BowtieArene: A Dual Macrocycle Exhibiting Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescence

Although highly useful in supramolecular chemistry, pillararenes lack a fluorophore in their skeleton. Here we present BowtieArene, a novel fluorescent dual macrocycle, featuring a central tetraphenylethylene-derived fluorophore and two pillar-like, pentagon-shaped cavities which are comparable to pillar[5]arene. This concisely prepared, figure-of-eight molecule exhibits vapor absorption and host–guest capabilities, as well as intriguing switchable fluorescence. The fluorochromism of BowtieArene can be triggered by multiple external stimuli including solvent, vapor, and mechanical force, with excellent reversibility and stability. Experimental and theoretical evidence indicate that the fluorochromism should be closely related to molecular packing.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed Remote C(sp3)−H Borylation of Silyl Enol Ethers

A rhodium-catalyzed remote C(sp³)−H borylation of silyl enol ethers (SEEs, E/Z mixtures) by alkene isomerization and hydroboration is reported. The reaction exhibits mild reaction conditions and excellent functional-group tolerance. This method is compatible with an array of SEEs, including linear and branched SEEs derived from aldehydes and ketones, and provides direct access to a broad range of structurally diverse 1,n-borylethers in excellent regioselectivities and good yields. These compounds are precursors to various valuable chemicals, such as 1,n-diols and aminoalcohols.     

In Vitro Light-Up Visualization of a Subunit-Specific Enzyme by an AIE Probe via Restriction of Single Molecular Motion

Enzymes contain several subunits to maintain different biological functions. However, it remains a great challenge for specific discrimination of one subunit over another. Toward this end, the fluorescent probe TPEMA is now presented for highly specific detection of the B subunit of cytosolic creatine (CK) kinase isoenzyme (CK-B). Owing to its aggregation-induced emission property, TPEMA shows highly boosted emission toward CK-B with a fast response time and very low interference from other analytes, including the M subunit of CK (CK-M). With the aid of a Job plot assay, ITC assay and molecular dynamics simulation, it was directly confirmed that the remarkably enhanced fluorescence of TPEMA in the presence of CK-B results from the restriction of single molecular motion in the cavity. Selective wash-free fluorescence imaging of CK-B in macrophages under different treatments was successfully demonstrated.     

Chemical Synthesis and Immunological Evaluation of a Pentasaccharide Bearing Multiple Rare Sugars as a Potential Anti-pertussis Vaccine

With the infection rate of Bordetella pertussis at a 60-year high, there is an urgent need for new anti-pertussis vaccines. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of B. pertussis is an attractive antigen for vaccine development. With the presence of multiple rare sugars and unusual glycosyl linkages, the B. pertussis LPS is a highly challenging synthetic target. In this work, aided by molecular dynamics simulation and modeling, a pertussis-LPS-like pentasaccharide was chemically synthesized for the first time. The pentasaccharide was conjugated with a powerful carrier, bacteriophage Qβ, as a vaccine candidate. Immunization of mice with the conjugate induced robust anti-glycan IgG responses with IgG titers reaching several million enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) units. The antibodies generated were long lasting and boostable and could recognize multiple clinical strains of B. pertussis, highlighting the potential of Qβ-glycan as a new anti-pertussis vaccine.     

Cobalt-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Hydroboration of Allenes

An efficient pincer-ligand-based cobalt-complex-catalyzed allene hydroboration affording Z-allylic boronates is described. The reaction demonstrates an excellent regio- as well as Z-stereoselectivity and a wide substrate scope that tolerates many functional groups. Based on solvent-assisted electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SAESI-MS) studies, a rationale for the cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration involving the highly selective insertion of an allene into the Co−H bond to form Z-allylic cobalt intermediates is proposed.     

Freeze–Thaw-Promoted Fabrication of Clean and Hierarchically Structured Noble-Metal Aerogels for Electrocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis

Noble-metal aerogels (NMAs) have drawn increasing attention because of their self-supported conductive networks, high surface areas, and numerous optically/catalytically active sites, enabling their impressive performance in diverse fields. However, the fabrication methods suffer from tedious procedures, long preparation times, unavoidable impurities, and uncontrolled multiscale structures, discouraging their developments. By utilizing the self-healing properties of noble-metal aggregates, the freezing-promoted salting-out behavior, and the ice-templating effect, a freeze–thaw method is crafted that is capable of preparing various hierarchically structured noble-metal gels within one day without extra additives. In light of their cleanliness, the multi-scale structures, and combined catalytic/optical properties, the electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic performance of NMAs are demonstrated, which surpasses that of commercial noble-metal catalysts.     

Two-Photon Absorption Enhancement by the Inclusion of a Tropone Ring in Distorted Nanographene Ribbons

A new family of distorted ribbon-shaped nanographenes was designed, synthesized, and their optical and electrochemical properties were evaluated, pointing out an unprecedented correlation between their structural characteristics and the two-photon absorption (TPA) responses and electrochemical band gaps. Three nanographene ribbons have been prepared: a seven-membered-ring-containing nanographene presenting a tropone moiety at the edge, its full-carbon analogue, and a purely hexagonal one. We have found that the TPA cross-sections and the electrochemical band gaps of the seven-membered-ring-containing compounds are higher and lower, respectively, than those of the fully hexagonal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Interestingly, the inclusion of additional curvature has a positive effect in terms of non-linear optical properties of those ribbons.