Showing papers by "Sean Parkin published in 2017"

A stable two-electron-donating phenothiazine for application in nonaqueous redox flow batteries

Abstract: Stable electron-donating organic compounds are of interest for numerous applications that require reversible electron-transfer reactions. Although many organic compounds are stable one-electron donors, removing a second electron from a small molecule to form its dication usually leads to rapid decomposition. For cost-effective electrochemical energy storage utilizing organic charge-storage species, the creation of high-capacity materials requires stabilizing more charge whilst keeping molecular weights low. Here we report the simple modification of N-ethylphenothiazine, which is only stable as a radical cation (not as a dication), and demonstrate that introducing electron-donating methoxy groups para to nitrogen leads to dramatically improved stability of the doubly oxidized (dication) state. Our results reveal that this derivative is more stable than an analogous compound with substituents that do not allow for further charge delocalization, rendering it a promising scaffold for developing atom-efficient, two-electron donors.

Photochemical Properties and Structure–Activity Relationships of RuII Complexes with Pyridylbenzazole Ligands as Promising Anticancer Agents

Abstract: Ruthenium complexes capable of light-triggered cytotoxicity are appealing potential prodrugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT). Two groups of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes with 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzazole ligands were synthesized and investigated for their photochemical properties and anticancer activity to compare strained and unstrained systems that are likely to have different biological mechanisms of action. The structure-activity relationship was focused on the benzazole core bioisosterism and replacement of coligands in Ru(II) complexes. Strained compounds rapidly ejected the 2-(2-pyridyl)-benzazole ligand after light irradiation, and possessed strong toxicity in the HL-60 cell line both under dark and light conditions. In contrast, unstrained Ru(II) complexes were non-toxic in the absence of light, induced cytotoxicity at nanomolar concentrations after light irradiation, and are capable of light-induced DNA damage. The 90-220-fold difference in light and dark IC50 values provides a large potential therapeutic window to allow for selective targeting of cells by exposure to light.

Regioselective Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of lignin model compounds with tin beta zeolite catalyst and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract: Lignin depolymerization represents a promising approach to the sustainable production of aromatic molecules. One potential approach to the stepwise depolymerization of lignin involves oxidation of the benzylic alcohol group in β-O-4 and β-1 linkages, followed by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation (BVO) of the resulting ketones and subsequent ester hydrolysis. Towards this goal, BVO reactions were performed on 2-adamantanone, a series of acetophenone derivatives, and lignin model compounds using a tin beta zeolite/hydrogen peroxide biphasic system. XRD, 119Sn MAS NMR spectroscopy, DRUVS and XPS were used to determine tin speciation in the catalyst, the presence of both framework Sn and extra framework SnO2 being inferred. Conversion of ketones to BVO products was affected by electron donation as well as steric hindrance, 4′-methoxyacetophenone affording the highest yield of ester (81%). As the size and complexity of the ketone increased, excess hydrogen peroxide was typically needed for successful BVO. Yields of ester products derived from β-O-4 and β-1 lignin models were modest due to the formation of polymeric material stemming from direct ring hydroxylation.

Mccrearamycins A-D, Geldanamycin-Derived Cyclopentenone Macrolactams from an Eastern Kentucky Abandoned Coal Mine Microbe.

Abstract: Four cyclopentenone-containing ansamycin polyketides (mccrearamycins A-D), and six new geldanamycins (Gdms B-G, including new linear and mycothiol conjugates), were characterized as metabolites of Streptomyces sp. AD-23-14 isolated from the Rock Creek underground coal mine acid drainage site. Biomimetic chemical conversion studies using both simple synthetic models and Gdm D confirmed that the mccrearamycin cyclopentenone derives from benzilic acid rearrangement of 19-hydroxy Gdm, and thereby provides a new synthetic derivatization strategy and implicates a potential unique biocatalyst in mccrearamycin cyclopentenone formation. In addition to standard Hsp90α binding and cell line cytotoxicity assays, this study also highlights the first assessment of Hsp90α modulators in a new axolotl embryo tail regeneration (ETR) assay as a potential new whole animal assay for Hsp90 modulator discovery.

Persistent Self-Association of Solute Molecules in Solution.

Abstract: The structural evolvement of a solute determines the crystallization outcome. The self-association mechanism leading to nucleation, however, remains poorly understood. Our current study explored the solution chemistry of a model compound, tolfenamic acid (TFA), in three different solvents mainly by solution NMR. It was found that hydrogen-bonded pairs of solute–solute or solute–solvent stack with each through forming a much weaker π–π interaction as the concentration increases. Depending on the solvent, configurations of the solution species may be retained in the resultant crystal structure or undergo rearrangement. Yet, the π–π stacking is always retained in the crystal regardless of the solvent used for the crystallization. The finding suggests that nucleation not only involves the primary intermolecular interaction (hydrogen bonding) but also engages the secondary forces in the self-assembly process.

Bi- and Tetracyclic Spirotetronates from the Coal Mine Fire Isolate Streptomyces sp. LC-6-2.

Abstract: The structures of 12 new “enantiomeric”-like abyssomicin metabolites (abyssomicins M–X) from Streptomyces sp. LC-6-2 are reported. Of this set, the abyssomicin W (11) contains an unprecedented 8/6/6/6 tetracyclic core, while the bicyclic abyssomicin X (12) represents the first reported naturally occurring linear spirotetronate. Metabolite structures were determined based on spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography, and Streptomyces sp. LC-6-2 genome sequencing also revealed the corresponding putative biosynthetic gene cluster.

Photophysical characterization and time-resolved spectroscopy of a anthradithiophene dimer: exploring the role of conformation in singlet fission.

Abstract: Quantitative singlet fission has been observed for a variety of acene derivatives such as tetracene and pentacene, and efforts to extend the library of singlet fission compounds is of current interest. Preliminary calculations suggest anthradithiophenes exhibit significant exothermicity between the first optically-allowed singlet state, S1, and 2 × T1 with an energy difference of >5000 cm−1. Given the fulfillment of this ingredient for singlet fission, here we investigate the singlet fission capability of a difluorinated anthradithiophene dimer (2ADT) covalently linked by a (dimethylsilyl)ethane bridge and derivatized by triisobutylsilylethynyl (TIBS) groups. Photophysical characterization of 2ADT and the single functionalized ADT monomer were carried out in toluene and acetone solution via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and their photo-initiated dynamics were investigated with time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. In accordance with computational predictions, two conformers of 2ADT were observed via fluorescence spectroscopy and were assigned to structures with the ADT cores trans or cis to one another about the covalent bridge. The two conformers exhibited markedly different excited state deactivation mechanisms, with the minor trans population being representative of the ADT monomer showing primarily radiative decay, while the dominant cis population underwent relaxation into an excimer geometry before internally converting to the ground state. The excimer formation kinetics were found to be solvent dependent, yielding time constants of ∼1.75 ns in toluene, and ∼600 ps in acetone. While the difference in rates elicits a role for the solvent in stabilizing the excimer structure, the rate is still decidedly long compared to most singlet fission rates of analogous dimers, suggesting that the excimer is neither a kinetic nor a thermodynamic trap, yet singlet fission was still not observed. The result highlights the sensitivity of the electronic coupling element between the singlet and correlated triplet pair states, to the dimer conformation in dictating singlet fission efficiency even when the energetic requirements are met.

Understanding the Crystal Packing and Organic Thin-Film Transistor Performance in Isomeric Guest-Host Systems.

Abstract: In order to understand how additives influence the structure and electrical properties of active layers in thin-film devices, a compositionally identical but structurally different guest-host system based on the syn and anti isomers of triethylsilylethynyl anthradithiophene (TES ADT) is systematically explored. The mobility of organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) comprising anti TES ADT drops with the addition of only 0.01% of the syn isomer and is pinned at the mobility of OTFTs having pure syn isomer after the addition of only 10% of the isomer. As the syn isomer fraction increases, intermolecular repulsion increases, resulting in a decrease in the unit-cell density and concomitant disordering of the charge-transport pathway. This molecular disorder leads to an increase in charge trapping, causing the mobility of OTFTs to drop with increasing syn-isomer concentration. Since charge transport is sensitive to even minute fractions of molecular disorder, this work emphasizes the importance of prioritizing structural compatibility when choosing material pairs for guest-host systems.

The effect of hexyl side chains on molecular conformations, crystal packing, and charge transport of oligothiophenes

Abstract: We report substituent effects on conformational preferences and hole mobilities of 2,5-bis-(thiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophenes (BTTT) monomer and dimer, and hexyl derivatives. We employ single-crystal X-ray diffraction, quantum mechanical calculations, and thin-film transistors to explore the difference between monomer, dimer, and effect of hexyl substitution. The hexyl-substituted molecules show marked differences in solid-state packing compared to the unsubstituted analogs. Most notably, the alkylated monomer crystal structure exhibits terminal thiophenes in the syn conformation. In contrast, the unsubstituted monomer adopts the more common anti conformation. The hexyl-substituted dimer, however, features a mixture of syn and anti thiophenes. Gas phase conformations of oligomers rationalize the intrinsic conformational preferences. We use a multimode simulation to compute hole mobilities and find excellent agreement with experiment. Theoretical results support our hypothesis that alkyl side chains cause these small molecules to adopt orientations that enhance hole mobilities by an order of magnitude upon hexyl substitution of the monomer.

Orthogonal 4,10 and 6,12 substitution of dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene polycyclic aromatic small molecules

Abstract: A series of new polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds based on (4,10-disubstituted-dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene-6,12-dione) and 4,10 di-substituted 6,12-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene are reported with tunable electronic properties through varied molecular architecture. Starting with an inexpensive commercially available textile dye known as Vat Orange #3, (4,10-dibromo-dibenzo[def,mno] chrysene-6,12-dione) we extended the conjugation at the 4- and 10-positions by the attachment of both electron rich and deficient hexylvinylphthalimide, thiophene, hexylthiophene, triphenylamine, and hexylbithiophene aromatic groups, and studied the resultant optoelectronic properties. By applying various synthetic metal-catalyzed reactions, soluble dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene and dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene-6,12-dione derivatives were achieved with optical edge band gaps between 2.30 eV and 1.65 eV.

sp2CH⋯Cl hydrogen bond in the conformational polymorphism of 4-chloro-phenylanthranilic acid

Abstract: Chlorine can participate in numerous interactions such as halogen bonding, hydrogen bonding, and London dispersion in the solid state. In this work, we report the influence of a chlorine substituent on the polymorphism of a potential anticancer drug, 4-chloro-phenylanthranilic acid (CPAA). Three polymorphs have been discovered for this compound, and the three forms were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, power X-ray diffraction (PXRD), FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Both conformational flexibility of the molecule and the sp2CH⋯Cl hydrogen bond seem to lead to the polymorphism of the system. The phase behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), with the conclusion that form II converts to III upon heating. A conformational scan shows the conformational minima corresponds to the conformers existing in the polymorphs. Lattice energy calculations show energies of −106.70, −104.72, and −194.42 kJ mol−1 for forms I to III, providing information on relative stability for each form. Hirshfeld analysis revealed that intermolecular interactions such as H⋯H, C⋯H, H⋯Cl, and H⋯O contribute to the stability of the crystal forms.

Strong Hydrogen Bond Leads to a Fifth Crystalline Form and Polymorphism of Clonixin

Abstract: Over 30 years since the discovery of four crystal forms (I, II, III and IV) of Clonixin [2-(3-chloro-2-methyl-phenylamino)-nicotinic acid], a fifth form, a dimethylformamide (DMF) solvate, has been obtained by crystal growth in DMF. The new form was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure is stabilized by the strong hydrogen bond between the carboxylic acid OH and the DMF carbonyl whose strength is on par with those of the four solvent-free forms, which are based on either the acid-acid homosynthon or the acid-pyridine heterosynthon, depending on the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings. This solvate loses DMF to convert into form I, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Other aspects of this polymorphic/solvatomorphic system were investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Theoretical studies such as lattice energy calculation, hydrogen-bond strength estimation and Hirshfeld analysis were performed, providing further insight into the polymorphism/solvatomorphism of this system. Based on the analysis of the new form and the whole system, more solvates/cocrystals could be designed and unveiled in due time.

Tuning DNA Condensation with Zwitterionic Polyamidoamine (zPAMAM) Dendrimers

Abstract: Cationic dendrimers are promising vectors for nonviral gene therapies due to their well-defined size and chemistry. We have synthesized a series of succinylated fourth generation (G4) PAMAM dendrimers to control the DNA packaging in dendriplexes, allowing us to probe the role of charge on DNA packaging. The self-assembly of DNA induced by these zwitterionic PAMAM (zPAMAM) was investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We demonstrate that changing the degree of modification in zPAMAM–DNA significantly alters the packing density of the resulting dendriplexes. Salt sensitivities and pH dependence on the inter-DNA spacing were also examined. The swelling and stability to salt are reduced with increasing degree of PAMAM modification. Lowering the pH leads to significantly tighter hexagonal DNA packaging. In combination, these results show zPAMAM is an effective means to modulate nucleic acid packaging in a deterministic manner.

Beyond the Hammett Effect: Using Strain to Alter the Landscape of Electrochemical Potentials

Abstract: The substitution of sterically bulky groups at precise locations along the periphery of fused-ring aromatic systems is demonstrated to increase electrochemical oxidation potentials by preventing relaxation events in the oxidized state. Phenothiazines, which undergo significant geometric relaxation upon oxidation, are used as fused-ring models to showcase that electron-donating methyl groups, which would generally be expected to lower oxidation potential, can lead to increased oxidation potentials when used as the steric drivers. Reduction events remain inaccessible through this molecular design route, a critical characteristic for electrochemical systems where high oxidation potentials are required and in which reductive decomposition must be prevented, as in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. This study reveals a new avenue to alter the redox characteristics of fused-ring systems that find wide use as electroactive elements across a number of developing technologies.

Solid‐State Characterization of 2‐[(2,6‐Dichlorophenyl)amino]‐Benzaldehyde: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Abstract: The solid-state properties of 2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]-benzaldehyde (DCABA) were investigated. Unlike its precursor diclofenac acid, for which three polymorphs are currently known, only one crystalline form of DCABA was found. It was further characterized by other spectroscopic and spectrometric methods including IR, Raman, and UV–vis spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The thermal behavior of the crystalline form was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Theoretical studies, including Hirshfeld surface analysis and conformational energy searches, were performed to provide insight into the factors contributing to the stability of the crystal and to assess the possibility of additional polymorphs. The full characterization of this compound can help fast and accurate identification of DCABA both in dosage forms and in the environment.

Crystal structure of 4,4'-bis-[3-(piperidin-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]-1,1'-biphen-yl.

Abstract: The title compound, C28H32N2, (I), is one of a second generation of compounds designed and synthesized based on a very potent and selective α9α10 nicotinic acetyl­choline receptor antagonist ZZ161C {1,1′-[[1,1′-biphen­yl]-4,4′-diylbis(prop-2-yne-3,1-di­yl)]bis­(3,4-di­methyl­pyridin-1-ium) bromide}, which has shown analgesic effects in a chemotherapy-induced neuropathy animal model Compound (I) was synthesized by the reaction of 4,4′-bis­(3-bromo­prop-1-yn-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl with piperidine at room temperature in aceto­nitrile The single-crystal used for X-ray analysis was obtained by dissolving (I) in a mixture of di­chloro­methane and methanol, followed by slow evaporation of the solvent In the crystal of (I), the biphenyl moiety has a twisted conformation, with a dihedral angle of 2593 (4)° between the benzene rings Both piperidine head groups in (I) are in the chair conformation and are oriented so that the N-atom lone pairs of each piperidine group point away from the central biphenyl moiety