Tetracyanoquinodimethane Reduction by Complexed Guanidinyl‐Functionalized Aromatic Compounds

In this work, we report on the reduction of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) with dicationic complexes of guanidinyl‐functionalized aromatic (GFA) electron donors. In contrast to reduction with free GFAs, milder reduction conditions were achieved, and this led to semiconducting materials with extended TCNQ π stacking. The charge on the TCNQ units was estimated from the structural data obtained by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and from IR spectroscopic data. The electrical conductivity was studied and the activation energy of the semiconducting materials was estimated from the temperature dependence of the conductivity.     

Late-Stage Diversification of Tryptophan-Derived Biomolecules

Pd-mediated reactions have emerged as a powerful tool for the site-selective and bioorthogonal late-stage diversification of amino acids, peptides and related compounds. Indole moieties of tryptophan derivatives are susceptible to C²H-activation, whereas halogenated aromatic amino acids such as halophenylalanines or halotryptophans provide a broad spectrum of different functionalisations. The compatibility of transition-metal-catalysed cross-couplings with functional groups in peptides, other biologically active compounds and even proteins has been demonstrated. This Review primarily compiles the application of different cross-coupling reactions to modify halotryptophans, halotryptophan containing peptides or halogenated, biologically active compounds derived from tryptophan. Modern approaches use regio- and stereoselective biocatalytic strategies to generate halotryptophans and derivatives on a preparative scale. The combination of bio- and chemocatalysis in cascade reactions is given by the biocompatibility and bioorthogonality of Pd-mediated reactions.     

A Predictive Model Towards Site‐Selective Metalations of Functionalized Heterocycles,Arenes, Olefins,and Alkanes using TMPZnCl⋅LiCl

The development of a predictive model towards site‐selective deprotometalation reactions using TMPZnCl?LiCl is reported (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl). The pK_a values of functionalized N‐, S‐, and O‐heterocycles, arenes, alkenes, or alkanes were calculated and compared to the experimental deprotonation sites. Large overlap (>80 %) between the calculated and empirical deprotonation sites was observed, showing that thermodynamic factors strongly govern the metalation regioselectivity. In the case of olefins, calculated frozen state energies of the deprotonated substrates allowed a more accurate prediction. Additionally, various new N‐heterocycles were analyzed and the metalation regioselectivities rationalized using the predictive model.     

C−N,C−S and S−S Bond Cleavage by Rhodium PCcarbeneP Pincer Complexes

Rhodium PC_carbeneP complexes 1‐L {L=PPh₃, PPh₂(C₆F₅)} react with isothiocyanate, carbodiimide and disulphide to enable C?S, C?N and S?S bond cleavage. The cleaved molecules are sequestered by the metal center and the pincer alkylidene linkage, forming η²‐coordinated sulfide or imide centered pincer complexes. When a C?S or S?S bond is cleaved, the resulting complexes can bridge two rhodium centers through sulphur forming dimeric complexes and eliminating a monodentate phosphine ligand.     

C=X π-Systeme

Im Rahmen des Graduiertenkollegs “Hochreaktive Mehrfachbindungssysteme” hatten G. Erker und J. Grobe vom 16. bis 18. November 1994 schon zum zweiten Mal nach Münster eingeladen. “Organic and Inorganic Chemistry of Reactive C=X π-Systems” waren diesmal das Thema.     

Ambident electrophilicity of O,O-diethyl-S-phenyl phosphorothiolate

Reaction between O,O-diethyl-S-phenyl phosphorothiolate and lithium dialkylamides results in the displacement of the PhS substituent by the R₂N group. With Grignard reagents, the same substrate gives products of the nucleophilic substitution at both the phosphorus and the sulfur atom.     

THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS OF STRUCTURES AND VIBRATIONAL INFRARED FREQUENCIES. I. MERCAPTANS AND SULFIDES

Abstract

We report the computed equilibrium geometries and vibrational infrared frequencies of a group of thirteen mercaptans and sulfides. The computations were based on the Gaussian 86 Program Package utilizing 3-21G basis sets. The theoretical bond distances and bond angles are in agreement with the available experimental data. The agreement between computed frequencies and available experimental values seems reasonable. We also used the computations as guidelines for the assignment of available experimental infrared frequencies. We believe that it is possible to make reliable frequency predictions by combining computations with available experimental data for groups of similar molecules. However, it is necessary to introduce different correction factors for different types of vibrational modes if we use 3-21G basis sets.     

Recognition hysteresis of the acetylcholine receptor of torpedo Californica

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAcChR) of the electric organ of Torpedo californica fish exhibits a pronounced hysteresis loop in the high affinity binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (AcCh). When increasing amounts of AcCh are added (pulse mode) an extremely long-lived, metastable conformer distribution is obtained (lower hysteresis branch) between low affinity AcCh binding states (R_l) and high (R_h) and very high (R_vh) affinity states. Dialysis conditions always lead to the equilibrium binding curve (upper hysteresis branch; K̄_A = 5 × 10⁻⁹M, 4°C; one A bound to the R-monomer of M_r ≈ 290 000). Cyclic, pulse mode addition and dilution of AcCh results in scanning loops within the main hysteresis. The kinetic analysis of the changes in free and bound AcCh during the open-system conditions of dialysis, that releases the metastability, shows that the AcCh (A) binding proceeds along an induced-fit pathway according to A+R_h ⇋ AR_n ⇋ AR_vh. The rate constant of the step AR_h → AR_vh is k₂ = 6 × 10⁻³s⁻¹ and that of the reverse step is k₋₂ = 3 × 10⁻⁴s⁻¹. Direct binding of A to free R_vh can be excluded. Therefore, the state R_vh does not preexist, it is induced and only stable, as AR_vh, by bound AcCh. The metastability can be described in terms of long-lived AR_vh ·R₁ hybrid dimers. Physiologically, the metastable hybrid may be viewed as a saving device: the functionally important, channel-active R₁ conformer is, at low AcCh-concentrations [A] < 1μM, prevented to convert to the desensitized states R_h and AR_vh. Furtheron, AcCh enhances the phosphorylation of phosphatidyl inositol and the auto-phosphorylation of the receptor. If the AcCh binding hysteresis causes a phosphorylation hysteresis the desensitized nAcChR may serve as a memory molecule of the transsynaptic information signalling of the neurotransmission.