Abstract: The presence of a permethylated α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) cavity in a chelating P,N ligand promotes exclusive formation of 1 : 1 ligand/metal complexes. In MX2 complexes, one of the two halido ligands is forced to reside inside the CD hollow while the second one is pointing outside. Unlike its cavity-free analogue, a Ni(II) complex of the CD ligand is a highly selective precatalyst for...[more]
Abstract: Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant thiol in mammalian cells and plays a crucial role in maintaining redox cellular homeostasis. The thiols of two GSH molecules can be oxidized to the disulfide GSSG. The cytosolic GSH/GSSG ratio is very high (>100), and its reduction can lead to apoptosis or necrosis, which are of interest in cancer research. CuII ions are very efficient oxidants of...[more]
Abstract: Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones exuded in the rhizosphere with a signaling role for the development of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and as stimulants of seed germination of the parasitic weeds Orobanche, Phelipanche, and Striga, the most threatening weeds of major crops worldwide. Phelipanche ramosa is present mainly on rape, hemp, and tobacco in France. P. ramosa 2a...[more]
Abstract: The preparation of several covalently linked [6]-helicene-porphyrins is reported. A fused [6]-helicene-porphyrin π-extended aromatic system was isolated, the enantiomers separated and the chiroptical properties determined. The oxidative cyclodehydrogenation proved to be very effective for six-membered fused helical systems, but not suited for the formation of five-membered fused...[more]
Abstract: The synthesis of natural products containing eight-membered heterocycles has proved to be highly challenging. In this contribution, an environmentally benign synthesis of benzo-1,5 dioxocines via ynamides is reported. A new class of ynamides was prepared by using a green and mild synthetic pathway. The eight-membered heterocycles fused to aryl groups were obtained from propargylic...[more]
Abstract: We report the first examples of metal-promoted double geminal activation of C(sp 3 )–H bonds of the N–CH 2 –N moiety in an imidazole-type heterocycle, leading to nickel and palladium NHC complexes under mild conditions. Reaction of the new electron-rich diphosphine 1,3-bis((di- tert -butylphosphaneyl)methyl)-2,3-dihydro-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole ( 1 ) with [PdCl 2 (cod)] occurred...[more]
Abstract: A combined experimental/theoretical study of Ni pincer complexes with a bridgehead pyrimidine-based NHC and arylphosphino side arms revealed unique features about stepwise C–H activation, ethylene insertion into the Ni–H bond of an isolated complex followed by ethyl migration with C–CNHC coupling, and an unprecedented C–P bond activation affording via PPh2 migration a NiII complex...[more]