Selective Electrocatalytic Production of Formic Acid from Plastic Waste Using a Nickel Metal-Organic Framework Constructed from a Biomass-Derived Ligand.

A novel nickel-based metal organic framework (MOF) [Ni(FDC)(CHOH)(HO)](HO) (UOW-6) utilizing biomass-derived 2,5-furan dicarboxylate (FDC) as a ligand is reported as an electrocatalyst for anodic ethylene glycol (EG) oxidation with cathodic hydrogen evolution. The MOF structure was analyzed using single crystal X-ray-diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermodiffractometry, to establish its structure and verify phase purity. The material was dropcast on carbon fiber paper as a catalyst, and by using a three-electrode system, UOW-6 requires only 1.

Tuning the photoactivated anticancer activity of Pt(iv) compounds distant ferrocene conjugation.

Photoactive prodrugs offer potential for spatially-selective antitumour activity with minimal effects on normal tissues. Excited-state chemistry can induce novel effects on biochemical pathways and combat resistance to conventional drugs. Photoactive metal complexes in particular, have a rich and relatively unexplored photochemistry, especially an ability to undergo facile intersystem crossing and populate triplet states.

Regio- and Enantioselective Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of One Carbonyl Group in a Diketone through Steric Hindrance.

On the basis of steric hindrance, one carbonyl group in a diketone can be reduced in a regioselective manner, with high enantioselectivity. The methodology can be extended to ketones with varied length of hydrocarbon chain spacing, and the products can be converted by oxidation to hydroxy esters or lactones without loss of enantiopurity.

Increasing the versatility of the biphenyl-fused-dioxacyclodecyne class of strained alkynes.

Biphenyl-fused-dioxacyclodecynes are a promising class of strained alkyne for use in Cu-free 'click' reactions. In this paper, a series of functionalised derivatives of this class of reagent, containing fluorescent groups, are described. Studies aimed at understanding and increasing the reactivity of the alkynes are also presented, together with an investigation of the bioconjugation of the reagents with an azide-labelled protein.

Mechanism of Oxygen Quenching of the Excited States of Heteroleptic Chromium(III) Phenanthroline Derivatives.

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of some heteroleptic Cr(III) complexes of the form [Cr(Phen)L](OTf), where Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and L is either 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or its derivatives, such as 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-DMB), 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-DMOB), 4,4'-di-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dbpy), 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (5,5'-DMB), 4,4'-dimethoxycarbonyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4,4'-dmcbpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives, such as 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (5-Me-Phen) and 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (4,7-DMP). Heteroleptic complexes were prepared in two stages the intermediate [Cr(Phen)(CFSO)](CFSO) and five examples have been crystallographically characterized. Steady-state absorption and luminescence emission characteristics of these complexes were measured in 1 M HCl solutions.

A Concerted Redox- and Light-Activated Agent for Controlled Multimodal Therapy against Hypoxic Cancer Cells.

Hypoxia represents a remarkably exploitable target for cancer therapy, is encountered only in solid human tumors, and is highly associated with cancer resistance and recurrence. Here, a hypoxia-activated mitochondria-accumulated Ru(II) polypyridyl prodrug functionalized with conjugated azo (Az) and nitrogen mustard (NM) functionalities, RuAzNM, is reported. This prodrug has multimodal theranostic properties toward hypoxic cancer cells.

Synthesis of Benzofuropyridines and Dibenzofurans by a Metalation/Negishi Cross-Coupling/SAr Reaction Sequence.

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of benzofuropyridines and dibenzofurans from fluoropyridines or fluoroarenes and 2-bromophenyl acetates is reported. This streamlined one-pot procedure consists of a four-step directed -lithiation, zincation, Negishi cross-coupling, and intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution, allowing for the facile assembly of a diverse set of fused benzofuro heterocycles.

Classical vs. Non-Classical Cyclometalated Pt(II) Complexes.

Rollover cyclometalated complexes constitute a family of derivatives which differ from classical cyclometalated species in certain aspects. Various potential application fields have been developed for both classes of compounds, which have both similarities and differences. In order to uncover the relationships and distinctions between these two families of compounds, four Pt(II) cyclometalated complexes derived from 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), assumed as prototypical ligands, were compared.

Nonredox CO Fixation in Solvent-Free Conditions Using a Lewis Acid Metal-Organic Framework Constructed from a Sustainably Sourced Ligand.

CO epoxidation to cyclic carbonates under mild, solvent-free conditions is a promising pathway toward sustainable CO utilization. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) explored for such applications so far are commonly composed of nonrenewable ligands such as benzene dicarboxylate (BDC) or synthetically complex linkers and therefore are not suitable for commercial utilization. Here, we report new yttrium 2,5-furandicarboxylate (FDC)-based MOFs: "UOW-1" and "UOW-2" synthesized via solvothermal assembly, with the former having a unique structural topology.

Heterocycle-containing Noyori-Ikariya catalysts for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones.

The synthesis of a range of N-(heterocyclesulfonyl)-functionalised Noyori-Ikariya catalysts is described. The complexes were prepared through a short sequence from C2-symmetric 1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2-diamine (DPEN) and were characterised by a range of methods including X-ray crystallography. The complexes were active catalysts for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of a range of acetophenone derivatives, giving products of high ee in most cases, with notably good results for -substituted acetophenones.

Effect of cysteine thiols on the catalytic and anticancer activity of Ru(II) sulfonyl-ethylenediamine complexes.

We have synthesized a series of novel substituted sulfonyl ethylenediamine (en) Ru arene complexes 1-8 of [(η-arene)Ru(R-SO-EnBz)X], where the arene is benzene, HO(CH)O-phenyl or biphenyl (biph), X = Cl or I, and R is phenyl, 4-Me-phenyl, 4-NO-phenyl or dansyl. The 'piano-stool' structure of complex 3, [(η-biph)Ru(4-Me-phenyl-SO-EnBz)I], was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The values of their aqua adducts were determined to be high (9.

Investigation of the preparation and reactivity of metal-organic frameworks of cerium and pyridine-2,4,6-tricarboxylate.

The synthesis of three coordination polymers of cerium(III) and the ligand pyridine-2,4,6-tricarboxylate (PTC) is reported. Two of the materials crystallise under hydrothermal conditions at 180 °C, with [Ce(PTC)(HO)]·1.5HO, (1), being formed on extended periods of reaction time, 3 days or longer, and Ce(PTC)(HO), (2), crystallising after 1 day.

Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α-Keto Amides; Highly Enantioselective Formation of Malic Acid Diamides and α-Hydroxyamides.

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of α-keto-1,4-diamides using a tethered Ru/TsDPEN catalyst was achieved in high ee. Studies on derivatives identified the structural elements which lead to the highest enantioselectivities in the products. The α-keto-amide reduction products have been converted to a range of synthetically valuable derivatives.

NMR studies of group 8 metallodrugs: Os-enriched organo-osmium half-sandwich anticancer complex.

We report the synthesis of the organo-osmium anticancer complex [Os(η--cym)(,-azpy-NMe)Br]PF (1) containing natural abundance Os (1.96%), and isotopically-enriched (98%) [Os]-1. Complex 1 and [Os]-1 contain a π-bonded -cymene (-cym), a chelated 4-(2-pyridylazo)-,-dimethylaniline (azpy-NMe), and a monodentate bromide as ligands.

Synthesis of Arylidene-β-lactams via -Selective Matsuda-Heck Arylation of Methylene-β-lactams.

-Methylene-β-lactams were synthesized in two steps from commercially available 3-bromo-2-(bromomethyl)propionic acid and reacted with arene diazonium salts in a Heck-type arylation in the presence of catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc) under ligand-free conditions. The products, arylidene-β-lactams, were obtained in high yields as single isomers. The β-hydride elimination step of the Pd-catalyzed coupling reaction proceeds with high -regioselectivity and -stereoselectivity.

Ligand-centred redox activation of inert organoiridium anticancer catalysts.

Organometallic complexes with novel activation mechanisms are attractive anticancer drug candidates. Here, we show that half-sandwich iodido cyclopentadienyl iridium(iii) azopyridine complexes exhibit potent antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells, in most cases more potent than cisplatin. Despite their inertness towards aquation, these iodido complexes can undergo redox activation by attack of the abundant intracellular tripeptide glutathione (GSH) on the chelated azopyridine ligand to generate paramagnetic intermediates, and hydroxyl radicals, together with thiolate-bridged dinuclear iridium complexes, and liberate reduced hydrazopyridine ligand.

DNA-Intercalative Platinum Anticancer Complexes Photoactivated by Visible Light.

Photoactivatable agents offer the prospect of highly selective cancer therapy with low side effects and novel mechanisms of action that can combat current drug resistance. 1,8-Naphthalimides with their extended π system can behave as light-harvesting groups, fluorescent probes and DNA intercalators. We conjugated N-(carboxymethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (gly-R-Nap) with an R substituent on the naphthyl group to photoactive diazido Pt complexes to form t,t,t-[Pt(py) (N ) (OH)(gly-R-Nap)], R=H (1), 3-NO (2) or 4-NMe (3).

Synthesis and characterization of new Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligands.

Several palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes (1-20) of general formula [M(L)(X)(Y)] [M = Pd, X = Y = Cl (1-Cl-4-Cl), X = Y = OAc (1-OAc-4-OAc); M = Pt: X = Y = Cl (5-8); M = Pd, X = Cl, Y = CH (9-12); M = Pt, X = Cl, Y = CH (13-16) or X = Y = CH (17-20); n = 1-4] have been synthesized by reaction of different Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) derivatives with various 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines; i.e.L = 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-arylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (aryl = Phenyl, L; 2-o-Tolyl, L; Mesityl, L) and 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-benzylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (L).

Enantioselective Synthesis of Bicyclopentane-Containing Alcohols via Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation.

Compounds a containing bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) adjacent to a chiral center can be prepared with high enantiomeric excess through asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) of adjacent ketones.

Axial functionalisation of photoactive diazido platinum(iv) anticancer complexes.

Mono-axial functionalised octahedral diazido Pt(iv) complexes trans, trans, trans-[Pt(py)(N)(OR)(OR)] (OR = OH and OR = anticancer agent coumarin-3 carboxylate (cou, ), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) inhibitors 4-phenylbutyrate (PhB, ) or dichloroacetate (DCA, )), and their di-axial functionalised analogues with OR = DCA and OR = cou (), PhB (), or DCA () have been synthesised and characterised, including the X-ray crystal structures of complexes and . These complexes exhibit dark stability and have the potential to generate cytotoxic Pt(ii) species and free radicals selectively in cancer cells when irradiated. Mono-functionalised complexes showed higher aqueous solubility and more negative reduction potentials.

Ligand-Controlled Reactivity and Cytotoxicity of Cyclometalated Rhodium(III) Complexes.

We report the synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxicity of six cyclometalated rhodium(III) complexes [CpRh(C^N)Z], in which Cp = Cp*, Cp, or Cp, C^N = benzo[h]quinoline, and Z = chloride or pyridine. Three x-ray crystal structures showing the expected "piano-stool" configurations have been determined. The chlorido complexes hydrolysed faster in aqueous solution, also reacted preferentially with 9-ethyl guanine or glutathione compared to their pyridine analogues.

Tracking Reactions of Asymmetric Organo-Osmium Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts in Cancer Cells.

Most metallodrugs are prodrugs that can undergo ligand exchange and redox reactions in biological media. Here we have investigated the cellular stability of the anticancer complex [Os [(η -p-cymene)(RR/SS-MePh-DPEN)] [1] (MePh-DPEN=tosyl-diphenylethylenediamine) which catalyses the enantioselective reduction of pyruvate to lactate in cells. The introduction of a bromide tag at an unreactive site on a phenyl substituent of Ph-DPEN allowed us to probe the fate of this ligand and Os in human cancer cells by a combination of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental mapping and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Textured Microcapsules through Crystallization.

This work demonstrates the fabrication of surface-textured microcapsules formed from emulsion droplets, which are stabilized by an interlocking mesh of needle-like crystals. Crystals of the small-organic-compound decane-1,10-bis(cyclohexyl carbamate) are formed within the geometric confinement of the droplets, through precipitation from a binary-solvent-dispersed phase. This binary mixture consists of a volatile solvent and nonvolatile carrier oil.

Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation: Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of α-Amino Ketones.

A series of α-amino ketones were reduced using asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) through a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR). The protecting group was matched to the reducing agent, and following optimization, a series of substrates were investigated, giving products in high diastereoselectivity, over 99% ee in several cases and full conversion. The methodology was applied to the enantioselective synthesis of an MDM2-p53 inhibitor precursor.