I2/DMSO-Promoted Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfide- and Selenide-Embedded Arylhydrazones.

Functionalization and derivatization of arylhydrazones are important in pharmaceutical, medicinal, material, and coordination chemistry. In this regard, a facile I2/DMSO-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) for direct sulfenylation and selenylation of arylhydrazones has been accomplished utilizing arylthiols/arylselenols at 80 °C. This method provides a metal-free benign route for the synthesis of a variety of arylhydrazones embedded with diverse diaryl sulfide and selenide moieties in good to excellent yield. In this reaction, molecular I2 acts as a catalyst, and DMSO is utilized as a mild oxidant as well as solvent to produce several sulfenyl and selenyl arylhydrazones through a CDC-mediated catalytic cycle.

Synthesis of Hydroxylated Polycyclic Pyrrolo/Indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-Fused Lactam Derivatives via PhI(OAc)2-Promoted 1,2-Bond Migration and Solvent Insertion.

PhI(OAc)2-mediated ring expansion via 1,2-bond migration and concurrent solvent insertion generate hydroxylated polycyclic pyrrolo/indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline-fused lactam derivatives in a highly diastereoselective fashion from spiro-fused quinoxalines in good-to-excellent yield. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that the polycyclic lactams are nonplanar molecules devoid of any symmetry as they possess one or two axially chiral biaryl or N-arylindolyl bridges along with one chiral center at the bridgehead carbon.

Convenient synthesis and evaluation of antioxidant property of functionalized spiro indolinone-dihydroquinazolinones.

In the present study an efficient synthetic pathway has been developed for the library synthesis of diversely functionalized spiro indolinone-dihydroquinazolinones from easily available isatins and 2-aminobenzamides by acid catalyzed condensation at 70 °C in ethanol. The outcome of the ROS scavenging analysis over the synthesized spiro compounds displays significant variation in their respective antioxidant properties with the change of substituent at different positions. Noteworthy, the spiro compounds substituted with phenyl ring at nitrogen atom either in indolinone or dihydroquinazolinone moiety show a promising defensive capability towards OH (≈ 83% at 80 µM against control) and O2- (≈ 78% at 20 µM against epinephrine auto-oxidation). Almost every single spiro compound exhibits substantial reducing power, especially compounds containing dihydroquinazolinone moiety substituted with aromatic ring at amide nitrogen (N-3) exhibit remarkable reducing property. IC50 and TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) values reveal that the spiro compound substituted with phenyl ring to indolic nitrogen (N-1) possesses significant antioxidant potency (IC50 ≈ 22.67 µM) and substantial OH scavenging ability (TEAC ≈ 0.82) comparable to highly potent antioxidant Trolox.

Three-Component Synthesis of Pyrrolo/indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines Substituted with o-Biphenylester/N-arylcarbamate/N-arylurea: A Domino Approach Involving Spirocyclic Ring Opening.

A p-TsOH-mediated one-pot, three-component methodology has been developed for the synthesis of pyrrolo/indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines substituted with o-biphenylester/N-arylcarbamate/N-arylurea at the C-4 position under open-air heating conditions. The protocol offers a transition-metal-free and external oxidant-free solvent-mediated pathway to afford a library of diversely substituted quinoxalines in moderate to good yields. Various water-miscible aliphatic alcohols and amines participate in the reactions both as solvent as well as reactant. X-ray crystal structure analysis suggests that some of the suitably substituted quinoxalines may exhibit atropisomerism at room temperature.

Asymmetric 1,4-Michael Addition in Aqueous Medium Using Hydrophobic Chiral Organocatalysts.

Organic transformations exclusively in water as an environmentally friendly and safe medium have drawn significant interest in the recent years. Moreover, transition metal-free synthesis of enantiopure molecules in water will have a great deal of attention as the system will mimic the natural enzymatic reactions. In this work, a new set of proline-derived hydrophobic organocatalysts have been synthesized and utilized for asymmetric Michael reactions in water as the sole reaction medium. Among the various catalysts screened, the catalyst 1 is indeed efficient for stereoselective 1,4-conjugated Michael additions (dr: >97:3, ee up to >99.9%) resulting in high chemical yields (up to 95%) in a very short reaction time (1 h) at room temperature. This methodology provides a robust, green, and convenient protocol and can thus be an important addition to the arsenal of the asymmetric Michael addition reaction. Upon successful implementation, the present strategy also led to the formation of an optically active octahydroindole, the key component found in many natural products.

Expeditious and eco-friendly synthesis of new multifunctionalized pyrrole derivatives and evaluation of their antioxidant property.

Diminution of oxidative stress-mediated diseases is an essential pharmaceutical objective in modern biomedical research. The present work stresses upon the efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of an array of novel diversely functionalized pyrrole derivatives which are found to be antioxidants with reactive oxygen species (ROS) shielding competency against the deleterious consequence of oxidative stress. The results of the investigation displayed the effect of structural modification of the pyrrole derivatives on their respective antioxidant properties to various ROS. Noteworthy, the pyrrole moiety bearing 4-hydroxycoumarin or 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as substituent showed outstanding defensive potency towards OH and O2- while, nitrogen atom linked with aliphatic side-chain in the pyrrole scaffold made a strong affirmative impression in DPPH scavenging assay. More interestingly, an influencing reducing power was observed in pyrrole derivatives carrying cyclohexane 1,3-dione as one of the substituents. To have a comprehensive acuteness into the antioxidant capacity of the synthesized pyrrole derivatives against Trolox as a standard antioxidant, a crucial approach was taken into account by calculating TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) in case of OH and DPPH scavenging activity.

One-Pot, Three-Component Synthesis of 5-Sulfenyl-2-iminothiazolines by Cross-Dehydrogenative C-S Coupling Using I2/DMSO in Open Air.

A one-pot, three-component, transition-metal-free regioselective sulfenylation of 2-iminothiazoline through the cross-dehydrogenative coupling strategy via sp2 C-H functionalization has been developed employing iodine as a catalyst and dimethyl sulfoxide as an oxidant. Utility of this sulfenylation technique has been well depicted through participation of various aryl and heterocyclic thiols. Significant features of this C-H functionalization strategy include metal-free open air reaction conditions, which offer a mild and efficient method for sulfenylation to achieve diversely substituted 5-sulfenyl-2-iminothiazoline derivatives.

Pyrrolidine-Oxadiazolone Conjugates as Organocatalysts in Asymmetric Michael Reaction.

Pyrrolidine-oxadiazolone based organocatalysts are envisaged, synthesized, and utilized for asymmetric Michael reactions. Results of the investigations suggest that some of the catalysts are indeed efficient for stereoselective 1,4-conjugated Michael additions (dr: >97:3, ee up to 99%) in high chemical yields (up to 97%) often in short reaction time. As an extension, one enantiopure Michael adduct has been utilized to synthesize optically active octahydroindole.

A novel tryptamine-appended rhodamine-based chemosensor for selective detection of Hg2+ present in aqueous medium and its biological applications.

A novel rhodamine-tryptamine conjugate-based fluorescent and chromogenic chemosensor (RTS) for detection of Hg2+ present in water was reported. After gradual addition of Hg2+ in aqueous methanol solution of RTS, a strong orange fluorescence and deep-pink coloration were observed. The probe showed high selectivity towards Hg2+ compared to other competitive metal ions. The 1:1 binding stoichiometry between RTS and Hg2+ was established by Job's plot analysis and mass spectroscopy. Initial studies showed that the synthesized probe RTS possessed fair non-toxicity and effectively passed through cell walls of model cell systems, viz., human neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells and cervical cells (HeLa) to detect intercellular Hg2+ ions, signifying its utility in biological system. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 2.1 nM or 0.42 ppb by fluorescence titration. Additionally, the potential relevance of synthesized chemosensor for detecting Hg2+ ions in environmental water samples has been demonstrated. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Synthesis of amino ester-embedded benzimidazoles: a one-pot sequential protocol under metal-free neutral conditions.

A one-pot three-component protocol has been developed for the synthesis of amino ester-embedded benzimidazoles under metal-free neutral conditions. Sequentially, the methodology involves coupling of an amino ester with 1-fluoro-2-nitrobenzene, reduction of the coupled nitroarene by sodium dithionite, and cyclization of the corresponding diamine with an aldehyde.

Synthesis of multi-functionalized benzofurans through the condensation of ninhydrin and phenols using SSA as a recyclable heterogeneous acid catalyst.

A simple and efficient one-pot methodology has been developed for the synthesis of biologically important multi-functionalized 3-(2[Formula: see text]-hydroxyaryl)-2-(2[Formula: see text]-carboxyphenyl)benzofurans using silica sulfuric acid (SSA) as a heterogeneous acid catalyst in DMF medium. The significant advantages of this methodology are the use of SSA as a recyclable solid acid catalyst, operational simplicity, easy availability of the starting materials, and good yield of the products with high atom-economy.

Novel synthesis of a series of spiro 1,3-indanedione-fused dihydropyridines through the condensation of a tetrone with N-aryl/alkylenamines in presence of solid support silica sulfuric acid.

A convenient protocol for the library synthesis of biologically important 1-aryl-2',6-spiro(1',3'-indanedione)-1H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoline-5,7-diones has been developed. In this one-pot reaction protocol a tetrone is condensed with various N-aryl/alkylenamines of 1,3-cyclohexadiones on the surface of a solid-supported acid catalyst silica sulfuric acid under solvent-free condition. The significant advantages of this methodology are the use of solvent-free reaction conditions, operational simplicity of the reaction, good yield of the products with high atom economy, and employment of a recyclable catalyst. All these favorable factors make the present method convenient, economic, and 'benign by design'.

Silica sulfuric acid: a reusable solid catalyst for one pot synthesis of densely substituted pyrrole-fused isocoumarins under solvent-free conditions.

A convenient and efficient methodology for the synthesis of densely substituted pyrrole-fused isocoumarins, which employs solid-supported silica sulfuric acid (SSA) as catalyst, has been developed. When the mixture of ninhydrin adducts of acetylacetone/ethyl acetoacetate and primary amines was heated on the solid surface of SSA under solvent-free conditions, the pyrrole-fused isocoumarins were formed in good yields. This synthetic method has several advantages such as the employment of solvent-free reaction conditions without the use of any toxic reagents and metal catalysts, the ease of product isolation, the use of a recyclable catalyst, the low cost, the easy availability of the starting materials, and the excellent yields of products.

Design and self-assembly of a leucine-enkephalin analogue in different nanostructures: application of nanovesicles.

An opioid (leucine-enkephalin) conformational analogue forms diverse nanostructures such as vesicles, tubes, and organogels through self-assembly. The nanovesicles encapsulate the natural hydrophobic drug curcumin and allow the controlled release through cation-generated porogens in membrane mimetic solvent.

Salts responsive nanovesicles through pi-stacking induced self-assembly of backbone modified tripeptides.

A set of backbone modified peptides of general formula Boc-Xx-m-ABA-Yy-OMe where m-ABA is meta-aminobenzoic acid and Xx and Yy are natural amino acids such as Phe, Gly, Pro, Leu, Ile, Tyr and Trp etc., are found to self-assemble into soft nanovesicular structures in methanol-water solution (9:1 by v/v). At higher concentration the peptides generate larger vesicles which are formed through fusion of smaller vesicles. The formation of vesicles has been facilitated through the participation of various noncovalent interactions such as aromatic pi-stacking, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Model study indicates that the pi-stacking induced self-assembly, mediated by m-ABA is essential for well structured vesicles formation. The presence of conformationally rigid m-ABA in the backbone of the peptides also helps to form vesicular structures by restricting the conformational entropy. The vesicular structures get disrupted in presence of various salts such as KCI, CaCl2, N(n-Bu)4Br and (NH4)2SO4 in methanol-water solution. Fluorescence microscopy and UV studies reveal that the soft nanovesicles encapsulate organic dye molecules such as Rhodamine B and Acridine Orange which could be released through salts induced disruption of vesicles.

Mild and Expeditious Synthesis of Sulfenyl Enaminones of l-α-Amino Esters and Aryl/Alkyl Amines through NCS-Mediated Sulfenylation.

Sulfenylation or selenylation of enaminones of l-α-amino esters requires mild reaction conditions due to the presence of a racemization-prone chiral center and reactive side chains. An N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)-mediated methodology has been developed for rapid sulfenylation of enaminones of l-α-amino esters and aryl/alkyl amines at room temperature in open air under metal-free conditions. Enaminones of l-α-amino esters bearing aliphatic, aromatic, and heterocyclic side chains react efficiently with diverse aryl/alkyl/heteroaryl thiols (R1SH) in the presence of NCS to afford a library of biologically important sulfenyl enaminones in good-to-excellent yields (71-90%). Under similar reaction conditions, the enaminones also react with benzeneselenol to produce selenyl enaminones in good yield (73-83%). The NCS-mediated pathway generates sulfenyl chloride (R1SCl) as an intermediate which leads to rapid sulfenylation of enaminones through cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) under mild reaction conditions.

Studies of amyloid-like fibrillogenesis through beta-sheet-mediated self-assembly of short synthetic peptides.

Three structurally different types of small peptides, namely, i) Boc-Ile-Aib-Ile-OMe (Aib=alpha-aminoisobutyric acid), ii) Boc-Xx-m-aminobenzoic acid (Xx=beta-Ala and gamma-aminobutyric acid), and iii) Boc-Xx-m-nitroaniline, were found to exhibit beta-sheet-mediated fibrillogenesis in the solid state, revealed by FT-IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and FE-SEM studies. Interestingly, the fibrils grown from peptides 2 and 3 were found to bind with the physiological dye Congo red, a characteristic feature of amyloid fibrils.

Synthesis and Biological Assessment of Pyrrolobenzoxazine Scaffold as a Potent Antioxidant.

Reduction of mitochondrial oxidative stress-mediated diseases is an important pharmaceutical objective in recent biomedical research. In this context, a series of novel pyrrolobenzoxazines (PyBs) framework with enormous diversity (compounds 5a-w) was synthesized by employing a low-temperature greener pathway, and antioxidant property of the synthesized compounds was successfully demonstrated on preclinical model goat heart mitochondria, in vitro. Copper-ascorbate (Cu-As) was utilized as an oxidative stress generator. Out of screened PyBs, the compound possessing -OH and -OMe groups on benzene nucleus along with pyrrolobenzoxazine core moiety (compound 5w) displayed magnificent antioxidant property with a minimum effective dose of 66 µM during the biochemical assessment. The ameliorative effect of synthesized pyrrolobenzoxazine moiety on levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme, activities of Krebs cycle and respiratory chain enzymes, mitochondrial morphology, and Ca2+ permeability of mitochondrial membrane was investigated in the presence of Cu-As. Furthermore, the binding mode of Cu-As by compound 5w was explored successfully using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis.

Synthesis and fluorescent properties of a new class of heterocycles of isoindole fused imidazoles with phenolic subunits.

A new class of heterocycles of isoindole fused imidazoles with phenolic subunits has been readily synthesized by a two-step one-pot reaction. In aprotic solvent they show high fluorescent properties (Phi(F) up to 0.93), but in protic polar solvent fluorescent intensity decreases. They show green fluorescence in weak acidic medium such as acetic acid but lack emission in basic medium. The compounds can also stain human squamous epithelium cells.

Modulation of Excited State Proton Transfer Dynamics of a Lactim-Lactam Tautomeric System in Different Block Copolymer-Surfactant Aggregates.

The proton transfer (PT) process in 1-(2-hydroxy-5-chloro-phenyl)-3,5-dioxo-1H-imidazo-[3,4-b]isoindole (ADCL) has been studied in three different copolymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies prepared in aqueous 1% P123 triblock copolymer micellar solution with varying concentrations of surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and triton-X-100 (TX 100)). The aim of the present study is to monitor the modulation of the PT process by changing the degree of micellar hydration inside the P123 micelle with the addition of the three different surfactants (two ionic and one non ionic), that is, in P123-surfactant aggregates. Besides, a comparative study has been done with these results with those in water, pure P123 micellar medium and three different surfactants medium. The micropolarity measurement and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropic measurements have been performed to evaluate the binding location of the probe (ADCL) in the three different copolymer-surfactant supramolecular assemblies. It is found that the micropolarity at the binding site of the molecule in the various environments largely influences the PT rate of ADCL. The PT rate is found to be the slowest in the P123 medium and in P123-surfactant aggregates the rate becomes faster as the micropolarity around the binding locations of the molecule in these aggregates is higher in comparison to that in P123 micelle.