Dicyanorhodanine-Pyrrole Conjugates for Visible Light-Driven Quantitative Photoswitching in Solution and the Solid State.

Small molecule photoswitches capable of toggling between two distinct molecular states in response to light are versatile tools to monitor biological processes, control photochemistry, and design smart materials. In this work, six novel dicyanorhodanine-based pyrrole-containing photoswitches are reported. The molecular design avails both the Z and E isomers from synthesis, where each can be isolated using chromatographic techniques. Inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) interactions available to the E and Z isomers, respectively, uniquely impart thermal stability to each isomer over long time periods. Photoisomerization could be assessed by solution NMR and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques along with complementary ground- and excited-state computational studies, which show good agreement. Quantitative E → Z isomerization occurs upon 523 nm irradiation of the parent compound (where R = H) in solution, whereas Z → E isomerization using 404 nm irradiation offers a photostationary state (PSS) ratio of 84/16 (E/Z). Extending the π-conjugation of the pyrrole unit (where R = p-C6H4-OMe) pushes the maximum absorption to the yellow-orange region of the visible spectrum and allows bidirectional quantitative isomerization with 404 and 595 nm excitation. Comparator molecules have been prepared to report how the presence or absence of H-bonding affects the photoswitching behavior. Finally, studies of the photoswitches in neat films and photoinactive polymer matrices reveal distinctive structural and optical properties of the Z and E isomers and ultimately afford reversible photoswitching to spectrally unique PSSs using visible light sources including the Sun.

Tethered Alkylidenes for REMP from Carbon Disulfide Cleavage.

Reactions between tungsten alkylidyne [tBuOCO]W≡CtBu(THF)2 1 and sulfur containing small molecules are reported. Complex 1 reacts with CS2 to produce intermediate η2 bound CS2 complex [O2C(tBuC═)W(η2-(S,C)-CS2)(THF)] 8. Heating complex 8 provides a mixture of a monomeric tungsten sulfido complex 9 and a dimeric complex 10 in a 4:1 ratio, respectively. Heating the mixture does not perturb the ratio. Addition of excess THF in a solution of 9 and 10 (4:1) converts 10 to 9 (>96%) with concomitant loss of (CS)x. Both 9 and 10 can be selectively crystallized from the mixture. An alternative synthesis of exclusively monomeric 9 involves the reaction between 1 and PhNCS. Demonstrating ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP), tethered tungsten alkylidene 8 polymerizes norbornene to produce cis-selective syndiotactic cyclic polynorbornene (c-poly(NBE)).

Catalytic Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloadditions of Salicylaldehyde Acetals with Enol Ethers.

A readily accessible conjugate-base-stabilized carboxylic acid (CBSCA) catalyst facilitates highly enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of salicylaldehyde-derived acetals and cyclic enol ethers, resulting in the formation of polycyclic chromanes with oxygenation in the 2- and 4-positions. Stereochemically more complex products can be obtained from racemic enol ethers. Spirocyclic products are also accessible.

Alicyclic-Amine-Derived Imine-BF3 Complexes: Easy-to-Make Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Valuable α-Functionalized Azacycles.

A new strategy to access α-functionalized alicyclic amines via their corresponding imine-BF3 complexes is reported. Isolable imine-BF3 complexes, readily prepared via dehydrohalogenation of N-bromoamines in a base-promoted/18-crown-6 catalyzed process followed by addition of boron trifluoride etherate, undergo reactions with a wide range of organometallic nucleophiles to afford α-functionalized azacycles. Organozinc and organomagnesium nucleophiles add at ambient temperatures, obviating the need for cryogenic conditions. In situ preparation of imine-BF3 complexes provides access to α-functionalized morpholines and piperazines directly from their parent amines in a single operation. α-Functionalized morpholines can be elaborated further, for instance by installing a second substituent in the α'-position.

Computation-guided scaffold exploration of 2E,6E-1,10-trans/cis-eunicellanes.

Eunicellane diterpenoids are a unique family of natural products containing a foundational 6/10-bicyclic framework and can be divided into two main classes, cis and trans, based on the configurations of their ring fusion at C1 and C10. Previous studies on two bacterial diterpene synthases, Bnd4 and AlbS, revealed that these enzymes form cis- and trans-eunicellane skeletons, respectively. Although the structures of these diterpenes only differed in their configuration at a single position, C1, they displayed distinct chemical and thermal reactivities. Here, we used a combination of quantum chemical calculations and chemical transformations to probe their intrinsic properties, which result in protonation-initiated cyclization, Cope rearrangement, and atropisomerism. Finally, we exploited the reactivity of the trans-eunicellane skeleton to generate a series of 6/6/6 gersemiane-type diterpenes via electrophilic cyclization.

Structure-property relationships in dicyanopyrazinoquinoxalines and their hydrogen-bonding-capable dihydropyrazinoquinoxalinedione derivatives.

Presented here is the design, synthesis, and study of a variety of novel hydrogen-bonding-capable π-conjugated N-heteroacenes, 1,4-dihydropyrazino[2,3-b]quinoxaline-2,3-diones (DPQDs). The DPQDs were accessed from the corresponding weakly hydrogen-bonding dicyanopyrazinoquinoxaline (DCPQ) suspensions with excess potassium hydroxide, resulting in moderate to good yields. Both families of compounds were analyzed by UV-vis and NMR spectroscopy, where the consequences of hydrogen bonding capability could be assessed through the structure-property studies. Conversion of the DCPQs into hydrogen-bonding capable DPQDs results in modulation of frontier MO energies, higher molar extinction coefficients, enhanced crystallinity, and on-average higher thermal stability (where in some cases the 5% weight loss temperature is increased by up to 100 °C). Single crystal X-ray diffraction data could be obtained for three DPQDs. One reveals pairwise hydrogen bonding in the solid state as well as a herringbone packing arrangement rendering it a promising candidate for additional studies in the context of organic optoelectronic devices.

Ring Expansion Alkyne Metathesis Polymerization.

The synthesis, characterization, and preliminary activity of an unprecedented tethered alkylidyne tungsten complex for ring expansion alkyne metathesis polymerization (REAMP) are reported. The tethered alkylidyne 7 is generated rapidly by combining alkylidyne W(CtBu)(CH2tBu)(O-2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)2 (6) with 1 equiv of an yne-ol proligand (5). Characterized by NMR studies and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, complex 7 is a dimer. Each metal center contains a tungsten-carbon triple bond tethered to the metal center via an alkoxide ligand. The polymerization of the strained cycloalkyne 3,8-didodecyloxy-5,6-dihydro-11,12-didehydrodibenzo[a,e]-[8]annulene, 8, to generate cyclic polymers was demonstrated. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity (η) measurements confirm the polymer's cyclic topology.

Synthetic Factors Determining the Curvature and Nuclearity of the Giant Mn70 and Mn84 Clusters with a Torus Structure of ∼4 nm Diameter.

New members of the Mn70 and Mn84 torus-like cluster family have been prepared from a hybrid comproportionation-alcoholysis reaction of [Mn12O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] in alcohol in the presence of R'CO2H with NnBuMnO4 or MnII salts as initiators. Reactions using MeCO2H in nPrOH or nBuOH gave [Mn70O60(O2CMe)70(OnPr)20(nPrOH)18.5(H2O)21.5] (3) and [Mn70O60(O2CMe)70(OH)3(OnBu)17(nBuOH)7.5(H2O)32.5] (4), respectively, whereas EtCO2H in nPrOH gave [Mn84O72(O2CEt)84(OnPr)24(nPrOH)16(H2O)32] (5). They consist of alternating near-linear [Mn3(µ3-O)4]+ and distorted-cubane [Mn4(µ3-O)2(µ3-OR)2]6+ units bridged by syn,syn-µ-RCO2- and µ3-O2- groups and overall are [Mn14]5 and [Mn14]6 oligomers, the repeating unit containing two Mn3 and two Mn4 units. 3/4/5 possess external diameters (including organic ligands) of 4.0/4.1/4.6 nm, respectively, and crystallize as supramolecular nanotubes but with different packing arrangements. Considering all Mn70/Mn84 tori now available, we conclude that the Mn70 vs Mn84 nuclearity is determined by the relative bulk of the carboxylates vs the alkoxides, their increasing bulk favoring Mn84 and Mn70, respectively, with carboxylates larger than acetate giving Mn84. Alternating current (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies revealed frequency-dependent χ″M signals below ∼2.4 K, indicating 3-5 to be new members of the giant [Mn14]n torus family of giant single-molecule magnets (SMMs), in which Mn84 and Mn70 are the largest homometallic Mn/O clusters and SMMs to date.

Diol-Ritter Reaction: Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Protected Vicinal Aminoalcohols and Mechanistic Aspects of Diol Monoester Disproportionation.

The well-known epoxide-Ritter reaction generally affords oxazolines with poor to average regioselectivity. Herein, a mechanism-based study of the less known diol-Ritter reaction has provided a highly regioselective procedure for the synthesis of 1-vic-amido-2-esters from either terminal epoxides or 1,2-diols via Lewis acid-catalyzed monoesterification. When treated with a stoichiometric Lewis acid catalyst (BF3), these diol monoesters form dioxonium cation intermediates that are ring-opened with nitrile nucleophiles to form nitrilium intermediates, which undergo rapid and irreversible hydration to give the desired amidoesters. Diester byproduct formation is irreversible and appears to occur through disproportionation of diol monoester. With chiral epoxide starting materials, the formation of amidoester occurs with retention of configuration and no apparent erosion of optical purity as determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses and chiral chromatography, respectively. The direct access to chiral vic-amidoesters is especially practical with regard to the synthesis of antibacterial oxazolidinone analogues of the Zyvox antimicrobial family.

MnII/III and CeIII/IV Units Supported on an Octahedral Molecular Nanoparticle of CeO2.

The preparation of three new heterometallic clusters [Ce6Mn12O17(O2CPh)26] (1), [Ce10Mn14O24(O2CPh)32] (2), and [Ce23Mn20O48(OH)2(tbb)46(H2O)4](NO3)2 (3; tbb- = 4-tBu-benzoate) is reported. They all possess unprecedented structures with a common feature being the presence of an octahedral CeIV-oxo core: a Ce6 in 1, two edge-fused Ce6 giving a Ce10 bioctahedron in 2, or a larger Ce19 octahedron in 3. Complex 1 is the first Ce6 cluster with a central µ6-O2-. 2 and the cation of 3 are molecular nanoparticles of CeO2 (ceria) because they possess the fluorite structure of bulk ceria and are thus ultrasmall ceria nanoparticles in molecular form. The {Ce19O32} octahedral subunit of the cation of 3 had been predicted from density functional theory studies to be one of the stable fragments of the CeO2 lattice, but has never been previously synthesized in molecular chemistry. Around the Ce/O core of 1-3 is an incomplete monolayer of Mnn ions disposed as four Mn3, two Mn7, and four Mn5 units, respectively. This represents a clear structural similarity with composite (phase-separated) CeO2/MnOx mixtures where at high Ce:Mn ratios the Mn atoms segregate on the surface of CeO2 phases. Variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies have revealed S = 2, S = 1/2, and S = 3/2 ground states for 1-3, respectively. Fitting of the 5.0-300 K dc data for 1 to a two-J model for an asymmetrical V-shaped Mn3 unit with no interaction between the end MnIII ions gave an excellent fit with the following values: J1 = 5.2(3) cm-1, J2 = -7.4(3) cm-1, and g = 1.96(2).

Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of an Fe36 Dimethylarsinate Cluster: The Largest "Ferric Wheel".

The synthesis and characterization of a high-nuclearity FeIII/O/arsinate cluster is reported within the salt [Fe36O12(OH)6(O2AsMe2)63(O2CH)3(H2O)6](NO3)12 (1). The compound was prepared from the reaction of Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, dimethylarsinic acid (Me2AsO2H), and triethylamine in a 1:2:4 molar ratio in acetonitrile. The Fe36 cation of 1 is an unprecedented structural type consisting of nine Fe4 butterfly units of two types, three {FeIII4(µ3-O)2} units A, and six {FeIII4(µ3-O)(µ3-OH)} units B, linked by multiple bridging Me2AsO2- groups into an Fe36 triangular wheel/loop with C3 crystallographic and D3 virtual symmetry that looks like a guitar plectrum. The unusual structure has been rationalized on the basis of the different curvatures of units A and B, the presence of intra-Fe36 hydrogen bonding, and the tendency of Me2AsO2- groups to favor µ3-bridging modes. The cations stack into supramolecular nanotubes parallel to the crystallographic c axis and contain badly disordered solvent and NO3- anions. The cation of 1 is the highest-nuclearity "ferric wheel" to date and also the highest-nuclearity Fe/O cluster of any structural type with a single contiguous Fe/O core. Variable-temperature direct-current magnetic susceptibility data and alternating-current in-phase magnetic susceptibility data indicate that the cation of 1 possesses an S = 0 ground state and dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. The Fe2 pairwise Ji,j couplings were estimated by the combined use of a magnetostructural correlation for high-nuclearity FeIII/oxo clusters and density functional theory calculations using broken-symmetry methods and the Green's function approach. The three methods gave satisfyingly similar Ji,j values and allowed the identification of spin-frustration effects and the resulting relative spin-vector alignments and thus rationalization of the S = 0 ground state of the cation.

Magnetic Properties of High-Nuclearity Fex-oxo (x = 7, 22, 24) Clusters Analyzed by a Multipronged Experimental, Computational, and Magnetostructural Correlation Approach.

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of three related iron(III)-oxo clusters are reported, [Fe7O3(O2CPh)9(mda)3(H2O)] (1), [Fe22O14(OH)3(O2CMe)21(mda)6](ClO4)2 (2), and [Fe24O15(OH)4(OEt)(O2CMe)21(mda)7](ClO4)2 (3), where mdaH2 is N-methyldiethanolamine. 1 was prepared from the reaction of [Fe3O(O2CPh)6(H2O)3](NO3) with mdaH2 in a 1:2 ratio in MeCN, whereas 2 and 3 were prepared from the reaction of FeCl3/NaO2CMe/mdaH2 in a 2:∼13:2 ratio and FeCl3/NaO2CMe/mdaH2/pyridine in a 2:∼13:2:25 ratio, respectively, both in EtOH. The core of 1 consists of a central octahedral FeIII ion held within a nonplanar Fe6 loop by three µ3-O2- and three µ2-RO- arms from the three mda2- chelates. The cores of the cations of 2 and 3 consist of an A:B:A three-layer topology, in which a central Fe6 (2) or Fe8 (3) layer B is sandwiched between two Fe8 layers A. The A layers structurally resemble 1 with the additional Fe added at the center to retain virtual C3 symmetry. The central Fe6 layer B of 2 consists of a {Fe4(µ4-O)2(µ3-OH)2}6+ cubane with an Fe on either side attached to cubane O2- ions, whereas that of 3 has the same cubane but with an {Fe3(µ3-O)(µ-OH)} unit attached on one side and a single Fe on the other. Variable-temperature dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies revealed dominant antiferromagnetic coupling in all complexes leading to ground-state spins of S = 5/2 for 1 and S = 0 for 2 and 3. All Fe2 pairwise exchange parameters (Jij) for 1-3 were estimated by two independent methods: density functional theory (DFT) calculations using broken symmetry methods and a magnetostructural correlation previously developed for high-nuclearity FeIII/O complexes. The two approaches gave satisfyingly similar Jij values, and the latter allowed rationalization of the experimental ground states by identification of the spin frustration effects operative and the resultant relative spin vector alignments at each FeIII ion.

Isolation of an Elusive Phosphametallacyclobutadiene and Its Role in Reversible Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage.

The reactivity of phosphaalkynes, the isolobal and isoelectronic congeners to alkynes, with metal alkylidyne complexes is explored in this work. Treating the tungsten alkylidyne [t BuOCO]W≡Ct Bu(THF)2 (1) with phosphaalkyne (10) results in the formation of [O2 C(t BuC=)W{η2 -(P,C)-P≡C-Ad}(THF)] (13-t BuTHF ) and [O2 C(AdC=)W{η2 -(P,C)-P≡C-t Bu}(THF)] (13-AdTHF ); derived from the formal reductive migratory insertion of the alkylidyne moiety into a W-Carene bond. Analogous to alkyne metathesis, a stable phosphametallacyclobutadiene complex [t BuOCO]W[κ2 -C(t Bu)PC(Ad)] (14) forms upon loss of THF from the coordination sphere of either 13-t BuTHF or 13-AdTHF . Remarkably, the C-C bonds reversibly form/cleave with the addition or removal of THF from the coordination sphere of the formal tungsten(VI) metal center, permitting unprecedented control over the transformation of a tetraanionic pincer to a trianionic pincer and back. Computational analysis offers thermodynamic and electronic reasoning for the reversible equilibrium between 13-t Bu/AdTHF and 14.

Double Tethered Metallacyclobutane Catalyst for Cyclic Polymer Synthesis.

This work outlines an approach to creating a catalyst for cyclic polymer synthesis using readily available materials in only one or two steps. Combining commercially available molybdenum-alkylidene 1 with two equivalents of ene-ol proligand 2 rapidly produces, in quantitative yield (1H NMR spectroscopy), the double tethered metallacyclobutane complex 3. Characterized by variable temperature NMR studies and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments, complex 3 exhibits fluxional behavior in solution. Determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, the solid-state structure of complex 3 reveals metrical parameters indicating that the metallacyclobutane is not predicted to undergo rapid retro-cycloaddition. However, complex 3 is a precatalyst for the polymerization of norbornene to produce cyclic polynorbornene. An NMR spectrum of a test polymerization indicates that only a small fraction of the precatalyst is activated upon exposure to monomer. Quantifying the active catalyst is possible by measuring vinyl resonances that appear in the 1H NMR spectrum. The vinyl resonances are attributable to the release of one of the tethers upon norbornene addition. Confirmation of the polymer cyclic topology comes from gel permeation chromatography (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and intrinsic viscosity (η) measurements. The double tethered metallacyclobutane complex is a novel design for catalytic cyclic polymer synthesis. The synthetic approach suggests that catalyst tuning is possible by a choice of the commercial alkylidene and alteration of the ene-ol proligand.

Tuning Supramolecular Polymer Assembly through Stereoelectronic Interactions.

The supramolecular polymerization of 2,11-dithia[3.3]paracyclophanes through self-complementary intermolecular and transannular amide hydrogen bonding is presented. An n → π* interaction between the amide hydrogen bonding units and the central bridging atom results from the single-point exchange of a carbon atom for a sulfur atom. This orbital donor-acceptor interaction can be strengthened by oxidizing the sulfide to a sulfone which acts to shorten the donor···acceptor distance and increase orbital overlap. Experimental signatures of the increased n → π* interaction include larger isodesmic polymerization elongation constants in solution, changes in characteristic bond stretching frequencies, and geometric/structural changes evaluated by X-ray crystallography. The experimental data are supported by extensive computational investigations of both assembling and nonassembling 2,11-dithia[3.3]paracyclophanes as well as a rationally designed model system to confirm the role of stereoelectronic effects on supramolecular polymer assembly.

Tethered Tungsten-Alkylidenes for the Synthesis of Cyclic Polynorbornene via Ring Expansion Metathesis: Unprecedented Stereoselectivity and Trapping of Key Catalytic Intermediates.

This report describes an approach for preparing tethered tungsten-imido alkylidene complexes featuring a tetra-anionic pincer ligand. Treating the tungsten alkylidyne [tBuOCO]W≡CtBu(THF)2 (1) with isocyanates (RNCO; R = tBu, Cy, and Ph) leads to cycloaddition occurring exclusively at the C═N bond to generate the tethered tungsten-imido alkylidenes (6-NR). Unanticipated intermediates reveal themselves, including the discovery of [(O2CtBuC═)W(η2-(N,C)-RNCO)(THF)] (11-R) and an unprecedented decarbonylation product [(tBuOCO)W(≡NR)(tBuCCO)] (14-R), on the pathway to the formation of 6-NR. Complex 11-R is kinetically stable for sterically bulky isocyanate R = tBu (11-tBu) and is isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Finally, adding to the short list of catalysts capable of ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP), complexes 6-NR and 11-tBu are active for the stereoselective synthesis of cyclic polynorbornene.

Fungal Epithiodiketopiperazines Carrying α,ß-Polysulfide Bridges from Penicillium steckii YE, and Their Chemical Interconversion.

Some fungal epithiodiketopiperazine alkaloids display α,ß-polysulfide bridges alongside diverse structural variations. However, the logic of their chemical diversity has rarely been explored. Here, we report the identification of three new (2, 3, 8) and five known (1, 4-7) epithiodiketopiperazines of this subtype from a marine-derived Penicillium sp. The structure elucidation was supported by multiple spectroscopic analyses. Importantly, we observed multiple nonenzymatic interconversions of these analogues in aqueous solutions and organic solvents. Furthermore, the same biosynthetic origin of these compounds was supported by one mined gene cluster. The dominant analogue (1) demonstrated selective cytotoxicity to androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells and HIF-depleted colorectal cells and mild antiaging activities, linking the bioactivity to oxidative stress. These results provide crucial insight into the formation of fungal epithiodiketopiperazines through chemical interconversions.

Expansion of the Family of Molecular Nanoparticles of Cerium Dioxide and Their Catalytic Scavenging of Hydroxyl Radicals.

The syntheses, crystal structures, and catalytic radical scavenging activity are reported for four new molecular clusters that have resulted from a bottom-up molecular approach to nanoscale CeO2. They are [Ce6O4(OH)4(dmb)12(H2O)4] (dmb- = 2,6-dimethoxybenzoate), [Ce16O17(OH)6(O2CPh)24(HO2CPh)4], [Ce19O18(OH)9(O2CPh)27(H2O)(py)3], and [Ce24O27(OH)9(O2CPh)30(py)4]. They represent a major expansion of our family of so-called "molecular nanoparticles" of this metal oxide to seven members, and their crystal structures confirm that their cores all possess the fluorite structure of bulk CeO2. In addition, they have allowed the identification of surface features such as the close location of multiple Ce3+ ions and organic ligand binding modes not seen previously. The ability of all seven members to catalytically scavenge reactive oxygen species has been investigated using HO• radicals, an important test reaction in the ceria nanoparticle biomedical literature, and most have been found to exhibit excellent antioxidant activities compared to traditional ceria nanoparticles, with their activity correlating inversely with their surface Ce3+ content.

Exchange-biased quantum tunnelling of magnetization in a [Mn3]2 dimer of single-molecule magnets with rare ferromagnetic inter-Mn3 coupling.

A covalently-linked dimer of two single-molecule magnets (SMMs), [Mn6O(O2CMe)6(1,3-ppmd)3](ClO4)2, has been synthesized from the reaction of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3](ClO4) with 1,3-phenylene-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethanone) dioxime (1,3-ppmdH2). It contains two [MnIII3O]+7 triangular units linked by three 1,3-ppmd2- groups into an [Mn3]2 dimer with D3 symmetry. Solid-state dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that each Mn3 subunit retains its properties as an SMM with an S = 6 ground state. Magnetization vs. dc field sweeps on a single crystal reveal hysteresis loops below 1.3 K exhibiting exchange-biased quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM) steps with a bias field of +0.06 T. This is the first example of a dimer of SMMs showing a positive exchange bias of the QTM steps in the hysteresis loops, and it has therefore been subjected to a detailed analysis. Simulation of the loops determines that each Mn3 unit is exchange-coupled with its neighbour primarily through the 1,3-ppmd2- linkers, confirming a weak ferromagnetic inter-Mn3 interaction of J12≈ +6.5 mK (H = -2Jsi·sj convention). High-frequency EPR studies of a microcrystalline powder sample enable accurate determination of the zero-field splitting parameters of the uncoupled Mn3 SMMs, while also confirming the weak exchange interaction between the two SMMs within each [Mn3]2 dimer. The combined results emphasize the ability of designed covalent linkers to generate inter-SMM coupling of a particular sign and relative magnitude, and thus the ability of such linkers to modulate the quantum physics. As such, this work supports the feasibility of using designed covalent linkers to develop molecular oligomers of SMMs, or other magnetic molecules, as multi-qubit systems and/or other components of new quantum technologies.

Exploring the Chemistry of Alkaloids from Malaysian Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom) and the Role of Oxindoles on Human Opioid Receptors.

Ten indole and oxindole alkaloids (1-10) were isolated from the freshly collected leaves of Malaysian Mitragyna speciosa (Kratom). The chemical structures of these compounds were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS data analysis. The spectroscopic data of mitragynine oxindole B (4) are reported herein for the first time. The spatial configuration of mitragynine oxindole B (4) was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Simultaneous quantification of the isolated alkaloids in the M. speciosa leaf specimens collected from different locations in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia was also performed using UPLC-MS/MS. The oxindole alkaloids (1-4) and the indole alkaloid (10) were assessed for binding affinity at opioid receptors. Corynoxine (1) showed high binding affinity to µ-opioid receptors with a Ki value of 16.4 nM. Further, corynoxine (1) was 1.8-fold more potent than morphine in rats subjected to a nociceptive hot plate assay. These findings have important implications for evaluating the combined effects of the minor oxindole alkaloids in the overall therapeutic activity of M. speciosa.