Recent developments in the carbodiimide chemistry

Functionalization of Alginate Hydrogels with a Multifunctional Peptide Supports Mesenchymal Stem Cell Adhesion and Reduces Bacterial Colonization

Hydrogels with cell adhesive moieties stand out as promising materials to enhance tissue healing and regeneration. Nonetheless, bacterial infections of the implants represent an unmet major concern. In the present work, we developed an alginate hydrogel modified with a multifunctional peptide containing the RGD cell adhesive motif in combination with an antibacterial peptide derived from the 1-11 region of lactoferrin (LF). The RGD-LF branched peptide was successfully anchored to the alginate backbone by carbodiimide chemistry, as demonstrated by 1H NMR and fluorescence measurements. The functionalized hydrogel presented desirable physicochemical properties (porosity, swelling and rheological behavior) to develop biomaterials for tissue engineering. The viability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the peptide-functionalized hydrogels was excellent, with values higher than 85 % at day 1, and higher than 95 % after 14 days in culture. Moreover, the biological characterization demonstrated the ability of the hydrogels to significantly enhance ALP activity of MSCs as well as to decrease bacterial colonization of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative models. Such results prove the potential of the functionalized hydrogels as novel biomaterials for tissue engineering, simultaneously displaying cell adhesive activity and the capacity to prevent bacterial contamination, a dual bioactivity commonly not found for these types of hydrogels.

Theoretical and Experimental Study on Carbodiimide Formation

Carbodiimides are important crosslinkers in organic synthesis and are used in the isocyanate industry as modifier additives. Therefore, the understanding of their formation is of high importance. In this work, we present a theoretical B3LYP/6-31G(d) and SMD solvent model and experimental investigation of the formation of diphenylcarbodiimide (CDI) from phenyl isocyanate using a phosphorus-based catalyst (MPPO) in ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) solvent. Kinetic experiments were based on the volumetric quantitation of CO2 evolved, at different temperatures between 40 and 80 °C. Based on DFT calculations, we managed to construct a more detailed reaction mechanism compared to previous studies which is supported by experimental results. DFT calculations revealed that the mechanism is composed of two main parts, and the rate determining step of the first part, controlling the CO2 formation, is the first transition state with a 52.9 kJ mol-1 enthalpy barrier. The experimental activation energy was obtained from the Arrhenius plot (ln k vs. 1/T) using the observed second-order kinetics, and the obtained 55.8 ± 2.1 kJ mol-1 was in excellent agreement with the computational one, validating the complete mechanism, giving a better understanding of carbodiimide production from isocyanates.

Production of Atosiban's Key Intermediate Pentapeptide: Synthetic Approaches to the Development of a Peptide Synthesis with Less Racemization and Simplifier Purification Process

The key intermediate NH₂-Ile-Thr(Bzl)-Asn-Cys(Bzl)-Pro-COOH of Atosiban was prepared from N-Boc-S-Bzl-cysteine by the stepwise lengthening of the chain according to the repetitive N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide/N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (BSA/NHS) strategy. This synthetic route required no chromatography purification and can be readily performed, yielding a highly pure pentapeptide compound.

Selective Synthesis of N-Acylnortropane Derivatives in Palladium-Catalysed Aminocarbonylation

The aminocarbonylation of various alkenyl and (hetero)aryl iodides was carried out using tropane-based amines of biological importance, such as 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one (nortropinone) and 3α-hydroxy-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (nortropine) as N-nucleophile. Using iodoalkenes, the two nucleophiles were selectively converted to the corresponding amide in the presence of Pd(OAc)₂/2 PPh₃ catalysts. In the presence of several iodo(hetero)arenes, the application of the bidentate Xantphos was necessary to produce the target compounds selectively. The new carboxamides of varied structure, formed in palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation reactions, were isolated and fully characterized. In this way, a novel synthetic method has been developed for the producing of N-acylnortropane derivatives of biological importance.

Synthesis of amide derivatives for electron deficient amines and functionalized carboxylic acids using EDC and DMAP and a catalytic amount of HOBt as the coupling reagents

A convenient protocol for amide bond formation for electron deficient amines and carboxylic acids is described. Amide coupling of aniline derivatives has been investigated with a number of reagents under a variety of reaction conditions. The use of 1 equivalent of EDC and 1 equivalent of DMAP, catalytic amount of HOBt and DIPEA provided the best results. This method is amenable to the synthesis of a range of functionalized amide derivatives with electron deficient and unreactive amines.

Total Synthesis of Macrocyclic Dysoxylactam A

The total synthesis of dysoxylactam A, a novel 17-membered macrolactam with potent multi-drug-resistant reversing activities, has been achieved, starting from 4-pentene-1-al in a longest linear sequence of 17 steps and 9.5% overall yield. The key transformations consist of iterative aldol and ring-closing metathesis reactions for the construction of the stereochemically enriched polypropionate scaffold and the macrocycle, respectively.

Rigid polyurethane foams modified with borate and oxamide groups – Preparation and properties

In this work the results of the research on modification of rigid polyurethane foams properties by new polyols with borate and oxamide groups have been presented. Propylene glycols — the products of hydroxyalkylation of N,N′-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)oxamide bis(dihydrogenborate) by excess of propylene carbonate (PC) was used as a polyol component. The new polyols have been foamed using polymeric 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, water and triethylamine. The modification of the foam structure by oxamide and borate groups guarantees their low water uptake, very good heat-insulating properties, good dimension stability and decreases their flammability, and does not worsen their mechanical properties and thermal stability.

Carbodiimide-based synthesis of N-heterocycles: moving from two classical reactive sites to chemical bond breaking/forming reaction

Carbodiimides are a unique class of heterocumulene compounds that display distinctive chemical properties. The rich chemistry of carbodiimides has drawn increasing attention from chemists in recent years and has made them exceedingly useful compounds in modern organic chemistry, especially in the synthesis of N-heterocycles. This review has outlined the extensive application of carbodiimides in the synthesis of N-heterocycles from the 1980s to today. A wide range of reactions for the synthesis of various types of N-heterocyclic systems (three-, four-, five-, six-, seven-, larger-membered and fused heterocycles) have been developed on the basis of carbodiimides and their derivatives.

Amide Synthesis through the In Situ Generation of Chloro- and Imido-Phosphonium Salts

We describe a methodology for the amidation of carboxylic acids by generating phosphonium salts in situ from N-chlorophthalimide and triphenylphosphine. Aliphatic, benzylic, and aromatic carboxylic acids can be transformed into their amide counter parts using primary and secondary amines. This functional group interconversion is achieved at room temperature in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic work shows the in situ formation of chloro- and imido-phosphonium salts that react as activating agents for carboxylic acids and generate an acyloxy-phosphonium species.

Structure-Property Effects in the Generation of Transient Aqueous Benzoic Acid Anhydrides by Carbodiimide Fuels

The design of dissipative systems, which operate out-of-equilibrium by consuming chemical fuels, is challenging. As yet, there are a few examples of privileged fuel chemistries that can be broadly applied in abiotic systems in the same way that ATP hydrolysis is exploited throughout biochemistry. The key issue is that designing nonequilibrium systems is inherently about balancing the relative rates of coupled reactions. The use of carbodiimides as fuels to generate transient aqueous carboxylic anhydrides has recently been used in examples of new nonequilibrium materials and supramolecular assemblies. Here, we explore the kinetics of formation and decomposition of a series of benzoic anhydrides generated from the corresponding acids and EDC under typical conditions (EDC = N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride). The reactions can be described by a simple mechanism that merges known behavior for the two processes independently. Structure-property effects in these systems are dominated by differences in the anhydride decomposition rate. The kinetic parameters allow trends in concentration-dependent properties to be simulated, such as reaction lifetimes, peak anhydride concentrations, and yields. For key properties, there are diminishing returns with the addition of increasing amounts of fuel. These results should provide useful guidelines for the design of functional systems making use of this chemistry.

A Novel Method for the Synthesis of Disubstituted Ureas and Thioureas under Microwave Irradiaton

Several symmetrically disubstituted ureas and thioureas are synthesized by heating of urea or thiourea with aromatic amines or phenylhydrazine under environmentally benign conditions without any solvent in a conventional microwave oven.

Preparation of Carbodiimides with One-Handed Axial Chirality

The axial chirality of carbodiimide was proposed in 1932, but the synthesis of carbodiimide with one-handed axial chirality has not been achieved because of the low barrier of racemization. This work presents a strategy to use a conformationally restrained cyclic structure for creating carbodiimides whose biases of the axial chirality (labeled as S_NCN/ R_NCN) are higher than 100:1, as determined by vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.

Comparison of three methods for the methylation of aliphatic and aromatic compounds

RATIONALE

Methylation protocols commonly call for acidic, hot conditions that are known to promote organic ¹ H/² H exchange in aromatic and aliphatic C-H bonds. Here we tested two such commonly used methods and compared a third that avoids these acidic conditions, to quantify isotope effects with each method and to directly determine acidic-exchange rates relevant to experimental conditions.

METHODS

We compared acidic and non-acidic methylation approaches catalyzed by hydrochloric acid, acetyl chloride and EDCI (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide)/DMAP (4-dimethylaminopyridine), respectively. These were applied to two analytes: phthalic acid (an aromatic) and octacosanoic acid (an aliphatic). We analyzed yield by gas chromatography/flame ionization (GC/FID) and hydrogen and carbon isotopic compositions by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS). We quantified the ¹ H/² H exchange rate on dimethyl phthalate under acidic conditions with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR) measurements.

RESULTS

The δ² H and δ¹³ C values and yield were equivalent among the three methods for methyl octacosanoate. The two acidic methods resulted in comparable yield and isotopic composition of dimethyl phthalate; however, the non-acidic method resulted in lower δ² H and δ¹³ C values perhaps due to low yields. Concerns over acid-catalyzed ¹ H/² H exchange are unwarranted as the effect was trivial over a 12-h reaction time.

CONCLUSIONS

We find product isolation yield and evaporation to be the main concerns in the accurate determination of isotopic composition. ¹ H/² H exchange reactions are too slow to cause measurable isotope fractionation over the typical duration and reaction conditions used in methylation. Thus, we are able to recommend continued use of acidic catalysts in such methylation reactions for both aliphatic and aromatic compounds.

Versatile Routes to Functional RAFT Chain Transfer Agents through the Passerini Multicomponent Reaction

The widespread adoption of RAFT polymerization stems partly from the ease and utility of installing a functional chain transfer agent onto the ends of the generated polymer chains. In parallel, the Passerini multicomponent reaction offers great versatility in converting a wide range of easily accessible building blocks to functional materials. In this work, we have combined the two approaches such that a single, commonly available, RAFT agent is used in Passerini reactions to generate a variety of multifunctional RAFT chain transfer agents containing ester linkages. Reactions to generate the multifunctional RAFT agents took place under mild conditions and in good yields. The resulting Passerini-RAFT agents were able to exert control over radical polymerization to generate materials of well-defined molecular weights and dispersity. Furthermore, the presence in these polymer cores of ester and amide functionality through the Passerini chemistries, provided regions in the materials which are inherently biodegradable, facilitating any subsequent biomedical applications. The work overall thus demonstrates a versatile and facile synthetic route to multi functional RAFT chain transfer agents and biodegradable polymers.

Calculation of global and local reactivity descriptors of carbodiimides, a DFT study

Carbodiimides have been widely used for different purposes, such as an intermediary to form peptides bonds and esters, which have generated industrial, organic and biological applications. Diisoproylcarbodiimide (DIC), (3-(dimethylamino) propyl)ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) are the most common carbodiimides, however, there exist other carbodiimides that are not normally used. Twelve carbodiimides including the above mentioned were chosen to study their chemical reactivity as well as their nucleophilic and electrophilic attack sites. Geometry optimization in gas and solution phases was obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT) through B3LYP with 6-31G(d) and 6-311[Formula: see text]G(d,p) level. Global and local reactivity descriptors were calculated and analyzed such as chemical hardness, ionization potential, electron affinity, Fukui functions, dual descriptor and hypersoftness. The results obtained for geometrical parameters do not have significant differences for gas and solution phase. The introduction of diffuse functions has great impact in electron affinity, modifying notably the values of reactivity descriptors, but didn’t show qualitative differences, since the results found for both basis set calculations show that Cyanamide or CD1 is the most stable and CD11 present greater reactivity of all studied molecules. Also, the hypersoftness results obtained with 6-31G(d) are in agreement with the general affirmation that carbodiimides are easily attacked by nucleophiles and electrophiles in the central carbon–nitrogen double bond.

On-line Ammonia Sensor and Invisible Security Ink by Fluorescent Zwitterionic Spirocyclic Meisenheimer Complex

Ammonia is not only a highly important gas for civilization but also contribute significantly for climate change and human health hazard. Highly sensitive ammonia sensor has been developed from a fluorescent zwitterionic spirocyclic Meisenheimer complex. Moreover, formation of this Meisenheimer complex can also be utilized for selective as well as naked eye instant detection of nitro aromatic explosive picric acid. The presence of a quaternary nitrogen atom directly attached to the spiro carbon is the unique feature of this Meisenheimer complex. This excellent photoluminescent (PL) Meisenheimer complex has two distinct stimuli responsive sites. One is sensitive towards acid while the other one is towards the base. These two positions can be modulated by adding one equivalent acid and one equivalent base to result two new products which are non fluorescent. One of these two non fluorescent species was found very exciting because of its UV/Vis transparency. Utilizing this concept we have fabricated an on-line sensor for measuring ammonia in dry or humid and condensing sewer air. The sensor was robust against ambient temperature and humidity variation. We have also developed an invisible ink from this Meisenheimer complex, with potential application for security purpose.

First asymmetric total synthesis of aspergillide D

The first asymmetric total synthesis of aspergillide D was achieved in a longest linear sequence of 18 steps following Sharpless resolution, Yamaguchi esterification, RCM reaction and Shiina macrolactonization.

Potential of capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry for the characterization and monitoring of amine-derivatized naphthenic acids from oil sands process-affected water

Capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) was used for the analysis of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). A standard mixture of amine-derivatized naphthenic acids is injected directly onto the CE column and analyzed by CE-MS in less than 15min. Time of flight MS analysis (TOFMS), optimized for high molecular weight ions, showed NAFCs between 250 and 800m/z. With a quadrupole mass analyzer, only low-molecular weight NAFCs (between 100 and 450m/z) are visible under our experimental conditions. Derivatization of NAFCs consisted of two-step amidation reactions mediated by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), or mediated by a mixture of EDC and N-hydroxysuccinimide, in dimethyl sulfoxide, dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. The optimum background electrolyte composition was determined to be 30% (V/V) methanol in water and 2% (V/V) formic acid. NAFCs extracted from OSPW in the Athabasca oil sands region were used to demonstrate the feasibility of CE-MS for the analysis of NAFCs in environmental samples, showing that the labeled naphthenic acids are in the mass range of 350 to 1500m/z.

Preparation, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Amides and Esters from 8-Hydroxyquinoline-2-Carboxylic Acid and Jeffamines ED® Or Poly(Ethylene Glycol)S

New macromolecular chelators were synthesized under mild conditions by reaction of 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid (8Q2COOH) with polyethers having amino end-groups (Jeffamines ED®) or poly(ethylene glycol)s in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylamino-pyridine. The prepared amides (8Q2CONH-POE) and esters (8Q2COO-POE) were characterized by SEC, DSC, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. It was found that the polyethers had 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinyl end groups and formed complexes with Fe3+ ions. The obtained complexes were studied with IR spectroscopy and DSC. The plant tests showed that the Fe3+ complex of 8Q2CONH-POE2000 had high efficacy in the remedy of iron-deficient maize plants under hydroponic conditions.

Atom-economic catalytic amide synthesis from amines and carboxylic acids activated in situ with acetylenes

Amide bond-forming reactions are of tremendous significance in synthetic chemistry. Methodological research has, in the past, focused on efficiency and selectivity, and these have reached impressive levels. However, the unacceptable amounts of waste produced have led the ACS GCI Roundtable to label 'amide bond formation avoiding poor atom economy' as the most pressing target for sustainable synthetic method development. In response to this acute demand, we herein disclose an efficient one-pot amide coupling protocol that is based on simple alkynes as coupling reagents: in the presence of a dichloro[(2,6,10-dodecatriene)-1,12-diyl]ruthenium catalyst, carboxylate salts of primary or secondary amines react with acetylene or ethoxyacetylene to vinyl ester intermediates, which undergo aminolysis to give the corresponding amides along only with volatile acetaldehyde or ethyl acetate, respectively. The new amide synthesis is broadly applicable to the synthesis of structurally diverse amides, including dipeptides.

Insertion/Rearrangement Reactivity of a Lutetacyclopentadiene towards N,N'-Diphenylcarbodiimide: Cooperative Effect of the Metal Center, Concentration of LiCl, and Solvent

The reactivity of lutetacyclopentadiene towards N,N'-diphenylcarbodiimide (DPC) was systematically investigated to efficiently construct three types of new N-containing fused cyclic complexes. The outcome of these reactions significantly depended on the the metal center, the concentration of LiCl, the number of equivalents of DPC, and the solvent. Thus, two unexpected reaction modes of amidinate were discovered for the first time, which were ascribed to an unusual κ(1) coordination mode of amidinate driven by a rigid seven-membered ring. These results are in striking contrast with the previously well-investigated zirconacyclopentadiene, which reacts with DPC to give azazirconacyclopentene and alkyne through β,β' CC bond cleavage. The difference in reactivity between lutetacyclopentadiene and zirconacyclopentadiene can be attributed to the highly ionic character of the LuC(sp(2) ) bonds. DFT calculations agreed well with the experimental results.

Recent development of synthetic preparation methods for guanidines via transition metal catalysis

This article provides an overview of guanidine synthesis via transition-metal-catalyzed reactions including cycloaddition, guanylation and tandem guanylation/cyclization.

Chemical reaction mediated self-assembly of PTCDA into nanofibers

Uniform and crystalline nanofibers of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA), an insoluble organic semiconducting molecule, have been achieved by self-assembling the molecules using chemical reaction mediated conversion of an appropriately designed soluble precursor, perylene tetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) using carbodiimide chemistry.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Five Biologically Active, Naturally Occurring Medium and Large Ring Lactones

Stereoselective syntheses of five naturally occurring, pharmacologically active medium and large ring lactones are described. Key synthetic methods used were, depending on the cases, olefin metatheses, asymmetric allylations and C-glycosidations.