Showing papers in "Angewandte Chemie in 1993"

Electron Transfer Reactions in Chemistry: Theory and Experiment (Nobel Lecture)

Abstract: Since the late 1940s, the field of electron transfer processes has grown enormously, both in chemistry and biology. The development of the field, experimentally and theoretically, as well as its relation to the study of other kinds of chemical reactions, presents to us an intriguing history, one in which many threads have been brought together. In this lecture, some history, recent trends, and my own involvement in this research are described.

Colloidal Semiconductor Q‐Particles: Chemistry in the Transition Region Between Solid State and Molecules

Abstract: In semiconductor particles of nanometer size, a gradual transition from solid-state to molecular structure occurs as the particle size decreases. Consequently, a splitting of the energy bands into discrete, quantized levels occurs. Particles that exhibit these quantization effects are often called “Q-particles” or, generally, quantized material. The optical, electronic and catalytic properties of Q-particles drastically differ from those of the corresponding macrocrystalline substance. The band gap, a substance-specific quantity in macrocrystalline materials, increases by several electron volts in Q-particles with decreasing particle size. In Q-particles there are approximately as many molecules on the surface as in the interior of the particle. Therefore, the nature of the surface as well as the particle size is also largely responsible for the physico-chemical properties of the particle. Q-particles of many materials can be prepared in the form of colloidal solutions or embedded in porous matrices and are stable over a long period of time. In sandwich colloids, in which Q-particles of different materials are coupled, as well as in porous semiconductor electrodes containing Q-particles in the pores, very efficient primary charge separation is observed. As a result, sandwich colloids have greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity relative to the individual particles, while electrodes modified with Q-particles show high photocurrents. This article deals with the size quantization effect, the synthesis and characterization of Q-particles, as well as with the spectroscopic, electrochemical, and electron-microscopic investigation of these particles.

Sequential Transformations in Organic Chemistry: A Synthetic Strategy with a Future†

Abstract: Organic-chemical synthesis has always fascinated chemists and will not lose its importance in the future. It is a truism that all chemists—and others too—are dependent on the synthesis of those compounds with which they want to work. As a result, organic-chemical synthesis today is more than ever before the cutting edge of organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, medicine, physics, and material science. Synthesis is also the basis of the chemical industry. For the passionate synthetic chemist, however, synthesis is much more than just a method for obtaining compounds; it is the expression of his creativity, intelligence, ability, and also his perseverance.

Hydrophobic effects - opinions and facts

Abstract: The term hydrophobic interactions denotes the tendency of relatively apolar molecules to stick together in aqueous solution. These interactions are of importance in many chemical disciplines, including the chemistry of in vivo processes. Enzyme-substrate interactions, the assembly of lipids in biomembranes, surfactant aggregation, and kinetic solvent effects in water-rich solutions are all predominantly governed by hydrophobic interactions. Despite extensive research efforts, the hydration of apolar molecules and the noncovalent interactions between these molecules in water are still poorly understood. In fact, the question as to what the driving force for hydrophobic intractions is shifts the study into a quest for a detailed understanding of the remarkable properties of liquid water. This review highlights some of the novel insights that have been obtained in the past decade. The emphasis is on both hydrophobic hydration and hydrophobic interactions since both phenomena are intimately connected. Several traditional views have been found to be deeply unsatisfactory, and courageous attempts have been made to conceptualize the driving force behind pairwise and bulk hydrophobic interactions. The review presents an admittedly personal selection of the recent experimental and theoretical developments, and when necessary, reference is made to relevant studies of earlier date.

The Role of Chemistry in the Development of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Cancer

Abstract: A therapeutic method that selectively destroys malignant cells in the presence of normal cells is a highly valued goal of oncologists and the possible salvation of cancer patients afflicted with some incurable forms of the disease. Selective cell destruction is, in principle, possible with a binary therapeutic strategy based upon the neutron capture reaction observed with the 10B nucleus and a neutron of low kinetic energy (thermal neutron). This nuclear fission reaction produces both 4He and 7Li+ nuclei along with about 2.4 MeV of kinetic energy and weak γ-radiation. Since the energetic and cytotoxic product ions travel only about one cell diameter in tissue one may specify the cell type to be destroyed by placing innocent 10B nuclei on or within only the doomed cells. This article describes the current status of chemical research aimed at the eventual adoption of this therapeutic method (boron neutron capture therapy or BNCT). The multidisciplinary nature of this research effort involves chemistry, biology, nuclear physics, medicine, and related specialties. Methods devised for bringing 10B nuclei to tumor cells in therapeutic amounts are correlated with the structure of a generalized cell and the various cellular compartments available for boron localization. The synthesis methods employed for the creation of boron-containing biomolecules and drugs are presented along with representative data concerning their efficacy in tumor localization. The outlook for BNCT is especially bright at this time because of rapid developments in the fields of bioorganometallic chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and nuclear science, to name but a few. Very effective boron delivery vehicles have been demonstrated, and through the interaction of chemistry and biology these species are undergoing further improvement and evaluation of their suitability for BNCT.

Peptidomimetics for Receptor Ligands—Discovery, Development, and Medical Perspectives

Abstract: Peptides, as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and hormones, influence a multitude of physiological processes by signal transduction mediated through receptors. In addition, during the last 20 years their role in the appearance or maintenance of various diseases could be unequivocally proven. Agents that can imitate or block the biological functions of bioactive peptides (agonists or antagonists, respectively) can be considered as aids for the investigation of peptidergic systems and also as therapeutic agents. The suitability of bioactive peptides as therapeutic agents was examined after preliminary pharmacological experiments. It was thereby shown that based on their pharmacological properties, for example degradation by peptidases or poor bioavailability, they could be employed as drugs in only a few cases. To solve this problem peptidomimetics, compounds that act as substitutes for peptides in their interaction with receptors, have been synthesized. In comparison with native peptides they show higher metabolic stability, better bioavailability, and longer duration of action. Peptidomimetics with antagonistic properties were also developed within the range of these investigations. As a result, new types of treatment and therapy for a series of diseases are possible. Although peptidomimetics have been developed largely by empirical methods (e.g. modification of native peptides, optimization of lead structures), methods for rational design based on investigations into the structure of peptidepeptide receptor complexes and studies of conformation energies, among others, are gradually being established.

Water-Soluble Ligands, Metal Complexes, and Catalysts: Synergism of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Abstract: Rapid developments in the field of catalysis are leading to an increased demand for tailor-made catalysts. Water-soluble complex catalysts, which are being intensively investigated at the present time, combine the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis: simple and complete separation of the product from the catalyst, high activity, and high selectivity. From the large number of available water-soluble ligands, the appropriate catalysts can be developed for many reactions. The industrial applications in the fields of hydrogenation and hydroformylation have already indicated the wide scope of this type of catalyst. In addition, the annual production of 300 000 tons of butyraldehyde through application of water-soluble rhodium complexes at Hoechst AG in Oberhausen, Germany, has demonstrated the industrial importance of the concept of complex-catalyzed reactions in aqueous two-phase systems. The efficient operation of catalytic processes increasingly requires the loss-free recycling of the noble metal catalyst, and this can be simply and economically realized in two-phase systems. Special applications in biochemical problems open up developments in the field of water-soluble transition metal complexes that far transcend the familiar kinds of homogeneous catalysis. In the near future, the investigation and application of metal complex catalysts that are compatible with the physiological, cheap, and environmentally friendly solvent, water, is likely to become a high priority in catalysis research.

Poly(propylene imine) Dendrimers: Large‐Scale Synthesis by Hetereogeneously Catalyzed Hydrogenations

Abstract: In kilogram quantities; pure poly(propylene imine) dendrimers can be prepared in an extremely simple reaction sequence comprising Michael addition (primary amines to acrylonitrile) and heterogeneous hydrogenation with a Raney cobalt catalyst. Both steps proceed quantitatively and selectively and can be employed with many core and end groups.

Transition Metal Complexation of σ Bonds

Abstract: The first σ complexes were found in the 1960s and 1970s, but they did not attract more than passing attention. Only now are we beginning to recognize their key role in the chemical reactions of σ bonds, and this has encouraged more detailed study. In contrast with the more familiar π-donor complexes such as M(CH2CH2) and complexes like MNH3, in which the one pair of electrons on the N atom is bound to the metal atom, in a σ complex an XH group binds to the transition metal atom; the XH σ-bonding electron pair acts as a 2e donor to give an (X-H)-M type complex. Dihydrogen complexes (X = H) are one important group of σ complexes. C-H-M complexes (X = R3C) with an agostic C-H-M interaction have not only been found in the ground state but also implicated in the transition states of many important organometallic transformations such as Ziegler–Natta catalysis and sigma bond metathesis. The importance of XH bond activation will encourage continued growth in this field.

Sequentielle Transformationen in der Organischen Chemie eine Synthesestrategie mit Zukunft

Abstract: Die organisch-chemische Synthese hat stets eine grose Faszination auf den Chemiker ausgeubt, und sie wird auch in Zukunft nichts von ihrer Bedeutung verlieren. Es ist eine Binsenweisheit, das alle Chemiker - und nicht nur die - auf die Synthese chemischer Verbindungen, mit denen sie arbeiten wollen, angewiesen sind. So ist die organisch-chemische Synthese heute mehr denn je die Schnittstelle von Organischer Chemie, Biologie. Biochemie, Medizin, Physik und Materialwissenschaft. Man sollte auch nicht vergessen, das die Grundlage der chemischen Industrie die Synthese ist. Fur den Synthetiker aus Leidenschaft aber ist die Synthese weit mehr als nur Mittel zu dem Zweck, Verbindungen in die Hand zu bekommen; sie ist Ausdruck seiner Kreativitat. Intelligenz und seines handwerklichen Konnens, aber auch seiner Ausdauer.

Ultramicroelectrodes in Electrochemistry

Abstract: In the 1950s and 1960s fundamental developments in electrochemical methods included voltammetry and low signal techniques. A generation later, the discovery of the unusual properties of ultramicroelectrodes has opened new possibilities of analyzing electrode processes. The changes in mass transport conditions bring about extremely high current densities at ultramicroelectrodes, whereas the currents themselves become very small. This little-noticed phenomenon allows for many electroanalytical applications that are not possible with conventional electrodes, especially experiments in solutions with very low electrolyte concentrations, in nonpolar solvents, in solids, and even in gases. In addition, two factors— changes in the experimental time scale at low scan rates because of the size of the electrode, and insignificant iR effects at very high scan rates—make it possible to study very fast homogeneous and heterogeneous electrode processes.

Molecular Machines: How Motion and Other Functions of Living Organisms Can Result from Reversible Chemical Changes

Abstract: Certain model proteins dramatically fold and become more ordered on raising the temperature. When the temperature is raised to drive folding and assembly, these model proteins can lift weights and perform work; they can produce motion. The temperature of warm-blooded animals, however, is kept constant. Therefore, motion cannot result from a change in temperature. In this case, a free energy change, caused, for example, by an increase in the concentration of a chemical, can lower the temperature at which the protein folding and assembly transition occurs from above to below physiological temperature. Raising the concentration of a chemical isothermally has indeed been shown to result in motion and the efficient performance of work. These model proteins and the mechanism they reveal provide insight into the molecular basis for diverse biological functions; they are models for the molecular machines that comprise the living organism, and they provide a new class of materials for both medical and nonmedical applications.

Neural Networks in Chemistry

Abstract: The capabilities of the human brain have always fascinated scientists and led them to investigate its inner workings. Over the past 50 years a number of models have been developed which have attempted to replicate the brain’s various functions. At the same time the development of computers was taking a totally different direction. As a result, today’s computer architectures, operating systems, and programming have very little in common with information processing as performed by the brain. Currently we are experiencing a reevaluation of the brain’s abilities, and models of information processing in the brain have been translated into algorithms and made widely available. The basic building-block of these brain models (neural networks) is an information processing unit that is a model of a neuron. An artificial neuron of this kind performs only rather simple mathematical operations; its effectiveness is derived solely from the way in which large numbers of neurons may be connected to form a network. Just as the various neural models replicate different abilities of the brain, they can be used to solve different types of problem: the classification of objects, the modeling of functional relationships, the storage and retrieval of information, and the representation of large amounts of data. This potential suggests many possibilities for the processing of chemical data, and already applications cover a wide area: spectroscopic analysis, prediction of reactions, chemical process control, and the analysis of electrostatic potentials. All these are just a small sample of the great many possibilities.

Poly(hydroxyalkanoates): A Fifth Class of Physiologically Important Organic Biopolymers?†

Abstract: Along with polyisoprenoids, polypeptides, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides, Nature contains a further group of biopolymers, the poly(hydroxyalkanoates). The commonest member of this group, poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] P(3-HB), had been identified by Lemoigne as early as the 1920s, as a storage substance in the microorganism Bacillus megaterium made up of more than 12000 (3-HB) units. However, the widespread distribution and significance of these biopolymers has only become clear recently. The work of Reusch, in particular, has shown that low molecular weight P(3-HB) (100–200 3-HB units) occurs in the cell membranes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. The function of P(3-HB) in the latter sources is largely unknown; it has been proposed that a complex of P(3-HB) and calcium polyphosphate acts as an ion channel through the membrane. Indeed, it has even been speculated that P(3-HB) plays a role in transport of DNA through the cell wall. In the present article, the following subjects will be discussed: metabolism of P(3-HB) and analogous polyesters in the synthesis and degradation of storage materials; P(3-HB) as a starting material for chiral synthetic building blocks; synthesis of cyclic oligomers (oligolides) of up to ten 3-HB units, and their crystal structure; high molecular weight bio-copolymers of hydroxybutyrate and hydroxyvalerate (BIOPOL) as biologically degradable plastics; nonbiological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from 3-hydroxy carboxylic acids and the corresponding β-lactones; specific synthesis of linear oligomers with a narrow molecular weight distribution, consisting of about 100 (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate units, by using an exponential coupling procedure; structure of the polyesters, and a comparison with other polymers; the experimental results which led to the postulation of a P(3-HB) ion channel through the cell wall; modeling of P(3-HB) helices of various diameters, by using the parameters obtained from the crystal structures of oligolides; formation of a crown ester complex and ion transport experiments with the triolide of 3-HB. The article describes one example of the contributions that synthetic organic chemists can make to important biological problems in an interdisciplinary framework.

The Unique Antithrombin III Binding Domain of Heparin: A Lead to New Synthetic Antithrombotics

Abstract: Heparin, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan, is well known for its anticoagulant effect mediated by the serine protease inhibitor antithrombin III (AT III). Heparin has been used clinically for more than half a century for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism. Up until the 1980s it was assumed that the biological activity of heparin was mainly caused by its polyanionic character. However, this paradigm was contradicted when it was discovered that part of the heparin polysaccharides contains a well-defined pentasaccharide domain that specifically binds and activates AT III. The specificity of the interaction between the characteristic pentasaccharide and AT III has become more obvious after the synthesis and biological testing of various heparin analogues. This article reviews the synthesis of the heparin pentasaccharide, some closely related counterparts, and some highly modified analogues. With the aid of molecular modeling and through “tailored” molecular modifications of the pentasaccharide, much knowledge has been gained concerning structure-activity relationships. On this basis not only have more potent and simplified derivatives been developed, but also the recognition between heparin and AT III can now be understood in greater detail at the molecular level.

Dynamic Solvent Effects on Electron-Transfer Reactions

Abstract: Electron-transfer processes in solution are among the most important reactions in chemistry and biology. The huge number of redox reactions of transition metal ions and complexes, many preparatively important oxidations and reductions of organic compounds, photosynthesis, and metabolism are only a few examples where electron-transfer reactions play a pivotal role. This ubiquity, as well as their relative simplicity, makes them excellent models for the study on a molecular level of chemical reactions in solution. A particularly important question in chemical reaction dynamics in solution is the influence of the solvent on the reaction rate. In this context one distinguishes between static and dynamic solvent effects. Static effects refer to the stabilization of reactants, transition state, and products, that is, how the solvent affects the free energies of these species and the energy of activation. This interpretation of solvent effects on all kinds of chemical reactions is well established. A more recent development is the investigation of the influence of solvent dynamics on the rate of a reaction. The transfer of an electron is usually thought to be triggered by a fluctuation of the dielectric polarization in the surrounding solvent. The dynamics of such fluctuations is determined by the finite response time of the orientational polarization of the solvent. Under certain conditions this dielectric response time can become the rate-determining factor of the reaction. In this article I intend to give a review of these modern developments in the theory and experimental study of electron-transfer processes. We shall see that solvent dynamics may lead to a whole plethora of phenomena in reaction dynamics. The concepts needed for their description are not limited to electron transfer but bear relevance to many other chemical reactions in solution.

Methods for the Synthesis of μ‐Hydrocarbon Transition Metal Complexes without Metal–Metal Bonds

Abstract: Transition metal complexes in which hydrocarbons serve as σ,σ-, σ,π- or π,π-bound bridging ligands are currently of great interest. This review presents efficient and directed syntheses for such compounds, which often have very aesthetic structures. These reactions are among the most important reaction types in modern organometallic chemistry. They can be a useful aid for the synthesis of tailor-made compounds, for example, for models of catalytic processes and, specifically, for the construction of heterometallic compounds. We will discuss reactions of electrophilic complexes with nucleophilic ones, numerous transformations of (functionalized) hydrocarbons with metal complexes, the currently very topical complexes with bridging acetylide and carbide ligands, and organometallic polymers, which can be expected to have interesting and novel materials properties. Chisholm1 has described the importance of these complexes as follows: “Central to the development of polynuclear and cluster chemistry are bridging ligands and central to organometallic chemistry are metal–carbon bonds. Thus bridging ligands hold a pivotal role ins the development of Binuclear and polynuclear organometallic chemistry”.

Elektronentransferreaktionen in der Chemie - Theorie und Experiment (Nobel-Vortrag)†

Abstract: Die Untersuchung von Elektronentransferprozessen hat sowohl in der Chemie als auch in der Biologie seit dem Ende der vierziger Jahre stark zugenommen. Die theoretischen und experimentellen Entwicklungen auf diesem Gebiet sowie seine Beziehungen zu anderen Arten chemischer Reaktionen bieten uns eine fesselnde Geschichte, fur die viele Faden zu einem Ganzen gebundelt werden musten. Ich werde hier sowohl Geschichtliches als auch aktuelle Entwicklungen sowie meine eigenen Forschungsbeitrage schildern.

Coherence Selection by Gradients without Signal Attenuation: Application to the Three‐Dimensional HNCO Experiment

Abstract: Coherence Selection by Gradients without Signal Attenuation : Application to the 3-Dimensional Hnco Experiment