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Phosphine-stabilized monovalent nickel complexes play an important role in catalysis, either as catalytically active species or as decomposition products. Most routes to access these complexes are highly ligand specific or rely on strong reducing agents. Our group recently disclosed a path to access nickel(I)-phenolate complexes from bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)nickel(0) (Ni(cod) 2 ). Herein, we demonstrate this protocol's broad applicability by ligating a wide range of mono- and bidentate phosphine ligands. We further show the versatility of the phenolate fragment as a precursor to nickel(I)-alkyl or aryl species, which are relevant to Ni catalysis or synthetically useful nickel(I)-chloride and hydride complexes. We also demonstrate that the chloride complex can be synthesized in a one-pot procedure starting from Ni(cod) 2 in good yield, making this protocol a valuable alternative to current procedures. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, and EPR (or NMR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize all of the synthesized nickel complexes.

Classical metalation reactions such as the metal-halogen exchange have had a transformative impact on organic synthesis owing to their broad applicability in building carbon-carbon bonds from carbon-halogen bonds. Extending the metal-halogen exchange logic to a metal-carbon exchange would enable the direct modification of carbon frameworks with new implications in retrosynthetic analysis. However, such a transformation requires the selective cleavage of highly inert chemical bonds and formation of stable intermediates amenable to further synthetic elaborations, hence its development has remained considerably challenging. Here we introduce a skeletal metalation strategy that allows lactams, a prevalent motif in bioactive molecules, to be readily converted into well-defined, synthetically useful organonickel reagents. The reaction features a selective activation of unstrained amide C-N bonds mediated by an easily prepared Ni(0) reagent, followed by CO deinsertion and dissociation under mild room temperature conditions in a formal carbonyl-to-nickel-exchange process. The underlying principles of this unique reactivity are rationalized by organometallic and computational studies. The skeletal metalation is further applied to a direct CO excision reaction and a carbon isotope exchange reaction of lactams, underscoring the broad potential of metal-carbon exchange logic in organic synthesis., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Crystal structures of N-acetylated proline and homologs with four- and six-membered rings (azetidine carboxylic acid and piperidine carboxylic acid) were obtained and compared. The distinctly different conformations of the four-, five-, and six-membered rings reflect Bayer strain, n → π* interaction, and allylic strain, and result in crystal lattices with a zigzag structure., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Peptide Science published by European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Functional group metathesis is an emerging field in organic chemistry with promising synthetic applications. However, no complete mechanistic studies of these reactions have been reported to date, particularly regarding the nature of the key functional group transfer mechanism. Unraveling the mechanism of these transformations would not only allow for their further improvement but would also lead to the design of novel reactions. Herein, we describe our detailed mechanistic studies of the nickel-catalyzed functional group metathesis reaction between aryl methyl sulfides and aryl nitriles, combining experimental and computational results. These studies did not support a mechanism proceeding through reversible migratory insertion of the nitrile into a Ni-Ar bond and provided strong support for an alternative mechanism involving a key transmetalation step between two independently generated oxidative addition complexes. Extensive kinetic analysis, including rate law determination and Eyring analysis, indicated the oxidative addition complex of aryl nitrile as the resting state of the catalytic reaction. Depending on the concentration of aryl methyl sulfide, either the reductive elimination of aryl nitrile or the oxidative addition into the C(sp 2 )-S bond of aryl methyl sulfide is the turnover-limiting step of the reaction. NMR studies, including an unusual 31 P- 2 H HMBC experiment using deuterium-labeled complexes, unambiguously demonstrated that the sulfide and cyanide groups exchange during the transmetalation step, rather than the two aryl moieties. In addition, Eyring and Hammett analyses of the transmetalation between two Ni(II) complexes revealed that this central step proceeds via an associative mechanism. Organometallic studies involving the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of all putative intermediates and possible deactivation complexes have further shed light on the reaction mechanism, including the identification of a key deactivation pathway, which has led to an improved catalytic protocol.

The past 20 years have seen an extensive implementation of nickel in homogeneous catalysis through the development of unique reactivity not easily achievable by using noble transition metals. Many catalytic cycles propose Ni(I) complexes as potential reactive intermediates, yet the scarcity of nickel(I) precursors and the lack of a general, non-ligand-specific protocol for their synthesis have hampered progress in this field of research. This has in turn also limited the access to novel, well-defined Ni(I) species for the development of new catalytic reactions. Herein, we report a simple, general route to access a wide variety of Ni(I)-phenolate complexes via an unusual example of an olefinic Ni(I) complex, [Ni(COD)(OPh*)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, OPh* = O( t Bu) 3 C 6 H 2 ). This route has proven to be highly efficient for several coordination numbers and ligand classes enabling access to the following complexes: [Ni(IPr)(OPh*)] (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), [Ni(dcype)(OPh*)] (dcype = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane), [Ni(dppe)(OPh*)] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), and [Ni(terpy)(OPh*)] (terpy = 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine). Moreover, reacting [Ni(dcype)(OPh*)] with trimethylsilyl triflate has led to the isolation of a unique example of a cationic binuclear Ni(I)-arene complex. All these complexes have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray, DFT, and EPR analyses, thus providing crucial experimental and theoretical information about their coordination environment and confirming a d 9 electronic structure for all complexes involved. Overall, this new synthetic approach offers exciting opportunities for the discovery of new stoichiometric and catalytic reactivity as well as the mechanistic elucidation of Ni-based catalytic cycles.

Despite impressive advances in the construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the formation of networks from peptidic ligands is difficult, though they are sought after for their modularity and biocompatibility. Herein we present a peptide-metal framework that consists of helical oligoproline ligands and Zn/K (or Zn/Rb). The crystalline network contains pleated nanosheets with the metal ions aligned in strings. This unprecedented architecture derives from under-appreciated London dispersion interactions between the oligoproline ligands that play in concert with the metal coordination to create the network. Hence, the secondary structure of the peptidic ligand represents an additional control element for the creation of new MOF architectures. We anticipate that our results will instruct the design of further peptidic MOFs and enable the generation of versatile biocompatible materials.

Resorcin[4]arene cavitands, equipped with diverse quinone (Q) and [Ru(bpy) 2 dppz] 2+ (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) photosensitizing walls in different configurations, were synthesized. Upon visible-light irradiation at 420 nm, electron transfer from the [Ru(bpy) 2 dppz] 2+ to the Q generates the semiquinone (SQ) radical anion, triggering a large conformational switching from a flat kite to a vase with a cavity for the encapsulation of small guests, such as cyclohexane and heteroalicyclic derivatives, in CD 3 CN. Depending on the molecular design, the SQ radical anion can live for several minutes (≈10 min) and the vase can be generated in a secondary process without need for addition of a sacrificial electron donor to accumulate the SQ state. Switching can also be triggered by other stimuli, such as changes in solvent, host-guest complexation, and chemical and electrochemical processes. This comprehensive investigation benefits the development of stimuli-responsive nanodevices, such as light-activated molecular grippers., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Enantiopure ( P ) 4 - and ( M ) 4 -configured alleno-acetylenic cage (AAC) receptors offer a highly defined interior for the complexation and structure elucidation of small molecule fragments of the stereochemically complex chlorosulfolipid danicalipin A. Solution (NMR), solid state (X-ray), and theoretical investigations of the formed host-guest complexes provide insight into the conformational preferences of 14 achiral and chiral derivatives of the danicalipin A chlorohydrin core in a confined, mostly hydrophobic environment, extending previously reported studies in polar solvents. The conserved binding mode of the guests permits deciphering the effect of functional group replacements on Gibbs binding energies Δ G . A strong contribution of conformational energies toward the binding affinities is revealed, which explains why the denser packing of larger apolar domains of the guests does not necessarily lead to higher association. Enantioselective binding of chiral guests, with energetic differences ΔΔ G 293 K up to 0.7 kcal mol -1 between diastereoisomeric complexes, is explained by hydrogen- and halogen-bonding, as well as dispersion interactions. Calorimetric studies (ITC) show that the stronger binding of one enantiomer is accompanied by an increased gain in enthalpy Δ H but at the cost of a larger entropic penalty T Δ S stemming from tighter binding.

The TCICA/KF approach to oxidative fluorination of heteroatoms has emerged as a surprisingly simple, safe, and versatile surrogate to classically challenging fluorination reactions. Although polyfluorination (or chlorofluorination) of diaryl disulfides, diaryl diselenides, diaryl ditellurides, aryl iodides, and aryl(perfluoroalkyl)tellanes has been described, the application of this TCICA/KF methodology to aryl(perfluoroalkyl)sulfanes and selanes remains an area of unexplored chemical space. Accordingly, to address the "missing links" in the developing series of chalcogen-based substrate reactivity, we report mild syntheses of metastable difluoro(aryl)(perfluoroalkyl)-λ 4 -sulfanes and selanes. As only limited examples of these species exist in the current literature (accessible only by using F 2 or XeF 2 /HF), we have carried out detailed structural analyses, primarily using NMR and SC-XRD data. In addition, we investigate the effect of the perfluoroalkyl chain on the outcome of oxidative fluorination, and, finally, we provide preliminary evidence that difluoro(aryl)(trifluoro-methyl)-λ 4 -sulfanes may act as fluorinating reagents., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The TeF 5 group is significantly underexplored as a highly fluorinated substituent on an organic framework, despite it being a larger congener of the acclaimed SF 5 group. In fact, only one aryl-TeF 5 compound (phenyl-TeF 5 ) has been reported to date, synthesized using XeF 2 . Our recently developed mild TCICA/KF approach to oxidative fluorination provides an affordable and scalable alternative to XeF 2 . Using this method, we report a scope of extensively characterized aryl-TeF 5 compounds, along with the first SC-XRD data on this compound class. The methodology was also extended to the synthesis and structural study of heretofore unknown aryl-TeF 4 CF 3 compounds. Additionally, preliminary reactivity studies unveiled some inconsistencies with previous literature regarding phenyl-TeF 5 . Although our studies conclude that the arene-based TeF 5 (and TeF 4 CF 3 ) group is not quite as robust as the SF 5 group, we find that the TeF 5 group is more stable than previously thought, thus opening a door to explore new applications of this motif., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Three Prato monoadduct isomers were synthesized and structurally characterized by 1 H, 13 C NMR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and one adduct on the dd-[5,6]-bond was found as the first example of a Prato [5,6]-adduct of C 70 . To investigate the mechanism in the generation of this dd-[5,6]-adduct, computational studies were employed to show that it was thermodynamically obtained by sigmatropic rearrangement from the presumed initial kinetic product de-[6,6]-adduct.

We report a mild approach to the synthesis of difluoro(aryl)-λ 3 -iodanes (aryl-IF 2 compounds) and tetrafluoro(aryl)-λ 5 -iodanes (aryl-IF 4 compounds) using trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCICA) and potassium fluoride (KF). Under these reaction conditions, selective access to either the I(iii)- or I(v)-derivatives is predictable based solely on the substitution pattern of the iodoarene starting material. Moreover, the discovery of this TCICA/KF approach prompted detailed dynamic NMR, kinetic, computational, and crystallographic studies on the relationship between the IF 2 group and the ortho -substituents on carefully designed probe molecules. It was during these experiments that the role of the ortho -substituent in inhibiting further oxidative fluorination of I(iii)-compounds to I(v)-compounds during the reaction with TCICA and KF was revealed. Additionally, a notable exception to this empirical trend is discussed herein., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2019.)

Polycyclic saturated heterocycles with predictable shapes and structures are assembled by iterative couplings of bifunctional stannyl amine protocol (SnAP) reagents and a single morpholine-forming assembly reaction. Combinations of just a few monomers enable the programmable construction of rotationally restricted, nonplanar heterocyclic arrays with discrete sizes and molecular shapes. The three-dimensional structures of these constrained scaffolds can be quickly and reliably predicted by DFT calculations and the target structures immediately decompiled into the constituent building blocks and assembly sequences. As a demonstration, in silico combinations of the building blocks predict saturated heptacyclic structures with elementary shapes including helices, S-turns and U-turns, which are synthesized in 5-6 steps from the monomers using just three chemical reactions.

A combined experimental and computational approach provided insight into the nature and conformational dependence of long-range 4JHF couplings in α-fluoro amides. The dependence of 4JHF on substituents and the solvent was investigated. H-F coupling constants determined by NMR spectroscopy are in agreement with DFT calculations. NBO analysis revealed that a favourable nF→σNH* interaction correlates with the magnitude of 4JHF.

A series of quinoxaline cavitands bearing pendant amide groups with various substituent sizes (Et, i Pr, t Bu) were synthesized, and their cavity size/structure were investigated by X-ray and NMR analyses. In the case of the Et or i Pr amide cavitand, the conformation of the molecule was in the vase form, while the bulky t Bu amide cavitand gave the kite conformation at room temperature. X-ray crystal structures of Et and i Pr cavitands clearly showed the intramolecular H-bondings to influence the conformation and the cavity sizes dependent on the bulkiness of functional groups. The 1 H NMR spectrum revealed that the Et cavitand can encapsulate an adamantane guest compound with slow exchange.

Chalcogen bonding (CB) is the focus of increased attention for its applications in medicinal chemistry, materials science, and crystal engineering. However, the origin of sulfur's recognition properties remains controversial, and experimental evidence for supporting theories is still emerging. Here, a comprehensive evaluation of sulfur CB interactions is presented by investigating 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole X-ray crystallographic structures gathered from the Cambridge Structure Database (CSD), Protein Data Bank (PDB), and own laboratory findings. Through the systematic analysis of substituent effects on a subset library of over thirty benzothiadiazole derivatives, the competing interactions have been categorized into four main classes, namely 2S-2N CB square, halogen bonding (XB), S⋅⋅⋅S, and hydrogen-bonding (HB). A geometric model is employed to characterize the 2S-2N CB square motifs and discuss the role of electrostatic, dipole, and orbital contributions toward the interaction., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Resorcin[4]arene cavitands containing either 2,1,3-benzotelluradiazole or 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole motifs were dimerized to supramolecular capsules by chalcogen bonding. Their respective behavior varied depending on the interaction strength of the chalcogen bonds with Te forming strong interactions and S weak interactions. The tremendous strength of multiple 2Te-2N square interactions led to formation of a chalcogen-bonded dimeric capsule in all solvents, as shown by X-ray crystal structures with 16 short Te⋅⋅⋅N distances (≤2.9 Å) and confirmed by native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). With the S cavitand, solvent-dependent crystallization resulted in different arrangements: either a shifted 2S-2N square-bonded capsule or an interlocked 1D polymer with an infinite π-π stacking array. The association constant to form the dimeric capsule in [D 8 ]THF at 283 K, solely based on weak 2S-2N square interactions, was determined as K a =786 m -1 ., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Enantiopure (P) 4 - and (M) 4 -alleno-acetylenic cage (AAC) receptors form circular fourfold hydrogen-bonding networks in their closed cage conformation. Theoretical studies reveal a preferential clockwise (cw) orientation of the H-bonding array for (P) 4 -configured and counterclockwise (ccw) for (M) 4 -configured receptors (ΔE cw-ccw =-2.6 to -3.1 kcal mol -1 ). Solution and solid-state studies show how the H-bonding network of the receptor is expanded upon encapsulation of alcohol-containing guests. Topologies reminiscent of those found in isolated water clusters are observed: circular fourfold & docking, pentagonal, linear fivefold, and hexagonal boat-shaped. Expansion of the H-bonding network together with optimal space occupancy yields very high ligand affinities (ΔG 293 K =-9.0 kcal mol -1 for endo-tropine). The H-bonding network in the complexes also contributes substantially to the enantioselective complexation of chiral diols, such as (R,R)- and (S,S)-trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diol., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

In this work we present one of the rare cases of single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) linear polymerizations, resulting in a novel ladder-type polymer. The polymerization is based on the photoinduced [4+4]-cycloaddition reactions between trifunctional anthracene-based monomers. The careful design of the monomer anthraphane-tri(OMe), results in perfectly stacked anthracene pairs in the crystal structure, with Schmidt's distances d=3.505-3.666 Å and shift s=1.109 Å, allowing a selective linear polymerization in quantitative yields and in a matter of minutes, without compromising the integrity of the single crystals. The obtained polyanthraphane-tri(OMe), reveals moreover a very interesting and unprecedented case of stereoisomerism, which is characteristic for polyanthraphanes., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

With the discovery that serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a druggable target for antimalarials, the aim of this study was to design novel inhibitors of this key enzyme in the folate biosynthesis cycle. Herein, 19 novel spirocyclic ligands based on either 2-indolinone or dihydroindene scaffolds and featuring a pyrazolopyran core are reported. Strong target affinities for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) SHMT (14-76 nm) and cellular potencies in the low nanomolar range (165-334 nm) were measured together with interesting selectivity against human cytosolic SHMT1 (hSHMT1). Four co-crystal structures with Plasmodium vivax (Pv) SHMT solved at 2.2-2.4 Å resolution revealed the key role of the vinylogous cyanamide for anchoring ligands within the active site. The spirocyclic motif in the molecules enforces the pyrazolopyran core to adopt a substantially more curved conformation than that of previous non-spirocyclic analogues. Finally, solvation of the spirocyclic lactam ring of the receptor-bound ligands is discussed., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Single crystal X-ray diffraction is a powerful method to unambiguously characterize the structure of molecules with atomic resolution. Herein, we review the molecular recognition of the (di)axial conformers of Mono- and (±)-trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclohexanes by enantiopure alleno-acetylenic cage receptors in solution and in the solid state. Single crystals of the host-guest complexes suitable for X-ray diffraction allow for the first time to study the dihedral angles of a series of Mono- and (±)-trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclohexanes in their (di)axial chair conformation. Theoretical studies indicate negligible influence of the host structure on the guest conformation, suggesting that the structural information obtained from the host-guest complexes give insight into the innate structures of Mono- and (±)-trans-1,2-disubstituted cyclohexanes. Strong deviation of the dihedral angles a,a(X-C(1)-C(2)-X) from the idealized 180° are observed, accompanied by substantial flattening of the ring dihedral angles ρ(X-C(1)-C(2)-C(3)).

We report the synthesis of enantiomerically pure carbo[6]helicene oligomers with buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyl bridges between the helicene nuclei. The synthesis of monomeric (±)-2,15-bis[(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl]carbo[6]helicene was achieved in 25 % yield over six steps. Pure (+)-(P)- and (-)-(M)-enantiomers were obtained by HPLC on a chiral stationary phase. The dimeric (+)-(P) 2 - and (-)-(M) 2 -configured and the tetrameric (+)-(P) 4 - and (-)-(M) 4 -configured oligomers were obtained by sequential oxidative acetylenic coupling. The ECD spectra of the tetrameric oligomers displayed large Cotton effect intensities of Δϵ=-851 m -1  cm -1 at λ=370 nm ((M) 4 -enantiomer). We transformed the buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyl bridge in the dimeric (P) 2 and (M) 2 oligomer by heteroaromatization into a thiene-2,5-diyl linker. Although the resulting chromophore showed reduced ECD intensities, it exhibited a remarkably strong fluorescence emission at 450-500 nm, with an absolute quantum yield of 25 %., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

A dual-activatable, fluorogenic probe was developed to sense esterase activity with single-molecule resolution. Without enzymatic pre-activation, the diazoindanone-based probe has an electron-poor core and, upon irradiation, undergoes Wolff rearrangement to give a ring-expanded xanthene core that is nonemissive. If the probe is pre-activated by carboxylesterases, the tricyclic core becomes electron-rich, and the photoinduced Wolff rearrangement produces a highly emissive rhodol dye. Live-cell and solution studies confirmed the selectivity of the probe and revealed that the photoactivated dye does not diffuse away from the original location of activation because the intermediate ketene forms a covalent bond with surrounding macromolecules. Single-molecule localization microscopy was used to reconstruct a super-resolved image of esterase activity. These single-molecule images of enzymatic activity changed significantly upon treatment of the cells with inhibitors of human carboxylesterase I and II, both in terms of total number of signals and intracellular distribution. This proof-of-principle study introduces a sensing mechanism for single-molecule detection of enzymatic activity that could be applied to many other biologically relevant targets.

Enantiopure alleno-acetylenic cage (AAC) receptors with a resorcin[4]arene scaffold, from which four homochiral alleno-acetylenes converge to shape a cavity closed by a four-fold OH-hydrogen-bonding array, form a highly ordered porous network in the solid state. They enable the complexation and co-crystallization of otherwise non-crystalline small molecules. This paper analyzes the axial conformers of monohalo- and (±)-trans-1,2-dihalocyclohexanes, bound in the interior cavity of the AACs, on the atomic level in the solid state and in solution, accompanied by accurate calculations. The dihedral angles ϑ a,a (X-C(1)-C(2)-X/H) of the axial/diaxial conformers deviate substantially from 180°, down to 144°, accompanied by strong flattening of the ring dihedral angles. Structure optimization of the isolated guest molecules demonstrates that the non-covalent interactions with the host hardly affect the dihedral angles, validating that the host is an ideal means to study the elusive axial/diaxial conformers. X-ray co-crystal structures of AACs further allowed for a detailed investigation, both experimentally and theoretically, on the interplay between space occupancy, guest conformation, and chiral recognition based purely on dispersion forces and weak C-X···π (X = Cl, Br, I) and C-X···||| (acetylene) contacts (X = Cl, Br). The theoretical analysis of the non-covalent interactions between host and guest confirmed the high shape complementarity with fully enveloping dispersive interactions between the binding partners, rationalizing the high degree of enantioselectivity in the previously communicated complexation of (±)-trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane. This study also showed that (±)-trans-1,2-dihalocyclohexanes (X = Cl, Br) engage in significant halogen bonding (XB) interactions C-X···||| with the hosts. Slow host-guest exchange on the NMR time scale enabled the characterization of the encapsulated guests in solution, demonstrating that the complexes have identical geometries to those seen in the solid state, with the guests bound in axial/diaxial conformations.

Host-guest systems with Rebek imide type receptors and a 2,6-di(isobutyramido)pyridine ligand were employed to investigate substituent effects in parallel-displaced π-π stacking interactions. Changing the intermolecular distance between the para substituent on the aromatic platform of the receptor and the pyridine ring of the guest results in a strongly different substituent effect. With a short ethyne-1,2-diyl spacer between the Rebek imide and the aromatic platform, partial overlap of substituent and guest stabilizes the π-π stacking interactions independent of the electronic nature of the substituent (Wheeler-Houk model). When the substituent is shifted further away by using a buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyl spacer, direct, through-space interactions between substituent and guest are prevented. A linear correlation between logK a (K a =association constant) and the Hammett substituent constant σ para is observed, confirming predictions by the Hunter-Sanders model experimentally., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structures of syn and anti 4-N-Boc-aminobicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-1-carboxylic acids are described. The placement of the N-Boc-amino groups in the two stereoisomers in either pseudo-equatorial or pseudo-axial positions renders the molecules conformationally locked, with N-Boc-protected γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) embedded within the bicyclic core. Despite the different conformations of the urethane and distinct crystal packing, the bicyclic core units of the two stereoisomers adopt virtually identical structures. They correspond to in silico models of the parent bicyclic core and a systematic array of disubstituted derivatives. The study documents an intrinsic property of the bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane core to favor adoption of a boat-like conformation, which is largely unaffected by various substitution patterns. The structural concepts are useful in the design of molecules with spatial and directional fixation of pharmacophoric groups., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

We report an extensive "heteroarene scan" of triazine nitrile ligands of the cysteine protease human cathepsin L (hCatL) to investigate π-stacking on the peptide amide bond Gly67-Gly68 at the entrance of the S3 pocket. This heteroarene⋅⋅⋅peptide bond stacking was supported by a co-crystal structure of an imidazopyridine ligand with hCatL. Inhibitory constants (K i ) are strongly influenced by the diverse nature of the heterocycles and specific interactions with the local environment of the S3 pocket. Binding affinities vary by three orders of magnitude. All heteroaromatic ligands feature enhanced binding by comparison with hydrocarbon analogues. Predicted energetic contributions from the orientation of the local dipole moments of heteroarene and peptide bond could not be confirmed. Binding of benzothienyl (K i =4 nm) and benzothiazolyl (K i =17 nm) ligands was enhanced by intermolecular C-S⋅⋅⋅O=C interactions (chalcogen bonding) with the backbone C=O of Asn66 in the S3 pocket. The ligands were also tested for the related enzyme rhodesain., (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Four enantiopure 1,3-diethynylallenes (DEAs) with OH termini were attached to the rim of a resorcin[4]arene cavitand. The system undergoes conformational switching between a cage form, closed by a circular H-bonding array, and an open form, with the tertiary alcohol groups reaching outwards. The cage form is predominant in apolar solvents, and the open conformation in small, polar solvents. Both states were confirmed in solution and in X-ray co-crystal structures. ECD spectra of the alleno-acetylenic cages (AACs) are highly conformation sensitive, the longest wavelength Cotton effect at 304 nm switches from Δϵ=+191 m -1  cm -1 for open (P) 4 -AAC⊂acetonitrile to Δϵ=-691 m -1  cm -1 (ΔΔϵ=882 m -1  cm -1 ) for closed (P) 4 -AAC⊂cyclohexane. Complete chiral resolution of (±)-trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane was found in the X-ray structures, with (P) 4 -AAC exclusively bound to the (R,R)- and (M) 4 -AAC to the (S,S)-guest. Guest inclusion occurs in a higher energy diaxial conformation., (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Molecular capsules based solely on the interaction of halogen bonding (XB) are presented along with their host-guest binding properties in solution. The first example of a well-defined four-point XB supramolecular system is realized by decorating resorcin[4]arene cavitands with polarized halogen atoms for dimerization with tetra(4-pyridyl) resorcin[4]arene cavitands. NMR binding data for the F, Cl, Br, and I cavitands as the XB donor show association constants (Ka ) of up to 5370 M(-1) (ΔG283 K =-4.85 kcal mol(-1) , for I), even in XB-competitive solvent, such as deuterated benzene/acetone/methanol (70:30:1) at 283 K, where comparable monodentate model systems show no association. The XB capsular geometry is evidenced by two-dimensional HOESY NMR, and the thermodynamic profile shows that capsule formation is enthalpically driven. Either 1,4-dioxane or 1,4-dithiane are encapsulated within each of the two separate cavities within the XB capsule, with of up to Ka =9.0 10(8)  M(-2) (ΔG283 K =-11.6 kcal mol(-1) )., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The charge scaling effect in ionic liquids was explored on the basis of experimental and theoretical chargedensity analyses of [C1MIM][C1SO4] employing the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approach. Integrated QTAIM charges of the experimental (calculated) charge density of the cation and anion resulted in non-integer values of ±0.90 (±0.87) e. Efficient charge transfer along the bond paths of the hydrogen bonds between the imidazolium ring and the anion was considered as the origin of these reduced charges. In addition, a detailed QTAIM analysis of the bonding situation in the [C1SO4]- anion revealed the presence of negative πO→σ*S-O hyperconjugation.

We report herein the synthesis and full characterization of the donor-free Lewis superacids Al(OR(F))(3) with OR(F) = OC(CF(3))(3) (1) and OC(C(5)F(10))C(6)F(5) (2), the stabilization of 1 as adducts with the very weak Lewis bases PhF, 1,2-F(2)C(6)H(4), and SO(2), as well as the internal C-F activation pathway of 1 leading to Al(2)(F)(OR(F))(5) (4) and trimeric [FAl(OR(F))(2)](3) (5, OR(F) = OC(CF(3))(3)). Insights have been gained from NMR studies, single-crystal structure determinations, and DFT calculations. The usefulness of these Lewis acids for halide abstractions has been demonstrated by reactions with trityl chloride (NMR; crystal structures). The trityl salts allow the introduction of new, heteroleptic weakly coordinating [Cl-Al(OR(F))(3)](-) anions, for example, by hydride or alkyl abstraction reactions., (Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

The CX3(+) salts [CCl(3)](+)[Al(OR(F))(4)](-)1, [CCl(3)](+)[(R(F)O)(3)Al-F-Al(OR(F))(3)](-)2, [CBr(3)](+)[Al(OR(F))(4)](-)3, [CBr(3)](+)[(R(F)O)(3)Al-F-Al(OR(F))(3)](-)4 (R(F) = C(CF(3))(3)) were prepared in 56 to 85% yield from CX(4) (X = Cl, Br) and the corresponding silver salts (weight balance, NMR, IR, X-ray structure of 1). The most convenient solvent for the preparation of 1 and 2 is SO(2)ClF but for 3 and 4 it is SO(2). The reactions are complete after about three days stirring at -30 to -40 °C. The salts are stable for weeks in solution at -40 °C and stable for a few hours at RT in the solid state. In SO(2)ClF (1, 2) or SO(2) (3, 4) solution they decompose slowly at -20 °C and within several hours at RT; in general the CBr3(+) salts are more stable than the CCl3(+) homologues. The decomposition products were assigned as CCl(3)F and primarily CBr(2)F(2) (which likely forms as a Lewis acid induced disproportionation product of the initial CBr(3)F). The C-X vibrations of the salts were found in the expected range and the assignments were made based on experimental and calculated data. The IR spectrum of a CBr3(+) salt is for the first time reported here.

Compounds including the free or coordinated gas-phase cations [Ag(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(n)](+) (n = 1-3) were stabilized with very weakly coordinating anions [A](-) (A = Al{OC(CH(3))(CF(3))(2)}(4), n = 1 (1); Al{OC(H)(CF(3))(2)}(4), n = 2 (3); Al{OC(CF(3))(3)}(4), n = 3 (5); {(F(3)C)(3)CO}(3)Al-F-Al{OC(CF(3))(3)}(3), n = 3 (6)). They were prepared by reaction of the respective silver(I) salts with stoichiometric amounts of ethene in CH(2)Cl(2) solution. As a reference we also prepared the isobutene complex [(Me(2)C=CH(2))Ag(Al{OC(CH(3))(CF(3))(2)}(4))] (2). The compounds were characterized by multinuclear solution-NMR, solid-state MAS-NMR, IR and Raman spectroscopy as well as by their single crystal X-ray structures. MAS-NMR spectroscopy shows that the [Ag(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))(3)](+) cation in its [Al{OC(CF(3))(3)}(4)](-) salt exhibits time-averaged D(3h)-symmetry and freely rotates around its principal z-axis in the solid state. All routine X-ray structures (2theta(max.) < 55 degrees) converged within the 3sigma limit at C=C double bond lengths that were shorter or similar to that of free ethene. In contrast, the respective Raman active C=C stretching modes indicated red-shifts of 38 to 45 cm(-1), suggesting a slight C=C bond elongation. This mismatch is owed to residual librational motion at 100 K, the temperature of the data collection, as well as the lack of high angular data owing to the anisotropic electron distribution in the ethene molecule. Therefore, a method for the extraction of the C=C distance in [M(C(2)H(4))] complexes from experimental Raman data was developed and meaningful C=C distances were obtained. These spectroscopic C=C distances compare well to newly collected X-ray data obtained at high resolution (2theta(max.) = 100 degrees) and low temperature (100 K). To complement the experimental data as well as to obtain further insight into bond formation, the complexes with up to three ligands were studied theoretically. The calculations were performed with DFT (BP86/TZVPP, PBE0/TZVPP), MP2/TZVPP and partly CCSD(T)/AUG-cc-pVTZ methods. In most cases several isomers were considered. Additionally, [M(C(2)H(4))(3)] (M = Cu(+), Ag(+), Au(+), Ni(0), Pd(0), Pt(0), Na(+)) were investigated with AIM theory to substantiate the preference for a planar conformation and to estimate the importance of sigma donation and pi back donation. Comparing the group 10 and 11 analogues, we find that the lack of pi back bonding in the group 11 cations is almost compensated by increased sigma donation.

The room-temperature stable CI3+ salts [CI3+[pftb](-)1 and [CI3]+[al-f-al](-) 2([pftb](-) = [Al(OC(CF3)3)4](-); [al-f-al](-) = [((CF3)3CO)3Al-F-Al(OC(CF3)3)3](-)) were prepared in quantitative yields from purified CI4 and the corresponding silver aluminates with total exclusion of light (NMR, IR, UV-VIS, X-ray diffraction). The isolated CI(3)(+) cation is trigonal planar with a sum of <(I-C-I) = 360.0 degrees (1) and 359.9 degrees (2). Attempts to prepare CHI2+ and CH2I+ salts from CHI3 or CH2I2/Ag[pftb] mixtures remained unsuccessful; the reaction with CH2I2 leads to the formation of the adduct [Ag(CH2I2)3]+[pftb](-)3, while for HCI3, dismutation with formation of 1 as well as 3 was observed. All particles were also calculated at the MP2/TZVPP level to predict the vibrational and electronic spectra as well as to calculate the Gibbs free energies of all reactions (DeltaG degrees , gas phase and CH2Cl2 solution). Quantum chemical calculations were also used to investigate the stability of the [pftb](-) anion against the electrophilic attack of the CX3+ and CHnX3-n+ cations (X = F-I, n = 1-3). The strength of the Lewis acidity of these cations and of the isoelectronic boron halides BX()and BHnX3-n have been established on the basis of their fluoride ion affinities (FIAs). The FIAs of the carbon and the boron containing compounds show opposite trends, with fluorinated halomethyl cations being stronger acids than their heavier congeners but iodinated holoboranes being stronger acids than their lighter homologues.

The unexpected but facile preparation of the silver salt of the least coordinating [(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- anion (R=C(CF3)3) by reaction of Ag[Al(OR)4] with one equivalent of PCl3 is described. The mechanism of the formation of Ag[(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3] is explained based on the available experimental data as well as on quantum chemical calculations with the inclusion of entropy and COSMO solvation enthalpies. The crystal structures of (RO)3Al<--OC4H8, Cs+[(RO)2(Me)Al-F-Al(Me)(OR)2]-, Ag(CH2Cl2)3+[(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- and Ag(eta2-P4)2+[(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- are described. From the collected data it will be shown that the [(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- anion is the least coordinating anion currently known. With respect to the fluoride ion affinity of two parent Lewis acids Al(OR)3 of 685 kJ mol(-1), the ligand affinity (441 kJ mol(-1)), the proton and copper decomposition reactions (-983 and -297 kJ mol(-1)) as well as HOMO level and HOMO-LUMO gap and in comparison with [Sb4F21]-, [Sb(OTeF5)6]-, [Al(OR)4]- as well as [B(R(F))4]- (R(F)=CF3 or C6F5) the [(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- anion is among the best weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) according to each value. In contrast to most of the other cited anions, the [(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3] anion is available by a simple preparation in conventional inorganic laboratories. The least coordinating character of this anion was employed to clarify the question of the ground state geometry of the Ag(eta2-P4)2+ cation (D(2h), D(2) or D(2d)?). In agreement with computational data and NMR spectra it could be shown that the rotation along the Ag-(P-P-centroid) vector has no barrier and that the structure adopted in the solid state depends on packing effects which lead to an almost D(2h) symmetric Ag(eta2-P4)2+ cation (0 to 10.6 degrees torsion) for the more symmetrical [Al(OR)4]- anion, but to a D2 symmetric Ag(eta2-P4)2+ cation with a 44 degrees twist angle of the two AgP2 planes for the less symmetrical [(RO)3Al-F-Al(OR)3]- anion. This implies that silver back bonding, suggested by quantum chemical population analyses to be of importance, is only weak.