Structure, Conformation, and Dynamics of P,N-Containing Cyclophanes in Solution

Monitoring Protein Global and Local Parameters in Unfolding and Binding Studies: The Extended Applicability of the Diffusion Coefficient─Molecular Size Empirical Relations

Protein unfolding and denaturation are main issues in biochemical and pharmaceutical research. Using a global parameter, the translational diffusion coefficient D, folded, unfolded, and intrinsically disordered proteins of a given molar mass M can be distinguished based on their distinct hydrodynamic properties. For broader applications, we provide generalized, PFG-NMR-based empirical D-M relations validated at different temperatures and ready to use with the corresponding corrections in different media. We demonstrate that these relations enable a more accurate molecular mass determination and show fewer potential errors than those of the common methods based on small-molecular diffusion standards. We monitor unfolding of three model proteins using 8 M urea and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-water mixtures as denaturing agents, highlighting the effect of disulfide bonds. Denaturation in 8 M urea is pH-dependent; in addition, for proteins with highly stable disulfide bonds, a reducing agent (TCEP) is required to achieve complete unfolding. Regarding the effect of local parameters, we show that at low DMSO concentrations─common conditions in pharmaceutical binding studies─the PFG-NMR-derived global parameters are not significantly affected. Still, the atomic environments can change, and the bound solvent molecule can inhibit the binding of a partner molecule. Using proteins with natural isotopic abundance, this effect can be proven by fast ¹H-¹⁵N 2D correlation spectra. Our results enable fast and easy estimation of protein molecular mass and the degree of folding in various media; moreover, the effect of the cosolvent on the atomic-level structure can be traced without the need of isotope labeling.

Cyclic aminomethylphosphines as ligands. Rational design and unpredicted findings

Rational design of title ligands and their transition metal complexes gave the high effective catalysts for hydrogen economy and perspective “stimuli-responsive” luminescent materials. Together with the above novel cyclic aminomehtylphospine ligands have showed a row of unpredicted properties like spontaneous formation of macrocyclic molecules, unique reversible slitting of macrocycles on to the smaller cycles, rapid interconversion of the isomers catalyzed by both acids and transitional metals, bridging behavior of usually chelating ligands and unexpected high influence of handling substituents on N-atoms on to the catalytic and luminescent properties of P-complexes.

Synthesis and unique reversible splitting of 14-membered cyclic aminomethylphosphines on to 7-membered heterocycles

A novel type of 14-membered cyclic polyphosphine, namely 1,8-diaza-3,6,10,13-tetraphosphacyclotetradecanes 2a–4ahas been synthesized by the condensation of 1,2-bis(phenylphosphino)ethane, formaldehyde and alkylamines (isopropylamine, ethylamine and cyclohexylamine) as a RRRR/SSSS-stereoisomer. The structure of macrocycle 2a was investigated by NMR-spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis. The unique reversible processes of macrocycles 2a–4a splitting onto the corresponding rac- (2b–4b) and meso- (2c–4c) stereoisomers of 1-aza-3,6-diphosphacycloheptanes were discovered.

Electrochemical nickel-induced fluoroalkylation: synthetic, structural and mechanistic study

Electrocatalytic generation of nickel catalysts in low oxidation states by reduction of nickel complexes with various ligands (2,2'-bipyridine, 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, (S,S)-2,6-bis(4-phenyl-2-oxazolin-2-yl)-pyridine) in the presence of olefinic substrates and fluoroalkyl halides leads to new organic products derived from addition-dimerization processes. Due to the presence of two stereocenters in the dimerization products two diastereomers were characterized by a variety of analytical techniques including multi-dimensional NMR methods and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The formation of dimers was prevented by the inclusion of the hydrogen atom donor tributyltin hydride. The cyclic voltammetry study of selected nickel complexes along with fluoroalkyl halides demonstrated that Ni(I)L is the active form of the catalyst.