George N. Khairallah

MR1 presents microbial vitamin B metabolites to MAIT cells

Antigen-presenting molecules, encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and CD1 family, bind peptide- and lipid-based antigens, respectively, for recognition by T cells. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an abundant population of innate-like T cells in humans that are activated by an antigen(s) bound to the MHC class I-like molecule MR1. Although the identity of MR1-restricted antigen(s) is unknown, it is present in numerous bacteria and yeast. Here we show that the structure and chemistry within the antigen-binding cleft of MR1 is distinct from the MHC and CD1 families. MR1 is ideally suited to bind ligands originating from vitamin metabolites. The structure of MR1 in complex with 6-formyl pterin, a folic acid (vitamin B9) metabolite, shows the pterin ring sequestered within MR1. Furthermore, we characterize related MR1-restricted vitamin derivatives, originating from the bacterial riboflavin (vitamin B2) biosynthetic pathway, which specifically and potently activate MAIT cells. Accordingly, we show that metabolites of vitamin B represent a class of antigen that are presented by MR1 for MAIT-cell immunosurveillance. As many vitamin biosynthetic pathways are unique to bacteria and yeast, our data suggest that MAIT cells use these metabolites to detect microbial infection.

Gas Phase Ion Chemistry of Transition Metal Clusters Production, Reactivity, and Catalysis

This review focuses on the use of mass spectrometry to examine the gas phase ion chemistry of metal clusters. Ways of forming gas phase clusters are briefly overviewed and then the gas phase chemistry of silver clusters is discussed to illustrate the concepts of “magic numbers” and how reactivity can be size dependent. The chemistry of other bare and ligated metal clusters is examined, including mixed metal dimer ions as models for microalloys. Metal clusters that catalyze gas phase chemical reactions such as the oxidation of CO and organic substrates are reviewed. Finally the interface between nanotechnology and mass spectrometry is also considered.

Gold‐Mediated CI Bond Activation of Iodobenzene

Controversy resolved! A combination of gas-phase ion-molecule reactions and theoretical studies confirm bisligated mononuclear Au(I) complexes are unable to undergo oxidative addition of iodobenzene for Sonogashira coupling, but that the ligated gold clusters [Au(3)L(n)](+) (L=Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2); n=3-6) activate the C-I bond. DFT calculations on the transition states show that the linker size n tunes the cluster reactivity.

Gas-phase synthesis of the homo and hetero organocuprate anions [MeCuMe]-, [EtCuEt]-, and [MeCuR]-.

The homocuprates [MeCuMe]- and [EtCuEt]- were generated in the gas phase by double decarboxylation of the copper carboxylate centers [MeCO2CuO2CMe]- and [EtCO2CuO2CEt]-, respectively. The same strategy was explored for generating the heterocuprates [MeCuR]- from [MeCO2CuO2CR]- (R = Et, Pr, iPr, tBu, allyl, benzyl, Ph). The formation of these organocuprates was examined by multistage mass spectrometry experiments, including collision-induced dissociation and ion-molecule reactions, and theoretically by density functional theory. A number of side reactions were observed to be in competition with the second stage of decarboxylation, including loss of the anionic carboxylate ligand and loss of neutral alkene via beta-hydride transfer elimination. Interpretation of decarboxylation of the heterocarboxylates [MeCO2CuO2CR]- was more complex because of the possibility of decarboxylation occurring at either of the two different carboxylate ligands and giving rise to the possible isomers [MeCuO2CR]- or [MeCO2CuR]-. Ion-molecule reactions of the products of initial decarboxylation with allyl iodide resulted in C-C coupling to produce the ionic products [ICuO2CR]- or [MeCO2CuI]-, which provided insights into the relative population of the isomers, and indicated that the site of decarboxylation was dependent on R. For example, [MeCO2CuO2CtBu]- underwent decarboxylation at MeCO2- to give [MeCuO2CtBu]-, while [MeCO2CuO2CCH2Ph]- underwent decarboxylation at PhCH2CO2- to give [MeCO2CuCH2Ph]-. Each of the heterocuprates [MeCuR]- (R = Et, Pr, iPr, allyl, benzyl, Ph) could be generated by the double decarboxylation strategy. However, when R = tBu, intermediate [MeCuO2CtBu]- only underwent loss of tBuCO2-, a consequence of the steric bulk of tBu disfavoring decarboxylation and stabilizing the competing channel of carboxylate anion loss. Detailed DFT calculations were carried out on the potential energy surfaces for the first and second decarboxylation reactions of all homo- and heterocuprates, as well as possible competing reactions. These reveal that in all cases the first decarboxylation reaction is favored over loss of the carboxylate ligand. In contrast, other reactions such as carboxylate ligand loss and beta-hydride transfer become more competitive with the second decarboxylation reaction.

Letter: intercluster chemistry of protonated and sodiated betaine dimers upon collision induced dissociation and electron induced dissociation.

The collision induced dissociation and electron induced dissociation spectra of the [2M + H]+ and [2M + Na]+ clusters of the zwitterionic amino acid, betaine (M), have been examined in a hybrid linear ion trap Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Intercluster reactions are observed in the collision induced dissociation spectra of [2M + H]+ and [2M + Na]+ and in the electron induced dissociation spectrum of [2M + H]+.

Gas-phase reactions of aryl radicals with 2-butyne: experimental and theoretical investigation employing the N-methyl-pyridinium-4-yl radical cation

Aromatic radicals form in a variety of reacting gas-phase systems, where their molecular weight growth reactions with unsaturated hydrocarbons are of considerable importance. We have investigated the ion-molecule reaction of the aromatic distonic N-methyl-pyridinium-4-yl (NMP) radical cation with 2-butyne (CH(3)C≡CCH(3)) using ion trap mass spectrometry. Comparison is made to high-level ab initio energy surfaces for the reaction of NMP and for the neutral phenyl radical system. The NMP radical cation reacts rapidly with 2-butyne at ambient temperature, due to the apparent absence of any barrier. The activated vinyl radical adduct predominantly dissociates via loss of a H atom, with lesser amounts of CH(3) loss. High-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry allows us to identify small quantities of the collisionally deactivated reaction adduct. Statistical reaction rate theory calculations (master equation/RRKM theory) on the NMP+2-butyne system support our experimental findings, and indicate a mechanism that predominantly involves an allylic resonance-stabilized radical formed via H atom shuttling between the aromatic ring and the C(4) side-chain, followed by cyclization and/or low-energy H atom β-scission reactions. A similar mechanism is demonstrated for the neutral phenyl radical (Ph˙)+2-butyne reaction, forming products that include 3-methylindene. The collisionally deactivated reaction adduct is predicted to be quenched in the form of a resonance-stabilized methylphenylallyl radical. Experiments using a 2,5-dichloro substituted methyl-pyridiniumyl radical cation revealed that in this case CH(3) loss from the 2-butyne adduct is favoured over H atom loss, verifying the key role of ortho H atoms, and the shuttling mechanism, in the reactions of aromatic radicals with alkynes. As well as being useful phenyl radical analogues, pyridiniumyl radical cations may form in the ionosphere of Titan, where they could undergo rapid molecular weight growth reactions to yield polycyclic aromatic nitrogen hydrocarbons (PANHs).

C-C bond coupling between the organometallic cations CH3Ag2+, CH3Cu2+ and CH3AgCu+ and allyliodide.

Electrospray ionisation on a mixture of AgNO(3) (in MeOH/H(2)O/acetic acid), (CH(3)CO(2))(2)Cu (in MeOH) and acetic acid (in MeOH) yields the metal carboxylate cations CH(3)CO(2)Ag(2)(+), CH(3)CO(2)AgCu(+) and CH(3)CO(2)Cu(2)(+). Collision induced dissociation of these carboxylate cations yields the organometallic cations CH(3)Ag(2)(+), CH(3)AgCu(+) and CH(3)Cu(2)(+). The ion-molecule reactions of these organometallic cations with allyliodide were studied in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. C-C bond coupling occurred to yield the ionic products Ag(2)I(+), AgCuI(+) and Cu(2)I(+). DFT calculations were carried out on these C-C bond coupling reactions. In all cases, the reactions are highly exothermic and involve initial coordination of the allyliodide to both metal atoms, with the iodine coordinating to one atom and the alkene moiety coordinating to the other. The overall mechanism of C-C bond coupling involves oxidative addition of the allyliodide followed by reductive elimination of 1-butene.

Copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition of silver acetylides and azides: Incorporation of volatile acetylenes into the triazole core

Silver acetylides and organic azides react under copper(I) catalysis to afford 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. Mechanistic studies implicate a process involving transmetallation to copper acetylides prior to cycloaddition. This work demonstrates that silver acetylides serve as suitable precursors for entry into copper-mediated coupling reactions. This methodology allows the incorporation of volatile and difficult-to-handle acetylenes into the triazole core.

Gas-Phase Formation of the Gomberg–Bachmann Magnesium Ketyl†

Ketyl radical anions have a rich history beginning in 1836, when Laurent noted a deep blue coloration of a solution of benzil upon addition of potassium hydroxide. Since then, ketyl radical anions have been shown to be key intermediates in several important reactions. When metal reagents are used to reduce carbonyl compounds through single electron transfer (SET), the resultant coordinated ketyl radical can undergo important C C bond coupling reactions. An early example is the Gomberg–Bachmann pinacol synthesis (Scheme 1), which involves reducing a ketone with a Mg/ MgI2 mixture. [4] The subvalent magnesium iodide, MgIC, was proposed as the reductant, and the key intermediate is the magnesium ketyl A.

Synthesis, Structure and Gas-Phase Reactivity of a Silver Hydride Complex [Ag3{(PPh2)2CH2}3(μ3-H)(μ3-Cl)]BF4†

Coinage metal hydrides continue to attract attention because of their interesting structural and physical properties, as well as for their role as reagents or intermediates in the transformation of organic substrates. For example, several copper hydride compounds have been structurally characterized and developed as catalysts for 1,4 reduction reactions of enones and for hydrocupration of alkynes. In contrast, whereas their heavier congeners have been implicated as reactive intermediates in oxidation and other reactions, and have been characterized in the gas phase, as well as by matrix isolation experiments, few silver and gold hydride compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. We have been examining the role of coinage-metal cluster compounds in C C bond coupling reactions, click chemistry, and C X bond activation 8] of organic substrates. In our work, methods based on mass spectrometry (MS) are employed to explore cluster formation and reactivity, and to direct condensed phase synthesis and characterization of novel clusters. As part of this cluster chemistry program, we became interested in extending the method of generating bis(phosphino)-protected gold nanoclusters by sodium borohydride reduction of gold salts to generate related silver nanoclusters. Herein, we report on the serendipitous MSbased discovery of a novel silver hydride cluster, [Ag3HClL3] + (L = bis(phosphino) ligand), which has prompted its massspectrometry-directed synthesis and X-ray and neutron crystallographic structural characterization, which reveal a {Ag3(m3-H)(m3-Cl)} + core structure. 14] The gas-phase reactivity of this cluster is also explored. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis of methanol/chloroform solutions of silver(I) trifluoroacetate [Ag(tfa)] that had been treated with sodium borohydride in the presence of 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (designated hereafter as L) showed evidence of the formation of silver hydride cluster cations (Figure 1; see also the Supporting Information, Figure S1), which, based on isotope patterns (Figures S2 and S3) and high resolution accurate mass measurements (Table S1), are formulated as: [Ag3HL3] , [Ag3HClL3] , [Ag3Cl2L3] + and [Ag10H8L6] . The species [Ag3H2L3] + was not observed in any of the spectra recorded. Replacing NaBH4 with sodium borodeuteride confirmed that NaBH4 is the source of the hydride in the clusters (for example, formation of [Ag3DL3] 2+ and not [Ag3HL3] ; Figures S4 and S5). The observation of abundant silver hydride cluster cations by ESI-MS encouraged us to refine the condensed-phase synthetic route (Supporting Information, Method A) to allow the isolation of a crystalline salt suitable for characterization by IR and H NMR spectroscopy (Figures S6 and S7, as well as supporting text), as well as structural determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction. The presence of the abundant trinuclear silver hydride cluster ligated by the trifluoroacetate (tfa) anion, [Ag3H(tfa)L3] +