The geometry of small rings—IV: Molecular geometry of cyclopropene and its derivatives

Numeric structural data for 34 derivatives of cyclopropene and cyclopropenium ion have been retrieved from the Cambridge Crystallographic Database and analysed in conjunction with available gas-phase results. Geometric data indicate that the vinylic C atoms in cyclopropene use sp^1.19 hybrids in bond formation to substituents and contribute sp^2.68 hybridges to the ring σ-framework. The D_3h-symmetric cyclopropenium ion has a bond length of 1.373(3)Å, which can be related to distances in unstrained systems. Comparison of data for cyclopropenylidenes and 3,3-difluorocyclopropene with analogous cyclopropanes shows that π-donor effects (distal bond lengthening, vicinal bond shortening) are apparent in cyclopropene. Rehybridization and π-donation are largely responsible for cyclopropenylidene geometry, rather than significant contributions from dipolar and pseudo-aromatic resonance forms. Insufficient data exist to quantify the effect of π-acceptor substituents on cyclopropene, but some lengthening of vicinal bonds is apparent. Three major bonding patterns are exhibited by organomental derivatives of cyclopropenium and cyclopropene.     

Cascade Mn‐Mediated γ‐Alkylation/oxa‐Michael Addition of Enones with 1,3‐Dicarbonyls

A radical‐based strategy for regioselective γ‐C?C bond formation/oxa‐conjugate addition, forming the tetrahydrobenzofuran core common to many bioactive natural products is described. The technique utilizes readily available enone derivatives and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds as coupling partners in an oxidative formal [3+2] cycloaddition mediated by Mn^III. The transformation delivers polycyclic products in good yields and proceeds with complete regiocontrol and excellent stereoselectivity. Sterically encumbered substrates are notably well‐tolerated and bond formation occurs readily to form neopentyl and all‐carbon quaternary centers in good yields. Several stereo‐ and chemoselective transformations of the products are described.     

Synthesis,Structure, Carbohydrate Enzyme Inhibition,Antioxidant Activity,In Silico Drug-Receptor Interactions and Drug-Like Profiling of the 5-Styryl-2-Aminochalcone Hybrids

The 2-amino-5-(3/4-fluorostyryl)acetophenones were prepared and reacted with benzaldehyde derivatives to afford the corresponding 5-styryl-2-aminochalcone hybrids. The trans geometry of the styryl and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl arms, and the presence of NH^…O intramolecular hydrogen bond were validated using ¹H-NMR and X-ray data. The 2-amino-5-styrylacetophenones and their 5-styryl-2-aminochalcone derivatives were screened in vitro for their capability to inhibit α-glucosidase and/or α-amylase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) free radical scavenging assays. Kinetic studies of the most active derivatives from each series against α-glucosidase and/or α-amylase activities have been performed supported by molecular docking studies to determine plausible protein–ligand interactions on a molecular level. The key aspects of the pharmacokinetics of these compounds, i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion have also been simulated at theoretical level. The most active compounds from each series, namely, 2a and 3e, were evaluated for cytotoxicity against the normal monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) and the adenocarcinomic human epithelial (A549) cell line to establish their safety profile at least in vitro.     

Synthesis of substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines from endocyclic enamine derivatives. Synthesis of (±)-laburnamine

Functionalization of the α- and β-positions of readily available endocyclic enamine derivatives provides a convenient method for the formation of substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines. α-Alkoxy-β-iodopyrrolidines are formed by the electrophilic addition of iodine to the endocyclic enamine double bond of an N-substituted 2-pyrroline, and nucleophillic attack by an alcohol on the intermediate iodonium ion. The resultant α-alkoxy-β-iodopyrrolidines can be used in radical cyclization reactions to give bicyclic hemiaminal compounds, which can be further elaborated using N-acyliminium chemistry to form α,β-cis-dialkylsubstituted pyrrolidines. A strategy for the incorporation of amino functionality at the β-position was also established by using iodoamination of the enamine double bond, followed by migration of the amine functionality through an aziridination/methanolysis protocol. An alternative method uses an azidomethoxylation protocol using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in the presence of NaN₃ and methanol. Formation and trapping of the N-acyliminium ions derived from these substrates, afforded the 3-carbamate and 3-azido-2-substituted products with good diastereoselectivity, with the preferential formation of the trans and cis stereoisomers, respectively. Using the sequential iodoamination, aziridination in methanol and N-acyliminium transformation, trans-3-NHCO₂Me-2-allyl-pyrrolidine was prepared, which was used as the key precursor in a synthesis of the natural 1-amidopyrrolizidine alkaloid, (±)-laburnamine.     

Convenient synthesis of water-soluble nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) BODIPY dyes

Mono- and bis-NTA-BODIPY dyes have been efficiently synthesized by amide bond formation between hepta-alkylated meso-aryl-BODIPY derivatives and the free amine of mono- and bis-NTA binder surrogates. These new fluorescent hybrids exhibited valuable photophysical properties under buffered aqueous conditions, thus expanding the arsenal of water-soluble BODIPY dyes for potential labeling and monitoring of biological systems and processes.     

Design,Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Coumarin–BMT Hybrids as New Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Coumarin possesses the aromatic group and showed plentiful activities, such as antioxidant, preventing asthma and antisepsis. In addition, coumarin derivatives usually possess good solubility, low cytotoxicity and excellent cell permeability. In our study, we synthesized the compound bridge methylene tacrine (BMT), which has the classical pharmacophore structure of Tacrine (THA). Based on the principle of active substructure splicing, BMT was used as a lead compound and synthesized coumarin–BMT hybrids by introducing coumarin to BMT. In this work, 21 novel hybrids of BMT and coumarin were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity on AChE. All obtained compounds present preferable inhibition. Compound 8b was the most active compound, with the value of K_i as 49.2 nM, which was higher than Galantamine (GAL) and lower than THA. The result of molecular docking showed that the highest binding free energy was −40.43 kcal/mol for compound 8b, which was an identical trend with the calculated K_i.     

Highly functionalized, enantiomerically pure furo[x,y-c]pyrans via alkylidenecarbenes derived from sugar templates: synthesis and mechanism study via computational chemistry

The new method for the generation of alkylidenecarbenes based on the reaction of trimethylsilylazide/Bu₂SnO with α-cyanomesylates has been applied to readily available sugar derivatives for the synthesis of highly functionalized, enantiomerically pure furo[x,y-c]pyrans. The furo[x,y-c]pyran heterocyclic ring system is present in a number of natural or non-natural products of biological interest such as the miharamycins, and deserve particular attention. The scope and extent of the present new methodology has been investigated by systematic modification of the starting sugar precursor (d-glucose, d-galactose, etc.) in the hexo-α(β)-d-pyranoside forms, bearing also different O-protecting groups, the effect of the absolute configuration of the substituent at the anomeric position, the location (C-2, -3 and -4) of the alkylidenecarbene species on the pyran nucleus, as well as the substitution (H or Ph) at the ‘carbon donor’ in the 1,5 C-H bond insertion process. In overall, using these key 1,5 C-H bond insertion reactions a simple protocol results for the synthesis of the furo[x,y-c]pyrans, difficult to be prepared by other methodologies, from moderate to good yields. To examine the reactivity of the alkylidenecarbene, we have undertaken a systematic investigation of the insertion reactions of various alkylidenecarbene derivatives into C-H bonds using density functional theory.     

New boron-containing 2′-deoxyadenosines

Conjugates of polyhedral boron hydrides with deoxyadenosine were synthesized by the opening of cyclic oxonium derivatives of closo-dodecaborate and cobalt bis(1,2-dicarbollide) with 2′-deoxyadenosine derivatives containing a nucleophilic group in the substituent at C(8). Biological studies of the derivatives obtained for cytotoxicity revealed that the derivatives based on closo-dodecaborate did not exhibit cytotoxicity. The conjugates obtained can be used in further biological trials as potential agents for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer.     

TBAB-mediated radical 6-endo-trig ortho-cyclization of N-aryl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide for the synthesis of 3-bromo-1,2-dihydroquinoline

In this work, we described a new synthetic route of 3-bromo-1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives based on the TBAB/Oxone-mediated radical 6-endo-trig ortho-cyclization of 2-alkynylbenzamide. The reaction proceeded smoothly with moderate functional group tolerance and high reaction efficiency. It is believed that radical addition, 6-endo-dig cyclization, and oxidation are all involved in the reaction processes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated the usability of these derivatives in further functionalization.     

C（sp3）-H bond functionalization of oximes derivatives via 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer induced by iminyl radical

Oximes derivatives have been vastly used in organic synthesis. In this review, C（sp³）-H bond functionalization of oximes derivatives via iminyl radical induced 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer was discussed. According to the different type of products, this review was divided into three parts:（1） C（sp³）-H bond functionalization for C-C bond formation.（2） C（sp³）-H bond functionalization for C-N bond formation.（3） C（sp³）-H bond functionalization for C-S, C-F b...     

Effect of spatial configuration on adhesion of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives

Spatial configuration has a significant effect on chemical self-assembly. However, the importance of spatial configuration in supramolecular adhesive materials has been frequently ignored. In this study, the effects of the spatial configuration on cohesion and adhesion were investigated. Owing to the diversities of the chemical structures and assembly patterns, 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives were used in this combined experimental and theoretical investigation. The self-sorting assembly of enantiopure isomers improved cohesion but had a negative effect on adhesion. In contrast, racemic mixtures displayed stronger adhesion effects. Moreover, it was proven that the cis-configuration was more favorable for supramolecular adhesion than the trans-counterpart. In addition, the influence of the spatial configuration of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives could be effectively mitigated by hydrogen bond donors or acceptors. The addition of natural acids yielded three-dimensional polymeric networks, in which the spatial configuration was not the decisive factor for supramolecular adhesion.     

UV-induced catalyst-free intramolecular formal Heck reaction

A catalyst-free intramolecular formal Heck reaction has been developed, affording 9-benzylidene-9H-fluorene derivatives under UV irradiation. This reaction probably proceeds via UV-induced homolytic cleavage of CI bond, addition of the aryl radical to the alkene moiety, single electron oxidation of alkyl radical intermediate into carbocation species, and deprotonation.     

Remote Radical Desaturation of Unactivated C−H Bonds in Amides

Desaturation of inert aliphatic C−H bonds in alkanes to form the corresponding alkenes is challenging. In this communication, a new and practical strategy for remote site-selective desaturation of amides via radical chemistry is reported. The readily installed N-allylsulfonylamide moiety serves as an N radical precursor. Intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer from an inert C−H bond to the N-radical generates a translocated C-radical which is subsequently oxidized and deprotonated to give the corresponding alkene. The commercially available methanesulfonyl chloride is used as reagent and a Cu/Ag-couple as oxidant. The remote desaturation is realized on different types of unactivated sp³-C−H bonds. The potential synthetic utility of this method is further demonstrated by the dehydrogenation of natural product derivatives and drugs.     

Recent progress in controlled radical polymerization of N-vinyl monomers

This review summarizes recent advances in the controlled radical polymerization of N-vinyl monomers, such as N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylindole derivatives, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylacetoamide derivatives, N-vinyl(na)phthalimides, N-vinylimidazolium salts, and N-vinyltriazoles. Recent significant progress of controlled radical polymerization of these N-vinyl monomers has allowed for the synthesis of well-defined functional polymers having various architectures, including block copolymers, branched polymers (stars, star block copolymers, miktoarm star copolymers, and graft copolymers), and hybrids. Characteristic properties, assembled structures, and three-dimensional architectures of these functional polymers derived from N-vinyl monomers are briefly introduced.     

Design,synthesis, and biological evaluation of the novel glycyrrhetinic acid-cinnamoyl hybrids as anti-tumor agents

Background

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives had shown not only cytotoxicity but also could trigger apoptosis in various human cancer cell lines. Moreover, cinnamic acid (CA) and its phenolic analogues as potent antitumor agents were employed in the design of anti-tumor drugs. To further improve the anti-tumor activity of GA and CA derivatives, a series of novel compounds were designed and synthesized using GA and CA derivatives fragments.

Results

The result showed that all the novel glycyrrhetinic acid-cinnamoyl (GA–CA) hybrids presented higher antitumor activity on the tumor cell lines of HepG2, HT-29, Hela and lower cytotoxicity on three non-tumor cells lines MDCK, HY926, H9C2 than the parent compounds (IC₅₀ > 50 μM). It was worth noting that 8a had a superior cytotoxicity effect on Hela cells (IC₅₀ = 8.54 μM) than on other cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ > 15 μM). And it also indicated that 8a showed lower cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ > 27 μM) towards MDCK, HY926 and H9C2 cells than cisplatin (DDP, IC₅₀ < 10 μM). Moreover, according to the acute toxicity, it could be indicated that the LD₅₀ of 8a exceeded 3.0 g/kg by oral administration in mice. The further research using Giemsa, H33342 staining, flow cytometric analysis and caspase-3 assay showed that 8a could cause Hela cell damage, nuclei lysis and apoptosis. In addition, the structure–activity relationships of these hybrids were briefly discussed.

Conclusions

Compared with GA, target compounds demonstrated better anti-tumor activity, among which 8a was the most active one. What’s more, structure–activity relationship analysis also revealed that hybrids with trans olefinic bond group show higher antitumor activity than those without olefinic bond, such as 1a > 1b, 6a > 2b, 8a > 3b, 9a > 4b. In addition, it was found that the methoxy substituent might enhance selectivity of GA–CA hybrids towards regular non-cancerous cells MDCK, HY926 and H9C2, such as 4a, 6a, 7a, 8a. However, there might be less relationship between the cytotoxicity and the quantity, position of methoxy moiety. Hence, it is urgent need to synthesize efficient, low toxicity and multi-target anti-tumor compounds based on the structure combination principle.

     

Carbon radical addition to N-sulfonylimines mediated by triethylborane or zinc

The utility of N-sulfonylimines as radical acceptors was investigated under the different reaction conditions such as the stannyl radical-mediated addition reaction, the triethylborane-mediated tin-free radical reaction, and the zinc-mediated aqueous-medium radical reaction. The alkyl radical addition reaction of N-sulfonylimines proceeded effectively without the activation by Lewis acid. These reactions were successfully extended to one-pot reactions for preparing a wide range of amine derivatives.     

Graft modification of chitosan,cellulose and alginate using reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP)

This perspective covers the most recent literature on the graft-modification of the natural polymers celluloses, chitosan and alginate through reversible deactivation radical polymerization (NMP, ATRP and RAFT). The different routes to obtain well-defined polysaccharide-based hybrids including “grafting from” and “grafting to” approaches, and their applications as composite, stimuli-responsive, and biomaterials are discussed.     

A versatile radical based approach to O-alkylated hydroxylamines and oximes

O-Alkylhydroxylamines, often used for the preparation of bioconjugates, can be readily obtained by radical addition to suitable O-alkenylhydroxylamine derivatives. In the case of N-Boc-O-allylhydroxylamine, the addition is unexpectedly followed by elimination resulting in an overall allylation of the radical species.     

An in situ masking strategy enables radical monodecarboxylative C–C bond coupling of malonic acid derivatives

The utilization of malonic acids in radical decarboxylative functionalization is still underexploited, and the few existing examples are primarily limited to bisdecarboxylative functionalization. While radical monodecarboxylative functionalization is highly desirable, it is challenging because of the difficulty in suppressing the second radical decarboxylation step. Herein, we report the successful radical monodecarboxylative C–C bond coupling of malonic acids with ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents enabled by an in situ masking strategy, affording synthetically useful 2(3H)-furanones in satisfactory yields. The keys to the success of this transformation include (1) the dual role of a silver catalyst as a single-electron transfer catalyst to drive the radical decarboxylative alkynylation and as a Lewis acid catalyst to promote the 5-endo-dig cyclization and (2) the dual function of the alkynyl reagent as a radical trapper and as an in situ masking group. Notably, the latent carboxylate group in the furanones could be readily released, which could serve as a versatile synthetic handle for further elaborations. Thus, both carboxylic acid groups in malonic acid derivatives have been well utilized for the rapid construction of molecular complexity.

An in situ masking strategy has been developed based upon the unique properties of silver catalysts to successfully achieve a radical monodecarboxylative C–C bond coupling of malonic acids with ethynylbenziodoxolone reagents.