Rational Development of Remote C−H Functionalization of Biphenyl: Experimental and Computational Studies

A simple and efficient nitrile-directed meta-C−H olefination, acetoxylation, and iodination of biaryl compounds is reported. Compared to the previous approach of installing a complex U-shaped template to achieve a molecular U-turn and assemble the large-sized cyclophane transition state for the remote C−H activation, a synthetically useful phenyl nitrile functional group could also direct remote meta-C−H activation. This reaction provides a useful method for the modification of biaryl compounds because the nitrile group can be readily converted to amines, acids, amides, or other heterocycles. Notably, the remote meta-selectivity of biphenylnitriles could not be expected from previous results with a macrocyclophane nitrile template. DFT computational studies show that a ligand-containing Pd–Ag heterodimeric transition state (TS) favors the desired remote meta-selectivity. Control experiments demonstrate the directing effect of the nitrile group and exclude the possibility of non-directed meta-C−H activation. Substituted 2-pyridone ligands were found to be key in assisting the cleavage of the meta-C−H bond in the concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD) process.     

Amphiphilic block copolymer self‐assemblies of poly(NVP)‐b‐poly(MDO‐co‐vinyl esters): Tunable dimensions and functionalities

Functional, degradable polymers were synthesized via the copolymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) and 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDO) using a macro‐xanthate CTA, poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone), resulting in the formation of amphiphilic block copolymers of poly(NVP)‐b‐poly(MDO‐co‐VAc). The behavior of the block copolymers in water was investigated and resulted in the formation of self‐assembled nanoparticles containing a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic corona. The size of the resultant nanoparticles was able to be tuned with variation of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments of the core and corona by changing the incorporation of the macro‐CTA as well as the monomer composition in the copolymers, as observed by Dynamic Light Scattering, Static Light Scattering, and Transmission Electron Microscopy analyses. The concept was further applied to a VAc derivative monomer, vinyl bromobutanoate, to incorporate further functionalities such as fluorescent dithiomaleimide groups throughout the polymer backbone using azidation and “click” chemistry as postpolymerization tools to create fluorescently labeled nanoparticles. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2699–2710     

Periodic Néel skyrmion transport

In this work, we have used the MuMax3 software to simulate devices consisting of a ferromagnetic thin film placed over a heavy metal thin film. The devices are two interconnected partial-disks where a Néel domain wall is formed in the disks junction. In our simulations we investigate devices with disk radius $r=50$ nm and different distance d between the disks centers (from $d=12$ nm to $d=2R=100$ nm). By applying strong sinusoidal external magnetic fields, we find a mechanism able to create, annihilate and even manipulate a skyrmion in each side of the device. This mechanism is discussed in terms of interactions between skyrmion and domain wall. The Néel domain wall formed in the center of the device interacts with the Néel skyrmion, leading to a process of transporting a skyrmion from one disk to the other periodically. Our results have relevance for potential applications in spintronics such as logical devices.     

Triacetic acid lactone as a bioprivileged molecule in organic synthesis

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Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of purine conjugates with (S)-lysine and (S)-ornithine

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Oxidative regulation of the mechanical strength of a C–S bond

The mechanical strength of individual polymer chains is believed to underlie a number of performance metrics in bulk materials, including adhesion and fracture toughness. Methods by which the intrinsic molecular strength of the constituents of a given polymeric material might be switched are therefore potentially useful both for applications in which triggered property changes are desirable, and as tests of molecular theories for bulk behaviors. Here we report that the sequential oxidation of sulfide containing polyesters (PE-S) to the corresponding sulfoxide (PE-SO) and then sulfone (PE-SO2) first weakens (sulfoxide), and then enhances (sulfone), the effective mechanical integrity of the polymer backbone; PE-S ∼ PE-SO2 > PE-SO. The relative mechanical strength as a function of oxidation state is revealed through the use of gem-dichlorocyclopropane nonscissile mechanophores as an internal standard, and the observed order agrees well with the reported bond dissociation energies of C–S bonds in each species and with the results of CoGEF modeling.

The mechanical strength of individual polymer chains is believed to underlie a number of performance metrics in bulk materials, including adhesion and fracture toughness.     

Comparison of fast field-cycling magnetic resonance imaging methods and future perspectives

ABSTRACT

Fast field-cycling (FFC) nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry is a well-established method to determine the relaxation rates as a function of magnetic field strength. This so-called nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion gives insight into the underlying molecular dynamics of a wide range of complex systems and has gained interest especially in the characterisation of biological tissues and diseases. The combination of FFC techniques with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a high potential for new types of image contrast more specific to pathological molecular dynamics. This article reviews the progress in FFC-MRI over the last decade and gives an overview of the hardware systems currently in operation. We discuss limitations and error correction strategies specific to FFC-MRI such as field stability and homogeneity, signal-to-noise ratio, eddy currents and acquisition time. We also report potential applications with impact in biology and medicine. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future applications in transferring the underlying molecular dynamics into novel types of image contrast by exploiting the dispersive properties of biological tissue or MRI contrast agents.     

Intramolecular Hydroamination of Selenoalkynes to 2-Selenylindoles in the Absence of Catalyst

In this work, a series of 2-chalcogenylindoles was synthesized by an efficient methodology, starting from chalcogenoalkynes, including a previously unreported tellurium indole derivative. For the first time, these 2-substituted chalcogenylindoles were obtained in the absence of metal catalyst or base, under thermal conditions only. In addition, the results described herein represent a methodology with inverse regioselectivity for the chalcogen functionalization of indoles.