Novel asymmetric approach to proline-derived spiro-beta-lactams.

We describe a novel asymmetric approach using Staudinger chemistry to proline-derived spiro-beta-lactams. A chiral group at C-4 of the acid chloride of proline directs the stereoselectivity of Staudinger chemistry and later is sacrificed to obtain optically active 5.4-spiro-beta-lactams.

Role of pyridine hydrogen-bonding sites in recognition of basic amino acid side chains.

A series of three, new artificial receptors for guanidinium and ammonium guests has been synthesized. All three receptors have highly preorganized clefts bearing two carboxylate groups. They differ in the number of nitrogen atoms contained in their clefts, as follows: four N atoms in receptor 3, three N atoms in 4, and two nitrogens in 5.

Circular dichroism readout of sugar recognition in the cleft of a fused-pyridine receptor.

Dicarboxamide host 2 forms 1:1 complexes with n-octyl pyranosides derived from D-glucose, D-mannose, D-galactose, D-fucose, D-lyxose, and D-arabinose. Association constants (K(a)) in the range of 77-940 M(-1) were measured in chloroform by means of induced circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Variations in K(a) values correspond qualitatively to expected differences in hydrogen-bonding abilities of guest hydroxyl groups.