Metallo-Supramolecular Helical Fibres from Chiral Phenylacetylene Monomers: Cation Induced Self-Assembly.

Chiral metallo-supramolecular fibres can be easily obtained by mixing a chloroform solution of a phenylacetylene monomer (PA) that bears a chiral sulfoxide group as pendant, with different equivalents of a methanolic solution of AgClO4 . Thus, while the PA is found molecularly dissolved in chloroform, the addition of Ag+ ions induce its aggregation through the formation of an axially chiral metallo-supramolecular aggregate with high thermal stable properties. In this case, the ability of the metal ion to coordinate the PA triple bond, combined with the argentophilicity of the metal ion and the planarity of the phenylacetylene drives to the formation of a helical coordination polymer, whose P or M axial chirality is determined by the chirality of the sulfoxide used as substituent of the PA. Depending on the PA/Ag+ (mol/mol) ratio, it is possible to tune the morphology of the metallo-supramolecular aggregate from chiral fibers to chiral gel.

Enantioselective transformations of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural via catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides.

A catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between iminoesters derived from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and different activated alkenes is reported. Excellent levels of diastereo and enantioselectivity were obtained when Fesulphos/CuI complex was used as catalyst. This metodology provides an effective and sustainable access to challenging enantioenriched heterocyclic scaffolds and represents one of the rare examples of catalytic asymmetric transformations using HMF as a starting material.

Amino-OPE glycosides and blue light: a powerful synergy in photodynamic therapy.

Herein we report the synthesis and biological properties of sugar-conjugated oligophenylene ethynylene (OPE) dyes, used as novel photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic treatment (PDT) under blue light. The OPE-bearing glycosides at both ends are successfully prepared by a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. The live-cell imaging studies have shown that these OPE glycosides (including glucose, mannose and maltose derivatives) efficiently penetrate the cytoplasm of cultured HeLa cancer cells. No dark toxicity was observed, but upon irradiating the cells under blue light an extraordinary photodynamic effect was observed at low concentrations (10-6-10-8 M). The localization studies indicate that OPE-glucose 1 and OPE-mannose 2 have Golgi patterns, whereas OPE-maltose 3 could be in lysosomes. The PDT and morphological studies in HeLa cells treated with sublethal doses of PS 1-3 revealed that cell death occurs by necrosis.

Catalytic enantioselective intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with fluorinated dipolarophiles.

An enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic fluorinated pyrrolidines has been achieved by Cu-catalyzed intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with fluorinated dipolarophiles. The method displays a wide scope and afforded the desired cycloadducts in high yields with up to 99% ee. These results demonstrate that fluoroalkyl substituents are excellent activating groups in this transformation.

Photostability and Dynamic Helical Behavior in Chiral Poly(phenylacetylene)s with a Preferred Screw-Sense.

Helical polymers such as poly(phenylacetylene)s (PPAs) are interesting materials due to the possibility of tuning their helical scaffold (sense and elongation) once they have been prepared and by the presence of external stimuli. The main limitation in the application of PPAs is their poor photostability. These polymers degrade under visible light exposure through a photochemical electrocyclization process. In this work, it was demonstrated, through a selected example, how the photochemical degradation in PPAs is directly related to their dynamic helical behavior. Thus, while PPAs with dynamic helical structures show poor photostability under UV/Vis light exposure, poly-(R)-1, bearing an enantiopure sulfoxide group as pendant group and designed to have a quasi-static helical behavior, shows a large photostability due to the restricted conformational composition at the polyene backbone, needed to orient the conjugated double bonds prior to the photochemical electrocyclization process and the subsequent degradation of the material.

Turn-on Fluorescent Biosensors for Imaging Hypoxia-like Conditions in Living Cells.

We present the synthesis, photophysical properties, and biological application of nontoxic 3-azo-conjugated BODIPY dyes as masked fluorescent biosensors of hypoxia-like conditions. The synthetic methodology is based on an operationally simple N═N bond-forming protocol, followed by a Suzuki coupling, that allows for a direct access to simple and underexplored 3-azo-substituted BODIPY. These dyes can turn on their emission properties under both chemical and biological reductive conditions, including bacterial and human azoreductases, which trigger the azo bond cleavage, leading to fluorescent 3-amino-BODIPY. We have also developed a practical enzymatic protocol, using an immobilized bacterial azoreductase that allows for the evaluation of these azo-based probes and can be used as a model for the less accessible and expensive human reductase NQO1. Quantum mechanical calculations uncover the restructuration of the topography of the S1 potential energy surface following the reduction of the azo moiety and rationalize the fluorescent quenching event through the mapping of an unprecedented pathway. Fluorescent microscopy experiments show that these azos can be used to visualize hypoxia-like conditions within living cells.

Nickel-Mediated Synthesis of Non-Anomeric C-Acyl Glycosides through Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex Photoactivation.

The preparation of nonanomeric C-acyl-saccharides has been developed from two different carboxylic acid feedstocks. This transformation is driven by the synergistic interaction of an electron donor-acceptor complex and Ni catalysis. Primary-, secondary-, and tertiary redox-active esters are incorporated as coupling partners onto preactivated pyranosyl- and furanosyl acids, preserving their stereochemical integrity. The reaction occurs under mild conditions, without stoichiometric metal reductants or exogenous catalysts, using commercially available Hantzsch ester as the organic photoreductant.

Eosin Y-Functionalized Upconverting Nanoparticles: Nanophotosensitizers and Deep Tissue Bioimaging Agents for Simultaneous Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications.

Functionalized upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising theragnostic nanomaterials for simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. We present two types of non-toxic eosin Y (EY) nanoconjugates derived from UCNPs as novel nanophotosensitizers (nano-PS) and deep-tissue bioimaging agents employing light at 800 nm. This excitation wavelength ensures minimum cell damage, since the absorption of water is negligible, and increases tissue penetration, enhancing the specificity of the photodynamic treatment (PDT). These UCNPs are uniquely qualified to fulfil three important roles: as nanocarriers, as energy-transfer materials, and as contrast agents. First, the UCNPs enable the transport of EY across the cell membrane of living HeLa cells that would not be possible otherwise. This cellular internalization facilitates the use of such EY-functionalized UCNPs as nano-PS and allows the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 800 nm light inside the cell. This becomes possible due to the upconversion and energy transfer processes within the UCNPs, circumventing the excitation of EY by green light, which is incompatible with deep tissue applications. Moreover, the functionalized UCNPs present deep tissue NIR-II fluorescence under 808 nm excitation, thus demonstrating their potential as bioimaging agents in the NIR-II biological window.

Aldehydes as Photoremovable Directing Groups: Synthesis of Pyrazoles by a Photocatalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition/Norrish Type Fragmentation Sequence.

A straightforward methodology for the regioselective synthesis of pyrazoles has been developed by a domino sequence based on a photoclick cycloaddition followed by a photocatalyzed oxidative deformylation reaction. Distinguishing features of this protocol include an unprecedented photoredox-catalyzed Norrish type fragmentation under green-light irradiation and the use of α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes as synthetic equivalents of alkynes, where the aldehyde is acting as a novel photoremovable directing group.

Simple Perylene Diimide Cyclohexane Derivative With Combined CPL and TPA Properties.

In this work we describe the linear and non-linear (chiro)optical properties of an enantiopure bis-perylenediimide (PDI) cyclohexane derivative. This compound exhibits upconversion based on a two-photon absorption (TPA) process with a cross-section value of 70 GM together with emission of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), showing a glum in the range of 10-3. This simple structure represents one of the scarce examples of purely organic compounds combining both TPA and CPL responses, together with large values of molar absorptivity and fluorescence quantum yield with emission in the 500-600 nm. Self-assembly induced by introduction of a poor solvent allows for a spectacular shift of the emission into the near-infrared (NIR, 650-750 nm) by formation of well-defined rotationally displaced dimers. Therefore, we are here presenting a versatile platform whose optical properties can be simply tuned by self-assembly or by functionalization of the electron-deficient aromatic core of PDIs.

Light-Induced Tetrazole-Quinone 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions.

Quinones were firstly used as dipolarophiles in a photoclick 1,3-cycloaddition with 2,5-diaryltetrazoles, as photoactivatable predipoles, providing a novel and efficient access to three types of pyrazole-fused quinones (indazoledione derivatives). Distinctive features of this protocol include the use of light as the unique reagent and readily available, stable, and easy to handle starting materials and good to excellent yields. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of the quinones and their potential application as photoredox catalysts are also detailed.

Optically active Ag(i): o-OPE helicates using a single homochiral sulfoxide as chiral inducer.

In this work we describe the ability of a simple enantiopure sulfoxide group to promote folding of oligo ortho-phenylene ethynylenes (o-OPEs) with one helical sense. A family of foldamers with up to seven triple bonds was synthesized and fully characterized. Moreover, changes in structure and chiroptical properties caused by Ag(i) coordination have been studied by NMR, UV, VCD and ECD measurements. Quantum mechanical DFT calculations support experimental results.

Deaminative Reductive Arylation Enabled by Nickel/Photoredox Dual Catalysis.

Described is a cross-electrophilic, deaminative coupling strategy harnessing Katritzky salts as a new species of electrophile in Ni/photoredox dual catalytic reductive cross-coupling reactions. Distinguishing features of this arylation protocol include its mild reaction conditions, high chemoselectivity, and adaptability to a variety of complex substrates [i.e., pyridinium salts derived from amines and partners derived from (hetero)aryl bromides].

OFF/ON switching of circularly polarized luminescence by oxophilic interaction of homochiral sulfoxide-containing o-OPEs with metal cations.

Here we describe a new class of CPL switches based on oxophilic interactions between chiral sulfoxide-containing ortho-phenylene ethynylene (o-OPE) foldamers and cationic metals. These systems represent a unique case combining high glum values (up to 0.7 × 10-2) and high quantum yields in both folded ON and unfolded OFF CPL states.

Pyrene-Containing ortho-Oligo(phenylene)ethynylene Foldamer as a Ratiometric Probe Based on Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

In this manuscript, we report the first synthesis of an organic monomolecular emitter, which behaves as a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-based ratiometric probe. The enantiopure helical ortho-oligo(phenylene)ethynylene ( o-OPE) core has been prepared by a new and efficient macrocyclization reaction. The combination of such o-OPE helical skeleton and a pyrene couple leads to two different CPL emission features in a single structure whose ratio linearly responds to silver(I) concentration.

Sulfoxide-Induced Homochiral Folding of ortho-Phenylene Ethynylenes (o-OPEs) by Silver(I) Templating: Structure and Chiroptical Properties.

A new family of homochiral silver complexes based on carbophilic interactions with ortho-phenylene ethynylene (o-OPE) scaffolds containing up to two silver atoms are described. These compounds represent a unique class of complexes with chirality at the metal. Chiral induction is based on the inclusion of chiral sulfoxides, which allow efficient transfer of chirality to the helically folded o-OPE, leading to circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)- and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD)-active compounds. In the presence of silver(I) cations, carbophilic interactions dominate, which promote helical structures with a defined helicity. This is one of the very scarce examples of the use of such interactions in the attractive field of abiotic foldamers. The switching event has been extensively studied by using different chiroptical techniques, including circular dichroism, CPL, and VCD, and represents one of the few CPL switches described in the literature.

Synthesis of functionalized alkyl substituted benzoquinones by Rh-catalyzed additions of boronic acids.

A general synthetic route to γ-oxo alkyl or α-hydroxy benzyl 2-substituted benzoquinones has been developed through a one-pot Rh-catalyzed C-C bond formation/oxidative demethylation sequence from 2,5-dimethoxy aryl boronic acids and several electron deficient alkenes or aldehydes. The process allows rapid access to functionalized benzoquinones under very mild conditions and good yields. We disclose the first example of a Rh-catalyzed 1,4-addition reaction of benzoquinonyl boronic acid to methyl vinyl ketone and other conjugate acceptors, which allows the direct synthesis of 2-(γ-functionalized alkyl) substituted benzoquinones.

Friedel-Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with p-Quinols: The Role of Hydrogen Bonding of Water for the Desymmetrization of the Cyclohexadienone System.

Lewis acid catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles has been achieved in high yields and selectivities using p-quinols as electrophiles. (S)-Binol-3,3'-(9-anthracenyl)-phosphoric acid was able to catalyze the enantioselective formation of 5-(3-indole)-2-cyclohexenone derivatives. Experimental results and theoretical calculations explained the enantioselectivity based on a transition state where two water molecules act as a tether joining the p-quinol with the phosphoric acid and the NH of indole, thus facilitating the desymmetrization of the prochiral cyclohexadienone framework.

Glucose-functionalized amino-OPEs as biocompatible photosensitizers in PDT.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide a selective eradication of neoplastic diseases by the combined effect of a photosensitizer, light and oxygen. New amino oligo(phenylene-ethynylene)s (OPEs), bearing hydrophilic glucoside terminations, have been prepared, characterized and tested as photosensitizers in PDT. The effectiveness of these compounds in combination with UVA light has been checked on two tumor cell lines (HEp-2 and HeLa cells, derived from a larynx carcinoma and a cervical carcinoma, respectively). The compounds triggered a mitotic blockage that led to the cell death, being the effect active up to 3 µm concentration. The photophysical properties of OPEs, such as high quantum yield, stability, singlet oxygen production, biocompatibility, easy cell-internalization and very good response even at low concentration, make them promising photosensitizers in the application of PDT.

Stapled helical o-OPE foldamers as new circularly polarized luminescence emitters based on carbophilic interactions with Ag(i)-sensitivity.

ortho-Oligo(phenylene)ethynylenes (o-OPEs) stapled with enantiopure 2,3-dihydroxybutane diethers have highly intense circular dichroism (CD) spectra and excellent circular polarized luminescence (CPL) responses (glum values up to 1.1 × 10-2), which are consistent with homochiral helically folded structures. In the presence of Ag(i), a change in the CPL emission is observed, representing the first example of CPL active small organic molecular emitters, which can be modulated by carbophilic interactions in a reversible manner.