothiepino[4,3-d] [1,2,3]thiazole (II), 2-aryl-4,10-dihydro-4-oxo[1]benzoxepino[4,3-d]oxazoles (XIXa-XIXc) and 2-aryl-4,10-dihydro-4-oxo[1]benzothiepino[4,3-d]oxazoles (XIXd-XIXf) were prepared.     

Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding of ruthenium(II) complexes with 2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline as an intercalative ligand

DNA-binding properties of a number of ruthenium complexes with different polypyridine ligands are reported. The new polypyridine ligand BFIP (=2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and its ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)₂BFIP]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), [Ru(dmb)₂BFIP]²⁺ (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA binding of these complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by spectrophotometric, fluorescence, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that ruthenium(II) complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. Photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA by these complexes was also studied, and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ was found to be a much better photocleavage agent than the other two complexes.     

New tetracyclic ring systems. Synthesis of 1H-oxazolo[5,4,3-kl]phenothiazines and [1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-kl]phenothiazines

1-Hydroxyphenothiazine was converted to 1H-oxazolo[5,4,3-kl]phenothiazin-1-one, 1H-oxazolo[5,4,3-kl]-phenothiazine-1-thione,[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-kl]phenothiazin-1(2H)one and [1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-kl]phenothiazine-1,2-dione. Also prepared from 1-hydroxyphenothiazine were the N-chloroacetyl derivative, the O-chloroacetyl derivative, the N,O-di(chloroacetyl) derivative and the sulfoxide.     

Quinazolines and 1,4-benzodiazepines. LXXXVII. Synthesis of 1- and 3-phenylimidazo[1,5-a] [1,4]benzodiazepines

The synthesis of the 1-phenylimidazobenzodiazepine 5 from 1 and the anion of the nitrone 2 is described. The 3-phenyl-derivative 14 was prepared via the ammo alcohol 11 which was obtained by condensation of the nitrosamine 9 with benzaldehyde followed by catalytic hydro-genolysis of the nitroso group.     

Influence of the solvent in the self-assembly and binding properties of [1 + 1] tetra-imine bis-calix[4]pyrrole cages

We report the self-assembly of shape-persistent [1 + 1] tetra-imine cages 1 based on two different tetra-α aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole scaffolds in chlorinated solvents and in a 9 : 1 CDCl₃ : CD₃CN solvent mixture. We show that the use of a bis-N-oxide 4 (4,4′-dipyridyl-N,N′-dioxide) as template is not mandatory to induce the emergence of the cages but has a positive effect on the reaction yield. We use ¹H NMR spectroscopy to investigate and characterize the binding properties (kinetic and thermodynamic) of the self-assembled tetra-imine cages 1 with pyridine N-oxide derivatives. The cages form kinetically and thermodynamically stable inclusion complexes with the N-oxides. For the bis-N-oxide 4, we observe the exclusive formation of 1 : 1 complexes independently of the solvent used. In contrast, the pyridine-N-oxide 5 (mono-topic guest) produces inclusion complexes displaying solvent dependent stoichiometry. The bis-N-oxide 4 is too short to bridge the gap between the two endohedral polar binding sites of 1 by establishing eight ideal hydrogen bonding interactions. Nevertheless, the bimolecular 4⊂1 complex results as energetically favored compared to the 5₂⊂1 ternary counterpart. The inclusion of the N-oxides, 4 and 5, in the tetra-imine cages 1 is significantly faster in chlorinated solvents (minutes) than in the 9 : 1 CDCl₃ : CD₃CN solvent mixture (hours). We provide an explanation for the similar energy barriers calculated for the formation of the 4⊂1 complex using the two different ternary counterparts 5₂⊂1 and (CD₃CN)₂⊂1 as precursors. We propose a mechanism for the in–out guest exchange processes experienced by the tetra-imine cages 1.

We report the self-assembly and binding properties of [1+1] tetra-imine cages based on two different tetra-α aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole scaffolds in chlorinated solvents and in a 9 : 1 CDCl₃ : CD₃CN solvent mixture.     

Synthesis and conformational property of tannin-like p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-diesters stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.

Tannin-like p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-digallate was synthesized, and its conformational property was investigated by dynamic (1)H NMR and X-ray crystallography. It was found that the 3-OH (or 5-OH) group of the galloyl group in p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-digallate is placed at the position where an unusual nonbonded close contact is observed between the OH group and the aromatic ring of the galloyl group facing each other. The calixarene 1,3-diesters of various hydroxybenzoic acids were also prepared, and the conformational properties of those calixarenes were compared with that of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-digallate. A significant contribution of the 3- and 5-OH groups in pendant groups toward the close contact was found. It was suggested that the conformation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-digallate was stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds including OH.O and OH-pi interactions.     

Titanium and zirconium complexes of a phosphorus-containing p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene ligand: importance of metal and conformation on ligand/metal binding

Binding of a calix[5]arene containing a single phosphorus ligand and three hydroxyl groups, calix[5]PNMe2(OH)3, 1, toward titanium and zirconium is investigated to yield insight into the factors that determine the strength of the phosphorus/metal interaction within the constraint of the calix[5]arene. Treatment of 1 with tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium yields three complexes, 4a, 4b, and 4c, each of which shows the loss of 3 mol of dimethylamine in the reaction with the titanium bound to three oxygens. Treatment of 1 with tetrakis(diethylamino)zirconium proceeds similarly, although only two products, 5a and 5b, were isolated. X-ray structures of the products were obtained. Complexes 4a and 5a show similar geometries, with the calix[5]arene in an approximate cone conformation and the phosphorus lone pair directed toward the metal. The P...M distances are, however, markedly different: 3.69 A in 4a and 3.18 A in 5a, the former indicative of no interaction and the latter a weak one. Complexes 4b and 5b each are dimers, featuring a planar four-membered M-O-M-O ring; however, the titanium is five-coordinate in 4b with no phosphorus/metal bond, while the zirconium in 5b is six-coordinate with a P-Zr distance of 2.95 A. Complex 4c is monomeric with the calix[5]arene in an approximate 1,2-alternate conformation with a P...Ti distance of 2.90 A. The two most significant aspects controlling the phosphorus/metal contact are the metal, with the larger zirconium showing stronger interaction, and the calix[5]arene conformation, with the cone conformation showing the weaker interaction.     

Heteroarylthiomethylsilanes. Synthesis and application to heteroarylthiomethylation of carbonyl compounds [1]

Heteroarylthiomethyltrimethylsilanes bearing a 2-pyridyl, 2-imidazolyl, 5-tetrazolyl, or 2-pyrimidinyl group, readily prepared by the reaction of heteroarylmercaptans with halomethyltrimethylsilane in the presence of a base, are synthetic equivalents of heteroarylthiomethyl anions, otherwise inaccessible, and are effective reagents for the introduction of a heteroarythiomethyl group at a carbonyl carbon atom in the presence of a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium fluoride.