Photoinduced Decarboxylative Benzylation of Phthalimide Triplets with Phenyl Acetates: a Mechanistic Study

Synthesis of 1H-isoindolin-1-ones via a simple photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to phthalimides and evaluation of their antibiotic activity

A variety of 3-hydroxy-isoindolin-1-one derivatives were synthesized using the photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to phthalimide derivatives in aqueous media. Subsequent acid-catalyzed dehydration furnished 3-(alkyl and aryl)methyleneisoindolin-1-ones with variable E-diastereoselectivity in good to excellent overall yields. Noteworthy, the parent 3-phenylmethyleneisoindolin-1-one underwent isomerization and oxidative decomposition when exposed to light and air. Selected 3-hydroxy-isoindolin-1-one and 3-(alkyl and aryl)methyleneisoindolin-1-one derivatives showed moderate antibacterial activity that justifies future elaboration and study of these important bioactive scaffolds.

Dynamic and Assembly Characteristics of Deep-Cavity Basket Acting as a Host for Inclusion Complexation of Mitoxantrone in Biotic and Abiotic Systems

We describe the preparation, dynamic, assembly characteristics of vase-shaped basket 13- along with its ability to form an inclusion complex with anticancer drug mitoxantrone in abiotic and biotic systems. This novel cavitand has a deep nonpolar pocket consisting of three naphthalimide sides fused to a bicyclic platform at the bottom while carrying polar glycines at the top. The results of 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1 H NMR Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), Calorimetry, Hybrid Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (REMD), and Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) measurements are in line with 1 forming dimer [12 ]6- , to be in equilibrium with monomers 1(R) 3- (relaxed) and 1(S) 3- (squeezed). Through simultaneous line-shape analysis of 1 H NMR data, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing these equilibria were quantified. Basket 1(R) 3- includes anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTO2+ ) in its pocket to give stable binary complex [MTO⊂1]- (Kd =2.1 μM) that can be precipitated in vitro with UV light or pH as stimuli. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the basket is nontoxic, while at a higher proportion with respect to MTO it reduced its cytotoxicity in vitro. With well-characterized internal dynamics and dimerization, the ability to include mitoxantrone, and biocompatibility, the stage is set to develop sequestering agents from deep-cavity baskets.

Molecular Recognition of Nerve Agents and Their Organophosphorus Surrogates: Toward Supramolecular Scavengers and Catalysts

Nerve agents are tetrahedral organophosphorus compounds (OPs) that were developed in the last century to irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and therefore impede neurological signaling in living organisms. Exposure to OPs leads to a rapid development of symptoms from excessive salivation, nasal congestion and chest pain to convulsion and asphyxiation which if left untreated may lead to death. These potent toxins are prepared on a large scale from inexpensive staring materials, making it feasible for terrorist groups or states to use them against military and civilians. The existing antidotes provide limited protection and are difficult to apply to a large number of affected individuals. While new prophylactics are currently being developed, there is still need for therapeutics capable of both preventing and reversing the effects of OP poisoning. In this review, we describe how the science of molecular recognition can expand the pallet of tools for rapid and safe sequestration of nerve agents.

The photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to phthalimides as a key-step in the synthesis of biologically active 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones

The synthesis of various 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones was realized following a simple three-step process. The protocol utilized the photodecarboxylative addition of readily available carboxylates to N-(bromoalkyl)phthalimides as a versatile and efficient key step. The initially obtained hydroxyphthalimidines were readily converted to the desired N-diaminoalkylated 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones via acid-catalyzed dehydration and subsequent nucleophilic substitution with the corresponding secondary amines. The procedure was successfully applied to the synthesis of known local anesthetics (AL-12, AL-12B and AL-5) in their neutral forms.

Recent Advances in Photodecarboxylations Involving Phthalimides

Owing to their favourable photophysical and electrochemical properties, phthalimides undergo a variety of highly efficient photodecarboxylation reactions. These transformations have been applied to the synthesis of macrocyclic compounds as well as bioactive addition adducts. N-Acetoxyphthalimides are versatile precursors to imidyl and alkyl radicals through photodecarboxylation and have subsequently been used for a variety of coupling reactions. The generally mild reaction conditions make these reactions attractive for green chemical applications. The process protocols were successfully transferred to novel photoreactor devices, among these falling film or continuous flow reactors.

Transition metal-free decarboxylative alkylation reactions

This review summarizes recent advances in the transition metal-free decarboxylative alkylation of carboxylic acids and their derivatives.

Photodecarboxylative Benzylations of N-Methoxyphthalimide under Batch and Continuous-Flow Conditions

A series of photodecarboxylative benzylations of N-methoxyphthalimide were successfully realised using easily accessible starting materials. The reactions proceeded smoothly and the corresponding benzylated hydroxyphthalimidines were obtained in moderate to good yields of 52–73 %. No competing photoinduced dealkoxylation of the N-methoxy group was observed. The reaction with potassium phenylacetate was subsequently investigated in an advanced continuous-flow photoreactor. The reactor allowed rapid optimization of the reaction conditions and gave the desired benzylated product in higher yield and shorter irradiation time compared with the batch process.

Photochemistry of N-(selenoalkyl)-phthalimides. Formation of N, Se-heterocyclic systems

A number of selenium heterocyclic derivatives are obtained upon direct or acetone-sensitized irradiation of a variety ofN-(selenomethyl)alkyl-phthalimides. The reaction proceeds by photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer between the Se atom and the phthalimide moiety.

Direct and indirect single electron transfer (SET)-photochemical approaches for the preparation of novel phthalimide and naphthalimide-based lariat-type crown ethers

In this review, we describe direct and indirect photochemical approaches that have been developed for the preparation of phthalimide- and naphthalimide-based, lariat-type crown ethers. The direct route utilizes a strategy in which nitrogen-linked side chains containing polyethoxy-tethered phthalimides and naphthalimides, possessing terminal α-trialkylsilyl groups, are synthesized utilizing concise routes and UV-irradiation to form macrocyclic ring systems. In contrast, the indirect route developed for the synthesis of lariat-type crown ethers employs sequences in which SET-promoted macrocyclization reactions of α-trialkylsilyl-terminated, polyethoxy-tethered phthalimides and naphthalimides are followed by a side chain introduction through substitution reactions at the amidol centers in the macrocyclic ethers. The combined observations made in these investigations demonstrate the unique features of SET-promoted photocyclization reactions that make them well-suited for the use in the synthesis of functionalized crown ethers. In addition, while some limitations exist for the general use of SET-photochemical reactions in large-scale organic synthesis, important characteristics of the photoinduced macrocyclization reactions make them applicable to unique situations in which high temporal and spatial control is required.

2-Benzyl-5-methoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione

The title N-benzyl­phthalimide derivative, C₁₆H₁₃NO₃, consists of two planar moieties, viz. the phthalimide system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 Å) and the phenyl ring, which make a dihedral angle of 84.7 (6)°. The meth­oxy group is almost coplanar with the phathalimide ring, as shown by the C—C—O—C torsion angle of −171.5 (2)°. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are self-assembled via non-classical C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape motif along [110].

N-(4-Meth-oxy-benz-yl)phthalimide: a triclinic polymorph

THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 2-(4-meth-oxy-benz-yl)-isoindoline-1,3-dione], C(16)H(13)NO(3), represents a triclinic polymorph of the previously reported monoclinic form [Warzecha et al. (2006 ▶). Acta Cryst. E62, o5450-o5452]. The reaction of potassium phthalimide and 4-meth-oxy-benzyl chloride in dimethyl-formamide gave platelet-shaped crystals; these were harvested and then needle-shaped crystals were deposited. The platelet- and needle-shaped crystals correspond to the triclinic and monoclinic forms, respectively. The N-C-C(ar)-C(ar) torsion angles between the ring systems are -82.66 (14) and 95.28 (13)°, resulting in a roof-shaped conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are accumulated by offset face-face π-π inter-actions between phthalimide units [centroid-centroid distances = 3.640 (2) and 3.651 (2) Å], with inter-planar distances of 3.321 (1) and 3.435 (1) Å. Weak inter-molecular C(ar-yl)-H⋯O=C and C(alk-yl)-H⋯O=C contacts form C(8) and C(11) infinite chain motifs, respectively.

Photoinduced electron-transfer chemistry of the bielectrophoric N-phthaloyl derivatives of the amino acids tyrosine, histidine and tryptophan

The photochemistry of phthalimide derivatives of the electron-rich amino acids tyrosine, histidine and tryptophan 8-10 was studied with respect to photoinduced electron-transfer (PET) induced decarboxylation and Norrish II bond cleavage. Whereas exclusive photodecarboxylation of the tyrosine substrate 8 was observed, the histidine compound 9 resulted in a mixture of histamine and preferential Norrish cleavage. The tryptophan derivative 10 is photochemically inert and shows preferential decarboxylation only when induced by intermolecular PET.

N-crotylphthalimide

In the title compound {systematic name: 2-[(E)-but-2-en-1-yl]isoindoline-1,3-dione}, C(12)H(11)NO(2), the phthalimide ring system is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.008 (1) Å, while the plane of the N-crotyl substituent is orthogonal to the phthalimide ring system, making a dihedral angle of 87.5 (1)°.

Photoinitiated domino reactions: N-(adamantyl)phthalimides and N-(adamantylalkyl)phthalimides

Phthalimides 1-6 undergo photochemical reactions upon direct irradiation as well as triplet sensitization and give rise to new products. Besides formation of the primary photoproducts, the first photochemical step initiates a subsequent thermal domino reaction or a domino sequence of a thermal and a photochemical reaction. The latter, involving two photochemical intramolecular gamma-H abstractions, was observed with phthalimides 1, 3, and 6 and delivered stereospecifically the hexacyclic benzazepine products 12, 19, and 27, respectively. The lowest triplet states of 1-6 were characterized in several solvents upon direct and acetone-sensitized excitation. The intermolecular electron transfer from triethylamine and DABCO was studied, and the radical anions were observed. Electrochemical measurements showed that intramolecular electron transfer from the adamantyl group of 1-6 to the lowest triplet state of the phthalimides is not feasible. The formation of products can be explained by intramolecular H-abstraction from the (alkyl)adamantane to the excited phthalimide, either from the excited singlet state or a hidden upper excited triplet state.

2-Benzyl-isoindoline-1,3-dione: a monoclinic polymorph

In the molecule of the title compound, C(15)H(11)NO(2), the dihedral angle between the ring systems is 81.3 (2)°. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are held together via C-H⋯O inter-actions.

Intermolecular Electron Transfer from Excited Benzophenone Ketyl Radical

The electron transfer from the benzophenone ketyl radical in the excited state (BPH(.-)(D(1))) to several quenchers (Qs) was investigated using nanosecond/picosecond two-color two-laser flash photolysis and nanosecond/nanosecond two-color two-laser flash photolysis. The electron transfer from BPH(.-)(D(1)) to Qs was confirmed by the transient absorption and fluorescence quenching measurements. The intermolecular electron-transfer rate constants were determined using the Stern-Volmer analysis. The driving force dependence of the electron-transfer rate was revealed.