Ultralight aerogels via supramolecular polymerization of a new chiral perfluoropyridine-based sulfonimidamide organogelator.

Chiral and enantiopure perfluorinated sulfonimidamides act as low-molecular weight gelators at low critical gelation concentration (<1 mg mL-1) via supramolecular polymerization in nonpolar organic solvents and more heterogenic mixtures, such as biodiesel and oil. Freeze-drying of the organogel leads to ultralight aerogel with extremely low density (1 mg mL-1). The gelation is driven by hydrogen bonding resulting in a helical molecular ordering and unique fibre assemblies as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, CD spectroscopy, and computational modeling of the supramolecular structure.

Stereoselective synthesis of unnatural α-amino acid derivatives through photoredox catalysis.

A protocol for stereoselective C-radical addition to a chiral glyoxylate-derived N-sulfinyl imine was developed through visible light-promoted photoredox catalysis, providing a convenient method for the synthesis of unnatural α-amino acids. The developed protocol allows the use of ubiquitous carboxylic acids as radical precursors without prior derivatization. The protocol utilizes near-stoichiometric amounts of the imine and the acid radical precursor in combination with a catalytic amount of an organic acridinium-based photocatalyst. Alternative mechanisms for the developed transformation are discussed and corroborated by experimental and computational studies.

N-Acylation of Oxazolidinones via Aerobic Oxidative NHC Catalysis.

The first N-acylation of synthetically useful oxazolidinones with aldehydes using aerobic oxidative NHC catalysis is reported. The reaction offers a broad scope of functionalized oxazolidinones in good to excellent yields. Careful choice of electron transfer mediators proved pivotal to achieve efficient aerobic N-acylation, which has previously proven difficult using NHC catalysis. The methodology allows a mild entry to acylated oxazolidinones, avoiding the use of hazardous and reactive prefunctionalized substrates.

Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,6-Ketoesters Mediated by Ionic Liquids: A Three-component Reaction Enabling Rapid Access to a New Class of Low Molecular Weight Gelators.

In organic chemistry ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as safe and recyclable reaction solvents. In the presence of a base ILs can be deprotonated to form catalytically active N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs). Here we have used ILs as precatalysts in the addition of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes to chalcones to form 1,6-ketoesters, incorporating an anti-diphenyl moiety in a highly stereoselective fashion. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and several functional groups and heteroaromatics can be integrated into the ketoester backbone in generally good yields with maintained stereoselectivity. The reaction protocol is robust and scalable. The starting materials are inexpensive and the products can be obtained after simple filtration, avoiding solvent-demanding chromatography. Furthermore, the IL can be recycled up to 5 times without any loss of reactivity. Moreover, the 1,6-ketoester end product is a potent gelator in several hydrocarbon based solvents. The method enables rapid access to and evaluation of a new class of low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) from recyclable and inexpensive starting materials.

Ionic liquids as precatalysts in the highly stereoselective conjugate addition of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes to chalcones.

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) serve both as recyclable reaction media and as precatalysts for the N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed conjugate addition of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes to chalcones. The reaction produces a broad scope of 1,6-ketoesters incorporating an anti-diphenyl moiety in high yields and with high stereoselectivity. In recycling experiments, the IL can be reused up to five times with retained reactivity and selectivity. Moreover, the 1,6-ketoesters form self-assembled organogels in aliphatic hydrocarbons. The reaction protocol is robust, easily operated, scalable and highly functionalized compounds can be obtained from inexpensive and readily accessible starting materials.