Structural diversity and solvent-induced transformations of a copper-based metal-organic framework with highly aromatic ligands.

A newly designed tetracarboxylic acid ligand precursor 5,5'-([9,9'-bianthracene]-10,10'-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H4BADI) has been used to prepare a series of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the formula [Cu2(BADI)(S)2]·xS (denoted as 1-S, where S = solvent) and exhibiting solvent-induced structural transformations. Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation occurs upon exchanging 1-DMF (DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) with DMSO (DMSO = dimethylsulfoxide). 1-DMF exhibits reversible structural transformation upon treatment with a variety of solvents; of particular interest is the reversible crystalline-to-amorphous phase transformations observed upon exchange with volatile, polar solvents. A thorough structural investigation of the three framework isomers characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments is reported and compared to several other tetracarboxylate-based MOFs composed of dimetal secondary building units.

Anomalous lattice thermal conductivity increase with temperature in cubic GeTe correlated with strengthening of second-nearest neighbor bonds.

Understanding thermal transport mechanisms in phase change materials is critical to elucidating the microscopic picture of phase transitions and advancing thermal energy conversion and storage. Experiments consistently show that cubic phase germanium telluride (GeTe) has an unexpected increase in lattice thermal conductivity with rising temperature. Despite its ubiquity, resolving its origin has remained elusive. In this work, we carry out temperature-dependent lattice thermal conductivity calculations for cubic GeTe through efficient, high-order machine-learned models and additional corrections for coherence effects. We corroborate the calculated phonon properties with our inelastic X-ray scattering measurements. Our calculated lattice thermal conductivity values agree well with experiments and show a similar increasing trend. Through additional bonding strength calculations, we propose that a major contributor to the increasing lattice thermal conductivity is the strengthening of second-nearest neighbor interactions. The findings herein serve to deepen our understanding of thermal transport in phase-change materials.

Chemo-, Regio-, and Stereoselective cis-Hydroboration of 1,3-Enynes: Copper-Catalyzed Access to (Z,Z)- and (Z,E)-2-Boryl-1,3-dienes.

A copper-catalyzed alkyne-selective hydroboration of 1,3-enynes is disclosed, providing access to the previously elusive 2-boryl-1,3-dienes. Using CuOAc, Xantphos, and HBpin, Bpin was installed on the internal carbon of a series of symmetric and nonsymmetric 1,3-enynes, affording products with excellent Z:E selectivity. The utility of the 2-boryl-1,3-diene products was demonstrated by transformation to useful functional groups.

Direct Observation of Circularly Polarized Nonlinear Optical Activities in Chiral Hybrid Lead Halides.

Circularly polarized light emission is a crucial application in imaging, sensing, and photonics. However, utilizing low-energy photons to excite materials, as opposed to high-energy light excitation, can facilitate deep-tissue imaging and sensing applications. The challenge lies in finding materials capable of directly generating circularly polarized nonlinear optical effects. In this study, we introduce a chiral hybrid lead halide (CHLH) material system, R/S-DPEDPb3Br8·H2O (DPED = 1,2-diphenylethylenediammonium), which can directly produce circularly polarized second harmonic generation (CP-SHG) through linearly polarized infrared light excitation, exhibiting a polarization efficiency as high as 37% at room temperature. To understand the spin relaxation mechanisms behind the high polarization efficiency, we utilized two models, so-called D'yakonov-Perel' (DP) and Bir-Aronov-Pikus (BAP) mechanisms. The unique zigzag inorganic frameworks within the hybrid structure are believed to reduce the dielectric confinement and exciton binding energy, thus enhancing spin polarization, especially in regions with a high excitation pump fluence based on the DP mechanism. In the case of low excitation pump fluence, the BAP mechanism dominates, as evidenced by the observed decrease in the polarization ratio from CP-SHG measurement. Using density functional theory analysis, we elucidate how the distinctive 8-coordination environment of lead bromide building blocks effectively suppresses spin-orbit coupling at the conduction band minimum. This suppression significantly diminishes spin-splitting, thereby slowing the spin relaxation rate.

Synthesis, Characterization, and the Effect of Lewis Bases on the Nuclearity of Iron Alkoxide Complexes.

Inspired by the potential of alkoxides as weak-field ligands and their ability to bridge, we report herein a series of high-spin iron complexes supported by a bis-alkoxide framework PhDbf. A diiron complex [Fe2(PhDbf)2] (1a) is obtained upon metalation of the ligand, whereas addition of substituted pyridines affords five-coordinate mononuclear iron complexes [(R-Py)2Fe(PhDbf)] (2a-4a, R = H, p-tBu, p-CF3). The potential for nuclearity control of the metal complexes via auxiliary ligands is highlighted by the formation of asymmetric diiron species [(p-CF3-Py)Fe2(PhDbf)2] (5a) and [(m-CF3-Py)Fe2(PhDbf)2] (6a) with trifluoromethyl substituted pyridines, while electron-rich pyridines only produced monomeric species. Electronic properties analysis via UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, and time-dependent density functional theory, along with redox capabilities of these complexes are reported to illustrate the effect of nuclearity on reactivity and the potential of these complexes to access higher oxidation states relevant in oxidative chemistry. Species 1a-5a, [(THF)2Fe(PhDbf)][PF6] (7), [PyFe(PhDbf)Cl] (2b), and [Py2Fe(PhDbf)][PF6] (2c) were characterized via SCXRD. Indirect evidence for the formation of dimeric Fe(III) species (1b, 5b, and 6b) is discussed.

Supramolecular Metal Halide Complexes for High-Temperature Nonlinear Optical Switches.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) switching materials, which exhibit reversible intensity modulation in response to thermal stimuli, have found extensive applications across diverse fields including sensing, photoelectronics, and photonic applications. While significant progress has been made in solid-state NLO switching materials, these materials typically showcase their highest NLO performance near room temperature. However, this performance drastically deteriorates upon heating, primarily due to the phase transition undergone by the materials from noncentrosymmetric to centrosymmetric phase. Here, we introduce a new class of NLO switching materials, solid-state supramolecular compounds 18-Crown-6 ether@Cu2Cl4·4H2O (1·4H2O), exhibiting reversible and stable NLO switching when subjected to near-infrared (NIR) photoexcitation and/or thermal stimuli. The reversible crystal structure in response to external stimuli is attributed to the presence of a weakly coordinated bridging water molecule facilitated by hydrogen bonding/chelation interactions between the metal halide and crown-ether supramolecules. We observed an exceptionally high second-harmonic generation (SHG) signal under continuous photoexcitation, even at temperatures exceeding 110 °C. In addition, the bridging water molecules within the complex can be released and recaptured in a fully reversible manner, all without requiring excessive energy input. This feature allows for precise control of SHG signal activation and deactivation through structural transformations, resulting in a high-contrast off/on ratio, reaching values in the million-fold range.

Phosphine-catalyzed regio- and stereo-selective hydroboration of ynamides to (Z)-ß-borylenamides.

We report a tri-n-butyl phosphine catalyzed regio- and stereo-selective hydroboration of ynamides to yield (Z)-ß-borylenamides in good yields. Surprisingly, a formal cis addition to the triple bond was observed as confirmed by NMR and X-ray crystallography. 31P NMR studies suggest that a zwitterionic vinylphosphonium intermediate is key in the mechanism. The resulting products were further transformed to ß-CF3 enamides via stereoretentive trifluoromethylation.

Transition Metal-Free Regio- and Stereo-Selective trans Hydroboration of 1,3-Diynes: A Phosphine-Catalyzed Access to (E)-1-Boryl-1,3-Enynes.

We report a transition metal-free, regio- and stereo-selective, phosphine-catalyzed method for the trans hydroboration of 1,3-diynes with pinacolborane that affords (E)-1-boryl-1,3-enynes. The reaction proceeds with excellent selectivity for boron addition to the external carbon of the 1,3-diyne framework as unambiguously established by NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. The reaction displays a broad substrate scope including unsymmetrical diynes to generate products in high yield (up to 95 %). Experimental and theoretical studies suggest that phosphine attack on the alkyne is a key process in the catalytic cycle.

Regio- and stereoselective copper-catalyzed α,ß-protoboration of allenoates: access to Z-ß,γ-unsaturated ß-boryl esters.

A highly efficient regio- and stereoselective method for allenoate borylation has been developed. Using CuCl and bis(pinacolato)diboron in methanol, a variety of allenoates underwent ß-boration and α-protonation to afford the corresponding Z-ß,γ-unsaturated ß-boryl esters under mild conditions with up to 81% yields.

An Aluminum-Based Metal-Organic Cage for Cesium Capture.

Metal-organic cages are a class of supramolecular structures that often require the careful selection of organic linkers and metal nodes. Of this class, few examples of metal-organic cages exist where the nodes are composed of main group metals. Herein, we have prepared an aluminum-based metal-organic cage, H8[Al8(pdc)8(OAc)8O4] (Al-pdc-AA), using inexpensive and commercially available materials. The cage formation was achieved via solvothermal self-assembly of solvated aluminum and pyridine-dicarboxylic linkers in the presence of a capping agent, acetic acid. The obtained supramolecular structure was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), thermogravimetric analysis, and NMR spectroscopy. Based on crystal structure and computational analyses, the cage has a 3.7 Å diameter electron-rich cavity suitable for the binding of cations such as cesium (ionic radius of 1.69 Å). The host-guest interactions were probed with 1H and 133Cs NMR spectroscopy in DMSO, where at low concentrations, Cs+ binds to Al-pdc-AA in a 1:1 ratio. The binding site was identified from the crystal structure of CsH7[Al8(pdc)8(OAc)8O4] (Cs+⊂Al-pdc-AA), and a binding affinity of ∼106-107 M-1 was determined from NMR titration experiments. The Al-pdc-AA showed improved selectivity for cesium binding over alkali metal cations (Cs+ > Rb+ > K+ ≫ Na+ ∼ Li+). Collectively, the study reports a novel aluminum cage that can serve as a promising host for efficient and selective cesium removal.

Phosphine-catalyzed hydroboration of propiolonitriles: access to (E)-1,2-vinylcyanotrifluoroborate derivatives.

We report an organocatalytic trans hydroboration of 3-substituted-propiolonitriles. In the presence of catalytic amounts of tributylphosphine and pinacolborane, regioselective hydroboration of the internal triple bond proceeded in a stereoselective fashion under mild conditions to afford the corresponding (E)-1,2-vinylcyanoborane derivatives. The mechanism is proposed to occur through a 1,2-phosphine addition instead of a canonical 1,4-conjugate addition pathway.

Enantiopure Benzofuran-2-carboxamides of 1-Aryltetrahydro-ß-carbolines Are Potent Antimalarials In Vitro.

The tetrahydro-ß-carboline scaffold has proven fertile ground for the discovery of antimalarial agents (e.g., MMV008138 (1) and cipargamin (2)). Similarity searching of a publicly disclosed collection of antimalarial hits for molecules resembling 1 drew our attention to N2-acyl tetrahydro-ß-carboline GNF-Pf-5009 ((±)-3b). Compound purchase, "analog by catalog", and independent synthesis of hits indicated the benzofuran-2-yl amide portion was required for in vitro efficacy against P. falciparum. Preparation of pure enantiomers demonstrated the pharmacological superiority of (R)-3b. Synthesis and evaluation of D- and F-ring substitution variants and benzofuran isosteres indicated a clear structure-activity relationship. Ultimately (R)-3b was tested in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice; unfavorable physicochemical properties may be responsible for the lack of oral efficacy.

Probing the B- & C-rings of the antimalarial tetrahydro-ß-carboline MMV008138 for steric and conformational constraints.

The antimalarial candidate MMV008138 (1a) is of particular interest because its target enzyme (IspD) is absent in human. To achieve higher potency, and to probe for steric demand, a series of analogs of 1a were prepared that featured methyl-substitution of the B- and C-rings, as well as ring-chain transformations. X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and calculation were used to study the effects of these modifications on the conformation of the C-ring and orientation of the D-ring. Unfortunately, all the B- and C-ring analogs explored lost in vitro antimalarial activity. The possible role of steric effects and conformational changes on target engagement are discussed.

Organocatalytic trans Phosphinoboration of Internal Alkynes.

We report the first trans phosphinoboration of internal alkynes. With an organophosphine catalyst, alkynoate esters and the phosphinoboronate Ph2 P-Bpin are efficiently converted into the corresponding trans-α-phosphino-ß-boryl acrylate products in moderate to good yield with high regio- and Z-selectivity. This reaction operates under mild conditions and demonstrates good atom economy, requiring only a modest excess of the phosphinoboronate. X-ray crystallography experiments allowed structural assignment of the unprecedented and densely functionalized (Z)-α-phosphino-ß-boryl acrylate products.

Facile Supramolecular Engineering of Porphyrin cis Tautomers: The Case of ß-Octabromo-meso-tetraarylporphyrins.

A porphyrin cis tautomer, where the two central NH protons are on adjacent pyrrole rings, has long been invoked as an intermediate in porphyrin tautomerism. Only recently, however, has such a species been isolated and structurally characterized. Thus, single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of two highly saddled free-base porphyrins, ß-heptakis(trifluoromethyl)-meso-tetrakis(p-fluorophenyl)porphyrin, H2[(CF3)7TFPP], and ß-octaiodo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)porphyrin, H2[I8TCF3PP], unambiguously revealed cis tautomeric structures, each stabilized as a termolecular complex with a pair of ROH (R = CH3 or H) molecules that form hydrogen-bonded N-H···O-H···N straps connecting the central NH groups with the antipodal unprotonated nitrogens. The unusual substitution patterns of these two porphyrins, however, have left open the question how readily such supramolecular assemblies might be engineered, which prompted us to examine the much more synthetically accessible ß-octabromo-meso-tetraphenylporphyrins. Herein, single-crystal X-ray structures were obtained for two such compounds, 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4'-trifluoromethylphenyl)porphyrin, H2[Br8TCF3PP], and 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4'-fluorophenyl)porphyrin, H2[Br8TFPP], and although the central hydrogens could not all be located unambiguously, the electron density could be convincingly modeled as porphyrin cis tautomers, existing in each case as a bis-methanol adduct. In addition, a perusal of the Cambridge Structural Database suggests that there may well be additional examples of porphyrin cis tautomers that have not been recognized as such. We are therefore increasingly confident that porphyrin cis tautomers are readily accessible via supramolecular engineering, involving the simple stratagem of crystallizing a strongly saddled porphyrin from a solvent system containing an amphiprotic species such as water or an alcohol.

Synthesis and antileishmanial evaluation of thiazole orange analogs.

Cyanine compounds have previously shown excellent in vitro and promising in vivo antileishmanial efficacy, but the potential toxicity of these agents is a concern. A series of 22 analogs of thiazole orange ((Z)-1-methyl-4-((3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-2(3H)-ylidene)methyl)quinolin-1-ium salt), a commercial cyanine dye with antileishmanial activity, were synthesized in an effort to increase the selectivity of such compounds while maintaining efficacy. Cyanines possessing substitutions on the quinolinium ring system displayed potency against Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes that differed little from the parent compound (IC50 12-42 nM), while ring disjunction analogs were both less potent and less toxic. Changes in DNA melting temperature were modest when synthetic oligonucleotides were incubated with selected analogs (ΔTm ≤ 5 °C), with ring disjunction analogs showing the least effect on this parameter. Despite the high antileishmanial potency of the target compounds, their toxicity and relatively flat SAR suggests that further information regarding the target(s) of these molecules is needed to aid their development as antileishmanials.

Supercompliant and Soft (CH_{3}NH_{3})_{3}Bi_{2}I_{9} Crystal with Ultralow Thermal Conductivity.

In this Letter, we show the phonon dispersion of (CH_{3}NH_{3})_{3}Bi_{2}I_{9} single crystals at 300 K measured by inelastic x-ray scattering. The frequencies of acoustic phonons are among the lowest of crystals. Nanoindentation measurements verified that these crystals are very compliant and considerably soft. The frequency overlap between acoustic and optical phonons results in strong acoustic-optical scattering. All these features lead to an ultralow thermal conductivity. The fundamental knowledge obtained from this study will accelerate the design of novel hybrid materials for energy applications.

Route to Air and Moisture Stable ß-Difluoroboryl Acrylamides.

A method for the preparation of air stable difluoroboryl acrylamides is reported. In contrast to the ubiquitous organotrifluoroborate salts, difluoroboryl acrylamides are relatively nonpolar and are readily purified by silica chromatography. Difluoroboryl acrylamides serve as efficient substrates in cross-coupling reactions to afford the corresponding trisubstituted acrylamides in good to excellent yields. The utility of the difluoroboryl group in various chemical transformations is presented.

trans-Hydroboration of Propiolamides: Access to Primary and Secondary (E)-ß-Borylacrylamides.

A base-mediated trans-hydroboration of propiolamides that provides access to previously elusive primary and secondary (E)-ß-borylacrylamide products has been developed. In the presence of n-butyllithium and pinacolborane, complete regioselectivity and stereoselectivity is observed, affording the corresponding vinylboronate products in up to 91% yield. A wide variety of primary and secondary amides served as efficient substrates for this transformation. A plausible reaction mechanism that involves substrate-assisted activation and a key intramolecular cyclization is discussed.