Combined experimental and computational investigations of the fluorosolvatochromism of chromeno[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives: Effect of the methoxy substitution

Extensive research has been conducted on the spectral properties of chromeno[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives, owing to their potential applications in sensing, optoelectronic devices, and drug discovery. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fluorosolvatochromism of selected chromeno[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives, with a particular emphasis on the impact of methoxy substitution. Three derivatives were synthesized and subjected to spectral analysis: chromeno[4,3-b]pyridine-3-carboxylate (I) as the parent compound, and its 7-methoxy (II) and 8-methoxy (III) substituted derivatives.The UV-Vis absorption spectra of all derivatives exhibited a broad band with a maximum absorption wavelength that remained unaffected by the surrounding medium. However, distinct fluorescence properties were observed among them. Specifically, derivative II displayed notable fluorescence, while derivatives I and III exhibited no fluorescence properties. Furthermore, derivative II exhibited a fluorescence spectrum that is significantly influenced by the polarity of the medium. To investigate the fluorosolvatochromic behavior in depth, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using various neat solvents with different polarities and hydrogen bonding capabilities. The results obtained revealed a significant positive fluorosolvatochromism, with a bathochromic shift in the fluorescence spectrum as the solvent polarity increased. To understand how specific and non-specific interactions between the solute and the solvent affected the fluorosolvatochromism of II, we employed the four empirical scales model of Catalán. The obtained results demonstrated that intramolecular charge transfer played a crucial role in the fluorescence behavior of II. To provide a molecular-level explanation for the experimental spectral properties, we utilized the DFT and TD-DFT/B3LYP/6-31 + G(d) computational methods with the IEFPCM implicit solvation approach. The spectral differences between II and III were rationalized in terms of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs: the HOMO and LUMO), where distinct natures were observed among the examined derivatives. This study offers valuable insights into the impact of methoxy substitution on the physical and chemical properties of chromeno[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives, specifically concerning their spectral properties as elucidated by their fluorosolvatochromic behavior.

Organocatalyzed Modular Synthesis of Polycyclic Dihydropyridines and Pyridines through Sulfamate Linchpin

The cascade annulation between alkylidene malononitriles and cyclic sulfamidate imines has been controlled by leveraging the sulfamate functionality under organocatalysis, which allows selective access to polycyclic and densely functionalized dihydropyridines and pyridines in high yields. The protocol is scalable and shows broad substrate scope. The products were also engaged in the preparation of tetracyclic pyridopyrimidines, showcasing the synthetic versatility.

DMAP-Catalyzed Reaction of Diethyl 1,3-Acetonedicarboxylate with 2-Hydroxybenzylideneindenediones: Facile Synthesis of Fluorenone-Fused Coumarins

The base-catalyzed reaction of diethyl 1,3-acetonedicarboxylate with 2-hydroxybenzylidene indenediones was studied. The reaction provides a facile and expeditious protocol for the synthesis of natural product inspired fluorenone-fused coumarins in good to very good yields. This process resembles a combination of domino Michael–intramolecular Knoevenagel–aromatization–lactonization reactions in a single step. Although this reaction operates with many bases, the best yields were obtained with DMAP as a catalyst. This protocol could open new potential avenues for the synthesis of fused coumarins by the reaction of substituted β-keto esters with different 2-(2-hydroxybenzylidenes) of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.