Rational Modification of a Cross-Linker for Improved Flexible Protein Structure Modeling.

Chemical cross-linking/mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has emerged as a complementary tool for mapping interaction sites within protein networks as well as gaining moderate-resolution native structural insight with minimal interference. XL-MS technology mostly relies on chemoselective reactions (cross-linking) between protein residues and a linker. DSSO represents a versatile cross-linker for protein structure investigation and in-cell XL-MS.

HCOOH disproportionation to MeOH promoted by molybdenum PNP complexes.

Molybdenum(0) complexes with aliphatic aminophosphine pincer ligands have been prepared which are competent for the disproportionation of formic acid, thus representing the first example so far reported of non-noble metal species to catalytically promote such transformation. In general, formic acid disproportionation allows for an alternative access to methyl formate and methanol from renewable resources. MeOH selectivity up to 30% with a TON of 57 could be achieved while operating at atmospheric pressure.

Cascade Synthesis of Pyrroles from Nitroarenes with Benign Reductants Using a Heterogeneous Cobalt Catalyst.

A bifunctional 3d-metal catalyst for the cascade synthesis of diverse pyrroles from nitroarenes is presented. The optimal catalytic system Co/NGr-C@SiO -L is obtained by pyrolysis of a cobalt-impregnated composite followed by subsequent selective leaching. In the presence of this material, (transfer) hydrogenation of easily available nitroarenes and subsequent Paal-Knorr/Clauson-Kass condensation provides >40 pyrroles in good to high yields using dihydrogen, formic acid, or a CO/H O mixture (WGSR conditions) as reductant.

A General Regioselective Synthesis of Alcohols by Cobalt-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Epoxides.

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of anti-Markovnikov-type alcohols is presented. By using a specific cobalt triphos complex in the presence of Zn(OTf) as an additive, the hydrogenation of epoxides proceeds with high yields and selectivities. The described protocol shows a broad substrate scope, including multi-substituted internal and terminal epoxides, as well as a good functional-group tolerance.

Highly selective hydrogenation of amides catalysed by a molybdenum pincer complex: scope and mechanism.

A series of molybdenum pincer complexes has been shown for the first time to be active in the catalytic hydrogenation of amides. Among the tested catalysts, proved to be particularly well suited for the selective C-N hydrogenolysis of -methylated formanilides. Notably, high chemoselectivity was observed in the presence of certain reducible groups including even other amides.