Capturing fleeting intermediates in a catalytic C-H amination reaction cycle

Predicting and Probing the Local Temperature Rise Around Plasmonic Core-Shell Nanoparticles to Study Thermally Activated Processes

Ultrafast spectroscopy can be used to study dynamic processes on femtosecond to nanosecond timescales, but is typically used for photoinduced processes. Several materials can induce ultrafast temperature rises upon absorption of femtosecond laser pulses, in principle allowing to study thermally activated processes, such as (catalytic) reactions, phase transitions, and conformational changes. Gold-silica core-shell nanoparticles are particularly interesting for this, as they can be used in a wide range of media and are chemically inert. Here we computationally model the temporal and spatial temperature profiles of gold nanoparticles with and without silica shell in liquid and gas media. Fast rises in temperature within tens of picoseconds are always observed. This is fast enough to study many of the aforementioned processes. We also validate our results experimentally using a poly(urethane-urea) exhibiting a temperature-dependent hydrogen bonding network, which shows local temperatures above 90 °C are reached on this timescale. Moreover, this experiment shows the hydrogen bond breaking in such polymers occurs within tens of picoseconds.

Catalyst-Controlled Intermolecular Homobenzylic C(sp3)-H Amination for the Synthesis of β-Arylethylamines

The combination of a tailored sulfamate with a C4-symmetrical rhodium(II) tetracarboxylate allows to uncover a selective intermolecular amination of unactivated homobenzylic C(sp3)-H bonds. The reaction has a broad scope (>30 examples) and proceeds with a high level of regioselectivity with homobenzylic/benzylic ratio of up to 35:1, thereby providing a direct access to β-arylethylamines that are of utmost interest in medicinal chemistry. Computational investigations evidenced a concerted mechanism, involving an asynchronous transition state. Based on a combined activation strain model and energy decomposition analysis, the regioselectivity of the reaction was found to rely mainly on the degree of orbital interaction between the [Rh2]-nitrene and the C-H bond. The latter is facilitated at the homobenzylic position due to the establishment of specific noncovalent interactions within the catalytic pocket.

Development of Nonclassical Photoprecursors for Rh2 Nitrenes

Characterization of reactive intermediates in C-H functionalization is challenging due to the fleeting lifetimes of these species. Synthetic photochemistry provides a strategy to generate post-turnover-limiting-step intermediates in catalysis under cryogenic conditions that enable characterization. We have a long-standing interest in the structure and reactivity of Rh2 nitrene intermediates, which are implicated as transient intermediates in Rh2-catalyzed C-H amination. Previously, we demonstrated that Rh2 complexes bearing organic azide ligands can serve as solid-state and in crystallo photoprecursors in the synthesis of transient Rh2 nitrenoids. Complementary solution-phase experiments have not been available due to the weak binding of most organic azides to Rh2 complexes. Furthermore, the volatility of the N2 that is evolved during in crystallo nitrene synthesis from these precursors has prevented the in crystallo observation of C-H functionalization from lattice-confined nitrenes. Motivated by these challenges, here we describe the synthesis and photochemistry of nonclassical nitrene precursors based on sulfilimine ligands. Sulfilimines bind to Rh2 carboxylate complexes more tightly than the corresponding azides, which has enabled the full solid-state and solution-phase characterization of these new complexes. The higher binding affinity of sulfilimine ligands as compared with organic azides has enabled both solution-phase and solid-state nitrene photochemistry. Cryogenic photochemical studies of Rh2 sulfilimine complexes confined within polystyrene thin films demonstrate that sulfilimine photochemistry can be accomplished at low temperature but that C-H amination is rapid at temperatures compatible with N═S photoactivation. The potential of these structures to serve as platforms for multistep in crystallo cascades is discussed.

Mechanistic snapshots of rhodium-catalyzed acylnitrene transfer reactions

Rhodium acylnitrene complexes are widely implicated in catalytic C-H amidation reactions but have eluded isolation and structural characterization. To overcome this challenge, we designed a chromophoric octahedral rhodium complex with a bidentate dioxazolone ligand, in which photoinduced metal-to-ligand charge transfer initiates catalytic C-H amidation. X-ray photocrystallographic analysis of the Rh-dioxazolone complex allowed structural elucidation of the targeted Rh-acylnitrenoid and provided firm evidence that the singlet nitrenoid species is primarily responsible for acylamino transfer reactions. We also monitored in crystallo reaction of a nucleophile with the in situ generated Rh-acylnitrenoid, providing a crystallographically traceable reaction system to capture mechanistic snapshots of nitrenoid transfer.

Green synthesis of naphthyl derivative as an optical sensor for the detection of l-carnitine in food samples

An economical and green approach to the synthesis of naphthyl derivative for detection of l-carnitine (3-hydroxy-4-N-trimethyl-aminobutyrate) is practically important. We developed a naphthyl derivative as a probe showing 'turn-on' response towards l-carnitine selectively at pH 7.2 through ICT mechanism with a good limit of detection (LOD) of 0.126 μM. Using Job's plot for determining the binding stoichiometry, it was found that probe could form a more stable complex (1:1) with carnitine. The binding constant (K) between probe and carnitine was calculated as 8 × 10⁷  M^-1 using the Benesi-Hildebrand plot. The binding interaction of the probe with l-carnitine was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance titrations, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photo physical studies and density functional theory calculations. Meanwhile, the probe can be used to quantitatively detect carnitine in food samples.

Elucidating the Correlation between ORR Polarization Curves and Kinetics at Metal-Electrolyte Interfaces

The metal-vacuum models used to analyze the thermodynamics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) completely overlook the role of electrolytes in the electrochemical process and thus cannot reflect the actual kinetic process occurring at the metal-electrolyte interface. Therefore, based on the real experimental process, the current work elucidates the chemical interactions between the electrolyte and the chemical species for the ORR via a novel metal-electrolyte model for the first time by effectively elucidating the correlation between ORR kinetics and polarization curves. Our simulation model analysis comprises the study of all possible ORR mechanisms on different Pt surfaces (Pt(111), Pt(110), and Pt(100)) and PtNi alloys with different compositions (Pt₃Ni(111), Pt₂Ni₂(111), and PtNi₃(111)). The obtained results demonstrate that the hydrogenation of adsorbed oxygen to form adsorbed hydroxyl (R8), whose immense control weight is reflected by a coverage of adsorbed oxygen (θ_O*) of about 1, is the rate-determining step (RDS) in the four-electron-dominated ORR process. A direct correlation has been established by the great fitting of polarization curves from theoretical ORR kinetics obtained via both the metal-electrolyte model and experimental measurement. This study reveals that among the different Pt surfaces and PtNi alloys, Pt₃Ni(111) exhibits the highest ORR activity with the lowest free energy barrier of E_a (0.74 eV), the smallest value of |ΔG_O* - 2.46| (0.80 eV), the highest reaction rate r (9.98 × 10⁵ s^-1 per site), and a more positive half-wave potential U_1/2 (0.93 V). In contrast to previous model studies, this work provides a more accurate theoretical system for catalyst screening, which will help researchers to better understand the experimental phenomena and will be a guiding piece of work for catalyst design and development.

CHEMICAL REACTION MONITORING BY AMBIENT MASS SPECTROMETRY

Chemical reactions conducted in different media (liquid phase, gas phase, or surface) drive developments of versatile techniques for the detection of intermediates and prediction of reasonable reaction pathways. Without sample pretreatment, ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) has been applied to obtain structural information of reactive molecules that differ in polarity and molecular weight. Commercial ion sources (e.g., electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, and direct analysis in real-time) have been reported to monitor substrates and products by offline reaction examination. While the interception or characterization of reactive intermediates with short lifetime are still limited by the offline modes. Notably, online ionization technologies, with high tolerance to salt, buffer, and pH, can achieve direct sampling and ionization of on-going reactions conducted in different media (e.g., liquid phase, gas phase, or surface). Therefore, short-lived intermediates could be captured at unprecedented timescales, and the reaction dynamics could be studied for mechanism examinations without sample pretreatments. In this review, via various AMS methods, chemical reaction monitoring and mechanism elucidation for different classifications of reactions have been reviewed. The developments and advances of common ionization methods for offline reaction monitoring will also be highlighted.

Rh2(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular N-Aryl Aziridination of Olefins Using Nonactivated N Atom Precursors

The development of the first intermolecular Rh₂(II)-catalyzed aziridination of olefins using anilines as nonactivated N atom precursors and an iodine(III) reagent as the stoichiometric oxidant is reported. This reaction requires the transfer of an N-aryl nitrene fragment from the iminoiodinane intermediate to a Rh₂(II) carboxylate catalyst; in the absence of a catalyst only diaryldiazene formation was observed. This N-aryl aziridination is general and can be successfully realized by using as little as 1 equiv of the olefin. Di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted cyclic or acylic olefins can be employed as substrates, and a range of aniline and heteroarylamine N atom precursors are tolerated. The Rh₂(II)-catalyzed N atom transfer to the olefin is stereospecific as well as chemo- and diastereoselective to produce the N-aryl aziridine as the only amination product. Because the chemistry of nonactivated N-aryl aziridines is underexplored, the reactivity of N-aryl aziridines was explored toward a range of nucleophiles to stereoselectively access privileged 1,2-stereodiads unavailable from epoxides, and removal of the N-2,4-dinitrophenyl group was demonstrated to show that functionalized primary amines can be constructed.

High-Throughput Nano-Electrostatic-Spray Ionization/Photoreaction Mass Spectrometric Platform for the Discovery of Visible-Light-Activated Photocatalytic Reactions in the Picomole Scale

Visible-light-activated photocatalysis has emerged as a green and powerful tool for the synthesis of various organic compounds under mild conditions. However, the expeditious discovery of novel photocatalysts and synthetic pathways remains challenging. Here, we developed a bifunctional platform that enabled the high-throughput discovery and optimization of new photochemical reactions down to the picomole scale. This platform was designed based on a contactless nano-electrostatic-spray ionization technique, which allows synchronized photoreactions and high-throughput in situ mass spectrometric analysis with a near-100% duty cycle. Using this platform, we realized the rapid screening of photocatalytic reactions in ambient conditions with a high speed of less than 1.5 min/reaction using picomolar materials. The versatility was validated by multiple visible-light-induced photocatalytic reactions, especially the discovery of aerobic C-H thiolation with low-cost organic photocatalysts without any other additives. This study provided a new paradigm for the integration of ambient ionization techniques and new insights into photocatalytic reaction screening, which will have broad applications in the development of new visible-light-promoted reactions.

Innovation of hypervalent(iii) iodine in the synthesis of natural products

The focus article discusses the innovation of hypervalent(iii) iodine regarding skeletal rearrangement, cycloaddition and cyclization, and sp³ C–H functionalization in natural product synthesis.

Accelerated Reaction Kinetics in Microdroplets: Overview and Recent Developments

Various organic reactions, including important synthetic reactions involving C-C, C-N, and C-O bond formation as well as reactions of biomolecules, are accelerated when the reagents are present in sprayed or levitated microdroplets or in thin films. The reaction rates increase by orders of magnitude with decreasing droplet size or film thickness. The effect is associated with reactions at the solution-air interface. A key factor is partial solvation of the reagents at the interface, which reduces the critical energy for reaction. This phenomenon is of intrinsic interest and potentially of practical value as a simple, rapid method of performing small-scale synthesis.

Mechanistic insights of Cu(ii)-mediated ortho-C-H amination of arenes by capturing fleeting intermediates and theoretical calculations

The capture of reactive intermediates empowers chemists to conjecture the detail of a chemical transformation. Here we explore the mechanism of a C-H amination by intercepting short-lived intermediates in real time using online mass spectrometry. Computational study unravels the favorable pathway of the proposed dual mechanism of the reaction.

Selective Synthesis in Microdroplets of 2-Phenyl-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione from Phenyl Hydrazine with Phthalic Anhydride or Phthalic Acid

Pyridazine derivatives are privileged structures because of their potential biological and optical properties. Traditional synthetic methods usually require acid or base as a catalyst under reflux conditions with reaction times ranging from hours to a few days or require microwave assistance to induce the reaction. Herein, this work presents the accelerated synthesis of a pyridazine derivative, 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione (PDHP), in electrosprayed microdroplets containing an equimolar mixture of phenyl hydrazine and phthalic anhydride or phthalic acid. This reaction occurred on the submillisecond timescale with good yield (over 90 % with the choice of solvent) without using an external catalyst at room temperature. In sharp contrast to the bulk reaction of obtaining a mixture of two products, the reaction in confined microdroplets yields only the important six-membered heterocyclic product PDHP. Results indicated that surface reactions in microdroplets with low pH values cause selectivity, acceleration, and high yields.

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed C-H aminations using N-mesyloxycarbamates: reaction pathway and by-product formation

DFT study to elucidate the mechanism of Rh-catalyzed C–H aminations with N-mesyloxycarbamates and the pathway by which by-products formed.

N-Mesyloxycarbamates are practical nitrene precursors that undergo C–H amination reactions in the presence of rhodium dimer catalysts. Under these conditions, both oxazolidinones and chiral amines have been prepared in a highly efficient manner. Given the elevated reactivity of the intermediates involved in the catalytic cycle, mechanistic details have remained hypothetical, relying on indirect experiments. Herein a density functional theory (DFT) study is presented to validate the catalytic cycle of the rhodium-catalyzed C–H amination with N-mesyloxycarbamates. A concerted pathway involving Rh–nitrene species that undergoes C–H insertion is found to be favored over a stepwise C–N bond formation manifold. Density functional calculations and kinetic studies suggest that the rate-limiting step is the C–H insertion process rather than the formation of Rh–nitrene species. In addition, these studies provide mechanistic details about competitive by-product formation, resulting from an intermolecular reaction between the Rh–nitrene species and the N-mesyloxycarbamate anion.

Organic Reactions in Microdroplets: Reaction Acceleration Revealed by Mass Spectrometry

The striking finding that reaction acceleration occurs in confined-volume solutions sets up an apparent conundrum: Microdroplets formed by spray ionization can be used to monitor the course of bulk-phase reactions and also to accelerate reactions between the reagents in such a reaction. This Minireview introduces droplet and thin-film acceleration phenomena and summarizes recent methods applied to study accelerated reactions in confined-volume, high-surface-area solutions. Conditions that dictate either simple monitoring or acceleration are reconciled in the occurrence of discontinuous and complete desolvation as the endpoint of droplet evolution. The contrasting features of microdroplet and bulk-solution reactions are described together with possible mechanisms that drive reaction acceleration in microdroplets. Current applications of droplet microreactors are noted as is reaction acceleration in confined volumes and possible future scale-up.

Reaction screening and optimization of continuous-flow atropine synthesis by preparative electrospray mass spectrometry

Preparative electrospray (ES) exploits the acceleration of reactions in charged microdroplets to perform a small scale chemical synthesis. In combination with on-line mass spectrometric (MS) analysis, it constitutes a rapid screening tool to select reagents to generate specific products. A successful reaction in preparative ES triggers a refined microfluidic reaction screening procedure which includes the optimization for stoichiometry, temperature and residence time. We apply this combined approach for refining a flow synthesis of atropine. A successful preparative ES pathway for the synthesis of the phenylacetyl ester intermediate, using tropine/HCl/phenylacetyl chloride, was optimized for solvent in both the preparative ES and microfluidics flow systems and a base screening was conducted by both methods to increase atropine yield, increase percentage conversion and reduce byproducts. In preparative ES, the first step yielded 55% conversion (judged using MS) to intermediate and the second step yielded 47% conversion to atropine. When combined in two discrete steps in continuous-flow microfluidics, a 44% conversion of the starting material and a 30% actual yield of atropine were achieved. When the reactions were continuously telescoped in a new form of preparative reactive extractive electrospray (EES), atropine was synthesized with a 24% conversion. The corresponding continuous-flow microfluidics experiment gave a 55% conversion with an average of 34% yield in 8 min residence time. This is the first in depth study to utilize telescoped preparative ES and the first use of dual ESI emitters for multistep synthesis.

Can all bulk-phase reactions be accelerated in microdroplets?

Recent studies have shown that microdroplet reactions are markedly accelerated compared to the corresponding bulk-phase reactions. This raises the question whether all reactions can be sped up by this means. We present a counter example, and we show that the reaction mechanism in microdroplets can differ sharply from that in bulk, especially because of the distinct microdroplet surface environment. This analysis helps to guide us how to choose and control reactions in microdroplets and provides a possible perspective on utilizing microdroplet chemistry to scale up synthesis.

Detection of a transient FeV(O)(OH) species involved in olefin oxidation by a bio-inspired non-haem iron catalyst

Here we provide direct evidence for the formation of an Fe^V(O)(OH) species in non-haem iron catalysis using ambient mass spectrometry.

Collective Approach to Advancing C-H Functionalization

C-H functionalization is a very active research field that has attracted the interest of scientists from many disciplines. This Outlook describes the collaborative efforts within the NSF CCI Center for Selective C-H Functionalization (CCHF) to develop catalyst-controlled selective methods to enhance the synthetic potential of C-H functionalization.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Amination: Scope, Mechanism, and Applications

Catalytic transformation of ubiquitous C-H bonds into valuable C-N bonds offers an efficient synthetic approach to construct N-functionalized molecules. Over the last few decades, transition metal catalysis has been repeatedly proven to be a powerful tool for the direct conversion of cheap hydrocarbons to synthetically versatile amino-containing compounds. This Review comprehensively highlights recent advances in intra- and intermolecular C-H amination reactions utilizing late transition metal-based catalysts. Initial discovery, mechanistic study, and additional applications were categorized on the basis of the mechanistic scaffolds and types of reactions. Reactivity and selectivity of novel systems are discussed in three sections, with each being defined by a proposed working mode.

Unravelling the mysteries of sub-second biochemical processes using time-resolved mass spectrometry

Many important chemical and biochemical phenomena proceed on sub-second time scales.

Transition metal-catalyzed iodine(iii)-mediated nitrene transfer reactions: efficient tools for challenging syntheses

The main synthetic applications of catalytic C(sp³)–H amination and alkene aziridination reactions are discussed in the context of natural product synthesis. The examples highlight that these synthetic methods now firmly belong in the organic chemist's toolbox.

Catalytic C–H amination at its limits: challenges and solutions

Pushing C–H amination to its limits fosters innovative synthetic solutions and offers a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism and scope.

Ambient ionization and miniature mass spectrometry system for chemical and biological analysis

Ambien ionization and miniaturization of mass spectrometers are two fields in mass spectrometry that have advanced significantly in the last decade. The integration of the techniques developed in these two fields is leading to the development of complete miniature analytical systems that can be used for on-site or point-of-care analysis by non-expert users. In this review, we report the current status of development in ambient ionization and miniature mass spectrometers, with an emphasis on those techniques with potential impact on the point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. The challenges in the future development of the integrated systems are discussed with possible solutions presented.

Redox Non-Innocent Behavior of a Terminal Iridium Hydrazido(2-) Triple Bond

The synthesis of the first terminal Group 9 hydrazido(2-) complex, Cp*IrN(TMP) (6) (TMP=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) is reported. Electronic structure and X-ray diffraction analysis indicate that this complex contains an Ir-N triple bond, similar to Bergman's seminal Cp*Ir(Nt Bu) imido complex. However, in sharp contrast to Bergman's imido, 6 displays remarkable redox non-innocent reactivity owing to the presence of the Nβ lone pair. Treatment of 6 with MeI results in electron transfer from Nβ to Ir prior to oxidative addition of MeI to the iridium center. This behavior opens the possibility of carrying out facile oxidative reactions at a formally IrIII metal center through a hydrazido(2-)/isodiazene valence tautomerization.

Accelerated hydrazone formation in charged microdroplets

RATIONALE

Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is an emerging tool for reaction monitoring. It can be accompanied by reaction acceleration in charged droplets.

METHODS

The time course of the bulk reaction of indoline-2,3-dione with phenylhydrazine in methanol to produce 3-(2- phenylhydrazono)indolin-2-one was monitored by ESI. Both nanoESI and electrosonic spray ionization (ESSI) were used for this study as representing two common forms of ionization for reaction monitoring. The effect on product yield of the distance the droplets travel between the source and the MS inlet was varied and product/starting material ratios were examined.

RESULTS

Product yield is dramatically increased by increasing the distance. At short distances reaction monitoring can be performed without acceleration and at greater distances reaction acceleration occurs. This distance effect over the course of the reaction roughly parallels the time dependence of the bulk-phase reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Reaction acceleration in droplets is attributed to solvent evaporation leading to increased surface to volume ratios. An acceleration factor of 10(4) , measured relative to the bulk reaction at short times, is readily achieved by simply increasing the droplet distance of flight showing that the same ionization source can be used to monitor reactions with or without acceleration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development and Applications of Liquid Sample Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a recent advance in the field of analytical chemistry. This review surveys the development of liquid sample DESI-MS (LS-DESI-MS), a variant form of DESI-MS that focuses on fast analysis of liquid samples, and its novel analy-tical applications in bioanalysis, proteomics, and reaction kinetics. Due to the capability of directly ionizing liquid samples, liquid sample DESI (LS-DESI) has been successfully used to couple MS with various analytical techniques, such as microfluidics, microextraction, electrochemistry, and chromatography. This review also covers these hyphenated techniques. In addition, several closely related ionization methods, including transmission mode DESI, thermally assisted DESI, and continuous flow-extractive DESI, are briefly discussed. The capabilities of LS-DESI extend and/or complement the utilities of traditional DESI and electrospray ionization and will find extensive and valuable analytical application in the future.

Rh2(II,III) Catalysts with Chelating Carboxylate and Carboxamidate Supports: Electronic Structure and Nitrene Transfer Reactivity

Dirhodium-catalyzed C-H amination is hypothesized to proceed via Rh2-nitrene intermediates in either the Rh2(II,II) or Rh2(II,III) redox state. Herein, we report joint theoretical and experimental studies of the ground electronic state (GES), redox potentials, and C-H amination of [Rh2(II,III)(O2CCH3)4(L)n](+) (1_L) (L = none, Cl(-), and H2O), [Rh2(esp)2](+) (2), and Rh2(espn)2Cl (3) (esp = α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropanoate and espn = α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropanamidate). CASSCF calculations on 1_L yield a wave function with two closely weighted configurations, (δ*)(2)(π1*)(2)(π2*)(1) and (δ*)(2)(π1*)(1)(π2*)(2), consistent with reported EPR g values [Chem. Phys. Lett. 1986, 130, 20-23]. In contrast, EPR spectra of 2 show g values consistent with the DFT-computed (π*)(4)(δ*)(1) GES. EPR spectra and Cl K-edge XAS for 3 are consistent with a (π*)(4)(δ*)(1) GES, as supported by DFT. Nitrene intermediates 2N_L and 3N_L are also examined by DFT (the nitrene is an NSO3R species). DFT calculations suggest a doublet GES for 2N_L and a quartet GES for 3N_L. CASSCF calculations describe the GES of 2N as Rh2(II,II) with a coordinated nitrene radical cation, (π*)(4)(δ*)(2)(π(nitrene,1))(1)(π(nitrene,2))(0). Conversely, the GES of 3N is Rh2(II,III) with a coordinated triplet nitrene, (π*)(4)(δ*)(1)(π(nitrene,1))(1)(π(nitrene,2))(1). Quartet transition states ((4)TSs) are found to react via a stepwise radical mechanism, whereas (2)TSs are found to react via a concerted mechanism that is lower in energy compared to (4)TSs for both 2N_L and 3N_L. The experimental (determined by intramolecular competition) and (2)TS-calculated kinetic isotopic effect (KIE) shows a KIE ∼ 3 for both 2N and 3N, which is consistent with a concerted mechanism.

Accurate quantification of creatinine in serum by coupling a measurement standard to extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Ambient ionization (AI) techniques have been widely used in chemistry, medicine, material science, environmental science, forensic science. AI takes advantage of direct desorption/ionization of chemicals in raw samples under ambient environmental conditions with minimal or no sample preparation. However, its quantitative accuracy is restricted by matrix effects during the ionization process. To improve the quantitative accuracy of AI, a matrix reference material, which is a particular form of measurement standard, was coupled to an AI technique in this study. Consequently the analyte concentration in a complex matrix can be easily quantified with high accuracy. As a demonstration, this novel method was applied for the accurate quantification of creatinine in serum by using extractive electrospray ionization (EESI) mass spectrometry. Over the concentration range investigated (0.166 ~ 1.617 μg/mL), a calibration curve was obtained with a satisfactory linearity (R² = 0.994), and acceptable relative standard deviations (RSD) of 4.6 ~ 8.0% (n = 6). Finally, the creatinine concentration value of a serum sample was determined to be 36.18 ± 1.08 μg/mL, which is in excellent agreement with the certified value of 35.16 ± 0.39 μg/mL.

The medicinal chemist's toolbox for late stage functionalization of drug-like molecules

The advent of modern C–H functionalization chemistries has enabled medicinal chemists to consider a synthetic strategy, late stage functionalization (LSF), which utilizes the C–H bonds of drug leads as points of diversification for generating new analogs.

Homolytic N-H activation of ammonia: hydrogen transfer of parent iridium ammine, amide, imide, and nitride species

The redox series [Ir(n)(NHx)(PNP)] (n = II-IV, x = 3-0; PNP = N(CHCHPtBu2)2) was examined with respect to electron, proton, and hydrogen atom transfer steps. The experimental and computational results suggest that the Ir(III) imido species [Ir(NH)(PNP)] is not stable but undergoes disproportionation to the respective Ir(II) amido and Ir(IV) nitrido species. N-H bond strengths are estimated upon reaction with hydrogen atom transfer reagents to rationalize this observation and are used to discuss the reactivity of these compounds toward E-H bond activation.