Room temperature synthesis of covalent-organic framework films through vapor-assisted conversion.

We describe the facile synthesis of several two-dimensional covalent-organic frameworks (2D COFs) as films by vapor-assisted conversion at room temperature. High-quality films of benzodithiophene-containing BDT-COF and COF-5 with tunable thickness were synthesized under different conditions on various substrates. BDT-COF films of several micrometer thickness exhibit mesoporosity as well as textural porosity, whereas thinner BDT-COF films materialize as a cohesive dense layer. In addition, we studied the formation of COF-5 films with different solvent mixture compositions serving as vapor source. Room temperature vapor-assisted conversion is an excellent method to form COF films of fragile precursors and on sensitive substrates.

Practical Iron- and Cobalt-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions between N-Heterocyclic Halides and Aryl or Heteroaryl Magnesium Reagents.

The reaction scope of iron- and cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions in the presence of isoquinoline (quinoline) in the solvent mixture tBuOMe/THF has been further investigated. Various 2-halogenated pyridine, pyrimidine, and triazine derivatives were arylated under these mild conditions in excellent yields. The presence of isoquinoline allows us to perform Fe-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions between 6-chloroquinoline and aryl magnesium reagents. Furthermore, it was found that the use of 10% N,N-dimethylquinoline-8-amine increases the yields of some Co-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with chloropyridines bearing electron-withdrawing substituents.

Strategies to prepare and use functionalized organometallic reagents.

Polyfunctional zinc and magnesium organometallic reagents occupy a central position in organic synthesis. Most organic functional groups are tolerated by zinc organometallic reagents, and Csp(2)-centered magnesium organometallic reagents are compatible with important functional groups, such as the ester, aryl ketone, nitro, cyano, and amide functions. This excellent chemoselectivity gives zinc- and magnesium-organometallic reagents a central position in modern organic synthesis. Efficient and general preparations of these organometallic reagents, as well as their most practical and useful reactions, are presented in this Perspective. As starting materials, a broad range of organic halides (iodides, bromides, and also to some extent chlorides) can be used for the direct insertion of magnesium or zinc powder; the presence of LiCl very efficiently promotes such insertions. Alternatively, aromatic or heterocyclic bromides also undergo a smooth bromine-magnesium exchange when treated with i-PrMgCl·LiCl. Alternative precursors of zinc and magnesium reagents are polyfunctionalized aryl and heteroaryl molecules, which undergo directed metalations with sterically hindered TMP bases (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperide) of magnesium and zinc. This powerful C-H functionalization method gives access to polyfunctional heterocyclic zinc and magnesium reagents, which undergo efficient reactions with numerous electrophiles. The compatibility of the strong TMP-bases with BF3·OEt2 (formation of frustrated Lewis pairs) dramatically increases the scope of these metalations, giving for example, a practical access to magnesiated pyridines and pyrazines, which can be used as convenient building blocks for the preparation of biologically active molecules.

Biocompatible antibiotic-coupled nickel-titanium nanoparticles as a potential coating material for biomedical devices.

The challenges facing metallic implants for reconstructive surgery include the leaching of toxic metal ions, a mismatch in elastic modulus between the implant and the treated tissue, and the risk of infection. These problems can be addressed by passivating the metal surface with an organic substrate and incorporating antibiotic molecules. Nitinol (NiTi), a nickel-titanium alloy, is used in devices for biomedical applications due to its shape memory and superelasticity. However, unmodified NiTi carries a risk of localized nickel toxicity and inadequately supports angiogenesis or neuroregeneration due to limited cell adhesion, poor biomineralization, and little antibacterial activity. To address these challenges, NiTi nanoparticles were modified using self-assembled phosphonic acid monolayers and functionalized with the antibiotics ceftriaxone and vancomycin via the formation of an amide. Surface modifications were monitored to confirm that phosphonic acid modifications were present on NiTi nanoparticles and 100% of the samples formed ordered films. Modifications were stable for more than a year. Elemental composition showed the presence of nickel, titanium, and phosphorus (1.9% for each sample) after surface modifications. Dynamic light scattering analysis suggested some agglomeration in solution. However, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed a particle size distribution of <100 nm, the even distribution of nanoparticles on coverslips, and elemental composition before and after cell culture. B35 neuroblastoma cells exhibited no inhibition of survival and extended neurites of approximately 100 µm in total length when cultured on coverslips coated with only poly-l-lysine or with phosphonic acid-modified NiTi, indicating high biocompatibility. The ability to support neural cell growth and differentiation makes modified NiTi nanoparticles a promising coating for surfaces in metallic bone and nerve implants. NiTi nanoparticles functionalized with ceftriaxone inhibited Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens (SM6) at doses of 375 and 750 µg whereas the growth of Bacillus subtilis was inhibited by a dose of only 37.5 µg. NiTi-vancomycin was effective against B. subtilis at all doses even after mammalian cell culture. These are common bacteria associated with infected implants, further supporting the potential use of functionalized NiTi in coating reconstructive implants.

Synthesis of primary aryl amines through a copper-assisted aromatic substitution reaction with sodium azide.

A method is presented by which aryl halides and azides are converted to the corresponding primary aryl amines with copper(I) and sodium azide.

Synthesis of 4-methyldienoates using a vinylogous Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reagent. Application to the synthesis of trichostatic acid.

The utility of the unsaturated phosphonate 1 as a vinylogous Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reagent was explored in reactions with aldehydes affording 4-methyldienoate esters. Factors that affect E/Z selectivity were studied. A simplified synthesis of trichostatic acid 3 was accomplished to demonstrate utility of this reagent.

Perylene, Oligorylenes, and Aza-Analogs.

An in-depth discussion of the properties of perylene is presented. Tuning the properties of perylene by introducing nitrogens is also explored. Finally, we do not discuss the synthesis and properties of oligorylenes functionalized with dicarboxyimide bonds.

Investigation of N-aryl-3-alkylidenepyrrolinones as potential Niemann-Pick type C disease therapeutics.

A five-step synthesis of an array of N-aryl-3-alkylidenepyrrolinones, which are potential Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease therapeutics, is described. The synthetic route allows for the production of analogues, including photoaffinity and biotinylated derivatives. Compound 1a increased esterification by acyl-coenzyme A:cholesteryl acyltransferase in NPC1 mutant cells. It also decreased LDL uptake and increased cholesterol efflux in both NPC1-deficient and normal cells.