Ethynylbenziodazolones (EBZ) as Electrophilic Alkynylation Reagents for the Highly Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Oxyalkynylation of Diazo Compounds

Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents are now established reagents for the alkynylation of radicals and nucleophiles, yet they present limited possibilities for further structure and reactivity modification. Herein, the first synthesis is reported for the corresponding ethynylbenziodazolone (EBZ) reagents, in which the oxygen atom in the iodoheterocycle is replaced by a nitrogen atom. The substituent on the nitrogen enables further fine-tuning of the reagent structure and reactivity. EBZ reagents are obtained easily from the corresponding benzamides by using a one-step procedure, and display reactivity comparable to that of EBX reagents. In particular, they are applied in an asymmetric copper-catalyzed oxyalkynylation of diazo compounds, which proceeds in high yield and enantioselectivity for a broad range of substituents on the diazo compounds and the alkyne.     

Cyclic Hypervalent Iodine Reagents for Atom‐Transfer Reactions: Beyond Trifluoromethylation

Hypervalent iodine compounds are privileged reagents in organic synthesis because of their exceptional reactivity. Among these compounds, cyclic derivatives stand apart because of their enhanced stability. They have been widely used as oxidants, but their potential for functional‐group transfer has only begun to be investigated recently. The use of benziodoxol(on)es for trifluoromethylation (Togni's reagents) is already widely recognized, but other transformations have also attracted strong interest recently. In this Review, the development in the area since 2011 will be presented. After a short summary of synthetic methods to prepare benziodoxol(on)e reagents, their use to construct carbon–heteroatom and carbon–carbon bonds will be presented. In particular, the introduction of alkynes by using ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) reagents has been highly successful. Breakthroughs in the introduction of alkoxy, azido, difluoromethyl, and cyano groups will also be described.     

5‐(Alkynyl)dibenzothiophenium Triflates: Sulfur‐Based Reagents for Electrophilic Alkynylation

The synthesis of a series of 5‐(alkynyl) dibenzothiophenium triflates, prepared from dibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5‐oxide and the corresponding trimethylsilyl‐substituted alkynes is reported. Their structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography, and their reactivities as electrophilic alkynylation reagents evaluated. Their broad substrate scope and functional‐group tolerance illustrate their potential to become an alternative to the broadly used EBX reagents. Isotope labeling studies reveal that alkynyldibenzothiophenium salts may undergo attack by nucleophiles at either the α‐ or β‐carbon atom depending on the nature of their substitution pattern. Subsequent elimination of the dibenzothiophene unit and 1,2‐migration of one of the groups (in case of β‐attack) affords the desired alkynes.     

Structure and Reactivity of N-Heterocyclic Alkynyl Hypervalent Iodine Reagents

Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents have become popular reagents for the alkynylation of radicals and nucleophiles, but only offer limited possibilities for further structure and reactivity fine-tuning. Herein, the synthesis of new N-heterocyclic hypervalent iodine reagents with increased structural flexibility based on amide, amidine and sulfoximine scaffolds is reported. Solid-state structures of the reagents are reported and the analysis of the I−C_alkyne bond lengths allowed assessing the trans-effect of the different substituents. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps of the reagents, derived from DFT computations, revealed less pronounced σ-hole regions for sulfonamide-based compounds. Most reagents reacted well in the alkynylation of β-ketoesters. The alkynylation of thiols afforded more variable yields, with compounds with a stronger σ-hole reacting better. In metal-mediated transformations, the N-heterocyclic hypervalent iodine reagents gave inferior results when compared to the O-based EBX reagents.     

Evaluation of low energy CID and ECD fragmentation behavior of mono-oxidized thio-ether bonds in peptides

Thio-ether bonds in the cysteinyl side chain of peptides, formed with the most commonly used cysteine blocking reagent iodoacetamide, after conversion to sulfoxide, releases a neutral fragment mass in a low-energy MS/MS experiment in the gas phase of the mass spectrometer [6]. In this study, we show that the neutral loss fragments produced from the mono-oxidized thio-ether bonds (sulfoxide) in peptides, formed by alkyl halide or double-bond containing cysteine blocking reagents are different under low-energy MS/MS conditions. We have evaluated the low-energy fragmentation patterns of mono-oxidized modified peptides with different cysteine blocking reagents, such as iodoacetamide, 3-maleimidopropionic acid, and 4-vinylpyridine using FTICR-MS. We propose that the mechanisms of gas-phase fragmentation of mono-oxidized thio-ether bonds in the side chain of peptides, formed by iodoacetamide and double-bond containing cysteine blocking reagents, maleimide and vinylpyridine, are different because of the availability of acidic beta-hydrogens in these compounds. Moreover, we investigated the fragmentation characteristics of mono-oxidized thio-ether bonds within the peptide sequence to develop novel mass-spectrometry identifiable chemical cross-linkers. This methionine type of oxidized thio-ether bond within the peptide sequence did not show anticipated low-energy fragmentation. Electron capture dissociation (ECD) of the side chain thio-ether bond containing oxidized peptides was also studied. ECD spectra of the oxidized peptides showed a greater extent of peptide backbone cleavage, compared with CID spectra. This fragmentation information is critical to researchers for accurate data analysis of this undesired modification in proteomics research, as well as other methods that may utilize sulfoxide derivatives.     

Unconventional Reactivity of Ethynylbenziodoxolone Reagents and Thiols: Scope and Mechanism

1,2-Dithio-1-alkenes are biologically active compounds widely implemented throughout organic synthesis, functional materials, coordination chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. Traditional methods for accessing 1,2-dithio-1-alkenes often demand transition metal catalysts, specialized or air-sensitive ligands, high temperatures, and disulfides (R₂S₂). Herein, a general and efficient strategy utilizing ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents and thiols is presented that results in the formation of 1,2-dithio-1-alkenes with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity through unprecedented reactivity between the EBX and the thiol. This operationally simple procedure utilizes mild conditions, which result in a broad substrate scope and high functional-group tolerance. The observed unexpected reactivity has been rationalized through both experimental results and DFT calculations.     

Halomethyl-Triazoles for Rapid,Site-Selective Protein Modification

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are used by organisms to control protein structure and function after protein translation, but their study is complicated and their roles are not often well understood as PTMs are difficult to introduce onto proteins selectively. Designing reagents that are both good mimics of PTMs, but also only modify select amino acid residues in proteins is challenging. Frequently, both a chemical warhead and linker are used, creating a product that is a misrepresentation of the natural modification. We have previously shown that biotin-chloromethyl-triazole is an effective reagent for cysteine modification to give S-Lys derivatives where the triazole is a good mimic of natural lysine acylation. Here, we demonstrate both how the reactivity of the alkylating reagents can be increased and how the range of triazole PTM mimics can be expanded. These new iodomethyl-triazole reagents are able to modify a cysteine residue on a histone protein with excellent selectivity in 30 min to give PTM mimics of acylated lysine side-chains. Studies on the more complicated, folded protein SCP-2L showed promising reactivity, but also suggested the halomethyl-triazoles are potent alkylators of methionine residues.     

Reactive Acrylamide-Modified DNA Traps for Accurate Cross-Linking with Cysteine Residues in DNA–Protein Complexes Using Mismatch Repair Protein MutS as a Model

Covalent protein capture (cross-linking) by reactive DNA derivatives makes it possible to investigate structural features by fixing complexes at different stages of DNA–protein recognition. The most common cross-linking methods are based on reactive groups that interact with native or engineered cysteine residues. Nonetheless, high reactivity of most of such groups leads to preferential fixation of early-stage complexes or even non-selective cross-linking. We synthesised a set of DNA reagents carrying an acrylamide group attached to the C5 atom of a 2′-deoxyuridine moiety via various linkers and studied cross-linking with MutS as a model protein. MutS scans DNA for mismatches and damaged nucleobases and can form multiple non-specific complexes with DNA that may cause non-selective cross-linking. By varying the length of the linker between DNA and the acrylamide group and by changing the distance between the reactive nucleotide and a mismatch in the duplex, we showed that cross-linking occurs only if the distance between the acrylamide group and cysteine is optimal within the DNA–protein complex. Thus, acrylamide-modified DNA duplexes are excellent tools for studying DNA–protein interactions because of high selectivity of cysteine trapping.     

Improved sensitivity proteomics by postharvest alkylation and radioactive labelling of proteins

We describe approaches to improve the detection of proteins by postharvest alkylation and subsequent radioactive labeling with either [3H]iodoacetamide or 125I. Database protein sequence analysis suggested that cysteine is not suitable for detection of the entire proteome, but that cysteine alkylating reagents can increase the number of proteins able to be detected by iodination chemistry. Proteins were alkylated with beta-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl iodoacetamide, or with 1,5-l-AEDANS (the Hudson Weber reagent). Subsequent iodination using the Iodo-Gen system was found to be most efficient. The enhanced sensitivity obtainable by using these approaches is expected to be sufficient for visualization of the lowest copy number proteins from human cells, such as from clinical samples. However, we argue that significantly improved methods of protein separation will be necessary to resolve the large number of proteins expected to be detectable with this sensitivity.     

Room‐Temperature Decarboxylative Alkynylation of Carboxylic Acids Using Photoredox Catalysis and EBX Reagents

Alkynes are used as building blocks in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science. Therefore, efficient methods for their synthesis are the subject of intensive research. Herein, we report the direct synthesis of alkynes from readily available carboxylic acids at room temperature under visible‐light irradiation. The combination of an iridium photocatalyst with ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents allowed the decarboxylative alkynylation of carboxylic acids in good yields under mild conditions. The method could be applied to silyl‐, aryl‐, and alkyl‐ substituted alkynes. It was particularly successful in the case of α‐amino and α‐oxo acids derived from biomass.     

Radical‐Induced Metal‐Free Alkynylation of Aldehydes by Direct CH Activation

A direct C(sp²)?H alkynylation of aldehyde C(O)?H bonds with hypervalent iodine alkynylation reagents provides ynones under metal‐free conditions. In this method, 1‐[(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl]‐1,2‐benziodoxol‐3(1H)‐one (TIPS‐EBX) constitutes an efficient alkynylation reagent for the introduction of the triple bond. The substrate scope is extended to a variety of (hetero)aromatic, aliphatic, and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.     

Solution Structure of Turbo‐Hauser Base TMPMgCl⋅LiCl in [D8]THF

Turbo‐Hauser bases are very useful and highly reactive organometallic reagents in synthesis. Especially TMPMgCl ? LiCl 1 (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide) is an excellent base for converting a wide range of (hetero)aromatic substrates into highly functionalized compounds with a broad application in organic synthesis. The knowledge of its structure in solution is of essential importance to understand the extraordinary reactivity and selectivity. However, very little is known about the aggregation of this prominent reagent in solution. Herein, we present the THF‐solution structure of 1 by employing our newly elaborated DOSY NMR method based on external calibration curves (ECC) with normalized diffusion coefficients.     

A novel class of tunable zinc reagents (RXZnCH2Y) for efficient cyclopropanation of olefins

A class of zinc reagents (RXZnCH(2)Y) generated with an appropriate organozinc is very effective for the cyclopropanation of olefins. The reactivity and selectivity of these reagents can be regulated by tuning the electronic and steric nature of the RX group on Zn. A reasonable level of enantioselectivity was obtained for the cyclopropanation of unfunctionalized olefins when a chiral (iodomethyl)zinc species was used, providing a valuable approach for the asymmetric cyclopropanation of unfunctionalized olefins.     

Transition-Metal-Free Three-Component Radical 1,2-Amidoalkynylation of Unactivated Alkenes

A transition-metal-free radical 1,2-amidoalkynylation of unactivated alkenes is presented. α-Amido-oxy acids were used as amidyl radical precursors, which were oxidized by an organic photoredox catalyst (4CzlPN). The electrophilic N-radicals chemoselectively reacted with various aliphatic alkenes and the adduct radicals were then trapped by ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents to eventually provide the amidoalkynylation products. These transformations, which were conducted under practical and mild conditions, showed high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies supported the radical nature of these cascades.     

Powerful Fluoroalkoxy Molybdenum(V) Reagent for Selective Oxidative Arene Coupling Reaction

We introduce the novel fluoroalkoxy molybdenum(V) reagent 1 which has superior reactivity and selectivity in comparison to MoCl₅ or the MoCl₅/TiCl₄ reagent mixture in the oxidative coupling reactions of aryls. Common side reactions, such as chlorination and/or oligomer formation, are drastically diminished creating a powerful and useful reagent for oxidative coupling. Theoretical treatment of the reagent interaction with 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene‐type substrates indicates an inner‐sphere electron transfer followed by a radical cationic reaction pathway for the oxidative‐coupling process. EPR spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, X‐ray analyses, computational investigations, and the experimental scope provide a highly consistent picture. The substitution of chlorido ligands by hexafluoroisopropoxido moieties seems to boost both the reactivity and selectivity of the metal center which might be applied to other reagents as well.     

Quaternization of Vinyl/Alkynyl Pyridine Enables Ultrafast Cysteine‐Selective Protein Modification and Charge Modulation

Quaternized vinyl‐ and alkynyl‐pyridine reagents were shown to react in an ultrafast and selective manner with several cysteine‐tagged proteins at near‐stoichiometric quantities. We have demonstrated that this method can effectively create a homogenous antibody–drug conjugate that features a precise drug‐to‐antibody ratio of 2, which was stable in human plasma and retained its specificity towards Her2+ cells. Finally, the developed warhead introduces a +1 charge to the overall net charge of the protein, which enabled us to show that the electrophoretic mobility of the protein may be tuned through the simple attachment of a quaternized vinyl pyridinium reagent at the cysteine residues. We anticipate the generalized use of quaternized vinyl‐ and alkynyl‐pyridine reagents not only for bioconjugation, but also as warheads for covalent inhibition and as tools to profile cysteine reactivity.     

Organic‐inorganic‐hybrid‐enhancement Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cu (II) in River Water

A dual strategy that the L‐cysteine self‐assembling on three‐dimensional network of organic‐hybrid‐materials realized by successive interaction of Au−S bond is employed to construct as the amplified electrochemical sensor for determination Cu (II). Specifically, the sensor combined a rigid three‐dimension inorganic net which provides a higher interfacial area as well as faster adsorption of ions. Accordingly, surface and interfacial‐dominated electro‐catalysis reactivity is used as an ideal test‐bed to verify the reliability of electrochemical sensor that reveal enhancement sensitiveness and selectivity, low detection limit, and stability over a long period of time. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) were used to calculating the all complexes energies at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level associated with the polarized continuum model (PCM). The result of calculation indicates that the binding strength of Cu (II), Cd (II), As (III), Hg (II) with L‐cysteine are decrease successively, and this is in well agreement with experimental results. This work not only achieves an unprecedented understanding to L‐cysteine/Au/TiO₂/GCE sensor but also provides a new perspective for application in detection of Cu (II) in real river waters.     

Rational Design of an Ultrasensitive and Highly Selective Chemodosimeter by a Dual Quenching Mechanism for Cysteine Based on a Facile Michael‐Transcyclization Cascade Reaction

Differentiation of biologically important thiols, such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) is still a challenging task. Herein, we present a novel fluorescent chemodosimeter capable of selectively detecting Cys over other biothiols including Hcy and GSH and other amino acids by a facile thiol‐Michael addition/transcyclization rearrangement cascade click process. The unique transcyclization step is critical for the selectivity as a result of the kinetically favorable formation of a six‐membered ring with the Cys Michael adduct. Moreover, the probe adopts a distinctive dual quenching mechanism—photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) to deliver a drastic turn‐on fluorescence response only at the Cys‐selective transcylization step. The judicious selection of strong electron‐withdrawing naphthalimide fluorophore with maleimide group enhances the electrophilicity and thus reactivity for the cascade process leading to fast detection and ultrasensitivity with a detection limit of 2.0 nm (S/N=3). The probe has demonstrated its practical utility potential in Cys imaging in live cells.     

Continuous Flow Synthesis of Ketones from Carbon Dioxide and Organolithium or Grignard Reagents

We describe an efficient continuous flow synthesis of ketones from CO₂ and organolithium or Grignard reagents that exhibits significant advantages over conventional batch conditions in suppressing undesired symmetric ketone and tertiary alcohol byproducts. We observed an unprecedented solvent‐dependence of the organolithium reactivity, the key factor in governing selectivity during the flow process. A facile, telescoped three‐step–one‐flow process for the preparation of ketones in a modular fashion through the in‐line generation of organometallic reagents is also established.     

Photochemical Functionalization of Heterocycles with EBX Reagents: C−H Alkynylation versus Deconstructive Ring Cleavage**

The development of novel methodologies for the functionalization of saturated heterocycles is highly desirable. Herein, we report a cheap and efficient photochemical method for the C−H functionalization of saturated O-heterocycles, as well as the deconstructive ring-cleavage of S-heterocycles, employing hypervalent iodine alkynylation reagents (ethynylbenziodoxolones, EBX). This photochemical alkynylation is performed utilizing phenylglyoxylic acid as the photoinitiator, leading to the corresponding products in good to high yields, under household fluorescent light bulb irradiation. When O-heterocycles were employed, the expected α-C−H alkynylation took place. In contrast, oxidative ring-opening to form a thioalkyne and an aldehyde was observed with S-heterocycles. Preliminary mechanistic experiments are presented to give first insights into this puzzling divergent reactivity.