2-Aryl-2,4-dihydro-5H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-5-ones as a New Platform for the Design and Synthesis of Biosensors and Chemosensors

Photophysics, photochemistry and bioimaging application of 8-azapurine derivatives

New 2-aryl-1,2,3-triazolopyrimidines were designed, synthesized, and characterized. Their optical properties were thoroughly studied in the solid phase, in solution and in a biological environment. Density Functional Theory (DFT) based calculations were performed, including the molecular geometry optimization for both the ground state and the first singlet excited state, the prediction of the UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra, the determination of the molecular electrostatic properties and the solvent effect on the optical properties. The emission intensity was revealed to increase in time upon irradiation. Mass spectrometric research, quantum mechanical calculations, and analysis of literature data suggested a possible photo-transformation pathway through the homolytic cleavage of one of the C-Cl bonds upon irradiation with UV light. The structure of the active intermediate was identified by the series of mass spectrometry experiments and via synthesis of putative transformation products. The kinetic parameters measured in different solvents allowed estimating the rate of these photo-transformations. Biological experiments demonstrated that 2-aryl-1,2,3-triazolopyrimidines penetrate cells and selectively accumulate in the cell membrane and the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. Their unique properties pave the way for new possible applications of fluorescent 8-azapurines in biology and medicine.

Benzimidazoazapurines: Design, Synthesis, and Photophysical Study

A highly efficient approach to a new class of polycyclic 8-azapurines, benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a][1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-e]pyrimidines (BITPs), with good photophysical characteristics is proposed. The approach comprises condensation of aminobenzimidazoles with 3-oxo-2-phenylazopropionitrile to form 3-(arylazo)benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-4-amines, which undergo oxidative cyclization by the catalytic action of copper(II) acetate, resulting in BITPs with 73-84% yield. Spectral investigations demonstrated the fluorescent properties of BITPs, exhibiting good quantum yields (up to 60%) with maxima absorption at 379-399 and emission at 471-505 nm.

Two Approaches for the Synthesis of Fused Dihydropyridines via a 1,6-Electrocyclic Reaction: Fluorescent Properties and Prospects for Application

Reactions of penta-2,4-dienethioamides with acetylenedicarboxylic acid, methyl and ethyl esters, and methyl propiolate were systematically studied, and a number of new 2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridines (DTPs) and 4H,6H-pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazines (PTZs) were prepared. A possible mechanism for a multistep domino transformation is suggested, and the key step is the 1,6-electrocyclic reaction. An additional alternative method for the synthesis of new heterocyclic systems was achieved. Evidence of the electrocyclic mechanism of a key step was collected from the analysis of the spatial structure of the synthesized bicyclic nonaromatic pyridines by X-ray diffraction and quantum chemical calculations, as well as from the thermodynamic quantities. DTPs exhibited yellow fluorescence in solution and yellow to red emissions in the solid state. Biological investigations demonstrated the ability of DTPs to penetrate living and fixed cells and presumably accumulate in lysosomes.