Allylic C-H activations using Cu(II) 2-quinoxalinol salen and tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Copper(II) quinoxolinol imidazolium complexes in catalytic oxidation of benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols

A novel copper(II) quinoxolinol complex has been prepared using a condensation reaction based on previous studies. The copper(II) quinoxolinol salen complex has been applied as a catalyst using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant, demonstrating that benzylic and heterocyclic alcohols can be converted efficiently to the corresponding aldehydes. Excellent yields can be achieved (up to 99%) within a short reaction time and with great tolerance for functional groups.

Exploring the Reaction Mechanism of C-H Oxidation by Copper-Salen Complexes

The mechanism of C-H oxidation of propylene (C₃H₆) and 1-phenyl-1-pentyne (C₃H₇-C≡C-Ph) by HOOR (R═Me, ^tBu) and ³O₂ by a copper-salen complex was explored by computations. The most noteworthy step is the complexation of two Cu salens to the peroxide to form either the LCuOH/LCuOR pair or an OH-bridged complex LCu(μ-OH)CuL plus OR. The latter pathway involves an avoided crossing of two triplet electronic states. The LCuOH complex can abstract a hydrogen atom from C₃H₆ and the C₃H₅ radical plus ³O₂ forms the complex LCuOOC₃H₅. Migration of a hydrogen to the proximal oxygen atom reforms LCuOH and acrolein HC(O)CH═CH₂.

Cu(II)(PhOMe-Salophen) Complex: Greener Pasture Biological Study, XRD/HAS Interactions, and MEP

PhOMe-salophen (1b) (salophen is N,N-bis(salycilidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine with two tert-butyl on each ring) and Cu(II) complex with PhOMe-salophen (1c) have been synthesized and characterized using various tools, including X-ray diffraction for the Cu(II)-complex (1c, C₄₃H₅₂CuN₂O₃)). The copper complex has been obtained by Cu²⁺ templated approach using 1b. PhOMe-salophen (1b) has been obtained in reasonably high yield using a mixture of the Schiff-base, 1a, Pd(OAc)₂, PPh₃, Na₂CO₃, 4-methoxyphenylboronic acid in benzene. We focus in this research work on the electronic and structural properties of the Cu–Schiff base complex. The tetra-coordinate τ₄ index was calculated, indicating almost a perfect square planner in agreement with X-ray diffraction results. MEP reveals the maximum positive regions in 1/-associated with the azomethine and methoxyphenyl C–H bonds with an average value of 0.03 a.u. Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) was also studied to highlight the significant inter-atomic contacts and their percentage contribution through 2D Fingerprint plot. In a fair comparative molecular docking study, 1b and 1c were docked together with N-[{(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)-carbonyl}alanyl}-l-valyl]-N1-((1R,2Z)-4-(benzyloxy)-4-oxo-1-[{(3R)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl}methyl]but-2-enyl)-l-leucinamide, N3 against main protease M^pro, (PDB code 7BQY) using the same parameters and conditions. Interesting here to use the free energy, in silico, molecular docking approach, which aims to rank our molecules with respect to the well-known inhibitor, N3. The binding scores of 1b, 1c, N3 are –7.8, –9.0, and –8.4 kcal/mol, respectively. These preliminary results propose that ligands deserve additional study in the context of possible remedial agents for COVID-19.

Ensemble effects on allylic oxidation within explicit solvation environments

Umbrella-sampling density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD) has been employed to study the full catalytic cycle of the allylic oxidation of cyclohexene using a Cu(ii) 7-amino-6-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)quinoxalin-2-ol complex in acetonitrile to create cyclohexenone and H2O as products. After the initial H-atom abstraction step, two different reaction pathways have been identified that are distinguished by the participation of alkyl hydroperoxide (referred to as the "open" cycle) versus the methanol side-product (referred to as the "closed" cycle) within the catalyst recovery process. Importantly, both pathways involve dehydrogenation and re-hydrogenation of the -NH2 group bound to the Cu-site - a feature that is revealed from the ensemble sampling of configurations of the reactive species that are stabilized within the explicit solvent environment of the simulation. Estimation of the energy span from the experimental turnover frequency yields an approximate value of 22.7 kcal mol-1 at 350 K. Whereas the closed cycle value is predicted to be 26.2 kcal mol-1, the open cycle value at 16.5 kcal mol-1. Both pathways are further consistent with the equilibrium between Cu(ii) and Cu(iii) that has previously been observed. In comparison to prior static DFT calculations, the ensemble of both solute and solvent configurations has helped to reveal a breadth of processes that underpin the full catalytic cycle yielding a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of radical reactions and catalysis recovery.

A Copper-Containing Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Framework as an Efficient Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Alkylbenzenes

A copper-containing polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF), Cu^I₁₂Cl₂(trz)₈[HPW₁₂O₄₀] (HENU-7, HENU = Henan University; trz = 1,2,4-triazole), has been successfully synthesized and well-characterized. In addition, the excellent catalytic ability of HENU-7 has been proved by the selective oxidation of diphenylmethane. Under the optimal conditions, the diphenylmethane conversion obtained over HENU-7 is 96%, while the selectivity to benzophenone is 99%, which outperforms most noble-metal-free POM-based catalysts. Moreover, HENU-7 is stable to reuse for five runs without an obvious loss in activity and also can catalyze the oxidation of different benzylic C-H with satisfactory conversions and selectivities, which implied the significant catalytic activity and recyclability.

Cobalt(ii)-catalyzed benzylic oxidations with potassium persulfate in TFA/TFAA

A cobalt-catalyzed C(sp³)–H oxygenation reaction to furnish aldehyde was herein reported. This transformation demonstrated high chemo-selectivity, and tolerated various methylarenes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents. This reaction provided rapid access to diverse aldehydes form methylarenes. Notably, TFA/TFAA was used for the first time as a mixed solvent in cobalt-catalyzed oxygenation of benzylic methylenes.

A Co-catalyzed C(sp³)–H oxygenation reaction to furnish diverse aldehydes from methylarenes in TFA/TFAA is reported. This transformation demonstrated high chemo-selectivity, and tolerated with various methylarenes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents.

Theoretical studies on CuCl-catalyzed C-H activation/C-O coupling reactions: oxidant and catalyst effects

Copper-complex catalyzed coupling reactions have been widely applied in the production of many important organic moieties from a synthetic perspective. In this work, a series of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, employing the B3LYP + IDSCRF/DZVP method, have been performed for a typical CuCl-catalyzed C-O cross-coupling reaction. The novel reaction mechanism was reported as four successive processes: oxidative radical generation (ORG) or oxidative addition (OA), hydrogen abstraction (HA), C-H activation/reductive elimination, and separation of product and recycling of catalyst (SP & RC). Our calculations provided a deep understanding on the dissimilar chemical activities associated with varying the oxidants used; detailed energy profile analyses suggested that the first oxidation process could proceed via either of the two competing channels (ORG and OA mechanisms) which is the basis to explain the different experimental yields. In addition, our molecular modelling gave theoretical evidence that Cu(ii) → Cu(i) reduction by solvent DMF (and a water molecule) might serve as a preliminary step to produce some more active Cu(i) species that could subsequently be oxidized into Cu(iii) favorably. In contrast, the Cu(ii) → Cu(iii) direct pathway was estimated to be prohibited from thermodynamics. All the calculation results in this work are parallel with the experimental observations.

Microwave-assisted one-pot functionalization of metal–organic framework MIL-53(Al)-NH2 with copper(ii) complexes and its application in olefin oxidation

A simple and rapid functionalization of MOF via microwave-assisted one-pot synthesis afforded a Cu(ii)-Schiff-base-MOF as an efficient catalyst for olefin oxidation.

Magnetic Nanoparticle Facilitated Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy with Targeted and Image-Guided Approaches

With rapid advances in nanomedicine, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a promising theranostic tool in biomedical applications, including diagnostic imaging, drug delivery and novel therapeutics. Significant preclinical and clinical research has explored their functionalization, targeted delivery, controllable drug release and image-guided capabilities. To further develop MNPs for theranostic applications and clinical translation in the future, we attempt to provide an overview of the recent advances in the development and application of MNPs for drug delivery, specifically focusing on the topics concerning the importance of biomarker targeting for personalized therapy and the unique magnetic and contrast-enhancing properties of theranostic MNPs that enable image-guided delivery. The common strategies and considerations to produce theranostic MNPs and incorporate payload drugs into MNP carriers are described. The notable examples are presented to demonstrate the advantages of MNPs in specific targeting and delivering under image guidance. Furthermore, current understanding of delivery mechanisms and challenges to achieve efficient therapeutic efficacy or diagnostic capability using MNP-based nanomedicine are discussed.

Two catalytic systems of l-proline/Cu(ii) catalyzed allylic oxidation of olefins with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

Allylic oxidation of olefins by the two catalytic system of l-proline/Cu(ii).

A new copper species based on an azo-compound utilized as a homogeneous catalyst for water oxidation

A new azo-complex [(L)Cu(II)(NO3)] [L = (E)-3-(pyridin-2-yldiazenyl)naphthalen-2-ol (HL)], was prepared via a one-pot synthetic method at 60 °C and was structurally characterized by IR, EA, PXRD and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In addition, TGA studies indicated that the complex was stable in air. The redox properties were determined by cyclic voltammetry, which revealed that the complex could be utilized as a catalyst for water oxidation under mild conditions. Subsequently, the complex was employed as a catalyst to take part in water oxidation reaction in the presence of a Ce(IV) salt utilized as an oxidant at pH 11 in PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) solution. The results suggested that the catalyst exhibited a high stability and activity toward water oxidation reaction under these conditions with an initial TOF of 4.0 kPa h(-1). Calculation methodology was performed to study the mechanism of the reaction, which revealed that in this catalytic process, the initial oxidation of Cu(II) to Cu(III) occurred by the formation of an intermediate "Cu(III)-O-O-Cu(III)". The formation of this intermediate, resulted in a release of oxygen and closing of the catalytic cycle.

Oxidation of phenyl propyne catalyzed by copper(II) complexes of a benzimidazolyl schiff base ligand: effect of acid/base, oxidant, surfactant and morphology

Copper(II) complexes with a new N-Substituted benzimidazolyl schiff base ligand are used as catalyst for the oxidation of 1-phenyl propyne. The oxidation is carried out under mild conditions using stoichiometric amounts of oxidant and catalytic amounts of Cu(II) complex as catalyst. Effect of acid/base, oxidant, morphology and surfactant has been studied. Two major products of phenyl propyne oxidation are the α-diketonic product and a terminal aldehyde. Diketone is the major product under acidic conditions while aldehyde formation is highest under basic conditions. The maximum conversion is found with the NO3(-) bound complex. GC-MS is used to find the percentage yields of products. SEM and PXRD of the reused complexes as catalyst suggest that morphology affects the catalytic efficiency.

Rh2(esp)2-catalyzed allylic and benzylic oxidations

The dirhodium(ii) catalyst Rh₂(esp)₂ allows direct solvent-free allylic and benzylic oxidation by T-HYDRO with a remarkably low catalyst loading.

Fluorous bispidine: a bifunctional reagent for copper-catalyzed oxidation and knoevenagel condensation reactions in water

Fluorous bispidine-type ligands have been developed to demonstrate its bifunctional property as a ligand and base in copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation, the Knoevenagel condensation and tandem oxidation/condensation in water under mild conditions.

Allylic and benzylic sp3 C–H oxidation in water

A copper-catalyzed method for the oxidation of allylic and benzylic sp³ C–H by aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide (T-Hydro) in water using a recyclable fluorous ligand has been developed.