Template-Directed In Crystallo Photopolymerization of a Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropane: When Everything Falls into Place!

A single-crystal-to-single-crystal solid-state reaction of vinylogous donor-acceptor cyclopropanes is documented. The enantiospecific synthesis of new products, distinct from those obtained in solution, is achieved for the target compounds. Photopolymerization occurred upon X-ray exposure to the crystals. Notably, in one case, this reactivity exhibits selectivity since an ordered arrangement of polymers and unreacted cocrystallized monomeric conformers has been observed. Structural characterization of the complete transformation monitored through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and supported by molecular dynamics simulations sheds light on the subtle role of crystal packing in the reaction process. Moreover, the X-ray diffraction (XRD)-resolved structure of a donor-acceptor cyclopropane intermediate reveals an elongation in bond length that corroborates the existence of the so-called "push-pull effect".

Mechanistic insight into cobalt-mediated [2 + 2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions with γ-alkylidenebutenolide and γ-alkylidenebuterolactam as 2π partners.

The molecular complexity of recently reported cobalt(III) polycyclic complexes, resulting from an intramolecular formal (2 + 2 + 3) cycloaddition reaction on an enediyne containing a lactone moiety, has prompted us to computationally review the mechanisms of cobalt cycloaddition reactions with γ-alkylidenebutenolide or γ-alkylidenebuterolactam as 2π partners. Computed mechanisms are compared, leading to either cobalt(III)- or cobalt(I)-spiro complexes depending of both the nature of the reaction (intra- vs. intermolecular pathway) and the nature of the 2π partner (γ-alkylidenebutenolide vs. γ-alkylidenebuterolactam). These proposed mechanisms are supported by experiments, allowing us to report the synthesis and characterization of the predicted compounds.

Ultrasound-assisted-one-pot synthesis and antiplasmodium evaluation of 3-substituted-isoindolin-1-ones.

As the attempts to control malaria through chemotherapy strategies are restricted, we have prepared a small library of 3-substituted-isoindolinones from (Z)-3-benzylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-ones in one-pot fashion under ultrasound irradiation. The one-pot reaction was scalable and efficiently produced the desired products (1a-m) in high yields in a short reaction time. Evaluation of their in vitro antiplasmodium assay against the 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and FCR3 (chloroquine-resistant) strains of Plasmodium falciparum demonstrated that they displayed moderate to strong antiplasmodium activities (the IC50 values ranging from 4.21-34.80 µM) and low resistance indices. The in silico prediction of ADME and physicochemical properties showed that the synthesized compounds met the drug-likeliness requirements and featured low toxicity effects. Based on the evaluation of the antiplasmodium profiles, 3-substituted-isoindolinone derivatives of 1a, 1d, 1h, and 1l may become potential antiplasmodium candidates.

Ultrasonic-assisted-synthesis of isoindolin-1-one derivatives.

A small library of 3-hydroxyisoindolin-1-ones has been prepared from 3-alkylidenephtalides under ultrasonic irradiation. This practical synthesis is featured by group tolerance, high efficiency and yields. The reaction can also be performed in multigram scale and be further extended to access other motifs of isoindolin-1-ones in a one-pot fashion.

Enantioselective Construction of Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters via Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Friedel-Craft Alkylation of Indoles with 5-Substituted Hydroxybutyrolactams.

The first intermolecular organocatalytic enantioselective addition of indoles to prochiral 5-membered cyclic N-acyliminium ions, generated from 5-hydroxy-α,ß-unsaturated pyrrolidin-2-ones, is reported hereinafter. The reaction proceeds smoothly with a range of 5-hydroxy-5-substituted-α,ß-unsaturated pyrrolidin-2-ones and indoles using BINOL-derived phosphoric acid catalyst to afford α,ß-unsaturated lactams embedding a tetrasubstituted stereogenic center in high yields and enantioselectivities.

Synthesis and Electron Accepting Properties of Two Di(benz[f]indenone)-Fused Tetraazaanthracene Isomers.

We designed and synthesized a novel di(benz[f]indenone)-fused tetraazaanthracene derivative and isolated its two isomers, 1a and 1s, having anti and syn configurations, respectively. Their structure and that of the condensation reaction intermediates, anti-2a and syn-2s, were fully characterized using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The optical and electronic properties of 1a and 1s were investigated using ultraviolet-visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The presence of the carbonyl and ethynyltris(isopropyl)silane groups endows the di(benzoindenone)-fused azaacene derivatives with a strong electron accepting character. With an electron affinity of approximately -3.7 eV, the two isomers represent attractive electron-deficient molecular systems for the generation of n-channel semiconducting materials. Organic field effect transistors of 1a and 1s showed electron transport, and organic solar cells gave a proof of concept of the potential of the two compounds as electron acceptor materials when they are paired with an electron donor polymer.

Small rings in the bigger picture: ring expansion of three- and four-membered rings to access larger all-carbon cyclic systems.

The release of the inherent ring strain of cyclobutane and cyclopropane derivatives allows a rapid build-up of molecular complexity. This review highlights the state-of-the-art of the ring expansions of three- and four-membered cycles and is organised by types of reactions with emphasis on the reaction mechanisms. Selected examples are discussed to illustrate the synthetic potential of this elegant synthetic tool.

Access to Fluorenones Using Benzocyclopentynone Surrogate as Partner for the [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction.

A convenient and versatile procedure for the straightforward synthesis of substituted fluorenones as valuable scaffolds is described under rhodium catalysis. The present [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of diynes with 3-acetoxy or-3-alkoxyindenones as surrogates of the highly reactive benzocyclopentynone 2π partner allows the preparation of various fluorenone-type derivatives in good yields and provides an additional and tunable process for the generation of more challenging molecules with application in pharmaceutical, polymer, and material sciences.

When cobalt-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction dares go astray: synthesis of unprecedented cobalt(iii)-complexes.

In sharp contrast with the standard [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of diyne/ene, cobalt-mediated cycloadditions with γ-alkylidenebutenolide led to unprecedented cobalt(iii) polycyclic complexes. A plausible mechanism supported by a computational study based on an unusual fragmentation of the butenolide moiety was postulated to account for this original reaction.

Reply to the 'Comment on "trans-1,2-Disiloxybenzocyclobutene, an adequate partner for the auto-oxidation: EPR/spin trapping and theoretical studies"' by H.-G. Korth, P. Mulder and T. Paul, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, C6CP04187F.

The proposal and the comments made by Korth et al. on a biradical intermediate along the isomerization path of the reaction of trans-1,2-tert-butyldimethyldisilyloxybenzocyclobutene 1 with dioxygen are unsuitable in our case. The mechanism scenario that we proposed is in agreement with our experimental observations. Moreover, new calculations were able to give an answer to the crucial question, "is the biradical an intermediate or a transition state?" together with the localization of the two radicals. This full article is a response to the "Comment on "trans-1,2-Disiloxybenzocyclobutene, an adequate partner for the auto-oxidation: EPR/spin trapping and theoretical studies" by J. Drujon et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2014, 16, 7513".

trans-1,2-Disiloxybenzocyclobutene, an adequate partner for the auto-oxidation: EPR/spin trapping and theoretical studies.

The auto-oxidation of trans-1,2-disiloxybenzocyclobutene was found to be very efficient, giving endo-peroxide in quantitative yield. Each step of the mechanism of spin-forbidden addition of triplet oxygen O2((3)Σg) was studied by both EPR/spin trapping and theoretical studies.

Directed studies towards the total synthesis of (+)-13-deoxytedanolide: simple and convenient synthesis of the C8-C16 fragment.

A straightforward synthesis of the enantioenriched C8-C16 south part of (+)-13-deoxytedanolide has been reported. The strength of this approach relies on the preparation of similar functionalized fragments via the transformation of a unique dihydrofuran building block through a 1,2-metallate rearrangement.

First studies directed towards the diastereoselective synthesis of the BCD tricyclic core of brownin F.

The BCD tricyclic core of brownin F was prepared in eight synthetic operations for the first time. Our synthesis features a diastereo-, chemo- and regioselective intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition between a cyclic carbonyl ylide and a γ-alkylidenebutenolide.

Diastereoselective access to polyoxygenated polycyclic spirolactones through a rhodium-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction: experimental and theoretical studies.

The synthetic utility of γ-alkylidenebutenolides is demonstrated as highly competent dipolarophile partners in both intra- and intermolecular rhodium(II)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions. The strength of this approach lies in the formation of spiro[6,4]lactone moieties with the concomitant construction of quaternary spiro stereocenters. Typically, the construction of spirolactones involves an esterification step, which has often been reported as a "biosynthetic pathway", and often occurs either as or near to the final step of a total synthesis. Furthermore, a convergent and versatile route is reported for the formation of the (5,7) skeleton of molecules that were isolated from the Schisandra genus. Computational studies were performed to provide an overall picture of the mechanism of the intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition between 2-diazo-1,3-ketoester and protoanemonin and to rationalize the empirical observations. In particular, we have demonstrated for the first time that the rhodium center plays an important role during the cyclization step itself and reacts with the dipolarophile as a complex with the ylide.

Dramatic influence of the substitution of alkylidene-5H-furan-2-ones in Diels-Alder cycloadditions with o-quinonedimethide as diene partner: en route to the CDEF polycyclic ring system of lactonamycin.

An efficient and rapid synthesis of the CDEF ring system of lactonamycinone is reported via a highly chemo- and diastereoselective intermolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition between trans-1,2-disilyloxybenzocyclobutene and the appropriate γ-alkylidenebutenolide. The feasibility and the total chemoselectivity of the [4 + 2] cycloaddition for the construction of a spirolactone moiety via an intramolecular approach (IMDA) using both partners is also described demonstrating the versatility of the γ-alkylidenebutenolide building block.

Construction of spirolactones with concomitant formation of the fused quaternary centre--application to the synthesis of natural products.

Polycyclic structures fused at a central carbon are of great interest due to their appealing conformational features and their structural implications in biological systems. Although progress in the development of synthetic methodologies towards such structures has been impressive, the stereoselective construction of such quaternary stereocentres remains a significant challenge in the total synthesis of natural products. This review highlights the progress in the formation of 1-oxaspiro[4.n]alkan-2-ones (2≤n≤7) with concomitant formation of the quaternary spiro centre.

Diels-Alder cycloaddition of o-quinonedimethides and alkylidene-5H-furan-2-ones: new and rapid access to lambertellol cores and arthrinone derivatives.

An efficient synthesis of deoxy-lambertellols was reported through a highly chemo- and diastereoselective intermolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition between trans-1,2-disiloxybenzocyclobutenes and 2-methylprotoanemonine. Such transformation with δ-substituted γ-alkylidenebutenolides, to prepare new analogues of these tricyclic spirolactones, which would be very difficult to prepare by other ways, was also studied.

Expeditious synthesis and biological evaluation of new C-6 1,2,3-triazole adenosine derivatives A1 receptor antagonists or agonists.

The synthesis of new C-6 1,2,3-triazole adenosine derivatives via microwave assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition as key step is described. The binding on membranes of cells that over express A(1) adenosine receptors (A(1)AR) was also evaluated. Among them, four compounds increased cAMP production, in a dose-dependent manner acting as antagonists of the A(1)AR, while two compounds act as agonists.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a bivalent micro opiate and adenosine A1 receptor antagonist.

The cross talk between different membrane receptors is the source of increasing research. We designed and synthesized a new hetero-bivalent ligand that has antagonist properties on both A(1) adenosine and mu opiate receptors with a K(i) of 0.8+/-0.05 and 0.7+/-0.03 microM, respectively. This hybrid molecule increases cAMP production in cells that over express the mu receptor as well as those over expressing the A(1) adenosine receptor and reverses the antalgic effects of mu and A(1) adenosine receptor agonists in animals.