Ramon Alibés

Versatile Nanostructured Materials via Direct Reaction of Functionalized Catechols

A facile one-step polymerization strategy is explored to achieve novel catechol-based materials. Depending on the functionality of the catechol, the as-prepared product can be used to modify at will the surface tension of nano and bulk structures, from oleo-/hydrophobic to highly hydrophilic. A hydrophobic catechol prepared thus polymerized shows the ability to self-assemble as solid nanoparticles with sticky properties in polar solvent media. Such a versatile concept is ideal for the development of catechol-based multifunctional materials.

Palladium nanoparticles supported on an organic-inorganic fluorinated hybrid material. Application to microwave-based heck reaction.

Phosphine-free palladium nanoparticles were embedded in a fluorous organic-inorganic hybrid material 6b prepared by the sol-gel process. The use of Pdn.6b in the Heck coupling reaction under microwave irradiation has been investigated. Recycling studies have shown that the catalyst can be readily recovered and reused several times without significant loss of activity. Reactions and recovery of the solid-supported palladium catalyst system can be carried out in the presence of air, without any particular precaution.

A Metal-Free General Procedure for Oxidation of Secondary Amines to Nitrones

An efficient and metal-free protocol for direct oxidation of secondary amines to nitrones has been developed, using Oxone in a biphasic basic medium as the sole oxidant. The method is general and tolerant with other functional groups or existing stereogenic centers, providing rapid access to enantiomerically pure compounds in good yields.

Two-Photon Neuronal and Astrocytic Stimulation with Azobenzene-Based Photoswitches

Synthetic photochromic compounds can be designed to control a variety of proteins and their biochemical functions in living cells, but the high spatiotemporal precision and tissue penetration of two-photon stimulation have never been investigated in these molecules. Here we demonstrate two-photon excitation of azobenzene-based protein switches and versatile strategies to enhance their photochemical responses. This enables new applications to control the activation of neurons and astrocytes with cellular and subcellular resolution.

[2+2] Photocycloaddition of homochiral 2(5H)-furanones to alkenes. First step for an efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of (+)- and (−)-grandisol

Abstract The [2+2] photocycloaddition of homochiral 5-alkyl-2( 5H )-furanones to alkenes is studied in order to evaluate the influence of the stereogenie centre to induce facial diastereoselectivity. The major cycloadduct could be transformed, eventually, in (+)-grandisol, The existence of a charge-transfer complex between the furanone and electron rich substituted alkenes as well as the formation of a predominant conformation in 5-oxyalkylfuranones due to n-π interactions are discussed.

Enantioselective Approach to Securinega Alkaloids. Total Synthesis of Securinine and (−)-Norsecurinine

The most representative securinega alkaloids have been synthesized through a new strategy involving the palladium-catalyzed enantioselective allylation of a cyclic imide, a vinylogous Mannich reaction, and a ring-closing metathesis process, as the key steps. The diastereoselectivity of the vinylogous Mannich reaction was in partial agreement with DFT theoretical calculations performed in a model system. The synthesis of (-)-norsecurine has been accomplished in nine steps from succinimide and 14% overall yield and that of securinine in 10 steps from glutarimide and 20% overall yield. Both syntheses compare favorably with those previously described. The three key transformations have been performed in a synthetically useful scale (more than 500 mg). Moreover, since the enantioselectivity was originated by a chiral phosphine ligand, the antipode of which is readily available, the same route is expected to give access to (+)-norsecurinine and virosecurinine.

Diastereoselective synthesis of allosecurinine and viroallosecurinine from menisdaurilide.

A new and versatile synthetic route to Securinega alkaloids is reported. The first synthesis of allosecurinine has been accomplished in seven steps and 40% yield, starting from (+)-menisdaurilide, using a vinylogous Mannich reaction as the key transformation. Similarly, viroallosecurinine has been synthesized from (-)-menisdaurilide.

Synthesis and 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of a new enantiopure cyclic nitrone

Abstract A new enantiopure cyclic nitrone has been efficiently synthesized from a d -glyceraldehyde derivative. Its 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to different classes of dipolarophiles show complete antifacial selectivity, furnishing highly functionalized enantiopure bicyclic isoxazolidines.

Mussel-Inspired Hydrophobic Coatings for Water-Repellent Textiles and Oil Removal

A series of catechol derivatives with a different number of linear alkyl chain substituents, and different length, have been shown to polymerize in the presence of aqueous ammonia and air, yielding hydrophobic coatings that present the ability to provide robust and efficient water repellency on weaved textiles, including hydrophilic cotton. The polymerization strategy presented exemplifies an alternative route to established melanin- and polydopamine-like functional coatings, affording designs in which all catechol (adhesive) moieties support specific functional side chains for maximization of the desired (hydrophobic) functionality. The coatings obtained proved effective in the transformation of polyester and cotton weaves, as well as filter paper, into reusable water-repellent, oil-absorbent materials capable of retaining roughly double their weight in model compounds (n-tetradecane and olive oil), as well as of separating water/oil mixtures by simple filtration.

Synthesis of Purine Nucleosides Built on a 3-Oxabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane Scaffold

The photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition of chiral 3-chloro and 3-fluoro-5-hydroxymethyl-2(5H)-furanone to ethylene and acetylene has been studied. The effect of the halogen atom on the chemical yield and facial diastereoselectivity of the cycloaddition process has been evaluated. From the major anti cycloadducts, practical syntheses of several purine cyclobutane and cyclobutene-fused nucleosides containing a halogen atom have been developed. The anti-HIV activity of the new nucleoside analogues has been evaluated.