A novel and efficient direct aldol condensation from ketones and aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by proline–TEA through a new pathway

Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Activated Dynamic Condensation Approach to Narrow-Band Gap Vinylene-Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks

Vinyl units intrinsically featuring less steric, nonpolarity, and unsaturated character, are well-known π-bridge used in the synthesis of high-performance semiconducting materials. Two-dimensional (2D) vinylene-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a promising class of π-conjugated structures, however, the range of available monomers for the reversible formation of carbon-carbon double bonds remains limited. In this study, a new class of 2D vinylene-linked COFs were synthesized using dimethyldiketopyrrolopyrrole (DM-DPP) as the key monomer. The strong electron deficiency of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) makes its methyl substituents readily activated upon the cocatalysis of L-proline and 4-dimethylaminopyridine in aqueous solution to conduct dynamic condensation with tritopic aromatic aldehydes. The resulting COFs crystallized in an eclipsed AA stacking arrangement and featured abundant, regular nanochannels. Their robust vinyl DPP-linking mode enhanced donor-π-acceptor conjugation and promoted π-stacked alignment along the vertical direction. Consequently, the synthesized COFs exhibited band gaps as narrow as 1.02 eV and demonstrated excellent light-harvesting capability across the visible to near-infrared I (NIR-I) regions. Furthermore, the COFs could be converted into free-standing thin pellets through simple pressure casting, and show excellent photothermal response and cycling stability under different light sources.

Cooperative Noncovalent Interactions Controlling Amine-Catalyzed Aldol Reaction Pathways Catalyzed by the Bifunctional Amino Quaternary Phosphonium Ion

Members of a new class of bifunctional amino quaternary phosphonium salts have been synthesized and utilized as catalysts in aldol condensation reactions, as demonstrated herein. These secondary amines feature a phosphonium ion connected by a carbon chain, enabling the quaternary phosphonium ion to engage in distinct cooperative noncovalent interactions. These interactions work in tandem to stabilize different transition state complexes, exclusively controlling competing amine-catalyzed aldol pathways via the Mannich mechanism. Comprehensive mechanistic investigations were conducted through theoretical calculations. This study uncovers a proximity-driven catalytic mechanism in which the distance between the N and the P+ of the bifunctional catalyst emerges as a critical factor determining catalytic efficacy. The method has been demonstrated through its application to the total synthesis of several bioactive natural products.

Monitoring the dynamic changes in aroma during the whole processing of Qingzhuan tea at an industrial scale: From fresh leaves to finished tea

Aroma is one of the most outstanding quality characteristics of Qingzhuan tea (QZT), but its formation is still unclear. Thus, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the whole processing of QZT were investigated by headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on 144 identified VOCs, the results showed that de-enzyming, sun-drying, and piling fermentation were the key processes of QZT aroma formation. Furtherly, 42 differential VOCs (VIP > 1.0 and p < 0.05) and 16 key VOCs (rOAV > 1.0 and/or ROAV > 1.0) were screened. Especially, sulcatone and β-ionone (rOAV > 100 and ROAV > 10) were considered the most important contributors to the aroma of QZT. The metabolisms of key VOCs were mainly involved in oxidative degradation of fatty acids, degradation of carotenoids, and methylation of gallic acid. This study could help to more comprehensively understand the aroma formation in QZT processing at an industrial scale.

A Proline-Based Artificial Enzyme That Favors Aldol Condensation Enables Facile Synthesis of Aliphatic Ketones via Tandem Catalysis

A proline-based artificial enzyme is prepared by grafting the l-proline moieties onto the surface of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The artificial enzyme, the BSA-PolyProline conjugate, prefers to catalyze the formation of unsaturated ketones rather than β-hydroxy ketones in the reaction between acetone and aldehydes, which is difficult to achieve in free-proline catalysis. The altered reaction selectivity is ascribed to the locally concentrated l-proline moieties surrounding the BSA molecule, indicating a microenvironmental effect-induced switching of the reaction mechanism. Taking advantage of this selectivity, we used this artificial enzyme in conjunction with a natural enzyme, old yellow enzyme 1 (OYE1), to demonstrate a simple synthesis of different aliphatic ketones from acetone and aldehydes via tandem catalysis.

Preparation of azachalcone derivatives vial-proline/ Et3N-catalyzed aldol condensation and study of their antioxidant potential

Chalcones, with two connected aromatic rings through an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl skeleton, display diverse biological roles like antimalarial, antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. This research focuses on crafting azachalcone derivatives from 2-acetylpyridine and aromatic aldehydes using l-proline/Et3N as a catalyst. Refinements encompass catalyst dosage, solvents, temperature, and post-reaction treatments. The optimized approach employs l-proline (0.15 equiv.)/ Et3N (0.30 equiv.) at room temperature in methanol. Derivatives are successfully synthesized in moderate to favorable yields, akin to sodium hydroxide as the benchmark catalyst. Notably, antioxidant assessment via the DPPH method spotlights compound 2b and 2d (100 ppm concentration), showcasing significant antioxidant potency with inhibition percentages of 92.22 % and 74.41 %, respectively.•l-proline/ Et3N is successful to use in aldol condensation reaction.•Azachalcones based 2-acetylpyridine were successfully synthesized using the catalyst.•Azachalcones showed antioxidant activity against DPPH radical.

Phosphonium Ion-Tethered Secondary Amines for Chemospecific 5-Enolexo Aldol Condensations of 6-Ketoaldehydes

A novel and highly selective 5-enolexo-exo-trig aldol condensation of 6-ketoaldehydes is presented using a proline-based alkylphosphonium ion catalyst. Bulky and oxophilic phosphonium ion plays a vital role in facilitating kinetic aldenamine formation and activating keto groups for aldol addition. This innovative approach exclusively targets five-membered carbo- and heterocyclic aldehydes, involving unusual aldehydes as donors and ketones as acceptors. Especially, enolizable aryl keto aldehydes and heteroatom-embedded ketoaldehydes exclusively produced cyclized products with our new catalyst, while other catalysts provided predominantly self-aldol or decomposed products. The scope and diversity of the method demonstrated by synthesizing different carboxaldehydes, including cyclopentene, indene, dihydrofuran, benzofuran, dihydropyrrole, indole, thiofuran, dihydrothiofuran, and benzothiofurans.

One-pot synthesis of fuel precursor from acetoin fermentation broth using ionic liquid-based salting-out extraction system

BACKGROUND

The development of biofuels, especially liquid hydrocarbon fuels, has been widely concerned due to the depletion of fossil resources. In order to obtain fuel precursors, the reaction of C-C bond formation is usually carried out with biomass derived ketones/aldehydes as reactants. Acetoin and 2,3-butanediol are two platform chemicals, which are co-existed in fermentation broth and traditionally separated by distillation, and then acetoin could be use as C4 building block to prepare hydrocarbon fuels. In order to mitigate the process complexity, direct aldol condensation reaction of acetoin in fermentation broth was studied in this work.

RESULTS

A one-pot process of product separation and acetoin derivative synthesis was proposed based on salting-out extraction (SOE). Aldol condensation reaction of acetoin and 5-methyl furfural in different SOE systems was compared, and the results showed that the synthesis of C₁₀ fuel precursors and separation of C₁₀ products and 2,3-butanediol from fermentation broth were achieved in one-pot with ethanolammonium butyrate (EOAB) and K₂HPO₄ as SOE reagents and catalysts. The SOE and reaction conditions such as the concentrations of EOAB and K₂HPO₄, reaction temperature and time were optimized. When the system was composed of 6 wt% EOAB-44 wt% K₂HPO₄ and the mixture was stirred for 6 h at 200 rpm, 40 ℃, the yield of C₁₀ products was 80.7%, and 95.5% 2,3-butanediol was distributed to the top EOAB-rich phase. The exploration of reaction mechanism showed that an imine intermediate was rapidly formed and the subsequent C₁₀ product formation was the key step for aldol condensation reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

With EOAB and K₂HPO₄ as SOE reagents and catalysts, one-pot synthesis of fuel precursor from acetoin fermentation broth was achieved without prior purification. A yield of 80.7% for C₁₀ products was obtained which was accumulated at the interface of two aqueous-phase, and 95.5% 2,3-BD was distributed to the top EOAB-rich phase. This work provides a new integration process of product separation and derivative synthesis from fermentation broth based on ionic liquid SOE.

Dynamic changes in the aroma profile of Qingzhuan tea during its manufacture

Changes in key odorants and aroma profiles of Qingzhuan tea (QZT) during its manufacture were determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry. An aroma profile was constructed to illustrate sensory changes during manufacture. The characteristic aroma of QZT was aged fragrance, which was mostly developed during pile fermentation and was enhanced during the aging and drying stages. Using volatile compounds found in the raw materials, sun-dried green tea and QZT finished product were compared by orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis. Among 108 detected volatiles, 19 were significantly upregulated and 15 were downregulated. (E)-β-Ionone, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, 1-octen-3-one, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, safranal, (E)-2-nonenal, α-ionone, and 1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene were found to be significant contributors to the aged QZT fragrance, reflecting their high odor-activity values and aroma intensities. Finally, the metabolic transformation of key aroma-active compounds was systematically analyzed. This study provided a theoretical basis for improving the processing and quality of QZT.

Galantamine-Curcumin Hybrids as Dual-Site Binding Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Galantamine (GAL) and curcumin (CU) are alkaloids used to improve symptomatically neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD). GAL acts mainly as an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). CU binds to amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers and inhibits the formation of Aβ plaques. Here, we combine GAL core with CU fragments and design a combinatorial library of GAL-CU hybrids as dual-site binding AChE inhibitors. The designed hybrids are screened for optimal ADME properties and BBB permeability and docked on AChE. The 14 best performing compounds are synthesized and tested in vitro for neurotoxicity and anti-AChE activity. Five of them are less toxic than GAL and CU and show activities between 41 and 186 times higher than GAL.

Synthesis of 2,5-Dibutyl-3,6-dimethyl-1 H,2 H,4 H,5 H-pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrrole-1,4-dione: A Diketopyrrolopyrrole Scaffold for the Formation of Alkenyldiketopyrrolopyrrole Compounds

This manuscript describes an unprecedented and efficient synthesis of a new DPP scaffold, 2,5-dibutyl-3,6-dimethyl-1 H,2 H,4 H,5 H-pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrrole-1,4-dione (DMDPP), containing methyl groups at the 3,6-positions as a precursor to preparing 3,6-divinyl-substituted DPP compounds. Subsequently, following the synthesis of DMDPP, we performed an efficient and mild C-H functionalization of the methyl groups with a variety of aromatic aldehydes to synthesize the first examples of 3,6-divinyl-substituted DPP compounds in moderate to good yields.

Stereospecific acyloin ring contraction controlled by glucose and concise total synthesis of saffloneoside

Saffloneoside (1), a structurally unusual p-hydroxycinnamylcyclopentenone C-glucoside obtained from the florets of Carthamus tinctorius, was synthesized on a gram scale in seven steps.

The concise synthesis and biological evaluation of C-glycosyl chalcone analogues inspired by the natural product aspalathin

We described the synthesis and biological evaluation of C-glycosyl chalcone analogues of aspalathin. Results indicate that compound 3c′ is supposed to be the most promising compound with good antioxidant and anticancer abilities.

Amine-catalyzed cascade reactions of ketoses with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

An amine-catalyzed cascade reaction of ketoses with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is described.

Recent developments in β-C-glycosides: synthesis and applications

In the last few years, considerable progress has been made in the synthesis of C-glycosides. Despite its challenging chemistry, due to its versatility, C-glycosides play a pivotal role in developing novel materials, surfactants and bioactive molecules. In this review, we present snapshots of various synthetic methodologies developed for C-glycosides in the recent years and the potential application of C-glycosides derived from β-C-glycosidic ketones.

Identification of novel phenyl butenonyl C-glycosides with ureidyl and sulfonamidyl moieties as antimalarial agents

A new series of C-linked phenyl butenonyl glycosides bearing ureidyl(thioureidyl) and sulfonamidyl moieties in the phenyl rings were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antimalarial activities against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 (CQ sensitive) and K1 (CQ resistant) strains. Among all the compounds screened the C-linked phenyl butenonyl glycosides bearing sulfonamidyl moiety (5a) and ureidyl moiety in the phenyl ring (7d and 8c) showed promising antimalarial activities against both 3D7 and K1 strains with IC50 values in micromolar range and low cytotoxicity offering new HITS for further exploration.

Asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-amphidinolide V through effective combinations of catalytic transformations

An asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-amphidinolide V was accomplished. The synthesis features a base-catalyzed alkynyl silane alcoholysis/ring-closing enyne metathesis sequence for facile construction of a 1,3-diene motif. A diene RCM followed by a ring-contractive allylic transposition of cyclic silyl ethers was incorporated for the stereoselective installation of a functionalized 1,5-diene subunit. An efficient proline-mediated direct cross-aldol condensation of two advanced aldehyde intermediates was utilized for the construction of a key α,β-unsaturated epoxyaldehyde. This total synthesis demonstrates the prowess of metal-catalyzed transformations in complex molecule synthesis.

Naturally Occurring Limonene to Cinnamyl-type γ-Butyrolactone Substituted Aldol Condensation Derivatives as Antioxidant Compounds

A method has been developed for the synthesis of γ-butyrolactone substituted cinnamyl type Aldol condensation products under milder proline and triethylamine basic conditions. The antioxidant activity of all the synthesized compounds was assessed using three different assays. The cinnamyl type derivatives of γ-butyrolactone bearing an -OH group in the benzene ring exhibited excellent antioxidant activity.

Multigram synthesis of isobutyl-β-C-galactoside as a substitute of isopropylthiogalactoside for exogenous gene induction in mammalian cells

Herein we report that isobutyl-β-C-galactoside (IBCG) is also a promising inducer of gene expression in mammalian cells and report a new synthetic route to the compound that should make obtaining the multigram quantities of material required for animal studies more feasible. A convenient synthesis of IBCG, an inducer of genes controlled by the lac operon system in bacterial cells, was achieved in 5 steps from galactose in 81% overall yield without any chromatographic separation steps. An optimized microwave-assisted reaction at high concentration was key to making the C-glycosidic linkage. A Wittig reaction on a per-O-silylated rather than per-O-acetylated or -benzylated substrate proved most effective in installing the final carbon atom.

Application of butenonyl-C-glucosides in the synthesis of pyrazolinyl-, aminopyrimidinyl- and biphenyl methyl-β-D-C-glucopyranosides

An access to different glycohybrids involving nucleophilic addition of N- and C-nucleophiles to the butenonyl glycosides followed by cyclization and subsequent reactions is reported. In the present communication, three different prototypes, β-D-glucopyranosylmethyl pyrazolines, β-D-glucopyranosylmethyl pyrimidines and β-D-glucopyranosylmethyl biphenyls, were prepared in moderate to good yields.

Highly enantioselective Michael addition of cyclopentanone with chalcones via novel di-iminium mechanism

The highly efficient asymmetric Michael addition reactions of cyclopentanone with chalcones were catalyzed by a simple and commercially available chiral 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-hexanedioic acid, and exhibited good yields (up to 92%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). A new di-iminium mechanism for the reaction was proposed.