H-Bond Mediated Phase-Transfer Catalysis: Enantioselective Generating of Quaternary Stereogenic Centers in β-Keto Esters.

In this work, we would like to present the development of a highly optimized method for generating the quaternary stereogenic centers in β-keto esters. This enantioselective phase-transfer alkylation catalyzed by hybrid catalysts allows for the efficient generation of the optically active products with excellent enantioselectivity, using only 1 mol% of the catalyst. The vast majority of phase-transfer catalysts in asymmetric synthesis work by creating ionic pairs with the nucleophile-attacking anionic substrate.

Anion Recognition by a Pincer-Type Host Constructed from Two Polyamide Macrocyclic Frameworks Jointed by a Photo-Addressable Azobenzene Switch.

A sterically crowded light-responsive host was synthetized with a 93% yield by applying a post-functionalization protocol utilizing the double amidation of 4,4'-azodibenzoyl dichloride with a readily available 26-membered macrocyclic amine. X-ray structures of two hydrates of - demonstrate a very different alignment of the azobenzene linkage, which is involved in -shape or parallel-displaced π⋯π stacking interactions with the pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide moieties from the macrocyclic backbone. Despite the rigidity of the macrocyclic framework, which generates a large steric hindrance around the azobenzene chromophore, the host retains the ability to undergo a reversible ⟷ isomerization upon irradiation with UVA (368 nm) and blue (410 nm) light.

Recognition of Chiral Carboxylates by Synthetic Receptors.

Recognition of anionic species plays a fundamental role in many essential chemical, biological, and environmental processes. Numerous monographs and review papers on molecular recognition of anions by synthetic receptors reflect the continuing and growing interest in this area of supramolecular chemistry. However, despite the enormous progress made over the last 20 years in the design of these molecules, the design of receptors for chiral anions is much less developed.

Solution and Solid State Studies of Urea Derivatives of DITIPIRAM Acting as Powerful Anion Receptors.

Herein, we present the synthesis and anion binding studies of a family of homologous molecular receptors - based on a DITIPIRAM (8-propyldithieno-[3,2-b:2',3'-e]-pyridine-3,5-di-amine) platform decorated with various urea -phenyl substituents (NO, F, CF, and Me). Solution, X-ray, and DFT studies reveal that the presented host-guest system offers a convergent array of four urea NH hydrogen bond donors to anions allowing the formation of remarkably stable complexes with carboxylates (acetate, benzoate) and chloride anions in solution, even in competitive solvent mixtures such as DMSO-/HO 99.5/0.

Tuning Anion-Binding Properties of 22-Membered Unclosed Cryptands by Structural Modification of the Lariat Arm.

A series of 22-membered unclosed cryptands end-capped with intra-annular methyl (), phenyl (), --butylphenyl (), and -nitrophenyl () amide substituents (lariat arm) were synthesized to elucidate the effect of steric and electronic factors on their anion recognition behavior. The H NMR titrations in DMSO- with 0.5% water reveal enhanced selectivity for HPO vs Cl and PhCO .

One-Pot Parallel Synthesis of Unclosed Cryptands-Searching for Selective Anion Receptors via Static Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques.

We present the synthesis of 17 macrocyclic compounds having the structure of so-called unclosed cryptands, acting as anion receptors. These compounds possess amide functions playing the role of hydrogen-bond-donating systems. We have synthesized the presented compounds both by standard methods (using batch conditions) and by static combinatorial chemistry methods, using tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate as a template, promoting the lariat arm postfunctionalization reaction.

Selective Carboxylate Recognition Using Urea-Functionalized Unclosed Cryptands: Mild Synthesis and Complexation Studies.

Herein we present the synthesis and evaluation of anion-binding properties of 12 new receptors from the unclosed cryptand family. Their core is built on the stable 26-membered tetraamidic macrocyclic scaffold, whereas various alkyl and aryl urea substituents were introduced after a yield-limiting macrocyclization step (65-98%). The receptors strongly bind anions, in particular carboxylates, even in a highly competitive solvent mixture (DMSO- + HO 95:5 v/v).

Amide-Based Alkaloids as Phase-Transfer Catalysts: Synthesis and Potential Application.

Herein we present a library of simple amide derivatives of alkaloids in the form of quaternary ammonium salts. The obtained derivatives can be generated very easily and efficiently from inexpensive and commercially available substrates. We tested this class of alkaloids in the alkylation of glycine derivative, carried out under phase-transfer catalyst conditions.

An Indirect Synthetic Approach toward Conformationally Constrained 20-Membered Unclosed Cryptands via Late-Stage Installation of Intraannular Substituents.

A new protocol for PTC-mediated O-alkylation of the intraannular position of 20-membered unclosed cryptands (UCs) is reported. In contrast to the classical, "direct" strategy, which requires functionalization of the lariat arm at the beginning of synthesis, this "indirect" approach enables the late-stage introduction of various benzylic substituents after an unfavorable macrocyclization step (11 examples, yields up to 98%). Notably, this method permits preparation of, previously inaccessible, crowded UCs bearing 1-acetylpyrene substituent and dimer joined by p-xylene linker.

Structural Health Monitoring of a Composite Panel Based on PZT Sensors and a Transfer Impedance Framework.

One of the ideas for development of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems is based on excitation of elastic waves by a network of PZT piezoelectric transducers integrated with the structure. In the paper, a variant of the so-called Transfer Impedance (TI) approach to SHM is followed. Signal characteristics, called the Damage Indices (DIs), were proposed for data presentation and analysis.

Engineering Light-Mediated Bistable Azobenzene Switches Bearing Urea d-Aminoglucose Units for Chiral Discrimination of Carboxylates.

The symmetrical molecular receptors 1a and 1b consisting of a photochemically addressable azobenzene tether functionalized with urea hydrogen-bonding groups and d-carbohydrates as chiral selectors were developed to achieve control over the chiral recognition of α-amino acid-derived carboxylates. The photo- and thermally interconvertible planar E-1 and concaved Z-1 were found to exhibit different affinities, selectivities, and binding modes toward these biologically important anions in a highly polar medium (DMSO + 0.5% H2O).

A General Method for Synthesis of Unclosed Cryptands via H-Bond Templated Macrocyclization and Subsequent Mild Postfunctionalization.

A practical four-step synthesis of a model 26-membered N-Boc-protected macrocycle, starting from commercially available and inexpensive materials, is reported. The crucial macrocyclization step does not require high-dilution conditions and is completed in a short time (8 h). The high yield of macrocyclization (61%) is achieved owing to templation by intramolecular H-bonds and a chloride anion, which both help to adopt a favorable folded conformation of the open-chain intermediate.

Anion-tunable control of thermal Z→E isomerisation in basic azobenzene receptors.

Herein, we report that thermal Z→E isomerisation of simple azobenzene urea derivatives is selectively and predictably controlled by anion binding. The rate of this process depends strictly on the anion concentration and its binding affinity to the Z-isomer of the azobenzene host, i.e.