Highly Effective Recognition of Carbohydrates by Phenanthroline‐Based Receptors: α‐ versus β‐Anomer Binding Preference

¹H NMR spectroscopic titrations in competitive and non‐competitive media, as well as binding studies in two‐phase systems, such as phase transfer of sugars from aqueous into organic solvents and dissolution of solid carbohydrates in apolar media revealed both highly effective recognition of neutral carbohydrates and interesting binding preferences of an acyclic phenanthroline‐based receptor 1 . Compared to the previously described acyclic receptors, compound 1 displays significantly higher binding affinities, the rare capability to extract sugars from water into non‐polar organic solutions and α‐ versus β‐anomer binding preference in the recognition of glycosides, which differs from those observed for other receptor systems. X‐ray crystallographic investigations revealed the presence of water molecules in the binding pocket of 1 that are engaged in the formation of hydrogen‐bonding motifs similar to those suggested by molecular modelling for the sugar OH groups in the receptor–sugar complexes. The molecular modelling calculations, synthesis, crystal structure and binding properties of 1 are described and compared with those of the previously described receptors.     

Chiral diaminopyrrolic receptors for selective recognition of mannosides, part 2: a 3D view of the recognition modes by X-ray, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling

The structural features of a representative set of five complexes of octyl α- and β-mannosides with some members of a new generation of chiral tripodal diaminopyrrolic receptors, namely, (R)-5 and (S)- and (R)-7, have been investigated in solution and in the solid state by a combined X-ray, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling approach. In the solid state, the binding arms of the free receptors 7 delimit a cleft in which two solvent molecules are hydrogen bonded to the pyrrolic groups and to the benzenic scaffold. In a polar solvent (CD(3)CN), chemical shift and intermolecular NOE data, assisted by molecular modeling calculations, ascertained the binding modes of the interaction between the receptor and the glycoside for these complexes. Although a single binding mode was found to adequately describe the complex of the acyclic receptor 5 with the α-mannoside, for the complexes of the cyclic receptors 7 two different binding modes were required to simultaneously fit all the experimental data. In all cases, extensive binding through hydrogen bonding and CH-π interactions is responsible for the affinities measured in the same solvent. Furthermore, the binding modes closely account for the recognition preferences observed toward the anomeric glycosides and for the peculiar enantiodiscrimination properties exhibited by the chiral receptors.     

An improved synthesis of pyrimidine- and pyrazole-based acyclo-C-nucleosides as carbohybrids

The synthesis of pyrimidine- and pyrazole-based acyclo-C-nucleosides as carbohybrids was optimized and developed. The synthesis of acyclic polyol-fused pyrimidines was achieved in good to excellent yield with high purity by the cyclocondensation of 2-C-formyl glycals and various amidines using K₂CO₃ as inorganic base in co-solvent system. In comparison, the syntheses of pyrazole-based acyclo-C-nucleosides were accomplished simply by the cyclocondensation of 2-C-formyl glycals with hydrazine hydrate at room temperature and with phenyl hydrazine at refluxing temperature in ethanol.     

Oxime-based receptors for mono- and disaccharides

Representatives of a new series of acyclic oxime-based receptors were prepared and their binding properties toward neutral sugar molecules studied. 1H NMR and fluorescence titrations revealed that receptors 2a and 2b, incorporating suitable positioned amine and oxime moieties, are able to form strong 1:1 complexes (Ka1 approximately 10(5) M-1) with dodecyl alpha- and beta-maltoside in chloroform solutions. Furthermore, the binding studies with beta-glucopyranoside indicated the formation of complexes with 1:1 and 1:2 receptor-monosaccharide binding stoichiometry (with overall binding constant beta2 approximately 10(5) M-2). Both hydrogen bonding and interactions of the sugar CH's with the phenyl rings of the receptor contribute to the stabilization of the receptor-sugar complexes. Molecular modeling calculations, synthesis, and binding studies are described.     

A water-soluble acyclic phane receptor recognizing 2,3-trans-gallate-type catechins

To recognize gallate-type catechins in aqueous solution, two water-soluble acyclic phane receptors containing three aromatic rings were synthesized. The binding of these receptors to eight catechin analogues was investigated with (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The stoichiometric ratios of the complexes between the receptors and the catechins were 1:1 in every case. The binding abilities were estimated by (1)H NMR titration. The meta-substituted receptor showed excellent binding ability for the 2,3-trans-gallate-type catechins. This study revealed that a simple acyclic phane receptor can distinguish differences in the structures of the catechin analogues.     

Acyclic oligopyrroles as building blocks of supramolecular assemblies

The supramolecular chemistry of acyclic oligopyrrole derivatives mainly reported by the author’s group in the last four years has been summarized in this review. The author has demonstrated the “first step” to construct the new materials and concepts based on the new molecular systems consisting of pyrrole rings, which form the complexes, assemblies, and organized structures, by using noncovalent interactions such as metal coordination, hydrogen bonding, and π–π interaction. Acyclic π-conjugated oligopyrroles have exhibited not only host–guest binding behaviors in solutions but also the formation of, for example, (i) metal coordination polymers to give emissive colloidal spheres, (ii) solid-state assemblies of acyclic π-conjugated anion receptors and their anion complexes, (iii) anion-responsive supramolecular gels from the receptors with aliphatic chains, and (iv) solvent-assisted organized structures like vesicles derived from amphiphilic anion receptors.     

Anion recognition by bisimidazolium and bisbenzimidazolium cholapods

Bile acid-based acyclic receptors bearing two imidazole and benzimidazole moieties have been synthesized. Anion binding studies using ¹H NMR revealed that imidazolium receptor exhibits high selectivity for chloride ion while benzimidazolium receptor showed selectivity for Y-shaped acetate ion through hydrogen bond interactions involving imidazolium C-2 and acetyl methylene hydrogens.     

Synthesis and anion-selective complexation of cyclophane-based cyclic thioureas

Cyclic thiourea derivatives having three different types of cyclophane structure, ortho-meta, meta-meta, and meta-para, and a lariat-type thiourea, were synthesized, and their anion-binding ability was examined. The association constants for the complexation between the receptors and several anions in DMSO-d(6) were measured by the titration method using (1)H NMR spectroscopy. All receptors, except for the meta-para cyclophane, exhibit selective binding to the dihydrogenphosphate anion, which is stronger than that of the acyclic reference compound. The lariat-type receptor binds anions even more strongly than the cyclic receptors which do not possess the third binding site.     

Molecular recognition of carbohydrates by artificial receptors: systematic studies towards recognition motifs for carbohydrates

The synthesis and binding properties for carbohydrates of several artificial, acyclic receptors containing two or three heterocyclic recognition units covalently attached to a phenyl spacer is described. These host molecules having uncharged hydrogen-bonding sites were used in a systematic study towards the evaluation of recognition motifs for carbohydrates. A novel effective, acyclic hydrogen-bonding receptor possessing naphthyridine-amide moieties as heterocyclic recognition units has been developed.     

Molecular Recognition of Disaccharides in Water: Preorganized Macrocyclic or Adaptive Acyclic?

When facing the dilemma of following a preorganized or adaptive design approach in conceiving the architecture of new biomimetic receptors for carbohydrates, shape-persistent macrocyclic structures were most often chosen to achieve effective recognition of neutral saccharides in water. In contrast, acyclic architectures have seldom been explored, even though potentially simpler and more easily accessible. In this work, comparison of the binding properties of two structurally related diaminocarbazolic receptors, featuring a macrocyclic and an acyclic tweezer-shaped architecture, highlighted the advantages provided by the acyclic receptor in terms of selectivity in the recognition of 1,4-disaccharides of biological interest. Selective recognition of GlcNAc₂, the core fragment of N-glycans exposed on the surface of enveloped viruses, stands as an emblematic example. NMR spectroscopic data and molecular modeling calculations were used to ascertain the differences in binding mode and to shed light on the origin of recognition efficacy and selectivity.     

Molecular recognition of carbohydrates with acyclic pyridine-based receptors

The recognition capabilities of acyclic pyridine-based receptors toward monosaccharides were evaluated. Aminopyridine receptors based on the 2,4,6-trimethyl- or 2,4,6-triethylbenzene frame show high beta vs alpha binding selectivity in the recognition of glucopyranosides. Amidopyridine receptors, which are sterically less hindered at nitrogen, display high efficiency and an inverse selectivity. The 2-aminopyridine group has been established as a highly effective recognition group in the binding of monosaccharides. The factors influencing the binding properties of receptors 1-15, which differ in the nature and number of binding and spacer subunits used as the buildings blocks, are discussed.     

Recognition properties of an acyclic biphenyl-based receptor toward carbohydrates

Biphenyl-based receptor 1, incorporating four heterocyclic recognition units, was synthesized, and its binding properties toward neutral sugars were determined. Receptor 1 is a representative of a new series of acyclic carbohydrate-binding receptors, which were designed to recognize disaccharides. The compound 1 has been established as a highly effective receptor for dodecyl beta-D-maltoside, showing successive 1:1 and 2:1 receptor/substrate complexation behavior toward the disaccharide. Both hydrogen bonding and interactions of the sugar CH's with the aromatic units of the receptor contribute to the stabilization of the receptor-maltoside complexes.     

Tricyclic Pyrazole-Based Compounds as Useful Scaffolds for Cannabinoid CB1/CB2 Receptor Interaction

Cannabinoids comprise different classes of compounds, which aroused interest in recent years because of their several pharmacological properties. Such properties include analgesic activity, bodyweight reduction, the antiemetic effect, the reduction of intraocular pressure and many others, which appear correlated to the affinity of cannabinoids towards CB₁ and/or CB₂ receptors. Within the search aiming to identify novel chemical scaffolds for cannabinoid receptor interaction, the CB₁ antagonist/inverse agonist pyrazole-based derivative rimonabant has been modified, giving rise to several tricyclic pyrazole-based compounds, most of which endowed of high affinity and selectivity for CB₁ or CB₂ receptors. The aim of this review is to present the synthesis and summarize the SAR study of such tricyclic pyrazole-based compounds, evidencing, for some derivatives, their potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, obesity or in the management of glaucoma.     

Conformational control of selectivity and stability in hybrid amide/urea macrocycles

The anion-binding properties of two similar hybrid amide/urea macrocycles containing either a 2,6-dicarboxamidophenyl or a 2,6-dicarboxamidopyridine group are compared. Significant differences in anion affinity and mode of interaction with anions are attributed to the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the pyridine system. In fact, remarkably, the phenyl macrocycle undergoes amide hydrolysis under neutral conditions in DMSO/water. The anion binding abilities of the receptors are compared to those of acyclic analogues of the macrocycles that show that the phenyl receptor behaves in a similar fashion to acyclic urea-containing receptors (i.e., showing little selectivity amongst oxo anions), whilst the pyridine-containing receptor shows a high affinity and selectivity for carboxylates.     

Molecular recognition of carbohydrates with artificial receptors: mimicking the binding motifs found in the crystal structures of protein-carbohydrate complexes

The binding motifs found in the crystal structures of protein-carbohydrate complexes have been successfully mimicked with simple acyclic pyridine- and pyrimidine-based receptors. A full discussion of the recognition motifs observed in the crystal structures of complexes of receptors 1 and 3 with glucopyranosides 4a and 4b is provided. A remarkable similarity of these motifs to those observed in the crystal structures of sugar-binding proteins and those found by molecular modeling is shown. In addition, the recognition properties of the new pyrimidine receptor 3 toward monosaccharides 4-6 are described. This molecule has been established as a highly effective receptor for beta-glucopyranosides.     

Phenanthroline unit as a building block for carbohydrate receptors

An acyclic receptor 1, containing phenanthroline- and aminopyridine-based recognition sites, has been established as a powerful carbohydrate receptor. Compared to the previously described acyclic receptors, compound 1 shows significantly higher binding affinities as well as selectivities, which are quite different from those of the earlier systems. The phenanthroline unit has been established as a valuable building block for the construction of effective and selective carbohydrate receptors.     

Transition metal and organometallic anion complexation agents

Anions are ubiquitous species, and therefore, their sensing is of considerable interest. Anion receptors containing electrochemically active groups such as ferrocene or cobaltocenium, or optically active groups such as ruthenium(II) bipyridyl derivatives, allow the binding of anions to be detected by a physical response at the metal centre. These systems have been incorporated into various acyclic, macrocyclic and calix[4]arene frameworks, many of which include an amide hydrogen-bonding group. Anions may be recognised in a range of environmental conditions, with some receptors even being active in aqueous solution. The incorporation of new transition metal and organometallic systems has led to the development of several new strategies in anion recognition.     

Rigid macrocyclic triamides as anion receptors: anion-dependent binding stoichiometries and 1H chemical shift changes

The cyclic triamide of 3'-amino-3-biphenylcarboxlic acid is readily synthesized in a stepwise manner and represents a novel class of anion receptors with a large central cavity. This macrocycle binds more strongly to tetrahedral anions than spherical or planar anions in organic solvents. The binding stoichiometries for anions with symmetrical charge distribution depend on the solvent polarity, while tetrahedral p-tosylate binds to the macrocycle with 1:1 stoichiometry in all solvents studied. The (1)H NMR chemical shift changes of the protons lining the interior of the macrocycle's central cavity also depend on the geometry of the bound anion. The importance of the convergent array of hydrogen bond donors for anion binding by the macrocycle was confirmed by control studies with an acyclic triamide and a macrocycle with intramolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Artificial receptors that provides a preorganized hydrophobic environment: a biomimetic approach to dopamine recognition in water

[structure: see text] The recognition of dopamine in water has been achieved with tripodal oxazoline-based artificial receptors, capable of providing a preorganized hydrophobic environment by rational design, which mimics a hydrophobic pocket predicted for a human D2 receptor. The receptors show an amphiphilic nature owing to the presence of hydrophilic sulfonate groups at the periphery of the tripodal oxazoline ligands, which seems to contribute in forming the preorganized hydrophobic environment. The artificial receptors recognized dopamine hydrochloride in water with reasonable selectivity among various organoammonium guests examined. The observed binding behavior of the receptors was explained by evoking guest inclusion in the preorganized hydrophobic pocket-like environment and not by simple ion-pairing interactions. The rationally predicted 1:1 inclusion binding mode was supported by binding studies such as with a reference receptor that cannot provide a similar binding pocket, Job and VT-NMR experiments, electrospray ionization mass analysis, and guest selectivity data. This study implies that an effective hydrophobic environment can be generated even from an acyclic, small molecular artificial receptor. Such a preorganized hydrophobic environment, as being utilized in biological systems, can be effectively used as a complementary binding force for the recognition of organoammonium guests such as dopamine hydrochloride in water.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of pyrazole-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity

Russian Journal of General Chemistry - A series of new pyrazole-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized through the microwave-assisted Huisgen click reaction from...