Controlling Chirogenic Effects in Porphyrin Based Supramolecular Systems: Theoretical Analysis Versus Experimental Observations.

Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy is a widely employed method for studying chiral analysis, requiring the presence of a chromophore close to a chiral centre. Porphyrinoids are found to be one of the best chromophoric systems serving for this purpose and enabling the application of ECD spectroscopy for chirality determination across diverse classes of organic compounds. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the induction mechanisms of ECD in the porphyrin-based complexes. The present study explores systematically the influence of secondary chromophores, bonded to an achiral zinc porphyrin or to chiral guest molecules, on the B-region of ECD spectra using the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. The study analyses the impact of change in both the conformation of achiral porphyrin (host) and change in position and conformation of chiral organic molecule (guest) on the B-band of ECD spectra (energy, intensity, sign of Cotton effect). Finally, conclusions made on model complexes are applied to published experimental data, contributing to a deeper understanding of various factors influencing ECD spectra in chiral systems. In addition, a computer program aimed to help rationalise ECD spectra by visualizing corresponding orbital energies, rotatory strengths, electric and magnetic transition moments, and angles between them, is presented.

Supramolecular Chirogenesis in a Sterically Hindered Porphyrin: A Critical Theoretical Analysis.

The determination of molecular stereochemistry and absolute configuration is an important part of modern chemistry, pharmacology, and biology. Electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy is a widely used tool for chirality assignment, especially with porphyrin macrocycles employed as reporter chromophores. However, the mechanisms of induced ECD in porphyrin complexes are yet to be comprehensively rationalized. In this work, the ECD spectra of a sterically hindered hexa-cationic porphyrin with two camphorsulfonic acids in dichloromethane and chloroform were experimentally measured and computationally analyzed. The influence of geometric factors such as the position of chiral guest molecules, distortion of the porphyrin macrocycle, and orientation of aromatic and non-aromatic peripheral substituents on the ECD spectra was theoretically studied. Various potential pitfalls, such as a lack of significant conformations and accidental agreement of experimental and simulated spectra, are considered and discussed.

Supramolecular Chirogenesis in a Sterically Hindered Porphyrin: A Critical Theoretical Analysis.

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Irina Osadchuk at Tallinn University of Technology and Mathias Senge at Trinity College Dublin. The image depicts how a porphyrin with two guest molecules (R)-camphor sulfonic acid is irradiated with UV-visible light to measure and simulate ECD and UV-Vis spectra. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202301408.

Self-Assembly of Chiral Cyclohexanohemicucurbit[n]urils with Bis(Zn Porphyrin): Size, Shape, and Time-Dependent Binding.

In order to investigate the ability of bis(zinc octaethylporphyrin) (bis-ZnOEP) to discriminate cyclohexanohemicucurbit[n]urils (cycHC[n]) of different shapes and sizes, the self-assembly of barrel-shaped chiral cycHC[n] with bis-ZnOEP was studied by various spectroscopic methods (absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), and NMR). While the binding of 6-membered cycHC[6] induced a tweezer-like conformation followed by the formation of anti-form of bis-ZnOEP upon further addition of cycHC[6], the interaction of 8-membered cycHC[8] is more complex and proceeds through the featured syn-to-anti conformational change of bis-ZnOEP and further intermolecular self-assembly via multiple noncovalent associations between cycHC[8] and bis-ZnOEP. Whilst bis-porphyrins are known to be effective chemical sensors able to differentiate various guests based on their chirality via induced CD, their ability to sense small differences in the shape and size of relatively large macrocycles, such as chiral cycHC[6] and cycHC[8], is scarcely examined. Both studied complexes exhibited characteristic induced CD signals in the region of porphyrin absorption upon complexation.

Chirogenesis in Zinc Porphyrins: Theoretical Evaluation of Electronic Transitions, Controlling Structural Factors and Axial Ligation.

In the present work, sixteen different zinc porphyrins (possessing different meso substituents) with and without a chiral guest were modelled using DFT and TD-DFT approaches in order to understand the influence of various controlling factors on electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Two major aspects are influenced by these factors: excitation energy of the electronic transitions and their intensity. In the case of excitation energy, the influence increases in the following order: orientation of the peripheral substituents

Stereospecific Synthesis of Cyclic Sulfite Esters with Sulfur-Centered Chirality via Diastereoselective Strategy and Intramolecular H-Bonding Assistance.

Stereospecific synthesis of several cyclic sulfite esters containing three stereogenic centers from enantiopure 1,1,4,4-tetraarylbutanetetraols was achieved. Chiral sulfur centers were constructed stereospecifically via a diastereoselective reaction with the assistance of an intramolecular H-bonding interaction. The absolute configuration of the S atom was elucidated by using the corresponding single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized monochloride cyclic sulfite esters. Furthermore, a crystallographic evidence of the specific intramolecular C(sp3)-H···CAr weak H-bondings was presented, and its dramatic effect on the 1H NMR spectral properties was revealed. This intriguing behavior was unambiguously rationalized by different shielding effects of the neighboring phenyl rings. Additionally, the theoretical results obtained on the basis of MP2 calculations fully supported the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions being responsible for the observed unique chemical and spectral properties.

Direct Asymmetric Three-Component Mannich Reaction Catalyzed by Chiral Counteranion-Assisted Silver.

Direct asymmetric three-component Mannich reaction involving simple ketones (such as cyclohexanone, acetone, and acetophenone) as donors and catalyzing by silver tartaric acid-derived phosphate was realized to afford a series of optically active ß-amino-ketone derivatives in high yields (up to 96%) and good-to-high enantioselectivities (up to 97%) with moderate-to-good diastereoselectivities. This is the first example of direct catalytic asymmetric three-component Mannich reaction via a chiral counteranion-directed strategy.

Directional Approach to Enantiomerically Enriched Functionalized [7]Oxa-helicenoids and Groove-Based Selective Cyanide Sensing.

Several regioselective functionalized mono- and disubstituted [7]oxa-helicenoids have been synthesized in the enantiomerically enriched (90-99% ee) form. These functionalized helicenoids exhibited pronounced spectral and chiroptical properties suitable for sensing applications. In particular, corresponding helicenoid's mono and dialdehydes have been effectively used as chemodosimeters for selective detection of cyanide anions over other anions, while simple aromatic aldehydes do not function as cyanide sensors. The groove available in the helical host plays a crucial role in the sensing. The enantiomerically enriched nature of the sensors allows the use of electronic circular dichroism as an uncommon detection tool for cyanide anions, along with conventional fluorescence and NMR methods.

Benchmarking computational methods and influence of guest conformation on chirogenesis in zinc porphyrin complexes.

Circular dichroism (CD) is a convenient and widely used tool for investigating structures of chiral molecules. However, the unambiguous simulation of CD spectra is not a trivial task, because the accuracy of theoretical calculations depends on the nature of the system. In the present work, the induced CD spectra of six zinc porphyrin complexes with chiral guests were simulated by using different DFT methods. The best agreement between theoretical and experimental results for the Soret (B) band absorption region was achieved with the ωB97X-D, CAM-B3LYP, and M06-2X functionals with implicit inclusion of solvent effects (SMD model). Also, a good correlation between the simulated and experimental spectra was obtained with the DZVP basis sets, however a more accurate simulation of the length- and velocity rotational strengths needed larger TZVP basis sets. Additionally, the conformation of the chiral guest influences the chirogenic mechanism.

Stereoselective Biginelli-like reaction catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid bearing two hydroxy groups.

To develop new efficient stereoselective catalysts for Biginelli-like reactions, a chiral phosphoric acid bearing two hydroxy groups derived from ʟ-tartaric acid was successfully synthesized via highly regioselective transformations of enantiopure 1,1,4,4-tetraphenylbutanetetraol. The obtained catalyst effectively catalyzed Biginelli-like reactions with moderate to good enantioselectivities. Control experiments indicated that the presence of the two hydroxy groups were indispensable for achieving a high enantioselectivity.

Benzyne-Mediated Nonconcerted Pathway toward Synthesis of Sterically Crowded [5]- and [7]Oxahelicenoids, Stereochemical and Theoretical Studies, and Optical Resolution of Helicenoids.

Synthesis of [5]- and [7]oxahelicenoids via Diels-Alder reaction of sterically crowded bichromenes with benzyne is presented. Studies carried out on Diels-Alder addition product establish the unusual preference for a stepwise mechanism over the concerted reaction pathway. This high yielding general synthetic protocol affords unexpected anti cycloadducts [5]- and [7]oxahelicenoids, as confirmed by crystallographic analysis. To rationalize these intriguing antiaddition products, the reaction mechanism was elucidated by means of DFT analysis. Additionally, hydroxy-functionalized [7]oxahelicenoid has been resolved in its optically pure forms.

Ethane-Bridged Bisporphyrin Conformational Changes As an Effective Analytical Tool for Nonenzymatic Detection of Urea in the Physiological Range.

Conformational switching induced in ethane-bridged bisporphyrins was used as a sensitive transduction method for revealing the presence of urea dissolved in water via nonenzymatic approach. Bisporphyrins were deposited on solid quartz slides by means of the spin-coating method. Molecular conformations of Zn and Ni monometalated bis-porphyrins were influenced by water solvated urea molecules and their fluorescence emission was modulated by the urea concentration. Absorption, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies allowed the identification of supramolecular processes, which are responsible for host-guest interaction between the active layers and urea molecules. A high selectivity of the sensing mechanism was highlighted upon testing the spectroscopic responses of bis-porphyrin films to citrulline and glutamine used as interfering agents. Additionally, potential applicability was demonstrated by quantifying the urea concentration in real physiological samples proposing this new approach as a valuable alternative analytical procedure to the traditionally used enzymatic methods.

Porphyrin-Based Hybrid Nanohelices: Cooperative Effect between Molecular and Supramolecular Chirality on Amplified Optical Activity.

The development of chiral receptors for discriminating the configuration of the analyte of interest is increasingly urgent in view of monitoring pollution in water and waste liquids. Here, we investigate an easy protocol to immobilize the desired non-water-soluble receptors inside a water-dispersible chiral nanoplatform made of silica. This approach induces chirality in the receptors and Here, we investigate an easy protocol to immobilize the desired non-water-soluble receptors inside a water-dispersible chiral nanoplatform made of silica. This approach induces chirality in the receptors and makes the dye@nanohelix system disperse in a suspension of water without aggregation. We noted strong induction and amplification of chiroptical activity in both achiral and chiral (proline-based or hemicucurbituril-based) porphyrin derivatives with and without zinc ions once confined and organized in nanometer silica helices. The results clearly demonstrated that the organization-induced chirality amplification of porphyrins dominates the molecular chirality, and the amplification is more efficient for more flexible porphyrins (especially free-base and achiral).

Chiral Recognition by Supramolecular Porphyrin-Hemicucurbit[8]uril-Functionalized Gravimetric Sensors.

Enantiorecognition of a chiral analyte usually requires the ability to respond with high specificity to one of the two enantiomers of a chiral compound. However, in most cases, chiral sensors have chemical sensitivity toward both enantiomers, showing differences only in the intensity of responses. Furthermore, specific chiral receptors are obtained with high synthetic efforts and have limited structural versatility. These facts hinder the implementation of chiral sensors in many potential applications. Here, we utilize the presence of both enantiomers of each receptor to introduce a novel normalization that allows the enantio-recognition of compounds even when single sensors are not specific for one enantiomer of a target analyte. For this purpose, a novel protocol that permits the fabrication of a large set of enantiomeric receptor pairs with low synthetic efforts by combining metalloporphyrins with (R,R)- and (S,S)-cyclohexanohemicucurbit[8]uril is developed. The potentialities of this approach are investigated by an array of four pairs of enantiomeric sensors fabricated using quartz microbalances since gravimetric sensors are intrinsically non-selective toward the mechanism of interaction of analytes and receptors. Albeit the weak enantioselectivity of single sensors toward limonene and 1-phenylethylamine, the normalization allows the correct identification of these enantiomers in the vapor phase indifferent to their concentration. Remarkably, the achiral metalloporphyrin choice influences the enantioselective properties, opening the way to easily obtain a large library of chiral receptors that can be implemented in actual sensor arrays. These enantioselective electronic noses and tongues may have a potential striking impact in many medical, agrochemical, and environmental fields.

Importance of molecular symmetry for enantiomeric excess recognition by NMR.

Recently prochiral solvating agents (pro-CSA) came under the spotlight for the detection of enantiopurity by NMR. Chemical shift non-equivalency in achiral hosts introduced by the presence of chiral guests yields observable resonance signal splitting (Δδ) correlating to the enantiomeric excess (e.e.). In this work, symmetry is our lens to explain porphyrin-based supramolecular receptor activity in a chiral environment. Based on extensive NMR analyses of the atropisomeric receptors, the host symmetry is shown to be affected by porphyrin nonplanarity and further desymmetrized in the presence of a chiral guest. As such, the exposed porphyrin inner core (N-H), with its strong hydrogen bond abilities, for the first time, has been exploited in enantiomeric composition analysis. Our approach in e.e. detection by N-H signals appearing in a previously underutilized region of the spectrum (below 0 ppm) shows chemical shift splitting (Δδ) three times more sensitive to enantiomeric compositions than previously reported systems.

Aerobic Oxidations in Asymmetric Synthesis: Catalytic Strategies and Recent Developments.

Despite the remarkable advances in the area of asymmetric catalytic oxidations over the past decades, the development of sustainable and environmentally benign enantioselective oxidation techniques, especially with the efficiency level similar to natural enzymes, still represents a challenge. The growing demand for enantiopure compounds and high interest to industry-relevant green technological advances continue to encourage the research pursuits in this field. Among various oxidants, molecular oxygen is ubiquitous, being available at low cost, environmentally benign and easy-to-handle material. This review highlights recent achievements in catalytic enantioselective oxidations utilizing molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant, with focus on the mechanisms of dioxygen activation and chirogenesis in these transformations.

A Quinoline-Appended Cyclodextrin Derivative as a Highly Selective Receptor and Colorimetric Probe for Nucleotides.

The design and development of specific recognition and sensing systems for biologically important anionic species has received growing attention in recent years, as they play significant roles in biology, pharmacy, and environmental sciences. Herein, a new supramolecular sensing probe L1 was developed for highly selective differentiation of nucleotides. L1 displayed extremely marked absorption and emission differentiation upon binding with nucleotide homologs of AMP, ADP, and ATP, due to the divergent spatial orientations of guests upon binding, which allowed for a naked-eye colorimetric differentiation for nucleotides. A differentiating mechanism was unambiguously rationalized by using various spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrated that L1 can be applied to the real-time monitoring of the enzyme-catalyzed phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes and thus demonstrated an unprecedented visualizable strategy for selectively differentiating the structurally similar nucleotides and real-time monitoring of biological processes via fluorescent and colorimetric changes.

An insight on type I collagen from horse tendon for the manufacture of implantable devices.

Type I collagen is the most abundant protein of the human body. Due to its favourable properties, collagen extracted from animal tissues is adopted to manufacture a wide range of devices for biomedical applications. Compared to bovine and porcine collagens, which are the most largely used, equine collagen is free from the risk of zoonosis, has no reported immune reactions, and has not religious constraints. In this work, a recently available type I collagen extracted from horse tendon was evaluated and compared with a commercially available collagen isoform derived from the same species and tissue. Detailed physical, chemical and biological investigations were performed, in agreement with the requirements of the current standard for the characterization of type I collagen to be used for the manufacture of Tissue Engineering Medical Products. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the complete primary structure of the investigated collagen.

The role of the central metal ion of ethane-bridged bis-porphyrins in histidine sensing.

Ethane-bridged bis-porphyrin derivatives are reported for the selective detection of various analytes in sensing applications. The central metal ion is able to rule specific molecular arrangements upon analyte binding. Three bis-porphyrin compounds: a free base (metal free), Ni complex, and Cu complex, have been tested for histidine detection in aqueous media. Histidine is involved in various biological processes, including such deadly disease as lung cancer. The conformational changes of bis-porphyrins, induced by histidine binding, can be detected by monitoring the Soret band position. The spectroscopic characterization, at the air-water subphase interface, indicates that, in the presence of histidine, the Ni and Cu metallated derivatives undergo conformational changes. This behaviour was confirmed when these two derivatives were deposited onto the solid support by Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) technique. A prototypal Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) detection system for histidine based on these two porphyrin LS films was developed. The Cu substituted compound based SPR system allows the histidine sensing down to nanomolar concentration. Furthermore, a SPR response of the Ni bis-porphyrin shows a semilogarithmic dependence on the histidine concentration up to 10-6 M proposing the use of these two porphyrins in a sensor array for the monitoring of histidine levels in plasma.

Supramolecular chirogenesis in zinc porphyrins by enantiopure hemicucurbit[n]urils (n = 6, 8).

Chiral cyclohexanohemicucurbit[n]urils (n = 6, 8) (cycHCs) are able to bind guests through multiple "outer surface interactions", which in the case of planar zinc porphyrins leads to induction of chirality. Crystal structures of complexes of complementary sized hosts revealed social self-sorting, while in the solution phase one cycHC can accommodate up to three porphyrin molecules with log Ktotal 9.