Synthesis of covalently bonded nanostructure from two porphyrin molecular wires leading to a molecular tube

Molecular wire, diacetylene-linked porphyrin dimer 6 having terminal alkenes, was synthesized. Porphyrin dimer 6 formed the 1:1 double-stranded ladder complex with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). The co-planar stacked two porphyrin molecular wires in the ladder complex were connected by olefin metathesis in the presence of the Grubbs catalyst in order to make a covalently bonded tubular nanostructure. The obtained molecular tube 7 was characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF MS spectrometry.     

Cross-metathesis of dimethyl maleate and ethylene catalyzed by second generation ruthenium carbene complexes: B3LYP and MPW1K comparison study

The cross-metathesis of methyl maleate (2) and ethylene (10) using second generation Grubbs catalyst; (1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene) (PCy₃)CI₂RuCHPh has been modeled at B3LYP/LACVP¹ and MPW1K/LACVP¹ levels of theory. Both models predict the metathesis of 2 to be viable kinetically and thermodynamically. The low reactivity of 2 in the metathesis reaction can be explained by the non-productive complex formation between carbonyl oxygen and Ru center that impedes the metathesis. Calculations show that the metathesis of ethylene is slightly endothermic process reflecting the relative stability of (1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene)CI₂RuCHCOOMe catalyst due to additional stabilization of Ru center by sp² or sp³ oxygen atoms. Although both models; B3LYP and MPW1K predict qualitatively similar picture of the metathesis; MPW1K functional seems to be superior to B3LYP in predicting the reaction energetics.     

Latent ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts featuring a phosphine or an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand

The synthesis and characterization of latent 18-electron ruthenium benzylidene complexes (PCy₃)((^κN,O)-picolinate)₂RuCHPh (5) and (H₂IMes)((^κN,O)-picolinate)₂RuCHPh (6) are described. Both complexes appear as two isomers. The ratio between the isomers is dependent on l-type ligand. The complexes are inactive in ring-closing metathesis and ring-opening metathesis polymerization reactions even at elevated temperatures in the absence of stimuli. Upon addition of HCl, complexes 5 and 6 become highly active in olefin metathesis reactions. The advantage of the latent catalysts is demonstrated in the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene, where the latency of 6 assures adequate mixing of catalyst and monomer before initiation. Trapping experiments suggests that the acid converts the 18-electron complexes into their corresponding highly olefin metathesis active 14-electron benzylidenes.     

One-pot enyne metathesis/Diels-Alder reaction for the construction of highly functionalized novel polycyclic aza-compounds

Various tricyclic dienes were synthesized via enyne metathesis using the first generation Grubbs catalyst. The enyne metathesis proceeded smoothly in refluxing CH₂Cl₂ with a low catalyst loading (3.0 mol %), giving good yields (72-89%) of the tricyclic products 6 and 16. The resulting 1,3-dienes are suitable precursors of polycyclic structures via a Diels-Alder process. One-pot RCM/Diels-Alder reactions of the enyne products with dienophiles proceeded smoothly to afford polycyclic compounds as a single cycloadduct. The structures of the Diels-Alder adducts were determined by ¹H NMR spectra and X-ray analysis. The cycloadducts were formed via the approach of the dienophiles towards the diene in endo mode.     

Metathesis polymer based on 5-trimethylsilylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene: Synthesis and gas-transport properties

A new silicon-containing bicyclic monomer 5-trimethylsilylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene has been synthesized, and its metathesis polymerization and gas transport properties of the polymer based on it have been studied. The monomer is synthesized by the two-step scheme using the Diels–Alder reaction from 1,3-cyclohexadiene and vinyltrichlorosilane followed by methylation with a Grignard reagent. The resulting 5-trimethylsilylbicyclo[ 2.2.2]oct-2-ene is inactive in metathesis homopolymerization in the presence of first- and second- generation Grubbs catalysts and a Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst, but it slowly polymerizes when norbornene is present in the reaction mixture. The high-molecular-mass copolymer (M _w = 3.0 × 10⁵, M _w/M _n = 2.8) of 5-trimethylsilylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene and norbornene possesses good film-forming properties, and its glass transition temperature is 126°C. The gas-transport properties of the copolymer have been studied.     

Synthesis of diversely functionalized pyrrolizidines and indolizidines using olefin ring-closing metathesis

Various nitrogen-fused tricyclic compounds, having benzoindolizidine and benzopyrrolizidines ring systems were synthesized via ene-ene metathesis using the first and second-generation Grubbs catalyst. The ene-ene metathesis proceeded smoothly in refluxing CH₂Cl₂ with 3.0 mol % of G₁, giving good yields (78-86%) of the benzoindolizidine products 12a,b. The benzopyrrolizidine 6 was prepared after optimization in 64% yield by using 5.0+5.0 mol % of G₂. The resulting olefin moiety of the indolizidine framework is a suitable precursor for polyhydroxy structures via the Sharpless process. The structures of the polyhydroxylated adducts were determined by ¹H NMR spectra and single-crystal X-ray analysis.     

Synthesis and Properties of Metathesis Polymer Based on 3-Silatranyltricyclo[4.2.1.0<Superscript>2.5</Superscript>]non-7-ene

A new metathesis polynorbornene containing bulky and reactive silatrane side groups is synthesized, and its gas-transport properties are investigated. The metathesis polymerization of 3-silatranyltricyclo[ 4.2.1.0^2.5]non-7-ene is conducted in the presence of the first-generation Grubbs catalyst. The homopolymer is obtained with a nearly quantitative yield of 98% and a molecular mass of M_w = 1.3 × 10⁶ (Ð = 3.7). According to X-ray phase analysis, the homopolymer is amorphous and its glass-transition temperature is 232°С (DSC). The gas permeability of the metathesis polymer for a set of gases, including He, H₂, O₂, N₂, CO₂, and CH₄, is investigated, and the corresponding diffusion and solubility coefficients are determined.     

DNA binding and photocleavage specificities of a group of tricationic metalloporphyrins

The interactions of 5,10,15-tris(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-20-(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrinatozinc(II) Zn[TMPyHP]³⁺ (2) along with Cu[TMPyHP]³⁺ (3), Co[TMPyHP]⁴⁺ (4), Mn[TMPyHP]⁴⁺ (5) and the free base porphyrin H₂[TMPyHP]³⁺ (1) with duplex DNA have been studied by using a combination of absorption, fluorescence titration, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), induced circular dichroism (ICD) spectroscopy, thermal DNA denaturation, viscosity measurements as well as gel electrophoresis experiment. Their binding modes and intrinsic binding constants (K_b) to calf DNA (CT DNA) were comparatively studied and were found significantly influenced by different metals coordinated with the porphyrin plane. Except 3, which has four-coordination structure at the metal, all the metal derivatives showed non-intercalative DNA-binding mode and lower K_b than the free base porphyrin 1, most probably due to the steric hindrance results from the axial ligands of the inserted metals which are five or six-coordination structures. Meanwhile, the insertion of metals into cationic porphyrin greatly removed the self-aggregation of the metal-free porphyrins, and thus fully enhanced the singlet oxygen (¹O₂) productivities in the DNA photocleavage experiments. Therefore, these metalloporphyrins have comparable DNA cleavage ability with the free base porphyrin.     

Strategic utilization of catalytic metathesis and photo-thermal metathesis in caged polycyclic frames

Highly functionalized cage compounds have been prepared via cross-metathesis (CM) using Grubbs modified N-tolyl catalyst 7. A strategic utilization of photo-thermal metathesis and catalytic metathesis sequence for the synthesis of functionalized caged molecules has been demonstrated.     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of optically active γ-alkyl-γ-butenolides

rac-Hept-1-en-3-ol 4 was subjected to an enantioselective esterification in the presence of Novozyme 435 and vinyl crotonate as the acyl donor to give (3S)-oct-1-en-3-yl crotonate 7 in >99% ee and (3R)-alcohol 4 in 99% ee. The E-value of this enzymatic reaction was found to be >1000. The (S)-crotonic ester 7 was converted by ring-closing metathesis (RCM) using Grubbs’ catalyst to give (S)-oct-2-en-4-olide 1 in 96% yield while keeping the high enantiomeric excess.     

A simple and efficient enantioselective route to 2,6-disubstituted piperidines: synthesis of (2R,6S)-isosolenopsin A and (2S,6R)-isosolenopsin

The enantioselective synthesis of 2,6-cis-disubstituted piperidine alkaloids, (2R,6S)-isosolenopsin A 2 and (2S,6R)-isosolenopsin 5 from fire ant venom is described. Starting from the dodecanal and decanal, the synthesis presents two key steps. The first step involves Keck allylation to afford the chiral homoallylalcohol with the required stereochemistry and the second key step consists of Grubbs olefin cross metathesis. The synthesis was achieved in five steps with 44% overall yield.     

In situ generation of highly active olefin metathesis initiators

A ruthenium based benzylidene complex bearing an O,N-bidentate Schiff base ligand exhibits poor olefin metathesis activity but generates a highly active catalyst system when treated with acidic cocatalysts. Various Lewis acids were able to boost the ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cycloocta-1,5-diene (COD). The best results were obtained with trichlorosilane (HSiCl₃), which was also found to improve metathesis activity of the Grubbs second generation catalyst [RuCl₂(CHPh)(H₂IMes)(PCy₃)] in the ROMP of COD and the ring closing metathesis (RCM) of diethyl diallylmalonate.     

Synthesis of polymeric antioxidants based on ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and their antioxidant ability for preventing polypropylene (PP) from thermal oxidation degradation

Norbornene derivatives 1-5 bearing hindered phenol groups were synthesized and undergone ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with Grubbs 1st generation catalyst to prepare the corresponding polymeric antioxidants. After hydrogenation with p-toluenesulfonylhydrazide (TSH), polymeric antioxidants with saturated polymer chain were prepared. The resulting polymeric antioxidants were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), ¹H NMR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). As to polymerization activity, monomer 1 had the highest ROMP activity, while monomer 5 could not undergo homopolymerization due to the steric hindrance. The antioxidant ability of these polymeric antioxidants which was determined by oxidation induction temperature (OIT) in polypropylene (PP) system is to protect PP against thermal oxidation. Results showed that the OIT of PP increased obviously when PP was stabilized by the adding of polymeric antioxidants.     

Stereoselective synthesis of new glycooxathiecinone using vic-cyclic thionocarbonate haloalkylation and ring closing metathesis as key steps

Herein, we describe the first glycoconjugate macrocyclic thiolcarbonate namely (Z)-10(S)-[3′-O-acetyl-1′,2′-O-isopropylidene-4′-deoxy-d-erythrofuranose]-4,7,9-trihydro-10H-8-thia-1,3-oxathiecin-2-one (17a) using a strategy based on two key steps synthesis: (i) a haloalkylation of vic-diol via their cyclic thionocarbonate derivatives; (ii) a macrocyclisation using ring closing metathesis reaction. Detailed here is a newly developed extension of vic-diol halogenation via the cyclic thionocarbonate function but using a range of alkyl halides other than the customarily used MeI. For example, with 1,2-O-isopropylidene-5,6-O-thionocarbonate-d-glucose (1) and allyl bromide, the 5-allylthiolcarbonate-6-bromo-6-deoxy-d-glucose derivative 6 was obtained in good yield. The later submitted to 6-allythioetherification and ring closing metathesis (RCM) with Grubbs second generation gave stereoselectively the target oxathiecinone 17a in 75% yield for the RCM step.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a chiral molybdenum porphyrin and its catalytic behaviour toward asymmetric epoxidation of aromatic alkenes

Reaction of M(CO)₆ with H₂P* (5,10,15,20-tetrakis-{(1S,4R,5R,8S)-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,4:5,8-dimethanoanthracene-9-yl}porphyrin) followed by treatment with methanol afforded [Mo^VO(P*)(OMe)] (1) in ∼80% yield. Complex 1 was characterised by IR and ESR spectroscopy and X-ray structure determination. This chiral molybdenum porphyrin was found to catalyse the epoxidation of styrene, cis-β-methylstyrene, and 1,2-dihydronaphthalene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in up to 29% ee.     

Total synthesis of the aromatase inhibitor dihydroisocoumarin via protective opening of lactones

Asymmetric total synthesis of a dihydroisocoumarin, (3R,4R)-(−)-6-methoxy-1-oxo-3-pentyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isochromen-4-yl acetate (1) starting from commercially available m-anisic acid is described. Herein, we depict the use of protective opening of lactones and construction of δ lactone. The synthesis involves Wittig, Grubbs cross metathesis, and Sharpless dihydroxylation reactions.     

Ligand Substitution of RuII–Alkylidenes to Ru(bpy)32+: Sequential Olefin Metathesis/Photoredox Catalysis

Ruthenium(II) alkylidene complexes such as the Grubbs’ 1st and 2nd generation catalysts undergo a ligand substitution with 2,2′-bipyridine, which readily leads to the common photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The application of this catalyst transformation in sequential olefin metathesis/photoredox catalysis is demonstrated by way of ring-closing metathesis (RCM)/photoredox ATRA reactions.     

Mechanism of olefin hydrosilylation catalyzed by [RuCl(NCCH3)5]: A DFT study

The hydrosilylation reaction between methyldimethoxysilane and methylvinyldimethoxysilane, catalyzed by the cationic species chloropenta(acetonitrile)ruthenium(II)⁺ (C1), was investigated with density functional theory (DFT). The Chalk-Harrod, Glaser-Tilley and σ-bond metathesis mechanisms were considered as mechanistic possibilities for the reaction and enthalpy profiles of each pathway were computed for the active form of C1. In contrast to the commonly accepted Chalk-Harrod mechanism of hydrosilylation, the computational results indicate that a σ-bond metathesis mechanism, involving the formation of a hydride analogue of C1, is most favored. The B3LYP calculated activation enthalpy for this pathway (ΔH_act = 13.1 kcal/mol) is consistent with the experimental observation that C1 is a reasonable catalyst for this reaction under the applied experimental conditions.     

Synthesis of fused dihydropyrido[e]purines via ring closing metathesis

Ring closing metathesis (RCM) of 8,9-diallylpurines or 9-butenyl-8-vinylpurines with the Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst resulted in fused 6,9- or 8,9-dihydropyrido[e]purines, respectively. The 8,9-dialkenylpurines were prepared from 8-bromopurines after 9-alkenylation and subsequent Stille coupling at C-8 with alkenylstannanes in the presence of Pd(PPh₃)₄ or Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂.     

A novel strapped porphyrin receptor for molecular recognition

A novel strapped porphyrin receptor Zn1, in which two electron-rich bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown ether-10 units are incorporated, has been designed and synthesized from the newly developed intermediate 7 for investigating new chemistry of molecular recognition. ¹H NMR and UV-Vis studies revealed that Zn1 displays relatively weak binding abilities to neutral electron deficient naphthalene-1,8,4,5-tetracarboxydiimide (NDI) derivatives 13 (no simple complexing stoichiometry was observed), 19 (K_a=48(±5) M⁻¹) and 30 (K_a=46(±5) M⁻¹) in chloroform-d, strong binding ability to pyridine derivative 25, (K_a=1.5(±0.12)×10³ M⁻¹) in chloroform, moderately strong binding ability to tetracationic compound 35·4PF₆ (K_a=475(±50) M⁻¹) in acetone-d₆, and very strong binding affinity to compound 22 (K_a=6.5(±0.7)×10⁵ M⁻¹), which consists of one pyridine and two NDI units, in chloroform. Remarkable cooperative effect of the intermolecular metal-ligand coordination and donor-acceptor interactions in complex Zn1·22 was observed by comparing the complexing behaviors between Zn1 and the appropriately designed guests. Complex Zn1·22 possesses an unique three-dimensional tri-site binding feature. For comparison, the complexing affinity of 1 toward compounds 13, 19, and 30 in chloroform-d and 35·4PF₆ in acetone-d₆ has also been investigated and the binding patterns in different complexes were explored. The results demonstrate that strapped porphyrin derivatives are ideal precursors for constructing new generation of three-dimensional multi-site artificial receptors for molecular recognition and host-guest chemistry.