Photochemical reactions of a diamidocarbene: cyclopropanation of bromonaphthalene, addition to pyridine, and activation of sp3 C-H bonds

We report unprecedented photochemistry for the diamidocarbene 1. Described within are the double cyclopropanation of 1-bromonaphthalene, the double addition to pyridine, and remarkably, the insertion into the unactivated sp3 C-H bonds of cyclohexane, tetramethylsilane, and n-pentane to give compounds 2-6, respectively. All compounds have been fully characterized, and the solid state structure of 4 was obtained using single crystal electron diffraction.

Synthesis, crystal structure determination, and spectroscopic analyses of 1-chloro-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-azaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,5-dione: an unyielding precursor to a cyclic (alkyl)(amido)carbene

The synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure, and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrocopic analyses of an unyielding precursor molecule to a cyclic (alkyl)(amido)carbene, 1-chloro-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-azaspiro[5.5]undecane-3,5-dione, C₂₄H₃₄ClNO₂ (1), is reported. Despite the use of several bases, 1 could not be deprotonated to afford the corresponding carbene. The crystal structure of 1 was compared to the crystal structures of two structurally similar HCl adducts of stable carbenes (compounds 4 and 5), which revealed no significant differences in the geometries about the `carbene' C atoms. To better understand the reactivity differences observed for 1 when compared to 4 and 5, modified percent buried volume (%V_bur) calculations were performed. These calculations revealed that the H atom bound to the carbene C atom is the most sterically hindered in compound 1 when compared to 4 and 5 (%V_bur = 84.9, 81.3, and 79.3% for 1, 4, and 5, respectively). Finally, close inspection of the quadrant-specific %V_bur values indicated that the approach of a deprotonating base to the H atom bound to the carbene C atom is significantly blocked in 1 (69.9%) when compared to 4 and 5 (50.4 and 56.5%, respectively).

Photo-Uncaging of a Microtubule-Targeted Rigidin Analogue in Hypoxic Cancer Cells and in a Xenograft Mouse Model

Marine alkaloid rigidins are cytotoxic compounds known to kill cancer cells at nanomolar concentrations by targeting the microtubule network. Here, a rigidin analogue containing a thioether group was "caged" by coordination of its thioether group to a photosensitive ruthenium complex. In the dark, the coordinated ruthenium fragment prevented the rigidin analogue from inhibiting tubulin polymerization and reduced its toxicity in 2D cancer cell line monolayers, 3D lung cancer tumor spheroids (A549), and a lung cancer tumor xenograft (A549) in nude mice. Photochemical activation of the prodrug upon green light irradiation led to the photosubstitution of the thioether ligand by water, thereby releasing the free rigidin analogue capable of inhibiting the polymerization of tubulin. In cancer cells, such photorelease was accompanied by a drastic reduction of cell growth, not only when the cells were grown in normoxia (21% O₂) but also remarkably in hypoxic conditions (1% O₂). In vivo, low toxicity was observed at a dose of 1 mg·kg^-1 when the compound was injected intraperitoneally, and light activation of the compound in the tumor led to 30% tumor volume reduction, which represents the first demonstration of the safety and efficacy of ruthenium-based photoactivated chemotherapy compounds in a tumor xenograft.

Cyclic (aryl)(amido)carbenes: pushing the π-acidity of amidocarbenes through benzannulation

Cyclic(aryl)(amido)carbenes were synthesized, and studied via a combination of experimental and computational approaches.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Redox Reactivity of a Cyclic (Alkyl) Amino Carbene-Derived Arsamethine Cyanine Dye

In our efforts to prepare a diarsenic allotrope supported by two cyclic alkyl amino carbene (CAAC) ligands we stumbled upon the synthesis of the first carbene-supported chloroarsinidene 3, which has been fully characterized by a combination of NMR spectroscopic and XRD methods. Although further reduction of 3 was not possible, we found that addition of a second equivalent of CAAC in refluxing toluene afforded the first example of a crystallographically characterized arsamethine cyanine dye (4). The arsenic(I) dye is structurally similar to phosphorus analogues, and contains an arsenide anion with two stereochemically active lone pairs supported by two iminium ligands. The UV/Visible spectrum and redox chemistry of 4 were also explored. Upon reduction with one equivalent of KC₈ , 3 is reduced to the originally targeted CAAC₂ As₂ allotrope 6, whereas oxidation provides access to the first example of an arsenic(II) radical dication (5).

Antimony(v) cations for the selective catalytic transformation of aldehydes into symmetric ethers, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, and 1,3,5-trioxanes

1-Diphenylphosphinonaphthyl-8-triphenylstibonium triflate ([2][OTf]) was prepared in excellent yield. This antimony(v) cation was found to selectively catalyze the transformation of aldehydes into symmetric ethers, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, and 1,3,5-trioxanes.

Reduction of a diamidocarbene-supported borenium cation: isolation of a neutral boryl-substituted radical and a carbene-stabilized aminoborylene

We have synthesized the first diamidocarbene (DAC)-supported borenium salt which was found to readily undergo two sequential 1-electron reductions to give a boryl-substituted DAC-centred radical and a DAC-supported aminoborylene.

Carbene-derived α-acyl formamidinium cations: organic molecules with readily tunable multiple redox processes

Singlet carbenes can impart stability, but can also be used to tailor the electrochemical properties of redox-active organic molecules.

Preparation and use of carbonyl-decorated carbenes in the activation of white phosphorus

Here we present a protocol for the synthesis of two distinct carbonyl-decorated carbenes. Both carbenes can be prepared using nearly identical procedures in multi-gram scale quantities. The goal of this manuscript is to clearly detail how to handle and prepare these unique carbenes such that a synthetic chemist of any skill level can work with them. The two carbenes described are a diamidocarbene (DAC, carbene 1) and a monoamidoaminocarbene (MAAC 2). These carbenes are highly electron-deficient and as such display reactivity profiles that are atypical of more traditional N-heterocyclic carbenes. Additionally, these two carbenes only differ in their electrophilic character and not their steric parameters, making them ideal for studying how carbene electronics influence reactivity. To demonstrate this phenomenon, we are also describing the activation of white phosphorus (P4) using these carbenes. Depending on the carbene used, two very different phosphorus-containing compounds can be isolated. When the DAC 1 is used, a tris(phosphaalkenyl)phosphane can be isolated as the exclusive product. Remarkably however, when MAAC 2 is added to P4 under identical reaction conditions, an unexpected carbene-supported P8 allotrope of phosphorus is isolated exclusively. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that this carbene-supported P8allotrope forms via a [2+2] cycloaddition dimerization of a transient diphosphene which has been trapped by treatment with 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene.

Fluoride ion recognition by chelating and cationic boranes

Because of the ubiquity of fluoride ions and their potential toxicity at high doses, researchers would like to design receptors that selectively detect this anion. Fluoride is found in drinking water, toothpaste, and osteoporosis drugs. In addition, fluoride ions also can be detected as an indicator of uranium enrichment (via hydrolysis of UF(6)) or of the chemical warfare agent sarin, which releases the ion upon hydrolysis. However, because of its high hydration enthalpy, the fluoride anion is one of the most challenging targets for anion recognition. Among the various recognition strategies that are available, researchers have focused a great deal of attention on Lewis acidic boron compounds. These molecules typically interact with fluoride anions to form the corresponding fluoroborate species. In the case of simple triarylboranes, the fluoroborates are formed in organic solvents but not in water. To overcome this limitation, this Account examines various methods we have pursued to increase the fluoride-binding properties of boron-based receptors. We first considered the use of bifunctional boranes, which chelate the fluoride anion, such as 1,8-diborylnaphthalenes or heteronuclear 1-boryl-8-mercurio-naphthalenes. In these molecules, the neighboring Lewis acidic atoms can cooperatively interact with the anionic guest. Although the fluoride binding constants of the bifunctional compounds exceed those of neutral monofunctional boranes by several orders of magnitude, the incompatibility of these systems with aqueous media limits their utility. More recently, we have examined simple triarylboranes whose ligands are decorated by cationic ammonium or phosphonium groups. These cationic groups increase the electrophilic character of these boranes, and unlike their neutral analogs, they are able to complex fluoride in aqueous media. We have also considered cationic boranes, which form chelate complexes with fluoride anions. Our work demonstrates that Coulombic and chelate effects are additive and can be combined to boost the anion affinity of Lewis acidic hosts. The boron compounds that we have investigated present a set of photophysical and electrochemical properties that can serve to signal the fluoride-binding event. We can also apply this approach to cyanide complexation and are continuing our investigations in that area.

Fluoride ion chelation by a bidentate phosphonium/borane Lewis acid

The phosphonium borane [1-Mes2B-2-MePh2P-(C6H4)]+ ([2]+) has been synthesized as an iodide salt by alkylation of 1-Mes2B-2-Ph2P-(C6H4) with MeI. This novel cationic borane complexes fluoride to afford the corresponding zwitterionic fluoroborate complex 1-FMes2B-2-MePh2P-(C6H4) (2-F) with a binding constant in MeOH exceeding that of 1-Mes2B-4-MePh2P-(C6H4) ([1]+) by at least 4 orders of magnitude. Structural and computational results indicate that the high fluorophilicity of [2]+ arises from both Coulombic and cooperative effects which lead to formation of a B-F-->P interaction with a F-->P distance of 2.666(2) A. These results, which are supported by NBO and AIM analyses, show that the latent phosphorus-centered Lewis acidity of the phosphonium moiety in [2]+ can be exploited to enhance fluoride binding via chelation.

Ammonium Boranes for the Selective Complexation of Cyanide or Fluoride Ions in Water

With the recognition of aqueous fluoride and cyanide ions as an objective, we have investigated the anion binding properties of two isomeric ammonium boranes, namely [p-(Mes2B)C6H4(NMe3)]+ ([1]+) and [o-(Mes2B)C6H4(NMe3)]+ ([2]+). These cationic boranes, which could be obtained by reaction of the known 4- and 2-dimesitylboryl-N,N-dimethylaniline with MeOTf, have been investigated both experimentally and computationally. They both react with fluoride and cyanide ions in organic solvents to afford the corresponding fluoroborate/ or cyanoborate/ammonium zwitterions 1F, 1CN, 2F, and 2CN. In aqueous solution, however, these cationic boranes behave as remarkably selective receptors. Indeed, [1]+ only complexes cyanide ions while [2]+ only complexes fluoride ions. In H2O/DMSO 60:40 vol (HEPES 6 mM, pH 7), the cyanide binding constant of [1]+ and the fluoride binding constant of [2]+ are respectively equal to 3.9 (+/-0.1) x 108 and 910 (+/-50) M-1. Structural and computational studies indicate that both steric and electronic effects contribute to the unusual selectivity displayed by these cationic boranes. Owing to favorable Coulombic effects, the para-derivative [1]+ has a very high affinity for cyanide; yet these effects are not sufficiently intense to allow complexation of the more efficiently hydrated and less basic fluoride anion. In the case of the ortho-derivative [2]+, the proximity of the ammonium moiety leads to an increase in the Lewis acidity of the boron center thus making fluoride binding possible. However, steric effects prevent cyanide coordination to the boron center of [2]+. Finally, cation [1]+ and [2]+ bind their dedicated anions reversibly and show a negligible response in the presence of other common anions including Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3-, OAc-, H2PO4-, and HSO4-.

Hybrid Lewis acid/hydrogen-bond donor receptor for fluoride

[reaction: see text] To verify if hydrogen-bond donor groups can assist fluoride binding at the boron center of triaryl boranes, o-(dimesitylboryl)trifluoroacetanilide has been synthesized. Reaction of this new borane with [n-Bu(4)N][F] in acetone affords the corresponding fluoroborate complex whose stability constant exceeds that of [Mes(3)BF](-) by at least 2 orders of magnitude. Presumably, the higher fluoride affinity of o-(dimesitylboryl)trifluoroacetanilide results from the cooperativity of the Lewis acidic boron center and the hydrogen-bond donor trifluoroacetamide group.