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Synthesis of fluorescent P‐hydroxybinaphtylphosphole‐oxide or ‐sulfide was achieved by trapping a binaphtyl dianion with methyl dichlorophosphite or P‐(N,N‐diethylamino)dichlorophosphine, followed by oxidation or sulfuration of the P‐center. After saponification or acid hydrolysis, the P‐hydroxyphospholes were coupled to peptides using the coupling agent BOP, under the conditions required for the synthesis in solution or on a solid support. This new method was illustrated by the labeling of the JMV2959, a potent antagonist of the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor type 1a (GHS−R1a). The labeled conjugates were used to characterize GHSR ligands by competition assays, based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Such P‐hydroxyphosphole‐oxide or ‐sulfide constitute a promising new class of compact fluorophores with large Stokes shift, for labeling biomolecules by grafting through the phosphorus atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization and study of optical properties of innovative tetrafunctionalized zinc(II) porphyrins with carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors in sulfonamide and coumarin series are described. The synthetic methodology relies on the preparation of the porphyrin core by condensation of azido triethyleneglycol functionalized benzaldehyde derivative with pyrrole followed by its metalation and inhibitors coupling via Huisgen click‐reaction. The tetrafunctionalized zinc(II) porphyrin with coumarin moieties showed selective inhibition against tumour‐associated hCA IX and hCA XII versus the cytosolic off‐targets hCA I and hCA II. This compound was able to accumulate on cell membrane and to impair pancreas cancer cells (Capan‐1) proliferation in normoxic conditions with LC50 of 4.5 μM. Moreover, its optical properties revealed efficient photosensitizing properties, leading to cancer cells death under light irradiation, making this compound a suitable candidate for photodynamic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphonium‐based polythiophene conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with three different counterions (dodecylsulfate, octylsulfate and perfluorooctane sulfonate) are synthesized to determine how the nature of the counterion affects the thermal properties, the self‐assembly in thin films and the performance as the cathode interfacial layer in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The counterion has a significant effect on the thermal properties of the CPEs, affecting both their glass transition and crystalline behaviour. Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering studies also indicate that changing the nature of the counterion influences the microstructural organization in thin films (face‐on versus edge‐on orientation). The affinity of the CPEs with the underlying photoactive layer in PSCs is highly correlated with the counterion species. Finally, in addition to an increase of the power conversion efficiency of ca 15% when using these CPEs as cathode interfacial layers in PSCs, a higher device stability is noted, compared to a reference device with a calcium interlayer. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrins and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are both relevant ligands in the fields of coordination and organometallic chemistry. Despite evident structural differences, porphyrins and NHCs have a lot in common such as their ability to form strong metal‐ligand bonds and their use in catalysis, materials science and biomedicine. During the last decade, several molecular systems combining porphyrins and NHC ligands were reported in the literature. The present review gathers relevant examples where NHC ligands are either axially bonded to metalloporphyrins or covalently attached to the porphyrin cores. Structural diversity, electronic interplay between porphyrins and NHCs and some relevant applications in catalysis and biomedicine are notably described. Finally, molecular systems combining NHCs with other original porphyrinoids such as N‐confused porphyrins, subporphyrins and norcorroles are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular polymers are of interest in the pursuit of multivalent nucleic acids recognition. However, their formation often relies on non‐covalent forces that are also at play in the interaction with nucleic acids. In this work, we designed a novel compound (TPE‐Gir) combining a tetraphenylethene aromatic core tethered to four quaternary ammoniums through acylhydrazone spacers, and we investigated in detail its self‐assembly and interaction with different types of nucleic acids. The spectroscopic analyses indicate the self‐assembly of regular fluorescent nanoparticles (observed by DLS and TEM) in the absence of nucleic acids, the strong propensity to intercalate into single‐stranded DNA, the ability to bind into the minor groove of double‐stranded DNA, and the selective binding to G‐quadruplex (G4) structures by fitting within a wide G4‐groove. Those recognition events are quantified by isothermal titration calorimetry and the proposed binding models are supported by docking simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic polythiophenes constitute an interesting class of polymers for prospective applications in imaging, gene delivery and biosensing, as they combine solubility in aqueous media and have sensitive optical properties for the detection of biomolecules such as DNA. Here, we study the supramolecular self‐assembly of poly[3‐(6'‐(trimethylphosphonium)hexyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (P3HT‐PMe3) with different types of DNA such as single‐stranded oligonucleotides or long genomic DNA. Self‐assembly in buffered aqueous solution yields polyplexes (polymer/DNA complexes) with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 7 nm to around 25 nm, as observed by Taylor Dispersion Analysis. In these polyplexes, the achiral polymer presents chiroptical signals induced by supramolecular organization along chiral DNA. When the solution of long DNA/P3HT‐PMe3 is deposited on surfaces, tens of μm‐long fibers are formed by condensation of DNA and compaction of the polyplexes, as evidenced by microscopy techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of silole amino acids was achieved through hydrosilylation of alkene or alkyne‐containing amino acids with 1‐methyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetraphenyl‐1H‐silole, using Karstedt's catalyst with yield up to 95 % and without epimerization. After selective deprotection of carboxylic acid or amine functions respectively, C‐ or N‐peptide coupling with an alanine moiety proved their possible incorporation into peptides. A model tripeptide was synthesized by solid phase synthesis with the N‐Fmoc protected silole amino acid version. The silole moiety can be also grafted on a precursor peptide directly on the solid support. These amino acids and peptides exhibit AIE properties with λem ca. 500 nm and Δλ ca. 100 nm. This approach constitutes an alternative and promising strategy for incorporation of such AIE fluorogens to peptides. Silole amino acids were obtained by hydrosilylation of unsaturated amino acids with yield up to 95 %. After selective deprotection, C‐ or N‐peptide coupling was performed in solution or on solid support. They exhibit AIE properties (λem ca. 500 nm; Δλ ca. 100 nm) and constitute a promising strategy for incorporation of AIE fluorogens in peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrins are conjugated, stable chromophores with a central core that binds a variety of metal ions and an easily functionalized peripheral framework. By combining the catalytic, electronic or cytotoxic properties of selected transition metal complexes with the binding and electronic properties of porphyrins, enhanced characteristics of the ensemble are generated. This review article focuses on porphyrins bearing one or more peripheral transition metal complexes and discusses their potential applications in catalysis or biomedicine. Modulation of the electronic properties and intramolecular communication through coordination bond linkages in bis‐porphyrin scaffolds is also presented. See the future of porphyrin‐metal conjugates: Appending transition metal complexes to the periphery of porphyrins, renowned for their photo‐ and electro‐activity, opens new avenues for applications in electron‐ or photon‐triggered catalytic reactions, optoelectronic properties of self‐assembled materials, and therapeutic or diagnostic tools in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles emerge as promising vectors for nanomedicine applications. Their properties are very different from those of well‐known mesoporous silica nanoparticles as there is no silica source for their synthesis. So far, they have only been synthesized from small bis‐silylated organic precursors. However, no studies employing large stimuli‐responsive precursors have been reported on such hybrid systems yet. Here, the synthesis of porphyrin‐based organosilica nanoparticles from a large octasilylated metalated porphyrin precursor is described for applications in near‐infrared two‐photon‐triggered spatiotemporal theranostics. The nanoparticles display unique interconnected large cavities of 10–80 nm. The framework of the nanoparticles is constituted with J‐aggregates of porphyrins, which endows them with two‐photon sensitivity. The nanoparticle efficiency for intracellular tracking is first demonstrated by the in vitro near‐infrared imaging of breast cancer cells. After functionalization of the nanoparticles with aminopropyltriethoxysilane, two‐photon‐excited photodynamic therapy in zebrafish is successfully achieved. Two‐photon photochemical internalization in cancer cells of the nanoparticles loaded with siRNA is also performed for the first time. Furthermore, siRNA targeting green fluorescent protein complexed with the nanoparticles is delivered in vivo in zebrafish embryos, which demonstrates the versatility of the nanovectors for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cage compounds are very attractive structures for a wide range of applications and there is ongoing interest in finding effective ways to access such kinds of complex structures, particularly those possessing dynamic adaptive features. Here we report the accessible synthesis of new type of organic cage architectures, possessing two different dynamic bonds within one structure: hydrazones and disulfides. Implementation of three distinct functional groups (thiols, aldehydes and hydrazides) in the structure of two simple building blocks resulted in their spontaneous and selective self-assembly into aromatic cage-type architectures. These organic cages contain up to ten components linked together by twelve reversible covalent bonds. The advantage provided by the presented approach is that these cage structures can adaptively self-sort from a complex virtual mixture of polymers or macrocycles and that dynamic covalent chemistry enables their deliberate disassembly through controlled component exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, POSS-based coordination polymers (CPs) have been structurally characterized. These CPs were obtained in high yield via self-assembly reactions of thioether-functionalized polysilsesquioxanes with CuI salts under mild conditions. Single crystal analyses revealed the formation of 3D networks incorporating different secondary building units (SBUs) as connection nodes. The nature of the -SAr functionality allows a fine-tuning of the cluster nuclearity, that is, butterfly-shaped Cu2X2 or closed cubane-type Cu4I4 cores. As such, the resulting hybrid materials exhibit a combination of high thermal stability arising from the inorganic POSS core along with interesting luminescent properties conferred by the cubane cluster core. Furthermore, the occurrence of channels has been shown crystallographically in the case of the Cu4I4 cluster containing CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrins fused to imidazolium salts across two neighboring β-pyrrolic positions were used as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors to anchor AuI-Cl complexes at their periphery. Synthesis of several thiolato-AuI complexes was then achieved by substituting chloride for thiolates. Photodynamic properties of these complexes were investigated: the data obtained show that the Au−S bonds could be cleaved upon irradiation. The proposed mechanism to explain the release of thiolate moiety involves the S atom oxidation by singlet oxygen generated in the course of irradiation. In view of photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications, these porphyrins fused to NHC-AuI complexes were tested as photosensitizers to kill MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results show the important role played by the ancillary ligands (chloride versus thiolates) on the photodynamic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have emerged as attractive candidates for solar energy conversion due to their lightweight design and potential for low-cost, high-throughput, solution-phase processability. Interfacial engineering is a proven efficient approach to achieve OPV devices with high power conversion efficiencies. This mini-review provides an overview of the key structural considerations necessary when undertaking the molecular design of conjugated polyelectrolytes, for application as interfacial layers (ILs). The different roles of ILs are outlined, together with the advantages and disadvantages of competing classes of IL materials. Particular emphasis is placed on the design and synthesis of water-soluble polythiophene-based IL materials and the influence of their structural characteristics on their performance as a promising class of IL material. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for polythiophenes as IL materials for OPV devices and other solution-processed solar cell technologies (e.g. perovskite solar cells) are discussed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity of benzimidazol-2-ylidenes with respect to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been investigated using a combined experimental and computational approach. First, the grafting of benzimidazol-2-ylidenes bearing benzyl groups on the nitrogen atoms is described, and comparisons are made with structurally similar N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) bearing other N-groups. Similar reactivity was observed for all NHCs, with 1) the erosion of the AuNPs under the effect of the NHC and 2) the formation of bis(NHC) gold complexes. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the modes of grafting of such ligands, to determine adsorption energies, and to rationalize the spectroscopic data. Two types of computational models were developed to describe the grafting onto large or small AuNPs, with either periodic or cluster-type DFT calculations. Calculations of NMR parameters were performed on some of these models, and discussed in light of the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) copolymer derivatives containing 10% appended porphyrin moieties are prepared using a supramolecular approach toward applications in organic electro­nics. The self-assembled polythiophene-porphyrin copolymers are synthesized by coordination of the porphyrinato central zinc ions to the imidazole-functionalized polythiophene side chains. Evidence for the self-assembly process is provided by 1H NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and optical absorption studies on model compounds. The polythiophene-porphyrin copolymers show an extended absorption window in the region of 420-650 nm due to the contribution of the porphyrin. Photoluminescence studies indicate concentration-dependent energy transfer from P3HT to the porphyrin. Preliminary photovoltaic studies are performed by combining the polythiophene-porphyrin copolymers with PC61BM in the photo­active layer of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The supramolecular organization of modified thiophenes resulting from N⋅⋅⋅I halogen bonding (XB) has been studied. X-ray diffraction analyses of two polymorphs of the same supramolecular complex showed an arrangement controlled by halogen-bonded pyridyl and tetrafluoroiodobenzene rings, one case with and the other without the presence of two different lone pair (lp)⋅⋅⋅π interactions, namely O⋅⋅⋅pyridyl and I⋅⋅⋅tetrafluoroiodobenzene contacts. To shed light on the interplay between these interactions, quantum mechanical calculations were performed at the ωB97X-D/6-31+G(d,p) level on both systems in the gas phase. The longer N⋅⋅⋅I distance observed in the crystal structure without lp⋅⋅⋅π interactions was also corroborated by dispersion-corrected DFT. These results represent the first case in which a synergy between lp⋅⋅⋅π interactions and XB is observed experimentally and confirmed by calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein a detailed study of the use of porphyrins fused to imidazolium salts as precursors of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands 1 M. Rhodium(I) complexes 6 M- 9 M were prepared by using 1 M ligands with different metal cations in the inner core of the porphyrin (M=NiII, ZnII, MnIII, AlIII, 2H). The electronic properties of the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were investigated by monitoring the spectroscopic changes occurring in the cod and CO ancillary ligands of [( 1 M)Rh(cod)Cl] and [( 1 M)Rh(CO)2Cl] complexes (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene). Porphyrin-NHC ligands 1 M with a trivalent metal cation such as MnIII and AlIII are overall poorer electron donors than porphyrin-NHC ligands with no metal cation or incorporating a divalent metal cation such as NiII and ZnII. Imidazolium salts 3 M (M=Ni, Zn, Mn, 2H) have also been used as NHC precursors to catalyze the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide. The results clearly show that the inner metal of the porphyrin has an important effect on the reactivity of the outer carbene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density SNP genotyping arrays can be designed for any species given sufficient sequence information of high quality. Two high-density SNP arrays relying on the Infinium iSelect technology (Illumina) were designed for use in the conifer white spruce ( Picea glauca). One array contained 7338 segregating SNPs representative of 2814 genes of various molecular functional classes for main uses in genetic association and population genetics studies. The other one contained 9559 segregating SNPs representative of 9543 genes for main uses in population genetics, linkage mapping of the genome and genomic prediction. The SNPs assayed were discovered from various sources of gene resequencing data. SNPs predicted from high-quality sequences derived from genomic DNA reached a genotyping success rate of 64.7%. Nonsingleton in silico SNPs (i.e. a sequence polymorphism present in at least two reads) predicted from expressed sequenced tags obtained with the Roche 454 technology and Illumina GAII analyser resulted in a similar genotyping success rate of 71.6% when the deepest alignment was used and the most favourable SNP probe per gene was selected. A variable proportion of these SNPs was shared by other nordic and subtropical spruce species from North America and Europe. The number of shared SNPs was inversely proportional to phylogenetic divergence and standing genetic variation in the recipient species, but positively related to allele frequency in P. glauca natural populations. These validated SNP resources should open up new avenues for population genetics and comparative genetic mapping at a genomic scale in spruce species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porphyrin–metal conjugates: Some representative examples of peripherally metalated porphyrins are depicted in the graphic. By combining the catalytic, electronic or cytotoxic properties of selected transition‐metal complexes with the binding and electronic properties of porphyrins, enhanced characteristics of the ensemble are generated. Appending one or more transition‐metal complexes to the periphery of porphyrins opens new avenues for potential applications in electron‐ or photon‐triggered catalytic reactions, optoelectronic properties of self‐assembled materials, and therapeutic or diagnostic tools in biomedicine. For more details see the Review by S. Richeter et al. on page 15442 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculated Au38 cluster is represented in the middle of the cover picture, coated by the N ‐ heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) presented in the paper. The falling binary code “01” illustrates that the Au38 clusters are issued from DFT calculations. Molecular bis(NHC) gold complexes obtained from the functionalization of the particles are represented around the cluster. An experimental 1H NMR solid ‐ state spectrum is shown in the lower part of the cover to remind the reader that the study combines experimental and computational approaches. More information can be found in the Full Paper by F. Tielens, F. Remacle, S. Richeter et al. on page 10446 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of thio-phene-3-carboxaldehyde and perfluoro-benzyl-triphenyl-phospho-nium bromide in the presence of sodium hydride gave the title compound, C(12)H(5)F(5)S, in 70% yield. The thiophene and perfluorophenyl groups form a dihedral angle of 5.4 (2)°. The structure is characterized by a head-to-tail organization in a columnar arrangement due to π-π inter-actions between the thio-phene and penta-fluoro-phenyl rings with centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.698 (2)-3.802 (2) Å.

The title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(7)H(5)Cl(2))], represents a versatile building block for the preparation of π-conjugated redox-active compounds or polymetallic organometallic systems due to the presence of the electrochemically active ferrocenyl unit. It is therefore a potential starting material for the preperation of the corresponding alkyne. In the crystal, the alkenyl unit and the cyclo-penta-dienide ring are almost parallel, with an angle between the best planes of only 10.6 (4)°.

In the title compound, C(20)H(16)Br(4), both vinylic substituents were introduced by a Corey-Fuchs reaction using 4,12-diform-yl[2.2]paracyclo-phane as starting material. The title compound may be used as a valuable precursor for the synthesis of diethyn-yl[2.2]paracyclo-phane. The title mol-ecule is centrosymmetric with a crystallographic center of inversion between the centers of the two phenyl rings. A strong tilting is observed with an inter-planar angle between the best aromatic plane and the vinyl plane of 49.4 (5)°. No significant inter-molecular inter-actions are found in the crystal.