Heterocyclic [9]Helicenes Exhibiting Bright Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

We describe a concise synthetic strategy for the preparation of heterocyclic [9]helicenes and a simple preparative-scale protocol for the optical resolution of the resulting M- and P-enantiomers. The helicenes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction along with a range of spectroscopic and computational techniques. A fluorescence quantum yield of up to 65 % was observed, and the chiroptical properties of both M- and P-helicenes revealed large dissymmetry factors. The circularly polarized luminescence brightness reaches up to 17 M-1 cm-1 , as measured experimentally and verified computationally, which makes this the highest circularly polarized luminescence brightness among heterocyclic helicenes. We describe how chiroptical properties (both circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence) can be described and predicted using quantum chemical calculations. The synthetic approach also reveals by-products that originate from internal oxidation reactions, presumably mediated by the close proximity of the π-surfaces in the helicene structure.

Carbon dioxide enhances sulphur-selective conjugate addition reactions.

Sulphur-selective conjugate addition reactions play a central role in synthetic chemistry and chemical biology. A general tool for conjugate addition reactions should provide high selectivity in the presence of competing nucleophilic functional groups, namely nitrogen nucleophiles. We report CO2-mediated chemoselective S-Michael addition reactions where CO2 can reversibly control the reaction pHs, thus providing practical reaction conditions. The increased chemoselectivity for sulphur-alkylation products was ascribed to CO2 as a temporary and traceless protecting group for nitrogen nucleophiles, while CO2 efficiently provide higher conversion and selectivity sulphur nucleophiles on peptides and human serum albumin (HSA) with various electrophiles. This method offers simple reaction conditions for cysteine modification reactions when high chemoselectivity is required.

Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Extractives in Norway Spruce and Kurile Larch and Their Role in Brown-Rot Degradation.

Extractives found in the heartwood of a moderately durable conifer (Larix gmelinii var. japonica) were compared with those found in a non-durable one (Picea abies). We identified and quantified heartwood extractives by extraction with solvents of different polarities and gas chromatography with mass spectral detection (GC-MS). Among the extracted compounds, there was a much higher amount of hydrophilic phenolics in larch (flavonoids) than in spruce (lignans). Both species had similar resin acid and fatty acid contents. The hydrophobic resin components are considered fungitoxic and the more hydrophilic components are known for their antioxidant activity. To ascertain the importance of the different classes of extractives, samples were partially extracted prior to subjection to the brown-rot fungus Rhodonia placenta for 2-8 weeks. Results indicated that the most important (but rather inefficient) defense in spruce came from the fungitoxic resin, while large amounts of flavonoids played a key role in larch defense. Possible moisture exclusion effects of larch extractives were quantified via the equilibrium moisture content of partially extracted samples, but were found to be too small to play any significant role in the defense against incipient brow-rot attack.

Correction: Determination of the electronic structure of a dinuclear dysprosium single molecule magnet without symmetry idealization.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C8SC03170C.].

Determination of the electronic structure of a dinuclear dysprosium single molecule magnet without symmetry idealization.

We present the in-depth determination of the magnetic properties and electronic structure of the luminescent and volatile dysprosium-based single molecule magnet [Dy2(bpm)(fod)6] (Hfod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedione, bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine). Ab initio calculations were used to obtain a global picture of the electronic structure and to predict possible single molecule magnet behaviour, confirmed by experiments. The orientation of the susceptibility tensor was determined by means of cantilever torque magnetometry. An experimental determination of the electronic structure of the lanthanide ion was obtained combining Luminescence, Far Infrared and Magnetic Circular Dichroism spectroscopies. Fitting these energies to the full single ion plus crystal field Hamiltonian allowed determination of the eigenstates and crystal field parameters of a lanthanide complex without symmetry idealization. We then discuss the impact of a stepwise symmetry idealization on the modelling of the experimental data. This result is particularly important in view of the misleading outcomes that are often obtained when the symmetry of lanthanide complexes is idealized.

Croconamides: a new dual hydrogen bond donating motif for anion recognition and organocatalysis.

We introduce bis-aryl croconamides as a new member in the family of dual hydrogen bonding anion receptors. In this study a series of croconamides are synthesised, and the selectivity for anion binding is investigated (Cl- > Br- > I- in CH2Cl2). The croconamides exhibit different structures in the crystal phase depending on the substituents on the aromatic rings, and furthermore, the crystal structure revealed the presence of tautomers. DFT calculations elucidated the complex structures formed upon addition of anion to the croconamides, confirming the order of association constants towards the halogen anions. The use of croconamides as organocatalysts in a proof-of-concept study is demonstrated in the formation of THP ethers. In addition to this, construction of a Hammet plot further elucidates the mechanism in action on formation of THP ethers.

Combining metabolic engineering and biocompatible chemistry for high-yield production of homo-diacetyl and homo-(S,S)-2,3-butanediol.

Biocompatible chemistry is gaining increasing attention because of its potential within biotechnology for expanding the repertoire of biological transformations carried out by enzymes. Here we demonstrate how biocompatible chemistry can be used for synthesizing valuable compounds as well as for linking metabolic pathways to achieve redox balance and rescued growth. By comprehensive rerouting of metabolism, activation of respiration, and finally metal ion catalysis, we successfully managed to convert the homolactic bacterium Lactococcus lactis into a homo-diacetyl producer with high titer (95mM or 8.2g/L) and high yield (87% of the theoretical maximum). Subsequently, the pathway was extended to (S,S)-2,3-butanediol (S-BDO) through efficiently linking two metabolic pathways via chemical catalysis. This resulted in efficient homo-S-BDO production with a titer of 74mM (6.7g/L) S-BDO and a yield of 82%. The diacetyl and S-BDO production rates and yields obtained are the highest ever reported, demonstrating the promising combination of metabolic engineering and biocompatible chemistry as well as the great potential of L. lactis as a new production platform.

Comprehensive Spectroscopic Determination of the Crystal Field Splitting in an Erbium Single-Ion Magnet.

The electronic structure of a novel lanthanide-based single-ion magnet, {C(NH2)3}5[Er(CO3)4]·11H2O, was comprehensively studied by means of a large number of different spectroscopic techniques, including far-infrared, optical, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies. A thorough analysis, based on crystal field theory, allowed an unambiguous determination of all relevant free ion and crystal field parameters. We show that inclusion of methods sensitive to the nature of the lowest-energy states is essential to arrive at a correct description of the states that are most relevant for the static and dynamic magnetic properties. The spectroscopic investigations also allowed for a full understanding of the magnetic relaxation processes occurring in this system. Thus, the importance of spectroscopic studies for the improvement of single-molecule magnets is underlined.

Synthesis and properties of unsymmetrical azatrioxa[8]circulenes.

Insights to the subtle reactivity patterns of hydroxy-substituted carbazoles allows the precise synthesis of unsymmetrical azatrioxa[8]circulenes by the reaction of N-benzyl-2,7-di-tert-butyl-3,6-dihydroxycarbazole with two different 1,4-benzoquinones in the presence of an oxidant (chloranil) and a Lewis acid (BF3OEt2). The unique synthetic control obtained originates from the selectivity obtained upon reacting N-benzyl-2,7-di-tert-butyl-3,6-dihydroxycarbazole with an electron-rich benzoquinone to give first the C-C bond formation and then subsequently the dibenzofuran formation with high regioselectivity. Herein the first synthesis of unsymmetrical antiaromatic azatrioxa[8]circulenes and the full characterization using NMR spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, computational techniques and single crystal X-ray crystallography is reported. The controlled stepwise condensation of N-benzyl-2,7-di-tert-butyl-3,6-dihydroxycarbazole with two different 1,4-benzoquinones gives selectively the unsymmetrical azatrioxa[8]circulenes.

Stabilizing coordinated radicals via metal-ligand covalency: a structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical investigation of group 9 tris(dithiolene) complexes.

Proper assignment of redox loci in coordination complexes with redox-active ligands to either the metal or the ligand is essential for rationalization of their chemical reactivity. However, the high covalency endemic to complexes of late, third-row transition metals complicates such assignments. Herein, we systematically explore the redox behavior of a series of group 9 tris(dithiolene) complexes, [M(mnt)3]3­ (M = Ir, Rh, Co; mnt = maleonitriledithiolate). The Ir species described comprise the first examples of homoleptic Ir dithiolene complexes. The enhanced metal­ligand covalency of the Ir­S interaction leads to remarkable reactivity of [Ir(mnt)3]3­ and stabilization of mononuclear [Ir(mnt)3]2­ complex ions as well as dimerized versions featuring weak, covalent, intermolecular S­S bonds. The dianionic Rh and Co analogues are, in contrast, highly unstable, resulting in the rapid formation of [Rh2(mnt)5]4­ and [Co(mnt)2]22­, respectively. The synthesized complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, magnetometry, density functional theory, and spectroscopy-oriented configuration interaction calculations. Spectroscopic and theoretical analyses suggest that the stability of [Ir(mnt)3]2­ may be attributed to dilution of ligand radical character by a high degree of Ir 5d character in the singly occupied molecular orbital.

Diazadioxa[8]circulenes: planar antiaromatic cyclooctatetraenes.

In this paper we describe a new class of antiaromatic planar cyclooctatetraenes: the diazadioxa[8]circulenes. The synthesis was achieved by means of a new acid-mediated oxidative dimerization of 3,6-dihydroxycarbazoles to yield the diazadioxa[8]circulenes in high yields. The synthetic protocol appears to be general, and is a one-pot transformation in which two C-C bonds and two C-O bonds are formed with the loss of two molecules of water. We also present a detailed characterization of the optical and electrochemical properties of this new class of stable planar cyclooctatetraenes. The properties of the diazadioxa[8]circulenes are compared with the properties of isoelectronic tetraoxa[8]circulenes and azatrioxa[8]circulenes. We discuss the antiaromatic nature of the planar central cyclooctatetraene moiety. The antiaromatic nature of the planar cyclooctatetraenes was studied by using computational methods (NICS calculations), and these calculations reveal that the central eight-membered ring has antiaromatic character.

Azatrioxa[8]circulenes: planar anti-aromatic cyclooctatetraenes.

We describe herein the first synthesis of a new class of anti-aromatic planar cyclooctatetraenes: the azatrioxa[8]circulenes. This was achieved by treating a suitably functionalised 3,6-dihydroxycarbazole with 1,4-benzoquinones or a 1,4-naphthoquinone. We fully characterised the azatrioxa[8]circulenes by using optical, electrochemical and computational techniques as well as by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The results of a computational study (NICS) suggest that the central planar cyclooctatetraene is anti-aromatic when the molecules are in neutral or oxidised states (2+), and that the corresponding dianions are aromatic. We discuss the aromatic/anti-aromatic nature of the planar cyclooctatetraenes and compare them with the isoelectronic tetraoxa[8]circulenes.

A triptycene-based approach to solubilising carbon nanotubes and C60.

We describe herein the synthesis of a triptycene-based surfactant designed with the ability to solubilise single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and C(60) in water through non-covalent interactions. Furthermore, an amphiphilic naphthalene-based surfactant with the same ability to solubilise SWNTs and C(60) has also been prepared. The compounds synthesised were designed with either two ionic or non-ionic tails to ensure a large number of supramolecular interactions with the solvent, thereby promoting strong solubilisation. The surfactants produced stable suspensions in which the SWNTs are dispersed and the surfactant/SWNT complexes formed are stable for more than one year. UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, TEM and AFM were employed to probe the solubilisation properties of the dispersion of surfactants and SWNTs in water.

Metallocorrole dendrimers: sensitive corrole-chromium(V)-nitride spin probes for studying the solution structure of dendrimers.

The corrole-chromium(V)-nitrido moiety is introduced as a uniquely sensitive EPR spin probe. We describe a series of corrole-centered poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers and the selective incorporation of the chromium(V)-nitrido moiety. The chromium-corrole cores are reactive toward both neutral and charged reagents, and the accessibility of the dendrimer cores enables easy manipulation of the spin probe. The spin probe reveals a pronounced solvent dependence of the solution-phase structure of the dendrimers.

Single-ion anisotropy and exchange interactions in the cyano-bridged trimers MnIII2MIII(CN)6 (MIII = Co, Cr, Fe) species incorporating [Mn(5-Brsalen)]+ units: an inelastic neutron scattering and magnetic susceptibility study.

The electronic structures of the compounds K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)-Mn(2)M(III)(CN)(6)].2H(2)O (M(III) = Co(III), Cr(III), Fe(III)) have been determined by inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and magnetic susceptibility studies, revealing the manganese(III) single-ion anisotropy and exchange interactions that define the low-lying states of the Mn-M(III)-Mn trimeric units. Despite the presence of an antiferromagnetic intertrimer interaction, the experimental evidence supports the classification of both the Cr(III) and Fe(III) compounds as single-molecule magnets. The value of 17(2) cm(-1) established from AC susceptibility measurements for a spin-reversal barrier of K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)-Mn(2)Cr(CN)(6)].2H(2)O may be readily rationalized in terms of the energy level diagram determined directly by INS. AC susceptibility measurements on samples of K[(5-Brsalen)(2)(H(2)O)(2)-Mn(2)Fe(CN)(6)].2H(2)O are contrary to those previously reported, exhibiting but the onset of peaks below temperatures of 1.8 K at oscillating frequencies in the range of 100-800 Hz. INS measurements reveal an anisotropic ferromagnetic manganese(III)-iron(III) exchange interaction, in accordance with theoretical expectations based on the unquenched orbital angular momentum of the [Fe(CN)(6)](3-) anion, giving rise to an M(s) approximately +/-9/2 ground state, isolated by approximately 11.5 cm(-1) from the higher-lying levels. The reported INS and magnetic data should now serve as a benchmark against which theoretical models that aim to inter-relate the electronic and molecular structure of molecular magnets should be tested.

Chiral dendrimer encapsulated Pd and Rh nanoparticles.

The synthesis of a series of chiral PAMAM dendrimers and the formation of chiral dendrimer encapsulated metal nanoparticles are described.