Monofluoroalkene-Isostere as a 19 F NMR Label for the Peptide Backbone: Synthesis and Evaluation in Membrane-Bound PGLa and (KIGAKI)3

Silver-Catalyzed (Z)-β-Fluoro-vinyl Iodonium Salts from Alkynes: Efficient and Selective Syntheses of Z-Monofluoroalkenes

Monofluoroalkenes are stable and lipophilic amide bioisosteres used in medicinal chemistry. However, efficient and stereoselective methods for synthesizing Z-monofluoroalkenes are underdeveloped. We envisage (Z)-β-fluoro-vinyl iodonium salts (Z-FVIs) as coupling partners for the diverse and stereoselective synthesis of Z-monofluoroalkenes. Disclosed herein is the development and application of a silver(I)-catalyzed process for accessing a broad scope of (Z)-FVIs with exclusive Z-stereoselectivity and regioselectivity from alkynes in a single step. Experimental and computational studies provide insight into the mechanism of the catalytic cycle and the role of the silver(I) catalyst, and the reactivity of (Z)-FVIs is explored through several stereospecific derivatizations.

19F solid-state NMR approaches to probe antimicrobial peptide interactions with membranes in whole cells

To address the global problem of bacterial antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered promising therapeutic candidates due to their broad-spectrum and membrane-lytic activity. As preferential interactions with bacteria are crucial, it is equally important to investigate and understand their impact on eukaryotic cells. In this study, we employed 19F solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) as a novel approach to examine the interaction of AMPs with whole red blood cells (RBCs). We used RBC ghosts (devoid of hemoglobin) and developed a protocol to label their lipid membranes with palmitic acid (PA) monofluorinated at carbon positions 4, 8, or 14 on the acyl chain, allowing us to probe different locations in model and intact RBC ghost membranes. Our work revealed that changes in the 19F chemical shift anisotropy, monitored through a CF bond order parameter (SCF), can provide insights into lipid bilayer dynamics. This information was also obtained using magic-angle spinning 19F ssNMR spectra with and without 1H decoupling, by studying alterations in the second spectral moment (M2) as well as the 19F isotropic chemical shift, linewidth, T1, and T2 relaxation times. The appearance of an additional isotropic peak with a smaller chemical shift anisotropy, a narrower linewidth, and a shorter T1, induced by the AMP caerin 1.1, supports the presence of high-curvature regions in RBCs indicative of pore formation, analogous to its antimicrobial mechanism. In summary, the straightforward incorporation of monofluorinated FAs and rapid signal acquisition offer promising avenues for the study of whole cells using 19F ssNMR.

Convergent access to mono-fluoroalkene-based peptidomimetics

The convergent and selective preparation of (Z)-monofluoroalkene-based dipeptide isosteres from functionalized fluorosulfones as a cornerstone is described. In this approach, the N-terminal amino group is introduced by a conjugate addition reaction of phthalimide onto fluorinated vinylsulfones containing α-amino-acid side chains while the C-terminal motif is linked to the fluorovinylic peptide bond mimic via the Julia-Kocienski reaction between fluorosulfones and substituted aldehydes bearing α-amino-acid side chains.

Chemo- and regioselective defluorinative annulation of (trifluoromethyl)alkenes with pyrazolones: synthesis and insecticidal activity of 6-fluoro-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles

The chemo- and regioselective defluorinative [3 + 3] annulation of (trifluoromethyl)alkenes and pyrazolones gives useful 6-fluoro-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles.

gem-Heteroatom-Substituted Fluoroalkenes as Mimics of Amide Derivatives or Phosphates: A Comprehensive Review

gem-Heteroatom-substituted fluoroalkenes have received little attention despite their great potential in medicinal chemistry or in fine chemistry. Indeed, due to the electronic and steric similarity between the fluoroalkene moiety and the amide bond as well as the high strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, these gem-heteroatom-substituted fluoroalkenes could be envisioned as stable mimics of various important organic functions, such as phosphates, carbamates, S-thiocarbamates and ureas. We present herein an overview describing the syntheses over the last decade of heteroatom-substituted fluoroalkenes in geminal position. This review will be divided into several sections covering each the common following heteroatom: oxygen-, nitrogen-, sulfur-, phosphorus-, boron- and silicon-substituted fluoroalkenes.

Ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones

Modulating the reaction selectivity is highly attractive and pivotal to the rational design of synthetic regimes. The defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes constitutes a promising route to construct β-vinyl fluorine scaffolds, whereas chemo- and regioselective access to α-substitution patterns remains a formidable challenge. Presented herein is a robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that could enable the C-F bond functionalization with exclusive α-regioselectivity with simple ketones. The key design adopted enolates as π-conjugated ambident nucleophiles that undergo inner-sphere 3,3'-reductive elimination warranted by the sterically hindered-yet-flexible Pd-PEPPSI complex. The excellent branched mono-defluorinative alkylation was achieved with a sterically highly demanding IHept ligand, while subtly less bulky SIPr acted as a bifunctional ligand that not only facilitated α-selective C(sp3)-F cleavage, but also rendered the newly-formed C(sp2)-F bond as the linchpin for subsequent C-O bond formation. These examples represented an unprecedented ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent approach to various mono-fluorinated terminal alkenes and/or furans from the same readily available starting materials.

Solid-Phase Synthesis of Gly-Ψ[CH(CF3)NH]-Peptides

The solid-phase synthesis of Gly-Ψ[CH(CF₃)NH]-peptides is presented. In order to achieve this goal, the synthesis of Gly-Ψ[CH(CF₃)NH]-dipeptides having the C-terminus unprotected, the N-terminus protected as Fmoc- or Teoc-, and possibly side chain functionalities protected with acid-labile protecting groups has been developed. A selected small library of six peptidomimetics, encompassing analogues of biological relevant peptides, have been obtained in high purity.

Chemoselective catalytic hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethylalkenes towards mono-/gem-di-fluoroalkenes under metal-free conditions

Fluorine-containing moieties show significant effects in improving the properties of functional molecules. Consequently, efficient methods for installing them into target compounds are in great demand, especially those enabled by metal-free catalysis. Here we show a diazaphospholene-catalyzed hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethylalkenes to chemoselectively construct gem-difluoroalkenes and terminal monofluoroalkenes by simple adjustment of the reactant stoichiometry. This metal-free hydrodefluorination features mild reaction conditions, good group compatibility, and almost quantitative yields for both product types. Stoichiometric experiments indicated a stepwise mechanism: hydridic addition to fluoroalkenes and subsequent β-F elimination from hydrophosphination intermediates. Density functional theory calculations disclosed the origin of chemoselectivity, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, suggesting an electron-donating effect of the alkene-terminal fluorine atom.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Terminal Monofluoroalkenes from Trifluoromethylated Alkenes

Herein we report the hydrodefluorination reaction of trifluoromethylated alkenes to access terminal monofluoroalkenes. The use of LiAlH₄ allowed the stereoselective synthesis of the terminal monofluoroalkenes in good to excellent yields with good to excellent diastereoselectivities. Mechanistic studies suggested a hydroalumination reaction followed by a stereoselective fluoride elimination.