Concerning the Diastereomerization of Stilbenoid Hypericin Derivatives

Summary.  Experiments on a newly prepared (E)-configured ω-benzal-hypericin derivative using TLC and ¹H NMR together with quantum chemical calculations revealed that in stilbenoid hypericin derivatives photodiastereomerization between the (E)- and (Z)-diastereomers occurs in principle. However, due to its low diastereomerization quantum yield and photo and thermal equilibria, which reside mostly on the side of the (E)-diastereomer, this photoreaction is only of marginal importance to the photochemistry of stilbenoid hypericin derivatives. Thus, photodiastereomerization does not appreciably interfere with the photoreactions important for photodynamic therapy. This was demonstrated by comparing the sensitized bilirubin photodestruction of hypericin and the ω-benzal-hypericin derivative. Received December 6, 2001. Accepted December 21, 2001     

WAVELENGTH-DEPENDENT QUANTUM YIELD FOR Z →E ISOMERIZATION OF BILIRUBIN COMPLEXED WITH HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN

The quantum yield, phi ZE, for configurational photoisomerization (4Z,15Z----4Z,15E) of bilirubin bound non-covalently to human serum albumin was determined (at 23 +/- 2 degrees C) by laser excitation and chromatographic analysis of products. Values obtained for photoexcitation at 465 nm were about one-half those previously reported. The quantum yield was dependent on excitation wavelength, decreasing from a value of 0.109 +/- 0.010 for excitation at 457.9 nm to a value of 0.054 +/- 0.005 for excitation at 514.5 nm. The wavelength dependence is consistent with rapid transfer of excitation energy between the two non-identical pyrromethenone chromophores of bilirubin in the singlet excited state. Since the quantum yields for photoisomerization and luminescence of bilirubin bound to serum albumin at room temperature are both low, internal conversion processes, rather than Z----E configurational isomerizations, are probably the major pathways for deactivation of photo-excited bilirubin.     

Concerning the Diastereomerization of Stilbenoid Hypericin Derivatives

 Experiments on a newly prepared (E)-configured ω-benzal-hypericin derivative using TLC and ¹H NMR together with quantum chemical calculations revealed that in stilbenoid hypericin derivatives photodiastereomerization between the (E)- and (Z)-diastereomers occurs in principle. However, due to its low diastereomerization quantum yield and photo and thermal equilibria, which reside mostly on the side of the (E)-diastereomer, this photoreaction is only of marginal importance to the photochemistry of stilbenoid hypericin derivatives. Thus, photodiastereomerization does not appreciably interfere with the photoreactions important for photodynamic therapy. This was demonstrated by comparing the sensitized bilirubin photodestruction of hypericin and the ω-benzal-hypericin derivative.     

QUANTUM YIELDS FOR LASER PHOTOCYCLIZATION OF BILIRUBIN IN THE PRESENCE OF HUMAN SERUM ALBUMIN. DEPENDENCE OF QUANTUM YIELD ON EXCITATION WAVELENGTH

The quantum yield for laser photocyclization of bilirubin to lumirubin in the presence of human serum albumin (phi LR) was measured at five monochromatic excitation wavelengths in the range 450-530 nm. Solutions used were optically thin throughout the wavelength range and precautions were taken to exclude contributions from photocyclization of bilirubin XIII alpha impurities. The values obtained (7.2-18 x 10(-4] were lower than those previously reported and showed the following wavelength dependence: 457.9 less than 488.0 less than 501.7 less than 514.5 approximately equal to 528.7. However, the rate of lumirubin formation, normalized to constant fluence, decreased with wavelength over the same wavelength range and no evidence was found that photoisomerization of bilirubin to lumirubin is faster with green (514.5 or 528.7 nm) than with blue (457.9 or 488.0 nm) light. The stereoselectivity of the configurational isomerization of bilirubin to 4Z,15E and 4E,15Z isomers also was studied. This reaction became less regioselective for the 4Z,15E isomer with increasing wavelength. The observed wavelength dependence of phi LR and of the [4E,15Z]: [4Z,15E] ratio at photoequilibrium are consistent with an exciton coupling model in which intramolecular energy transfer can occur between the two pyrromethenone chromophores of the bilirubin molecule in the excited state. Relative rates of lumirubin formation in vivo at different excitation wavelengths and constant fluence were estimated for different optical thicknesses and for different skin thicknesses. These estimates suggest that the recently reported clinical equivalence of blue and green phototherapy lights probably reflects the marked variation of skin transmittance with wavelength more than wavelength-dependent photochemistry. The calculations also indicated that the optimal wavelength for phototherapy is probably on the long wavelength side of the bilirubin absorption maximum.     

A Water-Soluble Synthetic Bilirubin with Carboxyl Groups Replaced by Sulfonyl Moieties

Summary.  The first symmetrical bilirubin analog with CO₂H groups replaced by SO₃H, 8,12-bis-(2-sulfo-ethyl)-3,17-diethyl-2,7,13,18-tetramethyl-(10H,21H,23H,24H)-bilin-1,19-dione, was synthesized from methyl (2,4-dimethyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl) acetate in nine steps via the sulfonic acid analog of xanthobilirubic acid (XBR) and isolated as its disodium salt. The sulfonic acid group was introduced at an early stage of the synthesis by reaction of an intermediate, ethyl 4-(2-bromoethyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate, with sodium sulfite. The disodium bilirubin disulfonate exhibits NMR spectroscopic properties rather similar to those of the parent carboxylic acid, mesobilirubin-XIIIα; however, its UV/Vis spectra are blue-shifted and broadened relative to those of the parent compound. Like mesobilirubin, the disulfonate displays a positive exciton chirality circular dichroism spectrum, albeit with weaker Cotton effects, in a buffered aqueous solution (pH = 7.4) containing a 2:1 molar ratio of human serum albumin. Received April 24, 2001. Accepted May 7, 2001     

Synthesis and Photoisomerization of Substituted Dibenzofulvene Molecular Rotors

The synthesis, spectral and structural characterization, and photoisomerization of a family of 2‐substituted dibenzofulvene molecular actuators based on (2,2,2‐triphenylethylidene)fluorene (TEF) are reported. The 2‐substituted species investigated are nitro (NTEF), cyano (CTEF), and iodo (ITEF). X‐ray structures of these three compounds and three intermediates were determined to assign alkene configuration and investigate the effects of the 2‐substituents on steric gearing. The addition–elimination reaction of Z‐ 9 with trityl anion to form Z‐ 10 proceeded with complete retention of configuration. Rates of photoisomerization were measured at irradiation wavelengths between 266–355 nm in acetonitrile/dioxane solutions at room temperature. Photoisomerization quantum yields (φ) were calculated by means of a mathematical model that accounts for a certain degree of photodecomposition in the cases of CTEF and ITEF. Quantum yields vary significantly with substituent, having maximum values of φ=0.26 for NTEF, 0.39 for CTEF, and 0.50 for ITEF. NTEF is photochemically robust and has a large quantum yield for photoisomerization in the near‐UV, making it a particularly promising drive rotor moiety for light‐powered molecular devices.     

On the Chemistry of the Resveratrol Diastereomers

Summary.  The (E)- and (Z)-diastereomers of resveratrol were investigated with respect to their photochemical and thermal diastereomerization reactions. The free enthalpy difference between the two diastereomers was estimated to be in the order of common stilbenes, with the (E)-diastereomer more stable by about 11–14 kJ mol⁻¹. The Arrhenius activation barrier of about 280 kJ mol⁻¹ was found to be quite high and implies that thermal equilibration cannot account for the (Z)-diastereomer found in nature. A preparative access to the (Z)-diastereomer by photodiastereomerization is described. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the two diastereomers were assigned and their absorption spectra and fluorescence quantum yields of the neutral and monodeprotonated species were determined. Corresponding author. E-mail: heinz.falk@jku.at Received October 15, 2002; accepted November 7, 2002 Published online February 20, 2003     

Crystal Structure and Conformation of a 10-Thiabilirubin

Summary.  A crystal structure determination of a bilirubin analog with a sulfur instead of a C(10)–CH₂ linking the two dipyrrinones is reported. Conformation-determining torsion angles and key hydrogen bond distances and angles are compared to those obtained from molecular dynamics calculations as well as to the corresponding data from X-ray determinations and molecular dynamics calculations of bilirubin. Like other bilirubins, the component dipyrrinones of the analog are present in the bis-lactam form with (Z)-configurated double bonds at C(4) and C(15). Despite the large differences in bond lengths and angles at –S–vs.–CH₂–, the crystal structure shows considerable similarity to bilirubin: both pigments adopt a folded, intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded ridge-tile conformation stabilized by six hydrogen bonds – although the interplanar angle of the ridge-tile conformation of the title compound is smaller (∼ 86°) than that of bilirubin (∼ 98°). The collective data indicate that even with long C–S bond lengths and a smaller C–S–C bond angle at the pivot point on the ridge-tile seam, intramolecular hydrogen bonding persists. Received August 16, 2001. Accepted September 12, 2001     

Proton-controlled photoisomerization of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(2-quinolyl)ethylene

Quantum-chemical calculations (B3LYP/6-31G*) predict the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB) in the monoprotonated Z-isomer of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(2-quinolyl)ethylene (2P2Q), with this bond stabilizing the isomer relative to its E-counterpart. An experimentally observed increase in the quantum yield of trans-cis photoisomerization (φ_tc) by more than an order of magnitude (from 0.033 to 0.42 in acetonitrile) on passing from the neutral to the monoprotonated form of 2P2Q can be associated with IMHB, which manifested itself in the spectral properties of the Z-isomer. The IMHB breaks in the diprotonated form, and the value of φ_tc decreases back to the initial value. In addition to the photoisomerization, the photoreduction and photoaddition reactions of solvent molecules have been observed in an ethanol solution of 2P2Q.     

Synthesis and reversible photoisomerization of photoswitchable nucleoside, 8-styryl-2′-deoxyguanosine

A novel guanosine derivative with a photoswitching property, 8-styryl-2′-deoxyguanosine was synthesized, and showed very rapid and efficient reversible E-Z photoisomerization upon illumination at specific wavelength. In addition, E-Z photoisomerization can be iteratively performed by alternate illumination with monochroic 254 nm and 370 nm light without any side reactions.     

Condensations of Ethyl 3-Ethoxy-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-2-butenoate with α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

Summary.  Wittig condensations of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with ethyl 3-ethoxy-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-2-butenoate gave good to high yields of (2E,4E,6E)-ethyl 3-ethoxy-2,4,6-alkatrienoates. Some of last mentioned compounds were almost quatitatively hydrolysed to (4E,6E)-ethyl 3-oxo-4,6-alkadienoates. This method can therefore be used as an attractive alternative for the preparation of unsaturated conjugated β-keto esters previously prepared in very low yields from α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and ethyl 3-oxo-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)butanoate. Present address: Boron Molecular Pty. Ltd., PO Box 756, Noble Park, VIC 3174, Australia. E-mail: cmoorhoff@boronmolecular.com Received June 17, 2002; accepted June 21, 2002     

On the Mechanism of a Modified Perkin Condensation Leading to a-Phenylcinnamic Acid Stereoisomers – Experiments and Molecular Modelling

Summary.  A modified Perkin condensation leading to α-phenylcinnamic acid stereoisomers affords predominantely or exclusively the (E)-isomer. Reaction duration, temperature, and polarity of the solvent affect the isomeric distribution only to a minor extent. However, geometry optimization of the stereoisomers by semiempirical quantum chemical methods revealed that their thermodynamic stabilities in the absolute minimum are the same. (E)-(Z)-isomerization under the conditions of the Perkin condensation resulted in an equilibrium mixture of nearly 1:1 composition, thus corroborating the results of the computations. Comparing the detailed potential energy maps of the isomers obtained at the semiempirical level of theory may explain the controversy. The (Z)-isomer has a structured potential energy surface with few but well-defined minima, whereas that of the (E)-isomer shows an extended flat plateau enabling this isomer to approach a minimum (which is close to the global one) right after its formation. Received May 7, 2000. Accepted (revised) June 13, 2000     

Photoisomerization of naphthylquinolylethylenes in neutral and protonated forms

The quantum yield of the trans-cis photoisomerization of 1-(1-naphthyl)-2-(2-quinolyl)ethylene and 1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(2-quinolyl)ethylene is close to the theoretical limit (0.5) for diabatic photoisomerization and does not change on passing from the neutral to the protonated form. The data obtained indicate the absence of the α-effect for the test compounds, which consists in an increase in the trans-cis photoisomerization quantum yield to values of >0.5 upon protonation of some azadiarylethylenes with the nitrogen atom in the α-position to the ethylene group.     

A Water-Soluble Synthetic Bilirubin with Carboxyl Groups Replaced by Sulfonyl Moieties

 The first symmetrical bilirubin analog with CO₂H groups replaced by SO₃H, 8,12-bis-(2-sulfo-ethyl)-3,17-diethyl-2,7,13,18-tetramethyl-(10H,21H,23H,24H)-bilin-1,19-dione, was synthesized from methyl (2,4-dimethyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl) acetate in nine steps via the sulfonic acid analog of xanthobilirubic acid (XBR) and isolated as its disodium salt. The sulfonic acid group was introduced at an early stage of the synthesis by reaction of an intermediate, ethyl 4-(2-bromoethyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate, with sodium sulfite. The disodium bilirubin disulfonate exhibits NMR spectroscopic properties rather similar to those of the parent carboxylic acid, mesobilirubin-XIIIα; however, its UV/Vis spectra are blue-shifted and broadened relative to those of the parent compound. Like mesobilirubin, the disulfonate displays a positive exciton chirality circular dichroism spectrum, albeit with weaker Cotton effects, in a buffered aqueous solution (pH = 7.4) containing a 2:1 molar ratio of human serum albumin.     

Structure of (Z)-(5R)-methyl-2-(4-phenylbenzylidene)cyclohexanone as chiral component of liquid-crystalline systems

The spatial structure of (Z)-(5R)-methyl-2-(4-phenylbenzylidene)cyclohexanone prepared by photochemical isomerization of the E-isomer was studied by analyzing the magnitudes and temperature dependence of the proton spin-spin coupling constants obtained by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and the results of molecular modeling using semiempirical quantum chemical AM1 and PM3 methods and the density functional theory (DFT). Comparison of the results obtained for the Z-and E-isomers shows that in both cases the conformational equilibrium for both isomers is characterized by significant preference of the chair conformer having an equatorial methyl group, namely, − ΔH (chair a ⇌ chair e) = 1.98–2.12 and 1.36–1.54 kcal mole⁻¹ for the Z-and E-isomers, respectively. Distinctions in the non-planarity of the enone fragment and cyclohexanone ring in the Z-and E-isomers under study following from the results of mathematical modeling were confirmed by the experimental values of the geminal spin-spin coupling constants of protons of the methylene groups in α,α ′-positions with respect to the enone group. Quantum chemical calculations of the Z-isomer revealed the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bond between the carbonyl oxygen and the nearest aromatic proton in ortho-position of the benzene ring. Possible reasons for different helical twisting power of (Z)-(5R)-methyl-2-(4-phenylbenzylidene)cyclohexanone and the E-and Z-arylidene derivatives of 1R, 4R-isomenthone in the mesophase are discussed based on the results of molecular structure studies for these compounds. In the text below the unsaturated ketones under study will be called “arylidene cyclohexanone derivatives” for convenience of comparing the characteristics of methylcyclohexanone and isomenthone derivatives. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 962–972, June, 2006.     

Induction of Wavelength Dependent Photochemistry in Bilirubins by SerumAlbumin [1]: A Comment

Summary.  The article cited in the title [1] did not take into account the probability of occupation of the excition (Davidoff) states by the different chromophores of the bilirubins, as is determined by the necessary quantum mechanics. Since this probability is intrinsically wavelength dependent, the discussion in the mentioned paper should be extended with respect to this effect. Received November 29, 1999. Accepted December 13, 1999     

Strongly fluorescent dipyrrinones. Internal quenching

Yellow N,N′-carbonyl-bridged dipyrrinones can generally be prepared from dipyrrinones simply by reaction with N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole in the presence of a strong, non-nucleophilic base. They are typically intensely fluorescent, with fluorescent quantum yields approaching 1.0. In an effort to shift the excitation wavelength, and thus the fluorescence emissions, strongly to the red, we prepared bridged dipyrrinones conjugated with thiobarbituric acid and Meldrum’s acid substituents at C-9. Such conjugation causes the dipyrrinones to have a magenta color (absorption wavelength shifted from ∼400 nm of a typical dipyrrinone to ∼550 nm of the dipyrrinone conjugate). For comparison, we also prepared analogs with formyl, carboxyl, acrylate, and acetyl substituents at C-9. Unexpectedly and uniquely, the 9-CHO substituent caused the fluorescence quantum yield to drop to ∼10⁻³ while carboethoxy substituent exerted only a minor influence. Correspondence: David A. Lightner, Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, 89557 Nevada, USA.     

Condensations of Ethyl 3-Ethoxy-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-2-butenoate with α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

 Wittig condensations of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with ethyl 3-ethoxy-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)-2-butenoate gave good to high yields of (2E,4E,6E)-ethyl 3-ethoxy-2,4,6-alkatrienoates. Some of last mentioned compounds were almost quatitatively hydrolysed to (4E,6E)-ethyl 3-oxo-4,6-alkadienoates. This method can therefore be used as an attractive alternative for the preparation of unsaturated conjugated β-keto esters previously prepared in very low yields from α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and ethyl 3-oxo-4-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)butanoate.     

A method for simulation of photochemical processes and calculation of quantum yields of reactions

The possibility of construction of a semiempirical method for simulation of photochemical processes and calculation of quantum yields of reactions has been studied. The practicability of the approach was demonstrated for the o-xylene → m-xylene, m-xylene → p-xylene, m-xylene → o-xylene, and o-diethylbenzene → m-diethylbenzene photoisomerization reactions as an example. The calculated quantum yields of the reactions are in qualitative agreement with experimental data.