Bicyclic Phenyl-Ethynyl Architectures: Synthesis of a 1,4-Bis(phenylbuta-1,3-diyn-1-yl) Benzene Banister.

The novel diacetylene bridged terphenylic macrocycle 1 is presented and discussed in the context of rotationally restricted "Geländer" oligomers. The 1,4-bis(phenylbuta-1,3-diyn-1-yl) benzene bridge of diacetylene 1 is significantly longer than its terphenyl backbone, forcing the bridge to bend around the central pylon. The synthesis of molecule 1 is based to a large extent on acetylene scaffolding strategies, profiting from orthogonal alkyne protection groups to close both macrocyclic subunits by oxidative acetylene coupling sequentially.

Tuning Helical Chirality in Polycyclic Ladder Systems.

Conceptually and experimentally, a new set of helical model compounds is presented herein that allow correlations between structural features and their expression in the secondary structure to be investigated. A cross-linked oligomer with two strands of mismatching lengths connected in a ladder-type fashion serves as a model system. Compensation for the dimensional mismatch leads to the adoption of a helical arrangement.

Inducing axial chirality in a "Geländer" oligomer by length mismatch of the oligomer strands.

Helical molecules are not only esthetically appealing due to their structural beauty, they also display unique physical properties as a result of their chirality. We describe herein a new approach to "Geländer" oligomers by interlinking two oligomer strands of different length. To compensate for the dimensional mismatch, the longer oligo(benzyl ether) oligomer wraps around the oligophenyl backbone.

Enantioselective total synthesis of virosaine A and bubbialidine.

The first enantioselective total syntheses of virosaine A and bubbialidine are described. Key transformations include the formation of a tetracyclic intermediate via an intramolecular aza-Michael addition, generation of a N-hydroxy-pyrrolidine through a Cope elimination and an intramolecular [1,3]-dipolar cycloaddition to generate a complex 7-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.

Novel 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidines as selective triple serotonin/norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

A series of 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidine monoamine triple reuptake inhibitors were discovered. Analogues with low nanomolar potency, good human in vitro microsomal stability and in vitro permeability, and low drug-drug interaction potential are described. One example showed in vivo anti-depressant-like effects in the mouse tail suspension assay with a minimum effective dose of 30 mg/kg i.