A Waterwheel‐Shaped meso–meso‐Linked Porphyrin Pentamer

Wheels on water? A waterwheel‐shaped porphyrin pentamer has been synthesized by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. The key intermediate is a boronate porphyrin, in which four boronic ester groups are directly attached to the meso‐positions.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of New 5‐Linked Pinoresinol Lignin Models

Pinoresinol structures, featuring a β‐β′‐linkage between lignin monomer units, are important in softwood lignins and in dicots and monocots, particularly those that are downregulated in syringyl‐specific genes. Although readily detected by NMR spectroscopy, pinoresinol structures largely escaped detection by β‐ether‐cleaving degradation analyses presumably due to the presence of the linkages at the 5 positions, in 5‐5′‐ or 5‐O‐4′‐structures. In this study, which is aimed at helping better understand 5‐linked pinoresinol structures by providing the required data for NMR characterization, new lignin model compounds were synthesized through biomimetic peroxidase‐mediated oxidative coupling reactions between pre‐formed (free‐phenolic) coniferyl alcohol 5‐5′‐ or 5‐O‐4′‐linked dimers and a coniferyl alcohol monomer. It was found that such dimers containing free‐phenolic coniferyl alcohol moieties can cross‐couple with the coniferyl alcohol producing pinoresinol‐containing trimers (and higher oligomers) in addition to other homo‐ and cross‐coupled products. Eight new lignin model compounds were obtained and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and one tentatively identified cross‐coupled β‐O‐4′‐product was formed from a coniferyl alcohol 5‐O‐4′‐linked dimer. It was demonstrated that the 5‐5′‐ and 5‐O‐4′‐linked pinoresinol structures could be readily differentiated by using heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation (HMBC) NMR spectroscopy. With appropriate modification (etherification or acetylation) to the newly obtained model compounds, it would be possible to identify the 5‐5′‐ or 5‐O‐4′‐linked pinoresinol structures in softwood lignins by 2D HMBC NMR spectroscopic methods. Identification of the cross‐coupled dibenzodioxocin from a coniferyl alcohol 5‐5′‐linked moiety suggested that thioacidolysis or derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) could be used to detect and identify whether the coniferyl alcohol itself undergoes 5‐5′‐cross‐linking during lignification.     

Directly 2,12‐ and 2,8‐Linked ZnII Porphyrin Oligomers: Synthesis,Optical Properties,and Coherence Lengths

Directly 2,12‐ and 2,8‐linked Zn^II porphyrin oligomers were prepared from 2,12‐ and 2,8‐diborylated Zn^II porphyrin by a cross platinum‐induced coupling with a 2‐borylated Zn^II porphyrin end unit followed by a triphenylphosphine (PPh₃)‐mediated reductive elimination. Comparative studies on the steady‐state absorption and fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence lifetimes led to a conclusion that the exciton in the S₁ state is delocalized over approximately four and two Zn^II porphyrin units for 2,12‐ and 2,8‐linked Zn^II porphyrin arrays, respectively.     

Synthesis and Optical Properties of Dendronized Porphyrin Polymers

Summary: A novel kind of dendronized porphyrin polymers was synthesized by Sonogashira coupling of diethynyl‐functionalized porphyrin monomers and diiodo‐functionalized macromonomers bearing Fréchet‐type dendrons. The encapsulation of red‐light‐emitting porphyrin‐containing conjugated backbones into dendronized polymers can not only reduce the aggregation of polymer backbones and the self‐quenching of their fluorescence but also endow the porphyrin polymers with good solubility. We also report the optical and electrochemical properties of the porphyrin‐containing dendronized polymers.

Synthesis of a novel kind of dendronized porphyrin polymers by Sonogashira coupling of diethynyl‐functionalized porphyrin monomers and diiodo‐functionalized dendritic macromonomers.     

Electrochemical Synthesis of Thienoacene Derivatives: Transition‐Metal‐Free Dehydrogenative C−S Coupling Promoted by a Halogen Mediator

The first electrochemical dehydrogenative C?S bond formation leading to thienoacene derivatives is described. Several thienoacene derivatives were synthesized by dehydrogenative C?H/S?H coupling. The addition of ⁿBu₄NBr, which catalytically promoted the reaction as a halogen mediator, was essential.     

Synthesis of Soluble,Alkyne‐Substituted Trideca‐ and Hexadeca‐Starphenes

Two literature‐known TIPS‐ethynyl‐dibromoacenes were prepared and employed to synthesize cyclotrimers by using Yamamoto coupling conditions. Two large, well‐soluble starphenes were isolated in good yields. Crystallographic characterization verifies the triangular shape and shows significant differences in crystal packing.     

Alternative Synthesis and Structures of C‐monoacetylenic Phosphaalkenes

An alternative synthesis of C‐monoacetylenic phosphaalkenes trans‐Mes*P=C(Me)(C≡CR) (Mes* = 2, 4, 6‐^tBu₃Ph, R = Ph, SiMe₃) from C‐bromophosphaalkenes cis‐Mes*P=C(Me)Br using standard Sonogashira coupling conditions is described. Crystallographic studies confirm cis‐trans isomerization of the P=C double bond during Pd‐catalyzed cross coupling, leading exclusively to trans‐acetylenic phosphaalkenes. Crystallographic studies of all synthesized compounds reveal the extend of π‐conjugation over the acetylene and P=C π‐systems.     

Facile Synthesis and Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions of 2,3‐Bis(pinacolatoboryl)‐1,3‐butadiene

Treatment of 1,1‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)ethene with an excess of 1‐bromo‐1‐lithioethene gave 2,3‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)‐1,3‐butadiene in high yield. Palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of the resulting diborylbutadiene with aryl iodides took place smoothly in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃ and aqueous KOH to give 2,3‐diaryl‐1,3‐butadienes in good yields. The coupling reaction with commercially available 4‐acetoxyphenylmethyl chloride under the same conditions followed by hydrolysis of the acetyl groups gave anolignan B in a one‐pot manner. A variety of [3]‐ to [6]dendralenes were synthesized by palladium‐catalyzed coupling of the diene or 1,1‐bis(pinacolato)borylethene with alkenyl or dienyl halides, respectively, in good yields.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Acyclic Enediynes

A novel group of symmetrical and asymmetrical acyclic enediynes has been synthesized by using Sonogashira coupling conditions and characterized spectroscopically.

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Optoelectronic and Self‐assembly Properties of Porphyrin Derivatives with Click Chemistry Modification

A series of functionalized porphyrin molecules containing electron‐rich alkynes, synthesized by means of the Sonogashira coupling reaction were further modified by reacting the ethynyl groups with click reagent through a formal [2+2] click reaction. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the porphyrin derivatives were studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. We show that the optoelectronic properties are affected by the click reagent groups and central metal ions. The functionalized porphyrin molecules show strong charge‐transfer (CT) bands in the visible region (near‐IR region) and potent redox activities. Through a phase‐exchange self‐assembly method, the highly organized morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The functionalized porphyrin molecules represent an interesting set of candidates for optoelectronic device components. The effect of the metal ions or click reagent groups on the self‐assembly properties were also studied by the UV/Vis spectroscopic titration experiments.     

Color‐Tunable Solid‐State Fluorescence Emission from Carbazole‐Based BODIPYs

Several carbazole‐based boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes were synthesized by organometallic approaches. Thiazole, benzothiazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, triazole, and indolone substituents were introduced at the 1‐position of the carbazole moiety, and boron complexation of each dipyrrin generated the corresponding compounds 1 , 2 a , and 3 – 6 . The properties of these products were investigated by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, X‐ray crystallography, and DFT calculations. These compounds exhibited large Stokes shifts, and compounds 1 , 2 a , and 3 – 5 fluoresced both in solution and in the solid state. Complex 2 a showed the highest fluorescence quantum yield (Φ_F) in the solid state, therefore boron complexes of the carbazole–benzothiazole hybrids 2 b – f , which had several different substituents, were prepared and the effects of the substituents on the photophysical properties of the compounds were examined. The fluorescence properties showed good correlation with the results of crystal‐packing analyses, and the dyes exhibited color‐tunable solid‐state fluorescence.     

Modern Electrochemical Aspects for the Synthesis of Value‐Added Organic Products

The use of electricity instead of stoichiometric amounts of oxidizers or reducing agents in synthesis is very appealing for economic and ecological reasons, and represents a major driving force for research efforts in this area. To use electron transfer at the electrode for a successful transformation in organic synthesis, the intermediate radical (cation/anion) has to be stabilized. Its combination with other approaches in organic chemistry or concepts of contemporary synthesis allows the establishment of powerful synthetic methods. The aim in the 21st Century will be to use as little fossil carbon as possible and, for this reason, the use of renewable sources is becoming increasingly important. The direct conversion of renewables, which have previously mainly been incinerated, is of increasing interest. This Review surveys many of the recent seminal important developments which will determine the future of this dynamic emerging field.     

Selective Synthesis of 2,5‐Diformylfuran by Sustainable 4‐acetamido‐TEMPO/Halogen‐Mediated Electrooxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural

A new method was developed for the selective gram‐scale synthesis of 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF), which is an important chemical with a high application potential, via oxidation of biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) catalyzed by 4‐acetylamino‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (4‐AcNH‐TEMPO) in a two‐phase system consisting of a methylene chloride and aqueous solution containing sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium iodide. The key feature of this method is the generation of the I₂ (co‐)oxidant by anodic oxidation of iodide anions during pulse electrolysis. In addition, the electrolyte can be successfully recycled five times while maintaining a 62–65 % yield of DFF. This novel method provides a sustainable pathway for waste‐free production of DFF without the use of metal catalysts and expensive oxidants. An advantage of electrooxidation is utilized in the preparation of demanding chemical.     

Ethynylene‐Linked Oligomers Based on Benzodithiophene: Synthesis and Photoelectric Properties

Two conjugated ethynyl‐linked oligomers, oligo(benzodithiophene‐ethynylene‐benzothiadiazole) (O1) and oligo(benzodithiophene‐ethynylene‐carbazole) (O2), were synthesized by Sonogashira coupling reaction. Their degrees of polymerization were 7 and 10, respectively. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were investigated. O1 exhibitd two strong absorption bands at 404 nm and 483 nm, and O2 at 401 nm and 429 nm. The results of UV‐Vis, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and theoretical calculations showed that O1 has a narrower band gap than O2. The conductivities of O1 and O2 were 1.05×10^?15 and 6.98×10^?16 S/cm, respectively, and would increase to 1.23×10^?10 and 1.05×10^?10 S/cm after doping with iodine.     

Synthesis of Functionalized o‐, m‐, and p‐Terphenyl Derivatives by Consecutive Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Triazene‐Substituted Arylboronic Esters

Triazene‐substituted arylboronic esters were prepared readily from the corresponding aryl magnesium derivatives and shown to function as a new class of donor–acceptor‐substituted coupling reagents. The selective functionalization of these aromatic derivatives led to a wide variety of terphenyl derivatives in which the original bifunctional unit (often further substituted with another functional group) formed the central aromatic ring. The functionalized terphenyl derivatives were formed in two efficient cross‐coupling steps from the triazene‐substituted boronic esters: Suzuki cross‐coupling with an aryl halide was followed by BF₃?OEt₂‐induced palladium‐catalyzed coupling of the diazonium salt generated in situ from the triazene with an arylboronic acid.