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In recent years, there has been high interest in paper-based microfluidic sensors or microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) towards low-cost, portable, and easy-to-use sensing for chemical and biological targets. μPAD allows spontaneous liquid flow without any external or internal pumping, as well as an innate filtration capability. Although both optical (colorimetric and fluorescent) and electrochemical detection have been demonstrated on μPADs, several limitations still remain, such as the need for additional equipment, vulnerability to ambient lighting perturbation, and inferior sensitivity. Herein, alternative detection methods on μPADs are reviewed to resolve these issues, including relatively well studied distance-based measurements and the newer capillary flow dynamics-based method. Detection principles, assay performance, strengths, and weaknesses are explained for these methods, along with their potential future applications towards point-of-care medical diagnostics and other field-based applications.

Efficient and reliable methods for the generation of bioactive papers are of growing interest in relation to point-of-care testing devices that do not require extensive analytical equipment. Herein, we report the immobilization of functional proteins on paper fibers using a modular chemoenzymatic approach. The synthetic strategy relies on a combination of highly efficient spatially controllable photo-triggered cycloaddition followed by site-specific sortase A-catalyzed transamidation. This site-directed and regiospecific method has allowed unidirectional and covalent immobilization of several proteins displaying different functional properties, with ramifications for application in paper-based diagnostics.

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) with high energy density have recently captured increasing attention for development of next-generation batteries. However, practical viability of LMAs is hindered by the uncontrolled Li dendrite growth and infinite dimension change. Even though constructing 3D conductive skeleton has been regarded as a reliable strategy to prepare stable and low volume stress LMAs, engineering the renewable and lithiophilic conductive scaffold is still a challenge. Herein, a robust conductive scaffold derived from renewable cellulose paper, which is coated with reduced graphene oxide and decorated with lithiophilic Au nanoparticles, is engineered for LMAs. The graphene cellulose fibres with high surface area can reduce the local current density, while the well-dispersed Au nanoparticles can serve as lithiophilic nanoseeds to lower the nucleation overpotential of Li plating. The coupled relationship can guarantee uniform Li nucleation and unique spherical Li growth into 3D carbon matrix. Moreover, the natural cellulose paper possesses outstanding mechanical strength to tolerate the volume stress. In virtue of the modulated deposition behaviour and near-zero volume change, the hybrid LMAs can achieve reversible Li plating/stripping even at an ultrahigh current density of 10 mA cm-2 as evidenced by high Coulombic efficiency (97.2 % after 60 cycles) and ultralong lifespan (1000 cycles) together with ultralow overpotential (25 mV). Therefore, this strategy sheds light on a scalable approach to multiscale design versatile Li host, promising highly stable Li metal batteries to be feasible and practical.

Paper-like electrodes are emerging as a new category of advanced electrodes for flexible supercapacitors (SCs). Graphene, a promising two-dimensional material with high conductivity, can be easily processed into papers. Here, we report a rational design of flexible architecture with Co9 S8 nanotube arrays (NAs) grown onto graphene paper (GP) via a facile two-step hydrothermal method. When employed as flexible free-standing electrode for SCs, the proposed architectured Co9 S8 /GPs exhibits superior electrochemical performance with ultrahigh capacitance and outstanding rate capability (469 F g-1 at 10 A g-1 ). These results demonstrate that the new nanostructured Co9 S8 /GPs can be potentially applied in high performance flexible supercapacitors.

To circumvent the bottlenecks of non‐flexibility, low sensitivity, and narrow workable detection range of conventional biosensors for biological molecule detection (e.g., dopamine (DA) secreted by living cells), a new hybrid flexible electrochemical biosensor has been created by decorating closely packed dendritic Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on freestanding graphene paper. This innovative structural integration of ultrathin graphene paper and uniform 2D arrays of dendritic NPs by tailored wet chemical synthesis has been achieved by a modular strategy through a facile and delicately controlled oil–water interfacial assembly method, whereby the uniform distribution of catalytic dendritic NPs on the graphene paper is maximized. In this way, the performance is improved by several orders of magnitude. The developed hybrid electrode shows a high sensitivity of 2 μA cm−2 μm −1, up to about 33 times higher than those of conventional sensors, a low detection limit of 5 nm, and a wide linear range of 87 nm to 100 μm. These combined features enable the ultrasensitive detection of DA released from pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells. The unique features of this flexible sensor can be attributed to the well‐tailored uniform 2D array of dendritic Pt NPs and the modular electrode assembly at the oil–water interface. Its excellent performance holds much promise for the future development of optimized flexible electrochemical sensors for a diverse range of electroactive molecules to better serve society.

Fiber supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices for potential application in wearable and miniaturized portable electronics, which currently suffer from difficulties in achieving high capacitance and energy density synchronously owing to the limited specific surface area of the electrode materials and material incompatibility between the two electrodes. Herein, a strategy is developed for the manufacture of coaxial asymmetric fiber supercapacitors by wrapping a core of PVA-KOH gel electrolyte-coated Ni(OH)2 @NiCo2 O4 /CNT fibers with MoS2 @Fe2 O3 /CNT paper. The as-prepared coaxial fiber asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit a specific capacitance of 373 mF cm-2 (at a current density of 2 mA cm-2 ) and energy density of 0.13 mW h cm-2 (at a power density of 3.2 mW cm-2 ), and also show good rate capability, long cycle life, and excellent flexibility. This work provides the possibility for the practical application of fiber supercapacitors in wearable and portable energy storage equipment.

Security inks based on photoluminescent materials are mostly investigated for security applications, such as information encryption and decryption, anti-counterfeiting, and data storage. Although they are invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, they can be detected under ultraviolet or near-infrared light. Herein, a new kind of secret paper made from network-structured ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires and cellulose fibers has been developed. White vinegar, a common cooking ingredient, is used as an invisible security ink. Covert information on the secret paper written with white vinegar is totally invisible under natural light, but it can be decrypted and clearly read after exposure to fire; the response time to fire is short (

In this work, a mediator-less and compartment-less glucose/air enzymatic biofuel cell (BFC) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μ-PADs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs)-modified paper electrode as the anodic and cathodic substrate, respectively, to implement self-powered, sensitive, low-cost and simple DNA detection. As a further development of the analytical equipment, an all-solid-state paper supercapacitor (PS) was designed and integrated into the BFC for current amplification, and a terminal digital multi-meter detector (DMM) was introduced for the current detection. A highly sensitive DNA sensor was fabricated by covalently immobilizing the capture DNA in the AuNPs-modified anode. The nanoporous gold conjugated with bienzymes, glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, which were used as electrochemical labels. The electrons generated at the anode flow through an external circuit to the PtNPs-modified cathode that catalyzed the reduction of oxygen with the participation of protons. In addition, the generated current could be collected and stored by the PS. After that, the PS was automatically shorted under the control of a switch to output an instantaneously amplified current, which could be sensitively detected by the terminal DMM. At the optimal conditions, the paper-based analytical platform can detect DNA at the femtomole level. This approach also shows excellent specificity toward single nucleotide mismatches.

A novel ultra‐low‐cost biochemical analysis platform to quantify protein dissociation binding constants and kinetics using paper microfluidics is reported. This approach marries video imaging with one of humankind's oldest materials: paper, requiring no large, expensive laboratory equipment, complex microfluidics or external power. Temporal measurements of nanoparticle–antibody conjugates binding on paper is found to follow the Langmuir Adsorption Model. This is exploited to measure a series of antibody–antigen dissociation constants on paper, showing excellent agreement with a gold‐standard benchtop interferometer. The concept is demonstrated with a camera and low‐end smartphone, 500‐fold cheaper than the reference method, and can be multiplexed to measure ten reactions in parallel. These findings will help to widen access to quantitative analytical biochemistry, for diverse applications spanning disease diagnostics, drug discovery, and environmental analysis in resource‐limited settings.

A highly flexible and free-standing paper with high antibacterial activity made from silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-decorated ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAPNWs) is reported. The HAPNWs@AgNPs nanocomposites were obtained from a facile one-step solvothermal process and utilized for the construction of highly flexible and free-standing inorganic paper through a simple vacuum-filtration procedure. The structure and properties of the HAPNWs@AgNPs paper were characterized in detail. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs show that AgNPs are highly dispersed and stabilized in the nanocomposite and exhibit a narrow particle size distribution. The effects of the concentration of silver nitrate, solvothermal temperature and time on the product were systematically investigated. This method is simple, convenient and reproducible. The as-prepared HAPNWs@AgNPs paper shows long-time sustained silver-ion release, high antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and good biocompatibility. Overall, this work provides a novel pathway for the preparation of a new type of highly flexible, free-standing and antibacterial inorganic paper made from silver nanoparticle-decorated hydroxyapatite nanowires for various applications, as a promising functional biomaterial.

A highly flexible and nonflammable inorganic hydroxyapatite (HAP) paper made from HAP ultralong nanowires is reported. The paper can be used for printing and writing and is promising for the permanent and safe storage of information, such as archives and important documents. The HAP paper is also an excellent and recyclable adsorbent for organic pollutants.

The synthesis of 2,9‐diaza‐1,3,8,10‐tetratriflato‐dibenzoperylene (DDP 3 a) and corresponding 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,3,8,10‐tetratriflato‐dibenzoperylene (DBP 3 b) has been developed at multigram scale via reduction of one of the industrially most important high‐performance dyes, perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI), and of the corresponding dihydroxy peropyrenequinone precursor. The focus of this paper is on the reactivity pattern of 3 a as key intermediate towards highly functionalized 2,9‐diazadibenzopyrelenes (DDPs) obtained via catalytic substitution of four triflate by aryl, heteroaryl, alkynyl, aminyl, and O‐phosphanyl substituents. The influence of electron‐donating substituents (OSiMe3, OPt‐Bu2, N‐piperidinyl), electron‐withdrawing (OTf, 3,5‐bis‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl), and of electron‐rich π‐conjugated (2‐thienyl, 4‐tert‐butylphenyl, trimethylsilyl‐ethynyl) substituents on optoelectronic and structural properties of these functionalized DDPs has been investigated via XRD analyses, UV/Vis, PL spectroscopy, and by electroanalytical CV. These results were correlated to results of DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. Thus, functionalized DPPs with easily tunable HOMO and LUMO energies and gap became available via a new and reliable synthetic strategy starting from readily available PTCDI., A versatile approach towards 2,9‐diazadibenzoperylenes (DDPs) and related 2,9‐dimethyldibenzoperylenes (DBPs) with various C, O, and N substituents in 1,3,8,10‐positions is presented. It comprises reductive aromatization of PTCDI via O‐silylation and O‐trifylation steps. DDP‐tetratriflate is the strategic key to (hetero)aryl, alkynyl, aminyl or O‐phosphanyl DDPs characterized by UV/Vis/PL spectra, XRD and CV methods and (TD‐)DFT calculations.

21 p.-14 fig. In Memoriam Prof. Kilian Muñiz (R.I.P.). Excellent person, great heart., The innate immunity TLR4/MD-2 system is a membrane receptor of paramount importance as therapeutic target. Its assembly, upon binding of Gram-negative bacteria lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and also dependent on the membrane composition, finally triggers the immune response cascade. We here combine ab-initio calculations, molecular docking, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, and thermodynamics calculations to provide the most realistic and complete 3D models of the active full TLR4 complex embedded into a realistic membrane to date. Our studies reveal functional and structural insights into the transmembrane domain behavior in different membrane environments, the ectodomain bouncing movement, and the dimerization patterns of the intracellular TIR domain. Our work provides TLR4 models as reasonable 3D structures for the (TLR4/MD-2/LPS) 2 architecture accounting for the active (agonist) state of the TLR4, and pointing to a signal transduction mechanism across cell membrane. These observations unveil relevant molecular aspects involved in the TLR4 innate immune pathways and will promote the discovery of new TLR4 modulators., This work was financially supported by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation (grants CTQ2014-57141-R, CTQ2017-88353-R, and PID2020-113588RB-I00; grants BES-2012-053653 for L.P.R., BES-2015-071588 for J.G.C. and PRE2018-086249 for A.M.R.), and the European Commission Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (H2020-MSCA-ITN 642157 “TOLLerant”).

Novel seven‐membered cyclic imine‐based 1,3‐P,N ligands were obtained by capturing a Beckmann nitrilium ion intermediate generated in situ from cyclohexanone with benzotriazole, and then displacing it by a secondary phosphane under triflic acid promotion. These “cycloiminophosphanes” possess flexible non‐isomerizable tetrahydroazepine rings with a high basicity; this sets them apart from previously reported iminophophanes. The donor strength of the ligands was investigated by using their P‐κ1‐ and P,N‐κ2‐tungsten(0) carbonyl complexes, by determining the IR frequency of the trans‐CO ligands. Complexes with [RhCp*Cl2]2 demonstrated the hemilability of the ligands, giving a dynamic equilibrium of κ1 and κ2 species; treatment with AgOTf gives full conversion to the κ2 complex. The potential for catalysis was shown in the RuII‐catalyzed, solvent‐free hydration of benzonitrile and the RuII‐ and IrI‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone in isopropanol. Finally, to enable access to asymmetric catalysts, chiral cycloiminophosphanes were prepared from l‐menthone, as well as their P,N‐κ2‐RhIII and a P‐κ1‐RuII complexes., Complexes, chirality and catalysts: 1,3‐P,N hybrid ligands are broadly applied in cooperative catalysis, but show limited electronic variation. We report novel analogues with a high N‐basicity, based on 7‐membered cyclic imines. Their transition metal complexes demonstrated their donor strength (W), hemilabile coordination (Rh), and catalytic activity for nitrile hydration (Ru) and transfer hydrogenation (Ru, Ir). Chiral derivatives were also obtained, synthesized from l‐menthone.

Methylaluminoxane (MAO) activators have sheet structures which form ion‐pairs on reaction of neutral donors such as octamethyltrisiloxane (OMTS). The ion‐pairs can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) in polar media. The growth of these reactive precursors during hydrolysis of Me3Al can be monitored using ESI‐MS. Density functional theory, combined with numerical simulation of growth, indicates that this process involves rapid formation of low MW oligomers, followed by assembly of these species into low MW sheets. These can grow through further addition of low MW oligomers or by fusion into larger sheets. The mechanism of these growth processes leads to the prediction that even‐numbered sheets should be favored, and this surprising result is confirmed by ESI‐MS monitoring experiments of both activator growth and MAO aging., Modelling of kinetics using density functional theory, combined with numerical simulation, reveals that methylaluminoxane activators are sheets formed by assembly of linear oligomers, wherein the statistics and mechanism of aggregation favor formation of even‐numbered sheets.

Nucleophilic substitution of [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐chlorobenzene)iron(II)] hexafluorophosphate with sodium imidazolate resulted in the formation of [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]imidazole hexafluorophosphate. The corresponding dicationic imidazolium salt, which was obtained by treating this imidazole precursor with methyl iodide, underwent cyclometallation with bis[dichlorido(η5‐1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl]iridium(III) in the presence of triethyl amine. The resulting bimetallic iridium(III) complex is the first example of an NHC complex bearing a cationic and cyclometallated [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]+ substituent. As its iron(II) precursors, the bimetallic iridium(III) complex was fully characterized by means of spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In addition, it was investigated in a catalytic study, wherein it showed high activity in transfer hydrogenation compared to its neutral analogue having a simple phenyl instead of a cationic [(η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]+ unit at the NHC ligand., Iron power: A cyclometalated Fe(II) and Ir(III) complex based on the cationic (η5‐cyclopentadienyl)(η6‐phenyl)iron(II)]imidazole skeleton is reported. Compared to its neutral analogue without the [CpFe]+ fragment, it is surprisingly active in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones. Mechanistic investigation on the reaction paths performed by DFT calculations provided a better understanding of the reaction mechanism, possible intermediates and the active species.

The rapidly rising level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting from human activity is one of the greatest environmental problems facing our civilization today. Most technologies are not yet sufficiently developed to move existing infrastructure to cleaner alternatives. Therefore, techniques for capturing carbon dioxide from emission sources may play a key role at the moment. The structure of the UiO‐66 material not only meets the requirement of high stability in contact with water vapor but through the water pre‐adsorbed in the pores, the selectivity of carbon dioxide adsorption is increased. We successfully applied the recently developed methodology for water adsorption modelling. It allowed to elucidate the influence of water on CO2 adsorption and study the mechanism of this effect. We showed that water is adsorbed in octahedral cage and stands for promotor for CO2 adsorption in less favorable space than tetrahedral cages. Water plays a role of a mediator of adsorption, what is a general idea of improving affinity of adsorbate. On the basis of pre‐adsorption of methanol as another polar solvent, we have shown that the adsorption sites play a key role here, and not, as previously thought, only the interaction between the solvent and quadrupole carbon dioxide. Overall, we explained the mechanism of increased CO2 adsorption in the presence of water and methanol, as polar solvents, in the UiO‐66 pores for a potential post‐combustion carbon dioxide capture application., MOF trap: We successfully applied a recently developed methodology for water adsorption modelling that allows to elucidate the influence of water on CO2 adsorption and study the mechanism of this effect. We show that water is adsorbed in octahedral cage and stands for promotor for CO2 adsorption in less favorable space than tetrahedral cages. We explain the mechanism of increased CO2 adsorption in the presence of water and methanol, as polar solvents, in the UiO‐66 pores for a potential post‐combustion carbon dioxide capture application.

Photoinduced charge transfer and separation events in a newly synthesized azobenzene‐bridged perylenediimide‐dimer (PDI‐dimer) are demonstrated. Trans‐to‐cis conversion (∼50 % efficiency) from the initial trans PDI‐dimer by 355 nm pulsed laser light, and its reversal, cis‐to‐trans, process by 435 nm laser light irradiation has been possible to accomplish. Efficient fluorescence quenching in the PDI‐dimer, more so for the cis isomer was witnessed, and such quenching increased with increasing solvent polarity. DFT‐calculated geometry and electronic structures helped in visualizing the charge transfer in the PDI‐dimer in both isomeric forms, and also revealed certain degree of participation of the azobenzene entity in the charge transfer events. Femtosecond transient absorption spectral studies confirmed occurrence of both charge transfer followed by charge separation in the studied PDI‐dimer in both trans and cis forms in polar solvents, and the evaluated time constants from Global target analysis revealed accelerated events in the cis PDI‐dimer due to proximity effects. The present study offers key insights on the role of the azobenzene bridge, and the dimer geometry in governing the excited state charge transfer and separation in symmetrically linked PDI dimer., Excited state charge transfer and charge separation events in a newly synthesized azobenzene bridged PDI‐dimer are demonstrated. Photoconversion of trans to cis‐isomer accelerated the photoevents to an appreciable level.

With respect to molecular switches, initializing the quadricyclane (QC) to norbornadiene (NBD) back‐reaction by light is highly desirable. Our previous publication provided a unique solution for this purpose by utilizing covalently bound C60. In this work, the fundamental processes within these hybrids has been investigated. Variation of the linker unit connecting the NBD/QC moiety with the fullerene core is used as a tool to tune the properties of the resulting hybrids. Utilizing the Prato reaction, two unprecedented NBD/QC – fullerene hybrids having a long‐rigid and a short‐rigid linker were synthesized. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that this results in an average QC–C60 distance of up to 14.2 Å. By comparing the NBD–QC switching of these derivatives with the already established one having a flexible linker, valuable mechanistic insights were gained. Most importantly, spatial convergence of the QC moiety and the fullerene core is inevitable for an efficient back‐reaction., Spatial distance has a major impact on the photoswitching in NBD/QC – fullerene hybrids. By careful molecular design and using MD simulations it was possible to gain valuable insight into the mechanism underlying these unique photoswitches.

In 1966, Zimmerman proposed a type of Möbius aromaticity that involves through‐space electron delocalization; it has since been widely applied to explain reactivity in pericyclic reactions, but is considered to be limited to transition‐state structures. Although the easily accessible hexahelicene radical anion has been known for more than half a century, it was overlooked that it exhibits a ground‐state minimum and robust Zimmerman‐Möbius aromaticity in its central noose‐like opening, becoming, hence, the oldest existing Möbius aromatic system and with smallest Möbius cycle known. Despite its overall aromatic stabilization energy of 13.6 kcal mol−1 (at B3LYP/6‐311+G**), the radical also features a strong, globally induced paramagnetic ring current along its outer edge. Exclusive global paramagnetic currents can also be found in other fully delocalized radical anions of 4N+2 π‐electron aromatic polycyclic benzenoid hydrocarbons (PAH), thus questioning the established magnetic criterion of antiaromaticity. As an example of a PAH with nontrivial topology, we studied a novel Möbius[16]cyclacene that has a non‐orientable surface manifold and a stable closed‐shell singlet ground state at several density functional theory levels. Its metallic monoanion radical (0.0095 eV band gap at HSE06/6‐31G* level) is also wave‐function stable and displays an unusual 4π‐periodic, magnetically induced ring current (reminiscent of the transformation behaviour of spinors under spatial rotation), thus indicating the existence of a new, Hückel‐rule‐evading type of aromaticity., Topology in chemistry: The consequences of Möbius topology are explored in anionic radicals of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by DFT methods. A stable Zimmerman‐Möbius minimum in the noose region of the [6]helicene radical anion, constituting smallest and historically oldest Möbius aromatic cycle, is disclosed as well as a metallic Möbius cyclacenide nanohoop exhibiting an unprecedented 4π‐periodic strong aromatic ring current and unusual stability, defying Hückel's rule.

In this contribution we report on the synthesis, characterization and application of water‐soluble zinc(II) phthalocyanines, which are decorated with four or eight umbelliferone moieties for photodynamic therapy (PDT). These compounds are linked peripherally to zinc(II) phthalocyanine by a triethylene glycol linker attached to pyridines, leading to cationic pyridinium units, able to increase the water solubility of the system. Beside their photophysical properties they were analyzed concerning their cellular distribution in human hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG2) cells as well as their phototoxicity towards HepG2 cells, Gram‐positive (S. aureus strain 3150/12 and B. subtilis strain DB104) and Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli strain UTI89 and E. coli strain Nissle 1917). At low light doses and concentrations, they exhibit superb antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria as well as anti‐tumor activity against HepG2. They are even capable to inactivate Gram‐negative bacteria, whereas the dark toxicity remains low. These unique water‐soluble compounds can be regarded as all‐in‐one type photosensitizers with broad applications ranges in the future., Presented here are umbelliferone substituted water‐soluble zinc(II) phthalocyanines, which are able to inactivate efficiently Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and are also active against HepG2 cancer cells. The compounds were investigated concerning their phototoxicity as well as their photophysical properties and their aggregation behavior.

Herein, we describe a gold‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of Boc‐protected benzylamines bearing two tethered alkyne moieties in a domino reaction initiated by a 6‐endo‐dig cyclization. The reaction was screened intensively, and the scope was explored, resulting in nine new Boc‐protected dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridines with yields of up to 98 %; even a π‐extension and two bidirectional approaches were successful. Furthermore, thermal cleavage of the Boc group and subsequent oxidation gave substituted benzo[c]phenanthridines in up to quantitative yields. Two bidirectional approaches under the optimized conditions were successful, and the resulting π‐extended molecules were tested as organic semiconductors in organic thin‐film transistors., Suitable substitution: The synthesis of highly substituted six‐membered N‐heterocycles using gold catalysis is reported. The applied cascade reaction using different substituted alkyne systems as starting materials furnished the corresponding benzo[c]phenanthridines in very high overall yields. In addition, two π‐extended molecules were studied as organic semiconductors in organic thin‐film transistors.

The reaction of [PtCl2(COD)] (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) with diisopropyl‐2‐(3‐methyl)indolylphosphine (iPr2P(C9H8N)) led to the formation of the platinum(ii) chlorido complexes, cis‐[PtCl2{iPr2P(C9H8N)}2] (1) and trans‐[PtCl2{iPr2P(C9H8N)}2] (2). The cis‐complex 1 reacted with NEt3 yielding the complex cis‐[PtCl{κ 2‐(P,N)‐iPr2 P(C9H7 N)}{iPr2P(C9H8N)}] (3) bearing a cyclometalated κ 2‐(P,N)‐phosphine ligand, while the isomer 2 with a trans‐configuration did not show any reactivity towards NEt3. Treatment of 1 or 3 with (CH3)4NF (TMAF) resulted in the formation of the twofold cyclometalated complex cis‐[Pt{κ 2‐(P,N)‐iPr2 P(C9H7 N)}2] (4). The molecular structures of the complexes 1–4 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The fluorido complex cis‐[PtF{κ 2‐(P,N)‐iPr2 P(C9H7 N)}{iPr2P(C9H8N)}] ⋅ (HF)4 (5 ⋅ (HF)4) was formed when complex 4 was treated with different hydrogen fluoride sources. The Pt(ii) fluorido complex 5 ⋅ (HF)4 exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding in its outer coordination sphere between the fluorido ligand and the NH group of the 3‐methylindolyl moiety. In contrast to its chlorido analogue 3, complex 5 ⋅ (HF)4 reacted with CO or the ynamide 1‐(2‐phenylethynyl)‐2‐pyrrolidinone to yield the complexes trans‐[Pt(CO){κ 2‐(P,C)‐iPr2 P(C9H7NCO)}{iPr2P(C9H8N)}][F(HF)4] (7) and a complex, which we suggest to be cis‐[Pt{C=C(Ph)OCN(C3H6)}{κ 2‐(P,N)‐iPr2 P(C9H7 N)}{iPr2P(C9H8N)}][F(HF)4] (9), respectively. The structure of 9 was assigned on the basis of DFT calculations as well as NMR and IR data. Hydrogen bonding of HF and NH to fluoride was proven to be crucial for the existence of 7 and 9., Fluorine on Skatole's scent. Tetramethylammoniumfluoride permits the twofold cyclometallation of 3‐methyl‐2‐indolylphosphine ligands at platinum(ii) complexes. Hydrogen fluoride opens the cyclometallation yielding a unique Pt(ii) complex which exhibits hydrogen‐bonding to the fluorido ligand in its outer coordination sphere. The fluorido complex reacts with an ynamide to give an exceptional metal bound oxazole derivative.

[Bis(pyridine)iodine(I)]+ complexes offer controlled access to halonium ions under mild conditions. The reactivity of such stabilized halonium ions is primarily determined by their three‐center, four‐electron [N−I−N]+ halogen bond. We studied the importance of chelation, strain, steric hindrance and electrostatic interaction for the structure and reactivity of halogen bonded halonium ions by acquiring their 15N NMR coordination shifts and measuring their iodenium release rates, and interpreted the data with the support of DFT computations. A bidentate ligand stabilizes the [N−I−N]+ halogen bond, decreasing the halenium transfer rate. Strain weakens the bond and accordingly increases the release rate. Remote modifications in the backbone do not influence the stability as long as the effect is entirely steric. Incorporating an electron‐rich moiety close by the [N−I−N]+ motif increases the iodenium release rate. The analysis of the iodine(I) transfer mechanism highlights the impact of secondary interactions, and may provide a handle on the induction of stereoselectivity in electrophilic halogenations., Halogen bond‐stabilized halonium ions are mild halenium transfer agents. The dependence of their reactivity on chelation, strain, steric hindrance and electrostatic interaction has been evaluated using NMR, DFT and kinetics experiments. The mechanistic analysis of the transfer is expected to provide a handle in the induction of stereoselectivity in electrophilic halogenations.

Dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP3) is a ubiquitously expressed Zn‐dependent protease, which plays an important role in regulating endogenous peptide hormones, such as enkephalins or angiotensins. In previous biophysical studies, it could be shown that substrate binding is driven by a large entropic contribution due to the release of water molecules from the closing binding cleft. Here, the design, synthesis and biophysical characterization of peptidomimetic inhibitors is reported, using for the first time an hydroxyethylene transition‐state mimetic for a metalloprotease. Efficient routes for the synthesis of both stereoisomers of the pseudopeptide core were developed, which allowed the synthesis of peptidomimetic inhibitors mimicking the VVYPW‐motif of tynorphin. The best inhibitors inhibit DPP3 in the low μM range. Biophysical characterization by means of ITC measurement and X‐ray crystallography confirm the unusual entropy‐driven mode of binding. Stability assays demonstrated the desired stability of these inhibitors, which efficiently inhibited DPP3 in mouse brain homogenate., A transition‐state‐based inhibitor has been developed which efficiently inhibits the metalloprotease dipeptidylpeptidase 3 (DPP3) by releasing structured water molecules from the binding cleft.

Proteins are composed of l‐amino acids, but nucleic acids and most oligosaccharides contain d‐sugars as building blocks. It is interesting to ask whether this is a coincidence or a consequence of the functional interplay of these biomolecules. One reaction that provides an opportunity to study this interplay is the formation of phosphoramidate‐linked peptido RNA from amino acids and ribonucleotides in aqueous condensation buffer. Here we report how the diastereoselectivity of the first peptide coupling of the peptido RNA pathway can be determined in situ by NMR spectroscopy. When a racemic mixture of an amino acid ester was allowed to react with an 5′‐aminoacidyl nucleotide, diastereomeric ratios of up to 72 : 28 of the resulting dipeptido nucleotides were found by integration of 31P‐ or 1H‐NMR peaks. The highest diastereomeric excess was found for the homochiral coupling product d‐Ser‐d‐Trp, phosphoramidate‐linked to adenosine 5′‐monophosphate with its d‐ribose ring. When control reactions with an N‐acetyl amino acid and valine methyl ester were run in organic solvent, the diastereoselectivity was found to be lower, with diastereomeric ratios≤62 : 38. The results from the exploratory study thus indicate that the ribonucleotide residue not only facilitates the coupling of lipophilic amino acids in aqueous medium but also the formation of a homochiral dipeptide. The methodology described here may be used to search for other stereoselective reactions that shed light on the origin of homochirality., The diastereoselectivity of the peptide coupling between aminoacidylnucleotides and amino acid esters in aqueous condensation buffer was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Homochiral dipeptides were found as the preferred products.

The reaction of the intramolecular germylene‐phosphine Lewis pair (o‐PPh2)C6H4GeAr* (1) with Group 15 element trichlorides ECl3 (E=P, As, Sb) was investigated. After oxidative addition, the resulting compounds (o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)Ge(Cl)ECl2 (2: E=P, 3: E=As, 4: E=Sb) were reduced by using sodium metal or LiHBEt3. The molecular structures of the phosphine‐stabilized phosphinidene (o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)Ge(Cl)P (5), arsinidene (o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)Ge(Cl)As (6) and stibinidene (o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)Ge(Cl)Sb (7) are presented; they feature a two‐coordinate low‐valent Group 15 element. After chloride abstraction, a cyclic germaphosphene [(o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)GeP] [B(C6H3(CF3)2)4] (8) was isolated. The 31P NMR data of the germaphosphene were compared with literature examples and analyzed by quantum chemical calculations. The phosphinidene was treated with [iBu2AlH]2, and the product of an Al−H addition to the low‐valent phosphorus atom (o‐PPh2)C6H4(Ar*)Ge(H)P(H)Al(C4H9)2 (9) was characterized., Treating a germylene‐phosphine Lewis pair, 1, with trichlorides of phosphorus, arsenic, and antimony allowed the isolation of oxidative addition products. Reduction of these compounds with sodium metal or LiBHEt3 led to the synthesis of a phosphinidene, an arsinidene and a stibinidene. After halide abstraction, a germaphosphene, 8, was isolated, and its 31P NMR data were analyzed by using quantum chemical calculations. The product of an Al−H addition was found upon treating the phosphinidene with [iBu2AlH]2.

We present a straightforward and generally applicable synthesis route for cofacially linked homo‐ and heterotrimetallic trisporphyin complexes. The protocol encompasses synthesising the first aryl‐based, trans‐o‐phenylene trisporphyrin starting from pyrrole and benzaldehyde with an overall yield of 3.6 %. It also allows investigating the respective cis‐isomer as the first conformationally restricted planar‐chiral trisporphyrin. The free‐base ligand was used in subsequent metalation reactions to afford the corresponding homotrimetallic Mn(III)‐, Fe(III)‐, Ni(II)‐, Cu(II)‐, Zn(II)‐ and Pd(II) complexes – additionally, a small adaptation of the protocol resulted in the defined Ni(II)Fe(III)Ni(II) complex in a total yield of 2.3 %. By monitoring Ni(II) insertion into the empty trimeric ligands, we affirmed that the outer porphyrin rings are filled before the internal ring. The molecular species were characterised by 1H NMR, UV‐Vis, photoluminescence, IR, MS, CID, and high‐resolution IMS measurements., A synthesis route for cofacially linked homo‐ and heterotrimetallic trisporphyin complexes starting from pyrrole and benzaldehyde is presented in this work. Besides the novel aryl‐based, trans‐o‐phenylene trisporphyrin, we investigated the respective cis‐isomer as the first conformationally restricted planar‐chiral trisporphyrin. The homotrimetallic Mn(III)‐, Fe(III)‐, Ni(II)‐, Cu(II)‐, Zn(II)‐ and Pd(II) complexes and the defined Ni(II)Fe(III)Ni(II) heterotrimetalic complex were synthesized, the metal ion insertion process studied and the resulting compounds investigated by e. g. UV‐Vis, photoluminescence or high‐resolution IMS measurements.

A catalytic domino reduction–imine formation–intramolecular cyclization–oxidation for the general synthesis of a wide variety of biologically relevant N‐polyheterocycles, such as quinoxaline‐ and quinoline‐fused derivatives, and phenanthridines, is reported. A simple, easily available, and environmentally friendly dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex has proven to be a highly efficient and versatile catalyst for transforming a broad range of starting nitroarenes involving several redox processes. Not only is this a sustainable, step‐economical as well as air‐ and moisture‐tolerant method, but also it is worth highlighting that the waste byproduct generated in the first step of the sequence is recycled and incorporated in the final target molecule, improving the overall synthetic efficiency. Moreover, selected indoloquinoxalines have been photophysically characterized in cyclohexane and toluene with exceptional fluorescence quantum yields above 0.7 for the alkyl derivatives., A catalytic domino reduction / imine formation / intramolecular cyclization / oxidation allows the synthesis of a wide variety of biologically relevant N‐polyheterocycles. The reported process employs an inexpensive and nontoxic dioxomolybdenum(VI) complex as catalyst, easily available nitroarenes as starting materials and different glycols as reducing agents with reuse of the waste reduction carbonyl byproduct, which is embodied into the final compounds.

A series of expanded helicenes of different sizes and shapes incorporating phenyl‐ and biphenyl‐substituents at the deepest part of their fjord have been synthesized via sequential Au‐catalyzed hydroarylation of appropriately designed diynes, and their racemization barriers have been calculated employing electronic structure methods. These show that the overall profile of the inversions (energies, number of transition states and intermediates, and their relative position) is intensively affected by the interplay of steric and attractive London dispersion interactions. Hence, in‐fjord substitution constitutes an additional tool to handle the mechanical properties in helicenes of uncommonly large diameter. The photochemical characterization of the newly prepared helical structures is also reported., Deep in‐fjord substitution is presented as a new tool to control the mechanical properties of expanded helicenes. The syntheses of a series of these compounds containing internal inserts is described and their overall inversion profile is calculated. Interestingly, the interplay between steric and dispersion interactions play a major role in shape of the inversion profiles (energies, number of transition states and intermediates).

The first comprehensive solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization of geminal alane‐phosphane frustrated Lewis pairs (Al/P FLPs) is reported. Their relevant NMR parameters (isotropic chemical shifts, direct and indirect 27Al‐31P spin‐spin coupling constants, and 27Al nuclear electric quadrupole coupling tensor components) have been determined by numerical analysis of the experimental NMR line shapes and compared with values computed from the known crystal structures by using density functional theory (DFT) methods. Our work demonstrates that the 31P NMR chemical shifts for the studied Al/P FLPs are very sensitive to slight structural inequivalences. The 27Al NMR central transition signals are spread out over a broad frequency range (>200 kHz), owing to the presence of strong nuclear electric quadrupolar interactions that can be well‐reproduced by the static 27Al wideband uniform rate smooth truncation (WURST) Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (WCPMG) NMR experiment. 27Al chemical shifts and quadrupole tensor components offer a facile and clear distinction between three‐ and four‐coordinate aluminum environments. For measuring internuclear Al⋅⋅⋅P distances a new resonance‐echo saturation‐pulse double‐resonance (RESPDOR) experiment was developed by using efficient saturation via frequency‐swept WURST pulses. The successful implementation of this widely applicable technique indicates that internuclear Al⋅⋅⋅P distances in these compounds can be measured within a precision of ±0.1 Å., The first comprehensive solid‐state NMR characterization of geminal alane‐phosphane frustrated lewis pairs (Al/P FLPs) is reported. For measuring internuclear Al⋅⋅⋅P distances a new resonance‐echo saturation‐pulse double‐resonance (RESPDOR) experiment was developed by using efficient saturation via frequency‐swept wideband uniform rate smooth truncation (WURST) pulses. By using this widely applicable technique, Al⋅⋅⋅P distances in these compounds can be measured within a precision of ±0.1 Å.

Single‐crystalline domains in intergrown microcrystalline material of the new compounds Ba22.5+x La55−x [Si129N240−x O x ]O3:Ce3+ and Ba25.5+x La77−x [Si170N312−x O9+x ]O4:Ce3+ were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Precise diffraction data from these domains were collected with microfocused synchrotron radiation so that crystal structure elucidation of the complex disordered networks became possible. They are composed of two different interconnected slabs of which one is similar in both compounds, which explains their notorious intergrowth. The distribution of Ba and La is indicated by the analysis of bond‐valence sums and by comparison with isostructural Sr28.5+x La75−x [Si170N312−x O9+x ]O4. Ce3+ doping leads to yellow luminescence. This is a showcase that highlights the discovery and accurate characterization of new compounds relevant for luminescence applications from heterogeneous microcrystalline samples by exploiting the capability of the combination of TEM and diffraction using the latest focusing techniques for synchrotron radiation., Single‐crystalline domains of microcrystalline intergrown oxonitridosilicate oxides Ba22.5+x La55−x [Si129N240−x O x ]O3 and Ba25.5+x La77−x [Si170N312−x O9+x ]O4 and related Sr analogues were identified by TEM. Diffraction data collected with microfocused synchrotron radiation reveal extraordinarily complex tetrahedra networks. This combination of analytical methods enables the characterization of new luminescent materials in heterogeneous powder samples.

Determining the relative configuration or enantiomeric excess of a substance may be achieved using NMR spectroscopy by employing chiral shift reagents (CSRs). Such reagents interact noncovalently with the chiral solute, resulting in each chiral form experiencing different magnetic anisotropy; this is then reflected in their NMR spectra. The Keplerate polyoxometalate (POM) is a molybdenum‐based, water‐soluble, discrete inorganic structure with a pore‐accessible inner cavity, decorated by differentiable ligands. Through ligand exchange from the self‐assembled nanostructure, a set of chiral Keplerate host molecules has been synthesised. By exploiting the interactions of analyte molecules at the surface pores, the relative configuration of chiral amino alcohol guests (phenylalaninol and 2‐amino‐1‐phenylethanol) in aqueous solvent was establish and their enantiomeric excess was determined by 1H NMR using shifts of ΔΔδ=0.06 ppm. The use of POMs as chiral shift reagents represents an application of a class that is yet to be well established and opens avenues into aqueous host‐guest chemistry with self‐assembled recognition agents., Chiral resolution of racemic amino alcohol guests (phenylalaninol and 2‐amino‐1‐phenylethanol) has been achieved by using a chirally coordinated enantiopure polyoxometalate host, {Mo132(lactate)30}. NMR spectroscopic methods, including DOSY measurements, were applied to determine the enantiomeric excesses of guest mixtures in addition to the association constants of the host‐guest system binding process.

A lanthanide‐binding tag site‐specifically attached to a protein presents a tool to probe the protein by multiple spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Here a new stable chiral LnIII tag, referred to as C12, is presented for spontaneous and quantitative reaction with a cysteine residue to generate a stable thioether bond. The synthetic protocol of the tag is relatively straightforward, and the tag is stable for storage and shipping. It displays greatly enhanced reactivity towards selenocysteine, opening a route towards selective tagging of selenocysteine in proteins containing cysteine residues. Loaded with TbIII or TmIII ions, the C12 tag readily generates pseudocontact shifts (PCS) in protein NMR spectra. It produces a relatively rigid tether between lanthanide and protein, which is beneficial for interpretation of the PCSs by single magnetic susceptibility anisotropy tensors, and it is suitable for measuring distance distributions in double electron–electron resonance experiments. Upon reaction with cysteine or other thiol compounds, the TbIII complex exhibits a 100‐fold enhancement in luminescence quantum yield, affording a highly sensitive turn‐on luminescence probe for time‐resolved FRET assays and enzyme reaction monitoring., Lanthanoid keys to proteins: A stable chiral lanthanide(III) tag reacts spontaneously and quantitatively with a cysteine residue to generate a stable thioether bond. The lanthanide‐binding tag presents a tool to probe proteins using multiple spectroscopic techniques, including NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance and time‐resolved FRET experiments.

The self‐assembly of a nickel‐porphyrin derivative (Ni‐DPPyP) containing two pyridyl coordinating sites and two pentyl chains at trans meso positions was studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) on Au(111). Deposition of Ni‐DPPyP onto Au(111) gave rise to a close‐packed network for coverages smaller or equal to one monolayer as revealed by STM and LEED. The molecular arrangement of this two‐dimensional network is stabilized via hydrogen bonds formed between the pyridyl's nitrogen and hydrogen atoms from the pyrrole groups of neighboring molecules. Subsequent deposition of cobalt atoms onto the close‐packed network and post‐deposition annealing at 423 K led to the formation of a Co‐coordinated hexagonal porous network. As confirmed by XPS measurements, the porous network is stabilized by metal‐ligand interactions between one cobalt atom and three pyridyl ligands, each pyridyl ligand coming from a different Ni‐DPPyP molecule., The structural transformation of a porphyrin‐based two‐dimensional network from its H‐bonded phase to a porous metal‐coordinated phase after the addition of Co‐atoms on Au(111) under ultra‐high vacuum conditions was inverstigated. The networks were characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy, low‐energy electron diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

In a joint effort utilizing modified sample preparation, microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and micro‐fabrication, it became possible to prepare single crystals of the “hidden” phase AlCr2. High‐resolution X‐ray diffraction analysis is described in detail for two crystals with the similar overall composition, but different degree of disorder, which seems to be the main cause for the differing unit cell parameters. Chemical bonding analysis of AlCr2 in comparison to prototypical MoSi2 shows pronounced differences reflecting the interchange of main group element vs. transition metal as majority component., Hidden crystals: With a modified synthesis approach and micro‐fabrication technique, it was possible to isolate micrometer‐sized single crystals of AlCr2 from a largely polycrystalline sample. Chemical bond analysis shows close relation to elements, in contrast to a quite localized bonding pattern in the prototype, MoSi2.

Several boron compounds with 2‐(imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐yl)phenols, differentiated by the nature of the substituent (R) in the para position of the hydroxy group, have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized both in solution (1H, 13C, 11B, 19F NMR) and in the solid state (X‐ray). All derivatives displayed attractive photophysical properties like very high Stokes shift, high fluorescence quantum yields and a good photostability in solution. Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT) calculations allowed to define the main electronic transitions as intra ligand transitions (1ILT), which was corroborated by the Natural Transition Orbitals (NTOs) shapes. The homo‐lumo energy gap was correlated to the electronic properties of the substituent R on the phenolic ring, as quantified by its σp Hammett constant., Blue emissive materials: boron containing fluorescent compounds have been prepared starting from imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine phenols. Large Stokes shift, high absolute quantum yields and good photostability are observed in solution. TD‐DFT calculations allowed to find a linear correlation between the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap of these compounds and the Hammett constants of substituents R para to the hydroxyl group of the phenols.

Chemistry - a European journal 27(45), 11600 - 11608 (2021). doi:10.1002/chem.202101117, Amorphous Ti$_x$O$_y$ with high surface area has attracted significant interest as photocatalyst with higher activity in ultraviolet (UV) light-induced water splitting applications compared to commercial nanocrystalline TiO$_2$. Under photocatalytic operation conditions, the structure of the molecular titanium alkoxide precursor rearranges upon hydrolysis and leads to higher connectivity of the structure-building units. Structurally ordered domains with sizes smaller than 7 Å form larger aggregates. The experimental scattering data can be explained best with a structure model consisting of an anatase-like core and a distorted shell. Upon exposure to UV light, the white Ti$_x$O$_y$ suspension turns dark corresponding to the reduction of Ti$^{4+}$ to Ti$^{3+}$ as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Heat-induced crystallisation was followed by in situ temperature-dependent total scattering experiments. First, ordering in the Ti−O environment takes place upon to 350 °C. Above this temperature, the distorted anatase core starts to grow but the structure obtained at 400 °C is still not fully ordered., Published by Wiley-VCH, Weinheim

Proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) is of key importance in modern synthetic chemistry. Redox‐active guanidines were established by our group as valuable alternatives to toxic high‐potential benzoquinones in a variety of different PCET reactions. In this work, the PCET reactivity of a series of 1,4‐bisguanidino‐benzenes varying in their redox potentials and proton affinities is evaluated. The relevant redox and protonation states are fully characterized, and the compounds sorted with respect to their PCET reactivity by comparative PCET experiments supplemented by quantum‐chemical calculations. Depending on the studied reactions, the driving force is either electron transfer or proton transfer; thereby the influence of both processes on the overall reactivity could be assessed. Then, two of the PCET reagents are applied in representative oxidative aryl‐aryl coupling reactions, namely the intramolecular coupling of 3,3’’‐4,4’’‐tetramethoxy‐o‐terphenyl to give the corresponding triphenylene, the intermolecular coupling of N‐ethylcarbazole to give N,N’‐diethyl‐3,3’‐bicarbazole, and in the oxidative lactonization of 2‐[(4‐methoxyphenyl)methyl]‐benzoic acid. Under mild conditions, the reactions proceed fast and efficient. Only small amounts of acid are needed, in clear contrast to the corresponding coupling reactions with traditional high‐potential benzoquinones such as DDQ or chloranil requiring a large excess of a strong acid., 1,4‐Bisguanidino‐benzenes are versatile reagents in proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. In this work the effect of guanidino group modification on the PCET reactivity is evaluated (X=H or OMe) and the best performing two compounds applied in intra‐ and inter‐molecular aryl‐aryl coupling and oxidative lactonization test reactions. In difference to related reactions with high‐potential benzoquinones, only a small amount of acid is required to inititiate efficient reactions under mild conditions.

Herein is given a full account of the evolution of the first total synthesis of (+)‐cornexistin. Initial efforts were based on masking the reactive maleic anhydride moiety as a 3,4‐substituted furan and on forming the nine‐membered carbocycle in an intramolecular Conia‐ene or Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi (NHK) reaction. Those strategies suffered from low yields and were jeopardized by a late‐stage installation of the Z‐alkene, as well as the stereocenters along the eastern periphery. These issues were addressed by employing a chiral‐pool strategy that involved construction of the crucial stereocenters at C2, C3 and C8 at an early stage with installation of the maleic anhydride as late as possible. The successful approach featured an intermolecular NHK coupling to install the Z‐alkene, a syn‐Evans‐aldol reaction to forge the stereocenters along the eastern periphery, an intramolecular allylic alkylation to close the nine‐membered carbocycle, and a challenging stepwise hydrolysis of a β‐keto nitrile to furnish the maleic anhydride., Cycle tricks: The evolution of the first total synthesis of (+)‐cornexistin is reported. Highlights of the successful chiral‐pool strategy are an intermolecular Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi coupling to install the Z alkene, a syn‐Evans‐aldol reaction to construct the C2/C3 stereocenters, an intramolecular allylic alkylation to close the nine‐membered carbocycle and the stepwise hydrolysis of a β‐keto nitrile, which furnished the maleic anhydride.

Supramolecular nanogels are an emerging class of polymer nanocarriers for intracellular delivery, due to their straightforward preparation, biocompatibility, and capability to spontaneously encapsulate biologically active components such as DNA. A completely biodegradable three‐component cationic supramolecular nanogel was designed exploiting the multivalent host‐guest interaction of cyclodextrin and adamantane attached to a polypeptide backbone. While cyclodextrin was conjugated to linear poly‐L‐lysine, adamantane was grafted to linear as well as star shaped poly‐L‐lysine. Size control of nanogels was obtained with the increase in the length of the host and guest polymer. Moreover, smaller nanogels were obtained using the star shaped polymers because of the compact nature of star polymers compared to linear polymers. Nanogels were loaded with anionic model cargoes, pyranine and carboxyfluorescein, and their enzyme responsive release was studied using protease trypsin. Confocal microscopy revealed successful transfection of mammalian HeLa cells and intracellular release of pyranine and plasmid DNA, as quantified using a luciferase assay, showing that supramolecular polypeptide nanogels have significant potential in gene therapy applications., Wrapped in a peptide box: Supramolecular nanogels self‐assembled from poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) modified with host and guest units can entrap molecular cargo such as DNA and deliver it into cells for transfection. The PLL is made by N‐carboxyanhydride polymerization and equipped with cyclodextrin and adamantane groups. The size of the nanogel can be tuned by the length of the PLL and smaller nanogels are better transfection agents.