Dynamic combinatorial libraries of hydrazone-linked pseudo-peptides: dependence of diversity on building block structure and chirality

Expanding on our earlier building block architecture [(MeO)(2)CH-Linker-Pro-X-NHNH(2) where X = Phe, Cha], we have produced a series of new pseudo-dipeptides [(MeO)(2)CH-Linker-Pro-X-NHNH(2) where X = Val, Leu, Ile, Ala] for use in hydrazone-based dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs); reverse order analogues [Phe-Pro and Val-Pro] and two enantio-analogues [Pro-Phe and Pro-Val] were also prepared. The behaviours of these building blocks in DCLs, as single components and in mixtures, were studied systematically using HPLC and mass spectrometry in order to gain insight into the relationship between building block structure and good library diversity. Subtle changes in building block structure lead to significant changes in library distribution and in the ability to produce diverse libraries in mixtures.

Structures and solution dynamics of pseudorotaxanes mediated by alkali-metal cations

Kinetic stability studies of a series of pseudorotaxanes formed from electron-rich crown ethers (hosts 1 and 2) and naphthalene diimide (guest A) in the presence of alkali salt templates MX (where M+ = Li+ and Na+, and X- = Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3- and CF3SO3-) were performed by 1H NMR. The switching between the (bound) host 1 and its linkage isomer host 2 (free) was monitored in solution in the presence and absence of alkali salts, to establish the relative thermodynamic stabilities in the series. We also report here six new crystal structures, for pseudorotaxanes of type: [1.A], [M2.1.A]2+ and [M2.2.A]2+. Their solution-phase structures are in good agreement with the solid-state structures determined by X-ray crystallography.

Molecular amplification of two different receptors using diastereomeric templates

Two different macrocyclic members of a pseudo-peptide hydrazone dynamic combinatorial library were amplified using the diastereomeric templates quinine and quinidine.

Tetramethylpyridiniumporphyrazines--a new class of G-quadruplex inducing and stabilising ligands

3,4-Tetramethylpyridiniumporphyrazines bind strongly and selectively to human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA, inducing the formation of an antiparallel quadruplex in a process that mimics molecular chaperones.

Synthesis and G-quadruplex binding studies of new 4-N-methylpyridinium porphyrins

A series of cationic porphyrins carrying 1-3 meso-N-pyridinium groups has been synthesised, and their binding to G-quadruplex DNA has been explored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Two trans substituents appear to be sufficient for tight binding; preferential binding to the anti-parallel intramolecular human telomeric DNA was observed for the A2trans and A3 porphyrins. The A2trans is able to induce the formation of an anti-parallel G-quadruplex in a K+ free solution, mimicking the effect of a molecular chaperone.

Efficient and Mild Microwave-Assisted Stepwise Functionalization of Naphthalenediimide with α-Amino Acids

Microwave dielectric heating proved to be an efficient method for the one-pot and stepwise syntheses of symmetrical and unsymmetrical naphthalenediimide derivatives of alpha-amino acids. Acid-labile side chain protecting groups are stable under the reaction conditions; protection of the alpha-carboxylic group is not required. The stepwise condensation of different amino acids resulted in high yields of unsymmetrical naphthalenediimides. The reaction proceeds without racemization and is essentially quantitative.

Direct Observation of Surface-Mediated Thioacetyl Deprotection: Covalent Tethering of a Thiol-Terminated Porphyrin to the Ag(100) Surface

Covalent tethering of macromolecules such as porphyrins to metal surfaces underpins bottom-up fabrication of systems intended for a variety of applications. Thiol linkages are especially useful but often need protection during macromolecule synthesis. By means of scanning tunneling microscopy, we directly observe the spontaneous deprotection of an acetyl-protected thioporphyrin upon contact with a silver surface, without the intervention of any solution-mediated chemistry.

Large-scale synthesis of alkyne-linked tripodal porphyrins via palladium-mediated coupling conditions

Suzuki and Sonogashira couplings have been used in short and efficient sequences to give access to a new family of porphyrin trimers on a practical scale.

Aluminium(iii) porphyrins as supramolecular building blocks

Aluminium(III) porphyrin-carboxylate complexes, including a porphyrin pentamer, have been characterised by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction; these complexes can also be coordinated by a sixth, nitrogenous, ligand to the aluminium(III) centre.

Competition between receptors in dynamic combinatorial libraries: amplification of the fittest?

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry is a powerful tool for the discovery of strong binders (synthetic receptors or ligands) because binding causes a shift in the equilibrium of library members toward those that bind well. Ideally, the best binders are selectively amplified. However, theoretical studies predict this is not always the case. This paper describes the first quantitative experimental evidence proving that, under special circumstances, the preferential amplification of suboptimal synthetic receptors can indeed occur. Our results also demonstrate that reducing the amount of guest in the library can rectify such undesirable behavior and ensures selective amplification of the fittest receptor.

Diastereoselective amplification of an induced-fit receptor from a dynamic combinatorial library

A high-affinity, induced-fit receptor for NMe4I was discovered using dynamic combinatorial chemistry. The addition of the guest to a dynamic combinatorial library made using a racemic mixture of chiral building blocks caused the strong and highly diastereoselective amplification of the receptor at the expense of other library components. The receptor and its mode of binding were characterized by NMR, ITC, and re-equilibration experiments, from which it was deduced that the receptor probably forms a folded four-stave barrel shape on binding of the guest.

Self-Assembly, Binding, and Dynamic Properties of Heterodimeric Porphyrin Macrocycles

A series of heterodimeric tetralactam macrocycles have been self-assembled using two kinetically labile zinc porphyrin-pyridine interactions. The stability constants have been determined by UV-vis titrations in CHCl3. The stability constants depend on the degree of preorganization of the linker units connecting the interacting groups. The ability of the self-assembled macrocycles to bind a terephthalamide guest was also investigated. One of the macrocycles was used for the construction of a [2]rotaxane. The dynamic properties of this system provide insight into the exchange mechanisms that operate in complex noncovalent assemblies.