β-Cyclodextrin–NHC–Gold(I) Complex (β-ICyD)AuCl: A Chiral Nanoreactor for Enantioselective and Substrate-Selective Alkoxycyclization Reactions

β-Cyclodextrin-NHC-Au(I)-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent 1,5-Enyne Cycloisomerizations

Enantioconvergent transformations from racemic mixtures are attractive since they allow the generation of optically active products with full conversion despite the possibly adverse kinetic resolution process. When dealing with gold(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerizations, chirality transfer from the precursor is another possible diverting pathway, which renders enantioconvergence challenging. Not surprisingly, enantioconvergent Au(I)-catalyzed processes have remained extremely rare. Herein we show that cavity-driven catalysis using β-cyclodextrin-NHC-Au(I) complexes brings opportunities to conduct highly enantioconvergent cycloisomerizations of 1,5-enynes, -enynols, and, -enynyl esters.

Exploring the Potential of Nanogels: From Drug Carriers to Radiopharmaceutical Agents

Nanogels open up access to a wide range of applications and offer among others hopeful approaches for use in the field of biomedicine. This review provides a brief overview of current developments of nanogels in general, particularly in the fields of drug delivery, therapeutic applications, tissue engineering, and sensor systems. Specifically, cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanogels are important because they have exceptional complexation properties and are highly biocompatible. Nanogels as a whole and CD-based nanogels in particular can be customized in a wide range of sizes and equipped with a desired surface charge as well as containing additional molecules inside and outside, such as dyes, solubility-mediating groups or even biological vector molecules for pharmaceutical targeting. Currently, biological investigations are mainly carried out in vitro, but more and more in vivo applications are gaining importance. Modern molecular imaging methods are increasingly being used for the latter. Due to an extremely high sensitivity and the possibility of obtaining quantitative data on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, nuclear methods such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) using radiolabeled compounds are particularly suitable here. The use of radiolabeled nanogels for imaging, but also for therapy, is being discussed.

Hydrogen-Bonded Matched Ion Pair Gold(I) Catalysis

The enantioselective reaction of 1,6-enynes with O-, N-, and C-nucleophiles has been developed by matched ion pair gold(I) catalysis in which the chiral gold(I) cation and anion are H-bonded through a urea group. Very high levels of enantiocontrol are achieved (up to >99:1 er) for a broad scope of substrates. DFT studies demonstrate the importance of the H-bond donor group in anchoring the matched chiral cation- and anion-favoring additional noncovalent interactions.

Binding propensity and selectivity of cationic, anionic, and neutral guests with model hydrophobic hosts: A first principles study

Computations play a critical role in deciphering the nature of host-guest interactions both at qualitative and quantitative levels. Reliable quantum chemical computations were employed to assess the nature, binding strength, and selectivity of ionic, and neutral guests with benzenoid hosts. Optimized complex structures reveal that alkali and ammonium ions are found to be in the hydrophobic cavity, while halide ions are outside, while both complexes elicit substantial binding energy. The origin of the selectivity of host toward the guest has been traced to the interaction and deformation energies, and the nature of associated interactions is quantified using energy decomposition and the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules analyses. While the larger hosts lead to loosely bound complexes, as assessed by the longer intermolecular distances, the binding strengths are proportional to the size of the host systems. The binding of cationic complexes is electrostatic or polarization driven while exchange term dominates the anionic complexes. In contrast, dispersion contribution is a key in neutral complexes and plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the polyatomic complexes.

Diametric calix[6]arene gold(I) catalysts for intramolecular cyclopropanations of 1,6-dienynes

We report a solid-state structural investigation of diametric calix[6]arene-based phosphine gold(I) cavitands which are characterised by two specific, different 1,2,3-alternate conformations in solution and in the solid state. The effect of the specific orientation of phosphines, with respect to macrocycles, was studied in intramolecular cyclopropanation of 1,6-dienynes. The general applicability of these catalysts was disclosed, delivering a family of polycycles with high yields and functional group tolerance.

A cavity-shaped cis-chelating P,N ligand for highly selective nickel-catalysed ethylene dimerisation

The presence of a permethylated α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) cavity in a chelating P,N ligand promotes exclusive formation of 1 : 1 ligand/metal complexes. In MX₂ complexes, one of the two halido ligands is forced to reside inside the CD hollow while the second one is pointing outside. Unlike its cavity-free analogue, a Ni(II) complex of the CD ligand is a highly selective precatalyst for ethylene dimerisation (96% C₄ selectivity with up to 95% of 1-butene within the C₄ fraction).

Janus-type homo-, hetero- and mixed valence-bimetallic complexes with one metal encapsulated in a cyclodextrin

Bis-azolium salts with one azolium capping a perbenzylated α-cyclodextrin have been designed to generate Janus-type bimetallic complexes with various combinations of copper, silver, gold or palladium salts. Encapsulation of one metal center inside the cavity allowed (trans)metalation and oxidation reactions to be controlled at selected positions. In particular, it was possible to oxidize Au^I into Au^III selectively on the position outside the cavity of the cyclodextrin on the bis-Au^I Janus complex.

Bio-inspired asymmetric aldehyde arylations catalyzed by rhodium-cyclodextrin self-inclusion complexes

Transition-metal catalysts are powerful tools for carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions that are difficult to achieve using native enzymes. Enzymes that exhibit inherent selectivities and reactivities through host-guest interactions have inspired widespread interest in incorporating enzymatic behavior into transition-metal catalytic systems that highly efficiently produce enantiopure compounds. Nevertheless, bio-inspired transition-metal catalysts that are highly enantioselective and reactive have rarely been reported. In this study, we applied γ-cyclodextrin-imidazolium salts to the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric arylations of aldehydes. The method exhibits wide substrate scope and the corresponding arylcarbinols are obtained in excellent yields under optimized conditions, with enantiomeric excesses of up to 96% observed. Kinetic and competition experiments revealed that self-inclusion of the Rh complex contributes to the high enantioselectivity and reactivity achieved by this catalytic system. Thus, this bio-inspired self-inclusion strategy is promising for the development of highly enantioselective and reactive transition-metal catalysts for asymmetric carbon-carbon bond formation.

Indolizy Carbene Ligand. Evaluation of Electronic Properties and Applications in Asymmetric Gold(I) Catalysis

We report herein a new family of carbene ligands based on an indolizine-ylidene (Indolizy) moiety. The corresponding gold(I) complexes are easily obtained from the gold(I)-promoted cyclization of allenylpyridine precursors. Evaluation of the electronic properties by experimental methods and also by DFT calculations confirms strong σ-donating and π-accepting properties of these ligands. Cationization of the gold(I) complexes generates catalytic species that trigger diverse reactions of (poly)unsaturated precursors. When armed with a methylene phosphine oxide moiety on the stereogenic center adjacent to the nitrogen atom, the corresponding bifunctional carbene ligands give rise to highly enantioselective heterocyclizations. DFT calculations brought some rationalization and highlighted the critical roles played by the phosphine oxide group and the tosylate anion in the asymmetric cyclization of γ-allenols.

New-Generation Ligand Design for the Gold-Catalyzed Asymmetric Activation of Alkynes

Gold(I) catalysts are ideal for the activation of alkynes under very mild conditions. However, unlike allenes or alkenes, the triple bond of alkynes cannot be prochiral. In addition, the linear coordination displayed by gold(I) complexes places the chiral ligand far away from the substrate resulting in an inefficient transfer of chiral information. This poses a significant challenge for the achievement of high enantiocontrol in gold(I)-catalyzed reactions of alkynes. Although considerable progress on enantioselective gold(I)-catalyzed transformations has recently been achieved, the asymmetric activation of non-prochiral alkyne-containing small molecules still represents a great challenge. Herein we summarize recent advances in intra- and intermolecular enantioselective gold(I)-catalyzed reactions involving alkynes, discussing new chiral ligand designs that lie at the basis of these developments. We also focus on the mode of action of these catalysts, their possible limitations towards a next-generation of more efficient ligand designs. Finally, square planar chiral gold(III) complexes, which offer an alternative to chiral gold(I) complexes, are also discussed.

Main Avenues in Gold Coordination Chemistry

In this contribution, we provide an overview of the main avenues that have emerged in gold coordination chemistry during the last years. The unique properties of gold have motivated research in gold chemistry, and especially regarding the properties and applications of gold compounds in catalysis, medicine, and materials chemistry. The advances in the synthesis and knowledge of gold coordination compounds have been possible with the design of novel ligands becoming relevant motifs that have allowed the preparation of elusive complexes in this area of research. Strong donor ligands with easily modulable electronic and steric properties, such as stable singlet carbenes or cyclometalated ligands, have been decisive in the stabilization of gold(0) species, gold fluoride complexes, gold hydrides, unprecedented π complexes, or cluster derivatives. These new ligands have been important not only from the fundamental structure and bonding studies but also for the synthesis of sophisticated catalysts to improve activity and selectivity of organic transformations. Moreover, they have enabled the facile oxidative addition from gold(I) to gold(III) and the design of a plethora of complexes with specific properties.

Merging Molecular Recognition and Gold(I) Catalysis with Triphoscalix[6]arene Ligands

We report the synthesis and characterization of novel triphosphine calix[6]arene ligands. These supramolecular wheels, with recognition features governed by the hydrogen-bonding domain, were employed to synthesize multitasking trinuclear gold(I) complexes as a new platform for the synthesis of interwoven (pseudo)rotaxane species. In parallel, the multivalent, metal-bonded upper rim displayed catalytic features promoting highly selective gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization reactions of 1,6-enynes.

New horizons for catalysis disclosed by supramolecular chemistry

The adoption of a supramolecular approach in catalysis promises to address a number of unmet challenges, ranging from activity (unlocking of novel reaction pathways) to selectivity (alteration of the innate selectivity of a reaction, e.g. selective functionalization of C-H bonds) and regulation (switch ON/OFF, sequential catalysis, etc.). Supramolecular tools such as reversible association and recognition, pre-organization of reactants and stabilization of transition states upon binding offer a unique chance to achieve the above goals disclosing new horizons whose potential is being increasingly recognized and used, sometimes reaching the degree of ripeness for practical use. This review summarizes the main developments that have opened such new frontiers, with the aim of providing a guide to researchers approaching the field. We focus on artificial supramolecular catalysts of defined stoichiometry which, under homogeneous conditions, unlock outcomes that are highly difficult if not impossible to attain otherwise, namely unnatural reactivity or selectivity and catalysis regulation. The different strategies recently explored in supramolecular catalysis are concisely presented, and, for each one, a single or very few examples is/are described (mainly last 10 years, with only milestone older works discussed). The subject is divided into four sections in light of the key design principle: (i) nanoconfinement of reactants, (ii) recognition-driven catalysis, (iii) catalysis regulation by molecular machines and (iv) processive catalysis.

Enantioselective Alkoxycyclization of 1,6-Enynes with Gold(I)-Cavitands: Total Synthesis of Mafaicheenamine C

Chiral gold(I)-cavitand complexes have been developed for the enantioselective alkoxycyclization of 1,6-enynes. This enantioselective cyclization has been applied for the first total synthesis of carbazole alkaloid (+)-mafaicheenamine C and its enantiomer, establishing its configuration as R. The cavity effect was also evaluated in the cycloisomerization of dienynes. A combination of experiments and theoretical studies demonstrates that the cavity of the gold(I) complexes forces the enynes to adopt constrained conformations, which results in the high observed regio- and stereoselectivities.

Programmed Synthesis of Hepta-Differentiated β-Cyclodextrin: 1 out of 117655 Arrangements

Cyclodextrin poly-functionalization has fueled progress in their use in multiple applications such as enzyme mimicry, but also in the polymer sciences, luminescence, as sensors or for biomedical applications. However, regioselective access to a given pattern of functions on β-cyclodextrin is still very limited. We uncover a new orienting group, the thioacetate, that expands the toolbox available for cyclodextrin poly-hetero-functionalization using diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) promoted debenzylation. The usefulness of this group is illustrated in the first synthesis of a precisely hepta-hetero-functionalized β-cyclodextrin. By way of comparison, a random hepta-functionalization would give 117655 different molecules. This synthesis is not simply the vain quest for the Holy Grail of CD hetero-functionalization, but it illustrates the versatility of the DIBAL-H oriented hetero-functionalization strategy, opening the way to a multitude of useful functionalization patterns for new practical applications.

Synthesis of N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) complexes

N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) chloride and hydroxide complexes are regularly used as synthons to access various oxygen-, nitrogen- or carbon-bound gold complexes. They are also widely employed as efficient catalysts in addition reactions of hydroelements to unsaturated bonds and in several rearrangement and decarboxylation protocols. Here we describe the multigram synthesis of the most common mononuclear N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) chloride complexes bearing the N,N'-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes), N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr) and N,N'-bis(2,6-bis(diphenylmethyl)-4-methylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr*) ligands. Their synthesis is achieved through the straightforward and practical weak base approach in a total time of 4-5 h. This straightforward methodology is conducted under air and possesses considerable advantages over alternative routes, such as the use of a sustainable reaction solvent, minimal amounts of a mild base and commercially available or easily obtained starting materials. Additionally, we describe the synthesis of the mononuclear gold(I) hydroxide complex bearing the IPr ligand, using the state-of-the-art method requiring 24 h. Finally, the improved synthesis of the dinuclear gold(I) hydroxide complex [{Au(IPr)}₂(μ-OH)][BF₄] is described (~3 h). All procedures can be performed by researchers with standard training and lead to high yields (76-99%) of microanalytically pure bench-stable materials.

Recent Advances in the Development of Chiral Gold Complexes for Catalytic Asymmetric Catalysis

Asymmetric gold catalysis has been rapidly developed in the past ten years. Breakthroughs have been made by rational design and meticulous selection of chiral ligands. This review summarizes newly developed gold-catalyzed enantioselective organic transformations and recent progress in ligand design (since 2016), organized according to different types of chiral ligands, including bisphosphine ligands, monophosphine ligands, phosphite-derived ligands, and N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric gold(I) catalysis as well as heterocyclic carbene ligands and oxazoline ligands for asymmetric gold(III) catalysis.