Pierre Kennepohl

Fluorine Transfer to Alkyl Radicals

The development of new synthetic technologies for the selective fluorination of organic compounds has increased with the escalating importance of fluorine-containing pharmaceuticals. Traditional methods potentially applicable to drug synthesis rely on the use of ionic forms of fluorine (F(-) or F(+)). Radical methods, while potentially attractive as a complementary approach, are hindered by a paucity of safe sources of atomic fluorine (F(•)). A new approach to alkyl fluorination has been developed that utilizes the reagent N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide as a fluorine transfer agent to alkyl radicals. This approach is successful for a broad range of alkyl radicals, including primary, secondary, tertiary, benzylic, and heteroatom-stabilized radicals. Furthermore, calculations reveal that fluorine-containing ionic reagents are likely candidates for further expansion of this approach to polar reaction media. The use of these reagents in alkyl radical fluorination has the potential to enable powerful new transformations that otherwise would take multiple synthetic steps.

Evidence for halogen bond covalency in acyclic and interlocked halogen-bonding receptor anion recognition.

The synthesis and anion binding properties of novel halogen-bonding (XB) bis-iodotriazole-pyridinium-containing acyclic and [2]catenane anion host systems are described. The XB acyclic receptor displays selectivity for acetate over halides with enhanced anion recognition properties compared to the analogous hydrogen-bonding (HB) acyclic receptor. A reversal in halide selectivity is observed in the XB [2]catenane, in comparison to the acyclic XB receptor, due to the interlocked host’s unique three-dimensional binding cavity, and no binding is observed for oxoanions. Notable halide anion association constant values determined for the [2]catenane in competitive organic–aqueous solvent mixtures demonstrate considerable enhancement of anion recognition as compared to the HB catenane analogue. X-ray crystallographic analysis of a series of halide catenane complexes reveal strong XB interactions in the solid state. These interactions were studied using Cl and Br K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) indicating intense pre-edge features characteristic of charge transfer from the halide to its bonding partner (σAX←X–* ← X1s), and providing a direct measure of the degree of covalency in the halogen bond(s). The data reveal that the degree of covalency is similar to that which is observed in transition metal coordinate covalent bonds. These results are supported by DFT results, which correlate well with the experimental data.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Rh: Reaction With Dioxygen Without Oxidation

The reaction of oxygen with rhodium complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbenes was found to give dioxygen complexes with rare square planar geometries and unusually short O-O bond lengths. Analysis of the bonding in these complexes by Rh L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), Raman spectroscopy, and DFT calculations provides evidence for a bonding model in which singlet oxygen is bound to a Rh(I) d8 metal complex, rather than the more common Rh(III) d6 peroxo species with octahedral geometry and O-O bond lengths in the 1.4-1.5 A range.

Influence of Oxygenation on the Reactivity of Ruthenium-Thiolato Bonds in Arene Anticancer Complexes: Insights from XAS and DFT

Thiolate ligand oxygenation is believed to activate cytotoxic half-sandwich [(eta(6)-arene)Ru(en)(SR)](+) complexes toward DNA binding. We have made detailed comparisons of the nature of the Ru-S bond in the parent thiolato complexes and mono- (sulfenato) and bis- (sulfinato) oxygenated species including the influence of substituents on the sulfur and arene. Sulfur K-edge XAS indicates that S(3p) donation into the Ru(4d) manifold depends strongly on the oxidation state of the sulfur atom, whereas Ru K-edge data suggest little change at the metal center. DFT results are in agreement with the experimental data and allow a more detailed analysis of the electronic contributions to the Ru-S bond. Overall, the total ligand charge donation to the metal center remains essentially unchanged upon ligand oxygenation, but the origin of the donation differs markedly. In sulfenato complexes, the terminal oxo group makes a large contribution to charge donation and even small electronic changes in the thiolato complexes are amplified upon ligand oxygenation, an observation which carries direct implications for the biological activity of this family of complexes. Details of Ru-S bonding in the mono-oxygenated complexes suggest that these should be most susceptible to ligand exchange, yet only if protonation of the terminal oxo group can occur. The potential consequences of these results for biological activation are discussed.

Blueprint XAS: a Matlab-based toolbox for the fitting and analysis of XAS spectra.

Blueprint XAS is a new Matlab-based program developed to fit and analyse X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data, most specifically in the near-edge region of the spectrum. The program is based on a methodology that introduces a novel background model into the complete fit model and that is capable of generating any number of independent fits with minimal introduction of user bias [Delgado-Jaime & Kennepohl (2010), J. Synchrotron Rad. 17, 119-128]. The functions and settings on the five panels of its graphical user interface are designed to suit the needs of near-edge XAS data analyzers. A batch function allows for the setting of multiple jobs to be run with Matlab in the background. A unique statistics panel allows the user to analyse a family of independent fits, to evaluate fit models and to draw statistically supported conclusions. The version introduced here (v0.2) is currently a toolbox for Matlab. Future stand-alone versions of the program will also incorporate several other new features to create a full package of tools for XAS data processing.

Development and exploration of a new methodology for the fitting and analysis of XAS data

A new data analysis methodology for X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) is introduced and tested using several examples. The methodology has been implemented within the context of a new Matlab-based program discussed in a companion related article [Delgado-Jaime et al. (2010), J. Synchrotron Rad. 17, 132-137]. The approach makes use of a Monte Carlo search method to seek appropriate starting points for a fit model, allowing for the generation of a large number of independent fits with minimal user-induced bias. The applicability of this methodology is tested using various data sets on the Cl K-edge XAS data for tetragonal CuCl(4)(2-), a common reference compound used for calibration and covalency estimation in M-Cl bonds. A new background model function that effectively blends together background profiles with spectral features is an important component of the discussed methodology. The development of a robust evaluation function to fit multiple-edge data is discussed and the implications regarding standard approaches to data analysis are discussed and explored within these examples.

Oxovanadium(IV) cyclam and bicyclam complexes: potential CXCR4 receptor antagonists.

Metal complexation can have a major influence on the antiviral and coreceptor binding properties of cyclam and bicyclam macrocycles. We report the synthesis of the vanadyl cyclam complexes [V((IV))O(cyclam)SO(4)] (1) and [V((IV))O(cyclam)Cl]Cl (2) and the analogous xylylbicyclam sulfato (3) and chlorido (4) complexes. The X-ray crystal structures of 1.1.33CH(3)OH and 2.CH(3)OH.1.5H(2)O show short V=O bonds (1.6093(19) and 1.599(3) A, respectively) with monodentate sulfate H-bonded to ring NH groups for 1, but a long V-Cl bond (2.650(12) A) for 2. The solid-state structures of 3 and 4 were compared to those of 1 and 2 using vanadium K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data. These suggested that complex 4 was oligomeric and contained bridging chlorido ligands. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies suggested that the SO(4)(2-) (from 1) and Cl(-) (from 2) ligands are readily substituted by water in solution, whereas these remain partially bound for the V(IV) xylylbicyclam complexes 3 and 4. The vanadyl xylylbicyclam complexes were highly active against HIV-1 (III(B)) and HIV-2 (ROD) strains with IC(50) values in the range 1-5 microM for 3 and 0.1-0.3 microM for 4; in contrast the vanadyl cyclam complexes 1 and 2 were inactive. The factors that contribute to the activity of these complexes are discussed. Studies of vanadyl cyclam docked into a model of the human CXCR4 coreceptor revealed that the coordination of vanadium to the carboxylate of Asp171 may be accompanied by H-bonding to the macrocycle and an attractive V=O...H interaction involving the backbone Trp195 alpha-carbon proton of CXCR4. In addition, hydrophobic interactions with Trp195 are present. Both ring configuration and the xylyl linker may play roles in determining the higher activity of the bicyclam complexes.

Interactions between major chlorogenic acid isomers and chemical changes in coffee brew that affect antioxidant activities

Coffee bean source and roasting conditions significantly (p<0.05) affected the content of chlorogenic acid (CGA) isomers, several indices of browning and subsequent antioxidant values. Principal component analysis was used to interpret the correlations between physiochemical and antioxidant parameters of coffee. CGA isomer content was positively correlated (p<0.001) to capacity of coffee to reduce nitric oxide and scavenge Frémys salt. Indices of browning in roasted coffee were positively correlated (p<0.001) to ABTS and TEMPO radical scavenging capacity, respectively. Only the CGA content of coffee corresponded to intracellular antioxidant capacity measured in Caco-2 intestinal cells. This study concluded that the intracellular antioxidant capacity that best describes potential health benefits of coffee positively corresponds best with CGA content.

Redox photochemistry of methionine by sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy: potential implications for cataract formation.

The photochemistry of methionine, methionine sulfoxide, and methionine sulfone have been investigated by using sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to explore the redox photochemical processes under different conditions. Methionine is easily photooxidized to the sulfoxide and the sulfone in the presence of dioxygen. In the absence of oxidant, photoirradiation leads to the one-electron-oxidized cation radical with no further reaction, suggesting that an alternative mechanism for photooxidation of thioethers through direct oxidation is feasible. The photochemistry of methionine sulfoxide allows for independent oxidative and reductive processes. Photoreduction of the sulfoxide leads back to the parent thioether under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Photooxidation occurs only under aerobic conditions. In contrast, methionine sulfone is photochemically inert. These results provide new insights into potential photochemical processes that may lead to cataract formation.

Investigation of copper solubilization and reaction in micronized copper treated wood by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the reaction chemistry of micronized copper and alkaline copper treatments with wood and to determine how fast copper is solubilized during the reaction between the acidic functionality in wood and the basic copper carbonate (CuCO3). Copper species produced in wood by various treatment methods were analyzed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The effects of time and solution concentration on the spectral parameters of copper complexes in sawdust treated with copper sulfate solutions were examined, followed by study on the structure and the rate of formation of the copper complexes in sawdust treated with basic CuCO3 suspension. The study further attempted to identify the soluble copper species formed in wood during treatment with micronized copper preservatives. Comparisons were made among the fixed copper complexes in wood treated with micronized copper preservatives, copper sulfate solutions, basic CuCO3 suspensions and alkaline copper solution. The results showed rapid formation of fixed copper complexes in wood treated with aqueous suspensions of basic CuCO3. These complexes can resist leaching, and they have similar stereochemistry to those formed between wood and copper sulfate. This finding supports the premises that soluble copper is generated during the treatment of sawdust with basic CuCO3, and it can bond to wood cell components by migrating into the cell wall in a manner similar to other soluble copper species. Such copper complexes formed are different from those of alkaline copper treated wood, which can be easily distinguished by EPR.