Mapping the multi-step mechanism of a photoredox catalyzed atom-transfer radical polymerization reaction by direct observation of the reactive intermediates

The rapid development of new applications of photoredox catalysis has so far outpaced the mechanistic studies important for rational design of new classes of catalysts. Here, we report the use of ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopic methods to reveal both mechanistic and kinetic details of multiple sequential steps involved in an organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization reaction. The polymerization system studied involves a N,N-diaryl dihydrophenazine photocatalyst, a radical initiator (methyl 2-bromopropionate) and a monomer (isoprene). Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements spanning sub-picosecond to microseconds (i.e., almost 8 orders of magnitude of time) track the formation and loss of key reactive intermediates. These measurements identify both the excited state of the photocatalyst responsible for electron transfer and the radical intermediates participating in propagation reactions, as well as quantifying their lifetimes. The outcomes connect the properties of N,N-diaryl dihydrophenazine organic photocatalysts with the rates of sequential steps in the catalytic cycle.

Short-lived intermediates are tracked in real-time by transient absorption spectroscopy during a multi-step photoredox catalysed polymerization reaction.     

Iron-catalyzed remote functionalization of inert C(sp3)–H bonds of alkenes via 1,n-hydrogen-atom-transfer by C-centered radical relay

As an alternative approach to traditional C–H activation that often involved harsh conditions, and vicinal or primary C–H functionalization, radical relay offers a solution to these long-held problems. Enabled by 1,n (n = 5, 6)-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), we use a most prevalent moiety, alkene, as the precursor to an sp³ C-centered radical to promote selective cleavage of inert C(sp³)–H bonds for the generation of azidotrifluoromethylated molecules. Mild conditions, broad scope and excellent regioselective control (>20 : 1) are observed in the reactions. Deuterium labelling studies disclose the kinetic characteristics of the transformations and verify a direct 1,n-HAT pathway. The key to this C-centered radical relay is that iron plays a dual role as a radical initiator and terminator to incorporate the azide functionality through radical oxidation via azido–ligand-transfer. The methods and the later derivatization promise expeditious synthesis of CF₃-containing organic azides, γ-lactam and triazoles that are widely used in designing new fluorescent tags and functional materials.

Remote functionalization of inert C(sp³)–H bonds is described via iron-catalyzed sp³ C-centered radical relay.     

Radical condensation between benzylic alcohols and acetamides to form 3-arylpropanamides

A new radical condensation reaction is developed where benzylic alcohols and acetamides are coupled to generate 3-arylpropanamides with water as the only byproduct. The transformation is performed with potassium tert-butoxide as the only additive and gives rise to a variety of 3-arylpropanamides in good yields. The mechanism has been investigated experimentally with labelled substrates, trapping experiments and spectroscopic measurements. The findings indicate a radical pathway where potassium tert-butoxide is believed to serve a dual role as both base and radical initiator. The radical anion of the benzylic alcohol is proposed as the key intermediate, which undergoes coupling with the enolate of the amide to form the new C–C bond. Subsequent elimination to the corresponding cinnamamide and olefin reduction then affords the 3-arylpropanamides.

Benzylic alcohols and acetamides are coupled into 3-arylpropanamides by a new radical condensation through the radical anion of the alcohol.     

Oxygen dependent oxidation of trimethoprim by sulfate radical: Kinetic and mechanistic investigations

Trimethoprim (TMP) is a typical antibiotic to treat infectious disease, which is among the most commonly detected antibacterial agents in natural waters and municipal wastewaters. In the present study, the impacts of dissolved oxygen (DO) on the oxidation efficiency and pathways of TMP by reaction with sulfate radicals (SO₄⁻) were investigated. Our results revealed that the presence of DO was favourable for TMP degradation. Specifically, TMP would react initially with SO₄⁻ via electron-transfer process to form a carbon-centered radical. In the absence of oxygen, the carbon-centered radical could undergo hydrolysis to produce α-hydroxytrimethoprim (TMP−OH), followed by the further oxidation which generated α-ketotrimethoprim (TMP=O). However, in the presence of oxygen, the carbon-centered radical would alternatively combine with oxygen, leading to a sequential reaction in which peroxyl radical and a tetroxide were formed, and finally generated TMP−OH and TMP=O simultaneously. The proposed pathways were further confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results obtained in this study would emphasize the significance of DO on the oxidation of organic micro-pollutants by SO₄⁻.     

Graphdiyne as a novel nonactive anode for wastewater treatment: A theoretical study

Electrochemical oxidation of water to produce highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH) is the dominant factor that accounts for the organic compounds removal efficiency in water treatment. As an emerging carbon-based material, the investigation of electrocatalytic of water to produce OH on Graphdiyne (GDY) anode is firstly evaluated by using first-principles calculations. The theoretical calculation results demonstrated that the GDY anode owns a large oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential (η^OER = 1.95 V) and a weak sorptive ability towards oxygen evolution intermediates (HO*, not OH). The high Gibbs energy change of HO* (3.18 eV) on GDY anode makes the selective production of OH (ΔG = 2.4 eV) thermodynamically favorable. The investigation comprises the understanding of the relationship between OER to electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP), and give a proof-of-concept of finding the novel and robust environmental EAOP anode at quantum chemistry level.     

Visible light induced efficient activation of persulfate by a carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified γ-Fe2O3 catalyst

In this study, a carbon quantum dots modified maghemite catalyst (CQDs@γ-Fe₂O₃) has been synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method for efficient persulfate (PDS) activation under visible light irradiation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) characterization indicated that the formation of heterojunction structure between CQDs and γ-Fe₂O₃ effectively reduced the catalyst band gap (E_g), favoring the separation rate of electrons and holes, leading to remarkable efficient sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation as compared to the dark-CQDs@γ-Fe₂O₃/PDS and vis-γ-Fe₂O₃/PDS systems. The evolution of dissolved irons also demonstrated that CQDs could accelerate the in-situ reduction of surface-bounded Fe³⁺. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radical scavenging experiments demonstrated that both OH and SO₄⁻ were generated in the reaction system, while OH was relatively more dominant than SO₄⁻ for SMX degradation. Finally, the reaction mechanism in the vis-CQDs@γ-Fe₂O₃/PDS system was proposed involving an effective and accelerated heterogeneous-homogeneous iron cycle. CQDs would enrich the photo-generated electrons from γ-Fe₂O₃, causing efficient interfacial generation of surface-bond Fe²⁺ and reduction of adsorbed Fe³⁺. This visible light induced iron cycle would eventually lead to effective activation of PDS as well as the efficient degradation of SMX.     

High active amorphous Co(OH)2 nanocages as peroxymonosulfate activator for boosting acetaminophen degradation and DFT calculation

Acetaminophen (ACE) is commonly used in analgesic and antipyretic drug, which is hardly removed by traditional wastewater treatment processes. Herein, amorphous Co(OH)₂ nanocages were explored as peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for efficient degradation of ACE. In the presence of amorphous Co(OH)₂ nanocages, 100% of ACE removal was reached within 2 min with a reaction rate constant k₁ = 3.68 min^?1 at optimum pH 5, which was much better than that of crystalline β-Co(OH)₂ and Co₃O₄. Amorphous materials (disorder atom arrangement) with hollow structures possess large specific surface area, more reactive sites, and abundant vacancies structures, which could efficiently facilitate the catalytic redox reactions. The radicals quenching experiment demonstrated that SO₄^? radicals dominated the ACE degradation rather than OH radicals. The mechanism of ACE degradation was elucidated by the analysis of degradation intermediates and theoretical calculation, indicating that the electrophilic SO₄^? and OH tend to attack the atoms of ACE with high Fukui index (f ^?). Our finding highlights the remarkable advantages of amorphous materials as heterogeneous catalysts in sulfate radicals-based AOPs and sheds new lights on water treatment for the degradation of emerging organic contaminants.     

Metal-free visible-light-promoted thiocyanation/cyclization cascade for the synthesis of thiocyanato-containing isoquinolinediones

A visible-light induced metal-free thiocyanate radical addition/intramolecular cyclization cascade reaction for the synthesis of thiocyanato-containing isoquinolinediones from N-alkyl-N-methacryloylbenzamides is described. The organic dye 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium perchlorate (Acr⁺-Mes ClO₄⁻) is used as a photocatalyst, and cheap and readily available ammonium thiocyanate is used to provide thiocyanate radical by single-electron transfer pathway. The reaction completes the synthesis of CS and CC bonds in one pot with abundant molecular oxygen as the sole sacrificial reagent. The method is easy to implement, and 25 new compounds have been prepared in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. This is the first time that a thiocyanate group has been introduced into isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-diones to construct highly functional drug-like molecules.     

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of CeO2@Zn0.5Cd0.5S by facile Ce(IV)/Ce(III) cycle

In this study, CeO₂@Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S heterostructure (Ce@ZCS) is synthesized via a simple two-step hydrothermal method. The effect of CeO₂ loading on the visible-light photoactivity of Zn_0.5Cd_0.5S is mainly investigated. It is found that Ce@ZCS shows a 1.9 times activity as high as ZCS for the MB degradation. The improved activity mainly results from the significant enhanced charge separation by CeO₂, in which the electron transfer is obviously promoted by the facile Ce(IV)/Ce(III) cycle. The excited electrons of ZCS is easy to transfer to CeO₂, thus obviously increasing the charge separation of ZCS. The accepted electrons by CeO₂ may easily be captured by the adsorbed O₂ to form O₂⁻, and then O₂⁻ could combine with H⁺/H₂O to form HO₂, and OH. Finally, O₂⁻, h⁺ and OH are confirmed as the major oxidative species in photocatalytic reaction for Ce@ZCS, and a possible photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. The cheap, efficient Ce@ZCS photocatalyst could be applied for practical waste water treatment.     

Brønsted acid-catalyzed radical CH functionalization of acetone with N-allyl anilines to give 3-(3-oxobutyl)indolines

K₂S₂O₈ was unprecedentedly used instead of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in Brønsted acid-assisted catalytic strategy for ketonic radical generation, and the first Brønsted acid-catalyzed radical CH functionalization of acetone across unactivated alkenes is presented. In the presence of TsOH and K₂S₂O₈, N-allyl anilines underwent addition/cyclization cascade with acetone to afford 3-(3-oxobutyl)indolines with exo-selectivity and broad substrate scope at a relatively low temperature.     

Visible-light-mediated selective thiocyanation/ipso-cyclization/oxidation cascade for the synthesis of thiocyanato-containing azaspirotrienediones

A visible-light-mediated metal-free thiocyanate radical addition/ipso-cyclization/oxidation cascade reaction for the synthesis of thiocyanato-containing azaspirotrienediones from N-phenylpropynamides is described. Cheap and readily available ammonium thiocyanate was used as a precursor to the thiocyanate free radical, which undergoes a radical addition reaction with the alkyne, followed by selective ipso-cyclization and oxidation to afford the dearomatized products. No product of ortho-cyclization was detected. The reaction completes the synthesis of C–S, C–C, and CO bonds in one pot, with abundant and renewable air oxygen as the sole sacrificial reagent and oxygen source.     

Stereoretention in styrene heterodimerisation promoted by one-electron oxidants

Radical cations generated from the oxidation of C C π-bonds are synthetically useful reactive intermediates for C–C and C–X bond formation. Radical cation formation, induced by sub-stoichiometric amounts of external oxidant, are important intermediates in the Woodward–Hoffmann thermally disallowed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of electron-rich alkenes. Using density functional theory (DFT), we report the detailed mechanisms underlying the intermolecular heterodimerisation of anethole and β-methylstyrene to give unsymmetrical, tetra-substituted cyclobutanes. Reactions between trans-alkenes favour the all-trans adduct, resulting from a kinetic preference for anti-addition reinforced by reversibility at ambient temperatures since this is also the thermodynamic product; on the other hand, reactions between a trans-alkene and a cis-alkene favour syn-addition, while exocyclic rotation in the acyclic radical cation intermediate is also possible since C–C forming barriers are higher. Computations are consistent with the experimental observation that hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a better solvent than acetonitrile, in part due to its ability to stabilise the reduced form of the hypervalent iodine initiator by hydrogen bonding, but also through the stabilisation of radical cationic intermediates along the reaction coordinate.

A computational study details the mechanism, catalytic cycle and origins of stereoselectivity underlying hole-catalyzed intermolecular alkene heterodimerisation to give unsymmetrical, tetra-substituted cyclobutanes.     

Novel organic magnet derived from pyrazine-fused furazans

The first organic magnet based on a high-nitrogen framework of pyrazine-fused furazans Na(L⁻)(H₂O)₃ was found. A quantum-chemical study of M(L⁻)(H₂O)_n, where M = Li, Na, K, Rb, NH₄, revealed that exchange coupling energy between the neighboring radical anions proved highly sensitive to the motion of one L⁻ relative to another.     

HPLC–DAD–MS identification of polyphenols from Passiflora leschenaultii and determination of their antioxidant,analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties

Passion fruit (Passiflora leschenaultii DC), an endemic species to peninsular India, is traditionally used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, urinary stone disease and wounds. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic activities and chemical composition of leaf extracts of P. leschenaultii. Bioactive secondary metabolites such as total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids were quantified. Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH, ABTS⁺, FRAP, metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum assays. Hot plate, acetic acid and formalin induced pain models were used to evaluate the analgesic activity. In order to study the acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities, carrageenan and cotton pellet induced models were used in rats. Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia method was applied for the antipyretic test. Functional compounds from the plant were identified and quantified through HPLC–DAD–MS analysis. The obtained results revealed that the acetone extract of leaves exhibited higher phenolic (440.24 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (253.33 mg RE/g extract) contents and scavenged the DPPH (IC₅₀ 29.14 μg/mL), ABTS⁺ (10509.69 μM TEAC/g extract) effectively. On investigating the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, the acetone extracts of leaves, at a dose of 400 mg/kg (p.o.) reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the pain, inflammation and fever responses in vivo. Bioactive compounds such as hyperin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and caffeic acids were identified in the leaves of P. leschenaultii employing HPLC–DAD–MS analysis. These findings illustrate the excellent potential of this species as valuable source of natural phytochemicals with pharmacological properties.     

Metabolomics techniques applied in the investigation of phenolic acids from the agro-industrial by-product of Carapa guianensis Aubl

Processing of Carapa guianensis seeds to obtain oil on an industrial scale generates a significant amount of by-product, approximately 66% w/w, which is called cake and is a potential source of biomolecules, including simple phenolic structures. For this reason, studies were carried out on the chemical profiles of hydrolyzed extract from this agro-industrial by-product through High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). These techniques were used to detect metabolic classes and/or groups, and to identify, for the first time, thirteen simple phenolic acids in this by-product. The sample antioxidant capacity was determined by methods of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS⁺) radicals direct sequestration. The hydrolyzed fraction showed a total of 63.47% in the relative abundance of the total of compounds, standing out: p-hydroxybenzoic acid (39.19%) and protocatechuic acid (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid) (5.62%), both from hydroxybenzoic acids and 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactic acid, (7.76%) hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives. In these results, the fraction rich in simple phenolic acids was obtained, attributing the prominent behavior of this matrix antioxidant activity, expressed by (IC₅₀: of 16.42 µg/mL and 6.52 µg/mL for DPPH and ABTS⁺ radicals, respectively). The research demonstrated an alternative to applicability that involves sustainability from agro-industrial. These techniques were used to detect metabolic classes and/or groups, and to identify, for the first time, thirteen simple phenolic acids in this by-product, generating a process capable of converting biomass into a bioproduct, consisting of bioactive compounds, in addition to adding value to the industrial chain.     

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of oxime ethers from iminoxy radical (CN–O) and maleimides via radical addition

An efficient Cu(II)-catalyzed radical addition of maleimides has been achieved. The identified copper catalyst enables the formation of oxime radicals (N–O) by cleaving the O–H bond in ketoximes, followed by the radical addition to N-substituted maleimides. The oxime radicals (N–O) were detected and confirmed by EPR spectroscopy and variable-temperature ¹H NMR. The simple one-pot reaction realizes the facile preparation of a variety of oxime ether adduct products in moderate to good yields.     

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of alkenes,cycloketone oximes and DABCO·（SO2）2: Direct C（sp2）-H cyanoalkylsulfonylation

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of alkenes, cycloketone oximes and DABCO·（SO₂）₂ is developed, which provides a convenient route for the synthesis of diverse（E）-cyanoalkylsulfonyl alkenes in moderate to good yields with excellent regio-and stereoselectivity. A broad substrate scope with excellent functional group tolerance is observed. A plausible radical pathway is proposed, which involves copper-catalyzed ring-opening C–C bond cleavage of O-acyl oxime and inser...     

Diabetic wound healing activated by supramolecular cascade reaction

The nano-supramolecular cascade reactor based on sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, not only displayed glucose-activated radical polymerization to form hydrogel in situ, but also produced hydroxyl radicals for drug-resistant bacteria elimination and wound protection, which successfully achieved diabetic wound healing and in situ therapy.

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Photocatalytic redox-neutral hydroxyalkylation of N-heteroaromatics with aldehydes

Hydroxyalkylation of N-heteroaromatics with aldehydes was achieved using a binary hybrid catalyst system comprising an acridinium photoredox catalyst and a thiophosphoric acid organocatalyst. The reaction proceeded through the following sequence: (1) photoredox-catalyzed single-electron oxidation of a thiophosphoric acid catalyst to generate a thiyl radical, (2) cleavage of the formyl C–H bond of the aldehyde substrates by a thiyl radical acting as a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst to generate acyl radicals, (3) Minisci-type addition of the resulting acyl radicals to N-heteroaromatics, and (4) a spin-center shift, photoredox-catalyzed single-electron reduction, and protonation to produce secondary alcohol products. This metal-free hybrid catalysis proceeded under mild conditions for a wide range of substrates, including isoquinolines, quinolines, and pyridines as N-heteroaromatics, as well as both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, and tolerated various functional groups. The reaction was applicable to late-stage derivatization of drugs and their leads.

Hydroxyalkylation of N-heteroaromatics with aldehydes was achieved using a binary hybrid catalyst system comprising an acridinium photoredox catalyst and a thiophosphoric acid organocatalyst.     

Oxidation of α-amino acids promoted by the phthalimide N-oxyl radical: A kinetic and product study

A kinetic study of the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reaction from a series of N-Boc- or N-Acetyl-protected amino acids to the phthalimide N-oxyl radical (PINO) was carried out to obtain information about reactivity and selectivity patterns. With amino acids containing aliphatic side chains, the 2nd order rate constants are of the same order of magnitude, in agreement with a HAT process involving the Cα?H bond. Proline is the most reactive substrate suggesting that HAT process involves the C_δ?H bond instead of C_α?H bond. These results are confirmed by the product analysis of the aerobic oxidations of the corresponding N-Boc and N-Ac protected amino acids methyl esters promoted by N-hydroxyphthalimide. Comparison of our results with those reported for HAT reactions to other radical species indicates that PINO displays electrophilic characteristics that are intermediate between those observed for the more stable Br radical and the more reactive cumyloxyl radical.