Transition Metal-Free Regioselective Phosphonation of Pyridines: Scope and Mechanism.

Regioselective phosphonation of pyridines is an interesting transformation in synthesis and medicinal chemistry. We report herein a metal-free approach enabling access to various 4-phosphonated pyridines. The method consists of simply activating the pyridine ring with a Lewis acid (BF3·OEt2) to facilitate the nucleophilic addition of a phosphine oxide anion. The formed sigma complex is subsequently oxidized with an organic oxidant (chloranil) to yield the desired adducts in good to excellent yields. We furthermore showed that access to C2-phosphoinated pyridines can be achieved in certain cases with strong Lewis basic phosphorus nucleophiles or with strong Lewis acidic pyridines. Both experimental and computational mechanistic investigations were undertaken and allowed us to understand the factors controlling the reactivity and selectivity of this reaction.

Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Spiropyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline Derivatives via Diastereoselective and Regiodivergent Three-Component 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions: In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Rhodanine Analogues.

An efficient diastereoselective route is developed to get access to novel spiropyrrolo[1,2-a]isoquinoline-oxindole skeletons by a one-pot three-component [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of (Z)-5-arylidene-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-diones, isatin derivatives, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ). Interestingly, the regioselectivity of the reaction is both temperature- and solvent-dependent, allowing the synthesis of two regioisomeric endo-dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolineoxindoles in excellent yield. Unprecedentedly, each isomeric dispiropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolineoxindole endured retro-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/recycloaddition reactions under thermal or catalytic conditions to regenerate the corresponding regioisomeric counterpart. In addition, DFT calculations were performed at the M062X/6-31++g(d,p) level of theory to unravel the origin of the reversal of regioselectivity and endo-stereoselectivity of the title 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions. Upon treatment of Isatin, THIQ with (Z)-4-arylidene-5-thioxo-thiazolidin-2-ones as dipolarophiles, unusual rhodanine analogues were formed, along with smaller amounts of a dispirooxindole-piperazine. The structure and the relative configuration of these N-heterocycles were unambiguously assigned by spectroscopic techniques and confirmed by four single-crystal structures. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the novel rhodanine derivatives exert antidiabetic activity. The binding affinity with the active site of the enzyme α-amylase was studied by molecular docking. Furthermore, the bioavailability assessed through virtual ADME parameters (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination pharmacokinetics) and the excellent fit with the Lipinski and Veber rules predict good drug-likeness properties for a bromo-substituted 2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one.

Towards rainbow photo/electro-luminescence in copper(i) complexes with the versatile bridged bis-pyridyl ancillary ligand.

The synthesis and characterization of a family of copper(i) complexes bearing a bridged bis-pyridyl ancillary ligand is reported, highlighting how the bridge nature impacts the photo- and electro-luminescent behaviours within the family. In particular, the phosphonium bridge led to copper(i) complexes featuring good electrochemical stability and high ionic conductivity, as well as a stark blue-to-orange luminescence shift compared to the others. This resulted in high performance light-emitting electrochemical cells reaching stabilities of 10 mJ at ca. 40 cd m-2 that are one order of magnitude higher than those of the other complexes. Overall, this work sheds light onto the crucial role of the bridge nature of the bis-pyridyl ancillary ligand on the photophysical features, film forming and, in turn, on the final device performances.

Synthesis and Structure-Photophysics Evaluation of 2-N-Amino-quinazolines: Small Molecule Fluorophores for Solution and Solid State.

2-N-aminoquinazolines were prepared by consecutive SN Ar functionalization. X-ray structures display the nitrogen lone pair of the 2-N-morpholino group in conjugation with the electron deficient quinazoline core and thus representing electronic push-pull systems. 2-N-aminoquinazolines show a positive solvatochromism and are fluorescent in solution and in solid state with quantum yields up to 0.73. Increase in electron donor strength of the 2-amino substituent causes a red-shift of the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) band (300-400 nm); whereas the photoluminescence emission maxima (350-450 nm) is also red-shifted significantly along with an enhancement in photoluminescence efficiency. HOMO-LUMO energies were estimated by a combination of electrochemical and photophysical methods and correlate well to those obtained by computational methods. ICT properties are theoretically attributed to an excitation to Rydberg-MO in SAC-CI method, which can be interpreted as n-π* excitation. 7-Amino-2-N-morpholino-4-methoxyquinazoline responds to acidic conditions with significant increases in photoluminescence intensity revealing a new turn-on/off fluorescence probe.

Functionalization of [2.2]Paracyclophanes via a Reductive Sulfanylation Reaction.

An expeditious route to planar chiral sulfur-based scaffolds has been achieved in two operational steps from cheap and commercial [2.2]paracyclophane hydrocarbon. The sulfur atom was introduced in a specific benzylic position of the [2.2]paracyclophane according to a reductive sulfanylation reaction, which proceeds under two complementary reaction conditions with either the BF3·OEt2/Et3SiH or TFA/BH3·THF combinations. The study was completed by the development of a highly efficient resolution approach by HPLC.

Design of iodinated radioligands for SPECT imaging of central human 5-HT4R using a ligand lipophilicity efficiency approach.

A series of iodinated ligands for the SPECT imaging of 5-HT4 receptors was designed starting from the previously reported hit MR-26132. We focused on the modulation of the piperidine-containing lateral chain by introducing hydrophilic groups in order to decrease the liphophilicity of the new ligands. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their binding affinities on 5-HT4Rs and based on the Ligand Lipophilicity Efficiency approach, compound 13 was further selected for radioiodination with iodine-125 and imaging experiments. Compound 13 showed its ability to displace the specific signal of the reference compound [125I]SB-207710 but no significant detection of [125I]13 was observed in vivo in SPECT experiments.

M(H2O)(PO3C10H6OH)·(H2O)0.5 (M = Co, Mn, Zn, Cu): a new series of layered metallophosphonate compounds obtained from 6-hydroxy-2-naphthylphosphonic acid.

Four new metallophosphonates M(H2O)(PO3C10H6OH)·(H2O)0.5 (M = Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were obtained as single crystal and polycrystalline powders by hydrothermal synthesis from the precursors 6-hydroxy-2-naphthylphosphonic acid and the corresponding metal salts. These analogous hybrids crystalized in the space group P121/c1 in a lamellar structure. Their layered structures consisted of inorganic [M(H2O)(PO3C)] layers stacked with organic bilayers of 6-hydroxy-2-naphthyl moieties "HO-C10H6" and free water molecules. Their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and Le Bail refinement for the powder sample. The removal of water upon heating at 250 °C was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and temperature-dependent powder X-ray diffraction. Their magnetic properties were studied by SQUID magnetometry and show antiferromagnetic behavior for the Co analogue and the occurrence of a canted antiferromagnetic order at TN = 12.2 K for the Mn analogue. The Cu compound displayed an unprecedented ferromagnetic behavior. Their absorption and luminescence properties were investigated and revealed that the ligand and the compounds displayed a common behavior below a wavelength of 400 nm. Specific absorption bands were found in the compounds with Co2+ and Cu2+ at 539 nm and 849 nm, respectively. Moreover, particular luminescence bands were found for the compounds with Mn2+, Co2+ and Zn2+ at 598 nm, 551 nm and 530 and 611 nm, respectively.

Room-Temperature Chemoselective Reductive Alkylation of Amines Catalyzed by a Well-Defined Iron(II) Complex Using Hydrogen.

A transition-metal frustrated Lewis pair approach has been envisaged to enhance the catalytic activity of tricarbonyl phosphine-free iron complexes in reduction of amines. A new cyclopentadienyl iron(II) tricarbonyl complex has been isolated, fully characterized, and applied in hydrogenation. This phosphine-free iron complex is the first Earth-abundant metal complex that is able to catalyze chemoselective reductive alkylation of various functionalized amines with functionalized aldehydes. Such selectivity and functionality tolerance (alkenes, esters, ketones, acetals, unprotected hydroxyl groups, and phosphines) have been demonstrated also for the first time at room temperature with an Earth-abundant metal complex. This alkylation reaction was also performed without any preliminary condensation and generated only water as a byproduct. The resulting amines provided rapid access to potential building blocks, metal ligands, or drugs. Density functional theory calculations highlighted first that the formation of the 16 electron species, via the activation of the tricarbonyl complex Fe3, was facilitated and, second, that the hydrogen cleavage did not follow the same pathway as bond breaking, usually described with the known cyclopentadienone iron tricarbonyl complexes (Fe1 and Fe4). These calculations highlighted that the new complex Fe3 does not behave as a bifunctional catalyst, in contrast to its former congeners.

Evidence of Phosphonium-Carbenium Dication Formation in a Superacid: Precursor to Fluorinated Phosphine Oxides.

Unambiguously confirmed by low-temperature in situ NMR experiments, X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy, phosphonium-carbenium superelectrophiles are shown to be generated in strong acidic conditions. Representing crucial intermediates, their exploitation allows for the synthesis of unprecedented fluorinated (cyclic) phosphine oxides.

One-Pot Synthesis of Aryl- and Alkyl S-Perfluoroalkylated NH-Sulfoximines from Sulfides.

A general efficient one-pot synthesis of S-perfluoroalkylated NH-sulfoximines from sulfides has been developed using phenyliodine diacetate (PIDA) and ammonium carbamate. Remarkable rate enhancement with trifluoroethanol was observed, presumably due to H-bonding effects. These mild and metal-free conditions are compatible with -CH2 F, -CFCl2 , -CF2 H, -CF2 Br, -C4 F9 , and -CF3 groups, in both the alkyl- and aryl series. Based on a 19 F NMR analysis, a λ6 -acetoxysulfanenitrile intermediate was proposed.

Highly convergent synthesis and antiviral activity of (E)-but-2-enyl nucleoside phosphonoamidates.

Several hitherto unknown (E)-but-2-enyl nucleoside phosphonoamidate analogs (ANPs) were prepared directed with nitrogen reagents by cross-metathesis in water-under ultrasound irradiation. Two diastereoisomers were formally identified by X-ray diffraction. These compounds were evaluated against a large spectrum of DNA and RNA viruses. Among them, the phosphonoamidate thymine analogue 19 emerged as the best prodrug against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) with EC50 values of 0.33 and 0.39 µM for wild-type and thymidine kinase deficient strains, respectively, and a selectivity index ≥200 µM. This breakthrough approach paves the way for new purine and pyrimidine (E)-but-2-enyl phosphonoamidate analogs.

Role of the Bridging Group in Bis-Pyridyl Ligands: Enhancing Both the Photo- and Electroluminescent Features of Cationic (IPr)CuI Complexes.

We report on the benefits of changing the bridging group X of bis-pyridyl ligands, that is, Py-X-Py where X is NH, CH2 , C(CH3 )2 , or PPh, on the photo- and electroluminescent properties of a new family of luminescent cationic H-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) copper(I) complexes. A joint experimental and theoretical study demonstrates that the bridging group affects the molecular conformation from a planar-like structure (X is NH and CH2 ) to a boat-like structure (X is C(CH3 )2 and PPh), leading to i) four-fold enhancement of the photoluminescence quantum yield (ϕem ) without affecting the thermally activated delayed fluorescence mechanism, and ii) one order of magnitude reduction of the ionic conductivity (σ) of thin films. This leads to an overall enhancement of the device efficacy and luminance owing to the increased ϕem and the use of low applied driving currents.

Transition metal-free stereospecific access to (E)-(1-fluoro-2-arylvinyl)phosphine borane complexes.

This work describes the first transition metal-free stereospecific synthesis of (E)-(1-fluoro-2-arylvinyl)phosphine boranes through the addition of diarylphosphine-boranes to gem-bromofluoroalkenes in the presence of a base at room temperature. The reaction proceeds well under very mild conditions and tolerates a variety of functionalities. Scope and limitations of the reaction are discussed. Mechanistic investigations have been undertaken and revealed that the reaction takes place through an SRN1 mechanism. The formation of the fluorinated vinyl radical has been evidenced by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiment.

Mechanistic investigation of the NH-sulfoximination of sulfide. Evidence for λ6-sulfanenitrile intermediates.

We report a new procedure for the preparation of NH-sulfoximines from sulfides using PIDA as an oxidant and ammonium carbamate as the ammonia source. Excellent yields were obtained with a wide range of sulfides. The formation of acetoxy- and methoxy-λ6-sulfanenitrile as intermediates was proposed, both of which were converted to the NH-sulfoximine by the action of the solvent. The structure of these intermediates was confirmed by 1H, 13C and 15N NMR and HRMS analysis.

Metal-Free Synthesis of 6-Phosphorylated Phenanthridines: Synthetic and Mechanistic Insights.

A novel and efficient method for the generation of phosphinoyl radicals from the combination of diphenyliodonium salt (Ph2I+,-OTf) with triethylamine (Et3N) in the presence of secondary phosphine oxides is reported. By employing this practical and simple approach, a large variety of 6-phosphorylated phenanthridines have been synthesized through the addition of phosphinoyl radicals to isonitriles as radical acceptors. The reaction works smoothly in the absence of any transition metal or photocatalyst. On the basis of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the mechanism of this reaction is discussed.

Access to Fluoropyrrolidines by Intramolecular Aza-Michael Addition Reaction.

Study of the intramolecular aza-Michael addition reaction from an aminofluorovinylsulfone opens a new route for the synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives. An unexpected diastereoselective cyclization reaction was observed, leading preferentially to the anti-N-benzylpyrrolidine sulfone. The resulting sulfone was reacted with aldehydes to access ß-substituted α-fluoroalkenyl pyrrolidines in one step.

Application of Ynamides in the Synthesis of 2-(Tosylamido)- and 2,5-Bis(tosylamido)thiophenes.

A step-economic and metal-catalyst-free synthesis of 2-(tosylamido)- and 2,5-bis(tosylamido)-thiophenes from nonsymmetrical 1,3-butadiynamides and symmetrical 1,3-butadiyne-1,4-diamides is reported. The reaction proceeds in the presence of Na2S·9H2O (2-3 equiv) under mild reaction conditions (50 °C) and is facilitated by polarized carbon-carbon triple bonds in ynamides. This new approach to thiophenes based on the chemistry of ynamides was applied to the synthesis of a bis(tosylamido)-capped terthiophene having a string of N,S-heteroatoms embedded in a highly π-conjugated molecular frame.

Metal-Free, Visible Light-Photocatalyzed Synthesis of Benzo[b]phosphole Oxides: Synthetic and Mechanistic Investigations.

Highly functionalized benzo[b]phosphole oxides were synthesized from reactions of arylphosphine oxides with alkynes under photocatalytic conditions by using eosin Y as the catalyst and N-ethoxy-2-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate as the oxidant. The reaction works under mild conditions and has a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic investigations have been undertaken and revealed the formation of a ground state electron donor-acceptor complex (EDA) between eosin (the photocatalyst) and the pyridinium salt (the oxidation agent). This complex, which has been fully characterized both in the solid state and in solution, turned out to exhibit a dual role, i.e., the oxidation of the photocatalyst and the formation of the initiating radicals, which undergoes an intramolecular reaction avoiding the classical diffusion between the two reactants. The involvement of ethoxy and phosphinoyl radicals in the photoreaction has unequivocally been evidenced by EPR spectroscopy.

Designing NHC-Copper(I) Dipyridylamine Complexes for Blue Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells.

This study presents the influence of various substituents on the photophysical features of heteroleptic copper(I) complexes bearing both N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and dipyridylamine (dpa = dipyridylamine skeleton corresponding to ligand L1) ligands. The luminescent properties have been compared to our recently reported archetypal blue emitting [Cu(IPr)(dpa)][PF6] complex. The choice of the substituents on both ligands has been guided to explore the effect of the electron donor/acceptor and "push-pull" on the emission wavelengths and photoluminescence quantum yields. A selection of the best candidates in terms of their photophysical features were applied for developing the first blue light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) based on copper(I) complexes. The device analysis suggests that the main concern is the moderate redox stability of the complexes under high applied driving currents, leading to devices with moderate stabilities pointing to a proof-of-concept for further development. Nevertheless, under low applied driving currents the blue emission is stable, showing performance levels competitive to those reported for blue LECs based on iridium(III) complexes. Overall, this work provides valuable guidelines to tackle the design of enhanced NHC copper complexes for lighting applications in the near future.