A Molecular Cage Accessed by Threefold Click Reaction of a C3v-Symmetric Triazido-Functionalized Tribenzotriquinacene.

The hitherto unknown hexakis(halomethyl)-functionalized tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) 9 and 10 were synthesized from the key 4b,8b,12b-tribromo-TBTQ derivative 6 by an improved route in 67% overall yield. Extension of the bowl-shaped framework of 9 or 10 by threefold condensation with propargylamine or 2-azidoethylamine afforded the corresponding TBTQ-trialkyne 11 and TBTQ-triazide 12, respectively. While attempts to construct bis-TBTQ cages, including homodimerization of 11 and heterocoupling of 11 with 12, were unsuccessful, triazide 12 was found to undergo threefold [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with 3-ethynylaniline and phloroglucinol tripropargyl ether under click chemistry conditions. The latter reaction enabled facile capping of the TBTQ bowl to give the novel cage compound 5 in 22% yield.

A Paternò-Büchi Reaction of Aromatics with Quinones under Visible Light Irradiation.

Reported herein is a Paternò-Büchi reaction of aromatic double bonds with quinones under visible light irradiation. The reactions of aromatics with quinones exposed to blue LED irradiation yielded oxetanes at -78 °C, which was attributed to both the activation of double bonds in aromatics and the stabilization of oxetanes by thiadiazole, oxadiazole, or selenadiazole groups. The addition of Cu(OTf)2 to the reaction system at room temperature resulted in the formation of diaryl ethers via the copper-catalyzed ring opening of oxetanes in situ. Notably, the substrate scope was extended to general aromatics.

Chiral Derivatives of 2-Aminotribenzotriquinacene: Synthesis and Optical Resolution.

Starting from a hitherto unknown 2-aminotribenzotriquinacene, several 2-amino-3-X-substituted TBTQ derivatives, all bearing a single ortho-difunctionalized indane wing, were synthesized as rigid and chiral building blocks for the potential construction of complex supramolecular architectures. Efficient access to two pairs of enantiomeric TBTQ derivatives, namely, the peripheral ortho-nitroaniline (X = NO2) and the related anthranilic acid (X = CO2H), was developed using chiral auxiliaries as the resolving reagents. The structure of the intermediate diastereomers was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS), and polarimetry. The absolute configuration of the optically active derivatives was confirmed by quantum chemical time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations of the theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of a synthesis intermediate.

Biconcave and Convex-Concave Tribenzotriquinacene Dimers.

A new chiral tribenzotriquinacene bearing an ortho-bromoaniline nucleus was synthesized and optically resolved. The individual enantiomers, the absolute configuration of which was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, were stereoselectively converted into the same pyrazine-fused syn-bis-TBTQ derivative by chirality-assisted Buchwald-Hartwig amination. The corresponding diastereomeric anti-dimer was obtained alongside the syn-dimer from the racemic sample under similar reaction conditions. X-ray structure analysis of the dimers confirmed the mutual biconcave and convex-concave configuration of their TBTQ moieties and the preservation of the orthogonal orientation of the indane wings within each of them.

Construction of the tetracyclic core of (±)-cycloclavine and 4-amino Uhle's ketone.

A rapid construction of the tetracyclic core (±)-2 of (±)-cycloclavine (1) was accomplished in seven steps and 24% overall yield from commercially available aldehyde 7. Key features include a domino Friedel-Crafts/nitro-Michael reaction to construct the C ring and an intramolecular ammonolysis of a diester to close the D ring. In addition, a versatile 4-amino Uhle's ketone (±)-3 was afforded rapidly in five steps and 43% overall yield.

Tribenzotriquinacene-Based Crown Ethers: Synthesis and Selective Complexation with Ammonium Salts.

Two tribenzotriquinacene-based crown ethers, TBTQ-dibenzo-24-crown-8 5 and TBTQ-benzo-21-crown-7 6, were prepared from the key TBTQ intermediate, 2,3-dihydroxy-4b,8b,12b,12d-tetramethyltribenzotriquinacene (13), which in turn was synthesized in six steps using two variants of our cyclodehydration method on a multigram scale. The host-guest complexation properties of the TBTQ-based crown ethers 5 and 6 with a paraquat derivative, 16, and two secondary ammonium salts, 17 and 18, were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. It was found that host 5 binds to the paraquat derivative 16 as a 1:1 complex in CDCl3/CD3CN solution with an association constant of Ka = (9.2 ± 1.8) × 102 M-1, whereas no complexation was found for 17 and 18. In contrast, the TBTQ-crown ether 6 assembles selectively with dibutylammonium hexafluorophosphate 18 as a 1:1 complex in CDCl3/CD3COCD3 [Ka = (5.0 ± 1.4) × 102 M-1], for which a threaded [2]pseudorotaxane structure is assumed.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Chanoclavine I and an Oxygen-Substituted Ergoline Derivative.

An efficient and direct route to ergot alkaloid (-)-chanoclavine I (3) is described using the inexpensive compound (2R)-(+)-phenyloxirane (15) as a chiral pool in 13 steps with 17% overall yield. Key features of the synthesis include a palladium-catalyzed intramolecular aminoalkynylation of terminal olefin and a rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] annulation. An oxygen-substituted ergoline derivative (-)-25 was also achieved by using the same strategy.

A ratiometric mitochondria-targeting two-photon fluorescent probe for imaging of nitric oxide in vivo.

A two-photon ratiometric fluorescent probe (Mito-N) has been developed for monitoring mitochondrial nitric oxide (NO) in vivo. Mito-N exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward NO among various ROS/RNS. The successful two-photon imaging of mitochondrial NO proved that Mito-N is a powerful noninvasive imaging tool in living systems.

Efficient Aryl Migration from an Aryl Ether to a Carboxylic Acid Group To Form an Ester by Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis.

We have developed a highly efficient aryl migration from an aryl ether to a carboxylic acid group through retro-Smiles rearrangement by visible-light photoredox catalysis at ambient temperature. Transition metals and a stoichiometric oxidant and base are avoided in the transformation. Inspired by the high efficiency of this transformation and the fundamental importance of C-O bond cleavage, we developed a novel approach to the C-O cleavage of a biaryl ether to form two phenolic compounds, as demonstrated by a one-pot, two-step gram-scale reaction under mild conditions. The aryl migration exhibits broad scope and can be applied to the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, such as guacetisal. Primary mechanistic studies indicate that the catalytic cycle occurs by a reductive quenching pathway.

o-Quinones Derived from Tribenzotriquinacenes: Functionalization of Inner Bay Positions and Use for Single-Wing Extensions.

Through a surprisingly nonregioselective oxidation process, the reaction of two analogous 2-hydroxy-substituted tribenzotriquinacenes (TBTQs) 8a/8b by o-iodoxybenzoic acid was found to afford the corresponding Cs- and C1-symmetrical TBTQ-o-quinones 6a/6b and 7a/7b, respectively, in 1:1 ratio and excellent combined yields. This finding represents the first example of direct introduction of a functional group into a sterically hindered, inner bay-positions of a parent TBTQ skeleton. In contrast, the analogous reaction with 1-hydroxy-TBTQ 15 failed to produce the desired o-quinone 7a. After reduction of the quinones 6a and 7a to the corresponding catechols 17 and 23, electrophilic aromatic substitution could also be realized at the activated inner bay-position(s) to afford several tri- and tetrafunctionalized TBTQ compounds 18, 21, and 25. The Cs-symmetrical o-quinone 6a was converted into further single-wing extended derivatives such as TBTQ-based phenazines 27a-f, through condensation reactions, and to benzodioxine derivative 32 by Diels-Alder reaction with tetracyclone. The novel TBTQ-quinones and the corresponding TBTQ-catechols offer a variety of new accesses to single-wing-extended and -functionalized TBTQ derivatives.

Indolo-quinoline boron difluoride dyes: synthesis and spectroscopic properties.

Novel indolo-quinoline compounds were efficiently prepared via a Povarov-type reaction, and the structures were further modified by a Suzuki coupling reaction. The corresponding BF2-rigidified complexes were prepared and their spectroscopic properties were characterized with large Stokes shifts (up to 211 nm) and up to near-infrared (NIR) wavelength (667 nm). The synthetic complexes could be used as new fluorescent dyes.

Facile Assembly of Chiral Metallosquares by Using Enantiopure Tribenzotriquinacene Corner Motifs.

A pair of enantiomerically pure metallosquares based on linear platinum-diacetylene edges and tribenzotriquinacene corner units was synthesized. Their structures were characterized by (1) H-, (13) C- and (31) P NMR spectroscopy as well as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and circular dichroism. Based on DFT calculation, the optimized geometry possesses a distorted square conformation in which the four edges are not sitting on the same plane. The molecular square further self-assembled in the solid state to afford microspheres with diameter of approximately 300 nm, as determined by scanning electron microscopy.

Facile Assembly of Chiral Metallosquares by Using Enantiopure Tribenzotriquinacene Corner Motifs.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Wen-Rong Wu, Guang-Jie Xia, and Hak-Fun Chow of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Xiao-Ping Cao of Lanzhou University and Dietmar Kuck of Bielefeld University. The image depicts how different routes can lead to the same goal. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201501556.

Regiocontrolled synthesis and optical resolution of mono-, di-, and trisubstituted tribenzotriquinacene derivatives: key building blocks for further assembly into molecular squares and cubes.

The regiocontrolled syntheses of four chiral C1- or C3-symmetrical tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) derivatives bearing methoxy or hydroxy groups at the peripheral positions [(2,6-(OMe)2, (±)-18 and (±)-20; 2,6-(OH)2, (±)-19; and 2,6,10-(OMe)3, (±)-21] by two different synthesis protocols are reported. Compounds (±)-19, (±)-20, and (±)-21 and two (already-known) monosubstituted C1-symmetrical TBTQ analogues [2-OH (±)-23 and 2-OMe (±)-24] were readily resolved by chiral HPLC, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallography and/or circular dichroism (CD) studies. Optical resolution of three closely related TBTQ derivatives [2,6-(OMe)2, (±)-18; 2-OMe, (±)-22; and 2-OH, (±)-25] containing the same peripheral substituents but other bridgehead residues failed. Enantiopure TBTQ derivatives of this sort are considered promising structural motifs toward the construction of molecular squares and cubes.

Formal synthesis of (±)-cycloclavine.

An efficient formal synthesis of (±)-cycloclavine is achieved in seven steps and 27% overall yield from the known 2-(4-bromo-1-tosyl-1H-indol-3-yl)acetaldehyde. Key features include an iron(III)-catalyzed aza-Cope-Mannich cyclization and an intramolecular Heck reaction or a self-terminating 6-exo-trig aryl radical-alkene cyclization.

A Formal Synthesis of (±)-Arborisidine.

Herein, we report a formal synthesis of (±)-arborisidine via the creation of Jiao's intermediate with the critical caged structure. Starting from tryptamine, a Pictet-Spengler cyclization forged the piperidine ring, a Pd-catalyzed indole allylation and ring-closing metathesis protocol afforded a bridged aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane moiety, and an intramolecular N-alkylation closed the final pyrrolidine ring. This study provides a new approach to the unique caged framework of arborisidine and relevant alkaloids.

Direct syntheses of spiro- and fused-hydrofurans by a tunable tandem semipinacol rearrangement/oxa-Michael addition protocol.

A highly chemoselective one-pot reaction has been developed involving a tandem semipinacol rearrangement/oxa-Michael addition sequence in which the in situ generated ketol diene intermediate can be transformed specifically to either the spiro- or fused-dihydrofuran products (see scheme). This one-pot tandem reaction represents a general synthetic methodology for the syntheses of the two different kinds of furan derivatives.

C3-symmetrical tribenzotriquinacene derivatives: optical resolution through cryptophane synthesis and supramolecular self-assembly into nanotubes.

Based on a regioselective tris-formylation of a tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) hydrocarbon, the racemic C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trialdehyde and the corresponding TBTQ-trimethanol were synthesized along with their C(1)-isomers. Conversion of the C(3)-trialdehyde to three diastereomeric TBTQ-based cryptophanes occurring in high yield enabled the preparation of the optically pure C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trialdehydes and the determination of their absolute configuration. The racemic C(3)-symmetrical TBTQ-trimethanol was found to form several stable nanotubular aggregates in the solid state.

Single-wing extended tribenzotriquinacenes via bowl-shaped dehydrobenzene and isobenzofuran tribenzotriquinacene derivatives.

Monoaryne and monoisobenzofuran analogues of a C(3v)-symmetrical tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) were generated in situ and trapped with various dienes and dienophiles, respectively. In this way, a series of single-wing extended TBTQ derivatives bearing the bowl-shaped TBTQ unit in different topographical expositions have become accessible. This includes some novel tribenzotriquinacene "dimers", in which two TBTQ bowls are attached in syn- or anti-orientation at the terminal positions of rigid linker units. Several of these compounds have been characterized by both spectroscopy and X-ray structural analysis. The efficient access to the TBTQ "dimers" may lay a useful foundation for further studies of novel container compounds and supramolecular architectures.

N-[2-(2-Hy-droxy-eth-oxy)pheneth-yl]phthalimide.

The title compound, C(18)H(17)NO(4), was obtained accidentally through acid-catalysed aromatization of a phthalimide-substituted 2-(1-hy-droxy-eth-yl)cyclo-hex-2-enone. It exhibits an intra-molecular O-H⋯O(c) (c = carbonyl) hydrogen bond and forms a three-dimensional network structure via π-π stacking inter-actions between adjacent benzene rings (phthalimide-to-phenyl-ene and phthalimide-to-phthalimide), with centroid-centroid distances of 3.8262 (6) and 3.6245 (5) Å.