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We describe the preparation, dynamic, assembly characteristics of vase‐shaped basket 13− along with its ability to form an inclusion complex with anticancer drug mitoxantrone in abiotic and biotic systems. This novel cavitand has a deep nonpolar pocket consisting of three naphthalimide sides fused to a bicyclic platform at the bottom while carrying polar glycines at the top. The results of 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1H NMR Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST), Calorimetry, Hybrid Replica Exchange Molecular Dynamics (REMD), and Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) measurements are in line with 1 forming dimer [12]6−, to be in equilibrium with monomers 1(R)3− (relaxed) and 1(S)3− (squeezed). Through simultaneous line‐shape analysis of 1H NMR data, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters characterizing these equilibria were quantified. Basket 1(R)3− includes anticancer drug mitoxantrone (MTO2+) in its pocket to give stable binary complex [MTO⊂1]− (Kd=2.1 μM) that can be precipitated in vitro with UV light or pH as stimuli. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the basket is nontoxic, while at a higher proportion with respect to MTO it reduced its cytotoxicity in vitro. With well‐characterized internal dynamics and dimerization, the ability to include mitoxantrone, and biocompatibility, the stage is set to develop sequestering agents from deep‐cavity baskets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this perspective on supramolecular polymers is to highlight how their dynamic nature based on noncovalent bonding among monomers can have a profound impact on their functions. We focus here on peptide amphiphile supramolecular polymers developed in our laboratory and use recent results on their dynamic behavior to reflect on the exciting functions that might emerge in these systems. We are greatly motivated by recent results that demonstrate unprecedented bioactivity in supramolecular polymers to address the enormous scientific challenge of finding strategies to reverse paralysis caused by traumatic injuries or disease. We suggest that future opportunities exist for novel functions in supramolecular polymers by tuning dynamic behavior through the chemical design of monomers, and also by gaining an understanding of the precise spatiotemporal mechanisms linked to supramolecular motion in these emerging polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polydentate ligand, 3-[(2-hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino]-2-thioxo-imidazolidin-4-one, was synthesized by intermolecular cyclocondensation reaction of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and ethylchloroacetate. Novel palladium(II) complex was obtained by nucleophilic substitution of both DMSO ligands from cis-[Pd(DMSO)2Cl2] with iminic nitrogen and thiolactamic sulfur from ligand. The structure of compounds was characterized on the basis of their spectral data. The cytotoxic activity of the ligand and palladium(II) complex was studied on tumor cell lines: human colon carcinoma HCT-116 and SW-480 cells using MTT viability test. The results show that investigated palladium(II) complex has significantly greater cytotoxic effect compared to ligand. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike SRbije, br. 172011 and III41010]

We report Pd‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization of (+)‐α‐bromoenone, obtained from monoterpene β‐pinene, into an enantiopure cyclotrimer. This C3 symmetric compound has three bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane rings fused to its central benzene with each ring carrying a carbonyl group. The cyclotrimer undergoes diastereoselective threefold alkynylation with the lithium salts of five terminal alkynes (41–63 %, de=4–83 %). The addition enabled a rapid synthesis of a small library of novel chiral cavitands that, in shape, resemble a tripod stand. These molecular tripods include a tris‐bicycloannelated benzene head attached to three alkyne legs twisted in one direction to form a nonpolar cavity with polar groups as feet. Tripods with methylpyridinium and methylisoquinolinium legs, respectively, form inclusion complexes with anti‐inflammatory and chiral drugs (R)/(S)‐ibuprofen and (R)/(S)‐naproxen. The mode of binding shows drug molecules docked in the cavity of the host through ion‐ion, cation‐π, and C−H−π contacts that, in addition of desolvation, give rise to complexes having millimolar to micromolar stability in water. Our findings open the door to creating a myriad of enantiopure tripods with tunable functions that, in the future, might give novel chemosensors, catalysts or sequestering agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we describe a synthetic method for incorporating arenes into closed tubes that we name capsularenes. First, we prepared vase‐shaped molecular baskets 4–7. The baskets comprise a benzene base fused to three bicycle[2.2.1]heptane rings that extend into phthalimide (4), naphthalimide (6), and anthraceneimide sides (7), each carrying a dimethoxyethane acetal group. In the presence of catalytic trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the acetals at top of 4, 6 and 7 change into aliphatic aldehydes followed by their intramolecular cyclization into 1,3,5‐trioxane (1H NMR spectroscopy). Such ring closure is nearly a quantitative process that furnishes differently sized capsularenes 1 (0.7×0.9 nm), 8 (0.7×1.1 nm;) and 9 (0.7×1.4 nm;) characterized by X‐Ray crystallography, microcrystal electron diffraction, UV/Vis, fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetry. With exceptional rigidity, unique topology, great thermal stability, and perhaps tuneable optoelectronic characteristics, capsularenes hold promise for the construction of novel organic electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host–guest complexations can be described by two competing mechanisms, conformational selection (CS) and induced fit (IF). In this work, we used a combination of nudged elastic band (NEB), adaptive steered molecular dynamics (ASMD), and density functional theory (DFT, with a correction for dispersion) to study the dynamics of the pathways (IF/CS) by which two conformers of basket B(+) and B(−) interconvert and trap CX4 guests (X = Cl and Br). While the results from NEB/DFT studies disclosed host–guest noncovalent contacts reducing the basket's conformational dynamics, ASMD methodology suggested an associative mechanism for the guest complexation. With theory in excellent agreement with experiments, NEB and ASMD emerge as the methods of choice for studying dynamics of supramolecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise positioning of functional groups about the inner space of abiotic hosts is a challenging task and of interest for developing more effective receptors and catalysts akin to those found in nature. To address it, we herein report a synthetic methodology for preparing basket‐like cavitands comprised of three different aromatics as side arms with orthogonal esters at the rim for further functionalization. First, enantioenriched A (borochloronorbornene), B (iodobromonorbornene), and C (boronorbornene) building blocks were obtained by stereoselective syntheses. Second, consecutive A‐to‐B and then AB‐to‐C Suzuki–Miyaura (SM) couplings were optimized to give enantioenriched ABC cavitand as the principal product. The robust synthetic protocol allowed us to prepare (a) an enantioenriched basket with three benzene sides and each holding either tBu, Et, or Me esters, (b) both enantiomers of a so‐called "spiral staircase" basket with benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene groups surrounding the inner space, and (c) a photo‐responsive basket bearing one anthracene and two benzene arms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two limiting cases of molecular recognition, induced fit (IF) and conformational selection (CS), play a central role in allosteric regulation of natural systems. The IF paradigm states that a substrate "instructs" the host to change its shape after complexation, while CS asserts that a guest "selects" the optimal fit from an ensemble of preexisting host conformations. With no studies that quantitatively address the interplay of two limiting pathways in abiotic systems, we herein and for the first time describe the way by which twisted capsule M‐1, encompassing two conformers M‐1(+) and M‐1(−), trap CX4 (X=Cl, Br) to give CX4⊂M‐1(+) and CX4⊂M‐1(−), with all four states being in thermal equilibrium. With the assistance of 2D EXSY, we found that CBr4 would, at its lower concentrations, bind M‐1 via a M‐1(+)→M‐1(−)→CBr4⊂M‐1(−) pathway corresponding to conformational selection. For M‐1 complexing CCl4 though, data from 2D EXSY measurements and 1D NMR line‐shape analysis suggested that lower CCl4 concentrations would favor CS while the IF pathway prevailed at higher proportions of the guest. Since CS and IF are not mutually exclusive, we reason that our work sets the stage for characterizing the dynamics of a wide range of already existing hosts to broaden our fundamental understanding of their action. The objective is to master the way in which encapsulation takes place for designing novel and allosteric sequestering agents, catalysts and chemosensors akin to those found in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent capsule 1 was designed to include two molecular baskets linked with three mobile pyridines tucked into its inner space. On the basis of both theory (DFT) and experiments (NMR and X‐ray crystallography), we found that the pyridine "doors" split the chamber (380 Å3) of 1 so that two equally sizeable compartments (190 Å3) became joined through a conformationally flexible aromatic barrier. The compartments of such unique host could be populated with CCl4 (88 Å3; PC=46 %), CBr4 (106 Å3; 56 %) or their combination CCl4/CBr4 (PC=51 %), with thermodynamic stabilities ΔG° tracking the values of packing coefficients (PC). Halogen (C−X⋅⋅⋅π) and hydrogen bonding (C−H⋅⋅⋅X) contacts held the haloalkane guests in the cavities of 1. The consecutive complexations were found to occur in a negative allosteric manner, which we propose to result from the induced‐fit mode of complexation. Newly designed 1 opens a way for probing the effects of inner conformational dynamics on noncovalent interactions, reactivity and intramolecular translation in confined spaces of hollow molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a preparative method for directing Mizoroki–Heck cyclotrimerization of enantioenriched bromonorbornenes into molecular baskets having increasingly deeper and extendable aromatic cavities. Such diastereoselective cyclotrimerizations of the bromo-olefinic substrates resulted from prevalent β migratory insertions without the formation of palladacycle intermediate(s). The facile access to multigram quantity of a new series of basket-like hosts clears the way for creating novel supramolecular materials for storage, sequestration and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergy among twelve carboxylates from two hexavalent baskets 16− assisted the encapsulation of one divalent diammonium guest 32+–62+ and the formation of ternary [3–6⊂12]10−. The reduction of basket's multivalency, by photoinduced α-decarboxylation of 16− to give 23−, intercepted the interannular cooperativity operating in the stabilization of capsulpex [3–6⊂12]10− to dramatically diminish the binding affinity towards diammonium guests. As a result, the cationic guests were released into bulk water with 23− assembling into nanoparticles. With numerous drugs carrying positive sites, the finding reported here could now be examined for their light-promoted spatiotemporal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a mechanism by which stereoisomeric and twisted capsules P/M‐1 direct their dynamic chirality in the presence of haloalkane guests. The capsule comprises a static, but twisted, cage that is linked to a dynamic tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) lid at its top. From the results of experimental (NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography) and computational (DFT) studies, the TPA lid was shown to assume clockwise (+) and counterclockwise (−) folds with diastereomeric (but racemic) capsules M‐1(+) and M‐1(−) interconverting at a rapid rate (ΔG≠189K=9.1 kcal mol−1). The relative stability of the capsules was found to be a function of guest(s) residing in their interior (243/262 Å3) with small CH2Cl2 (61 Å3) yielding roughly equal population of diastereomeric inclusion complexes. Larger guests, such as CCl4 (89 Å3) and CBr4 (108 Å3), however, formed M‐1(−)⊂CX4 at the expense of M‐1(+)⊂CX4 in circa 3:1 ratio. To account for the observation, theory (DFT:M06‐2X/6–31+G*) and experiments (1H NMR spectroscopy) were used to deduce that CX4 guests become localized inside the twisted cage of the capsule by forming a C−X⋅⋅⋅π halogen bond [Nc=d/(rH+rX)=0.91–0.92] with the benzene "floor" while encountering electrostatic repulsions with closer naphthalimide boundaries. At last, the TPA lid used its central methylene hydrogens to establish, within the M‐1(−)⊂CX4, three stabilizing C−H⋅⋅⋅X−C interactions with the guest. The same C−H⋅⋅⋅X−C interactions, however, became weaker (or possibly vanished) after the conformational reorganization of the lid and the formation of less stable M‐1(+)⊂CX4 complex. On individual basis, C−H⋅⋅⋅X−C intermolecular contacts are weak and hardly detectable in the solution phase. In the case of capsule P/M‐1, however, these contacts were multivalent and altogether strong enough to direct the host's dynamic chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the design, preparation and assembly of chair-shaped molecules, comprising a tris-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane hub that extends into three phthalimides carrying amino acids or short peptides. In water, molecular chairs stack in an antiparallel manner to give hexavalent dendritic structures, in spite of holding equal charges. The here described strategy for increasing the multivalency of peptides is easy to implement in practice, therefore holding potential for creating novel soft materials and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular baskets 16−–36−, functionalized with α-amino acids at their rim, undergo photo-induced α-decarboxylations to give amphiphilic 43−–63− assembling into nanoparticles. Nanoparticulate 43−–63− possess greater affinities for complexing OPs (akin to sarin and cyclosarin) than monomeric 16−–36−. With the ability of nanoparticles to function in urine, our study sets the stage for creating novel nanocarriers capable of spatiotemporal sequestration of nerve agents or pesticides in competitive chemical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovering novel and functional photoresponsive materials is of interest for improving controlled release of molecules and scavenging toxic compounds for cleaning our environment or designing chemosensors. In this study, we report on the photoinduced decarboxylation of basket 16−, containing three glutamic acids at its rim. This concave compound is, in an aqueous environment (30 mm phosphate buffer at pH 7.0), monomeric (1H NMR DOSY, DLS) with glutamic acid residues randomly oriented about its rim (1H NMR and MM‐OPLS3). The irradiation (300 nm) of 16− leads to the exclusive removal of its α‐carboxylates to give amphiphilic 23− possessing γ‐carboxylates. The photochemical transformation is a consecutive reaction with mono‐ and bis‐decarboxylated products observed with 1H NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. Amphiphilic 23− is a preorganized molecule (MM‐OPLS3) that, in water, aggregates into organic nanoparticles (ca. 50–200 nm in diameter; DLS, TEM and cryo‐TEM) having a critical aggregation concentration of 12 μm (UV/Vis). As the transition of monomeric 16− into nanoparticulate 23− is triggered with light, we reasoned that stimuli‐responsive formation of the soft material lends itself to nanotechnology applications such as controlled release or scavenging of targeted compounds. Filling the basket: Photoinduced decarboxylation of molecular baskets functionalized with glutamic acids was found to, in water, give amphiphilic cavitands. These cavitands assemble into organic nanoparticles that could be used for scavenging toxic molecules, promoting chemical reactions or delivering drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity of the C2v-symmetric pentakisadduct of C60 with azomethine ylides and conjugated dienes was studied experimentally and computationally. This derivative possesses four [6,6] double bonds, each with unique electrophilicity. The Diels-Alder reaction studied is a regiospecific, kinetically and thermodynamically guided [4 + 2] process producing [5:1]-hexaadducts with an octahedral addition pattern. The kinetically controlled Prato reaction gives a mixture of regioisomeric [5:1]-hexaadducts. The synthesis of geometrically well-defined supramolecular architectures may benefit from these new types of highly functionalized [5:1]-hexaadducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient strategy for a four-step synthesis of angularly fused tricyclic hydantoins as suitable precursors of cis-fused bicyclic a- amino acids is developed by combining a highly diastereoselective Bucherer- Bergs reaction of 2-alkenylcycloalkanones and a regiospecific selenium-induced closure of pyrrolidine ring. This methodology was applied in a five-step synthesis of bicycloproline derivatives in high overall yield. The method could be used for the multigram preparation of free conformationally constrained bicyclic a-amino acids with two points of diversity (size of cycloalkyl ring and substituent at the pyrrolidine ring). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front Cover: Multivalent C-H---Cl/Br-C Interactions Directing the Resolution of Dynamic and Twisted Capsules (Chem. Eur. J. 57/2019) On the Front Cover, these weak noncovalent contacts controlling the system's dynamic stereochemistry are shown as a dragon blowing fire at C-H groups. On the Front Cover, these weak noncovalent contacts controlling the system's dynamic stereochemistry are shown as a dragon blowing fire at C-H groups. [Extracted from the article]

Fluorinated piperidines find wide applications, most notably in the development of novel therapies and agrochemicals. Cyclization of alkenyl N -tosylamides promoted by BF 3 -activated aryliodine(III) carboxylates is an attractive strategy to construct 3-fluoropiperidines, but it suffers from selectivity issues arising from competitive oxoaminations and the inability to easily modulate the reactions diastereoselectivity. Herein, we report an itemized optimization of the reaction conditions carried out on both cyclic and acyclic substrates and outline the origins of substrate- and reagent-based stereo-, regio-, and chemoselectivity. Extensive mechanistic studies encompassing multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, deuterium labeling, rearrangements on stereodefined substrates, and careful structural analyses (NMR and X-ray) of the reaction products are performed. This revealed the processes and interactions crucial for achieving controlled preparation of 3-fluoropiperidines using I(III) chemistry and has provided an advanced understanding of the reaction mechanism. In brief, we propose that BF 3 -coordinated I(III) reagents attack C═C to produce the corresponding iodiranium(III) ion, which then undergoes diastereodetermining 5- exo -cyclization. Transiently formed pyrrolidines with an exocyclic σ-alkyl-I(III) moiety can further undergo aziridinium ion formation or reductive ligand coupling processes, which dictate not only the final product's ring size but also the chemoselectivity. Importantly, the selectivity of the reaction depends on the nature of the ligand bound to I(III) and the presence of electrolytes such as TBABF 4 . Reported findings will facilitate the usage of ArI(III)-dicarboxylates in the reliable construction of fluorinated azaheterocycles.

Introduction: The central pathologic feature of osteoarthritis (OA) is the progressive loss of articular cartilage, which has a limited regenerative capacity. The TGF-β1 inhibitor, losartan, can improve cartilage repair by promoting hyaline rather that fibrous cartilage tissue regeneration. However, there are concerns about side effects associated with oral administration and short retention within the joint following intra-articular injections. To facilitate local and sustained intra-articular losartan delivery we have designed an injectable peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofiber that binds losartan. The aims of this study are to characterize the release kinetics of losartan from two different PA nanofiber compositions followed by testing pro-regenerative bioactivity on chondrocytes. Methods: We tested the impact of electrostatic interactions on nanostructure morphology and release kinetics of the negatively charged losartan molecule from either a positively or negatively charged PA nanofiber. Subsequently, cytotoxicity and bioactivity were evaluated in vitro in both normal and an IL-1β-induced OA chondrocyte model using ATDC5. Results: Both nanofiber systems promoted cell proliferation but that the positively-charged nanofibers also significantly increased glycosaminoglycans production. Furthermore, gene expression analysis suggested that losartan-encapsulated nanofibers had significant anti-inflammatory, anti-degenerative, and cartilage regenerative effects by significantly blocking TGF-β1 in this in vitro system. Discussion: The results of this study demonstrated that positively charged losartan sustained-release nanofibers may be a novel and useful treatment for cartilage regeneration and OA by blocking TGF-β1., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Yamaura, Sather, Metlushko, Nishimura, Pavlović, Hambright, Ravuri, Philippon, Stupp, Bahney and Huard.)

Host-guest complexations can be described by two competing mechanisms, conformational selection (CS) and induced fit (IF). In this work, we used a combination of nudged elastic band (NEB), adaptive steered molecular dynamics (ASMD), and density functional theory (DFT, with a correction for dispersion) to study the dynamics of the pathways (IF/CS) by which two conformers of basket B(+) and B(-) interconvert and trap CX 4 guests (X = Cl and Br). While the results from NEB/DFT studies disclosed host-guest noncovalent contacts reducing the basket's conformational dynamics, ASMD methodology suggested an associative mechanism for the guest complexation. With theory in excellent agreement with experiments, NEB and ASMD emerge as the methods of choice for studying dynamics of supramolecular systems.

We herein describe the preparation, characterization, and recognition characteristics of novel hexapodal capsule 1 composed of two benzenes joined by six hydrogen bonding (HB) groups to encircle space. This barrel-shaped host was obtained by reversible imine condensation of hexakis-aldehyde 2 and hexakis-amine 3 in the presence of oxyanions or halides acting as templates. Fascinatingly, capsule 1 includes 18 HB donating (C sp2 -H and N-H) and 12 HB accepting groups (C═O and C═N) surrounding a binding pocket (78 Å 3 ). In this regard, the complexation of fluoride, chloride, carbonate, sulfate, and hydrogen phosphate was probed by NMR spectroscopy (DMSO) and X-ray diffraction analysis to disclose the adaptive nature of 1 undergoing an adjustment of its conformation to complement each anionic guest. Furthermore, the rate by which encapsulated chloride was substituted by sulfate or hydrogen phosphate was slow (>7 days) while the stability of [SO 4 ⊂ 1 ] 2- was greatest in the series with K a > 10 7 M -1 in highly competitive DMSO. With facile access to 1 , the stage is set to probe this modular, polyvalent, and novel host to further improve the extraction of tetrahedral oxyanions from waste and the environment or control their chemistry in living systems.

Covalent capsule 1 was designed to include two molecular baskets linked with three mobile pyridines tucked into its inner space. On the basis of both theory (DFT) and experiments (NMR and X-ray crystallography), we found that the pyridine "doors" split the chamber (380 Å 3 ) of 1 so that two equally sizeable compartments (190 Å 3 ) became joined through a conformationally flexible aromatic barrier. The compartments of such unique host could be populated with CCl 4 (88 Å 3 ; PC=46 %), CBr 4 (106 Å 3 ; 56 %) or their combination CCl 4 /CBr 4 (PC=51 %), with thermodynamic stabilities ΔG° tracking the values of packing coefficients (PC). Halogen (C-X⋅⋅⋅π) and hydrogen bonding (C-H⋅⋅⋅X) contacts held the haloalkane guests in the cavities of 1. The consecutive complexations were found to occur in a negative allosteric manner, which we propose to result from the induced-fit mode of complexation. Newly designed 1 opens a way for probing the effects of inner conformational dynamics on noncovalent interactions, reactivity and intramolecular translation in confined spaces of hollow molecules., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The reactivity of the C 2v -symmetric pentakisadduct of C 60 with azomethine ylides and conjugated dienes was studied experimentally and computationally. This derivative possesses four [6,6] double bonds, each with unique electrophilicity. The Diels-Alder reaction studied is a regiospecific, kinetically and thermodynamically guided [4 + 2] process producing [5:1]-hexaadducts with an octahedral addition pattern. The kinetically controlled Prato reaction gives a mixture of regioisomeric [5:1]-hexaadducts. The synthesis of geometrically well-defined supramolecular architectures may benefit from these new types of highly functionalized [5:1]-hexaadducts.

We found that molecular baskets 1-3, with amino acids at their rim, undergo photoinduced decarboxylations to give baskets 4-6 forming a solid precipitate in water. Furthermore, organophosphonates 7-9 (OP), akin in size and shape to G-type nerve agents, form inclusion complexes with baskets 1-3 (K = 6-2243 M -1 ). Light irradiation (300 nm) of an aqueous solution of 1-3⊂OP led to the formation of precipitate containing an OP compound thereby amounting to a novel strategy for light-induced sequestration of nerve agents or, perhaps, other targeted compounds. Importantly, the stability of basket⊂OP complexes in addition to functional groups at the basket's rim play a role in the efficiency (up to 98%) by which OPs are removed from water.

Selenium and palladium containing compounds separately exert multifunctional effects on cells. While selenium containing compounds usually exert antioxidative properties, palladium(II) containing compounds are cytotoxic and prooxidative. Here we investigated biological effects of bicyclic seleno-hydantoin cis-7a-ethyl-5-methyl-5-phenylselanylmethyl-tetrahydro-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1,3-dione (Hid-Se), and its palladium(II) complex, trans-bis-(cis-7a-ethyl-5-methyl-5-phenylselanylmethyl-tetrahydro-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1,3-dionato) palladium(II) chloride ((Hid-Se)2Pd) on human colon HCT-116 and breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Hid-Se and (Hid-Se)2Pd showed prooxidative and cytotoxic character. In all performed experiments (Hid-Se)2Pd proved to be more active, i.e. this substance exerted greater prooxidative effect, cytotoxicity and influence on cell migration potential. Even though Hid-Se and (Hid-Se)2Pd enhanced migration of HCT-116 cells, very important feature of these substances is the strong antimigratory potential on metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells.

The mechanism and selectivity of a bicyclic hydantoin formation by selenium-induced cyclization are investigated. The proposed mechanism involves the intermediates formed by an electrophilic addition of the selenium reagent on a double bond of the starting 5-alkenylhydantoin prior the cyclization. These intermediates are readily converted into the more stable cyclic seleniranium cations. A key step of the mechanism is an intramolecular cyclization which is realized through an anti-attack of the internal nucleophile, the amidic nitrogen, to the seleniranium cation yielding the intermediate imidazolinium cations. Their deprotonation is followed by the formation of the fused bicyclic reaction products. Important intermediates and key transition states are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) methods. The pathways of the reaction are investigated in detail. There are two regioselective pathways related to 5-exo and 6-endo products. Theoretical calculations and the monitoring of the cyclization reaction using (1)H NMR spectroscopy are in a good agreement with the proposed mechanism and are consistent with our experimental results. The preferred pathway for formation of 5-exo products is confirmed.