Barbier single-atom polymerization induced emission as a one-pot approach towards stimuli-responsive luminescent polymers

A one-pot strategy for the design of stimuli-responsive luminescent polymers has been demonstrated through Barbier PIE, where the N,N-dimethyl moiety endows the polymers with both stimuli-responsive and red-shifted nonconjugated emission properties.

Identification and optimization of biphenyl derivatives as novel tubulin inhibitors targeting colchicine-binding site overcoming multidrug resistance

Microtubule targeting agents (MTAs) are among the most successful chemotherapeutic drugs, but their efficacy is often limited by the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Therefore, the development of novel MTAs with the ability to overcome MDR is urgently needed. In this contribution, through modification of the unsymmetric biaryl compounds, we discovered a novel compound dxy-1-175 with potent anti-proliferative activity against cancer cells. Mechanistic study revealed that dxy-1-175 inhibited tubulin polymerization by interacting with the colchicine-binding site of tubulin, which caused cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase. Based on the predicted binding model of dxy-1-175 with tubulin, a series of new 4-benzoylbiphenyl analogues were designed and synthesized. Among them, the hydrochloride compound 12e with improved solubility and good stability in human liver microsome, exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity with IC₅₀ value in the low nanomolar range, and markedly inhibited the growth of breast cancer 4T1 xenograft in vivo. Notably, 12e effectively overcame P-gp-mediated MDR and our preliminary data suggested that 12e may not be a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Taken together, our study reveals a novel MTA 12e targeting the colchicine-binding site with potent anticancer activity and the ability to circumvent MDR.

Halogen–Lithium Exchange of Sensitive (Hetero)aromatic Halides under Barbier Conditions in a Continuous Flow Set-Up

A halogen–lithium exchange reaction of (hetero)aromatic halides performed in the presence of various electrophiles such as aldehydes, ketones, Weinreb amides, and imines using BuLi as exchange reagent and a commercially available flow set-up is reported. The organolithiums generated in situ were instantaneously trapped with various electrophiles (Barbier conditions) resulting in the formation of polyfunctional (hetero)arenes. This method enables the functionalization of (hetero)arenes containing highly sensitive functional groups such as esters­, which are not tolerated in batch conditions.

C(sp3)-H hydroxylation of fluorenes, oxindoles and benzofuranones with a Mg(NO3)2-HP(O)Ph2 oxidation system

A novel oxidation system in which magnesium nitrate [Mg(NO3)2] is used as an oxidant in the presence of diphe-nylphosphine oxide [HP(O)Ph2] permits the C(sp3)-H hydroxylation of fluorenes, oxindoles, and benzofuranones. This method features high efficiency, good functional group tolerance, and operational simplicity. The synthetic utility is highlighted by further transformations to valuable organic materials.

The introduction of the Barbier reaction into polymer chemistry

The Barbier reaction, a widely utilized reaction for carbon-carbon bond formation, has played important roles in modern organic chemistry for more than a century. Here, we show its successful introduction to polymer chemistry. Through one-pot Barbier polyaddition (both A₂+B₂ type and AB type) of monomers containing an organic halide and a benzoyl group, a series of phenylmethanol group containing polymers, including polymonophenylmethanol (PMPM), polydiphenylmethanol (PDPM), and polytriphenylmethanol (PTPM), have been synthesized. Para-PTPM exhibits interesting aggregation-induced emission, tunable thermo-responsive over a wide temperature range, sensory, luminescence enhancement of fluorescent dye in solid-state and processing properties. This significantly expands the libraries of monomer and polymer, and opens up an avenue for the design and application of functional polymer materials.

A Novel PPh3 Mediated One-Pot Method for Synthesis of 3-Aryl or Alkyl 1,2-Benzisoxazoles

A novel, efficient, and facile protocol has been developed for transforming 2-hydroxybenzonitriles and bromides into a range of 3-aryl or alkyl substituted 1,2-benzisoxazoles in good to excellent yields mediated by PPh₃. The electronic and steric effects of bromides on the reaction are discussed. This is the first example to construct a C-C bond and heterocycle in a Barbier-Grignard-type reaction featuring easier recovery of PPh₃ than a metallic catalyst in one step.