A highly stereoselective approach to tetrasubstituted (E)-β-hydroxy silyl enol ethers by addition of aryl-substituted oxiranyl anions to acylsilanes

A highly stereoselective approach to tetrasubstituted (E)-β-hydroxy silyl enol ethers is described. The reaction proceeds via a sequential addition/[1,2]-Brook rearrangement/epoxide-opening process of aryl-substituted oxiranyl anions with acylsilanes.     

Synthesis of the ABCD fragment of gymnocin-B

A convergent synthesis of the ABCD fragment of gymnocin-B was accomplished. The tetracyclic ether ring system was synthesized by the construction of the BC ring system via the oxiranyl anion alkylation and ring expansion reaction, followed by the formation of the five-membered A-ring via a stereoselective radical cyclization reaction of a neopentyl-type iodide.     

Trifluoromethyl-stabilized optically active oxiranyl and aziridinyl anions for stereospecific syntheses of trifluoromethylated compounds

Optically active 2,3-epoxy-1,1,1-trifluoropropane was converted into the corresponding oxiranyl anion and reacted with electrophiles such as aldehydes, ketones and halides to give the corresponding adducts in moderate to good yields. The whole reaction occurred with retention of configuration at the stereogenic carbon center. In a similar manner, trifluoromethyl stabilizing aziridinyl anions were generated from the optically active N-tosyl and N-anisyl-2-trifluoromethylaziridines. They also reacted well with various electrophiles. The products of these reactions are versatile synthetic intermediates useful for the synthesis of a variety of trifluoromethylated compounds with quaternary chiral carbon centers.     

Stereoselective synthesis of naturally occurring alpha-methylenebis-gamma-butyrolactones: an application of novel oxiranyl "remote" anions.

Stereospecific deprotonation of the epoxy proton at the beta-position of the alpha,beta-epoxy esters 5 and 6 yielded oxiranyl "remote" anions 7 and 8, which could then be used for alkylation. The anions 7 and 8 underwent a consecutive aldol lactonization to give, respectively, epoxy lactones 11 and 13 with high stereoselectivity. Generation of the remote anions as well as their stereoselective reactions served as a new synthetic route to the naturally occurring alpha-methylenebis-gamma-butyrolactones, 1.     

Addition of TMS-substituted oxiranyl anions to acylsilanes. A highly stereoselective approach to tetrasubstituted (Z)-β-hydroxy-α-TMS silyl enol ethers

A highly stereoselective approach to novel tetrasubstituted (Z)-β-hydroxy-α-TMS silyl enol ethers is described. The reaction proceeds via a sequential addition/[1,2]-Brook rearrangement/epoxide-opening process of TMS-substituted oxiranyl anions with acylsilanes.     

Unexpectedly strong anion–π interactions on the graphene flakes

Interactions of anions with simple aromatic compounds have received growing attention due to their relevancy in various fields. Yet, the anion–π interactions are generally very weak, for example, there is no favorable anion–π interaction for the halide anion F^? on the simplest benzene surface unless the H‐atoms are substituted by the highly negatively charged F. In this article, we report a type of particularly strong anion–π interactions by investigating the adsorptions of three halide anions, that is, F^?, Cl^?, and Br^?, on the hydrogenated‐graphene flake using the density functional theory. The anion–π interactions on the graphene flake are shown to be unexpectedly strong compared to those on simple aromatic compounds, for example, the F^?‐adsorption energy is as large as 17.5 kcal/mol on a graphene flake (C₈₄H₂₄) and 23.5 kcal/mol in the periodic boundary condition model calculations on a graphene flake C₁₁₃ (the supercell containing a F^? ion and 113 carbon atoms). The unexpectedly large adsorption energies of the halide anions on the graphene flake are ascribed to the effective donor–acceptor interactions between the halide anions and the graphene flake. These findings on the presence of very strong anion–π interactions between halide ions and the graphene flake, which are disclosed for the first time, are hoped to strengthen scientific understanding of the chemical and physical characteristics of the graphene in an electrolyte solution. These favorable interactions of anions with electron‐deficient graphene flakes may be applicable to the design of a new family of neutral anion receptors and detectors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Terminal oxazolinyloxiranes: synthesis, reaction with amines and regioselective β-lithiation

The synthesis of terminal oxazolinyloxiranes, even in enantioenriched form, has been performed by Darzens-type reaction of lithiated chloroalkyloxazolines with benzotriazolylmethanol (BtCH₂OH) or by chloromethylation of 2-acyl-2-oxazolines. The synthetic utility of such oxiranes based on their ability to act either as electrophiles, undergoing ring-opening reactions with nucleophiles, or as nucleophiles in form of the oxiranyl anions, generated by stereoselective β-deprotonation, has been investigated.     

Molecular Ionics of Anion Receptor Molecules: A Microcalorimetric Study

The coordination of divalent and monovalent inorganic anions to synthetic polyammonium receptors is investigated in aqueous solution around neutral pH by titration calorimetry and NMR spectroscopy. High-affinity 1:1 complexes are formed by a pyrrole type cryptand (1) with sulfate and phosphate, characterized by association constants of almost 107 M^-1. Affinities close to 105 M^-1 are found for polyazacryptands (3 and 4) exhibiting F^-/Cl^- selectivity. The binding affinities and the anion selectivities are mainly caused by the charges of ligands and anions, which is discussed on the basis of simple calculations of the electrostatic contribution to the anion/receptor interactions. The binding of all investigated anions is exothermic at 298.2 K. The contribution of the large negative ΔH values to the free energy of anion binding of the pyrrole type ligand is partially compensated by marked negative ΔS values. These unfavorable entropic contributions are attributed to the additional inclusion of water molecules in the anion/receptor complexes. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Preparation and characterization of Type II anion exchange membranes from poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)

To separate hydrophilic anions from hydrophobic ones, Type II PPO-based anion exchange membranes were developed. Different from Type I (with both trimethylbenzylammonium and triethylbenzylammonium groups), Type II has an excellent hydrophobicity modifier as fixed groups: dimethyethanolammonium groups, which were introduced into PPO (poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)) by following benzyl bromination of PPO and subsequent quaternary amination with a dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) aqueous solution. The membrane's intrinsic properties are dependent on DMEA concentration and amination temperature. The optimum conditions for membrane preparation are as follows: amination temperature 70 °C, time 30–48 h, and DMEA concentration 1:3–1:5 (v/v, DMEA to water). The obtained Type II anion exchange membranes had an IEC of 1.5 mmol/g dry membrane, water content of 30%, and membrane area resistance of 30 Ω cm². The introduced dimethyethanolammonium groups can block hydrated anions from the access to membranes but let hydrophobic anions transport; hence, an effective separation between hydrophilic and hydrophobic anions can be achieved during electro-membrane operation.     

A ‘naked-eye’ chemosensor system for phytate

We report the synthesis of two new anion receptors of a covalently linked 1,3,5-triarylbenzoamido-crown ether. Our results show that combined with a picrate salt they act by means of an intermolecular charge transfer process (EDA complex), as naked-eye sensors for basic anions, especially for sodium phytate in DMSO/H₂O (1:1).     

Synthetic study of gymnocin-A: synthesis of the ABC ring fragment

The synthesis of the ABC ring fragment of gymnocin-A is described. The key feature of this approach was the convergent BC ring formation using an oxiranyl anion coupling, which was followed by intramolecular Williamson ether synthesis and the reductive etherification of an α-acetoxy acetal. The five-membered A ring was then constructed on the seven-membered B ring by radical cyclization of a β-alkoxy acrylate derivative.     

A new stereoselective synthesis of ciguatoxin right wing fragments

The right wings (13 and 14) of ciguatoxins were synthesized highly stereoselectively. Key transformations in the synthesis are (i) an oxiranyl anion strategy to attach the H ring, (ii) intramolecular carbonyl olefination to cyclize the J ring, (iii) regio- and stereoselective reduction of the epoxyacetal to install the C42-stereocenter, and (iv) stereoselective reductive etherification to construct the K ring. The present procedure greatly improved the stereoselectivity and efficiency in comparison to a previous synthesis. Remarkably, only 23 steps were required from monocyclic I ring 5 to construct the ciguatoxin right wings. The high practicality of the present synthesis ensures a sufficient supply of these complex fragments for total syntheses and biomedical applications.     

Carbazole-Based Colorimetric Anion Sensors

Owing to their strong carbazole chromophore and fluorophore, as well as to their powerful and convergent hydrogen bond donors, 1,8-diaminocarbazoles are amongst the most attractive and synthetically versatile building blocks for the construction of anion receptors, sensors, and transporters. Aiming to develop carbazole-based colorimetric anion sensors, herein we describe the synthesis of 1,8-diaminocarbazoles substituted with strongly electron-withdrawing substituents, i.e., 3,6-dicyano and 3,6-dinitro. Both of these precursors were subsequently converted into model diamide receptors. Anion binding studies revealed that the new receptors exhibited significantly enhanced anion affinities, but also significantly increased acidities. We also found that rear substitution of 1,8-diamidocarbazole with two nitro groups shifted its absorption spectrum into the visible region and converted the receptor into a colorimetric anion sensor. The new sensor displayed vivid color and fluorescence changes upon addition of basic anions in wet dimethyl sulfoxide, but it was poorly selective; because of its enhanced acidity, the dominant receptor-anion interaction for most anions was proton transfer and, accordingly, similar changes in color were observed for all basic anions. The highly acidic and strongly binding receptors developed in this study may be applicable in organocatalysis or in pH-switchable anion transport through lipophilic membranes.     

The Hofmeister Anion Effect on Ionophore‐based Ion‐selective Nanospheres Containing Solvatochromic Dyes

Recently reported ionophore‐based ion‐selective nanospheres contained pH‐independent and positively charged solvatochromic dyes. Here, we evaluate systematically the effect of anions to the fluorescence response of the nanospheres. The anion interference was found significant for anion concentrations above 10 mM. The sensor responses in the presence of various anion background was studied. While target ion (K⁺) causes the fluorescence of the nanospheres to decrease, increasing anion background also leads to lower fluorescence intensity. Lipophilic anions such as ClO₄^?, SCN^?, and I^? exhibited much more interference than hydrophilic anions (e. g., NO₃^?, Cl^?, F^?, SO₄^2?). The trend of the anion interference followed the Hofmeister series. A theoretical model was also demonstrated based on anion adsorption on the surface of the nanospheres.     

Polarographic Studies on Anion Coordination Chemistry. Host–Guest Interactions of Hexacyclen and Pentacyclen with Pyrophosphate, Selenite, Selenate, Molybdate and Tungstate Anions

The complexation of protonated hexacyclen and pentacyclen with pyrophosphate, selenite, selenate, molybdate and tungstate anions was studied by differential pulse polarography at 25 °C. The stoichiometry and stability of the resulting anion complexes were evaluated from the pH and concentration-dependence of the peak potentials, respectively. The results established 1 : 1 anion receptor complexation in all cases. In the case of all anions studied, hexacyclen was found to form more stable anion complexes than pentacyclen. The fact that the anion-receptor complexation depends on the structural features of both the anions and the macrocycles used is indicative of a steric controlled interaction.     

A convergent strategy for the synthesis of polycyclic ethers by using oxiranyl anions

A new [X+2+Y]-type for the convergent synthesis of polycyclic ethers based on an oxiranyl anion strategy was developed. The sequence involves nucleophilic substitution of a triflate with an oxiranyl anion followed by 6-endo cyclization, ring expansion, and reductive etherification. The protocol features a flexible approach toward trans-fused polycyclic arrays consisting of six- and seven-membered ether rings from the same starting materials.     

Chloride‐Anion‐Templated Synthesis of a Strapped‐Porphyrin‐Containing Catenane Host System

The synthesis, structure and anion‐recognition properties of a new strapped‐porphyrin‐containing [2]catenane anion host system are described. The assembly of the catenane is directed by discrete chloride anion templation acting in synergy with secondary aromatic donor–acceptor and coordinative pyridine–zinc interactions. The [2]catenane incorporates a three‐dimensional, hydrogen‐bond‐donating anion‐binding pocket; solid‐state structural analysis of the catenane?chloride complex reveals that the chloride anion is encapsulated within the catenane’s interlocked binding cavity through six convergent CH????Cl and NH???Cl hydrogen‐bonding interactions and solution‐phase ¹H NMR titration experiments demonstrate that this complementary hydrogen‐bonding arrangement facilitates the selective recognition of chloride over larger halide anions in DMSO solution.     

Aza‐Bambusurils En Route to Anion Transporters

Previous calculations of anion binding with various bambusuril analogs predicted that the replacement of oxygen by nitrogen atoms to produce semiaza‐bambus[6]urils would award these new cavitands with multiple anion binding properties. This study validates the hypothesis by efficient synthesis, crystallography, thermogravimetric analysis and calorimetry. These unique host molecules are easily accessible from the corresponding semithio‐bambusurils in a one‐pot reaction, which converts a single anion receptor into a potential anion channel. Solid‐state structures exhibit simultaneous accommodation of three anions, linearly positioned within the cavity along the main symmetry axis. The ability to hold anions at a short distance of about 4 Å is reminiscent of natural chloride channels in E. coli, which exhibit similar distances between their adjacent anion binding sites. The calculated transition‐state energy for double‐anion movement through the channel suggests that although these host–guest complexes are thermodynamically stable they enjoy high kinetic flexibility to render them efficient anion channels.     

Anion‐binding properties of two calix[4]arene derivatives containing two ferrocene imine or ferrocene amine units at the upper rim

Calix[4]arene derivatives containing ferrocene units at the upper rim have been synthesized and their anion‐binding and sensing investigated towards anions such as chloride, bromide and hydrogen sulfate by cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical studies show that these redox‐active ligands electrochemically recognize chloride and bromide anions. These compounds have excellent selectivity for chloride and bromide ions, in the comparison with hydrogen sulfate anion. With ferrocenyl Schiff base calix[4]arene 1 an anodic shift as large as 302 mV is observed on addition of four equivalents of Cl⁻ anion. Also electrochemical and UV–vis spectroscopic titrations ferrocenyl calix[4]arene derivatives 1 with chloride and bromide ions and 2 (only with Cl⁻) indicate a 1:1 binding‐stiochiometry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anion binding to a tetracopper resorcinarene-based complex

UV–vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies have been carried out on the multinuclear copper(II) complex Cu₄BpaRes. The copper atoms are in a tetragonal distorted geometry with nitrogens from bispicolylamine (Bpa) coordinating in the equatorial plane and water molecules or anions completing four coordination sites. The interaction of anions with this polynuclear copper complex in aqueous solution supports the formation of different complex species, which depend on the type and the concentration of the anions. In the presence of excess anions, frozen solution EPR parameters show the formation of species in which the in-plane coordination is characterised by the presence of three nitrogen atoms coming from the ligand and a donor atom from the specific anion. For the bidentate anion ligands and especially for malonate, UV–vis titrations indicate the formation of a 1:4 (Cu₄BpaRes:anion) species. EPR experiments support the formation of such a species and indicate that the four copper centres are equivalent and reach penta-coordination via the coordination of both oxygens from the bidentate ligand.