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We report four new luminescent tetracationic bis‐triarylborane DNA and RNA sensors that show high binding affinities, in several cases even in the nanomolar range. Three of the compounds contain substituted, highly emissive and structurally flexible bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl‐4‐ethynyl)arene linkers (3: arene=5,5′‐2,2′‐bithiophene; 4: arene=1,4‐benzene; 5: arene=9,10‐anthracene) between the two boryl moieties and serve as efficient dual Raman and fluorescence chromophores. The shorter analogue 6 employs 9,10‐anthracene as the linker and demonstrates the importance of an adequate linker length with a certain level of flexibility by exhibiting generally lower binding affinities than 3–5. Pronounced aggregation–deaggregation processes are observed in fluorimetric titration experiments with DNA for compounds 3 and 5. Molecular modelling of complexes of 5 with AT‐DNA, suggest the minor groove as the dominant binding site for monomeric 5, but demonstrate that dimers of 5 can also be accommodated. Strong SERS responses for 3–5 versus a very weak response for 6, particularly the strong signals from anthracene itself observed for 5 but not for 6, demonstrate the importance of triple bonds for strong Raman activity in molecules of this compound class. The energy of the characteristic stretching vibration of the C≡C bonds is significantly dependent on the aromatic moiety between the triple bonds. The insertion of aromatic moieties between two C≡C bonds thus offers an alternative design for dual Raman and fluorescence chromophores, applicable in multiplex biological Raman imaging., Aromatic alternative: Four bis‐triarylborane chromophores with high binding affinities to DNA and RNA are reported. Three of them employ bis(phenylethynyl)arene linkers and are strongly fluorescent and highly Raman active. Fluorimetric titration experiments reveal distinct aggregation–deaggregation processes for two of the compounds, and molecular modelling of complexes of the compounds with DNA illustrates and corroborates the experimental findings.

A quantitative Lewis acidity/basicity scale toward boron‐centered Lewis acids has been developed based on a set of 90 experimental equilibrium constants for the reactions of triarylboranes with various O‐, N‐, S‐, and P‐centered Lewis bases in dichloromethane at 20 °C. Analysis with the linear free energy relationship log K B=LA B+LB B allows equilibrium constants, K B, to be calculated for any type of borane/Lewis base combination through the sum of two descriptors, one for Lewis acidity (LA B) and one for Lewis basicity (LB B). The resulting Lewis acidity/basicity scale is independent of fixed reference acids/bases and valid for various types of trivalent boron‐centered Lewis acids. It is demonstrated that the newly developed Lewis acidity/basicity scale is easily extendable through linear relationships with quantum‐chemically calculated or common physical–organic descriptors and known thermodynamic data (ΔH BF3 ). Furthermore, this experimental platform can be utilized for the rational development of borane‐catalyzed reactions., Loose or Lewis? A comprehensive set of experimental equilibrium constants reveals the strength of interactions between boron‐centered Lewis acids and N‐, O‐, S‐, and P‐centered Lewis bases. Data analysis shows that two‐parameter Equation (1) enables Lewis adduct formation to be straightforwardly predicted for borane/Lewis base couples. Experimental data can be supplemented by quantum‐chemical calculations for a rational design of borane‐catalyzed reactions.

Metalation of secondary diaminophosphine boranes by alkali metal amides provides a robust and selective access route to a range of metal diaminophosphide boranes M[(R2N)2P(BH3)] (M=Li, Na, K; R=alkyl, aryl) with acyclic or heterocyclic molecular backbones, whereas reduction of a chlorodiaminophosphine borane gave less satisfactory results. The metalated species were characterized in situ by NMR spectroscopy and in two cases isolated as crystalline solids. Single‐crystal XRD studies revealed the presence of salt‐like structures with strongly interacting ions. Synthetic applications of K[(R2N)2P(BH3)] were studied in reactions with a 1,2‐dichlorodisilane and CS2, which afforded either mono‐ or difunctional phosphine boranes with a rare combination of electronegative amino and electropositive functional disilanyl groups on phosphorus, or a phosphinodithioformate. Spectroscopic studies gave a first hint that removal of the borane fragment may be feasible., It′s just so plain borane: Alkali metal diaminophosphide boranes, which can be selectively prepared by metalation of PH‐substituted precursors with non‐nucleophilic amides, were for the first time isolated and characterized crystallographically. Their synthetic application as highly functional nucleophilic building blocks is illustrated in metatheses with a dichlorodisilane and the formation of a stable carbon disulfide adduct.

The dative Pd→B interaction in a series of RDPBR’ Pd0 and PdII complexes (RDPBR’=(o‐PR2C6H4)2BR’, diphosphinoborane) was analyzed using XRD, 11B NMR spectroscopy and NBO/NLMO calculations. The borane acceptor discriminates between the oxidation state PdII and Pd0, stabilizing the latter. Reaction of lithium amides with [(RDPBR’)PdII(4‐NO2C6H4)I] chemoselectively yields the C−N coupling product. DFT modelling indicates no significant impact of PdII→B coordination on the inner‐sphere reductive elimination rate., Ligand effects: The borane acceptor in diphosphinoborane ligands discriminates between the oxidation state PdII and Pd0, stabilizing the latter. The impact of the Pd→B interaction on inner‐sphere C−N bond reductive elimination of N,N‐dimethyl‐4‐nitroaniline was investigated (see scheme).

Herein reported are the reactions of an electron‐rich, Lewis acidic diborane with N‐heterocyclic aromatics to give first members of an unprecedented family of highly charged cationic cyclophanes with diboranyl units. Tetracationic cyclophanes with 4,4‘‐bipyridine/ 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene and diboranyl units were synthesized and their redox chemistry was studied. Cyclisation of two diboranyl and two pyrazine units is accompanied by electron transfer from the diboranyl unit to the pyrazine. Our results pave the way for the integration of redox‐active diboranyl units into cyclophanes and supramolecular structures., Electron‐Rich cyclophanes: Unprecedented, highly charged cyclophanes with diboranyl units are synthesized and their redox and optical properties studied.

Investigations on the antitumor activity of metallacarboranes are sparse in the literature and limited to a handful of ruthena‐ and molybdacarboranes. In this study, the molybdacarborane fragment [3‐(CO)2‐closo‐3,1,2‐MoC2B9H11] was combined with a vector molecule, inspired by the well‐known drug tamoxifen or 4,4′‐dihydroxytamoxifen (TAM‐diOH). The molybdacarborane derivative [3,3‐{4‐[1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)but‐1‐en‐2‐yl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐κ2 N,N′}‐3‐(CO)2‐closo‐3,1,2‐MoC2B9H11] (10), as well as the ligand itself 4‐[1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)but‐1‐en‐2‐yl]‐2,2′‐bipyridine (6) showed cytotoxic activities in the low micromolar range against breast adenocarcinoma (MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐361 and MCF‐7), human glioblastoma (LN‐229) and human glioma (U‐251) cell lines. In addition, compounds 6 and 10 were found to induce senescence and cytodestructive autophagy, lower ROS/RNS levels, but only the molybdacarborane 10 induced a strong increase of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the MCF‐7 cells., Privileged structures: Applying this drug design concept on the well‐known anticancer drug tamoxifen leads to its 2,2′‐bipyridine‐modified derivative, which is a vector for molybdacarboranes. The biological activity profile contrasts with those of other organic or inorganic selective estrogen receptor modulators: whereas the ROS/RNS levels are decreased, the NO levels increase. The ability to form nanoparticles with bovine serum albumin opens the way to modern nanomedicine.

Dearomatization is an effective method to transform readily available N‐heterocycles into partially saturated motifs. Manipulation of dihydro‐derivatives holds great potential and provides access to a variety of semi‐saturated N‐heterocyclic building blocks. However, current strategies are limited in scope and the use of sensitive reagents restricts the applicability in synthetic laboratories. Herein, we report the synthesis of a broad variety of N‐substituted 1,4‐ and 1,2‐dihydropyridines by very mild and selective reduction with amine borane for the first time., Metal‐free dearomatization of N‐heteroarenes is a well‐known and powerful method to yield partially saturated N‐heterocyclic building blocks. Yet, the use of sensitive reagents restricts the applicability in synthetic laboratories. Herein, we present a very mild and selective reduction of N‐heteroarenes by amine borane to synthesize a broad variety of N‐substituted 1,4‐ and 1,2‐dihydropyridines.

The first C5 polymerization is reported, where the main‐chain is growing by five carbon atoms of the monomer at a time. Three dienyltriphenylarsonium ylide monomers were synthesized and polymerized with triethylborane as an initiator, leading to random terpolymers (C1, C3, C5) with mainly C5 repeating units (up to 84.1 %). It has been found that the methyl group (electron‐donating substituent) on the conjugated double bond of the ylides facilitates the formation of C5 segments. A mechanism was proposed based on NMR characterization and DFT calculations. The high C5 content ensures that things are on the right track for pure C5 homopolymerization., Reported for the first time is an unusual borane‐initiated polymerization of arsonium ylide monomers, where the main‐chain grows by five carbon atoms, from the monomer, at a time and leads to unique structures.

Reactions of the diborane(4) B2(o‐tolyl)4 and monohydridoboranes are shown to give B(o‐tolyl)3 and (o‐tolyl)BR2 (R2=(C8H14) 3, cat 4, pin 5, (C6F5)2 6) as the major products. The corresponding reaction with BH3‐sources gives complex mixtures, resulting from hydride/aryl exchange, dimerization and borane elimination. This led to the isolation of the first tetra‐substituted pentaborane(9) HB[B(o‐tolyl)(μ‐H)]4 8. The reaction pathways are probed experimentally and by computations., The diborane(4) B2(o‐tolyl)4 reacts with species with B−H bonds giving a complex mixture arising from hydride/aryl exchange, dimerization and borane elimination. Use of BH3 sources led to the isolation of the first tetra‐substituted pentaborane(9) HB[B(o‐tolyl)(μ‐H)]4.

Boron reluctantly forms B=X (X=O, S, Se, Te) moieties, which has stimulated the quest for such species in the past few years. Based on the N,N′‐chelating β‐diketiminato ligand (HNacNac), a new amido imidazoline‐2‐imine ligand system (HAmIm) is presented, giving rise to the isolation of an exhaustive series of Lewis acid free, monomeric chalcogen B=X boranes with documented π‐bond character between boron and the chalcogen. The chalcogenoboranes are isoelectronic and isolobal to the respective ketones. The chemical behavior of the oxoborane (B=O) strongly resembles the classical carbonyl reactivity in C=O bonds. The improved stability provided by HAmIm arises from the formation of more‐stable five‐membered boron chelates versus the six‐membered NacNac analogues and from the imidazoline‐2‐imine moiety providing enhanced σ‐ and π‐donation. The HAmIm ligand class may supersede the widely employed NacNac system in certain applications., The new N,N′‐chelating amido imidazoline‐2‐imine ligand (HAmIm) was designed to supersede the widely employed β‐diketiminato ligand (HNacNac). The superior stability of the HAmIm system is exemplified for a series of chalcogenoboranes with confirmed B=X double bonds (X=O, S, Se, Te), which are isoelectronic and isolobal to ketones, including their heavier analogues.

Two different chromophores, namely a dipolar and an octupolar system, were prepared and their linear and nonlinear optical properties as well as their bioimaging capabilities were compared. Both contain triphenylamine as the donor and a triarylborane as the acceptor, the latter modified with cationic trimethylammonio groups to provide solubility in aqueous media. The octupolar system exhibits a much higher two‐photon brightness, and also better cell viability and enhanced selectivity for lysosomes compared with the dipolar chromophore. Furthermore, both dyes were applied in two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) live‐cell imaging., Dipole versus octupole: Branching of a cationic triarylborane chromophore leads to a cooperative increase in the two‐photon absorption cross‐section and brightness, as well as higher selectivity towards lysosomes and better cell viability. The octupolar dye was demonstrated to be an ideal candidate for two‐photon excited fluorescence imaging of lysosomes in live cells.

The steric and electronic properties of aryl substituents in monoaryl borohydrides (Li[ArBH3]) and dihydroboranes were systematically varied and their reactions with [Ru(PCy3)2HCl(H2)] (Cy: cyclohexyl) were studied, resulting in bis(σ)‐borane or terminal borylene complexes of ruthenium. These variations allowed for the investigation of the factors involved in the activation of dihydroboranes in the synthesis of terminal borylene complexes. The complexes were studied by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and computational results suggest that the ortho‐substitution of the aryl groups is necessary for the formation of terminal borylene complexes., Protect the boron: Systematic investigation of the steric and electronic factors of dihydroboranes revealed that boranes bearing ortho‐substituted aryl groups are required for borylene formation on a ruthenium(II) center.

A novel and convenient methodology for the one‐pot synthesis of sterically congested triarylboranes by using bench‐stable aryltrifluoroborates as the boron source is reported. This procedure gives systematic access to symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted triarylboranes of the types BAr2Ar’ and BArAr'Ar’’, respectively. Three unsymmetrically substituted triarylboranes as well as their iridium‐catalyzed C−H borylation products are reported. These borylated triarylboranes contain one to three positions that can subsequently be orthogonally functionalized in follow‐up reactions, such as Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐couplings or Sonogashira couplings., A widely applicable one‐pot synthetic approach to air‐ and moisture‐stable triarylboranes with up to three different aromatic rings starting from bench‐stable boron precursors is reported. In addition, these compounds are shown to be easily post‐functionalized, thus making them versatile building blocks for the syntheses of functional materials.

Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide are two of the most important vasoprotective mediators. Their downregulation observed during vascular dysfunction, which is associated with cancer progression, leads to uncontrolled platelet activation. Therefore, the aim of our studies was to improve vasoprotection and to decrease platelet activation during progression of mouse mammary gland cancer by concurrent use of CO and NO donors (CORM-A1 and DETA/NO, respectively). Methods: Mice injected intravenously with 4T1-luc2-tdTomato or orthotopically with 4T1 mouse mammary gland cancer cells were treated with CORM-A1 and DETA/NO. Ex vivo aggregation and activation of platelets were assessed in the blood of healthy donors and breast cancer patients. Moreover, we analyzed the compounds' direct effect on 4T1 mouse and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells proliferation, adhesion and migration in vitro. Results: We have observed antimetastatic effect of combination therapy, which was only transient in orthotopic model. During early stages of tumor progression concurrent use of CORM-A1 and DETA/NO demonstrated vasoprotective ability (decreased endothelin-1, sICAM and sE-selectin plasma level) and downregulated platelets activation (decreased bound of fibrinogen and vWf to platelets) as well as inhibited EMT process. Combined treatment with CO and NO donors diminished adhesion and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibited aggregation as well as TGF-β release from breast cancer patients' platelets ex vivo. However, antimetastatic effect was not observed at a later stage of tumor progression which was accompanied by increased platelets activation and endothelial dysfunction related to a decrease of VASP level. Conclusion: The therapy was shown to have antimetastatic action and resulted in normalization of endothelial metabolism, diminution of platelet activation and inhibition of EMT process. The effect was more prominent during early stages of tumor dissemination. Such treatment could be applied to inhibit metastasis during the first stages of this process.

A water‐soluble tetracationic quadrupolar bis‐triarylborane chromophore showed strong binding to ds‐DNA, ds‐RNA, ss‐RNA, as well as to the naturally most abundant protein, BSA. The novel dye can distinguish between DNA/RNA and BSA by fluorescence emission separated by Δν˜ =3600 cm−1, allowing for the simultaneous quantification of DNA/RNA and protein (BSA) in a mixture. The applicability of such fluorimetric differentiation in vitro was demonstrated, strongly supporting a protein‐like target as a dominant binding site of 1 in cells. Moreover, our dye also bound strongly to ss‐RNA, with the unusual rod‐like structure of the dye, decorated by four positive charges at its termini and having a hydrophobic core, acting as a spindle for wrapping A, C and U ss‐RNAs, but not poly G, the latter preserving its secondary structure. To the best of our knowledge, such unmatched, multifaceted binding activity of a small molecule toward DNA, RNA, and proteins and the selectivity of its fluorimetric and chirooptic response makes the quadrupolar bis‐triarylborane a novel chromophore/fluorophore moiety for biochemical applications., Boron finds DNA, RNA and BSA: A water‐soluble tetracationic quadrupolar bis‐triarylborane chromophore as ratiometric sensor for DNA/RNA and protein (BSA) is presented. This novel dye can distinguish between DNA/RNA and BSA by a characteristic fluorescence emission.

The influence of substituents on α‐borylated phosphorus ylides (α‐BCPs) has been investigated in a combined experimental and quantum chemical approach. The synthesis and characterization of Me$_{3}$PC(H)B(iBu)$_{2}$ (1), consisting of small Me substituents on phosphorous and iBu residues on boron, is reported. Compound 1 is accessible through a novel synthetic approach, which has been further elucidated through DFT studies. The reactivity of 1 towards various small molecules was probed and compared with that of a previously published derivative, Ph$_{3}$PC(Me)BEt$_{2}$ (2). Both α‐BCPs react with NH$_{3}$ to undergo heterolytic N−H bond cleavage. Different di‐ and trimeric ring structures were observed in the reaction products of 1 with CO and CO$_{2}$. With PhNCO and PHNCS, the expected insertion products [Me$_{3}$PC(H)(PhNCO)B(iBu)$_{2}$] and [Me$_{3}$PC(H)(PhNCS)B(iBu)$_{2}$], respectively, were isolated.

N‐heterocyclic olefins (NHOs), relatives of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), exhibit high nucleophilicity and soft Lewis basic character. To investigate their π‐electron donating ability, NHOs were attached to triarylborane π‐acceptors (A) giving donor (D)–π–A compounds 1–3. In addition, an enamine π‐donor analogue (4) was synthesized for comparison. UV–visible absorption studies show a larger red shift for the NHO‐containing boranes than for the enamine analogue, a relative of cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes (CAACs). Solvent‐dependent emission studies indicate that 1–4 have moderate intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) behavior. Electrochemical investigations reveal that the NHO‐containing boranes have extremely low reversible oxidation potentials (e.g., for 3, Eox1/2 =−0.40 V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium, Fc/Fc+, in THF). Time‐dependent (TD) DFT calculations show that the HOMOs of 1–3 are much more destabilized than that of the enamine‐containing 4, which confirms the stronger donating ability of NHOs., Donor–acceptor N‐heterocyclic olefin (NHO)–triarylboranes show solvatochromism in both absorption and emission. Electrochemical studies reveal extremely low reversible oxidation potentials for the NHO–boranes, indicating the electron rich properties of the NHO.

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signaling plays a central role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis of hepatic cells. Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-A1 (CORM-A1) has been reported to stimulate up-regulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in hepatocytes. However, the role of CORM-A1 in improving lipid metabolism, antioxidant signaling and mitochondrial functions in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is unknown. In this study, we report that CORM-A1 prevents hepatic steatosis in high fat high fructose (HFHF) diet fed C57BL/6J mice, used as model of NASH. The beneficial effects of CORM-A1 in HFHF fed mice was associated with improved lipid homeostasis, Nrf2 activation, upregulation of antioxidant responsive (ARE) genes and increased ATP production. As, mitochondria are intracellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and important sites of lipid metabolism, we further investigated the mechanisms of action of CORM-A1-mediated improvement in mitochondrial function in palmitic acid (PA) treated HepG2 cells. Cellular oxidative stress and cell viability were found to be improved in PA + CORM-A1 treated cells via Nrf2 translocation and activation of cytoprotective genes. Furthermore, in PA treated cells, CORM-A1 improved mitochondrial oxidative stress, membrane potential and rescued mitochondrial biogenesis thru upregulation of Drp1, TFAM, PGC-1α and NRF-1 genes. CORM-A1 treatment improved cellular status by lowering glycolytic respiration and maximizing OCR. Improvement in mitochondrial respiration and increment in ATP production in PA + CORM-A1 treated cells further corroborate our findings. In summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that CORM-A1 ameliorates tissue damage in steatotic liver via Nrf2 activation and improved mitochondrial function, thus, suggesting the anti-NASH potential of CORM-A1., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • CORM-A1 facilitates Nrf2 translocation and regulates cellular redox homeostasis in liver. • CORM-A1 improves antioxidant status and lipid metabolism in liver. • CORM-A1 induces mitochondrial biogenesis, improves energetics and cellular respiration in HepG2 cells.

Lower Lewis acidity boranes demonstrate greater tolerance to combinations of water/strong Brønsted bases than B(C6F5)3, this enables Si−H bond activation by a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) mechanism to proceed in the presence of H2O/alkylamines. Specifically, BPh3has improved water tolerance in the presence of alkylamines as the Brønsted acidic adduct H2O–BPh3does not undergo irreversible deprotonation with aliphatic amines in contrast to H2O–B(C6F5)3. Therefore BPh3is a catalyst for the reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones with alkylamines using silanes as reductants. A range of amines inaccessible using B(C6F5)3as catalyst, were accessible by reductive amination catalysed by BPh3via an operationally simple methodology requiring no purification of BPh3or reagents/solvent. BPh3has a complementary reductive amination scope to B(C6F5)3with the former not an effective catalyst for the reductive amination of arylamines, while the latter is not an effective catalyst for the reductive amination of alkylamines. This disparity is due to the different pKavalues of the water–borane adducts and the greater susceptibility of BPh3species towards protodeboronation. An understanding of the deactivation processes occurring using B(C6F5)3and BPh3as reductive amination catalysts led to the identification of a third triarylborane, B(3,5-Cl2C6H3)3, that has a broader substrate scope being able to catalyse the reductive amination of both aryl and alkyl amines with carbonyls.

Both homo‐ and heteroleptic alkyl and amide complexes of the Group 2 elements Mg and Ca are shown to be active for the catalytic dehydrocoupling of Me2NH⋅BH3. Reactions of either magnesium dialkyls or the β‐diketiminate complex [HC{(Me)CN(Dipp)}2MgnBu] with four or two equivalents of Me2NHBH3, respectively, produce compounds containing the [H3BNMe2BH2Me2N]− ion, which coordinates to the magnesium centers through Mg—N and Mg⋅⋅⋅HB interactions in both the solution and solid states. Thermolysis of these compounds at 60 °C produces the cyclic product [(H2BNMe2)2] and, it is proposed, magnesium hydrido species by an unprecedented δ‐hydride elimination process. Calcium‐based species, although less reactive than their magnesium‐based counterparts, are found to engage in similar dehydrocoupling reactivity and to produce a similar distribution of products under thermally promoted catalytic conditions. A mechanism for these observations is presented that involves initial production and insertion of H2B=NMe2 into polarized M—N bonds as the major B—N bond‐forming step. The efficacy of this insertion and subsequent β‐ or δ‐hydride elimination steps is proposed to be dependent upon the charge density and polarizing capability of the participating Group 2 center, providing a rationale for the observed differences in reactivity between magnesium and calcium., Alkaline release: Stoichiometric and catalytic reactions of alkaline earth (Mg and Ca) alkyls and amides with Me2NH⋅BH3 result in the formation of the corresponding amidoborane derivatives and dehydrogenative coupling of two amine–borane fragments under mild conditions (see graphic).WILEY-VCHThis article is being made freely available through PubMed Central as part of the COVID-19 public health emergency response. It can be used for unrestricted research re-use and analysis in any form or by any means with acknowledgement of the original source, for the duration of the public health emergency.

The pentapeptide-repeat protein EfsQnr from Enterococcus faecalis protects DNA gyrase from inhibition by fluoroquinolones. EfsQnr was cloned and purified to homogeneity, but failed to produce diffraction-quality crystals in initial crystallization screens. Treatment of EfsQnr with glutaraldehyde and the strong reducing agent borane-dimethylamine resulted in a derivatized protein which produced crystals that diffracted to 1.6 A resolution; their structure was subsequently determined by single-wavelength anomalous dispersion. Analysis of the derivatized protein using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry indicated a mass increase of 68 Da per free amino group. Electron-density maps about a limited number of structurally ordered lysines indicated that the modification was a cyclic pentylation of free amines, producing piperidine groups.

A new class of 4 H -imidazoles was synthesized starting from fused-ring aromatic dinitriles. Strong bathochromic shifts of the longest wavelength absorptions were observed in the corresponding UV/vis spectra due to a conversion of the merocyanine chromophores into cyanines/(aza)oxonoles upon protonation/deprotonation of the 4 H -imidazoles. Novel boratetraazapentalenes were synthesized via a cyclization reaction with boron trifluoride. These mesoionic species bearing a cyanine chromophore not only show NIR-fluorescence, they also participate as part of a quasi-reversible multi-step redox system. Large calculated semiquinone formation constants K SEM (3x10 10 to 5x10 11 ) indicate a high thermodynamic stability of the corresponding radical anions (SEM). Keywords: 4 H -Imidazoles, boratetraazapentalenes, multi-step redoxsystems, NIR-fluorescence. Introduction Over the last several years a great number of organic substances with extraordinary absorption, emission or electrochemical properties have been developed. In conjunction with materials science, many of these substances were employed in new materials such as displays, organic LED’s or other

Exposure to radiation can damage endothelial cells in the irradiated area via the production of reactive oxygen species. We synthesized phosphine–borane complexes that reduce disulfide bonds and had previously been shown to interfere with redox-mediated signaling of cell death. We hypothesized that this class of drugs could interfere with the downstream effects of oxidative stress after irradiation and rescue endothelial cells from radiation damage. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were plated for clonogenic assay prior to exposure to varying doses of irradiation from a 137Cs irradiator and treated with various concentrations of bis(3-propionic acid methyl ester)phenylphosphine borane complex (PB1) at different time points. The clone-forming ability of the irradiated cells was assessed seven days after irradiation. We compared the radioprotective effects of PB1 with the aminothiol radioprotectant WR1065 and known superoxide scavengers. PB1 significantly protected bovine aortic endothelial cells from radiation damage, particularly when treated both before and after radiation. The radioprotection with 1 µM PB1 corresponded to a dose-reduction factor of 1.24. Radioprotection by PB1 was comparable to the aminothiol WR1065, but was significantly less toxic and required much lower concentrations of drug (1 µM vs. 4 mM, respectively). Superoxide scavengers were not radioprotective in this paradigm, indicating the mechanisms for both loss of clonogenicity and PB1 radioprotection are independent of superoxide signaling. These data demonstrate that PB1 is an effective redox-active radioprotectant for endothelial cells in vitro, and is radioprotective at a concentration approximately 4 orders of magnitude lower than the aminothiol WR1065 with less toxicity., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Phosphine–borane complexes (PB) reduce disulfide bonds and modulate redox signaling. • PB1 protects endothelial cells from radiation damage before and after radiation. • Radioprotection with PB1 is independent of superoxide signaling. • PB1 radioprotection is similar to WR1065, but with less toxicity and more potency.

The aza-Diels–Alder cycloaddition of 1,2,4-triazines with alkynes offers a rapid and convenient method for the synthesis of highly substituted pyridines, but often requires harsh conditions and long reaction times. The present study offers a solution to these limitations by use of a temporary tether established by a Lewis acid–base complexation of in situ generated alkynylboranes and triazines bearing a Lewis basic donor. The cycloaddition reactions take place within 20 min at 40 °C and provide direct access to a broad range of pyridines with complete and predictable regiocontrol. The carbon—boron bond can be further functionalised by cross-coupling allowing further functionality to be introduced after cycloaddition.

Background and purpose: Carbon monoxide (CO) generated by the enzyme haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) during the breakdown of haeme is known to mediate a number of biological effects. Here, we investigated whether CO liberated from two water soluble carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) exerts inotropic effects on the myocardium. Experimental approach: Rat isolated hearts perfused either at constant flow or constant pressure were used to test the effect of CO-RMs. Key results: CORM-3, a fast CO releaser, produced a direct positive inotropic effect when cumulative doses (3, 10 and 30 μg min−1) or a single dose (5 μM) were infused at either constant coronary pressure (CCP) or constant coronary flow (CCF). The inotropic effect mediated by CORM-3 was abolished by blockade of soluble guanylate cyclase or Na+/H+ exchanger, but not by inhibitors of L-type Ca2+ channels and protein kinase C. CORM-3 also caused a slight reduction in heart rate but did not alter coronary flow. In contrast, the slow CO releaser CORM-A1 produced significant coronary vasodilatation when given at the highest concentration (30 μg min−1) but exerted no effect on myocardial contractility or heart rate. Conclusion and implications: A rapid CO release from CORM-3 exerts a direct positive inotropic effect on rat isolated perfused hearts, whereas CO slowly released by CORM-A1 had no effect on myocardial contractility but caused significant coronary vasodilatation. Both cGMP and Na+/H+ exchange appear to be involved in this effect but further work is needed to determine the relative contribution of each pathway in CO-mediated inotropic effect. British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 1104–1112. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706939

The structure, stability, and intermolecular rearrangements between ortho-, meta-, and para-C2B10H12 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\text{B}}_{{12}} {\text{H}}^{{2 - }}_{{12}}$$\end{document} were investigated using the hybrid density functional B3LYP/6-31G(d) for vibrational frequencies, as well as B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) for single-point electronic energies. The general trends in free energies of rearrangement between ortho-C2B10H12 to meta-C2B10H12 and meta-C2B10H12 to para-C2B10H12 presented here are consistent with experimental reaction temperatures. In addition, the majority of the rearrangements can be viewed in terms of concerted diamond–square–diamond steps and triangular face rotations. Figure Rearrangement pathways for C2B10H12. Values indicates free energies in KJ mol-1 at 800 K. Bold lines (dashed and solid) indicate the lowest free energy pathway from ortho-C2B10H12 to meth-C2B10H12 (bold and dashed) and from meta-C2B10H12 to para-C2B10H12 (bold and solid) Electronic Supplementary Material Electronic Supplementary Material found in http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00894-006-0111-5

Density functional theory computations were carried out for 11-vertex nido-p-block-hetero(carba)boranes and -borates containing silicon, germanium, tin, arsenic, antimony, sulfur, selenium and tellurium heteroatoms. A set of quantitative values called “estimated energy penalties” was derived by comparing the energies of two reference structures that differ with respect to one structural feature only. These energy penalties behave additively, i.e., they allow us to reproduce the DFT-computed relative stabilities of 11-vertex nido-heteroboranes in general with good accuracy and to predict the thermodynamic stabilities of unknown structures easily. Energy penalties for neighboring heteroatoms (HetHet and HetHet′) decrease down the group and increase along the period (indirectly proportional to covalent radii). Energy penalties for a five- rather than four-coordinate heteroatom, [Het5k(1) and Het5k(2)], generally, increase down group 14 but decrease down group 16, while there are mixed trends for group 15 heteroatoms. The sum of HetHet′ energy penalties results in different but easily predictable open-face heteroatom positions in the thermodynamically most stable mixed heterocarbaboranes and -borates with more than two heteroatoms. Figure Correlation of HetHet′ and HetC increments with covalent radii of group 15 heteroatoms Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/10.1007/s00894-005-0037-3 and is accessible for authorized users.