Unveiling the orientation and dynamics of enzymes in unstructured artificial compartments of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

Confining enzymes in well-shaped MOF compartments is a promising approach to mimic the cellular environment of enzymes and determine enzyme structure-function relationship therein. Under the cellular crowding, however, enzymes can also be confined in unstructured spaces that are close to the shapes/outlines of the enzyme. Therefore, for a better understanding of enzymes in their physiological environments, it is necessary to study enzymes in these unstructured spaces. However, practically it is challenging to create compartments that are close to the outline of an enzyme and probe enzyme structural information therein. Here, for proof-of-principle, we confined a model enzyme, lysozyme, in the crystal defects of a MOF via co-crystallization, where lysozyme served as the nuclei for MOF crystal scaffolds to grow on so that unstructured spaces close to the outline of lysozyme are created, and determined enzyme relative orientation and dynamics. This effort is important for understanding enzymes in near-native environments and guiding the rational design of biocatalysts that mimic how nature confines enzymes.

A tethering directing group strategy for ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydroarylation.

We report a new catalyst design for N-heterocycle synthesis that utilizes an alkene-tethered amide moiety as a directing group for aromatic C-H activation. This tethering directing group strategy is demonstrated in a ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydroarylation with N-aryl acrylamides to form oxindole products.

A decarboxylative approach for regioselective hydroarylation of alkynes.

Regioselective activation of aromatic C-H bonds is a long-standing challenge for arene functionalization reactions such as the hydroarylation of alkynes. One possible solution is to employ a removable directing group that activates one of several aromatic C-H bonds. Here we report a new catalytic method for regioselective alkyne hydroarylation with benzoic acid derivatives during which the carboxylate functionality directs the alkyne to the ortho-C-H bond with elimination in situ to form a vinylarene product. The decarboxylation stage of this tandem sequence is envisioned to proceed with the assistance of an ortho-alkenyl moiety, which is formed by the initial alkyne coupling. This ruthenium-catalysed decarboxylative alkyne hydroarylation eliminates the common need for pre-existing ortho-substitution on benzoic acids for substrate activation, proceeds under redox-neutral and relatively mild conditions, and tolerates a broad range of synthetically useful aromatic functionality. Thus, it significantly increases the synthetic utility of benzoic acids as easily accessible aromatic building blocks.

Merging rhodium-catalysed C-H activation and hydroamination in a highly selective [4+2] imine/alkyne annulation.

Catalytic C-H activation and hydroamination represent two important strategies for eco-friendly chemical synthesis with high atom efficiency and reduced waste production. Combining both C-H activation and hydroamination in a cascade process, preferably with a single catalyst, would allow rapid access to valuable nitrogen-containing molecules from readily available building blocks. Here we report a single metal catalyst-based approach for N-heterocycle construction by tandem C-H functionalization and alkene hydroamination. A simple catalyst system of cationic rhodium(I) precursor and phosphine ligand promotes redox-neutral [4+2] annulation between N-H aromatic ketimines and internal alkynes to form multi-substituted 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines (DHIQs) in high chemoselectivity over competing annulation processes, exclusive cis-diastereoselectivity, and distinct regioselectivity for alkyne addition. This study demonstrates the potential of tandem C-H activation and alkene hydrofunctionalization as a general strategy for modular and atom-efficient assembly of six-membered heterocycles with multiple chirality centres.

Knockdown of delta-5-desaturase promotes the anti-cancer activity of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy in colon cancer cells expressing COX-2.

Cyclooxygenase (COX), commonly overexpressed in cancer cells, is a major lipid peroxidizing enzyme that metabolizes polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3s and ω-6s). The COX-catalyzed free radical peroxidation of arachidonic acid (ω-6) can produce deleterious metabolites (e.g. 2-series prostaglandins) that are implicated in cancer development. Thus, COX inhibition has been intensively investigated as a complementary therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, our previous study has demonstrated that a free radical-derived byproduct (8-hydroxyoctanoic acid) formed from COX-catalyzed peroxidation of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, the precursor of arachidonic acid) can inhibit colon cancer cell growth. We thus hypothesize that the commonly overexpressed COX in cancer (~90% of colon cancer patients) can be taken advantage to suppress cell growth by knocking down delta-5-desaturase (D5D, a key enzyme that converts DGLA to arachidonic acid). In addition, D5D knockdown along with DGLA supplement may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. After knocking down D5D in HCA-7 colony 29 cells and HT-29 cells (human colon cancer cell lines with high and low COX levels, respectively), the antitumor activity of DGLA was significantly enhanced along with the formation of a threshold range (~0.5-1.0µM) of 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid. In contrast, DGLA treatment did not inhibit cell growth when D5D was not knocked down and only limited amount of 8-hydroxyoctanoic acid was formed. D5D knockdown along with DGLA treatment also enhanced the cytotoxicities of various chemotherapeutic drugs, including 5-fluorouracil, regorafenib, and irinotecan, potentially through the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins, e.g. p53 and caspase 9. For the first time, we have demonstrated that the overexpressed COX in cancer cells can be utilized in suppressing cancer cell growth. This finding may provide a new option besides COX inhibition to optimize cancer therapy. The outcome of this translational research will guide us to develop a novel ω-6-based diet-care strategy in combination with current chemotherapy for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

Nickel-catalyzed hydroimination of alkynes.

A modular and atom-efficient synthesis of 2-aza-1,3-butadiene derivatives has been developed via nickel-catalyzed intermolecular coupling between internal alkynes and aromatic N-H ketimines. This novel alkyne hydroimination process is promoted by a catalyst system of a Ni(0) precursor ([Ni(cod)2]), N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand (IPr), and Cs2CO3 additive. The exclusive formation of (Z)-enamine stereoisomers is consistent with a proposed anti-iminometalation of alkyne by π-complexation with Ni(0) and subsequent attack by the N-H ketimine nucleophile. An NHC-ligated Ni(0) π-imine complex, [(IPr)Ni(η(1)-HN═CPh2)(η(2)-HN═CPh2)], was independently synthesized and displayed improved reactivity as the catalyst precursor.

Exploring bis(cyclometalated) ruthenium(II) complexes as active catalyst precursors: room-temperature alkene-alkyne coupling for 1,3-diene synthesis.

Described is the development of a new class of bis(cyclometalated) ruthenium(II) catalyst precursors for C-C coupling reactions between alkene and alkyne substrates. The complex [(cod)Ru(3-methallyl)2] reacts with benzophenone imine or benzophenone in a 1:2 ratio to form bis(cyclometalated) ruthenium(II) complexes (1). The imine-ligated complex 1 a promoted room-temperature coupling between acrylic esters and amides with internal alkynes to form 1,3-diene products. A proposed catalytic cycle involves C-C bond formation by oxidative cyclization, ß-hydride elimination, and C-H bond reductive elimination. This Ru(II)/Ru(IV) pathway is consistent with the observed catalytic reactivity of 1 a for mild tail-to-tail methyl acrylate dimerization and for cyclobutene formation by [2+2] norbornene/alkyne cycloaddition.

Methoxy-directed aryl-to-aryl 1,3-rhodium migration.

Through-space metal/hydrogen shift is an important strategy for transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond activation. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of a Rh(I) 2,6-dimethoxybenzoate complex that underwent stoichiometric rearrangement via a highly unusual 1,3-rhodium migration. This aryl-to-aryl 1,3-Rh/H shift was also demonstrated in a Rh(I)-catalyzed decarboxylative conjugate addition to form a C-C bond at a meta position instead of the ipso-carboxyl position. A deuterium-labeling study under the conditions of Rh(I)-catalyzed protodecarboxylation revealed the involvement of an ortho-methoxy group in a multistep pathway of consecutive sp(3) and sp(2) C-H bond activations.

Probing the metal ion selectivity in methionine aminopeptidase via changes in the luminescence properties of the enzyme bound europium ion.

We report herein, for the first time, that Europium ion (Eu(3+)) binds to the "apo" form of Escherichia coli methionine aminopeptidase (EcMetAP), and such binding results in the activation of the enzyme as well as enhancement in the luminescence intensity of the metal ion. Due to competitive displacement of the enzyme-bound Eu(3+) by different metal ions, we could determine the binding affinities of both "activating" and "non-activating" metal ions for the enzyme via fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental data revealed that among all metal ions, Fe(2+) exhibited the highest binding affinity for the enzyme, supporting the notion that it serves as the physiological metal ion for the enzyme. However, the enzyme-metal binding data did not adhere to the Irving-William series. On accounting for the binding affinity vis a vis the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme for different metal ions, it appears evident that that the "coordination states" and the relative softness" of metal ions are the major determinants in facilitating the EcMetAP catalyzed reaction.

Rh(I)-catalyzed olefin hydroarylation with electron-deficient perfluoroarenes.

Assisted by a partially aqueous media, a catalyst system of [Rh(cod)(OH)](2) and DPPBenzene ligand effectively promotes direct conjugate additions by perfluoroarenes. This formal C-H alkylation process represents a rare example of olefin hydroarylation with electron-deficient arenes. The catalyst system can be modified to selectively form the corresponding olefination products under anhydrous conditions.

Rh(I)-catalyzed decarboxylative transformations of arenecarboxylic acids: ligand- and reagent-controlled selectivity toward hydrodecarboxylation or Heck-Mizoroki products.

A Rh(I)-based catalyst system has been developed to promote three types of decarboxylative transformations of arenecarboxylic acids: (1) hydrodecarboxylation, (2) Heck-Mizoroki olefination, and (3) conjugate addition. Scopes of reactions (1) and (2) were studied, and the ligand and reagent dependence of selectivity was explored.

Tertiary carbinamine synthesis by rhodium-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of N-unsubstituted aromatic ketimines and alkynes.

A convenient and waste-free synthesis of indene-based tertiary carbinamines by rhodium-catalyzed imine/alkyne [3+2] annulation is described. Under the optimized conditions of 0.5-2.5 mol % [{(cod)Rh(OH)}(2)] (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) catalyst, 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane (DPPP) ligand, in toluene at 120 degrees C, N-unsubstituted aromatic ketimines and internal alkynes were coupled in a 1:1 ratio to form tertiary 1H-inden-1-amines in good yields and with high selectivities over isoquinoline products. A plausible catalytic cycle involves sequential imine-directed aromatic C-H bond activation, alkyne insertion, and a rare example of intramolecular ketimine insertion into a Rh(I)-alkenyl linkage.

Carbon-oxygen bond formation between a terminal alkoxo ligand and a coordinated olefin. Evidence for olefin insertion into a rhodium alkoxide.

Preparation and reactivity of a series of bis(phosphine) rhodium(I) alkoxides stabilized by intramolecular olefin coordination are reported. {Rh(PEt3)2[kappa1:eta2-OCRR'(CH2)nCH=CH2]} (n = 1, 2) were prepared via alcoholysis of {Rh(PEt3)2[N(SiMe3)2]} by the corresponding alcohols HOCRR'(CH2)nCH=CH2. The in situ generated {Rh(PEt3)2[kappa1:eta2-OCRR'(CH2)2CH=CH2]} were not stable at ambient temperatures and decomposed in the presence of added PEt3 to afford 2,2-disubstituted-5-methylenetetrahydrofurans and [(PEt3)4Rh-H] in good to high yields. Kinetic and deuterium labeling results support a syn-oxyrhodation pathway via direct olefin insertion into a Rh-O bond, followed by rapid beta-hydride elimination. In comparison, {Rh(PEt3)2[kappa1:eta2-OCRR'CH2CH=CH2]} are isolated as stable crystals, and the Rh-olefin interactions are evidenced by an X-ray structure. Heating of these complexes generated [Rh(PEt3)2(eta2-allyl)] and the corresponding ketones in high yields following an apparent beta-allyl elimination pathway.

Direct observation of beta-aryl eliminations from Rh(I) alkoxides.

beta-Aryl eliminations from a series of rhodium(I) alkoxides to form rhodium aryl complexes and free ketones are reported. Tertiary phenylmethoxide complexes [Rh(PEt3)n(OCPhRR')] (n = 2, 3) were prepared via alcoholysis of {Rh(PEt3)2[N(SiMe3)2} by the corresponding alcohols HOCPhRR' in the presence and absence of added PEt3. Heating of these complexes in the presence of added PEt3 generated the rhodium phenyl complex, (PEt3)3RhPh, and the corresponding ketones in good to high yields. Kinetic results are most consistent with irreversible beta-phenyl elimination from a bisphosphine-ligated rhodium alkoxide complex. Such bisphosphine complexes result from ligand dissociation from the trisphosphine complexes and have been isolated in some cases. The bisphosphine complexes are stabilized by Rh-Cphenyl interactions, as evidenced by an X-ray structure, and this structure with a metal-aryl interaction likely illustrates the pathway for C-C bond cleavage.

Beta-aryl eliminations from Rh(I) iminyl complexes.

beta-Aryl eliminations from a series of iminyl complexes to form rhodium aryl complexes and free nitriles are reported. Iminyl complexes [Rh(PEt3)3(N=CArAr')] were prepared from [Rh(COE)Cl]2, PEt3, LiN(SiMe3)2, and the imines HN=CArAr'. One example of these complexes was characterized by X-ray diffraction. Heating of these complexes in cyclohexane generated the rhodium aryl complexes and free nitriles in high yields; heating in benzene formed the same products in slightly lower yields. Complexes with varied aryl groups on the imine were studied to assess the migratory aptitudes of the aryl groups. Migration of the o-anisyl group occurred much faster than migration of a phenyl group; migration of a phenyl group occurred slightly faster than migration of the more electron-rich p-anisyl group; and migration of a phenyl group occurred slightly faster than migration of the more hindered o-tolyl group. Kinetic studies showed that the reaction was inverse first-order in the concentration of added phosphine and zero-order in added nitrile. These results show that the beta-aryl elimination most likely occurs by dissociation of phosphine from the starting complex and carbon-carbon bond cleavage of the resulting 14-electron intermediate.

Transfer of amido groups from isolated rhodium(I) amides to alkenes and vinylarenes.

The reaction of monomeric and dimeric rhodium(I) amido complexes with unactivated olefins to generate imines is reported. Transamination of {(PEt(3))(2)RhN(SiMePh(2))(2)} (1a) or its -N(SiMe(3))(2) analogue 1b with p-toluidine gave the dimeric [(PEt(3))(2)Rh(mu-NHAr)](2) (Ar = p-tolyl) (2a) in 80% isolated yield. Reaction of 2a with PEt(3) generated the monomeric (PEt(3))(3)Rh(NHAr) (Ar = p-tolyl) (3a). PEt(3)-ligated arylamides 2a and 3a reacted with styrene to transfer the amido group to the olefin and to form the ketimine Ph(Me)C=N(p-tol) (4a) in 48-95% yields. The dinuclear amido hydride (PEt(3))(4)Rh(2)(mu-NHAr)(mu-H) (Ar = p-tolyl) (5a) was formed from reaction of 2a in 95% yield, and a mixture of this dimeric species and the (PEt(3))(n)RhH complexes with n = 3 and 4 was formed from reaction of 3a in a combined 75% yield. Propene reacted with 2a to give Me(2)C=N(p-tol) (4b) and 5a in 90 and 57% yields. Propene also reacted with 3a to give 4b and 5a in 65 and 94% yields. Analogues of 2a and 3a with varied electronic properties also reacted with styrene to form the corresponding imines, and moderately faster rates were observed for reactions of electron-rich arylamides. Kinetic studies of the reaction of 3a with styrene were most consistent with formation of the imine by migratory insertion of olefin into the rhodium-amide bond to generate an aminoalkyl intermediate that undergoes beta-hydrogen elimination to generate a rhodium hydride and an enamine that tautomerizes to the imine.

Reaction of ketones with lithium hexamethyldisilazide: competitive enolizations and 1,2-additions.

Reaction of 2-methylcyclohexanone with lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS, TMS(2)NLi) displays highly solvent-dependent chemoselectivity. LiHMDS in THF/toluene effect enolization. Rate studies using in situ IR spectroscopy are consistent with a THF concentration-dependent monomer-based pathway. LiHMDS in pyrrolidine/toluene affords exclusively 1,2-addition of the pyrrolidine fragment to form an alpha-amino alkoxide-LiHMDS mixed dimer shown to be a pair of conformers by using (6)Li, (15)N, and (13)C NMR spectroscopies. Rate studies are consistent with a monomer-based transition structure [(TMS(2)NLi)(ketone)(pyrrolidine)(3)](). The partitioning between enolization and 1,2-addition is kinetically controlled.