Theoretical explanation of the regioselectivity of polar cycloaddition reactions between furan derivatives and Danishefsky’s diene

Exploring the Progress of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characteristics, and Wide-Ranging Applications

This comprehensive review delves into the world of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, exploring their creation, characteristics, research methodologies, and uses. HA hydrogels stand out among natural polysaccharides due to their distinct features. Their exceptional biocompatibility makes them a top choice for diverse biomedical purposes, with a great ability to coexist harmoniously with living cells and tissues. Furthermore, their biodegradability permits their gradual breakdown by bodily enzymes, enabling the creation of temporary frameworks for tissue engineering endeavors. Additionally, since HA is a vital component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in numerous tissues, HA hydrogels can replicate the ECM's structure and functions. This mimicry is pivotal in tissue engineering applications by providing an ideal setting for cellular growth and maturation. Various cross-linking techniques like chemical, physical, enzymatic, and hybrid methods impact the mechanical strength, swelling capacity, and degradation speed of the hydrogels. Assessment tools such as rheological analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, swelling tests, and degradation studies are employed to examine their attributes. HA-based hydrogels feature prominently in tissue engineering, drug distribution, wound recovery, ophthalmology, and cartilage mending. Crafting HA hydrogels enables the production of biomaterials with sought-after qualities, offering avenues for advancements in the realm of biomedicine.

DFT study on the regio- and stereo-selectivity of the Diels–Alder reaction between a cycloprop-2-ene carboxylate and some cyclic 1,3-dienes

A study of the reactivity and regio- and stereo-selectivity of Diels-Alder reactions of 2-methyl-3-propionylcycloprop-2-ene carboxylic acid methyl ester with cyclohexa-1,3-diene derivatives and furan, in the gas phase, has been carried out using density functional theory (DFT)-based reactivity indices and activation energies. Four reaction channels associated with ortho (or meta), meta (or para), endo and exo pathways have been explored and characterised. The activation energies indicate that the endo pathways are preferred and DFT-based reactivity indices clearly predict the stereochemistry of the isolated cycloadducts.

Understanding the domino reaction between 3-chloroindoles and methyl coumalate yielding carbazoles. A DFT study

The molecular mechanism of the reaction between N-methyl-3-chloroindole and methyl coumalate yielding carbazole has been studied using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level in toluene. This reaction is a domino process that comprises three consecutive reactions: (i) a polar Diels-Alder (P-DA) reaction between indole and methyl coumalate yielding two stereoisomeric [2 + 4] cycloadducts (CAs); (ii) the elimination of HCl from these CAs affording two stereoisomeric intermediates; and (iii) the extrusion of CO2 in these intermediates, finally yielding the carbazole. This P-DA reaction proceeds in a completely regioselective and slightly exo selective fashion. In spite of the highly polar character of this P-DA reaction, it presents a high activation enthalpy of 21.8 kcal mol(-1) due to the loss of the aromatic character of the indole during the C-C bond formation. Thermodynamic calculations suggest that the P-DA reaction is the rate-determining step of this domino reaction; in addition, the initial HCl elimination in the formal [2 + 4] CAs is kinetically favoured over the extrusion of CO2. Although the P-DA reaction is kinetically and thermodynamically very unfavourable, the easier HCl and CO2 elimination from the [2 + 4] CAs together with the strong exergonic character of the CO2 extrusion makes the P-DA reaction irreversible. An ELF topological analysis of the bonding changes along the P-DA reaction supports a two-stage one-step mechanism. An analysis of the global DFT reactivity indices at the ground state of the reagents confirms the highly polar character of this P-DA reaction. Finally, the complete regioselectivity of the studied reactions can be explained using the Parr functions.