Effective stabilization of a planar phosphorus(iii) center embedded in a porphyrin-based fused aromatic skeleton

Pyrrole βC-B-N Fused Porphyrins: Molecular Structures and Opto-Electrochemical Studies

Herein, we report the design, synthesis, structure, and electrochemical study of doubly βC-B-N fused Ni(II) porphyrins (1-trans, 1-cis, 2-trans, and 2-cis). These compounds have been synthesized from A2B2 type dipyridyl Ni(II) porphyrins (Ar=Ph for 1 a; Ar=C6F5 for 2 a) via Lewis base-directed electrophilic aromatic borylation reactions. The solution state structures of these compounds have been established using 1H NMR, 11B NMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, and 19F-13C HSQC NMR techniques. Single crystal X-ray analysis have revealed that 1-trans, 1-cis, and 2-trans adopt ruffled conformations, with alternate meso-carbons on the opposite sides of the mean porphyrin plane. The Soret bands in the absorption spectra of the B-N fused molecules are ~40 nm redshifted compared to unfused Ni(II) porphyrin precursors. The B-N fusion have diminished the redox potential of fused porphyrins. Although 1-trans and 1-cis, show four oxidation processes, 2-trans and 2-cis show only three oxidation processes. DFT studies have revealed that the tetrahedral geometry of the boron has induced a twist in the π-conjugation, which destabilizes the HOMO and stabilizes the LUMO in 1-trans, 1-cis, 2-trans, and 2-cis.

Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of π-Extended Phosphindolizine Derivatives

Dibenzo[b,g]phosphindolizine oxide and three types of benzo[e]naphthophosphindolizine oxides have been synthesized by the ring-closing metathesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxide and naphthophosphole oxides with two olefin tethers. Their molecular structures and properties were revealed by X-ray crystallographic analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. The number and position of the benzene rings were found to alter the structural geometry and the HOMO/LUMO energy levels, and their effects were investigated by theoretical calculations. Among the phosphindolizine oxide derivatives investigated, only benzo[e]naphtho[2,3-b]phosphindolizine oxide with the naphthalene ring fused at 2,3-positions showed weak yellow fluorescence with a large Stokes shift.

Direct [4 + 2] Cycloaddition to Isoquinoline-Fused Porphyrins for Near-Infrared Photodynamic Anticancer Agents

The synthesis of efficient porphyrin-based photosensitizers with intense near-infrared (NIR) absorption is in high demand for photodynamic therapy (PDT) but remains a challenging task. Herein we show the construction of a type of isoquinoline-fused porphyrins 3 and 4 with an impressive NIR-absorbing capacity. In light of the extraordinary singlet oxygen generation capabilities of 3 upon NIR irradiation, the representative nanoparticles (3a-NPs) assembled show excellent tumoricidal behavior with good biocompatibility in the phototherapeutic window (650-850 nm).

Recent Advances in Heterocyclic Nanographenes and Other Polycyclic Heteroaromatic Compounds

This review surveys recent progress in the chemistry of polycyclic heteroaromatic molecules with a focus on structural diversity and synthetic methodology. The article covers literature published during the period of 2016-2020, providing an update to our first review of this topic (Chem. Rev. 2017, 117 (4), 3479-3716).

Di(hydroperoxy)adamantane adducts: synthesis, characterization and application as oxidizers for the direct esterification of aldehydes

The di(hydroperoxy)adamantane adducts of water (1) and phosphine oxides p-Tol₃PO·(HOO)₂C(C₉H₁₄) (2), o-Tol₃PO·(HOO)₂C(C₉H₁₄) (3), and Cy₃PO·(HOO)₂C(C₉H₁₄) (4), as well as a CH₂Cl₂ adduct of a phosphole oxide dimer (8), have been created and investigated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and by Raman and IR spectroscopy. The single crystal X-ray structures for 1-4 and 8 are reported. The IR and ³¹P NMR data are in accordance with strong hydrogen bonding of the di(hydroperoxy)adamantane adducts. The Raman ν(O-O) stretching bands of 1-4 prove that the peroxo groups are present in the solids. Selected di(hydroperoxy)alkane adducts, in combination with AlCl₃ as catalyst, have been applied for the direct oxidative esterification of n-nonyl aldehyde, benzaldehyde, p-methylbenzaldehyde, p-bromobenzaldehyde, and o-hydroxybenzaldehyde to the corresponding methyl esters. The esterification takes place in an inert atmosphere, under anhydrous and oxygen-free conditions, within a time frame of 45 minutes to 5 hours at room temperature. Hereby, two oxygen atoms per adduct assembly are active with respect to the quantitative transformation of the aldehyde into the ester.

Frustrated Lewis-Pair Neighbors at the Xanthene Framework: Epimerization at Phosphorus and Cooperative Formation of Macrocyclic Adduct Structures

Attachment of a pair of P-stereogenic mesityl(alkynyl)phosphanyl groups at the 4- and 5-positions of a 9,9-dimethylxanthene framework gave mixtures of the respective rac- and meso-bisphosphanyl diastereoisomers. They slowly epimerized in a thermally induced reaction with Gibbs activation barriers of about 25 kcal mol^-1 at room temperature (measured and DFT calculated). The reaction of the meso-mesityl(tert-butylethynyl)phosphanyl derivative with two molar equivalents of Piers' borane [HB(C₆ F₅ )₂ ] led to the formation of the alkylidene-bridged geminal bisphosphane/borane-frustrated Lewis pair system. The compound was obtained enriched (>85 %) in the rac diastereoisomer. With a variety of bifunctional donor substrates, the rac-bis-P/B FLP formed macrocyclic compounds. They were all formally derived from meso-configurated diastereoisomers of the bisphosphanylxanthene backbone.

Efficient Intramolecular Charge-Transfer Fluorophores Based on Substituted Triphenylphosphine Donors

Triphenylphosphine (TPP)-based luminescent compounds are rarely investigated because of the low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Here, we demonstrate that introducing steric hindrance groups to the TPP moiety and separating the orbitals involved in the transition can drastically suppress the non-radiative decay induced by structural distortion of TPP in the excited state. High PLQY up to 0.89 as well as thermally activated delayed fluorescence are observed from the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) molecules with substituted TPP donors (sTPPs) in doped films. The red organic light-emitting diodes employing these emitters achieve comparable external quantum efficiencies to the control device containing a classical phosphorescent dye, revealing the great potential of the ICT emitters based on electrochemically stable sTPPs.

Changes in porphyrin’s conjugation based on synthetic and post-synthetic modifications

Porphyrins or more broadly defined porphyrinoids are the structures where the extended π-cloud can be significantly modified by several factors. The broad range of introduced structural motifs has shown a possibility of modification of conjugation by a controlled synthetic approach, leading to expected optical or magnetic behaviour, and also by post-synthetic modifications (i.e. redox or protonation/deprotonation), Both approaches lead to noticeab changes in observed properties but also open a potential for further utilization. Thus, this already constituted big family of macrocyclic structures with specific highly extended π-delocalization shows a significant contribution in several fields from fundamental studies, leading to understanding behaviour of skeletons like that with a substantial influence on biological studies and material science. The presented material focuses on the most significant examples of modifications of porphyrinoids skeleton leading to drastic changes in optical response and magnetic properties. Through the presentation, the focus will be placed on the changes leading to the most red-shifted transition as the parameter indicating extending the π-delocalization. Significantly different magnetic character will be also discussed based on the switching between aromatic/antiaromatic character assigned to macrocyclic structures that will be included.

Effect of fused indanedione (IND) groups and antipodal β-substituents on electrochemical properties of unsymmetrical metalloporphyrins

The interacting effect of fused indanedione (IND) groups and antipodal Br [Formula: see text]-substituents on the electroreduction of free-base and transition metal tetraphenylporphyrins (TPPs) are elucidated through the use of cyclic voltammetry. A systematic study of the reduction potentials for mono- and di-fused derivatives of MTPP(IND)(R)2 and MTPP(IND)2(R)2 where R = Br or H and M = Cu[Formula: see text], Ni[Formula: see text], Zn[Formula: see text] or H2 is carried out in pyridine containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) as supporting electrolyte and demonstrates how the overall electrochemical properties of these compounds can be tuned by systematic changes in the number of meso-[Formula: see text]fused IND groups on the molecule and the presence or absence of electron-withdrawing Br [Formula: see text]-substituents. Under these solution conditions, two reversible one-electron reductions are seen for H2TPP, while three reversible reductions are obtained for H2TPP(IND) or H2TPP(IND)Br2 and four for H2TPP(IND)2Br2. Multiple reductions also occur for the other investigated mono- and di-fused metalloporphyrins. Plots of measured [Formula: see text] values for the two ring-centered reductions of compounds in a given series vs. the number of fused IND groups are linear and with slopes varying in magnitude between 15 and 230 mV/IND depending upon the product of the electron transfer (anion radical or dianion), the specific central metal ion and the presence or absence of Br substituents on the pyrrole ring opposite the fused IND group(s). It is anticipated that the information from this study can be used for predicting the reduction potentials for yet to be synthesized compounds where a specific redox reactivity is desired.

BODIPY-amino acid conjugates – tuning the optical response with a meso-heteroatom

The presence of a heteroatom at the meso-position of BODIPY significantly influences the π-cloud of the main chromophore, modifying the final optical properties.

Benchmarking the inversion barriers in σ3λ3-phosphorus compounds: a computational study

Benchmark study of three mechanisms for inversion at phosphorus, including parametric criteria for classification and analysis of factors affecting barriers.

An unusual [4 + 2] fusion strategy to forge meso-N/O-heteroarene-fused (quinoidal) porphyrins with intense near-infrared Q-bands

Divergent synthesis of meso-N/O-heteroarene-fused (quinoidal) porphyrins was established via rhodium-catalyzed β-C–H activation/annulation of quinoidal porphyrins with alkynes.

Here we present a divergent synthesis of brand-new types of meso-N/O-heteroarene-fused (quinoidal) porphyrins through Rh-catalyzed β-C–H activation/annulation of 5,15-dioxoporphyrins and dioxime derivatives with alkynes, in which the synthetic disconnections are difficult to access through the commonly used intramolecular cyclization strategy. Using the O-methyl oxime as a traceless oxidizing directing group, the meso-N-embedded pyridine-fused anti-quinoidal porphyrin 3 and pyridinium-fused cation 4 are formed with controllable chemoselectivity and complete anti-selectivity. Replacing the exocyclic oxime with a carbonyl group delivers the pyran-fused porphyrin 5, achieving structural conversion from a quinoidal conformation to a stable porphyrin macrocycle. Further oxidation of the expanded dimer 5ea gives the oxonium 6, which exhibits intense near-infrared (NIR) Q-bands up to 1300 nm. Theoretical studies demonstrate that the incorporation of a heteroatom at the meso-position enables more effective π-extension, resulting in a 22π aromatic (vs. 18π aromatic) character of pyran-fused porphyrins (syn/anti-5aa). Compared with the commercially available methylene blue (MB), syn-5al exhibits a better ability (Φ_Δ = 0.61) to sensitize singlet oxygen (¹O₂) when irradiated with a 680 nm laser beam, and has potential as a photodynamic therapy (PDT) photosensitizer in the body's therapeutic window (650–900 nm).

Organoboron Complexes in Edge-Sharing Macrocycles: The Triphyrin(2.1.1)-Tetraphyrin(1.1.1.1) Hybrid

The formation of a precisely designed environment predefined for stabilizing electron-deficient atoms, such as boron(III), is an important approach for optimizing the properties of a chromophore. A triphyrin(2.1.1) motif built on the extended π-system of a tetraphyrin(1.1.1.1) skeleton creates a new coordination environment, with a CNN set of donors confined in a limited space predefined for binding small cations. The entrapment of boron(III) in the triphyrin(2.1.1) sector, with formation of a direct B-C bond, significantly changes the optical response and the global aromatic character of the compound, leading to an extension of the π-delocalisation.

Dibenzo[b,e]phosphindolizines synthesized by a ring-closing metathesis of benzo[b]phospholes with two vinyl tethers

Dibenzo[b,e]phosphindolizines 1 were successfully synthesized by a ring-closing metathesis of benzo[b]phosphole chalcogenides 2a-2c with two vinyl tethers (for chalcogen analogs 1a-1c), and by a deselenization reaction (for lone-pair analog 1d). The structures, properties, and bowl inversion derived from a phosphorus atom were fully investigated.

On the formation of phosphorous polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons (PAPHs) in astrophysical environments

The formation of phosphorous-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAPHs) in astrophysical contexts is proposed and analyzed by means of computational methods [B3LYP-D3BJ/ma-def2-TZVPP, MP2-F12, CCSD-F12b and CCSD(T)-F12b levels of theory]. A "bottom-up" approach based on a radical-neutral reaction scheme between acetylene (C₂H₂) and the CP radical was used investigating: (a) the synthesis of the first PAPH (C₅H₅P) "phosphinine"; (b) PAPH growth by addition of C₂H₂ to the C₅H₄P radical; (c) PAPH synthesis by addition reactions of one CP radical and nC₂H₂ to a neutral PAH. Results show: (I) the formation of the phosphinine radical has a strong thermodynamic tendency (-133.3 kcal mol^-1) and kinetic barriers ≤5.4 kcal mol^-1; (II) PAPH growth by nC₂H₂ addition on the radical phosphinine easily and exothermically produces radicals (1a- or 1-phospha-naphtalenes with kinetic barriers ≤7.1 kcal mol^-1 and reaction free energies ≤-102.5 kcal mol^-1); (III) the addition of a single CP + nC₂H₂ to a neutral benzene generates a complex chemistry where the main product is 2-phospha-naphtalene; (IV) because of the CP radical character, its barrierless addition to a PAH produces a resonant stabilized PAPH, becoming excellent candidates for addition reactions with neutral or radical hydrocarbons and PAHs; (V) the same energy trend between all four levels of theory continues a well-calibrated computational protocol to analyze complex organic reactions with astrochemical interest using electronic structure theory.

A controlled blue-shift in meso-nitrogen aryl fused DIPY and BODIPY skeletons

An aryl-amine attached to the meso-position of the BODIPY skeleton quenches the fluorescence. The observed edge fusion creates a new heterocyclic subunit simultaneously increasing the efficiency of emission. The quantitative deprotonation of meso NH functionality leads to absorbance blue shift and increased emission quantum yield showing potential for formation of BODIPY based changeable chromophores.

A 1,5-Naphthyridine-Fused Porphyrin Dimer: Intense NIR Absorption and Facile Redox Interconversion with Its Reduced Congener

Pt^II -catalyzed cyclization of β-to-β ethynylene-bridged meso-amino Ni^II porphyrin dimer 4 followed by oxidation with PbO₂ afforded 1,5-naphthyridine-fused porphyrin dimer 5 in good yield. This dimer possesses a redox-active 1,4-diazabutadiene linkage that is interconvertible with its reduced 1,2-diaminoethene linkage upon treatments with NaBH₄ or PbO₂ . The dimer 5 exhibits an intense NIR absorption and a narrow HOMO-LUMO gap with a remarkably low reduction potential mainly due to effective bonding interactions in the LUMO through the 1,4-diazabutadiene linkage. In contrast, the reduced dimer 7 is fairly electron-rich with high HOMO energy and shows a relatively large HOMO-LUMO gap compared to that of 5.

Highlights on π-systems based on six-membered phosphorus heterocycles

Herein, we highlight relevant π-systems based on six-membered phosphorus heterocycles as well as their potential in bio- and optoelectronic applications.