The Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reaction of Phenylboronic Acid with Haloarenes in the Presence of Bases

End-Capped Terfluorene Derivatives: Synthesis and Structure - Functional Property Relationships

A series of monodisperse symmetric terfluorenes end-capped with diphenylamino groups or dendrons based on triarylamine and carbazole moieties, OF(3)R´–R, R´ = Bu or Ph, R = H, NPh, or EG, have been synthesized by a convergent approach using palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling or copper-catalyzed Buchwald’s amination as the key reaction. The functional properties, which include thermal stabilities, linear and non-linear optical properties, and fluorescence and electrochemical properties of the terfluorene derivatives are also investigated and discussed. The preliminary results show that end-capping of the terfluorene with diphenylamino groups, especially with dendrons, has been shown to offer advantages in terms of lowering the first ionization potential, enhancing thermal stability, and inducing good amorphous morphological stability of the resulting compounds.

Progress toward a Rationally Designed, Chemically Powered Rotary Molecular Motor

Building on prototype 1, which achieves 120 degrees of phosgene-powered unidirectional rotation to rotamer 6 (see Figure 5 in the full article), 7 was designed to accomplish repeated unidirectional rotation (see Scheme 7). Compound 7 contains an amino group on each blade of the triptycene and a 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) unit to selectively deliver phosgene (or its equivalent) to the amine in the "firing position". The synthesis of 7 is described: the key constructive steps are a benzyne addition to an anthracene to generate the triptycene, a stilbene photocyclization to construct the helicene, and a Stille coupling to incorporate the DMAP unit. The DMAP unit was shown to regioselectively relay 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (but not phosgene) to the proximal amino group, as designed, but rotation of the triptycene does not occur. Extensive attempts to troubleshoot the problem led to the conclusion that the requisite intramolecular urethane formation, as demonstrated in the prototype (1 --> 4), does not occur with 7 (to give 85) or 97 (to give 100). We speculate that either (i) hydrogen bonding between the hydroxypropyl group and functionality present in 7 but absent from 1 or (ii) a Bürgi-Dunitz (or similar) interaction involving the DMAP (see 106) prevents achievement of a conformation conducive to intramolecular urethane formation.

The Multichromophore Approach: Prolonged Room-Temperature Luminescence Lifetimes in RuII Complexes Based on Tridentate Polypyridine Ligands

A new family of ruthenium(II) complexes with multichromophoric properties was prepared based on a "chemistry-on-the-complex" synthetic approach. The new compounds are based on tridentate chelating sites (tpy-type ligands, tpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) and most of them carry appended anthryl chromophores. Complexes 2 a and 2 b were synthesized through the Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction between 9-anthrylboronic acid and the chloro ligands on the presursor species 1 a and 1 b, respectively. The monocoupling product 2 c was also synthesized as the starting complex for a dimetallic complex under optimized Suzuki coupling conditions. The palladium(0)-catalyzed homocoupling reaction on complexes 1 a and 2 c led to dimetallic Ru(II) species 2 d and 2 e, respectively. The solid structures of complexes 2 a and 2 b were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The absorption spectra, redox behavior, luminescence properties (both at room temperature and at 77 K), and transient absorption spectra and decays of 2 a-e were investigated. The absorption spectra of all new species are dominated by ligand-centered (LC) bands in the UV region and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands in the visible region. The new compounds undergo reversible metal-centered oxidation processes and several ligand-centered reduction processes, which have been assigned to specific sites. The complexes exhibit luminescence both at room temperature in fluid solution and at 77 K in rigid matrices; the emission was attributed to (3)MLCT states at room temperature and to the lowest-lying anthracene triplet ((3)An) at low temperature, except for 2 c, which does not contain any anthryl chromophore and whose low temperature emission is also of MLCT origin. The luminescence lifetimes of complexes 2 a-d showed that multichromophoric behavior occurs in these species, allowing the luminescence lifetime of the Ru(II)-based chromophores to be prolonged to the microsecond timescale, with the anthryl groups behaving as energy-storage elements for the repopulation of the (3)MLCT state. Nanosecond transient-absorption spectroscopy confirmed the equilibration process between the triplet MLCT and An levels at room temperature. Thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing the equilibration time and the lifetime of the equilibrated excited state are discussed.

1-Alkyl-2-aryl-4-(1-naphthoyl)pyrroles: New high affinity ligands for the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors

Two series of 1-alkyl-2-aryl-4-(1-naphthoyl)pyrroles were synthesized and their affinities for the cannabinoid CB(1) and CB(2) receptors were determined. In the 2-phenyl series (5) the N-alkyl group was varied from n-propyl to n-heptyl. A second series of 23 1-pentyl-2-aryl-4-(1-naphthoyl)-pyrroles (6) was also prepared. Several compounds in both series have CB(1) receptor affinities in the 6-30nM range. The high affinities of these pyrrole derivatives relative to JWH-030 (1, R=C(5)H(11)) support the hypothesis that these pyrroles interact with the CB(1) receptor primarily by aromatic stacking.

An examination of VANOL, VAPOL, and VAPOL derivatives as ligands for asymmetric catalytic Diels–Alder reactions

Several derivatives of the vaulted biaryl ligand VAPOL were prepared and evaluated as chiral ligands for aluminum Lewis acids in the catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions of methyl acrylate and methacrolein with cyclopentadiene. The substituents on VAPOL were introduced into the 6- and 6′-positions in an effort to further extend the chiral pocket of the major groove, which contains the phenol functions at the 4- and 4′-positions. The set of four new ligands that have been prepared have the following groups introduced into the 6- and 6′-positions of VAPOL: bromide, methyl, phenyl and 3,5-di-t-butylphenyl. All of these ligands give lower asymmetric inductions than the unsubstituted VAPOL for the Diels–Alder reactions of both methyl acrylate and methacrolein. The positive cooperativity of added carbonyl compounds on the autoinduction in the Diels–Alder reaction of methyl acrylate and cyclopentadiene were also investigated with the VANOL and VAPOL ligands as well as the 6,6′-dibromo and 6,6′-diphenyl derivatives of VAPOL. Only the reaction with VAPOL showed any significant positive cooperativity. The reaction with VANOL was sluggish at –78 °C, but at higher temperatures, the reaction did exhibit positive cooperativity that was similar to that of VAPOL. Finally, no positive cooperativity was observed with the VAPOL ligand for the reaction of methacrolein and cyclopentadiene.Key words: Diels–Alder, asymmetric catalysis, vaulted biaryl ligands, VANOL, VAPOL.

Exploring and Expanding the Structural Diversity of Self-Assembling Dendrons through Combinations of AB, Constitutional Isomeric AB2, and AB3 Biphenyl-4-Methyl Ether Building Blocks

General, efficient and inexpensive methods for the synthesis of dendritic building blocks methyl 3',4'-dihydroxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate, 3',5'-dihydroxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate, and methyl 3',4',5'-trihydroxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate were elaborated. In all syntheses the major step involved an inexpensive Ni(II)-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. These three building blocks were employed together with methyl 4'-hydroxybiphenyl-4-carboxylate in a convergent iterative strategy to synthesize seven libraries containing up to three generations of 3',4'-, 3',5'-, and 3',4',5'-substituted biphenyl-4-methyl ether based amphiphilic dendrons. These dendrons self-assemble into supramolecular dendrimers that self-organize into periodic assemblies. Structural and retrostructural analysis of their assemblies demonstrated that these dendrons self-assemble into hollow and non-hollow supramolecular dendrimers exhibiting dimensions of up to twice those reported for architecturally related dendrons based on benzyl ether repeat units. These new dendrons expand the structural diversity and demonstrate the generality of the concept of self-assembling dendrons based on amphiphilic arylmethyl ethers.

Naphthyl and Coumarinyl Biarylpiperazine Derivatives as Highly Potent Human β-Secretase Inhibitors. Design, Synthesis, and Enzymatic BACE-1 and Cell Assays

Twenty novel beta-secretase inhibitors containing biarylpiperazine moieties belonging to naphthyl and coumarinyl series were designed for their potential use in Alzheimer's disease therapy. Enzymatic and cell-based assays have been carried out. The biological results clearly demonstrate that specific substituents located at the N(4)-position of the piperazine ring result in excellent in vitro inhibitory potency (IC(50) values ranging between 40 and 70 nM). Variable temperature NMR and modeling studies are consistent with the obtained biological data, since these studies confirmed that introduction at the N(4)-position of the piperazine ring allows productive interactions within the BACE-1 active site, which appear to be determinative for high BACE-1 inhibitory activity. These results are of particular interest since some of the new analogues belonging to the naphthyl series are almost one log more active than the best inhibitor of the similar family recently reported.

Synthesis and CYP26A1 inhibitory activity of 1-[benzofuran-2-yl-(4-alkyl/aryl-phenyl)-methyl]-1H-triazoles

Methodology previously described by our group was applied to the preparation of a series of 4-alkyl/aryl-substituted 1-[benzofuran-2-yl-phenylmethyl]-1H-triazoles. The [1,2,4]-triazole derivatives were prepared for a range of alkyl and aryl substituents, and for the 4-methyl, 4-ethyl, 4-(i)propyl, 4-(t)butyl, 4-phenyl and 4-chlorophenyl derivatives, the minor [1,3,4]-triazole isomer also isolated. All the triazole derivatives were evaluated for CYP26A1 inhibitory activity using a MCF-7 cell-based assay. The 4-ethyl and 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazole derivatives displayed inhibitory activity (IC(50) 4.5 and 7 microM, respectively) comparable with that of the CYP26 inhibitor liarozole (IC(50) 7 microM). Using a CYP26A1 homology model (based on CYP3A4) template, docking experiments were performed with MOE with multiple hydrophobic interactions observed in addition to coordination between the triazole nitrogen and the haem transition metal.

C-Pentyltetra(3-pyridyl)cavitand: A Versatile Building Block for the Directed Assembly of Hydrogen-Bonded Heterodimeric Capsules

Hydrogen-bond-directed assembly of heterodimeric cavitand-based capsules is of considerable interest. Herein, we report the synthesis and single-crystal X-ray structure determination of a pyridyl-functionalized cavitand that contains suitable hydrogen-bond acceptor moieties for the construction of asymmetric cavitand-based capsules. [structure: see text]

Stereoselective Preparation of (E)- and (Z)-α-Fluorostilbenes via Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reaction of High E/Z Ratio and (Z)-1-Bromo-1-fluoroalkenes

A highly stereoselective method to prepare both (E)- and (Z)-alpha-fluorostilbenes is described. 1-Bromo-1-fluoroalkenes (E/Z approximately 1:1), a readily available starting material, isomerizes to high E/Z ratios by storage at -20 degrees C or by photolysis at 254 nm. Stille coupling between these high E/Z 1-bromo-1-fluoroalkenes and aryl stannanes gave (Z)-alpha-fluorostilbenes in high stereoselectivity. (Z)-1-Bromo-1-fluoroalkenes, which were kinetically separated from 1-bromo-1-fluoroalkenes (E/Z approximately 1:1), can participate in Suzuki coupling reactions to give (E)-alpha-fluorostilbenes stereoselectively.

Convenient preparation of aryl-substituted nortropanes by Suzuki–Miyaura methodology

The synthesis of a new bicyclic vinyl boronate (5) was accomplished from N-Boc-nortropinone (6) in two steps. The Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 5 to a variety of aryl bromides and triflates afforded 3-aryl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-enes in good yields by adjusting the substrate and (or) reaction conditions. Reduction to the 3-aryl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes was achieved by hydrogenation. Interestingly, the coupling was also successful with benzyl bromides, providing entry into another group of intermediates.Key words: nortropane, Suzuki–Miyaura, boronate, piperidine, GPCR, benzyl bromide.

Practical Thiol Surrogates and Protective Groups for Arylthiols for Suzuki−Miyaura Conditions

We have developed practical thiol surrogates and arylthiol protective groups for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. 2-Ethylhexyl-3-mercaptopropionate and 4-(2'-mercaptoethyl)pyridine were shown to be not only good thiol surrogates but also good protective groups for thiol. We have demonstrated toleration of these protective groups under aqueous Suzuki-Miyaura conditions.

A Concise Total Synthesis of (−)-Cylindricine C through a Stereoselective Intramolecular Aza-[3 + 3] Annulation Strategy

[reaction: see text] An enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-cylindricine C is described, featuring a diastereoselective intramolecular aza-[3 + 3] annulation strategy and an interesting halohydrin formation of the C4-5 olefin for construction of C4-ketone. This work provides a unique approach to this family of natural products.

Structural modifications of the cannabinoid side chain towards C3-aryl and 1',1'-cycloalkyl-1'-cyano cannabinoids

The compounds reported in this study are Delta(8)-THC analogues in which the C3 five-carbon linear side chain of Delta(8)-THC was replaced with aryl and 1',1'-cycloalkyl substituents. Of the compounds described here analogues 2d (CB(1), K(i)=11.7 nM. CB(2), K(i)=9.39 nM) and 2f (CB(1), K(i)=8.26 nM. CB(2), K(i)=3.86 nM) exhibited enhanced binding affinities for CB(1) and CB(2), exceeding that of Delta(8)-THC. Efficient procedures for the synthesis of these novel cannabinoid analogues are described.

Iodine assisted modified Suzuki type reaction of bicyclic hydrazines: stereoselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes

Bicyclic hydrazines undergo a facile palladium/iodine mediated stereoselective ring opening on reaction with organoboronic acids affording trans-3,4-disubstituted hydrazino cyclopentenes in good to excellent yield.