Sulfate-induced large amplitude conformational change in a Solomon link.

A doubly-interlocked [2]catenane - or Solomon link - undergoes a complex conformational change upon addition of sulfate in methanol. This transformation generates a single pocket where two SO anions bind through multiple hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. Despite the close proximity of the two anions, binding is highly cooperative.

Room-Temperature-Stable Magnesium Electride via Ni(II) Reduction.

Herein, we report the synthesis of highly reduced bipyridyl magnesium complexes and the first example of a stable organic magnesium electride supported by quantum mechanical computations and X-ray diffraction. These complexes serve as unconventional homogeneous reductants due to their high solubility, modular redox potentials, and formation of insoluble, non-coordinating byproducts. The applicability of these reductants is showcased by accessing low-valent (bipy)Ni(0) species that are challenging to access otherwise.

Titanium isopropoxide-mediated -selective synthesis of 3,4-substituted butyrolactones from CO.

We report a Ti(OiPr)-mediated multicomponent reaction, which produces 3,4-substituted -δ-lactones from alkyl magnesium chloride, benzaldehyde and CO. The key intermediate, titanacyclopropane, is formed from Ti(OiPr) and a Grignard reagent, which enables 1,2-dinucleophilic reactivity that is used to insert carbon dioxide and an aldehyde. An alternative reaction route is also described where a primary alkene is used to create the titanacyclopropane.