Synthesis of (3‐N‐substituted‐piperidin‐4‐ylidene)acetic Acid Ethyl Esters

A convenient preparation of skeletons 2A and 2B (cyclic γ,δ‐diamino‐α,β‐unsaturated esters) is reported by a three‐step synthetic route based on a sequence of NBS‐mediated one‐pot α‐bromination/Wittig olefination of piperidin‐4‐one 3 , nucleophilic addition with NaN₃, and followed by PPh₃‐promoted Staudinger reduction/substitution or CuI‐catalyzed Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition.     

Chemoselectivity Control in the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of γ‐ and δ‐Keto Esters into Hydroxy Esters or Diols

The asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic γ‐ and δ‐keto esters into optically active hydroxy esters or diols under the catalysis of a novel DIPSkewphos/3‐AMIQ–Ru^II complex was studied. Under the optimized conditions (8 atm H₂ , Ru complex/t‐C₄H₉OK=1:3.5, 25 °C) the γ‐ and δ‐hydroxy esters (including γ‐lactones) were obtained quantitatively with 97–99 % ee. When the reaction was conducted under somewhat harsh conditions (20 atm H₂ , [t‐C₄H₉OK]=50 mm , 40 °C), the 1,4‐ and 1,5‐diols were obtained predominantly with 95–99 % ee. The reactivity of the ester group was notably dependent on the length of the carbon spacer between the two carbonyl moieties of the substrate. The reaction of β‐ and ?‐keto esters selectively afforded the hydroxy esters regardless of the reaction conditions. This catalyst system was applied to the enantioselective and regioselective (for one of the two ester groups) hydrogenation of a γ‐?‐diketo diester into a trihydroxy ester.     

Cerium‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Acrylates to Give α‐Silyl Esters

The homoleptic organocerium complex Ce{C(SiHMe₂)₃}₃ ( 1 ) reacts with B(C₆F₅)₃ to produce the zwitterionic bis(alkyl) hydridoborato Ce{C(SiHMe₂)₃}₂HB(C₆F₅)₃ ( 2 ). NMR and IR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography indicate that each alkyl ligand contains two bridging Ce↼H‐Si interactions in both 1 and 2 . Compound 2 serves as a precatalyst for the hydrosilylation of acrylates to give α‐silyl esters at room temperature with a turnover number of 2200.     

DPPH (= 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl = 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) Radical‐Scavenging Reaction of Protocatechuic Acid Esters (= 3,4‐Dihydroxybenzoates) in Alcohols: Formation of Bis‐alcohol Adduct

Protocatechuic acid esters (= 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoates) scavenge ca. 5 equiv. of radical in alcoholic solvents, whereas they consume only 2 equiv. of radical in nonalcoholic solvents. While the high radical‐scavenging activity of protocatechuic acid esters in alcoholic solvents as compared to that in nonalcoholic solvents is due to a nucleophilic addition of an alcohol molecule at C(2) of an intermediate o‐quinone structure, thus regenerating a catechol (= benzene‐1,2‐diol) structure, it is still unclear why protocatechuic acid esters scavenge more than 4 equiv. of radical (C(2) refers to the protocatechuic acid numbering). Therefore, to elucidate the oxidation mechanism beyond the formation of the C(2) alcohol adduct, 3,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid methyl ester ( 4 ), the C(2) MeOH adduct, which is an oxidation product of methyl protocatechuate ( 1 ) in MeOH, was oxidized by the DPPH radical (= 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) or o‐chloranil (= 3,4,5,6‐tetrachlorocyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐dione) in CD₃OD/(D₆)acetone 3 : 1). The oxidation mixtures were directly analyzed by NMR. Oxidation with both the DPPH radical and o‐chloranil produced a C(2),C(6) bis‐methanol adduct ( 7 ), which could scavenge additional 2 equiv. of radical. Calculations of LUMO electron densities of o‐quinones corroborated the regioselective nucleophilic addition of alcohol molecules with o‐quinones. Our results strongly suggest that the regeneration of a catechol structure via a nucleophilic addition of an alcohol molecule with a o‐quinone is a key reaction for the high radical‐scavenging activity of protocatechuic acid esters in alcoholic solvents.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of 2,2‐Dimethylchroman Derivatives as Inhibitors of ICAM‐1 Expression on Human Endothelial Cells

We herein report the synthesis of novel 2,2‐dimethylchroman analogs and their effect on the modulation of tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in human endothelial cells. These compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 on human endothelial cells at very low concentration. The structure–activity relationship of these compounds has been studied. The IC₅₀ and maximum tolerable dose value of the lead compound 7d (X═NH, R═4Cl) of this study was found to be 9.5 and 150 μM, respectively. The present results indicate that our novel compound is potentially effective and therefore could be useful for further pharmaceutical studies.     

A Photoactive Carbon‐Monoxide‐Releasing Protein Cage for Dose‐Regulated Delivery in Living Cells

Protein cages can serve as bioinorganic molecular templates for functionalizing metal compounds to regulate cellular signaling. We succeeded in developing a photoactive CO‐releasing system by constructing a composite of ferritin (Fr) containing manganese–carbonyl complexes. When Arg52 adjacent to Cys48 of Fr is replaced with Cys, the Fr mutant stabilizes the retention of 48 Mn–carbonyl moieties, which can release the CO ligands under light irradiation, although wild‐type Fr retains very few Mn moieties. The amount of released CO is regulated by the extent of irradiation. This could reveal an optimized dose for cooperatively activating the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) in mammalian cells and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α). These results suggest that construction of a CO‐releasing protein cage will advance of research in CO biology.     

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for Detection of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Based on Functionalized MWCNT‐Gold Nanoparticle/Ionic Liquid Nanocomposite

A novel and highly sensitive electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the detection of protein biomarker tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) based on immobilization of TNF‐α‐antibody (anti‐TNF‐α) onto robust nanocomposite containing gold nanoparticles (AuNP), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquid (1‐buthyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide). Functionalized MWCNT‐gold nanoparticle was produced by one‐step synthesis based on the direct redox reaction. The electrochemical properties of nanocomposite were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The anti‐TNF‐α was immobilized or entrapped in the nanocomposite and used in a sandwich type complex immunoassay with anti‐TNF‐α labeled with horseradish peroxidase as secondary antibody. Under optimum conditions, the immunosensor could detect TNF‐α in a linear range from 6.0 to 100 pg mL^?1 with a low detection limit of 2.0 pg mL^?1. The simple fabrication method, high sensitivity, good reproducibility, stability, as well as acceptable accuracy for TNF‐α detection in human serum samples are the main advantages of this immunosensor, which might have broad applications in protein diagnostics and bioassay.     

Artocarpol A,a Novel Constituent with Potent Anti‐inflammatory Effect,Isolated from Artocarpus rigida

A novel phenolic compound, artocarpol A ( 1 ), was isolated from the root bark of Artocarpus rigida and its structure determined by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with its diacetate derivative. Compound 1 strongly inhibited superoxide formation in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) stimulated rat neutrophils in a concentration‐dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 13.7±0.7 μM . Compound 1 also showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) formation in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.     

Asymmetric Reduction of 2‐Chloro‐3‐oxo Esters by Transfer Hydrogenation

Asymmetric reduction of 2‐chloro‐3‐oxo esters was achieved by catalytic transfer hydrogenation using [RuCl₂(p‐cymene)](S,S)‐TsDPEN as the chiral catalyst and HCOOH‐Et₃N as the hydrogen source. Moderate to good yields (up to 85%) and good enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) were obtained.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalysed Direct Synthesis of Cyano Esters via Cyanation‐Esterification Reaction of α‐Keto Esters

The cyanation‐esterification reaction of α‐keto esters catalysed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) is developed. Under the catalysis of 10 mol% 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene, aromatic and aliphatic α‐keto esters reacted with ethyl cyanoformate or acetyl cyanide to produce the corresponding cyano esters with a tetrasubstituted carbon center in high yields.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Functionalized 3‐Aryl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazoles from Hydrazonoyl Chlorides and Acetylenic Esters in the Presence of Ph3P

The zwitterionic 1 : 1 intermediates generated by addition of Ph₃P to acetylenic esters is trapped by 1‐[(aryl)chloromethylene]‐2‐phenylhydrazines (=N‐phenylarenecarbohydrazonoyl chlorides) to yield functionalized 3‐aryl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazoles in good yields.     

Borane‐Catalyzed Reductive α‐Silylation of Conjugated Esters and Amides Leaving Carbonyl Groups Intact

Described herein is the development of the B(C₆F₅)₃‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of α,β‐unsaturated esters and amides to afford synthetically valuable α‐silyl carbonyl products. The α‐silylation occurs chemoselectively, thus leaving the labile carbonyl groups intact. The reaction features a broad scope of both acyclic and cyclic substrates, and the synthetic utility of the obtained α‐silyl carbonyl products is also demonstrated. Mechanistic studies revealed two operative steps: fast 1,4‐hydrosilylation of conjugated carbonyls and then slow silyl group migration of a silyl ether intermediate.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Reductive Arylation of N‐(2‐Pyridinyl)amides with Isopropanol and Arylboronate Esters

A new three‐component reductive arylation of amides with stable reactants (iPrOH and arylboronate esters), making use of a 2‐pyridinyl (Py) directing group, is described. The N‐Py‐amide substrates are readily prepared from carboxylic acids and PyNH₂, and the resulting N‐Py‐1‐arylalkanamine reaction products are easily transformed into the corresponding chlorides by substitution of the HN‐Py group with HCl. The 1‐aryl‐1‐chloroalkane products allow substitution and cross‐coupling reactions. Therefore, a general protocol for the transformation of carboxylic acids into a variety of functionalities is obtained. The Py‐NH₂ by‐product can be recycled.     

Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy α‐Sulfanyl Esters by Using Nanocrystalline Magnesium Oxide

Aldol‐type reaction between electron deficient aldehydes and sulfonium salts to afford the corresponding β‐hydroxy α‐sulfanyl esters in moderate‐to‐good yields by using nanocrystalline MgO is described. The sulfanyl group is a useful group for further transformations in organic synthesis. Low R_f‐value isomer is anti‐configured as revealed by X‐ray diffraction study and consistent with the assignment of ¹H‐NMR spectrum.     

Mechanism of the Pd‐catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylation of α‐Imino Esters: Decarboxylation via Free Carboxylate Ion

The Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of α‐(diphenylmethylene)imino esters ( 1 ) or allyl diphenylglycinate imines ( 2 ) is an efficient method to construct new C(sp³)? C(sp³) bonds. The detailed mechanism of this reaction was studied by theoretical calculations [ONIOM(B3LYP/LANL2DZ+p:PM6)] combined with experimental observations. The overall catalytic cycle was found to consist of three steps: oxidative addition, decarboxylation, and reductive allylation. The oxidative addition of 1 to [(dba)Pd(PPh₃)₂] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone) produces an allylpalladium cation and a carboxylate anion with a low activation barrier of +9.1 kcal mol^?1. The following rate‐determining decarboxylation proceeds via a solvent‐exposed α‐imino carboxylate anion rather than an O‐ligated allylpalladium carboxylate with an activation barrier of +22.7 kcal mol^?1. The 2‐azaallyl anion generated by this decarboxylation attacks the face of the allyl ligand opposite to the Pd center in an outer‐sphere process to produce major product 3 , with a lower activation barrier than that of the minor product 4 . A positive linear Hammett correlation [ρ=1.10 for the PPh₃ ligand] with the observed regioselectivity ( 3 versus 4 ) supports an outer‐sphere pathway for the allylation step. When Pd combined with the bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligand is employed as a catalyst, the decarboxylation still proceeds via the free carboxylate anion without direct assistance of the cationic Pd center. Consistent with experimental observations, electron‐withdrawing substituents on 2 were calculated to have lower activation barriers for decarboxylation and, thus, accelerate the overall reaction rates.     

Polynitroethyl‐ and Fluorodinitroethyl Substituted Boron Esters

The reaction of boron oxide with various nitro‐substituted ethanols (2‐nitroethanol, 2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethanol, 2,2,2‐trinitroethanol) furnished the corresponding nitroethyl borates B(OCH₂CH₂NO₂)₃ ( 1 ), B(OCH₂CF(NO₂)₂)₃ ( 2 ), and B(OCH₂C(NO₂)₃)₃ ( 3 ). Fluorination of the anion [(NO₂)₂CCH₂OH]^? ( 4 ) resulted in 2‐fluoro‐2,2‐dinitroethanol ( 5 ), a precursor for 2 , and was thoroughly characterized. An interesting condensation was observed with the anion 4 to form the unusual dianion [(NO₂)₂CCH₂C(NO₂)₂]^2? ( 6 ). All compounds were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman), mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The chemical, physical and energetic properties of 1 – 3 and 5 are reported, as well as quantum chemical calculations at the CBS‐4M level of theory to predict the enthalpies and energies of formation. X‐ray diffraction studies were performed, and the crystal structures for compounds 1 – 6 were determined and discussed thoroughly. The boron esters 1 – 3 are of interest as possible candidates for smoke‐free, green colorants in pyrotechnic applications, and in case of 2 and 3 also as promising high energy oxidizers.     

C‐Selective and Diastereoselective Alkyl Addition to β,γ‐Alkynyl‐α‐imino Esters with Zinc(II)ate Complexes

Since umpolung α‐imino esters contain three electrophilic centers, regioselective alkyl addition with traditional organometallic reagents has been a serious problem in the practical synthesis of versatile chiral α‐amino acid derivatives. An unusual C‐alkyl addition to α‐imino esters using a Grignard reagent (RMgX)‐derived zinc(II)ate was developed. Zinc(II)ate complexes consist of a Lewis acidic [MgX]⁺ moiety, a nucleophilic [R₃Zn]^? moiety, and 2 [MgX₂]. Therefore, the ionically separated [R₃Zn]^? selectively attacks the imino carbon atom ,which is most strongly activated by chelation of [MgX]⁺. In particular, chiral β,γ‐alkynyl‐α‐imino esters can strongly promote highly regio‐ and diastereoselective C‐alkylation because of structural considerations, and the corresponding optically active α‐quaternary amino acid derivatives are obtained within 5 minutes in high to excellent yields.     

Fragmentation Mechanism of Trans—α—Aryl—β—enamino Esters

Electron impact-induced fragmentation mechanism of Trans-α-Aryl-β-enamino esters were investigated using mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrometry and high resolution accurate mass data It was found that the main characteristic fragmentations of compounds studied were:an odd electron ion M^ -EtOH was formed by losing a neutral molecule of ethanol;and the skeletal rearrangements took place;and the ring opening reaction happened after losing a carbon monoxide;and the typical McLafferty rearrangement underwent in ester group.The cycliztion reation caused by losing neutral molecule of TsNH2 due to the ortho-effects of substituted group of gromatic ring was also observed.     

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Keto‐Alkenylboronate Esters and 1,4‐Dicarbonyls

A catalytic enantioselective method for the synthesis of 1,4‐keto‐alkenylboronate esters by a rhodium‐catalyzed conjugate addition pathway is disclosed. A variety of novel, bench‐stable alkenyl gem‐diboronate esters are synthesized. These easily accessible reagents react smoothly with a collection of cyclic α,β‐unsaturated ketones, generating a new C?C bond and stereocenter. Products are isolated in up to 99 % yield with greater than 20:1 E/Z and greater than 99:1 e.r. Mechanistic studies show the site‐selectivity of transmetalation and reactivity is ligand dependent. The utility of the approach is highlighted by gram‐scale synthesis of enantioenriched cyclic 1,4‐diketones, and stereoselective transformations of the products by hydrogenation, allylation, and isomerization.     

Synthesis of [2,2’]Bifuranyl‐5,5’‐dicarboxylic Acid Esters via Reductive Homocoupling of 5‐Bromofuran‐2‐carboxylates Using Alcohols as Reductants†

Herein, we describe an environmentally benign and cost‐effective protocol for the synthesis of valuable bifuranyl dicarboxylates, starting with α‐bromination of readily accessible furan‐2‐carboxylates by LiBr and K₂S₂O₈. Furthermore, the bromination intermediate product 5‐bromofuran‐2‐carboxylates were then conducted in a palladium‐catalyzed reductive homocoupling reactions in the presence of alcohols to afford bifuranyl dicarboxylates. One of the final products in this protocol, [2,2’]bifuran‐5,5’‐dicarboxylic acid esters, are essential monomers of poly(ethylene bifuranoate), which can be served as an green and versatile alternative polymer for traditional poly(ethylene terephthalate) that is currently common in technical plastics.