Sylvain Koeller

Bio: Sylvain Koeller is an academic researcher from University of Bordeaux. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ring-opening polymerization & Thio-. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 19 publications receiving 395 citations. Previous affiliations of Sylvain Koeller include Bar-Ilan University & University of Geneva.

Ring-Opening Polymerization of l-Lactide Efficiently Triggered by an Amido-Indole. X-ray Structure of a Complex between l-Lactide and the Hydrogen-Bonding Organocatalyst

Abstract: N-(3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide 1e is an efficient hydrogen-bonding organocatalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide. This new catalytic species does control the dispersity (1.08) and molecular weight (3460 g/mol vs 3064 in theory) of the poly(l-lactides) prepared in 2 h. 1H NMR analysis showed that compound 1e complexes l-lactide in CDCl3 through the two available NH groups (amide and indole). In particular, the catalytic species appeared to be mainly the H-bonding donor amide (1e in extended conformation, alone or dimer (1e)2) and, to a lesser extend, the dual H-bonding amido-indole (1e in its the pinched conformation). The first X-ray structure of the complex between a H-bonding organocatalyst and l-lactide also revealed a tight H-bonded network between the dimer (1e)2 and l-lactide.

(Thio)Amidoindoles and (Thio)Amidobenzimidazoles: An Investigation of Their Hydrogen‐Bonding and Organocatalytic Properties in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide

Abstract: The mechanism of the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide catalyzed by two partner hydrogen-bonding organocatalysts was explored. New amidoindoles 4 a,c, thioamidoindoles 4 b,d, amidobenzimidazoles 5 a,c, and thioamidobenzimidazoles 5 b,c were synthesized and used as activators of the monomer. In the solid state and in solution, compounds 4 and 5 showed a propensity for self-association, which was evaluated. (Thio)Amides 4 and 5 do catalyze the ROP of lactide in the presence of a cocatalyst, tertiary amine 3 a or 3 b, which activates the growing polymer chain through hydrogen-bonding. Reactions were conducted in 2-24 h at 20 degrees C; conversion yields ranged between 22 and 100 %. A detailed study of the intermolecular interactions undertaken between the participating species showed that, as expected, simultaneous weak hydrogen bonds do exist to activate the reagents. Moreover, interactions have been revealed between the partner catalysts 4/5+3. ROP catalyzed by these partner activators is thus governed by multiple dynamic equilibria. The latter should be judiciously adjusted to fine-tune the catalytic properties of (thio)amides and organocatalysts, more generally.

Effective concentration as a tool for quantitatively addressing preorganization in multicomponent assemblies: application to the selective complexation of lanthanide cations.

Abstract: The beneficial entropic effect, which may be expected from the connection of three tridentate binding units to a strain-free covalent tripod for complexing nine-coordinate cations (Mz+ = Ca2+, La3+, Eu3+, Lu3+), is quantitatively analyzed by using a simple thermodynamic additive model. The switch from pure intermolecular binding processes, characterizing the formation of the triple-helical complexes [M(L2)3]z+, to a combination of inter- and intramolecular complexation events in [M(L8)]z+ shows that the ideal structural fit observed in [M(L8)]z+ indeed masks large energetic constraints. This limitation is evidenced by the faint effective concentrations, ceff, which control the intramolecular ring-closing reactions operating in [M(L8)]z+. This predominence of the thermodynamic approach over the usual structural analysis agrees with the hierarchical relationships linking energetics and structures. Its simple estimation by using a single microscopic parameter, ceff, opens novel perspectives for the molecular tuning of specific receptors for the recognition of large cations, a crucial point for the programming of heterometallic f-f complexes under thermodynamic control.

The particular sensitivity of silyl ethers of D-glucal toward two Vilsmeier-Haack reagents POCl3.DMF and (CF3SO2)2O.DMF. Their unique and selective conversion to the corresponding C(6)-O-formates.

Abstract: The two electrophilic Vilsmeier−Haack reagents POCl3·DMF 2 or (CF3SO2)2Ο·DMF 3 mediate the one-step and selective conversion of O-triethylsilyl (O-TES), O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (O-TBDMS), O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (O-TBDPS), and O-triisopropylsilyl (O-TIPS) ethers of d-glucal to the corresponding C(6)-O-formates.

Fluorine and Fluorinated Motifs in the Design and Application of Bioisosteres for Drug Design.

Abstract: The electronic properties and relatively small size of fluorine endow it with considerable versatility as a bioisostere and it has found application as a substitute for lone pairs of electrons, the hydrogen atom, and the methyl group while also acting as a functional mimetic of the carbonyl, carbinol, and nitrile moieties. In this context, fluorine substitution can influence the potency, conformation, metabolism, membrane permeability, and P-gp recognition of a molecule and temper inhibition of the hERG channel by basic amines. However, as a consequence of the unique properties of fluorine, it features prominently in the design of higher order structural metaphors that are more esoteric in their conception and which reflect a more sophisticated molecular construction that broadens biological mimesis. In this Perspective, applications of fluorine in the construction of bioisosteric elements designed to enhance the in vitro and in vivo properties of a molecule are summarized.

Organocatalysis: Opportunities and Challenges for Polymer Synthesis

Abstract: Organocatalysis offers a number of opportunities in polymer synthesis and was among the earliest methods of catalyzing the synthesis of polyesters. In the following Perspective we attempt to highlight the opportunities and challenges in the use of organic molecules as catalysts or initiators for polymerization reactions. The ring-opening polymerization of cyclic monomers is used as a representative polymerization process to illustrate some of the features of organic catalysts and initiators and to compare them to metal-based approaches. The convergence of convenience, functional group tolerance, fast rates, and selectivities will continue to drive innovations in polymerization catalysis, and it is our perspective that organocatalysis will continue to play an important role in these developments.

Organic Catalysis for Ring-Opening Polymerization

Abstract: Organic catalysis in ring-opening polymerization (ROP) has become a powerful alternative to more traditional metal-based catalysts. The field has developed to a point at which there are not only excellent low cost and easy to use organocatalysts for day-to-day polymerizations, but the ability to precisely control the synthesis of advanced polymer architectures and ROP monomers that are extremely challenging to polymerize with other catalysts now exists. This viewpoint article will highlight the key advances in organocatalyst design with the aim of encouraging the wider application of organic catalysts in ROP.