Excited-state dynamics of bis-dehydroxycurcumin carboxylic acid, a water-soluble derivative of the photosensitizer curcumin

Bis-dehydroxycurcumin carboxylic acid (K2A23) is a synthetic curcuminoid designed to exhibit enhanced water solubility and photosensitizing potential with respect to natural curcumin. In this work, the tendency of the compound to form intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the ground state is studied by UV-visible absorption and by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The excited-state dynamics of the drug are probed in different environments by means of time-correlated single-photon counting measurements and related to its hydrogen bonding affinity in the excited state.

Reductive amination with zinc powder in aqueous media

Zinc powder in aqueous alkaline media was employed to perform reductive amination of aldehydes with primary amines. The corresponding secondary amines were obtained in good yields along with minor amounts of hydrodimerization byproducts. The protocol is a green alternative to the use of complex hydrides in chlorinated or highly flammable solvents.

Power ultrasound in metal-assisted synthesis: From classical Barbier-like reactions to click chemistry

The search for more efficient and greener synthetic procedures to obtain highly functionalized chemical structures has always found in metal-assisted reactions a noteworthy strategy. All these reactions fall in the main domain of sonochemistry; in fact few techniques can compete with power ultrasound in so efficiently activating a metal surface, thus enhancing and accelerating its subsequent reaction with an organic substrate. Young researchers will certainly benefit from the rich literature and past experience of several pioneers who have, since the early eighties, laid the foundations of modern sonochemical synthetic protocols. Herein we provide a concise overview that describes how ultrasound acts in such a way as to make it a fundamental tool in improving the classical one-step coupling promoted by zero-valent metal species, usually referred to as Barbier-like reactions. From early hallmarks to recent accomplishments, especially the latest Cu-catalyzed alkyne-azide reaction (the so-called Click reaction), intended to be a universal ligation in chemistry and biology; we highlight the role and crucial effects of sonication on these processes.

Ultrasound-enhanced one-pot synthesis of 3-(Het)arylmethyl-4-hydroxycoumarins in water

3-(Aryl)methyl-4-hydroxycoumarins were produced in good to excellent yields by reaction between 4-hydroxycoumarin and (hetero)aromatic aldehydes in the presence of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine (HEH) which works as an hydride donor (i.e., in a sequential Knoevenagel-reductive Michael addition). The sonochemical-assisted procedure (method B) provides an improved and accelerated conversion when compared to conventional silent reactions (method A). Experiments carried out according to method B showed that the reaction could be more efficiently run in the absence of organic solvents, at 30-40°C in open vessel, without the need of an excess HEH and with simplified work-up and separation procedures.

Advances in selective conversions by heterogeneous photocatalysis

Selective photocatalytic conversions are offering an alternative green route for replacing environmentally hazardous processes with safe and energy efficient routes. This paper reports the most recent advances in the application of heterogeneous photocatalysis to synthesize valuable compounds by selective oxidation and reduction.