The case for an oxidopyrylium intermediate in the mechanism of quercetin dioxygenases.

The quercetin dioxygenases (QDOs) are unusual metalloenzymes in that they display ring-opening dioxygenase activity with several different first-row transition metal ions which do not undergo redox changes during turnover. The QDOs are also unique in that the substrate binds as an η1-flavonolate rather than the η2 -bidentate mode seen in all reported model complexes. The flavonol substrates were early examples of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) phenomena, in which photoexcitation causes an H-atom exchange between the adjacent hydroxyl and ketone, generating an oxidopyrylium emissive state. These oxidopyryliums undergo ring-opening dioxygenations analogous to the enzymatic reactions. Our hypothesis is that lability of the divalent metal ion may allow access to a reactive oxidopyrylium intermediate via coordination switching from the oxy to ketone position, which allows reaction with O2. In this report, we use a straight-forward methylation strategy to generate a panel of flavonol and thioflavonol derivatives modeling several η1- and η2-coordination modes. Methylation of 3-hydroxythioflavone generates an air stable η1 hydroxopyrylium salt, which undergoes rapid ring-opening dioxygenation by deprotonation or photoexcitation. By comparison, the η1-methoxyflavonol does not react with O2 under any condition. We find that any of the studied flavonol derivatives, η1 or η2, which demonstrates ESIPT-like oxidopyrylium emissions undergo QDO-like ring-opening reactions with dioxygen. The implications of these results concerning the mechanism of QDOs and related dioxygenases is discussed.

Synthesis of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α (HIF-2α) Inhibitor, 3-[(1S,2S,3R)-2,3-Difluoro-1-hydroxy-7-methylsulfonylindan-4-yl]oxy-5-fluorobenzonitrile (PT2977, Belzutifan); Efficient Replication of Established Approaches.

A concise linear synthesis of hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor, belzutifan was achieved by reproducing key components of previous synthetic approaches to this molecule as described in several publications and patents. Belzutifan is an orally bioavailable small-molecule (HIF-2α) inhibitor for the treatment of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that received FDA approval in 2021. Herein, we report a 13-step synthesis of PT2977 that proceeded in good overall yield with high diastereoselectivity. Separation of diastereomeric mixtures at two different stages of the synthesis proved advantageous in ease of separation. The X-ray structure of belzutifan was determined.

Unlocking metal coordination of diborylamides through ring constraints.

A cyclic lithium diborylamide compound was synthesized and crystallographically characterized, revealing strong Li-N bonding in sharp contrast to previous linear diborylamides. Two iron(II) diborylamide complexes were also synthesized, including a 2-coordinate Fe bis(diborylamide) complex. The present cyclic diborylamide represents a new addition to the growing scope of amide ligands.

Synthesis of first row transition metal selenomaltol complexes.

We report an efficient, one-step synthesis of the chelator 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-selenopyrone (selenomaltol). Complexes of selenomaltol with Fe(iii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) have been prepared and studied by NMR, X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, EPR and electronic absorption. The Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes show chemically reversible oxidations which are suggested to be ligand-based. Nuclear independent chemical shifts (NICS) analysis is used to compare aromaticity of the heterocyclic rings of selenomaltol and its chelates. The compounds described here should significantly expand the scope and utility of unusual O,Se-donor chelates.

Mechanistic Investigations of Photoinduced Oxygenation of Ru(II) Bis-bipyridyl Flavonolate Complexes.

We previously reported that a Ru-bound flavonolate model of flavonol dioxygenases, [RuII(bpy)2(3-hydroxyfla)][PF6], photochemically reacts with dioxygen in two different manners. Broad-band excitation generates mixtures of products characteristic of 1,3-addition of dioxygen across the central pyrone ring, as is observed in enzymatic reactions. However, low temperature excitation at wavelengths longer than 400 nm generates a unique Ru-bound 2-benzoatophenylglyoxylate product resulting from a 1,2-dioxetane intermediate. Herein, we investigate this reactivity in a series of Ru(II)bis-bipyridyl flavonolate complexes [RuII(bpy)2(3-hydroxyflaR)][PF6] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; fla = flavonolate; R = p-OMe (1), p-Me (2), p-H (3), p-Cl (4)), and [RuII(bpy)2(5-hydroxyfla)][PF6] (5). The complexes' structures, photophysical and electrochemical properties, and photochemical reactivity with oxygen were investigated in detail. Two different reaction product mixtures, from 1,2- and 1,3-additions of dioxygen, are observed by illumination into distinct excitation/emission manifolds. By analogy to previous reports of excited state intramolecular proton transfer, the two manifolds are attributed to tautomeric diradicals that predict the observed reactivity patterns.

Bioactive Seco-Lanostane-Type Triterpenoids from the Roots of Leplaea mayombensis.

Fractionation of the ethyl acetate-soluble extract of the roots of Leplaea mayombensis afforded two new 3,4-seco-lanostane-type triterpenoids, leplaeric acids A and B (1, 2), the new lanostane-type triterpenoid leplaeric acid C (3), and six known natural products (5-10). Derivatization of the main constituent, 1, afforded the dimethyl ester 4, the monoamide 11, and diamide 12 for SAR studies. The structures of these compounds were established through spectroscopic methods, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was used to confirm the relative configuration of compound 1. These lanostane derivatives are unique since they are the first C-21-oxygenated lanostanes isolated from plant sources. Preliminary biological assays against the MDA MB 231 breast cancer cell line showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 11 have modest cytotoxic activity. Compound 2 was the most active, with an IC50 of 55 ± 7 µM. From these results, the amides (11, 12) derived from triterpenoid 1 were found to be less active than the derived esters (2, 4).

Characterization of the Initial Intermediate Formed during Photoinduced Oxygenation of the Ruthenium(II) Bis(bipyridyl)flavonolate Complex.

A ruthenium(II) flavonolate complex, [Ru(II)(bpy)2fla][BF4], was synthesized to model the reactivity of the flavonol dioxygenases. The treatment of dry CH3CN solutions of [Ru(II)(bpy)2fla][BF4] with dioxygen under light leads to the oxidative O-heterocyclic ring opening of the coordinated substrate flavonolate, resulting in the formation of [Ru(II)(bpy)2(carboxylate)][BF4] (carboxylate = O-benzoylsalicylate or benzoate) species, as determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Moderation of the excitation and temperature allowed isolation and characterization of an intermediate, [Ru(II)(bpy)2bpg][BF4] (bpg = 2-benzoyloxyphenylglyoxylate), generated by the 1,2-addition of dioxygen to the central flavonolate ring.

Ligand-based photooxidations of dithiomaltolato complexes of Ru(II) and Zn(II): photolytic CH activation and evidence of singlet oxygen generation and quenching.

The complex [Ru(bpy)2(ttma)](+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; ttma = 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-thiopyran-4-thionate, 1, has previously been shown to undergo an unusual C-H activation of the dithiomaltolato ligand upon outer-sphere oxidation. The reaction generated alcohol and aldehyde products 2 and 3 from C-H oxidation of the pendant methyl group. In this report, we demonstrate that the same products are formed upon photolysis of 1 in presence of mild oxidants such as methyl viologen, [Ru(NH3)6](3+) and [Co(NH3)5Cl](2+), which do not oxidize 1 in the dark. This reactivity is engendered only upon excitation into an absorption band attributed to the ttma ligand. Analogous experiments with the homoleptic Zn(ttma)2, 4, also result in reduction of electron acceptors upon excitation of the ttma absorption band. Complexes 1 and 4 exhibit short-lived visible fluorescence and long-lived near-infrared phosphorescence bands. Singlet oxygen is both generated and quenched during aerobic excitation of 1 or 4, but is not involved in the C-H activation process.

Reaction rate constants and mechanistic detail of the Ni+ + butanone reaction.

The unimolecular decomposition kinetics of the jet-cooled Ni(+)-butanone cluster ion has been monitored over a range of internal energies (16000-18800 cm⁻¹). First-order rate constants are acquired for the precursor ion dissociation into three product channels. The temporal growth of each fragment ion is selectively monitored in a custom instrument and yields similar valued rate constants at a common ion internal energy. The decomposition reaction is proposed to proceed along two parallel reaction coordinates. Each dissociative pathway is rate-limited by the initial Ni(+) oxidative addition into either the C-CH3 or C-C2H5 σ-bond in the butanone molecule. Ratios of integrated product ion intensities as well as the measured rate constants are used to determine values for each σ-bond activation rate constant. The lowest energy measurement presented in this study occurs when the binary complex ion possesses an internal energy of 16000 cm⁻¹. Under this condition, the Ni(+) assisted decomposition of the butanone molecule is rate limited by k(act)(C-C2H5) = (0.92 ± 0.08) × 105 s⁻¹ and k(act)(C-CH3) = (0.37 ± 0.03) × 105 s⁻¹. The relative magnitudes of the two rate constants reflect the greater probability for reaction to occur along the C-C2H5 σ-bond insertion pathway, consistent with thermodynamic arguments. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory suggest the most likely geometries and relative energies of the reactants, intermediates, and products.

Silver(I) 3-aminomethylpyridine complexes, part 1: effect of ligand ratio, pi-stacking, and temperature with a noninteracting anion.

The reaction of the asymmetric 3-aminomethylpyridine (3-amp) ligand with silver(I) tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) produces an array of structural motifs that depend on the ratio of the reactants present and crystallization temperature. With a 1:1 ratio of 3-amp to silver, either a folded macrocycle, 1a, or a linear coordination polymer, 1, is formed, depending upon whether the crystals are grown at -35 or 5 degrees C. A 3:2 ratio forms two-dimensional sheets of 2 regardless of temperature of crystallization. The 2:1 ratio of ligand to metal again sees a temperature dependence with either a one-dimensional, 3a, or two-dimensional, 3, coordination polymer formed upon crystallization at low and high temperatures, respectively. Addition of 2,2'-bipyridine to any of the previous reaction mixtures stops the formation of their respective structures, instead constructing the discrete Ag-Ag-linked 4.

Silver(I) 3-aminomethylpyridine complexes, part 2: effect of ligand ratio, hydrogen bonding, and pi-stacking with an interacting anion.

Reaction of 3-aminomethylpyridine (3-amp) with silver(I) salts of triflate (OTf-) and trifluoroacetate (tfa-) produce a variety of multidimensional coordination networks whose structures depend on the stoichiometry of the components present. A 1:1 ratio of 3-amp to AgX produces a linear polymer, 1, when X = tfa- and a planar sheet, 2, when X = OTf-. Addition of a second equivalent of ligand increases the dimensionality of both structures by one to form a two-dimensional sheet, 3, and a three-dimensional system, 4, for their respective anions. Addition of 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) to solutions of any of the previous compounds produces the fixed-ratio complexes 5 (tfa- salt) and 6 (OTf- salt). The bipyridyl ligand halts the polymerization of compounds 1-4 by cutting the chain after each silver(I) link and forcing a 1:2:2 ratio of 3-amp to AgX to bipy. Compound 5, however, remains polymeric in nature due to the closed-shell Ag-Ag interactions of the planar metals holding the monomers together. Differences between structures of each ratio stem from the differences in basicity and in the extra degree of H-bonding ability that the OTf- anion has over tfa-.

Variability in the structures of [4-(aminomethyl)pyridine]silver(I) complexes through effects of ligand ratio, anion, hydrogen bonding, and pi-stacking.

The reaction of the asymmetric 4-(aminomethyl)pyridine (4-amp) ligand with silver(I) salts of trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate, OTf(-)), trifluoroacetate (tfa(-)), or tetrafluoroborate (BF(4)(-)) have produced a variety of one- and two-dimensional structural motifs depending upon the ratio in which the components are mixed. When the proportion of ligand to metal is 1:1, linear coordination polymers are formed with silver(I) OTf(-) (1) and tfa(-) (2). Altering the ratio to 2:1, a linear polymer of corner-shared boxes (3) is formed with tfa(-), a linear box-in-box "chain link" polymer (4) is formed with OTf(-), and a two-dimensional sheet (5) is constructed with BF(4)(-). Addition of 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine to a solution of 4-ampAgBF(4) disrupts the polymerization of the previous structure and results in the construction of the infinite metal-metal bound strings of 6a regardless of ratio of amp to silver present. H-bonding, pi-stacking, and closed-shell Ag-Ag interactions are all involved in the overall conformations of the final structures.

Anion-dependent silver(I) coordination polymers of the tridentate pyridylphosphonite: PPh(3-OCH2C5H4N)2.

Three new multidimensional coordination polymers have been constructed from the reaction of AgX, where X = OTf-, BF4-, or tfa-, with the novel phosphonite PhP(3-OCH2C5H4N)2, PCP-32, 1. It is seen that regardless of the ratio of reactants mixed, polymeric growth of the compounds always reveals a ligand-to-metal ratio of 1:2 for PCP-32AgOTf, 2, 1:1 for PCP-32AgBF4, 3, and 1:2 for PCP-32Ag(tfa), 4. The coordination number, metal environment, ligand conformation, and polymer dimensionality are found to vary greatly from 2 to 4 and are dependent upon the anion present. Coordination numbers from 2 to 4, representing linear, trigonal, and distorted tetrahedral environments are displayed. PCP-32AgOTf polymerizes as a linear chain containing both two- and four-coordinate silvers, PCP-32AgBF4 repeats a single trigonal motif throughout its structure, and PCP-32Ag(tfa) shows two unique distorted tetrahedral silver centers. Ligand flexibility allows for cross-ligand Ag-Ag distances to range from 3.1918(8) to 14.015(2) A. The coordination polymers have been characterized by elemental analysis, variable-temperature multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and fluorometric studies.

Self-assembly of a mixed-ligand silver-based coordination polymer.

The novel title silver(I) coordination polymer, catena-poly[[acetonitrilesilver(I)]-di-mu-4-[N-(diphenylphosphino)aminomethyl]pyridine-kappa(2)N(1):P;kappa(2)P:N(1)-[acetonitrilesilver(I)]-mu(3)-4-[N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino)aminomethyl]pyridine-kappa(3)N(1):P:P'-bis[acetonitrilesilver(I)(Ag-Ag)]-mu(3)-4-[N,N-bis(diphenylphosphino)aminomethyl]pyridine-kappa(3)P:P':N(1)] tetrakis(tetrafluoroborate) acetonitrile trisolvate], [[Ag(4)(C(2)H(3)N)(4)(C(18)H(17)N(2)P)(2)(C(30)H(26)N(2)P(2))(2)](BF(4))(4).3C(2)H(3)N](n), is formed by the self-assembly of the Ph(2)P(4-NHCH(2)C(5)H(4)N) and (Ph(2)P)(2)(4-NCH(2)C(5)H(4)N) ligands with silver tetrafluoroborate. The polymer consists of alternating rings (which lie about inversion centers) bridged by the pyridyl rings of the bis-phosphine-substituted ligands, with anions hydrogen bonded the length of the chain. Two distinctly different metal coordination environments exist in the polymer, viz. distorted tetrahedral and trigonal geometries.

Two-, three-, and four-coordinate Ag(I) coordination polymers formed by the novel phosphinite PPh2(3-OCH2C5H4N).

The novel phosphinite PPh(2)(3-OCH(2)C(5)H(4)N) (1) has been synthesized, and its coordination properties to Ag(I) have been studied. When reacted in a 1:1 ratio with Ag(I), coordination polymers with different coordination numbers about the Ag are found depending on the anion. For PPh(2)(3-OCH(2)C(5)H(4)N)AgBF(4) (2), a two-coordinate Ag is observed with a P-Ag-N angle of 167 degrees. Mixed three and four coordination about Ag is observed for PPh(2)(3-OCH(2)C(5)H(4)N)AgOTf (3), and for the trifluoroacetate derivative, PPh(2)(3-OCH(2)C(5)H(4)N)Agtfa (4), only a four-coordinate Ag is produced. X-ray crystal-structure determinations for compounds 2-4 have been carried out. The X-ray structures show a wide range of Ag-Ag distances in the polymers, which are dependent on the conformation of the bridging ligand.

(E)-1-(2-Hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethene.

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(18)H(20)O(5), all geometric parameters fall within experimental error of the expected values. Analysis of the molecular-packing plots reveals an infinite one-dimensional linear array running parallel to the c axis, formed by an O-H...O intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interaction. The stilbene framework and most of the substituents are approximately coplanar.

Stepwise Assembly of [(C5 H5 )4 (C5 Me5 )4 Co4 Rh4 (CN)12 ]4+ , an "Organometallic Box" .

A volume of 132 Å3 is enclosed by the title compound 1, which thus offers plenty of room for potential guest molecules. The synthesis from 2 [{Cp*RhCl2 }2 ] and 4 [CpCo(CN)3 ]- begins with the construction of a "molecular square" whose corners are alternately occupied by Co and Rh centers. Two squares react with one another to give a "molecular box" without cleavage of any M-C bonds. Cp=C5 H5 , Cp*=C5 Me5 .

Coordinatively Unsaturated Derivatives of Group 6 Metal Carbonyls Containing the pi-Donating Ligand 3,5-Di-tert-butylcatecholate.

The series of group 6 metal tricarbonyl derivatives of di-tert-butylcatecholate have been synthesized from the reactions of M(CO)(5)THF (M = Cr, Mo, W) with 2 equiv of [Et(4)N][3,5-(t)Bu(2)OC(6)H(2)OH]. Subsequent removal of the free catechol was achieved by the addition of NaOMe. The complexes were shown by X-ray crystallography to exhibit coordinatively unsaturated M degrees centers. These metal dianions which have formally 16e(-) configurations are stabilized by pi-donation from the oxygen atoms of the catecholate ligand. This is evident from the short M-O bond distances, e.g., for M = W, 2.059(6) Å vs 2.151(4) Å for a single bond. The structures of these five-coordinate dianions can be loosely defined as trigonal bipyramidal with the more electron-rich oxygen donor of the catecholate (ortho to the electron-releasing tert-butyl substituent) occupying an equatorial site as indicated by a shorter M-O bond length. The tungsten derivative was shown to reversibly react with CO or phosphines to afford the 18e(-), saturated complexes. Although the molybdenum tricarbonyl derivative reacts with CO to partially provide the tetracarbonyl complex, the analogous process involving chromium did not occur. That is, the formation of an O-->M pi bond vs an additional M-CO bond is favored for M = chromium. Complex 2, [Et(4)N](2)[W(CO)(4)DTBCat], crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 10.013(5) Å, b = 43.921(14) Å, c = 9.113(4) Å, beta = 115.76(3) degrees, V = 3609(3) Å(3), and d(calc) = 1.429 g/cm(3), for Z = 4. Complex 4, [Et(4)N](2)[Mo(CO)(3)DTBCat], crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2 with a = 18.255(7) Å, b = 8.596(3) Å, c = 22.369(7) Å, beta = 91.05(6) degrees, V = 3510(2) Å(3), and d(calc) = 1.251 g/cm(3), for Z = 4. Similarly, complex 5, [Et(4)N](2)[Cr(CO)(3)DTBCat], crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2 with a = 18.09(2) Å, b = 8.553(3) Å, c = 21.927(11) Å, beta = 91.09(8) degrees, V = 3393(4) Å(3), and d(calc) = 1.208 g/cm(3), for Z = 4.

Coordinatively and Electronically Unsaturated Tungsten(0) Carbonyl Complexes Stabilized by pi-Donating Amido Ligands.

Novel, coordinatively and electronically unsaturated tungsten tricarbonyl dianions of 2-aminophenol and 1,2-diaminobenzene have been synthesized from the reaction of photogenerated W(CO)(5)THF and [Et(4)N][OC(6)H(4)NH(2)] with subsequent deprotonation by [Et(4)N][OH] accompanied by facile CO dissociation, and the reaction of W(CO)(5)THF and 2 equiv of [Et(4)N][NHC(6)H(4)NH(2)], respectively. These air-sensitive derivatives have been fully characterized both in solution (nu(CO) and (13)C NMR) and in the solid-state (X-ray crystallography). These metal dianions which have formally 16e(-) configurations are stabilized by pi-donation from the amido groups of the chelating ligands, as evident from short W-N bond distances. Both solution (nu(CO) and (13)C NMR) and solid-state (W-N vs W-O bond distances) data on these derivatives indicate the amido ligand to be a better pi-donor than the oxo ligand. Complex 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 14.499(5) Å, b = 14.708(5) Å, c = 15.137(4) Å, beta = 114.13(2) degrees, V = 2946(2) Å(3), and d(calc) = 1.433 g/cm(3), for Z = 4. Complex 3 crystallized in the triclinic space group P&onemacr; with a = 11.479(6) Å, b = 11.786(8) Å, c = 13.148(7) Å, alpha = 102.41(5) degrees, beta = 91.27(4) degrees, gamma = 99.96(5) degrees, V = 1708(2) Å(3), and d(calc) = 1.444 g/cm(3), for Z = 2.