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Precise control of substrate positioning and orientation (its proximity to the reactive unit) is often invoked to rationalize the superior enzymatic reaction rates and selectivities when compared to synthetic models. Artificial nonheme iron (IV) oxo (Fe(IV)=O) complexes react with C(sp3)−H bonds via a biomimetic Hydrogen Atom Transfer/Hydroxyl Rebound mechanism, but rates, site‐selectivity and even hydroxyl rebound efficiency (ligand rebound versus substrate radical diffusion) are smaller than in oxygenases. Herein, we quantitatively analyze how substrate binding modulates nonheme Fe(IV)=O reactivity by comparing rates and outcomes of C−H oxidation by a pair of Fe(IV)=O complexes that share the same first coordination sphere but only one contains a crown ether receptor that recognizes the substrate. Substrate binding makes the reaction intramolecular, exhibiting Michaelis–Menten kinetics and increased reaction rates. In addition, C−H oxidation occurs with high site selectivity for remote sites. Analysis of Effective Molarity reveals that the system operates at its maximal theoretical capability for the oxidation of these remote sites. Remarkably, substrate positioning also affects Hydroxyl Rebound, whose efficiency only increases on the sites placed in proximity by recognition. Overall, these observations provide evidence that supramolecular control of substrate positioning can effectively modulate the reactivity of oxygenases and its models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Activated Carboxylic Acids (ACAs) allows the time‐controlled operation of dissipative chemical systems based on the acid‐base reaction by providing both the stimulus that temporarily drives a physicochemical change and, subsequently, the counter‐stimulus with a single reagent addition. However, their application is inherently limited to acid‐sensitive systems. To overcome this limitation, we herein develop a straightforward device for the transduction of the acid‐base stimuli delivered by an ACA into a voltage signal that, in turn, is used to control voltage‐sensitive circuits that are not pH‐responsive by themselves. The signal transductor can be easily assembled from common laboratory equipment and employs aqueous solutions of readily available chemicals. Furthermore, the operator can simply and intuitively tune the amplitude of the voltage signal, as well as its duration and offset by varying the concentration of the chemical species involved in the transduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemoselectivity between S‐oxidation and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from C−H bonds has been investigated in the oxidations of a series of aryl sulfides, alkyl aromatic compounds and benzylic alcohols promoted by the iron(IV)‐oxo complex [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+ (N4Py: N,N‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐N‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐methylamine) either alone or in the presence of the N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) mediator via kinetic and product studies. Kinetic analyses indicate a generally higher reactivity of [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+ for S‐oxidation process while HAT is favored in the reactions promoted by phthalimide‐N‐oxyl radical (PINO) deriving from NHPI oxidation. Product analysis in intermolecular competitive oxidations confirms the kinetic results with sulfoxides obtained as major products in the oxidation promoted by [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+. Conversely, when NHPI is employed as a mediator, significant differences in terms of chemoselectivity are observed, and HAT‐derived products are obtained in higher yields which translate into an inversion of selectivity in the case of the substrates containing activated C−H bonds like diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane and benzylic alcohols. A similar change of chemoselectivity is also observed in the oxidation of aromatic substrates containing both a sulfur atom and α to OH benzylic C−H bonds, with the sulfoxide product more abundant in the absence of NHPI and carbonyl products prevailing with the [(N4Py)FeIV(O)]2+/NHPI system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this perspective, two different classes of multidentate ligands (aminotriphenolate and dipyridinimine) and the corresponding metal (Ti, V, Mo, W, Fe) complexes are described. These catalysts can activate efficiently the environmental benign H2O2 oxidant, promoting a wide variety of oxidative processes (sulfoxidations, N‐oxidations, epoxidations, haloperoxidation, alcohol oxidation, hydroxylation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The satisfactory rationalization of complex reactive pathways in solution chemistry may greatly benefit from the combined use of advanced experimental and theoretical complementary methods of analysis. In this work, we combine X‐Ray Absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopies with state‐of‐the‐art Multivariate Curve Resolution and theoretical analyses to gain a comprehensive view on a prototypical reaction involving the variation of the oxidation state and local structure environment of a selected metal ion coordinated by organic ligands. Specifically, we investigate the 2‐cyano‐2‐phenylpropanoic acid reduction of the octahedral complex established by the Cu2+ ion with terpyridine to the tetrahedral complex formed by Cu+ and neocuproine. Through our interdisciplinary approach we gain insights into the nature, concentration time evolution and structures of the key metal (XAS measurements) and organic (1H NMR measurements) species under reaction. We believe our method may prove to be useful in the toolbox necessary to understand the mechanisms of reactive processes of interest in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinetic and product study of the 3‐cyano‐N‐methyl‐quinolinium photoinduced monoelectronic oxidation of a series of β‐hydroxysulfoxides has been carried out to investigate the competition between Cα‐S and Cα‐Cβ bond cleavage within the corresponding cation radicals. Laser flash photolysis experiments unequivocally established the formation of sulfoxide cation radicals showing their absorption band (λmax ≈ 520 nm) and that of 3‐CN‐NMQ• (λmax ≈ 390 nm). Steady‐state photolysis experiments suggest that, in contrast to what previously observed for alkyl phenyl sulfoxide cation radicals that exclusively undergo Cα‐S bond cleavage, the presence of a β‐hydroxy group makes, in some cases, the Cα‐Cβ scission competitive. The factors governing this competition seem to depend on the relative stability of the fragments formed from the two bond scissions. Substitution of the β‐OH group with ‐OMe did not dramatically change the reactivity pattern of the cation radicals thus suggesting that the observed favorable effect of the hydroxy group on the Cα‐Cβ bond cleavage mainly resides on its capability to stabilize the carbocation formed upon this scission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictability is a key requirement to encompass late‐stage C−H functionalization in synthetic routes. However, prediction (and control) of reaction selectivity is usually challenging, especially for complex substrate structures and elusive transformations such as remote C(sp³)−H oxidation, as it requires distinguishing a specific C−H bond from many others with similar reactivity. Developed here is a strategy for predictable, remote C−H oxidation that entails substrate binding to a supramolecular Mn or Fe catalyst followed by elucidation of the conformation of the host‐guest adduct by NMR analysis. These analyses indicate which remote C−H bonds are suitably oriented for the oxidation before carrying out the reaction, enabling prediction of site selectivity. This strategy was applied to late‐stage C(sp³)−H oxidation of amino‐steroids at C15 (or C16) positions, with a selectivity tunable by modification of catalyst chirality and metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictability is a key requirement to encompass late‐stage C−H functionalization in synthetic routes. However, prediction (and control) of reaction selectivity is usually challenging, especially for complex substrate structures and elusive transformations such as remote C(sp3)−H oxidation, as it requires distinguishing a specific C−H bond from many others with similar reactivity. Developed here is a strategy for predictable, remote C−H oxidation that entails substrate binding to a supramolecular Mn or Fe catalyst followed by elucidation of the conformation of the host‐guest adduct by NMR analysis. These analyses indicate which remote C−H bonds are suitably oriented for the oxidation before carrying out the reaction, enabling prediction of site selectivity. This strategy was applied to late‐stage C(sp3)−H oxidation of amino‐steroids at C15 (or C16) positions, with a selectivity tunable by modification of catalyst chirality and metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we report that an imine‐based iron complex decorated with crown‐ether moieties self‐assembles in CH3CN solution from three building blocks (namely Fe(CH3CN)2(OTf)2, 2‐picolylamine and aldehyde 6a) added in the proper molar ratio (1:2:2, respectively). Aldehyde 6a, endowed with a benzocrown‐ether receptor, can be prepared in two steps from commercial materials with high yields (79 %) and no need of chromatographic separations. The self‐assembled complex is highly stable in CH3CN solution. The complex has been tested as catalyst for the oxidation of aromatic compounds endowed with primary ammonium anchoring group with H2O2. An unexpected yet moderate selectivity for remote meta over ortho hydroxylation was obtained, which is mainly due to the steric hindrance of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Cover Feature: Signal Transduction Allows Temporal Control of the Potential of a Concentration Cell Driven by the Decarboxylation of an Activated Carboxylic Acid" explores the concept of using signal transduction to control the potential of a concentration cell. The authors demonstrate this concept by using an anthropomorphic nitroacetic acid to turn a light bulb on and off. The degradation of the acid to nitromethane and CO2 controls the connection between the light bulb and the socket. The article suggests that this time-controllable pH signal can be used to govern electric devices. [Extracted from the article]

The upgrading of complex bio‐renewable feedstock, such as lignocellulose, through depolymerisation benefits from the selective reactions at key functional groups. Applying homogeneous catalysts developed for selective organic oxidative transformations to complex feedstock such as lignin is challenged by the presence of interfering components. The selection of appropriate model compounds is essential in applying new catalytic systems and identifying such interferences. Here, it was shown by using as an example the oxidation of a model substrate containing a β‐O‐4 linkage with H2O2 and an in situ‐prepared manganese‐based catalyst, capable of efficient oxidation of benzylic alcohols, that interference from compounds liberated during the reaction can prevent its application to lignocellulose depolymerisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Back and forth motions of the acid–base‐operated molecular switch 1 are photo‐controlled by irradiation of a solution, which also contains the photolabile pre‐fuel 4. The photo‐stimulated deprotection of the pre‐fuel produces controlled amounts of acid 2, the base‐promoted decarboxylation of which fuels the back and forth motions of the Sauvage‐type [2]‐catenane‐based molecular switch. Because switch 1 and pre‐fuel 4 do not interact in the absence of irradiation, an excess of the latter with respect to 1 can be added to the solution from the beginning. In principle, photocontrol of the back and forth motions of any molecular machine, the operation of which is guided by protonation/deprotonation, could be attained by use of pre‐fuel 4, or of any other protected acid that undergoes deprotection by irradiation with light at a proper wavelength, followed by decarboxylation under conveniently mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site-selective C−H functionalization of aliphatic alkyl chains is a longstanding challenge in oxidation catalysis, given the comparable relative reactivity of the different methylenes. A supramolecular, bioinspired approach is described to address this challenge. A Mn complex able to catalyze C(sp3)-H hydroxylation with H2O2 is equipped with 18-benzocrown-6 ether receptors that bind ammonium substrates via hydrogen bonding. Reversible pre-association of protonated primary aliphatic amines with the crown ether selectively exposes remote positions (C8 and C9) to the oxidizing unit, resulting in a site-selective oxidation. Remarkably, such control of selectivity retains its efficiency for a whole series of linear amines, overriding the intrinsic reactivity of C−H bonds, no matter the chain length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-heme iron complexes are emerging as powerful and versatile catalysts in several oxidative transformations. The most investigated iron complex structures are based on aminopyridine ligands, but a number of imine-based ligands have been also tested. In this review a collection of recent results obtained in oxidation catalysis with non-heme imine-based iron complexes is presented. Their catalytic performances in CH, CC and S oxidation are spread over a wide range of efficiency, going from very low to quite high. Such performances are discussed, whenever possible, in light of the operating reaction mechanisms and of catalyst stability. In order to facilitate the discussion, an initial survey of the most useful mechanistic tools widely applied to distinguish a metal-based oxidation from a radical-chain process is also reported. Imine-based catalysts are divided into two classes: (i) salen-Fe complexes, and (ii) imine-Fe complexes. In some cases clues for free-radical oxidation mechanisms have been reported while in other cases evidence for metal-based mechanisms has been collected. The preferred mechanistic pathway is shown to be a function of catalyst structure and features. Interestingly, some imine-based iron complexes are able to perform stereospecific oxidation reactions, demonstrating that the imine functionality can be incorporated in ligands designed for oxidation catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes most of the recent work by our group on the kinetic aspects of a variety of fragmentation reactions of radical cations involving the cleavage of C&bond;H, O&bond;H, C&bond;C, and C&bond;S bonds. In particular, the problems that have been addressed concern: (a) the carbon acidity/oxygen acidity dichotomy in the fragmentation of aryl- and thioarylalkanol radical cations; (b) the decarboxylation of aryl and thioarylacetic acid radical cations; (c) the structural factors influencing the rate of C&bond;S bond cleavage in the radical cations of phenyl alkyl sulfides. The results presented and discussed have allowed us to recognize the important role played by the electron reorganization energy, associated with the intramolecular electron transfer from the scissile bond to the SOMO, with respect to the dynamics and mechanism of the fragmentation process in the radical cation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the prochiral selectivity in hydrogen peroxide-promoted oxidation of arylalkanols catalysed by chloroperoxidase (CPO). Characterization of the undeuterated arylalkanols; Importance of the enzymatic oxidation of alcohols; Kinetics of the CPO-catalysed oxidations of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol.

Describes the oxidation of aromatic sulfides from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Role of lignin peroxidase in the oxidation process; Formation of sulfide radical cation; Reactivity of lignin peroxidase to sulfides.

In this perspective, two different classes of multidentate ligands (aminotriphenolate and dipyridinimine) and the corresponding metal (Ti, V, Mo, W, Fe) complexes are described. These catalysts can activate efficiently the environmental benign H2O2 oxidant, promoting a wide variety of oxidative processes (sulfoxidations, N‐oxidations, epoxidations, haloperoxidation, alcohol oxidation, hydroxylation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 170 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 249 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinetic and product study of the 3‐cyano‐N‐methyl‐quinolinium photoinduced monoelectronic oxidation of a series of β‐hydroxysulfoxides has been carried out to investigate the competition between Cα‐S and Cα‐Cβ bond cleavage within the corresponding cation radicals. Laser flash photolysis experiments unequivocally established the formation of sulfoxide cation radicals showing their absorption band (λmax ≈ 520 nm) and that of 3‐CN‐NMQ• (λmax ≈ 390 nm). Steady‐state photolysis experiments suggest that, in contrast to what previously observed for alkyl phenyl sulfoxide cation radicals that exclusively undergo Cα‐S bond cleavage, the presence of a β‐hydroxy group makes, in some cases, the Cα‐Cβ scission competitive. The factors governing this competition seem to depend on the relative stability of the fragments formed from the two bond scissions. Substitution of the β‐OH group with ‐OMe did not dramatically change the reactivity pattern of the cation radicals thus suggesting that the observed favorable effect of the hydroxy group on the Cα‐Cβ bond cleavage mainly resides on its capability to stabilize the carbocation formed upon this scission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]