Quinoxaline-walled π-stacking molecules: synthesis,conformation, and luminescence properties

A series of semi-rigid N-phenylsuccinimides I (11Xy), N-arylmethylsuccinimides II (18Xy), and N,N′-(1,4-arylenebis(methylene))disuccinimides III (19XyX) walled by quinoxaline (QX), dimethylquinoxaline (diMQX), or benzoquinoxaline (BQX) ring were synthesized. Intramolecular π–π interactions in solution were detected by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy, in terms of reciprocal anisotropic shielding and exciplex formation, respectively. The X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed the preferential conformations in solid state, which were compatible with the results of conformational studies by NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results collectively indicated that 18Xy and 19XyX are driven by intramolecular π–π interactions in the mode of π-stacking (face-to-face) or T-shaped (edge-to-face) configuration to preferentially adopt the folded- and the double folded-conformation, respectively, where the spaced aromatic rings are oriented syn to each other in close proximity.     

Synthesis of l-azaisotryptophan and its analogs: a general access to new 2-substituted azaindoles

l-(N-Cbz)-7-azaisotryptophan, l-(N-Cbz)-1a, a new isostere of tryptophan, was synthesized by reacting Li₂-(N-Boc)-2-amino-3-picoline, Li₂-(N-Boc)-2a, with appropriately protected l-aspartic acid followed by simple functional group manipulation. This synthetic success led us to access a set of analogs of azaisotryptophan (4a–c; 6a–c) as well as a new class of chiral amines (7a–c; 8a–c) for future application in asymmetric synthesis and design of homochiral ligands. Further, we have generalized the method substantiating a variety of new azaindol-2-yl derivatives (10aa–10lc) with functionalized substituents. In a preliminary luminescence characterization, l-(N-Cbz)-1a has exhibited about 30 nm bathochromic shifted fluorescence emission compared to tryptophan and (N-Cbz)-tryptophan.     

Studies on the Suzuki reaction on methyl 1-(2-bromoaryl)-5-oxo-3-aryl/heteroaryl-pyrrolidin-2-carboxylate derivatives: synthesis of N-aryl modified monocyclic γ-lactam derivatives in search for newer antibacterial agents

A large number of novel N-aryl modified monocyclic γ-lactam derivatives have been prepared via Pd(0) catalyzed heteroarylation in the N-aryl part of (±) cis and (±) trans γ-lactam carboxylate derivatives 3(a–f) and 6(a–f), respectively, with furan-2-boronic acid and thiophen-2-boronic acid. (±) cis Methyl 1-(2-bromoaryl)-5-oxo-3-aryl/heteroarylpyrrolidin-2-carboxylate derivatives 3(a–f), were prepared in good yields from 1(a–f) via hydrolysis, stereoselective decarboxylation, followed by esterification. Corresponding trans isomers 6(a–f) were prepared by the standard method already reported by us.     

Strong phenyl-perfluorophenyl π-π stacking and C-H?F-C hydrogen bonding interactions in the crystals of the corresponding aromatic aldimines

The X-ray diffraction analysis of two co-crystals, 1·2 (aldimines 1 and 2) and 3·4 (aldimines 3 and 4), reveals that there are strong phenyl-perfluorophenyl π-π stacking and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The new perfluoroaryl-aryl face-to-face interaction of the crystalline aldimines provides a design motif for a new class of self-assembling system.     

Isolation and synthesis of N-acyladenine and adenosine alkaloids from a southern Australian marine sponge, Phoriospongia sp.

Chemical fractionation of the southern Australian marine sponge Phoriospongia sp. (CMB-03107) yielded phorioadenine A (1) as a nematocidal agent and the first reported example of a 6-N-acyladenine natural product. The structure of 1 was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and the chemical synthesis of racemic (1a) and enantiomeric (1b) analogues. HPLC–ESIMS analysis of the crude sponge extract with comparisons to the synthetic 6-N-acyladenosine 2a provided evidence that the biosynthetically related adenosine, phorioadenosine A (2), was present as a trace co-metabolite. The rare starfish metabolite asterubine (3) was also isolated as a co-metabolite, and its structure confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and chemical synthesis. Biological investigations confirmed that natural products 1–3 and synthetic analogues 1a–e and 2a were not cytotoxic to multiple mammalian cancer cell lines, or Gram-positive or -negative bacteria. Nematocidal activity (inhibition of larval development of Haemonchus contortus) detected in the Phoriospongia sp. extract was attributed to 1 (LD₉₉ 31 μg/mL), with preliminary structure–activity relationship investigations confirming the importance of the N-acyl side chain.     

Construction of macrocycle-based molecular stairs having pendant 4-aminopyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and isonicotinonitrile groups

Self-assembly directed by dinuclear zinc(II) macrocyclic species with 4-aminopyridine, 4-dimethylaminopyridine and isonicotinonitrile produces four novel trans macrocycle-based complexes, namely three molecular stair elements and one one-dimensional (1D) polymeric stair. Controlled synthesis of the cis or trans isomers of 4-aminopyridine macrocyclic complexes (2a or 2b), where the same rigid macrocyclic platform and counterion are used, can be achieved merely by the substitution of a protonic solvent for a non-protonic solvent, and that is further verified by theoretical calculations. However, when the two hydrogen atoms of the amino group are replaced by methyl groups (i.e. 4-dimethylaminopyridine) in order to block the formation of effective hydrogen bonds, only the trans isomers (3a and 3b) can be obtained, either in protonic or non-protonic solvents. Moreover, when an isonicotinonitrile molecule, which has a stronger coordination ability and may act as a bidentate bridging ligand, is used, an infinite 1D macrocycle-based stair (4b) is generated via compensatory coordinative bonds as well as hydrogen bonding and face-to-face π–π stacking interactions.     

Dimeric and polymeric silver(I) saccharinato complexes of two bis(pyridine) ligands: Synthesis,structural, spectroscopic,fluorescent and thermal properties

The reaction of silver(I) with 1,2-bis[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazine (bpeh) and N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (bpma) in the presence of Na(sac) (sac = saccharinate) yielded [Ag₂(sac)₂(bpeh)] (1) and [Ag(sac)(bpma)]_n (2) with conformational chirality. Both complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Complex 1 displays a binuclear composition, in which each silver(I) ion is bound to one monodentate sac ligand and one of the bidentate pyridylimino groups of the bpeh ligand in a distorted trigonal coordination geometry. Complex 2 is a one-dimensional helical polymer, in which silver(I) centers are bridged by tridentate bpma ligands, and each silver(I) ion is coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral geometry by one monodentate sac ligand, a bidentate pyridylamine group of one bpma ligand, and a py group of another bpma ligand. Weak intermolecular C–H?O hydrogen bonds and C–H?π interactions lead to assembly of 1 and 2 into three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks. Spectral and thermal analysis data for 1 and 2 are in agreement with the crystal structures. In addition, both complexes in the solid state display intraligand π–π∗ fluorescence.     

Chemoenzymatic resolution of epimeric cis 3-carboxycyclopentylglycine derivatives

Epimeric 3-carboxycyclopentylglycines (+)-10/(−)-10 and (+)-11/(−)-11 were efficiently prepared by the way of a sequence of Diels-Alder and retro-Claisen reactions. The synthesis incorporates a concise and inexpensive chemoenzymatic resolution of racemic compounds 4,5a, the N,O-protected derivatives of amino acids 10,11. Systematic screening with different enzymes and microorganisms was performed to select a very efficient catalyst for the separation of the racemic mixtures. The reaction conditions allowing deprotection of both ester and amino functions and to avoiding epimerization processes were studied. Enantiomers (i.e., (+)-10/(−)-10 and (+)-11/(−)-11) were obtained in high enantiopurity. The absolute configuration of all stereocenters was unequivocally assigned.     

Synthesis of (S)-2-amino-7-methoxytetralin and isoindolo[1,2-a]isoquinolinone derivatives from l-aspartic acid

This paper describes a new total synthesis for (S)-2-amino-7-methoxytetralin, (S)-7-MeO-AT, from l-aspartic acid in an overall yield of 10% over nine steps. The major loss was ascribed to a key intramolecular Friedel–Crafts cyclization step, which afforded up to 36% yield. Attempts to perform a Friedel–Crafts cyclization of an intermediate phthalimide protected amino alcohol 13 did not give the desired protected (S)-7-MeO-AT. On the other hand, two new isoindolo[1,2-a]isoquinolinone derivatives 14 and 15, were isolated in 21 and 11% yield, respectively. The yield of 15 was improved to 70%.     

Relative substituent position on the strength of π-π stacking interactions

It was observed that the relative position of the arene substituents has a profound influence on the strength of π-π stacking in the 9-benzyl-substituted triptycene system. A new series of model compounds (3a-i) capable of revealing quantitatively π-π stacking interactions was studied. This series of compounds (3a-i) has an ortho-substituted methyl group in one of the two interacting arenes and the syn/anti ratios were determined and compared to a series previously studied compounds (4a-i) that have a para methyl group on the corresponding arene. A greater than 50% increase in the strength of π-π stacking interactions was observed with the methyl group in the ortho position comparing to that in the para position. No difference in π-π stacking interactions was observed when the other aromatic ring was a pentafluorobenzoate group.     

Dimolybdenum complexes containing anions of N,N′-bis(pyrimidine-2-yl)formamidine and N-(2-pyrimidinyl)formamide

The reactions of Mo₂(O₂CCH₃)₄ with different equivalents of N,N′-bis(pyrimidine-2-yl)formamidine (HL1) and N-(2-pyrimidinyl)formamide (HL2) afforded dimolybdenum complexes of the types Mo₂(O₂CCH₃)(L1)₂(L2) (1) trans-Mo₂(L1)₂(L2)₂ (2) cis-Mo₂(L1)₂(L2)₂ (3) and Mo₂(L2)₄ (4). Their UV–Vis and NMR spectra have been recorded and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography. Complexes 2 and 3 establish the first pair of trans and cis forms of dimolybdenum complexes containing formamidinate ligands. The L1 ligands in 1–3 are bridged to the metal centers through two central amine nitrogen atoms, while the L2 ligands in 1–4 are bridged to the metal centers via one pyrimidyl nitrogen atom and the amine nitrogen atom. The Mo–Mo distances of complexes 1 [2.0951(17) Å], 2 [2.103(1) Å] and 3 [2.1017(3) Å], which contain both Mo?N and Mo?O axial interactions, are slightly longer than those of complex 4 [2.0826(12)–2.0866(10) Å] which has only Mo?O interactions.     

New pyridine N-oxides as chiral organocatalysts in the asymmetric allylation of aromatic aldehydes

Asymmetric allylation of aromatic aldehydes 1 with allyltrichlorosilane (2) can be catalyzed by new terpene-derived bipyridine N,N′-dioxides 12-15 and an axially chiral biisoquinoline dioxide 17b with good enantioselectivities. Dioxides have been found to be more reactive catalysts than their monooxide counterparts.     

Conformational chirality and chiral crystallization of N-sulfonylpyrimidine derivatives

New N-sulfonylpyrimidine derivatives 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)uracil (1), 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)thymine (2), 5-bromo-1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)uracil (3), 1-(methanesulfonyl)uracil (4), 1-(1-naphthylsulfonyl)uracil (5), and 1-(1-naphthylsulfonyl)thymine (6) were prepared by the condensation reaction of silylated pyrimidine derivatives with selected sulfonyl chlorides in acetonitrile. Some members of the series showed unexpected crystal properties as a consequence of their conformational chirality in the solid state. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited chiral crystallization, which was, in the case of 1, accompanied by the formation of racemically twinned crystals regardless of the solvent used, while 5 gave a conglomerate of enantiomorphous crystals. For 2, 3, and 6, substituents at the C-5 position of the pyrimidine ring prevented chiral crystallization by influencing the crystal packing. Analysis of the crystal structures of 1, 4, and 5, reveals the influence of the arylsulfonyl group on the occurrence or absence of chiral crystallization.     

Silylative N-hydroxyalkylation of amide compounds: application to the synthesis of acyclic alditol-based nucleoside analogues

A rare silylative hydroxyalkylation of amide compounds with chiral aldehydes has been developed utilizing a Lewis acid-Lewis base promoter system consisting of an equimolecular mixture of tert-butyldimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate and N-diisopropylethylamine. This approach culminated in the synthesis of several enantiopure acyclic nucleoside representatives comprising thymidine analogues 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 and 13, uridine analogues 15 and 16, and 6-chloropurine derivatives 18 and 19.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and spectral studies of square planar nickel(II) complexes containing an ONS donor Schiff base and triphenylphosphine

Five mononuclear nickel(II) complexes, viz. [Ni(L1)(PPh₃)] (1), [Ni(L2)(PPh₃)] (2), [Ni(L3)(PPh₃)] (3), [Ni(L4)(PPh₃)] (4) and [Ni(L5)(PPh₃)] (5) (where L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 are dianions of N-(2-mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine, 5-methyl-N-(2-mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine, 5-chloro-N-(2-mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine, 5-bromo-N-(2-mercaptophenyl)salicylideneimine and N-(2-mercaptophenyl)naphthylideneimine, respectively), have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, electronic, IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X-ray analysis of two of the complexes (1 and 5) has revealed the presence of a square planar coordination geometry (ONSP) about nickel. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by intermolecular π–π stacking between the ligands (L) and by various C–H···π interactions.     

Mercury(II) complex of inverted N-methylated porphyrin: HgPh(2-NCH3NCTPP)

The reaction of PhHgOAc with 2-NCH₃NCTPPH (2) gave a mercury(II) complex of (phenylato)(2-N-methyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21-carbaporphyrinato-N,N′,N″)-mercury(II), [HgPh(2-NCH₃NCTPP); 7]; the coordination sphere around Hg(1) in 7 was a four-coordinate derivative with a seesaw geometry and dipole–dipole (DD) interaction governed the longitudinal relaxation rate for Hg(1)–Ph–H_2,6 protons of 7 in CDCl₃ (0.01 M) at 599.95 MHz.     

Synthesis of a deep cavity calix[4]arene by fourfold Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction and selective fluorescent recognition toward p-nitrophenol

A new tetranaphthyl-calix[4]arene (C4N4) was synthesized by a fourfold Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction, and exhibited high affinity and selectivity for p-nitrophenol (3c) by fluorescence spectroscopy. The NMR, AFM, IR, MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy, and computational calculations revealed the formation of a host–guest complex driven by π–π stacking interactions.     

Novel pyrroloquinoline ribosides from the South African latrunculid sponge Strongylodesma aliwaliensis

Two novel pyrroloquinoline ribosides, N-1-β-D-ribofuranosyldamirone C (1), and N-1-β-D-ribofuranosylmakaluvamine I (2) were isolated from a new species of South African latrunculid sponge, Strongylodesma aliwaliensis. Standard spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the structures of 1 and 2. Molecular modeling studies and NOESY data of 1 and 2, in combination with chiral GC analysis of their derivatized acid hydrolysis products, established the β-D-configuration of the ribofuranose moieties.     

Rhodium complexes with chiral counterions: achiral catalysts in chiral matrices

The neutral complexes [Rh(I)(NBD)((1S)-10-camphorsulfonate)] (2) and [Rh(I)((R)-N-acetylphenylalanate)] (4) reacted with bis-(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) to form the cationic Rh(I)(NBD)(dppe) complexes, 5 and 6, respectively, accompanied by their corresponding chiral counteranions. Analogously, 4 reacted with 4,4^′-dimethylbipyridine to yield complex 7. Complexes 5 and 6 disproportionated in aprotic solvents to form the corresponding bis-diphosphine complexes 8 and 9, respectively. 8 was characterized by an X-ray crystal structure analysis. In order to form achiral Rh(I) complexes bearing chiral countercations new sulfonated monophosphines 13-16 with chiral ammonium cations were synthesized. Tris-triphenylphosphinosulfonic acid (H₃TPPS, 11) was used to protonate chiral amines to yield chiral ammonium phosphines 14-16. Thallium-tris-triphenylphosphinosulfonate (Tl₃TPPS, 12) underwent metathesis with a chiral quartenary ammonium iodide to yield the proton free chiral ammonium phosphine 13. Phosphines 15 and 16 reacted with [Rh(NBD)₂]BF₄ to afford the highly charged chiral zwitterionic complexes [Rh(NBD)(TPPS)₂][(R)-N,N-dimethyl-1-(naphtyl)ethylammonium]₅ (17) and [Rh(NBD)(TPPS)₂][BF₄][(R)-N,N-dimethyl-phenethylammonium]₆ (18), respectively. Complexes 5, 6, and 18 were tested as precatalysts for the hydrogenation of de-hydro-N-acetylphenylalanine (19) and methyl-(Z)-(α)-acetoamidocinnamate (MAC, 20) under homogeneous and heterogeneous (silica-supported and self-supported) conditions. None of the reactions was enantioselective.