The Crystal Structure of RosB: Insights into the Reaction Mechanism of the First Member of a Family of Flavodoxin‐like Enzymes

8‐demethyl‐8‐aminoriboflavin‐5′‐phosphate (AFP) synthase (RosB) catalyzes the key reaction of roseoflavin biosynthesis by forming AFP from riboflavin‐5′‐phosphate (RP) and glutamate via the intermediates 8‐demethyl‐8‐formylriboflavin‐5′‐phosphate (OHC‐RP) and 8‐demethyl‐8‐carboxylriboflavin‐5′‐phosphate (HO₂C‐RP). To understand this reaction in which a methyl substituent of an aromatic ring is replaced by an amine we structurally characterized RosB in complex with OHC‐RP (2.0 Å) and AFP (1.7 Å). RosB is composed of four flavodoxin‐like subunits which have been upgraded with specific extensions and a unique C‐terminal arm. It appears that RosB has evolved from an electron‐ or hydride‐transferring flavoprotein to a sophisticated multi‐step enzyme which uses RP as a substrate (and not as a cofactor). Structure‐based active site analysis was complemented by mutational and isotope‐based mass‐spectrometric data to propose an enzymatic mechanism on an atomic basis.     

Intramolecular Thioether Migration in the Rhodium‐Catalyzed Ene‐Cycloisomerization of Alkenylidenecyclopropanes by a Metal‐Mediated β‐Sulfide Elimination

Reported is the first example of a rhodium‐mediated β‐sulfide elimination, which represents a new mode of reactivity for late‐transition‐metal chemistry. This serendipitous discovery facilitates an ene‐cycloisomerization of allylic‐sulfide‐containing alkenylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) to afford five‐membered carbo‐ and heterocyclic rings with concomitant intramolecular thioether migration. Interestingly, similar selectivity is obtained with both E‐ and Z‐allylic sulfides and the reaction is also feasible with an allylic selenide. Mechanistic studies are consistent with an inner‐sphere transfer of the sulfide, which is remarkable given the propensity for sulfides to poison transition‐metal catalysts. Finally, this type of atom‐economical rearrangement is envisioned to prompt the development of related processes given the utility of sulfides in target‐directed synthesis.     

Mutant‐Selective Allosteric EGFR Degraders are Effective Against a Broad Range of Drug‐Resistant Mutations

Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through an allosteric mechanism provides a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome drug‐resistant EGFR mutations that emerge within the ATP binding site. Here, we develop an allosteric EGFR degrader, DDC‐01‐163, which can selectively inhibit the proliferation of L858R/T790M (L/T) mutant Ba/F3 cells while leaving wildtype EGFR Ba/F3 cells unaffected. DDC‐01‐163 is also effective against osimertinib‐resistant cells with L/T/C797S and L/T/L718Q EGFR mutations. When combined with an ATP‐site EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib, the anti‐proliferative activity of DDC‐01‐163 against L858R/T790M EGFR‐Ba/F3 cells is enhanced. Collectively, DDC‐01‐163 is a promising allosteric EGFR degrader with selective activity against various clinically relevant EGFR mutants as a single agent and when combined with an ATP‐site inhibitor. Our data suggests that targeted protein degradation is a promising drug development approach for mutant EGFR.     

Stimuli‐Responsive Dual‐Color Photon Upconversion: A Singlet‐to‐Triplet Absorption Sensitizer in a Soft Luminescent Cyclophane

Reversible emission color switching of triplet–triplet annihilation‐based photon upconversion (TTA‐UC) is achieved by employing an Os complex sensitizer with singlet‐to‐triplet (S‐T) absorption and an asymmetric luminescent cyclophane with switchable emission characteristics. The cyclophane contains the 9,10‐bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene unit as an emitter and can assemble into two different structures, a stable crystalline phase and a metastable supercooled nematic phase. The two structures exhibit green and yellow fluorescence, respectively, and can be accessed by distinct heating/cooling sequences. The hybridization of the cyclophane with the Os complex allows near‐infrared‐to‐visible TTA‐UC. The large anti‐Stokes shift is possible by the direct S‐T excitation, which dispenses with the use of a conventional sequence of singlet–singlet absorption and intersystem crossing. The TTA‐UC emission color is successfully switched between green and yellow by thermal stimulation.     

Statistical Conjugated Polymers Comprising Optoelectronically Distinct Units

Poly(3‐heptylselenophene)‐stat‐poly(3‐hexylthiophene) is synthesized and characterized in terms of its crystallinity and performance in an organic photovoltaic (OPV) cell. Despite the random distribution of units along the polymer main chain, the material is semi‐crystalline, as demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Thin‐film absorption suggests an increased compatibility than seen with 3‐hexylselenophene monomer. Optoelectronic properties are an average of the two homopolymers, and OPV performance is enhanced by a broadened absorption profile and a favorable morphology.     

Novel Solid‐Contact Ion‐Selective Microelectrodes for Localized Potentiometric Measurements

The design and properties of novel type of solid‐contact ionophore‐based ion‐selective microelectrodes are reported. The microelectrode is based on an insulated needle‐shaped metallic wire with an exposed apex. The ion‐to‐electron transducer is made of poly(3‐octylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) and placed between an ion‐selective membrane and the metallic tip. The ion‐selective polyvinyl chloride‐based membrane is deposited atop the layer of conductive polymer. The length of the ion‐sensitive part of the electrode is less than 10 μm. pH and Mg²⁺‐selective microelectrodes were constructed and tested showing stable potential and fast response that are essential properties for the practical application of microelectrodes for localized scanning measurements.     

Novel Route to (+)‐Pinitol Intermediate via a Strategy Derived from Diazotization of O‐Isopropylidene‐Protected 4‐Amino‐2‐Cyclohexen‐1‐ol

A concise preparation of the enantiopure 1,2‐(isopropylidenedioxy)‐3,4‐epoxy‐5‐cyclohexene 2b , which is an important building block for (+)‐pinitol synthesis, evolved by combining the asymmetric cycloaddition of isopropylidenedioxy)cyclohexadiene to chiral chloronitroso with an internal substitution of an amino alcohol to create vinyl epoxide.     

The photochemistry of 6‐phenanthridinecarbonitrile I. Product analysis

When 6‐phenanthridinecarbonitrile ( 3 ) is irradiated at 2537 Å in neutral 9:1 2‐propanol/water, three major products are formed. These are dimethyl‐(6‐phenanthridinyl)methanol ( 4 ), phenanthridine ( 5 ) and 6,6′‐biphenanthridine ( 6 ). When benzophenone is present in the reaction mixture, diphenyl‐(6‐phenanthridinyl)‐methanol is also formed. 6‐Phenanthridinyl radical which is common to the formation of all these products, is formed by a monophotonic process involving hydrogen atom abstraction from an alcohol molecule by an excited state of 3 . Unlike what is generally found with other nitrogen‐heterocycles, the photochemistry of 3 appears to involve only a π,π* singlet state. The fluorescence of 3 is quenched with the triplet quencher cis/trans‐piperylene as a function of the concentration of the diene without the accompaniment of an exci‐plex emission.     

Total Synthesis of the Antibiotic Kendomycin: A Macrocyclization Using the Tsuji–Trost Etherification

A highly stereocontrolled, convergent total synthesis of kendomycin [(?)‐TAN2162], an ansa‐macrocyclic antibiotic, is reported. The key of the strategy is an unprecedented Tsuji–Trost macrocyclic etherification, followed by a transannular Claisen rearrangement to construct the 18‐membered carbocyclic framework. The oxa‐six‐ and five‐membered rings were also stereoselectively constructed respectively by a cascade oxidative cyclization at an unfunctionalized benzylic position and using a one‐pot epoxidation/5‐exo‐tet epoxide opening.     

Fe(OTf)3‐Catalyzed α‐Benzylation of Aryl Methyl Ketones with Electrophilic Secondary and Aryl Alcohols

Acid‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with electrophilic alcohols, is known to be an effective C? C bond forming reaction. However, until now, this reaction has not been amenable for α‐alkylation of aryl methyl ketones because of the notoriously low nucleophilicities of these compounds. Therefore, α‐alkylation of aryl methyl ketone relies on precious metal catalysts and also, the use of primary alcohols is mandatory. In this study, we found that a system composed of a Fe(OTf)₃ catalyst and chlorobenzene solvent is sufficient to promote the title Friedel–Crafts reaction by using benzhydrols as electrophiles. 3,4‐Dihydro‐9‐(2‐hydroxy‐4,4‐dimethyl‐6‐oxo‐1‐cyclohexen‐1‐yl)‐3,3‐dimethyl‐xanthen‐1(2 H)‐one was also applicable as an electrophile in this type of benzylation reaction. On the basis of this result, a three‐component reaction of salicylaldehyde, dimedone, and aryl methyl ketone was also developed, and this provided an efficient way for the synthesis of densely substituted 4H‐chromene derivatives.     

Ligand‐Controlled Regiodivergent Nickel‐Catalyzed Annulation of Pyridones

The 1,6‐annulated 2‐pyridone motif is found in many biologically active compounds and its close relation to the indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloid core makes it an attractive building block. A nickel‐catalyzed C? H functionalization of 2‐pyridones and subsequent cyclization affords 1,6‐annulated 2‐pyridones by selective intramolecular olefin hydroarylation. The switch between the exo‐ and endo‐cyclization modes is controlled by two complementary sets of ligands. Irrespective of the ring size, the regioselectivity during the cyclization is under full catalyst control. Simple cyclooctadiene promotes an exo‐selective cyclization, whereas a bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand results in an endo‐selective mode. The method was further applied in the synthesis of the lupin alkaloid cytisine.     

A Bistable Molecular Switch Driven by Photoinduced Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer

The occurrence of photoinduced hydrogen atom transfer between two remote spots of a molecule is experimentally demonstrated. This photoprocess involves the intermediacy of an intramolecular “crane”. In an experimental case study, 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylquinoline‐8‐carbaldehyde monomers isolated in low‐temperature Ar matrices are investigated. On UV (λ>295 nm) irradiation, a hydrogen atom is transferred from the O⁷H group to the N¹ atom of the quinoline ring. Subsequent irradiation with UV (λ>360 nm) light reveals that the phototransformation is partially photoreversible. In the studied hydrogen‐atom‐transfer process, the exocyclic carbaldehyde group plays the role of an intramolecular crane. The possible application of systems analogous to 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylquinoline‐8‐carbaldehyde as optically driven molecular switches is discussed.     

Pd‐Senphos Catalyzed trans‐Selective Cyanoboration of 1,3‐Enynes

The first trans‐selective cyanoboration reaction of an alkyne, specifically a 1,3‐enyne, is described. The reported palladium‐catalyzed cyanoboration of 1,3‐enynes is site‐, regio‐, and diastereoselective, and is uniquely enabled by the 1,4‐azaborine‐based Senphos ligand structure. Tetra‐substituted alkenyl nitriles are obtained providing useful boron‐dienenitrile building blocks that can be further functionalized. The utility of our method has been demonstrated with the synthesis of Satigrel, an anti‐platelet aggregating agent.     

Active‐Metal Template Synthesis of a Halogen‐Bonding Rotaxane for Anion Recognition

The synthesis of an all‐halogen‐bonding rotaxane for anion recognition is achieved by using active‐metal templation. A flexible bis‐iodotriazole‐containing macrocycle is exploited for the metal‐directed rotaxane synthesis. Endotopic binding of a Cu^I template facilitates an active‐metal CuAAC iodotriazole axle formation reaction that captures the interlocked rotaxane product. Following copper‐template removal, exotopic coordination of a more sterically demanding rhenium(I) complex induces an inversion in the conformation of the macrocycle component, directing the iodotriazole halogen‐bond donors into the rotaxane’s interlocked binding cavity to facilitate anion recognition.     

A Concise Flow Synthesis of Efavirenz

Efavirenz is an essential medicine for the treatment of HIV, which is still inaccessible to millions of people worldwide. A novel, semi‐continuous process provides rac‐Efavirenz with an overall yield of 45 %. This streamlined proof‐of‐principle synthesis relies on the efficient copper‐catalyzed formation of an aryl isocyanate and a subsequent intramolecular cyclization to install the carbamate core of Efavirenz in one step. The three‐step method represents the shortest synthesis of this life‐saving drug to date.     

Forging Fluorine‐Containing Quaternary Stereocenters by a Light‐Driven Organocatalytic Aldol Desymmetrization Process

Reported herein is a light‐triggered organocatalytic strategy for the desymmetrization of achiral 2‐fluoro‐substituted cyclopentane‐1,3‐diketones. The chemistry is based on an intermolecular aldol reaction of photochemically generated hydroxy‐o ‐quinodimethanes and simultaneously forges two adjacent fully substituted carbon stereocenters, with one bearing a stereogenic carbon–fluorine unit. The method uses readily available substrates, a simple chiral organocatalyst, and mild reaction conditions to afford an array of highly functionalized chiral 2‐fluoro‐3‐hydroxycyclopentanones.     

Dilemmas in Crystallization. The ‘Unusual' Behavior of trans‐1,5‐Dichloro‐9,10‐diethynyl‐9,10‐dihydroanthracene‐9,10‐diol and the More ‘Normal' Behavior of Its Pseudopolymorphs with Dipolar Aprotic Solvents

The compound trans‐1,5‐dichloro‐9,10‐diethynyl‐9,10‐dihydroanthracene‐9,10‐diol (DDDA) has an inversion center as the only molecular symmetry element and yet does not occupy an inversion center in the centrosymmetric space group that it adopts in the crystal structure. The reason for this very unusual occurrence is the crowded environment of the H‐bond donors and acceptors that leads to less than optimal H‐bonding. A centrosymmetric supramolecular synthon constituted with four Cl‐atoms in a planar array occupies an i site in the crystal, and this appears to provide a satisfactory alternative packing. Based on the hypothesis that H‐bonding is less than optimal in the crystal structure of DDDA, pseudopolymorphs were prepared with strongly H‐bond‐accepting solvents. The crystal structures of five of these solvates are described, wherein the DDDA molecule is able to occupy an i site and form strong and linear O? H ???O H‐bonds with the solvent molecules. Competition experiments show that a smaller solvent molecule with a greater H‐bond‐accepting ability is included more readily and that the H‐bonds formed are correspondingly better.     

Electronic structure of octagonal boron nitride nanotubes

The effect of an octagonal lattice configuration on a boron nitride nanotube is explored using first principle calculations. Calculations show that the formational energy of an octagonal boron nitride nanotube (o‐BNNT) is an exothermic reaction. Boron and nitrogen atoms within an o‐BNNT have an average of 2.88 electrons and 9.09 electrons, respectively, indicating ionic‐like bonding. In addition, the electronic structure of the octagonal boron nitride nanotube shows semiconductive properties, while h‐BNNT is reported to be an insulator. Additional o‐BNNTs with varying diameters are calculated where the results suggest that the diameter has an effect on the binding energy and bandgap of the o‐BNNT. The defect sites of the o‐BNNT are reactive against hydrogen where a boron defect is particularly reactive. Thus, this work suggests that physical and chemical properties of a boron nitride nanotube can be tailored and tuned by controlling the lattice configuration of the nanotube.     

Theoretical Analysis of the Detailed Mechanism of Native Chemical Ligation Reactions

The method of native chemical ligation between an unprotected peptide α‐thioester and an N‐terminal cysteine–peptide to give a native peptide in aqueous solution is one of the most effective peptide ligation methods. In this work, a systematic theoretical study was carried out to fully understand the detailed mechanism of ligation. It was found that for the conventional native chemical ligation reaction between a peptide thioalkyl ester and a cysteine in combination with an added aryl thiol as catalyst, both the thiol‐thioester exchange step and the transthioesterification step proceed by an anionic concerted S_N2 displacement mechanism, whereas the intramolecular rearrangement proceeds by an addition–elimination mechanism, and the rate‐limiting step is the thiol‐thioester exchange step. The theoretical method was then extended to study the detailed mechanism of the auxiliary‐mediated peptide ligation between a peptide thiophenyl ester and an N‐2‐mercaptobenzyl peptide in which both the thiol‐thioester exchange step and intramolecular acyl‐transfer step proceed by a concerted S_N2‐type displacement mechanism. The energy barrier of the thiol‐thioester exchange step depends on the side‐chain steric hindrance of the C‐terminal amino acid, whereas that of the acyl‐transfer step depends on the side‐chain steric hindrance of the N‐terminal amino acid.     

Photoinduced Triplet–Triplet Energy Transfer in a 2‐Ureido‐4(1H)‐Pyrimidinone‐Bridged,Quadruply Hydrogen‐Bonded Ferrocene–Fullerene Assembly

2‐Ureido‐4(1H)‐pyrimidinone‐bridged ferrocene–fullerene assembly I is designed and synthesized for elaborating the photoinduced electron‐transfer processes in self‐complementary quadruply hydrogen‐bonded modules. Unexpectedly, steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopy reveal an inefficient electron‐transfer process from the ferrocene to the singlet or triplet excited state of the fullerene, although the electron‐transfer reactions are thermodynamically feasible. Instead, an effective intra‐assembly triplet–triplet energy‐transfer process is found to be operative in assembly I with a rate constant of 9.2×10⁵ s^?1 and an efficiency of 73 % in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature.