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Biological amines and amino acids play essential roles in many biochemical processes. The chemical complexity of biological samples is challenging, and the selective identification and quantification of amines and amino acid stereoisomers would be very useful for amine-focused "amino-omics" studies. Many amines and amino acids are chiral, and their stereoisomers cannot be resolved on achiral media without chiral derivatization. In prior studies, we demonstrated the use of Marfey's reagenta chiral derivatization reagent for amines and phenolic OH groupsfor the LC–MS/MS resolution and quantification of amines and amino acid stereoisomers. In this study, a heavy atom isotope labeled Marfey's reagent approach for the stereoselective detection and quantification of amines and amino acids was developed. Heavy (13C2) l-Marfey's (Hl-Mar) and heavy (2H3) d-Marfey's (Hd-Mar) were synthesized from 13C2-l-Ala and 2H3-d-Ala, respectively. Both light and heavy Marfey's reagents were used to derivatize standard amine mixtures, which were analyzed by LC–QToF-HRMS. Aligned peak lists were comparatively analyzed by light vs heavy Mar mass differences to identify mono-, di-, and tri-Marfey's adducts and then by the retention time difference between l- and d-Mar derivatives to identify stereoisomers. This approach was then applied to identify achiral and chiral amine and amino acid components in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) extract. This approach shows high analytical selectivity and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin 5-HT 7 receptor (5-HT 7 R), one of the most recently discovered members of the serotonergic system, has become a promising target in the search for central nervous system disorders. Despite the number of preclinical results, none of the selective 5-HT 7 R agents has been approved; therefore, the clinical significance of this protein has not been confirmed yet. Recently, we described very promising, selective, and highly potent hydantoin-derived 5-HT 7 R antagonists with confirmed antidepressant activity in vivo and a very good ADMET profile; however, they have been tested in behavioral studies as racemates. In this work, the synthesis of optically pure hydantoin-derived 5-HT 7 R agents using cost-effective, classical methods has been presented for the first time. X-ray crystallographic analysis confirmed the absolute configuration on both stereogenic centers and allowed for the elucidation of the mechanism of introduction of epichlorohydrin into the hydantoin N3-position. The radioligand binding results showed a clear configuration preference for 5-HT 7 R affinity. The molecular modeling results further indicated the key interaction responsible for lower affinity (with amino acid I3 × 29). Finally, the comparison of the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of racemates versus stereoisomers suggests an influence of additional, apart from the action on 5HT 7 R, factors responsible for the activity in vivo , which is worthy of deeper insight within further studies.

There is increasing biopharmaceutical interest in oligosaccharides and glycosylation. A key requirement for these sample types is the ability to characterize the chain length, branching, type of monomers, and importantly stereochemistry and anomeric configuration. Herein, we showcase the multi-function capability of a cyclic ion mobility (cIM) separator embedded in a quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-ToF MS). The instrument design enables selective activation of mobility-separated precursors followed by cIM separation of product ions, an approach analogous to MSn. Using high cIM resolution, we demonstrate the separation of three isomeric pentasaccharides and, moreover, that three components are present for each compound. We show that structural differences between product ions reflect the precursor differences in some cases but not others. These findings are corroborated by a heavy oxygen labelling approach. Using this methodology, the identity of fragment ions may be assigned. This enables us to postulate that the two main components observed for each pentasaccharide are anomeric forms. The remaining low abundance component is assigned as an open-ring form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterize the primary fragmentation reactions of three isomeric lithiated D-hexose sugars (glucose, galactose, and mannose) utilizing tandem mass spectrometry, regiospecific labeling, and theory. We provide evidence that these three isomers populate similar fragmentation pathways to produce the abundant cross-ring cleavage peaks (0,2A1 and 0,3A1). These pathways are highly consistent with the prior literature (Hofmeister et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113, 5964-5970, 1991, Bythell et al. J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 28, 688-703, 2017, Rabus et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 19, 25643-25652, 2017) and the present labeling data. However, the structure-specific energetics and rate-determining steps of these reactions differ as a function of precursor sugar and anomeric configuration. The lowest energy water loss pathways involve loss of the anomeric oxygen to furnish B1 ions. For glucose and galactose, the lithiated α-anomers generate ketone structures at C2 in a concerted reaction involving a 1,2-migration of the C2-H to the anomeric carbon (C1). In contrast, the β-anomers are predicted to form 1,3-anhydroglucose/galactose B1 ion structures. Initiation of the water loss reactions from each anomeric configuration requires distinct reactive conformers, resulting in different product ion structures. Inversion of the stereochemistry at C2 has marked consequences. Both lithiated mannose forms expel water to form 1,2-anhydromannose B1 ions with the newly formed epoxide group above the ring. Additionally, provided water loss is not instantaneous, the α-anomer can also isomerize to generate a ketone structure at C2 in a concerted reaction involving a 1,2-migration of the C2-H to C1. This product is indistinguishable to that from α-glucose. The energetics and interplay of these pathways are discussed.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal complexes have many proven applications in the caging and photochemical release of biologically active compounds. Photocaging groups derived from Ru(II) traditionally have been composed of ancillary ligands that are planar and bi- or tridentate, such as 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (tpy), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen). Complexes bearing ancillary ligands with denticities higher than three represent a new class of Ru(II)-based photocaging groups that are grossly underdeveloped. Because high-denticity ancillary ligands provide the ability to increase the structural rigidity and control the stereochemistry, our groups initiated a research program to explore the applications of such ligands in Ru(II)-based photocaging. Ru(TPA), bearing the tetradentate ancillary ligand tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA), has been successfully utilized to effectively cage nitriles and aromatic heterocycles. Nitriles and aromatic heterocycles caged by the Ru(TPA) group show excellent stability in aqueous solutions in the dark, and the complexes can selectively release the caged molecules upon irradiation with light. Ru(TPA) is applicable as a photochemical agent to offer precise spatiotemporal control over biological activity without undesired toxicity. In addition, Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with desired photochemical properties can be synthesized and identified by solid-phase synthesis, and the resulting complexes show properties to similar to those of complexes obtained by solution-phase synthesis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that orbital mixing between the π* orbitals of the ancillary ligand and the Ru-N dσ* orbital is essential for ligand photodissociation in these complexes. Furthermore, the introduction of steric bulk enhances the photoliability of the caged molecules, validating that steric effects can largely influence the quantum efficiency of photoinduced ligand exchange in Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes. Recently, two new photocaging groups, Ru(cyTPA) and Ru(1-isocyTPQA), have been designed and synthesized for caging of nitriles and aromatic heterocycles, and these complexes exhibit unique photochemical properties distinct from those derived from Ru(TPA). Notably, the unusually greater quantum efficiency for the ligand exchange in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)2](PF6)2, Φ400 = 0.033(3), uncovers a trans-type effect in the triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) state that enhances photoinduced ligand exchange in a new manner. DFT calculations and ultrafast transient spectroscopy reveal that the lowest-energy triplet state in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)2](PF6)2 is a highly mixed 3MLCT/3ππ* excited state rather than a triplet metal-centered ligand-field (3LF) excited state; the latter is generally accepted for ligand photodissociation. In addition, Mulliken spin density calculations indicate that a majority of the spin density in [Ru(1-isocyTPQA)(MeCN)2](PF6)2 is localized on the isoquinoline arm, which is opposite to the cis MeCN, rather than on the ruthenium center. This significantly weakens the Ru-N6 (cis MeCN) bond, which then promotes the ligand photodissociation. This newly discovered effect gives a clearer perception of the interplay between the 3MLCT and 3LF excited states of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes, which may be useful in the design and applications of ruthenium complexes in the areas of photoactivated drug delivery and photosensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 1,6-dihydropyridazines via copper-promoted 6-endo-trig cyclization of readily available β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones have been developed. A series of 1,6-dihydropyridazines have been synthesized by this method with good yields, high functional group tolerance, and remarkable regioselectivity under mild conditions. Importantly, the 1,6-dihydropyridazines can be efficiently converted to biologically important pyridazines in the presence of NaOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed cyclization of allenyl hemiacetals is described. It permits the selective synthesis of 1,3-dioxane derivatives, precursors for syn-configured 1,3-diols which make an appearance in all of the statin representatives. The reaction allows the total synthesis of Rosuvastatin and Pitavastatin in a straightforward fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Communication, we describe the construction of chiral α,β-unsaturated δ-lactams, widely used as pharmacophores, in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities using an oxidative relay Heck arylation reaction. This strategy also allows facile access to 7- substituted α,β-unsaturated ε-lactam products and δ- lactams containing a tetrasubstituted nitrogen-bearing stereocenter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the coordinating isopropyl ether of the Hoveyda precatalyst is replaced by a cyclohexyl ether, it is possible to control the substituent's conformation in either the equatorial or axial position. A stereodivergent synthesis of axial and equatorial cyclohexyl vinyl ethers provided access to new ruthenium metathesis precatalysts by carbene exchange. The conformational disposition of the coordinating aryl ether was found to have a significant effect on the reactivity of the precatalyst in alkene metathesis. The synthesis of four new Ru carbene complexes is reported, featuring either the 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)dihydroimidazolylidene (H2IMes) or the 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)dihydroimidazolylidene (SIPr) N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. The conformational isomers in the SIPr series were structurally characterized. Performance testing of all new precatalysts in three different ring-closing metatheses and an alkene cross metathesis illustrated superior performance by the precatalysts bearing axial coordinating ethers. Initiation rates with butyl vinyl ether were also measured, providing a useful comparison to existing Hoveyda-type metathesis precatalysts. Use of conformational control of the coordinating ether substituent provides a new way to modulate reactivity in this important class of alkene metathesis precatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative medicinal chemistry approach was conducted on Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor 1 (ibrutinib) by merging the pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine component into a tricyclic skeleton. Two types of compounds were prepared, and their biochemical activities on BTK as well as stereochemistry effects were determined. Structural optimization focusing on the reactive binding group to BTK Cys481 and on the metabolic site guided by metabolic study were conducted. 7S was identified as the most potent showing an IC50 value of 0.4 nM against BTK and 16 nM against BTK-dependent TMD8 cells. Compared to 1, 7S was slightly more selective with strong inhibition on the B-cell receptor signaling pathway. In a TMD8 cell-derived animal xenograft model, 7S showed a relative tumor volume of 5.3 at 15 mg/kg QD dosage that was more efficacious than 1 (RTV 6.6) at a higher dose of 25 mg/kg QD. All these results suggest 7S as a new BTK inhibitor worthy of further profiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of C2-symmetric nickel catalysts capable of the regio- and isoselective polymerization of 1-butene to produce isotactic 4,2-poly(1-butene), a new semi-crystalline polyolefin. The catalyst exhibits enantioface selectivities as high as 84% and the resulting polymers display melting temperatures up to 86 ºC. This system marks a rare example of preserving stereochemistry through a chain walking polymerization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique approach to the synthesis of an ABCD tetracyclic core bearing the vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers of the calyciphylline A type alkaloids is reported. The synthesis features two C-C bond formations at a sterically congested position: one is an intramolecular pinacol coupling to construct the central A ring; the other is a semipinacol rearrangement to construct a quaternary stereogenic center adjacent to another quaternary center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated racemic 2,3-disubstituted 1-indanones 1 possessing two stereolabile centers were stereoselectively reduced to the corresponding chiral 2,3-disubstituted-1-indanols 2 by ruthenium(II)-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution-asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. In particular, this route offers a practical access to a new class of conformationally rigid enantiopure 1,4-diols 2k-m having four contiguous chiral centers. Transformation of ent-2k into a Pallidol analogue via a highly diastereo- and regioselective Friedel-Crafts benzylation of o-chloroanisole is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building and using molecular models puts into action chemical language and concepts, as well as concepts from other disciplines, such as mathematics. It is an important didactic activity for understanding and exchanging meanings about fundamental concepts in basic and advanced chemistry topics. The models described here help students understand molecular representation, which is abstract and difficult to imagine and draw, and then integrate it with chemical situations and knowledge. On the basis of our experience with students, particularly in a class of 44 students, inviting them to build their own molecular models is an activity that promotes their participation in class and the laboratory. We provide details regarding how to use inexpensive plastic drinking straws for assembly; they cost very little and enable analogue models that express connectivity in molecular structures to be built, a strategy that enhances understanding of the spatial organization and characteristics of molecules, as well as that of molecular thought for solving chemical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The [2+2] cycloaddition is a versatile strategy for the synthesis of strained cyclobutenes of high synthetic value. In this study, two efficient intermolecular [2+2] cycloadditions between two different types of chloroalkynes and unactivated alkene are realized with gold catalysis. Of significance is that the reaction works with challenging monosubstituted unactivated alkenes, which is unprecedented in gold catalysis and scarcely documented in other metal-catalyzed/promoted reactions; moreover, the reaction exhibits excellent regioselectivities, which are much better than those reported in literature. With 1,2-disubstituted unactivated alkenes, the reaction is largely stereospecific. The cyclobutene products can be prepared in nearly gram scale and readily undergo further reactions including various cross-coupling reactions using the C(sp²)-Cl and/or C(sp²)-SPh bond, which in turn substantially broaden the scope of accessible cyclobutenes and enhance the synthetic utility of this bimolecular reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, user-friendly, metal-free protocol for the regioselective anti-Markovnikov hydrofluorination of olefins using readily available and inexpensive reagents has been developed. This new approach displays a broader scope than previously reported methodologies and has been applied to the late-stage fluorination of a complex molecule, giving rise to a fluorosteroid derivative. The stereochemistry of the process has also been studied in some detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolation and structure elucidation of puna'auic acid, an allenic fatty acid isolated from a marine cyanobacterium, is described. All configurations were first assessed through molecular modeling of NMR and ECD spectra and then confirmed through a straightforward enantioselective total synthesis of puna'auic acid featuring a key reductive opening of a propargylic epoxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, catalytic method for accessing tetrasubstituted enynylboronates has been established via copper-catalyzed chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective borylalkynylation of internal alkynes. In this protocol, a range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical internal alkynes with aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl substituents afforded fully substituted enynylboron compounds in good yields and with high levels of regio- and stereoselectivity, up to a ratio of >20:1. The enynylboron products could be further utilized in transforming the C–B bond into C–C bonds by coupling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterobicyclic core retained hydroarylation of oxa/azabenzonorbornadienes with quinoline N-oxides has been achieved under rhodium catalysis, giving quinoline N-oxide substituted heterobicyclic structures with excellent regioselectivity and in good yields. As the first example of the direct introduction of quinoline N-oxides onto heterobicyclic structures, the strained heterobicyclic core was well retained in the reaction. The products could be successfully transformed into a series of useful compounds, including epibatidine analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible strategy has been developed to synthesize divergent flavonoids bearing a chiral A-ring. As two key steps, the coupling via a boron-mediated aldol condensation and the cyclization via a highly stereoselective intramolecular Michael addition of 1,3-diketone proceed under mild conditions; thus, the chiral flavonoids bearing C-7 oxy functional groups or olefinic bonds are both easily accessible. Using this approach, the first synthesis of (+)-cryptogione F, (+)-cryptocaryanone B, and (+)-cryptochinones A and C, as well as stereoselective synthesis of (+)-cryptocaryone and (+)-cryptocaryanone A, were achieved from 2-deoxy-d-ribose in high overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular building blocks are designed and created for the cis- and trans-dibrominated perylenediimides. The syntheses are simple and provide these useful materials on the gram scale. To demonstrate their synthetic versatility, these building blocks were used to create new dimeric perylenediimide helixes. Two of these helical dimers are twistacenes, and one is a helicene. Crucially, each possesses regiochemically defined functionality that allows the dimer helix to be elaborated into higher oligomers. It would be very difficult to prepare these helical PDI building blocks regioselectively without the methods described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergent synthesis of candidate stereoisomers of the natural product arenolide was accomplished using recently developed catalytic boron-based reactions. Comparison of the spectral data for candidate structures with that reported for the authentic natural product revealed the likely stereostructure of the natural compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of naturally occurring (±)-sinensilactam A was achieved in 18 steps. The key steps of this work are a rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition for construction of the two all-carbon vicinal quaternary centers and a convergent and tandem condensation of the in situ generated N-acyliminium intermediate with aldehyde 20. This enabled implementation of a unified strategy for stereoselective formation of the tetracyclic hemiaminal core of sinensilactam A in a later stage. The total syntheses of applanatumol F and C8-epi-applanatumol D are also achieved using this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional indolines possessing two contiguous-stereogenic centers were obtained stereoselectively via the FeCl3-mediated dearomative introduction of two allyl groups to N-acylindoles with allyltrimethylsilane. Synthetic transformations allowed obtention of trans-tetrahydrocarbazoles and an aza[4.4.3]propellane scaffold by RCM. Selective hydration of one of the allyl groups was also achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first asymmetric total synthesis of dragonbloodins A1 and A2, a pair of unprecedented chalcone-flavan heterotrimmers, has been achieved through a series of rationally designed or bioinspired transformations. Key elements of the synthesis include a highly efficient heterotrimerization reaction to assemble the two chalcone units and one flavan unit in one pot and a tandem oxidative dearomatization/cyclization/oxygenation reaction to forge the polycyclic core of dragonbloodins A1 and A2. The present synthesis unambiguously confirms the biogenetic relationship and absolute stereochemistry of dragonbloodins A1 and A2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decarboxylative formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between ethynyl benzoxazinanones and 5-substituted 2-silyloxyfurans catalyzed by chiral Cu–Pybox complex is described. This method allows the formation of intriguing tetrahydroquinolines fused with a butyrolactone moiety featuring three contiguous chiral centers in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities in most cases. The utility of this method was exemplified by the removal of the N-protecting groups and derivatization on the terminal alkyne functionality of the cyclization products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent isoselectivity (mmmm > 99%) and high activity (TOF > 4000 h-1) were achieved for the first time in the polymerization of the polar 2-vinylpyridine by using the simple lutetium-based catalysts, Lu(CH2SiMe3)3(THF)x(Py)2-x (x = 0, 1, 2). The isoselectivity (mm) of the polymer could be varied between 37% and 99% through simply altering the quantity of Lewis base (tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 3-bromopyridine, and pyridine) added. Moreover, a novel method for preparing isotactic-atactic stereomultiblock poly(2-vinylpyridine)s was developed by the addition and removal of THF during polymerization. The polymerization process including stereoselective control mechanism was deduced by DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asymmetric organocatalytic direct arylation approach to construct arylated quaternary stereogenic centers with a catalyst loading of 1 mol % is reported. The formation of the hemiketal moiety in stabilizing the hydroquinone intermediate proves to be important in leading to hydroquinone products instead of oxidation quinone products obtained in previously reported methods. A series of structurally and stereochemically complex heterocyclic frameworks are obtained, including spiro-, dispiro-, fused, and bridged heterocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective vinylcyclopropane ring-opening/cycloaddition cascade is described. The active thiyl radical catalysts are generated in situ via UV light-promoted homolysis of cystine-based dimers. Amide-functionalization of the peptide at the 4-proline position is essential for effective asymmetric induction. Stereochemical communication is dependent on steric interactions with this substituent that are enforced by H-bonding to the peptide backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereodirecting effect of C5-ester functions on the glycosylation stereoselectivity of 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2- ulosonic acid (Kdo) ethyl thioglycoside donors is presented. The coupling of 5-O-arylcarbonyl or acetyl protected Kdo thioglycosides with acceptors proceeds in an α-selective and high-yielding manner, leading to formation of α-linked Kdo glycosides products. On the other hand, the glycosylation stereoselectivity of the 5-O-2-quinolinecarbonyl (Quin) or 4- nitropicoloyl substituted Kdo thioglycoside donors is switchable: (1) The glycosylation of the 5-O-Quin carrying Kdo donors with primary glycosyl acceptors shows complete β-stereoselectivity, furnishing the corresponding β-glycosides in good-toexcellent yield. (2) The stereochemical outcome of the secondary acceptors with these Kdo donors is determined mainly by the stereoelectronic nature of the acceptor. Only or predominant α anomeric products are obtained when the Kdo donors couple with the disarmed or highly crowded secondary carbohydrate acceptors, while the selectivity may switch to predominant β in the glycosylation of the 5-O-4-nitropicoloyl carrying donor with more reactive secondary alcohols. The synthetic use of the newly developed Kdo donors 1c and 7b has been demonstrated by facile preparation of a structurally unique trisaccharide motif 19 which possesses both α- and β-Kdo glycosidic bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of certain organometallic reagents to react via 1,2- or 1,4-addition to an α,β-unsaturated ketone is a fundamental example of regioselectivity at the second-year undergraduate organic level. The following two experiments were designed to demonstrate this preference by exploiting carvone as an inexpensive chiral, nonracemic substrate. The first, intended for a typical undergraduate audience, makes use of phenylmagnesium bromide; the second calls for the manufacture of lithium dimethylcuprate from a stock solution of methyl lithium and copper(I) iodide and is envisioned to be carried out by upper-division students. Importantly, due to the chiral nature of carvone, these addition reactions are highly stereoselective and will provide an opportunity for students to revisit stereochemistry. Also discussed are several thoughts on assessment of student learning as well as an easy to adopt protocol that details reaction setup, aqueous workup, purification, waste management, and the analysis of products using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring closure click chemistry methods have been used to produce cyclic c-PLLA and c-PDLA of a number-average molecular weight close to 10 kg/mol. The effects of stereochemistry of the polymer chains and their topology on their structure, nucleation, and crystallization were studied in detail employing wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), polarized light optical microscopy (PLOM), and standard and advanced differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystal structures of linear and cyclic PLAs are identical to each other, and no differences in superstructural morphology could be detected. Cyclic PLA chains are able to nucleate much faster and to produce a higher number of nuclei in comparison to linear analogues, either upon cooling from the melt or upon heating from the glassy state. In the samples prepared in this work, a small fraction of linear or higher molecular weight cycles were detected (according to SEC analyses). The presence of such "impurities" retards spherulitic growth rates of c-PLAs, making them nearly the same as those of l-PLAs. On the other hand, the overall crystallization rate determined by DSC was much larger for c-PLAs, as a consequence of the enhanced nucleation that occurs in cyclic chains. The equilibrium melting temperatures of cyclic chains were determined and found to be 5 °C higher in comparison with values for l-PLAs. This result is a consequence of the lower entropy of cyclic chains in the melt. Self-nucleation studies demonstrated that c-PLAs have a shorter crystalline memory than linear analogues, as a result of their lower entanglement density. Successive self-nucleation and annealing (SSA) experiments reveal the remarkable ability of cyclic molecules to thicken, even to the point of crystallization with extended collapsed ring conformations. In general terms, stereochemistry had less influence on the results obtained in comparison with the dominating effect of chain topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on structural and mechanistic studies of lithiated enolates derived from acylated oxazolidinones (Evans enolates) and chiral lithiated amino alkoxides, we found that amino alkoxides amplify the enantioselectivity of aldol additions. The pairing of enantiomeric series affords matched and mismatched stereoselectivities. The structures of mixed tetramers showing 2:2 and 3:1 (alkoxide-rich) stoichiometries are determined spectroscopically. Rate and computational studies provide a viable mechanistic and stereochemical model based on the direct reaction of the 3:1 mixed tetramers, but they raise unanswered questions for the 2:2 mixed aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the design, synthesis, and characterization of a chiral hexacoordinated phosphate ion that features an octahedral P(V) core consisting of two N,N,O-tridentate backbones. We further demonstrate that the corresponding hydrogen phosphate acts as an effective catalyst for a highly enantioselective Pictet-Spengler-type reaction, wherein the relationship between the structure of the chiral phosphate ion and its ability to dictate the absolute stereochemistry is revealed in conjunction with precise structural elucidation of the phosphate ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports have described deuterium exchange reactions on polyolefins; such isotopic labeling enables powerful analytical techniques, but exchange on isotactic polypropylene was previously unsuccessful. Here, we report successful exchange reactions on isotactic and syndiotactic polypropylenes, revealing the key role that the polymer stereochemistry and reaction solvent play in the mechanism of adsorption and exchange. Alteration of the polymer stereochemistry accompanies exchange in some cases, though molecular weight is preserved in all reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereoregular trans-poly(dienes) with three different types of functional groups were synthesized by insertion polymerization. The functional groups are located simultaneously in the polymer backbone and at both chain ends, yielding heterotelechelic and in-chain functionalized polymers. A combination of three compatible functionalization methods allows for the syntheses of these particular polymers. Nd(BH34)3·(THF)3 catalyzes, after activation with MgR2, the direct copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene or isoprene with polar functionalized dienes, thus enabling the functionalization of the polymer's backbone. The use of functionalized organo-Mg compounds, e.g., (PhS-C5H10)2Mg, for the activation of Nd(BH34)3·(THF) 3 enables the functionalization of the initiating chain-end and quenching of the polymerization with suitable reagents; e.g., Si(OEt)4 allows for the functionalization of the terminating chain-end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering the significance of length, sequence, and stereochemistry in block copolymer self-assembly remains an ongoing challenge. A dearth of methods to access uniform block co-oligomers/polymers with precise stereochemical sequences has precluded such studies. Here, we develop iterative exponential growth methods for the synthesis of a small library of unimolecular stereoisomeric diblock 32-mers. X-ray scattering reveals that stereochemistry modulates the phase behavior of these polymers, which we rationalize based on simulations carried out on a theoretical model system. This work demonstrates that stereochemical sequence can play a crucial role in unimolecular polymer self-assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]