Supramolecular nanostructured assemblies of different types of porphyrins with fullerene using TiO2 nanoparticles for light energy conversion

TiO₂ nanoparticles were modified with porphyrin derivatives, 5-[4-benzoic acid]-10,15,20-tris[3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl]-21H,23H-porphyrin (Ar-H₂P-COOH), 5-[4-benzoic acid]-10,20-tris[3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl]-21H,23H-porphyrin (H-H₂P-COOH), and 5,10,15,20-tetra[4-benzoic acid]-21H,23H-porphyrin (H₂P-4COOH). The porphyrin-modified TiO₂ nanoparticles were deposited on nanostructured OTE/SnO₂ electrode together with nanoclusters of fullerene (C₆₀) in acetonitrile-toluene (3/1, v/v) using an electrophoretic deposition technique to afford the porphyrin-modified TiO₂ composite electrode denoted as OTE/SnO₂/(porphyrin-modified TiO₂ nanoparticle+C₆₀)_n. The porphyrin-modified TiO₂ composite electrodes have efficient light absorbing properties in the visible region, exhibiting the photoactive response under visible light excitation using redox couple. The incident photon-to-photocurrent efficiency (IPCE) values of supramolecular nanostructured electrodes of porphyrin-modified TiO₂ nanoparticles with fullerene [OTE/SnO₂/(Ar-H₂P-COO-TiO₂+C₆₀)_n, OTE/SnO₂/(H-H₂P-COO-TiO₂+C₆₀)_n, and OTE/SnO₂/(H₂P-4COO-TiO₂+C₆₀)_n] are much larger than those of the reference systems of porphyrin-modified TiO₂ nanoparticles without C₆₀ [OTE/SnO₂/(Ar-H₂P-COO-TiO₂)_n, OTE/SnO₂/(H-H₂P-COO-TiO₂)_n, and OTE/SnO₂/(H₂P-4COO-TiO₂)_n]. In particular, the maximum IPCE value (41%) is obtained for OTE/SnO₂/(H-H₂P-COO-TiO₂+C₆₀)_n under the bias potential of 0.2 V versus SCE. This indicates that the formation of supramolecular complexes between porphyrins and fullerene on TiO₂ nanoparticles plays an important role in improvement of the light energy conversion properties.     

Study of complexes of platinum group metals containing nitrogen bases derived from pyridine aldehydes: Interesting molecular structures with unpredicted bonding modes of the ligands

A series of mono-cationic dinuclear half sandwich ruthenium, rhodium and iridium metal complexes have been synthesized using ((pyridin-2-yl)methylimino)nicotinamide (L1) and ((picolinamido)phenyl)picolinamide (L2) ligands: [(η⁶-arene)₂Ru₂(μ-L1)Cl₃]⁺ (arene = C₆H₆, 1; p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, 2; C₆Me₆, 3), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂M₂(μ-L1)Cl₃]⁺ (M = Rh, 4; Ir, 5), and [(η⁶-arene)₂Ru₂(μ-L2)(μ-Cl)]⁺ (arene = C₆H₆, 6; p-ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, 7; C₆Me₆, 8), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂M₂(μ-L2)Cl₂]⁺ (M = Rh, 9; Ir, 10). All the complexes have been isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and fully characterized by use of a combination of NMR and IR spectroscopy. The solid state structure of three representatives 4, 6 and 9 has been determined by X-ray crystallographic studies. Interestingly, in the molecular structure of 4, the first metal is bonded to two nitrogen atoms whereas the second metal center is coordinated to only one nitrogen atom with two terminal chloride ligands. Fascinatingly in the case of the complexes with the symmetrical ligand L2, both ruthenium centers having η⁶-arene groups are bonded to nitrogen atoms with a bridging chloride atom between the two metal centers, whereas the metals with η⁵-Cp∗ groups are bonded to the ligand N,O and N,N fashion.     

Synthesis of electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complexes [Ru2(CO)4(μ-H)(μ-PBu2)(μ-L2)] (L2 = biphosphanes)

A convenient synthesis and the characterization of six new electronically and coordinatively unsaturated complexes of the formula [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)(μ-L₂)] (2b-g) (RuRu) is described exhibiting a close relation to the known [Ru₂(CO)₄(μ-H)(μ-P^tBu₂)(μ-dppm)] (2a). The complexes 2b-g were obtained in a kind of one-pot synthesis starting from [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] and P^tBu₂H in the first step followed by the reaction with the bidentate bridging ligand in the second step. The method was developed for the following bridging ligands (μ-L₂): dmpm (2b, dmpm = Me₂PCH₂PMe₂), dcypm (2c, dcypm = Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂), dppen (2d, dppen = Ph₂PC(=CH₂)PPh₂), dpppha (2e, dpppha = Ph₂PN(Ph)PPh₂), dpppra (2f, dpppra = Ph₂PN(Pr)PPh₂), and dppbza (2g, dppbza = Ph₂PN(CH₂Ph)PPh₂). The molecular structures of all new complexes 2b−g were determined by X-ray diffraction.     

Further studies of tetrakis(N,N′-dialkylbenzamidinato)diruthenium(III) chloro and alkynyl compounds: molecular engineering of metallayne monomers

Three diruthenium(III) compounds Ru₂(L)₄Cl₂, where L is mMeODMBA (N,N′-dimethyl-3-methoxybenzamidinate, 1a), DiMeODMBA (N,N′-dimethyl-3,5-dimethoxy benzamidinate, 1b), or DEBA (N,N′-diethylbenzamidinate, 1c), were prepared from the reactions between Ru₂(OAc)₄Cl and respective HL under reflux conditions. Metathesis reactions between 1 and LiC₂Y resulted in bis-alkynyl derivatives Ru₂(L)₄(C₂Y)₂ [Y=Ph (2), SiMe₃ (3), SiⁱPr₃ (4) and C₂SiMe₃ (5)]. The parent compounds 1 are paramagnetic (S=1), while bis-alkynyl derivatives 2-5 are diamagnetic and display well-solved ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra. Molecular structures of compounds 1b, 1c, 2c, 3c and 4b were established through single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, which revealed RuRu bond lengths of ca. 2.32 Å for parent compounds 1 and 2.45 Å for bis-alkynyl derivatives. Cyclic voltammograms of all compounds feature three one-electron couples: an oxidation and two reductions, while the reversibility of observed couples depends on the nature of axial ligands.     

Synthetic access to optically active isoflavans by using allylic substitution

A general approach to the (S)- and (R)-isoflavans was invented, and efficiency of the method was demonstrated by the synthesis of (S)-equol ((S)-3), (R)-sativan ((R)-4), and (R)-vestitol ((R)-5). The key step is the allylic substitution of (S)-6a (Ar¹=2,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₃) and (R)-6b (Ar¹=2,4-(BnO)₂C₆H₃) with copper reagents derived from CuBr·Me₂S and Ar²-MgBr (7a, Ar²=4-MeOC₆H₄; 7b, 2,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₃; 7c, 2-MOMO-4-MeOC₆H₃), furnishing anti S_N2′ products (R)-8a and (S)-8b,c with 93-97% chirality transfer in 60-75% yields. The olefinic part of the products was oxidatively cleaved and the Me and Bn groups on the Ar¹ moieties was then removed. Finally, phenol bromide 9a and phenol alcohols 9b,c underwent cyclization with K₂CO₃ and the Mitsunobu reagent to afford (S)-3 and (R)-4 and -5, respectively.     

Half-sandwich η-benzene Ru(II) complexes of phenolate-based pyridylalkylamine/alkylamine ligands: Synthesis, structure, and stabilization of one-electron oxidized species

Four half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L¹-O)][PF₆] (1), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L²-O)][PF₆] (2), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L³-O)][PF₆] (3), [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L⁴-O)][PF₆] (4a), and [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(L⁴-O)][BPh₄] (4b) [L¹-OH, 4-nitro-6-{[(2′-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol; L²-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(2′-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol; L³-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[2′-((pyridin-2-yl)benzylamino)methyl}-phenol; L⁴-OH, 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[(2′-imethylaminoethyl)methylamino]methyl}-phenol (L⁴-OH)], supported by a systematically varied series of tridentate phenolate-based pyridylalkylamine and alkylamine ligands are reported. The molecular structures of 1-3, 4a, and 4b have been elucidated in solution using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and of 1, 3, and 4b in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. Notably, due to coordination by the ligands the Ru center assumes a chiral center and in turn the central amine nitrogen also becomes chiral. The ¹H NMR spectra exhibit only one set of signals, suggesting that the reaction is completely diastereoselective [1: S_Ru,S_N/R_Ru,R_N; 2: R_Ru,R_N/S_Ru,S_N; 3: S_Ru,R_N/R_Ru,S_N; 4b: S_Ru,R_N/R_Ru,S_N]. The crystal packing in 1 and 3 is stabilized by C-H^…O interactions, in 4b no meaningful secondary interactions are observed. From the standpoint of generating phenoxyl radical, as investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), complex 1 is redox-inactive in MeCN solution. However, 2, 3, and 4a generate a one-electron oxidized phenoxyl radical coordinated species [2]²⁺, [3]²⁺, and [4a]²⁺, respectively. The radical species are characterized by CV, UV-Vis, and EPR spectroscopy. The stability of the radical species has been determined by measuring the decay constant (UV-Vis spectroscopy).     

Encapsulating ruthenium and osmium with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine based tripodal ligands

The reaction of a series of tripodal ligands, H₃L^1,2 and L^3-6, with [M(PPh₃)₂Cl₂] (M = Ru, Os) affords a family of coordination cage compounds of the type [M^IIIL^1,2] (1-4) or [M^IIL^3-6](BPh₄)₂ (5-12). The Schiff base ligands (H₃L¹, L³, L⁵) have been synthesized by condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with salicylaldehyde, pyridine-2-aldehyde and 1-methyl-2-imidazolecarboxaldehyde. These ligands were further reduced and subsequently methylated to form the new ligands (H₃L², L⁴, L⁶). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 2 show that the tripodal ligand wraps around the metal center as a hexadentate ligand to form a cage. All the synthesized compounds have been thoroughly characterized by ESI-MS, FT-IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectroscopic methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever report of osmium complexes with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine based tripodal ligands. DFT calculations were performed to obtain geometry optimized structures of all the other complexes (3-12).     

Synthesis of organometallic Ru(II) and Fe(II) complexes containing fused rings hemi-helical ligands as chromophores. Evaluation of non-linear optical properties by HRS

A new family of three-legged piano stool structured organometallic compounds containing the fragment η⁵-cyclopentadienyl-ruthenium(II)/iron(II) has been synthesized to evaluate the existence of electronic metal to ligand charge transfer upon coordination of the novel benzodithiophene ligands (BDT), benzo[1,2-b;4,3-b′]dithiophen-2-carbonitrile (L1) and benzo[1,2-b;4,3-b′]dithiophen-2′nitro-2-carbonitrile (L2). All the compounds were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR, IR and UV-Vis. spectroscopies and their electrochemistry studied by cyclic voltammetry. The X-ray structures of [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)₂(NCC₁₀H₅S₂)][PF₆] (1Ru), [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PPh₃)₂(NCC₁₀H₅S₂)][CF₃SO₃] (1′Ru), [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(DPPE)(NCC₁₀H₅S₂)][PF₆] 2Ru and [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(DPPE)(NCC₁₀H₅S₂)][PF₆] (2Fe) were determined by X-ray diffraction showing centric crystallization on groups and P2₁/n, respectively.Quadratic hyperpolarizabilities (β) of some of the complexes (2Fe, 2Ru and 3Fe) have been determined by hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) measurements at a fundamental wavelength of 1500 nm, to minimize the probability of fluorescence due to two-photon absorption and to reduce the effect of resonance enhancement, in order to estimate static β values.     

[4+2] Cycloaddition of 1-aminodienes and 2-substituted vinylphosphonates: application to asymmetric synthesis of 3-amino-5-phosphono-1-cyclohexene derivatives

N-Butadienylsuccinimide (1), iso-propyl N-butadienyl-(S)-pyroglutamate (5) and N-butadienyl-(R)-4-phenyloxazolidin-2-one (6) reacted with vinylphosphonates, vicinally-substituted (2) by electronwithdrawing groups (CO₂Me, CN, COMe), to furnish [4+2] cycloadducts (3-4,7-10, and 11-14) in moderate to good yields (40-88%). The reactions were highly selective: regioselectivity of 95-100%, endoselectivity of 75-92% and facial selectivity of 80-95%. The major diastereoisomers were fully characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and properties of novel 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-triones: methodology for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates

Novel condensation reaction of tropone with N-substituted and N,N′-disubstitued barbituric acids in Ac₂O afforded 5-(cyclohepta-2′,4′,6′-trienylidene)pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (8a-f) in moderate to good yields. The ¹³C NMR spectral study of 8a-f revealed that the contribution of zwitterionic resonance structures is less important as compared with that of 8,8-dicyanoheptafulvene. The rotational barriers (ΔG^‡) around the exocyclic double bond of mono-substituted derivatives 8a-c were obtained to be 14.51-15.03 kcal mol⁻¹ by the variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The electrochemical properties of 8a-f were also studied by CV measurement. Upon treatment with DDQ, 8a-c underwent oxidative cyclization to give two products, 7 and 9-substituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborates (11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻) in various ratios, while that of disubstituted derivatives 8d-f afforded 7,9-disubstituted cyclohepta[b]pyrimido[5,4-d]furan-8(7H),10(9H)-dionylium tetrafluoroborate (11d-f·BF₄⁻) in good yields. Similarly, preparation of known 5-(1′-oxocycloheptatrien-2′-yl)-pyrimidine-2(1H),4(3H),6(5H)-trione derivatives (14a-d) and novel derivatives 14e,f was carried out. Treatment of 14a-c with aq. HBF₄/Ac₂O afforded two kinds of novel products 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a,c·BF₄⁻ in various ratios, respectively, while that of 14d-f afforded 11d-f. The product ratios of 11a-c·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ observed in two kinds of cyclization reactions were rationalized on the basis of MO calculations of model compounds 20a and 21a. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of 11a-f·BF₄⁻ and 12a-c·BF₄⁻ were studied, and structural characterization of 11c·BF₄⁻ based on the X-ray crystal analysis and MO calculation was also performed.     

Color response of tri-armed azo host colorimetric sensors and test kit for fluoride

Five new chromogenic tripodal receptors (2a-e) containing electron withdrawing and donating groups appended to the azophenol moiety were synthesized, characterized, and their chromogenic behaviors toward various anions were investigated. These tripodal receptors showed a distinct color change only when treated with fluoride ions in CH₃CN solution. Yet, other anions such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NO₃⁻, ClO₄⁻, AcO⁻, HSO₄⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻ could not cause any color change. Thus, the receptors 2a-e can be used as a colorimetric chemosensor for the determination of fluoride ion. In addition, ¹H NMR experiments were carried out to explore the nature of interaction between tripodal receptors and fluoride. Finally, analytical application and the use of test strip of the receptor 2b to detect fluoride was also reported.     

Synthesis, coordination studies and redox properties of a novel ditertiary phosphine bearing two ferrocenyl groups

The new ferrocenyl substituted ditertiary phosphine {FcCH₂N(CH₂PPh₂)CH₂}₂ [Fc = (η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)] (1) was prepared, in 72% yield, by Mannich based condensation of the known bis secondary amine {FcCH₂N(H)CH₂}₂ with 2 equiv. of Ph₂PCH₂OH in CH₃OH. Phosphine 1 readily coordinates to various transition-metal centres including Mo⁰, Ru^II, Rh^I, Pd^II, Pt^II and Au^I to afford the heterometallic complexes {RuCl₂(p-cym)}₂(1) (2), (AuCl)₂(1) (3), cis-PtCl₂(1) (4), cis-PdCl₂(1) (5), cis-Mo(CO)₄(1) (6), trans,trans-{Pd(CH₃)Cl(1)}₂ (7) and trans,trans-{Rh(CO)Cl(1)}₂ (8). In complexes 2, 3, 7 and 8 ligand 1 displays a P,P′-bridging mode whilst for 4-6 a P,P′-chelating mode is observed. All new compounds have been fully characterised by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Furthermore the structures of 1, 2 · 2CH₂Cl₂, 3 · CH₂Cl₂, 4 · CH₂Cl₂, 6 · 0.5CHCl₃ and 8 have been elucidated by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Electrochemical measurements have been undertaken, and their redox chemistry discussed, on both noncomplexed ligand 1 and representative compounds containing this new ditertiary phosphine.     

Syntheses, spectroscopic and structural characterizations and metal ion binding properties of Schiff bases derived from 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5

A series of benzyloxybenzaldehyde derivatives (1-4) were synthesized by the reactions of 4-(bromomethyl)benzonitrile with 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin), 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (o-vanillin), 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzaldehyde. Condensation reactions among the new benzyloxybenzaldehyde derivatives (1-4) with 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 yielded the new Schiff base compounds (5-8). Sodium complexes (5a-8a) and potassium complexes (5b-8b) were prepared with NaClO₄ and KI, respectively. All of these synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analyses data. The solid state structures of compounds 8 and 5a were determined by X-ray crystallography. The extraction abilities of compounds 5-8 were also evaluated in CH₂Cl₂ by using several main group and transition metal picrates, such as Na⁺, K⁺, Pb²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺.     

Synthesis of fluorinated trithioether compounds: X-ray structures of 1,3,5-(CH2SRf)3-2,4,6-(CH3)3C6, Rf = C6F5, 4-HC6F4, or 2-FC6H4

A series of three new trithioether compounds containing fluorinated phenyl moieties, 1,3,5-(CH₂SR_f)₃-2,4,6-(CH₃)₃C₆, R_f = C₆F₅ (1), 4-HC₆F₄ (2), or 2-FC₆H₄ (3), were prepared by treatment of 1,3,5-(CH₂Br)₃-2,4,6-(CH₃)₃C₆ with the corresponding Pb(SC₆F₅)₂ or NaSR_f. The new structures were verified by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopies, and mass spectra. The single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1-3 show a similar cis,trans,trans-conformation for the three fluorophenylthiomethyl groups attached to the central benzene ring with all dihedral angles between planes of central ring and external rings close to 0°, giving flat molecules. Comparing, 1-3 with closely related tripodal molecules built-up on 2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, arrangement of one SR group respect to others seems to be defined by the nature of the R substituent. Then in the case of 1-3, a parallel arrangement of rings is favored over an orthogonal one, which would bring the ortho-F atoms close to H atoms of the methylene groups.     

Synthesis and structures of dinuclear iron, molybdenum and tungsten complexes derived from (PhCHCHPh)-coupled bis(cyclopentadiene)

Reductive coupling of phenylfulvene with amalgamated calcium metal followed by hydrolysis yields CpPhCHCHPhCp (1) in high yield. Refluxing ligand 1 and Fe(CO)₅ in xylene produces (PhCHCHPh)-coupled bis(cyclopentadienyl) tetracarbonyl diiron (PhCHCHPh)[(η⁵-C₅H₄)Fe(CO)₂]₂ (2) as a mixture of meso (2-meso) and racemic isomers (2-rac). The pure racemic isomers of the Mo and W analogues (3-rac and 4-rac) have been synthesized by lithiation of ligand 1 and addition of (MeCN)₃M(CO)₃ (M = Mo, W) followed by oxidation with 2 equiv. of ferrocenium tetrafluoroborate. All the new complexes have been fully characterized. The molecular structures of 1-meso, 2-meso, 2-rac, 3-rac, and 4-rac have been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Emission of 2-phenylethanol from its β-d-glucopyranoside and the biogenesis of these compounds from [H8] l-phenylalanine in rose flowers

The hydrolysis of 2-phenylethyl β-d-glucopyranoside (3) was found to be partially inhibited by feeding with 2-phenyl-N-glucosyl-acetamidiumbromide (8), a β-glucosidase inhibitor, resulting in a decrease in the diurnal emission of 2-phenylethanol (2) from Rosa damascena Mill. flowers. Detection of [1,1,2,2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-²H₈]-2 and [1,2,2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-²H₇]-2 from R. ‘Hoh-Jun’ flowers fed with [1,1,2,2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-²H₈]-3 suggested that β-glucosidase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and reductase might be involved in scent emission. Comprehensive GC-SIM analyses revealed that [1,2,2,2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-²H₈]-2 and [1,2,2,2′,3′,4′,5′,6′-²H₈]-3 must be biosynthesized from [1,2,2,2′,3′,4′,5′6′-²H₈] l-phenylalanine ([²H₈]-1) with a retention of the deuterium atom at α-position of [²H₈]-1.     

Aluminum and zinc complexes supported by functionalized phenolate ligands: Synthesis, characterization and catalysis in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide

A series of aluminum and zinc complexes supported by functionalized phenolate ligands were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of 2-(3,5-R₂C₃N₂)C₆H₄NH₂ (R = Me, Ph) with salicylaldehyde or 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde afforded 2-((2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenylimino)methyl)phenol derivatives 2a-2d. Treatment of 2a-2d with an equiv. of AlR²₃ (R² = Me, Et) gave corresponding aluminum aryloxides 3a-3e, while reaction with an equiv. of ZnEt₂ afforded zinc aryloxides 4a-4d. Treatment of 2c with 0.5 equiv. of ZnEt₂ formed diphenolato zinc complex 5. All new compounds were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes 3a, 4a and 5 were further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The catalytic activity of complexes 3-5 toward the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone was studied. The zinc complexes (4a-4d) exhibited higher catalytic activity than the aluminum complexes (3a-3e). The diphenolato zinc complex 5 showed lower catalytic activity than the ethylzinc complexes 4a-4d. The aluminum complex (3b) is inactive to initiate the ROP of rac-lactide, while the zinc complex (4d) is active initiator for the ROP of rac-lactide, giving atactic polylactide.     

Synthesis and evaluation of new chiral diols based on the dicyclopentadiene skeleton

The resolution by Lipase PS of rac-5 (from reduction of ketone 6, obtained from dicyclopentadiene with a new environment-friendly synthesis) gives (2S)-5, which was further reduced to the endo(2R)-1a alcohol. The endo(2S)-1b alcohol was obtained from camphor with a multistep synthesis. Pinacol couplings of 3a,b, carried out with Mg/Hg or Corey's general procedure respectively, afforded with high diastereoselectivity the C₂ symmetry diols (2R,2′R)-2a and (2S,2′S)-2b, with endo oriented OH functions. The enantiogenic power of the endo alcohol (2R)-1a and (2S)-1b and of the diols (2R,2′R)-2a and (2S,2′S)-2b was tested towards the LiAlH₄ reduction of acetophenone. The C₂ symmetry appears to play a fundamental role.     

Phosphorus-nitrogen compounds part 22. Syntheses, structural investigations, biological activities and DNA interactions of new mono and bis (4-fluorobenzyl) spirocyclophosphazenes

The reactions of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, N₃P₃Cl₆, with mono (1 and 2) and bis(4-fluorobenzyl) diamines (3-5), FPhCH₂NH(CH₂)_nNHR (RH or FPhCH₂-), produce mono (1a and 2a) and bis(4-fluorobenzyl) monospirocyclophosphazenes (3a-5a). The tetraaminomonospirocyclophosphazenes (1b-2d) are obtained from the reactions of the partly substituted phosphazenes (1a and 2a) with excess pyrrolidine, morpholine and 1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4,5]decane (DASD), respectively. The tetrachlorobis(4-fluorobenzyl) monospirocyclophosphazenes (4a and 5a) with excess pyrrolidine, morpholine and DASD afford the fully substituted bis(4-fluorobenzyl) monospirocyclophosphazenes (4b, 4d-5d) in boiling THF. In addition, monochlorobis(4-fluorobenzyl) monospirocyclophosphazenes (4e and 4f) have also been isolated from the reactions with excess morpholine and DASD in boiling THF. The structural investigations of the compounds have been verified by elemental analyses, MS, FTIR, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F (for 1d and 2d), ³¹P NMR, HSQC and HMBC techniques. The crystal structures of 3a, 4a, 5a and 2b have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The compounds 2a-5a, 1b-2d, 4b, 4d-5d, 4e and 4f have been screened for antibacterial effects on bacteria and for antifungal activity against yeast strains. The compounds 1b and 4b showed antimicrobial activity against three species of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, and two fungi, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for 1b and 4b. The MIC values were found to be 5000 μM for each bacteria. The most effective compound, 4b has exhibited activity with a MIC of 312 μM for C. albicans and 625 μM for C. tropicalis. DNA-binding and the nature of the interaction with pBR322 plasmid DNA are studied. All of the compounds induce changes on the DNA mobility and intensity. Prevention of HindIII digestion with the compounds indicates that the compounds bind with AT nucleotides in DNA.