Photoactivatable Ruthenium Complexes Containing Minimal Straining Benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazole Chelators for Cancer Treatment

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing diimine ligands have contributed to the development of agents for photoactivated chemotherapy. Several approaches have been used to obtain photolabile Ru(II) complexes. The two most explored have been the use of monodentate ligands and the incorporation of steric effects between the bidentate ligands and the Ru(II). However, the introduction of electronic effects in the ligands has been less explored. Herein, we report a systematic experimental, theoretical, and photocytotoxicity study of a novel series of Ru(II) complexes Ru1-Ru5 of general formula [Ru(phen)2(N∧N')]2+, where N∧N' are different minimal strained ligands based on the 1-aryl-4-benzothiazolyl-1,2,3-triazole (BTAT) scaffold, being CH3 (Ru1), F (Ru2), CF3 (Ru3), NO2 (Ru4), and N(CH3)2 (Ru5) substituents in the R4 of the phenyl ring. The complexes are stable in solution in the dark, but upon irradiation in water with blue light (λex = 465 nm, 4 mW/cm2) photoejection of the ligand BTAT was observed by HPLC-MS spectrometry and UV-vis spectroscopy, with t1/2 ranging from 4.5 to 14.15 min depending of the electronic properties of the corresponding BTAT, being Ru4 the less photolabile (the one containing the more electron withdrawing substituent, NO2). The properties of the ground state singlet and excited state triplet of Ru1-Ru5 have been explored using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations. A mechanism for the photoejection of the BTAT ligand from the Ru complexes, in H2O, is proposed. Phototoxicity studies in A375 and HeLa human cancer cell lines showed that the new Ru BTAT complexes were strongly phototoxic. An enhancement of the emission intensity of HeLa cells treated with Ru5 was observed in response to increasing doses of light due to the photoejection of the BTAT ligand. These studies suggest that BTAT could serve as a photocleavable protecting group for the cytotoxic bis-aqua ruthenium warhead [Ru(phen)2(OH2)2]2+.

On-Surface Synthesis of a Radical 2D Supramolecular Organic Framework

The design of supramolecular organic radical cages and frameworks is one of the main challenges in supramolecular chemistry. Their interesting material properties and wide applications make them very promising for (photo)redox catalysis, sensors, or host-guest spin-spin interactions. However, the high reactivity of radical organic systems makes the design of such supramolecular radical assemblies challenging. Here, we report the on-surface synthesis of a purely organic supramolecular radical framework on Au(111), by combining supramolecular and on-surface chemistry. We employ a tripodal precursor, functionalized with 7-azaindole groups that, catalyzed by a single gold atom on the surface, forms a radical molecular product constituted by a π-extended fluoradene-based radical core. The radical products self-assemble through hydrogen bonding, leading to extended 2D domains ordered in a Kagome-honeycomb lattice. This approach demonstrates the potential of on-surface synthesis for developing 2D supramolecular radical organic chemistry.

Mechanically Planar-to-Point Chirality Transmission in [2]Rotaxanes

Herein we describe an effective transmission of chirality, from mechanically planar chirality to point chirality, in hydrogen-bonded [2]rotaxanes. A highly selective mono-N-methylation of one (out of four) amide N atom at the macrocyclic counterpart of starting achiral rotaxanes generates mechanically planar chirality. Followed by chiral resolution, both enantiomers were subjected to a base-promoted intramolecular cyclization, where their interlocked threads were transformed into new lactam moieties. As a matter of fact, the mechanically planar chiral information was effectively transferred to the resulting stereocenters (covalent chirality) of the newly formed heterocycles. Upon removing the entwined macrocycle, the final lactams were obtained with high enantiopurity.

Novel 2-(5-Arylthiophen-2-yl)-benzoazole Cyclometalated Iridium(III) dppz Complexes Exhibit Selective Phototoxicity in Cancer Cells by Lysosomal Damage and Oncosis

A second-generation series of biscyclometalated 2-(5-aryl-thienyl)-benzimidazole and -benzothiazole Ir(III) dppz complexes [Ir(C^N)2(dppz)]+, Ir1-Ir4, were rationally designed and synthesized, where the aryl group attached to the thienyl ring was p-CF3C6H4 or p-Me2NC6H4. These new Ir(III) complexes were assessed as photosensitizers to explore the structure-activity correlations for their potential use in biocompatible anticancer photodynamic therapy. When irradiated with blue light, the complexes exhibited high selective potency across several cancer cell lines predisposed to photodynamic therapy; the benzothiazole derivatives (Ir1 and Ir2) were the best performers, Ir2 being also activatable with green or red light. Notably, when irradiated, the complexes induced leakage of lysosomal content into the cytoplasm of HeLa cancer cells and induced oncosis-like cell death. The capability of the new Ir complexes to photoinduce cell death in 3D HeLa spheroids has also been demonstrated. The investigated Ir complexes can also catalytically photo-oxidate NADH and photogenerate 1O2 and/or •OH in cell-free media.

Luminescent Platinum(II) Complexes with Terdentate N∧C∧C Ligands

The synthesis, structure, and luminescence of Pt(II) complexes of the type [Pt(N∧C∧C)(L)] are reported, where N∧C∧C is a terdentate ligand resulting from the cycloplatination of 2-(3,5-diphenoxyphenyl)pyridine or 2-(4,4″-dimethyl-[1,1':3',1″-terphenyl]-5'-yl)pyridine, and L represents a monodentate ancillary ligand, which can be γ-picoline, 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, PPh3, n-butyl or 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide, CO, or the N-heterocyclic carbenes 1-butyl-3-methylimidazol-2-ylidene or 4-butyl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidene. Derivatives bearing CO, isocyanides, or carbenes showed the highest stabilities in solution, whereas the pyridine and PPh3 derivatives establish ligand-exchange equilibria in acetonitrile. Different supramolecular structures are observed in the solid state, which largely depend on the nature of the ancillary ligand. Isocyanides and CO favor π interactions between the aromatic rings, metallophilic Pt···Pt contacts, or a combination of both. In contrast, pyridine ligands may lead to bimolecular assemblies driven by C-H···O, C-H···Pt, or C-H/π hydrogen bonds. Luminescence was examined in fluid solution, poly(methyl methacrylate) matrices, and the solid state at 298 K, and in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran glasses at 77 K. The majority of derivatives show highly efficient emissions from 3ILCT/MLCT or 3ILCT/MLCT/LLCT excited states of monomeric species. The formation of excimers and different types of emissive aggregates are demonstrated, which lead to red-shifted emissions of different origins and characteristics depending on the involved noncovalent interactions.

Exploring the Chemistry of the Mechanical Bond: Synthesis of a [2]Rotaxane through Multicomponent Reactions

The synthesis of a [2]rotaxane through three- or five-component coupling reactions has been adapted to an organic chemistry experiment for upper-division students. The experimental procedure addresses the search for the most favorable reaction conditions for the synthesis of the interlocked compound, which is obtained in a yield of up to 71%. Moreover, the interlocked nature of the rotaxane is proven by NMR spectroscopy. The content of the sessions has been designed on the basis of a proactive methodology whereby upper-division undergraduate students have a dynamic role. The laboratory experience not only introduces students to the chemistry of the mechanical bond but also reinforces their previous knowledge of basic organic laboratory procedures and their skills with structural elucidation techniques such as NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies. The experiment has been designed in such a customizable way that both experimental procedures and laboratory material can be adapted to a wide range of undergraduate course curricula.

NMR Spectroscopic Identification of Urolithin G, a Novel Trihydroxy Urolithin Produced by Human Intestinal Enterocloster Species

Urolithins are gut microbiota metabolites of ellagic acid. Here, we have identified and chemically characterized a novel urolithin produced from urolithin D (3,4,8,9-tetrahydroxy urolithin) by in vitro incubation with different human gut Enterocloster species under anaerobic conditions. Urolithin G (3,4,8-trihydroxy urolithin) was identified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV, HRMS, and 2D NMR. For the identification, NMR spectra of other known urolithins were also recorded and compared. Urolithin G was present in the feces of 12% of volunteers in an overweight-obese group after consuming an ellagitannin-rich pomegranate extract. The production of urolithin G required a bacterial 9-dehydroxylase activity and was not specific to the known human urolithin metabotypes A and B. The ability to produce urolithin G could be considered an additional metabolic feature for volunteer stratification and bioactivity studies. This is the first urolithin with a catechol group in ring A while having only one hydroxyl in ring B, a unique feature not found in human and animal samples so far.

Intramolecular Cyclization of Azido-Isocyanides Triggered by the Azide Anion: An Experimental and Computational Study

This work describes the unprecedented intramolecular cyclization occurring in a set of α-azido-ω-isocyanides in the presence of catalytic amounts of sodium azide. These species yield the tricyclic cyanamides [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoxaline-5(4H)-carbonitriles, whereas in the presence of an excess of the same reagent, the azido-isocyanides convert into the respective C-substituted tetrazoles through a [3 + 2] cycloaddition between the cyano group of the intermediate cyanamides and the azide anion. The formation of tricyclic cyanamides has been examined by experimental and computational means. The computational study discloses the intermediacy of a long-lived N-cyanoamide anion, detected by NMR monitoring of the experiments, subsequently converting into the final cyanamide in the rate-determining step. The chemical behavior of these azido-isocyanides endowed with an aryl-triazolyl linker has been compared with that of a structurally identical azido-cyanide isomer, experiencing a conventional intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition between its azido and cyanide functionalities. The synthetic procedures described herein constitute metal-free approaches to novel complex heterocyclic systems, such as [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]quinoxalines and 9H-benzo[f]tetrazolo[1,5-d][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a][1,4]diazepines.

Two-Dimensional Self-Assembly Driven by Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Benzodi-7-azaindole Molecules on Au(111)

The control of molecular structures at the nanoscale plays a critical role in the development of materials and applications. The adsorption of a polyheteroaromatic molecule with hydrogen bond donor and acceptor sites integrated in the conjugated structure itself, namely, benzodi-7-azaindole (BDAI), has been studied on Au(111). Intermolecular hydrogen bonding determines the formation of highly organized linear structures where surface chirality, resulting from the 2D confinement of the centrosymmetric molecules, is observed. Moreover, the structural features of the BDAI molecule lead to the formation of two differentiated arrangements with extended brick-wall and herringbone packing. A comprehensive experimental study that combines scanning tunneling microscopy, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and density functional theory theoretical calculations has been performed to fully characterize the 2D hydrogen-bonded domains and the on-surface thermal stability of the physisorbed material.

Sustainable Setups for the Biocatalytic Production and Scale-Up of Panthenyl Monoacyl Esters under Solvent-Free Conditions

A sustainable scaling-up process for the biocatalytic production of new bioactive provitamin-B₅ monoacyl esters has been demonstrated. A solvent-free reaction protocol, based on the formation of eutectic mixtures between neat substrates, renders highly efficient direct esterification of free fatty acids (i.e., from C₆ to C₁₈ alkyl-chain length) with panthenol catalyzed by lipase. The scale-up from 0.5 to 500 g was evaluated by means of using several reaction systems (i.e., ultrasound assistance, orbital shaking, rotary evaporator, and mechanical stirring coupled to vacuum). For all reactor systems, the yield in panthenyl monoacyl esters was improved by increasing the length of the alkyl chain of the fatty acid (i.e., from 63% yield for panthenyl butyrate to 83% yield for panthenyl myristate). The best results (87-95% product yield, for all cases) were obtained upon a scale-up (50-500 g size) and when a vacuum system was coupled to the biocatalytic reaction unit. Under the optimized conditions, a 5-fold reduction of the amount of biocatalysts with respect to reactors without vacuum was achieved. The recovery and reuse of the immobilized enzyme for five operation cycles were also demonstrated. Finally, different metrics have been applied to assess the greenness of the solvent-free biocatalytic synthesis of panthenyl monoesters here reported.

Gut Bacteria Involved in Ellagic Acid Metabolism To Yield Human Urolithin Metabotypes Revealed

We aimed to elucidate the gut bacteria that characterize the human urolithin metabotypes A and B (UM-A and UM-B). We report here a new bacterium isolated from the feces of a healthy woman, capable of producing the final metabolites urolithins A and B and different intermediates. Besides, we describe two gut bacterial co-cultures that reproduced the urolithin formation pathways upon in vitro fermentation of both UM-A and UM-B. This is the first time that the capacity of pure strains to metabolize ellagic acid cooperatively to yield urolithin profiles associated with UM-A and UM-B has been demonstrated. The urolithin-producing bacteria described herein could have potential as novel probiotics and in the industrial manufacture of bioactive urolithins to develop new ingredients, beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and (or) functional foods. This is especially relevant in UM-0 individuals since they cannot produce bioactive urolithins.

Electrochemical Oscillatory Baffled Reactors Fabricated with Additive Manufacturing for Efficient Continuous-Flow Oxidations

Electrochemical continuous-flow reactors offer a great opportunity for enhanced and sustainable chemical syntheses. Here, we present a novel application of electrochemical continuous-flow oscillatory baffled reactors (ECOBRs) that combines advanced mixing features with electrochemical transformations to enable efficient electrochemical oxidations under continuous flow at a millimeter distance between electrodes. Different additive manufacturing techniques have been employed to rapidly fabricate reactors. The electrochemical oxidation of NADH, a very sensitive substrate key for the regeneration of enzymes in biocatalytic transformations, has been employed as a benchmark reaction. The oscillatory conditions improved bulk mixing, facilitating the contact of reagents to electrodes. Under oscillatory conditions, the ECOBR demonstrated improved performance in the electrochemical oxidation of NADH, which is attributed to improved mass transfer associated with the oscillatory regime.

Improving the Robustness of Organic Semiconductors through Hydrogen Bonding

Molecular organization plays an essential role in organic semiconductors since it determines the extent of intermolecular interactions that govern the charge transport present in all electronic applications. The benefits of hydrogen bond-directed self-assembly on charge transport properties are demonstrated by comparing two analogous pyrrole-based, fused heptacyclic molecules. The rationally designed synthesis of these materials allows for inducing or preventing hydrogen bonding. Strategically located hydrogen bond donor and acceptor sites control the solid-state arrangement, favoring the supramolecular expansion of the π-conjugated surface and the subsequent π-stacking as proved by X-ray diffraction and computational calculations. The consistency observed for the performance of organic field-effect transistors and the morphology of the organic thin films corroborate that higher stability and thermal robustness are achieved in the hydrogen-bonded material.