Replacement of Molybdenum by Tungsten in a Biomimetic Complex Leads to an Increase in Oxygen Atom Transfer Catalytic Activity

Upon replacement of molybdenum by tungsten in DMSO reductase isolated from the Rhodobacteraceae family, the derived enzyme catalyzes DMSO reduction faster. To better understand this behavior, we synthesized two tungsten(VI) dioxido complexes [W^VIO₂L₂] with pyridine- (PyS) and pyrimidine-2-thiolate (PymS) ligands, isostructural to analogous molybdenum complexes we reported recently. Higher oxygen atom transfer (OAT) catalytic activity was observed with [WO₂(PyS)₂] compared to the Mo species, independent of whether PMe₃ or PPh₃ was used as the oxygen acceptor. [W^VIO₂L₂] complexes undergo reduction with an excess of PMe₃, yielding the tungsten(IV) oxido species [WOL₂(PMe₃)₂], while with PPh₃, no reactions are observed. Although OAT reactions from DMSO to phosphines are known for tungsten complexes, [WOL₂(PMe₃)₂] are the first fully characterized phosphine-stabilized intermediates. By following the reaction of these reduced species with excess DMSO via UV-vis spectroscopy, we observed that tungsten compounds directly react to W^VIO₂ complexes while the Mo analogues first form μ-oxo Mo(V) dimers [Mo₂O₃L₄]. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the oxygen atom abstraction from W^VIO₂ is an endergonic process contrasting the respective reaction with molybdenum. Here, we suggest that depending on the sacrificial oxygen acceptor, the tungsten complex may participate in catalysis either via a redox reaction or as an electrophile.

Site-Selective Amide Functionalization by Catalytic Azoline Engrafting

Direct peptide and protein activation is a challenging transformation because of the stabilizing effect of the amide group. While enzymes can be considered as prototypical systems that have evolved to achieve high selectivity and specificity, small-molecule catalysts that functionalize the amide group may accommodate a much larger selection of substrates but currently remain scarce. Here, by combining the desired features from both catalytic regimes we designed an artificial cyclodehydratase, a catalytic system for the site-selective modification of peptides and natural products by engrafting heterocycles into their scaffolds. The catalytic system features a molybdenum(VI) center that was decorated with a sterically congested tripod ligand. The optimized catalyst can introduce azolines into small molecules, natural products, and oligopeptides with high efficiency and minimal waste. We further demonstrate the utility of the new protocol in the direct functionalization of a single amide group in the presence of up to seven other chemically similar positions and in the direct conversion of these groups into amines and thioamides. This new mechanistic paradigm may address an unmet need for a general method for the selective and sustainable functionalization of peptides and natural products.

One-Pot Transformation of Salicylaldehydes to Spiroepoxydienones via the Adler-Becker Reaction in a Continuous Flow

The Adler-Becker reaction is a useful approach for the oxidative dearomatization of salicylic alcohols to spiroepoxydienones and has been applied in the total synthesis of several natural products. Despite the advantages, the substrate and product instability under the reaction conditions can decrease the reaction efficiency, leading to lower yields. Herein, we report the Adler-Becker reaction in a continuous flow for the transformation of reduced salicylaldehydes into spiroepoxydienones in a one-pot approach. For that, a heterogeneous oxidant based on periodate is developed, leading to an efficient continuous flow process, with higher productivity and shorter reaction times, when compared with batch conditions.

Amino acid-derived bisphenolate palladium complexes as C-C coupling catalysts

A series of amine bisphenol (ABP) pro-ligands featuring amino acid ester pendant arms were prepared. Optimisation of the synthetic method allowed the facile incorporation of naturally occurring, chiral amino acids into the ABP scaffold with minimal racemisation. Reaction of the pro-ligands (LH₂) with Pd(OAc)₂, in the presence of amines, led to the formation of complexes with an unprecedented pincer-like O,N,O coordination mode around the Pd^II centre. The complexations in the presence of trialkylamines (NR₃) afforded a mixture of LPdNR₃ and LPdNHR₂ species. The latter was shown to form via an ambient-temperature C-N cleavage involving unstable Pd(OAc)₂(NHR₂)₂ intermediates. Using pyridine as base eliminated this dealkylation and resulted in the exclusive formation of LPd(py) complexes in high yields. In total, seven novel Pd^II ABP complexes were prepared, exhibiting distorted square-planar geometries with the asymmetric ligand moieties orientated towards the metal centre. The air- and moisture-stable LPd(py) complexes were successfully employed as catalysts in two types of C-C coupling reactions. The Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 4'-bromoacetophenone and phenylboronic acid reached high yields (up to 81%), while a scope of further alkyl bromides was also efficiently converted using low catalyst loadings (1 mol%) and mild temperatures (40 °C). Furthermore, a Pd-pyridine complex achieved high activity in the Mizoroki-Heck coupling of styrene and 4'-bromoacetophenone.

Synthesis, characterization and anticandidal activity of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of the type [MoO2{ON=C(CH3)Ar}2] and [MoO2{OC(R)CHC(R’)=NC6H5}2]

Interaction of [MoO₂(acac)₂] with internally functionalized oximes like HON=C(CH₃)Ar (Ar = C₄H₃S, C₄H₃O or C₅H₄N) and Schiff's Bases derived from β – diketones like HOC(R)CHC(R′)=NC₆H₅ (R = R’ = CH₃ or C₆H₅; R = CH₃ and R’ = C₆H₅) led to the formation of yellow dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of the type [MoO₂{ON=C(CH₃)Ar}₂] and [MoO₂{OC(R)CHC(R′)=NC₆H₅}₂]. Oximes were synthesized by green methodology. The newly synthesized complexes were characterized on basis of elemental analysis and various spectral findings.

Anticandidal activity of [MoO₂{ON=C(CH₃)C₆H₄N}₂] clearly reveals that the complex is biologically active against fungal diseases.

Lanthanum complexes containing a bis(phenolate) ligand with a ferrocene-1,1'-diyldithio backbone: synthesis, characterization, and ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide

Lanthanum complexes [(L)LaX] (X = N(SiMe3)2, O(i)Pr , BH4) supported by a ferrocene-based (OSSO)-type ligand LH2 were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. These complexes were highly active initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide (rac-LA). The activity depended on the initiating group in the order of ≈ > . The activities of and during polymerization were controlled in situ with external redox reagents by reversibly switching the oxidation state of the iron center.

Oxygen atom transfer between DMSO and benzoin catalyzed by cis-dioxidomolybdenum(vi) complexes of tetradentate Mannich bases

Dioxidomolybdenum(vi) complexes of tetradentate ONNO donor Mannich base ligands for the catalytic oxygen atom transfer between benzoin and DMSO are reported.

Roles of phenol groups and auxiliary ligand of copper(ii) complexes with tetradentate ligands in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Mimics structurally assembled to form the metal center of GOase. The phenol group(s) and substituent (R) and the auxiliary ligand (L) of the mimics significantly affect catalysis during the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

Synthesis, characterization and oxygen atom transfer reactivity of a pair of Mo(iv)O- and Mo(vi)O2-enedithiolate complexes – a look at both ends of the catalytic transformation

A novel pair of mono-oxo and di-oxo bis-dithiolene molybdenum complexes were synthesized, characterized and catalytically investigated as models for a molybdenum dependent oxidoreductase.

Syntheses and catalytic oxotransfer activities of oxo molybdenum(vi) complexes of a new aminoalcohol phenolate ligand

A novel trimeric complex [{MoO₂(L)}₃] (L = tridentate aminoalcohol phenolate ligand) produces monomeric solvent adducts [MoO₂(L)(solv)] in coordinating solvents. All complexes have been investigated as catalysts in oxotransfer reactions.

Luminescent Tungsten(VI) Complexes: Photophysics and Applicability to Organic Light-Emitting Diodes and Photocatalysis

The synthesis, excited-state dynamics, and applications of two series of air-stable luminescent tungsten(VI) complexes are described. These tungsten(VI) complexes show phosphorescence in the solid state and in solutions with emission quantum yields up to 22 % in thin film (5 % in mCP) at room temperature. Complex 2 c, containing a 5,7-diphenyl-8-hydroxyquinolinate ligand, displays prompt fluorescence (blue-green) and phosphorescence (red) of comparable intensity, which could be used for ratiometric luminescent sensing. Solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on 1 d showed a stable yellow emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) and luminance up to 4.79 % and 1400 cd m^-2 respectively. These tungsten(VI) complexes were also applied in light-induced aerobic oxidation reactions.

Synthesis of a highly reactive form of WO2Cl2, its conversion into nanocrystalline mono-hydrated WO3 and coordination compounds with tetramethylurea

A new form of WO₂Cl₂ was prepared from WCl₆. Conversion of WO₂Cl₂ into nanocrystalline WO₃·H₂O occurred upon air exposure at room temperature. The first coordination complexes of WO₂Cl₂ with an alkylurea are reported.

Oxidovanadium(iv), oxidomolybdenum(vi) and cobalt(iii) complexes of o-phenylenediamine derivatives: oxidative dehydrogenation and photoluminescence

Oxidovanadium(iv), cis-dioxidomolybdenum(vi) amide complexes and cobalt(iii) imine complex of an o-phenylenediamine derivatives are reported.

4,4',6,6'-Tetra-tert-butyl-2,2'-[1,3-diazinane-1,3-diylbis(methyl-ene)]diphenol 0.25-hydrate

The title compound, C₃₄H₅₄N₂O₂·0.25H₂O, the organic mol­ecule, a potential tetra­dentate ligand with a bulky phenolic donor, has overall mirror symmetry. A partially occupied water mol­ecule of solvation is present in the lattice. The six-membered 1,3-diazinane ring displays a chair conformation. An intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond ocurs. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O inter­actions.