No Transition Metals Required - Oxygen Promoted Synthesis of Imines from Primary Alcohols and Amines under Ambient Conditions

The synthesis of imines denotes a cornerstone in organic chemistry. The use of alcohols as renewable substituents for carbonyl-functionality represents an attractive opportunity. Consequently, carbonyl moieties can be in situ generated from alcohols upon transition-metal catalysis under inert atmosphere. Alternatively, bases can be utilized under aerobic conditions. In this context, we report the synthesis of imines from benzyl alcohols and anilines, promoted by KOt Bu under aerobic conditions at room temperature, in the absence of any transition-metal catalyst. A detailed investigation of the radical mechanism of the underlying reaction is presented. This reveals a complex reaction network fully supporting the experimental findings.

The Peroxymonocarbonate Anion HCO(4)(-) as an Effective Oxidant in the Gas Phase: A Mass Spectrometric and Theoretical Study on the Reaction with SO(2)

The peroxymonocarbonate anion, HCO₄^-, the covalent adduct between the carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide anion, effectively reacts with SO₂ in the gas phase following three oxidative routes. Mass spectrometric and electronic structure calculations show that sulphur dioxide is oxidised through a common intermediate to the hydrogen sulphate anion, sulphur trioxide, and sulphur trioxide anion as primary products through formal HO₂^-, oxygen atom, and oxygen ion transfers. The hydrogen sulphite anion is also formed as a secondary product from the oxygen atom transfer path. The uncommon nucleophilic behaviour of HCO₄^- is disclosed by the Lewis acidic properties of SO₂, an amphiphilic molecule that forms intermediates with characteristic and diagnostic geometries with peroxymonocarbonate.

Intracluster Sulphur Dioxide Oxidation by Sodium Chlorite Anions: A Mass Spectrometric Study

The reactivity of [NaL·ClO₂]⁻ cluster anions (L = ClO_x⁻; x = 0–3) with sulphur dioxide has been investigated in the gas phase by ion–molecule reaction experiments (IMR) performed in an in-house modified Ion Trap mass spectrometer (IT-MS). The kinetic analysis revealed that SO₂ is efficiently oxidised by oxygen-atom (OAT), oxygen-ion (OIT) and double oxygen transfer (DOT) reactions. The main difference from the previously investigated free reactive ClO₂⁻ is the occurrence of intracluster OIT and DOT processes, which are mediated by the different ligands of the chlorite anion. This gas-phase study highlights the importance of studying the intrinsic properties of simple reacting species, with the aim of elucidating the elementary steps of complex processes occurring in solution, such as the oxidation of sulphur dioxide.

Roles of the 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase Superfamily in the Flavonoid Pathway: A Review of the Functional Diversity of F3H, FNS I, FLS, and LDOX/ANS

The 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase (2-OGD) superfamily is one of the largest protein families in plants. The main oxidation reactions they catalyze in plants are hydroxylation, desaturation, demethylation, epimerization, and halogenation. Four members of the 2-OGD superfamily, i.e., flavonone 3β-hydroxylase (F3H), flavones synthase I (FNS I), flavonol synthase (FLS), and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS)/leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX), are present in the flavonoid pathway, catalyzing hydroxylation and desaturation reactions. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress on these proteins, from the discovery of their enzymatic activity, to their functional verification, to the analysis of the response they mediate in plants towards adversity. Substrate diversity analysis indicated that F3H, FNS Ⅰ, ANS/LDOX, and FLS perform their respective dominant functions in the flavonoid pathway, despite the presence of functional redundancy among them. The phylogenetic tree classified two types of FNS Ⅰ, one mainly performing FNS activity, and the other, a new type of FNS present in angiosperms, mainly involved in C-5 hydroxylation of SA. Additionally, a new class of LDOXs is highlighted, which can catalyze the conversion of (+)-catechin to cyanidin, further influencing the starter and extension unit composition of proanthocyanidins (PAs). The systematical description of the functional diversity and evolutionary relationship among these enzymes can facilitate the understanding of their impacts on plant metabolism. On the other hand, it provides molecular genetic evidence of the chemical evolution of flavonoids from lower to higher plants, promoting plant adaptation to harsh environments.

Low-Temperature H2 Reduction of Copper Oxide Subnanoparticles

Subnanoparticles (SNPs) with sizes of approximately 1 nm are attractive for enhancing the catalytic performance of transition metals and their oxides. Such SNPs are of particular interest as redox-active catalysts in selective oxidation reactions. However, the electronic states and oxophilicity of copper oxide SNPs are still a subject of debate in terms of their redox properties during oxidation reactions for hydrocarbons. In this work, in situ X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements of Cu₂₈ O_x SNPs, which were prepared by using a dendritic phenylazomethine template, during temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) with H₂ achieved lowering of the temperature (T₅₀ =138 °C) reported thus far for the Cu^II →Cu^I reduction reaction because of Cu-O bond elongation in the ultrasmall copper oxide particles.

Functionalized Hydroperoxide Formation from the Reaction of Methacrolein-Oxide, an Isoprene-Derived Criegee Intermediate, with Formic Acid: Experiment and Theory

Methacrolein oxide (MACR-oxide) is a four-carbon, resonance-stabilized Criegee intermediate produced from isoprene ozonolysis, yet its reactivity is not well understood. This study identifies the functionalized hydroperoxide species, 1-hydroperoxy-2-methylallyl formate (HPMAF), generated from the reaction of MACR-oxide with formic acid using multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry (MPIMS, 298 K = 25 °C, 10 torr = 13.3 hPa). Electronic structure calculations indicate the reaction proceeds via an energetically favorable 1,4-addition mechanism. The formation of HPMAF is observed by the rapid appearance of a fragment ion at m/z 99, consistent with the proposed mechanism and characteristic loss of HO2 upon photoionization of functional hydroperoxides. The identification of HPMAF is confirmed by comparison of the appearance energy of the fragment ion with theoretical predictions of its photoionization threshold. The results are compared to analogous studies on the reaction of formic acid with methyl vinyl ketone oxide (MVK-oxide), the other four-carbon Criegee intermediate in isoprene ozonolysis.

Oxidation with a "Stopover" - Stable Zwitterions as Intermediates in the Oxidation of α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Model Compounds to their Corresponding ortho-Quinone Methides

As a prominent member of the vitamin E group, α-tocopherol is an important lipophilic antioxidant. It has a special oxidation chemistry that involves phenoxyl radicals, quinones and quinone methides. During the oxidation to the ortho-quinone methide, an intermediary zwitterion is formed. This aromatic intermediate turns into the quinone methide by simply rotating the initially oxidized, exocyclic methyl group into the molecule's plane. This initial zwitterionic intermediate and the quinone methide are not resonance structures but individual species, whose distinct electronic structures are separated by a mere 90° bond rotation. In this work, we hindered this crucial rotation, by substituting the affected methyl group with alkyl or phenyl groups. The alkyl groups slowed down the conversion to the quinone methide by 18-times, while the phenyl substituents, which additionally stabilize the zwitterion electronically, completely halted the conversion to the quinone methide at -78 °C, allowing for the first time the direct observation of a tocopherol-derived zwitterion. Employing a 13 C-labeled model, the individual steps of the oxidation sequence could be observed directly by NMR, and the activation energy for the rotation could be estimated to be approximately 2.8 kcal/mol. Reaction rates were solvent dependent, with polar solvents exerting a stabilizing effect on the zwitterion. The observed effects confirmed the central relevance of the rotation step in the change from the aromatic to the quinoid state and allowed a more detailed examination of the oxidation behavior of tocopherol. The concept that a simple bond rotation can be used to switch between an aromatic and an anti-aromatic structure could find its use in molecular switches or molecular engines, driven by the specific absorption of external energy.

Reactivity and Controlled Redox Reactions of Salt-like Intermetallic Compounds in Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids

Substituted imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated for their reactivity towards Na₁₂Ge₁₇ as a model system containing redox‐sensitive Zintl cluster anions. The ILs proved widely inert for imidazolium cations with a 1,2,3‐trisubstitution at least by alkyl groups, and for the anion bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)azanide (TFSI). A minute conversion of Na₁₂Ge₁₇ observed on long‐time contact with such ILs was not caused by dissolution of the salt‐like compound, and did thus not provide dissolved Ge clusters. Rather, a cation exchange led to the transfer of Na⁺ ions into solution. In contrast, by using benzophenone as an oxidizer, heterogeneous redox reactions of Na₁₂Ge₁₇ were initiated, transferring a considerable part of Na⁺ into solution. At optimized conditions, an X‐ray amorphous product NaGe_6.25 was obtained, which was thermally convertible to the crystalline type‐II clathrate Na_24–δGe₁₃₆ with almost completely Na‐filled polyhedral cages, and α‐Ge. The presented method thus provides unexpected access to Na_24–δGe₁₃₆ in bulk quantities.

Spectroelectrochemical Properties and Catalytic Activity in Cyclohexane Oxidation of the Hybrid Zr/Hf-Phthalocyaninate-Capped Nickel(II) and Iron(II) tris-Pyridineoximates and Their Precursors

The in situ spectroelectrochemical cyclic voltammetric studies of the antimony-monocapped nickel(II) and iron(II) tris-pyridineoximates with a labile triethylantimony cross-linking group and Zr(IV)/Hf(IV) phthalocyaninate complexes were performed in order to understand the nature of the redox events in the molecules of heterodinuclear zirconium(IV) and hafnium(IV) phthalocyaninate-capped derivatives. Electronic structures of their 1e-oxidized and 1e-electron-reduced forms were experimentally studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and UV−vis−near-IR spectroelectrochemical experiments and supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The investigated hybrid molecular systems that combine a transition metal (pseudo)clathrochelate and a Zr/Hf-phthalocyaninate moiety exhibit quite rich redox activity both in the cathodic and in the anodic region. These binuclear compounds and their precursors were tested as potential catalysts in oxidation reactions of cyclohexane and the results are discussed.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Oxidative C-H Activation: Strategies and Concepts

Inexpensive cobalt-catalyzed oxidative C-H functionalization has emerged as a powerful tool for the construction of C-C and C-Het bonds, which offers unique potential for transformative applications to modern organic synthesis. In the early stage, these transformations typically required stoichiometric and toxic transition metals as sacrificial oxidants; thus, the formation of metal-containing waste was inevitable. In contrast, naturally abundant molecular O₂ has more recently been successfully employed as a green oxidant in cobalt catalysis, thus considerably improving the sustainability of such transformations. Recently, a significant momentum was gained by the use of electricity as a sustainable and environmentally benign redox reagent in cobalt-catalyzed C-H functionalization, thereby preventing the consumption of cost-intensive chemicals while at the same time addressing the considerable safety hazards related to the use of molecular oxygen in combination with flammable organic solvents. Considering the unparalleled potential of the aforementioned approaches for sustainable green synthesis, this Review summarizes the recent progress in cobalt-catalyzed oxidative C-H activation until early 2020.

A Cyanide-Free Synthesis of Acylcyanides through Ru-Catalyzed C(sp3)-H-Oxidation of Benzylic Nitriles

A practical method for generation of acylcyanides devoid of any external cyanide sources is presented that relies on a mild Ru‐catalyzed selective C−H‐oxidation of benzylic nitriles. The starting materials are smoothly generated through condensation of the corresponding carboxylic acid amides using silanes. The obtained acylcyanides can be employed in a plethora of transformation as exemplified to some larger extend in the sequence of C−H‐oxidation‐Tischenko‐rearrangement for the generation of structurally diverse benzoyloxycyanohydrines.

Ruthenium N-Confused Porphyrins: Selective Reactivity for Ambident 2-Heteroatom-Substituted Pyridines Serving as Axial Ligands

Three types of ruthenium(II) N-confused porphyrin (NCP) complexes bearing an axial 2-thiopyridine, 2-pyridone, and 2-iminopyridine moiety at the inner carbon atom, respectively, were synthesized. The unique reactivity of the 2-substituted pyridine derivatives (2-X-pyridine; X=SH, OH, NH₂ ) toward the inner carbon atom of the NCP allows the formation of two types of coordinated products (i. e., pyridine donor versus 2-heteroatom donors), as inferred from single-crystal X-ray structures. The selective reactivity was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, the catalytic activity of these ruthenium complexes was demonstrated through the styrene oxidation reactions. As a result, the ruthenium(II) NCP complex bearing a 2-thiopyridine moiety, together with aqueous H₂ O₂ as an oxidant showed the highest selectivity for benzaldehyde (benzaldehyde/styrene oxide=20 : 1).

Preparation and Study of the Antibacterial Applications and Oxidative Stress Induction of Copper Maleamate-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are an interesting class of nanomaterials with potential applications in different therapeutic areas and that have been extensively used as drug carriers in different fields of medicine. The present work is focused on the synthesis of MSNs containing a maleamato ligand (MSN-maleamic) and the subsequent coordination of copper(II) ions (MSN-maleamic-Cu) for the exploration of their potential application as antibacterial agents. The Cu-containing nanomaterials have been characterized by different techniques and the preliminary antibacterial effect of the supported maleamato-copper(II) complexes has been tested against two types of bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative) in different assays to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The biological results showed a moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli which motivated a more detailed study of the antibacterial mechanism of action of the synthesized maleamate-containing nanosystems and whose findings showed oxidative stress generation in bacterial cells. All the prepared nanomaterials were also tested as catalysts in the "solvent free" selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol, to observe if there is a potential correlation between the catalytic oxidation capacity of the materials and the observed oxidative stress in bacteria. This may help in the future, for a more accurate rational design of antibacterial nanosystems, based on their observed catalytic oxidation activity.

New Copper(II) Coordination Compounds Assembled from Multifunctional Pyridine-Carboxylate Blocks: Synthesis, Structures, and Catalytic Activity in Cycloalkane Oxidation

Two new copper(II) coordination compounds, namely a 1D coordination polymer [Cu(µ-cpna)(phen)(H₂O)]_n (1) and a discrete tetracopper(II) derivative [Cu(phen)₂(H₂O)]₂[Cu₂(µ-Hdppa)₂(Hdppa)₂] (2), were hydrothermally synthesized from copper(II) chloride as a metal source, 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)nicotinic acid (H₂cpna) or 5-(3,4-dicarboxylphenyl)picolinic acid (H₃dppa) as a principal building block, and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a crystallization mediator. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated as air-stable microcrystalline solids and fully characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, IR spectroscopy, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the solid state, the structure of 1 discloses the linear interdigitated 1D coordination polymer chains with the 2C1 topology. The crystal structure of an ionic derivative 2 shows that the mono- and dicopper(II) units are extended into the intricate 1D hydrogen-bonded chains with the SP 1-periodic net (4,4)(0,2) topology. Thermal stability and catalytic properties of 1 and 2 were also investigated. In fact, both Cu derivatives act as efficient homogeneous catalysts (catalyst precursors) for the mild oxidation of cycloalkanes by hydrogen peroxide to give the corresponding alcohols and ketones; the substrate scope and the effects of type and amount of acid promoter as well as bond-, regio-, and stereo-selectivity features were investigated.

Characterization of Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrytals Isolated through Catalyst-Assisted H2O2 Oxidation in a One-Step Procedure

A green and facile method was designed to isolate a type of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) with carboxylated surfaces from native cellulose materials. Because isolation and modification processes of cellulosic particles are generally performed separately using harmful chemicals and multiple steps, the one-pot approach employed in this work is interesting from both an economical and ecological point of view. The reaction is carried out by adding hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant and copper(II) sulfate as a catalyst in acidic medium under mild thermal conditions. The charge content of the carboxylated CNC is about 1.0 mmol g^-1, measured by a conductometric titration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also proved the presence of carboxyl groups on the CNC particles. Atomic force microscopy along with optical polarized microscopy readily showed a rod shape morphology for the cellulosic particles. An average length of 263 nm and width of 23 nm were estimated by transmission electron microscopy. Dynamic laser scattering on carboxylated CNC suspensions by adding salt confirmed that nanoparticles are electrostatically stable. Carboxylated CNCs were furthermore characterized by solid carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray spectroscopy.

Mimicking Class I b Mn2 -Ribonucleotide Reductase: A MnII2 Complex and Its Reaction with Superoxide

A fascinating discovery in the chemistry of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) has been the identification of a dimanganese (Mn₂ ) active site in class I b RNRs that requires superoxide anion (O₂^.- ), rather than dioxygen (O₂ ), to access a high-valent Mn₂ oxidant. Complex 1 ([Mn₂ (O₂ CCH₃ )(N-Et-HPTB)](ClO₄ )₂ , N-Et-HPTB=N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-(1-ethylbenzimidazolyl))-2-hydroxy-1,3-diaminopropane) was synthesised in high yield (90 %). 1 was reacted with O₂^.- at -40 °C resulting in the formation of a metastable species (2). 2 displayed electronic absorption features (λ_max =460, 610 nm) typical of a Mn-peroxide species and a 29-line EPR signal typical of a Mn^II Mn^III entity. Mn K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) suggested a formal oxidation state change of Mn^II₂ in 1 to Mn^II Mn^III for 2. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) suggested 2 to be a Mn^II Mn^III -peroxide complex. 2 was capable of oxidizing ferrocene and weak O-H bonds upon activation with proton donors. Our findings provide support for the postulated mechanism of O₂^.- activation at class I b Mn₂ RNRs.

Dendritic Ternary Alloy Nanocrystals for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxidation Reactions

Engineering the morphology and composition of multimetallic nanocrystals composed of noble and 3d transition metals has been of great interest due to its high potential to the development of high-performance catalytic materials for energy and sustainability. In the present work, we developed a facile aqueous approach for the formation of homogeneous ternary alloy nanocrystals with a dendritic shape, Pt-Pd-Cu nanodendrites, of which synthesis is hard to be achieved because of synthetic difficulties. Proper choice of stabilizer and fine control over the amount of stabilizer and reductant allowed the successful formation of Pt-Pd-Cu nanodendrites with controlled sizes and compositions. The prepared ternary alloy nanodendrites exhibited considerably improved electrocatalytic performance toward methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions compared to their binary alloy counterparts and commercial Pt and Pd catalysts, as well as to previously reported Pt- and Pd-based nanocatalysts because of synergism between their morphological and compositional characteristics. We anticipate that the present approach will be helpful to develop efficient electrocatalysis systems for practical applications.

Mechanically induced oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones in ambient air: Revisiting TEMPO-assisted oxidations

The present work addresses the development of an eco-friendly and cost-efficient protocol for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones by mechanical processing under air. Ball milling was shown to promote the quantitative conversion of a broad set of alcohols into carbonyl compounds with no trace of an over-oxidation to carboxylic acids. The mechanochemical reaction exhibited higher yields and rates than the classical, homogeneous, TEMPO-based oxidation.

Redox Chemistry of Hemoglobin-Associated Disorders

This Forum addresses oxidative reactions of hemoglobin (Hb) and explores the underlying mechanisms of some of these reactions that contribute to the pathophysiology associated with hemolytic anemia and Hb-based oxygen therapeutics. A special focus of this Forum is on the understanding of naturally occurring mutations in human Hb and how these mutations were influenced overtime by variety of oxidative stresses. What emerges from these contributions is that some hemoglobinopathies involve mutant Hb that resists oxidative challenges, whereas the majority often result in circulatory disorder. The contributors provide in-depth and comprehensive overviews on selected key mechanisms underlying Hb oxidative reactions in health and in disease states and how this knowledge may help in the design of countermeasures against these oxidative and toxicological pathways. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 745-747.

Exploring Oxidative Reactions in Hemoglobin Variants Using Mass Spectrometry: Lessons for Engineering Oxidatively Stable Oxygen Therapeutics

SIGNIFICANCE

Worldwide demand has driven the development of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) as potential acellular oxygen therapeutics. HBOCs have the potential to provide an oxygen bridge to patients and minimize current problems associated with supply and storage of donated blood. However, to date, safety and efficacy issues have hampered the approval of viable HBOCs in the United States. These previous efforts have underscored the need for a better molecular understanding of toxicity to design safe and oxidatively stable HBOCs. Recent Advances: High-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometry (MS) has recently become a versatile tool in characterizing oxidative post-translational modifications that occur in Hb. When integrated with other analytical techniques, HRAM data have been invaluable in providing mechanistic insight into the extent of oxidative modification by quantifying oxidation in amino acids near the reactive heme or at specific "oxidative hotspots."

CRITICAL ISSUES

In addition to providing a deeper understanding of Hb oxidative toxicity, HRAM MS studies are currently being used toward developing suitable HBOCs using a "two-prong" strategy that involves (i) understanding the mechanism of Hb toxicity by evaluating mutant Hbs identified in patients with hemoglobinopathies and (ii) utilizing this information toward designing against (or for) these reactions in acellular oxygen therapeutics that will result in oxidatively stable protein.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Future HRAM studies are aimed at fully characterizing engineered candidate HBOCs to determine the most oxidatively stable protein while retaining oxygen carrying function in vivo. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 777-793.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Pipazethate HCl and Dextromethorphan HBr using Potassium Permanganate

Rapid, simple and sensitive validated spectrophotometric methods have been described for the assay of pipazethate HCl (PiCl) and dextromethorphan HBr (DEX) either in pure form or in pharmaceutical formulations. The proposed methods were based on the oxidation of the studied drugs by a known excess of potassium permanganate in acidic medium and estimating the unreacted permanganate with amaranth dye (method A), acid orange II (method B), indigocarmine (method C) and methylene blue (method D), in the same acid medium at a suitable λmax=521, 485, 610 and 664 nm, respectively. Beer's law is obeyed in the concentration range of 2.0-16 and 2.0-15 μg mL(-1) for PiCl and DEX, respectively with correlation coefficient (n=6) ≥ 0.9993. The apparent molar absorptivity and sandell sensitivity values are in the range 1.062-1.484 × 10(4), 3.35-4.51 × 10(4) L mol(-1) cm(-1) and 29.36-41.03, 8.21-11.06 ng cm(-2) for PiCl and DEX, respectively. Different variables affecting the reaction were studied and optimized. The proposed methods were applied successfully to the determination of the examined drugs either in a pure or pharmaceutical dosage forms with good accuracy and precision. No interferences were observed from excipients and the results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained using the official methods.