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A series of highly emissive inert and chiral CrIII complexes displaying dual circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) within the NIR region have been prepared and characterized. The helical [Cr(dqpR)2]3+ (dqp=2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)pyridine; R=OCH3, Br or C≡CH) complexes were synthesized as racemic mixtures and resolved into their respective PP and MM enantiomers by chiral stationary phase HPLC. The corresponding enantiomers show large glum≈0.2 and high quantum yield of up to 17 %, which afford important CPL brightness of up to 170 m−1 cm−1, a key point for applications as chiral luminescent probes. Moreover, the long‐lived CP‐NIR emission provided by these chromophores (ms range) in aqueous solution opens the way toward the quantification of chiral targets in biological systems with time‐gated detection. Thus, such chiral chromophores based on earth abundant and inert 3d metals open new perspectives in the field of CPL and represent an alternative to precious 4d, 5d and to labile 4f metal‐based complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The single‐molecule conductance of a series of BN‐acene‐like derivatives has been measured by using scanning tunneling break‐junction techniques. A strategic design of the target molecules has allowed us to include azaborine units in positions that unambiguously ensure electron transport through both heteroatoms, which is relevant for the development of customized BN‐doped nanographenes. We show that the conductance of the anthracene azaborine derivative is comparable to that of the pristine all‐carbon anthracene compound. Notably, this heteroatom substitution has also allowed us to perform similar measurements on the corresponding pentacene‐like compound, which is found to have a similar conductance, thus evidencing that B–N doping could also be used to stabilize and characterize larger acenes for molecular electronics applications. Our conclusions are supported by state‐of‐the‐art transport calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiele (Th) and tetrabenzo-Chichibabin (TBC) derivatives with terminal dibenzocycloheptatriene (DBHept) units were prepared. A clear correlation between their electronic and molecular structures was stablished. Insights into their closed- or open-shell ground states were gained, where particular contribution of the heptagonal carbocycles as end-groups was proved. Remarkably, a thermally accessible triplet diradical configuration was confirmed for the DBHept-TBC compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of distorted ribbon‐shaped nanographenes was designed, synthesized, and their optical and electrochemical properties were evaluated, pointing out an unprecedented correlation between their structural characteristics and the two‐photon absorption (TPA) responses and electrochemical band gaps. Three nanographene ribbons have been prepared: a seven‐membered‐ring‐containing nanographene presenting a tropone moiety at the edge, its full‐carbon analogue, and a purely hexagonal one. We have found that the TPA cross‐sections and the electrochemical band gaps of the seven‐membered‐ring‐containing compounds are higher and lower, respectively, than those of the fully hexagonal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Interestingly, the inclusion of additional curvature has a positive effect in terms of non‐linear optical properties of those ribbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a significant advancement in quantitative PLIM bioimaging called PAnt (phosphonic acid antenna). PAnt is a small water-soluble lanthanide antenna that can self-assemble with lanthanide ions, serving as an exchangeable probe to overcome photobleaching in PLIM microscopy in cellulo. This allows for continuous replenishment of lanthanide complexes that may be photobleached during acquisition, resulting in remarkable photostability compared to traditional lanthanide cryptates. The research was conducted by Angel Orte, Juan A. González-Vera, and their team, and the article includes artwork by M. Eugenio Vázquez from the University of Santiago de Compostela. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a significant advancement in quantitative PLIM bioimaging called PAnt (phosphonic acid antenna). PAnt is a small water-soluble lanthanide antenna that can self-assemble with lanthanide ions, serving as an exchangeable probe to overcome photobleaching in PLIM microscopy in cellulo. The use of PAnt allows for continuous replenishment of lanthanide complexes that may be photobleached during acquisition, resulting in remarkable photostability compared to traditional lanthanide cryptates. The research was conducted by Angel Orte, Juan A. González-Vera, and their colleagues. [Extracted from the article]

Intrinsically chiral double stapled ortho-oligo phenylene ethynylenes (o-OPEs) 1 show glum values up to 5.5 × 10−2, the second highest value ever observed for a simple organic molecule (SOM). DFT calculations of molecular spectra and properties encompassing electric and magnetic dipole transition moments account for these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have performed an in-depth study of the photophysics and solvatofluorochromism of a red-emitting Si-xanthene dye, an analog of Tokyo Magenta (TM) historically developed by Egawa et al. (Chem. Commun. 2011 , 47 , 4162–4164). The results show a strong dependency of the emission properties of 2-Me-4-OMe-TM on the polarity of the solvent. For instance, the dye exhibited an increase in its fluorescence lifetime with the decrease in solvent polarity. Therefore, in this work, this spectral behavior has been used as a new approach for determining the intracellular microenvironment polarity through the measurement of its fluorescence lifetime by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). Our experiments confirmed the ability of the dye to detect changes in polarity between different intracellular compartments. Image 1 • A silicon-substituted xanthene dye was synthesized and its photophysics studied. • The dye shows a strong solvatochromic behavior involving two emission bands. • A strong dependency on the solvent's acidity was observed in the red-shifted band. • The dye works as an intracellular polarity fluorescence lifetime sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique rippled nanographene consisting of 52 fused rings is presented in which six out‐of‐plane motifs are fully fused into a triangular aromatic surface with a size of approximately 2.5 nm. Three units of an unprecedented fully lateral π‐extended octabenzo[5]helicene together with three units of saddle‐shaped heptagonal rings are combined in a single structure, leading to a well‐soluble warped nanographene. The two diastereomeric pairs of possible enantiomers were isolated, and their linear, non‐linear, and chiroptical properties were evaluated, revealing outstanding quantum yield and brightness values at low energy, together with good chiroptical responses in both absorption and emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine derivatives bearing covalently linked OH and (CO)NH groups have been synthesized. The coordination of those pendant hydroxyl/amide groups to a Fe(ii) metal center is demonstrated both in solution, even in the presence of chloride as the counterion, and in solid state, by means of X-ray diffraction crystal structures. As a result of this coordination, the experimental bond dissociation free energies (BDFE) of O–H and (CO)N–H bonds are remarkably diminished down to 76.0 and 80.5 kcal mol−1 respectively, which is also in agreement with DFT-based theoretical calculations. These BDFE values are in the range of commonly used hydrogen-atom donor reagents. The strategy presented here allows an unequivocal evaluation of the influence of metal coordination in X–H bond weakening in organic solvents which could be easily extended to other metal centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new class of CPL switches based on oxophilic interactions between chiral sulfoxide-containing ortho-phenylene ethynylene (o-OPE) foldamers and cationic metals. These systems represent a unique case combining high glum values (up to 0.7 × 10−2) and high quantum yields in both folded ON and unfolded OFF CPL states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and characterization of an enantiopure superhelicene nanographene is reported in which two saddle‐shaped and one planar hexabenzocoronene (HBC) units are arranged in a helicoidal shape to form an undecabenzo[7]carbohelicene. The described compound is the first fully π‐extended [7]helicene. Racemic resolution of the helical nanographene permitted analysis of the chiroptical properties and revealed dissymmetry factors in the range of 2×10−3 both in the absorption and in the emission measurements. Remarkably, non‐linear photophysical analysis demonstrated a two‐photon absorption cross‐section of 870 GM at 800 nm and a perfect overlap between linear, non‐linear, and chiral emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, we report the first synthesis of an organic monomolecular emitter, which behaves as a circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)-based ratiometric probe. The enantiopure helical ortho-oligo(phenylene)ethynylene (o-OPE) core has been prepared by a new and efficient macrocyclization reaction. The combination of such o-OPE helical skeleton and a pyrene couple leads to two different CPL emission features in a single structure whose ratio linearly responds to silver(I) concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turning on the fluorescence of [3]cumulenes: we report the luminescence at room temperature upon aggregation of [3]cumulenes functionalized with propeller-like heptagon-containing polyphenylenes. These endgroups turn on the emission of a [3]cumulene by steric protection and restriction of their intramolecular rotations in the aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of homochiral silver complexes based on carbophilic interactions with ortho-phenylene ethynylene (o-OPE) scaffolds containing up to two silver atoms are described. These compounds represent a unique class of complexes with chirality at the metal. Chiral induction is based on the inclusion of chiral sulfoxides, which allow efficient transfer of chirality to the helically folded o-OPE, leading to circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)- and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD)-active compounds. In the presence of silver(I) cations, carbophilic interactions dominate, which promote helical structures with a defined helicity. This is one of the very scarce examples of the use of such interactions in the attractive field of abiotic foldamers. The switching event has been extensively studied by using different chiroptical techniques, including circular dichroism, CPL, and VCD, and represents one of the few CPL switches described in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new fluorescent probes for cellular imaging is currently a very active field because of the large potential in understanding cell physiology, especially targeting anomalous behaviours due to disease. In particular, red-emitting dyes are keenly sought, as the light in this spectral region presents lower interferences and a deeper depth of penetration in tissues. In this work, we have synthesized a red-emitting, dual probe for the multiplexed intracellular detection of biothiols and phosphate ions. We have prepared a fluorogenic construct involving a silicon-substituted fluorescein for red emission. The fluorogenic reaction is selectively started by the presence of biothiols. In addition, the released fluorescent moiety undergoes an excited-state proton transfer reaction promoted by the presence of phosphate ions, which modulates its fluorescence lifetime, τ, with the total phosphate concentration. Therefore, in a multidimensional approach, the intracellular levels of biothiols and phosphate can be detected simultaneously using a single fluorophore and with spectral clearing of cell autofluorescence interferences. We have applied this concept to different cell lines, including photoreceptor cells, whose levels of biothiols are importantly altered by light irradiation and other oxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized a new fluoride−containing xanthenic dye able to dynamically and quantitatively detect acetate anion, a biologically relevant analyte, in water. We studied deeply the photophysical properties of the compound and verified its use as an acetate probe in synthetic serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Streptococcus agalactiae is an important agent in the infection of neonates in the first world. One of the most extended methods for its identification is based on the detection of a characteristic red pigment in the patient samples, named [12]-granadaene (1). In this article, we present a modular and flexible approach to simple analogues of this ornithine rhamno-polyene 1 and the elucidation of the most important features of its structure: the absolute configuration at C-27, the stereochemistry of the anomeric center and the link of the amino acid ornithine to the rest of the structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years solid evidence of HAT reactions involving water as hydrogen atom source have been presented. In this work we demonstrate that the efficiency of titanocene(III) aqua complexes as an unique class of HAT reagents is based on two key features: (a) excellent binding capabilities of water toward titanocene(III) complexes and (b) a low activation energy for the HAT step. The theory has predictive capabilities fitting well with the experimental results and may aid to find more examples of this remarkable radical reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The formation of either deoxygenation products or allylic alcohols from epoxides is observed when these substrates are treated with Cp2TiCl under anhydrous conditions. It seems that processes via trisubstituted radicals give allylic alcohols whereas processes via disubstituted radicals may give deoxygenation products or allylic alcohols depending on the structure of the original epoxide. This method allows a controlled access to these functional groups, providing a useful tool in organic synthesis. A mechanistic discussion for these transformations is reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present a divergent strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of both eudesmanolides (+)-tuberiferine and (+)-brachylaenolide starting from the accessible germacrolide (+)-costunolide. The key steps of these syntheses are the Ti-catalyzed transannular cyclization of a 1,4-epoxygermacrolide in the presence or absence of water, respectively. The catalytic cycle operating in the presence of water probably involves the reduction of a tertiary radical by H-atom transfer from aquacomplex Cp2TiIII(OH2)Cl. The catalytic cycle under anhydrous conditions presumably occurs through mixed disproportionation between a tertiary radical and Cp2TiIIICl. Synthetic (+)-tuberiferine and (+)-brachylaenolide displayed an antifungal potency against Phycomyces blakesleeanus comparable or even higher than amphotericin B, the gold standard for antifungal therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe a novel procedure for the straightforward synthesis of seven-membered carbocycles via free-radical chemistry, based on titanocene(III)-catalyzed 7-endo-dig and 7-endo-trig cyclizations. This procedure has proved to be useful for the chemical preparation of terpenoids with different skeletons containing cycloheptane rings, including the first total syntheses of dauca-4(11),8-diene (2), barekoxide (3), authentic laukarlaol (81), and a valparane diterpenoid (72), as well as a substantially improved synthesis of karahanaenone (1). We also provide theoretical and experimental evidence in support of a plausible mechanism, which may rationalize the preference for the unusual 7-endo cyclization mode shown by radicals with substitution patterns characteristic of the linalyl, nerolidyl, and geranyl linalyl systems. In light of these chemical findings, we discuss the potential involvement of radical cyclizations in the biosynthesis of some terpenoids containing seven-membered carbocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the preferential accumulation of long-lived acridone derivatives in mitochondria were evaluated, based on a new concept of non-protonable and non-charged group carriers. In this sense, the thiophene ring has been proved to act, for the first time, as mitochondria targeting group. Moreover, the unique long lifetime of the dyes has allowed the determination of the polarity of the organelles by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), without causing remarkable cytotoxicity. The neutral nature of the vectoring group favors the synthetic process and prevents the modification of different organelle parameters as membrane potential, making these probes excellent candidates to organelle tracking. Image 1 • Thiophene ring acts as unreported non-charged mitochondrial targeting group. • Long-lived fluorescent probes allow polarity determination inside mitochondria and lysosomes. • Co-localization in organelles has been analyzed with FLIM microscopy taking advantage of time-gated technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A bacterial pepN activatable fluorescent biosensor based on ratiometric measurement. • The biosensor can be a tool to determine virulent bacteria in a few minutes. • NIR N-aminopeptidase fluorescent sensor useful in STED and excitable by two photons. • STED measurements show the hot spots where the enzymatic reaction begins. • We locate the sites where alanine amino peptidase is placed in bacteria. Bacterial proteases are relevant in pathological processes such as the survival, growth and development of microorganisms. In particular alanine amino peptidase (pepN), which is present in Gram (−) bacteria, is the only peptidase responsible for the ATP-independent degradation of cytosolic proteins in E. coli. These peptidases, including pepN, might be useful targets to fight bacterial infections, which are difficult to treat due to the increase in antibiotic resistance, as well as for diagnosis. In this work, we propose a new methodology for the identification of pepN-expressing bacteria by using a specific substrate, namely, DCM−NH−Ala. Substrate hydrolysis by pepN produces a sharp increase in the fluorescence band with peak at 662 nm when excited by a single photon at 480 nm or by two NIR photons (at approximately 800 nm). The emission kinetics are dependent on the intracellular pepN concentrations, which provide a powerful tool for detecting diverse virulent bacteria in a few minutes and with the inherent advantages of two-photon excitation. We resolved the enzymatic kinetics, obtained the Michaelis-Menten parameters (e.g., K M , v max , and k catalytic) and studied the photophysics of the released fluorophore DCM–NH 2. In addition, DCM–NH 2 meets the requirements for use in super-resolution microscopy. In bacteria with high pepN activity, the probe quickly initiates an enzymatic reaction at specific sites located on the bacterial membrane and some structures inside the bacterial body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new methodology for accurate microenvironment polarity maps is developed. • The method entails the orthogonal combination of lifetime and ratiometric imaging. • Long-lifetime acridone derivatives are excellent dyes for the new methodology. • Experimental and computational insights into the dyes' photophysics are reported. • Our new method can be extended to other environment targets, such as viscosity or pH. The cellular microenvironment is a complex medium due to high concentrations of proteins and an intertwined framework of cellular organelles. In particular, cellular micro-polarity controls several biological processes, since it modulates hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions and, hence, recognition, signalling and binding events. In this work, we have developed an unprecedented methodology to construct accurate environment polarity images using multiparametric fluorescence microscopy, via a multi-linear calibration of orthogonal parameters: the fluorescence lifetime and the spectral shift of a series of solvatochromic dyes. For this approach, we have synthesized and fully characterized N-substituted 2-methoxy-9-acridone dyes as suitable bioimaging polarity probes. However, to fully comprehend the complex links between microenvironment polarity and the dyes' properties, we have endeavoured a multidisciplinary approach, in which we have studied the photophysics of our fluorophores using spectroscopic tools and state-of-the-art computational chemistry. This profound knowledge permitted to use these dyes as intracellular polarity probes, quantitatively and robustly probing the microenvironment of different cellular compartments. Our new methodology may pave the way to further developments in accurate sensing of cellular microenvironment parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]