Topics in Current Chemistry最新文献

Utilising renewable energy to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide into more valuable products can effectively alleviate the energy crisis and protect the environment while actively responding to the policy of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. Additionally, formic acid/formate is one of the most promising and commercially valuable products of the electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (ECO₂RR) as well as a nonhazardous material for hydrogen storage. With the continuous progress in the field of electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction to formic acid/formate (ECO₂RF), various electrocatalysts with excellent performance have been developed. In this paper, first, the reaction mechanism of ECO₂RF is briefly summarised, and then the recent research progress for various catalysts for ECO₂RF, including metal-based catalysts, carbon-based material catalysts, metal–organic framework catalysts, covalent organic framework catalysts, and molecular catalysts, is reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of ECO₂RF are discussed and presented.

In cellular environments, certain synthetic molecules can form nanostructures via self-assembly, impacting molecular imaging, and biomedical applications. Control over the formation of these self-assembled nanostructures in subcellular organelle is challenging. By the action of stimuli, either present in the cellular environment or applied externally, in situ generation of molecular precursors can lead to accumulation and supramolecular nanostructure formation, resulting in efficient bioimaging. Here, we summarize smart fluorophore-based ordered nanostructure preparation at specific organelles for efficient bioimaging and therapeutic application towards cancer theranostics. We also present challenges and an outlook regarding intercellular self-assembly for theranostics application. Altogether, smart nanostructured materials with fluorescence read-outs at specific subcellular compartments would be beneficial in synthetic biology and precision therapeutics.

Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl halides has revolutionized the way of diversifying aromatic compounds. Aryl ethers are attractive alternatives to aromatic halides as coupling partners considering the accessibility and potential environmental benefits. The last two decades have witnessed a striking success in the field of C–O bond activation of aryl ethers, including the construction of C–C bond and C–X bond, as well as reductive deoxygenation. Here, we present a comprehensive review of C–O bond activation in the context of aryl, vinyl, and benzylic ethers. This review elaborates on the current state-of-the-art methods, categorized by different catalytic systems, including transition metal catalysis, photoredox catalysis, and other innovative approaches. The newly developed methods allow C–O bond activation under mild conditions with exceptional functional group tolerance, potentially enabling the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals. The limitations and future perspectives of the methods are also presented.

In recent years, porous polymers have gained significant attention for their application as powerful and selective sorbents in micro solid phase extraction (µSPE). In this review we explore the preparation and utilization of various porous polymer sorbents, highlighting their impact on enhancing µSPE techniques. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), graphene oxide-modified frameworks, and zeolitic imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) are among the innovative materials discussed. These innovative materials have significantly improved µSPE methods, offering enhanced extraction efficiencies, superior selectivity, and reduced solvent consumption, all of which align with the principles of green chemistry. Key findings of this review include the demonstration that MIPs exhibit excellent target specificity, making them ideal for complex matrices, while graphene oxide frameworks and ZIFs provide increased surface area and stability for diverse analytical applications. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly the high cost of certain innovative materials, limited reusability, and the absence of automation in µSPE workflows. Furthermore, controlling the precise synthesis and functionalization of these sorbents continues to be a limiting factor. To address these issues, future research should focus on developing cost-effectiveness methods, the use of biopolymer or sustainable feedstocks, and scalable synthesis methods; integrating automation into µSPE; and exploring new polymeric materials with enhanced properties. Additionally, novel hybrid materials that combine the strengths of multiple sorbents offer a promising direction for future exploration. We critically analyze the advantages and limitations of each sorbent type, providing a comprehensive overview of their applications in µSPE. This paper also examines the synthesis, characterization, and unique properties of these porous polymers, emphasizing their role in advancing analytical chemistry towards more efficient and environmentally friendly practices. The need for continued development of high-performance, low-cost, and sustainable sorbents is underscored to further enhance the effectiveness of µSPE techniques.

In the realm of organic synthesis, reagents can serve not only as solvents but also as synthons. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is recognized for its efficiency in this dual capacity, enabling diverse chemical transformations. DMSO can generate various synthons, including methyl, methylene, methine, oxygen, and methyl sulfoxide, broadening the accessible compound repertoire. Activation of DMSO as a reagent relies heavily on synergies with secondary agents like peroxide, persulfate, or iodine. Recent years have witnessed a surge in innovative synthetic techniques harnessing the synergistic interplay of DMSO and peroxide, leading to environmentally friendly and cost-effective reactions with mild conditions. This review highlights the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides (up to 2023), detailing their activation mechanisms and the generation of various synthons, along with numerous reported derivatives. Although this topic has received considerable attention in recent years, there are numerous discrepancies and a plethora of possibilities yet to be explored. We anticipate that this review will significantly support researchers in advancing their innovations to a greater extent in the future.

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This review accentuates the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides like potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈), sodium persulfate (Na₂S₂O₈), ammonium persulfate ((NH₄)₂S₂O₈), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and tertbutyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), as well as Oxone. It highlights their collaborative role in generating diverse synthons and elucidates the mechanisms of activation.

Epoxides are class of cyclic ether and have been extensively used in petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals industries as raw materials. Due to this reasons, development of the synthetic strategy of epoxides are getting enormous interest among the research chemists. In terms of “development of the synthetic strategy”, the use of a catalyst, especially, Schiff base-based complex is of potential interest due to alternative easy routes and significant advances in metal-mediated pathways giving rise to diverse degree of substrate–reagent interactions. In addition, the synthetic strategy that follows the 12 principles of green chemistry, particularly (i) reduce the use of organic solvent, especially toxic solvents, and (ii) increasing the use of catalysts to obtain selective and quick processes in terms of atom economy, are of great attention now a days. The present review encompasses the Schiff base-based molybdenum complexes as green catalyst in the epoxidation reaction. Molybdenum complexes have grown interest owing to lower cost, environmental protection and commercialization as well as its abundance in different metalloenzymes. On the other hand, molybdenum complexes speed up the O–O bond break of tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP); as a result, it accelerates the oxygen transfer process from TBHP to the olefin. This review mainly focused on the catalytic activity of molybdenum-based Schiff base complexes for the epoxidation reaction in water/solvent free condition.

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DNA is commonly known as the “molecule of life” because it holds the genetic instructions for all living organisms on Earth. The utilization of modified nucleosides holds the potential to transform the management of a wide range of human illnesses. Modified nucleosides and their role directly led to the 2023 Nobel prize. Acyclic nucleosides, due to their distinctive physiochemical and biological characteristics, rank among the most adaptable modified nucleosides in the field of medicinal chemistry. Acyclic nucleosides are more resistant to chemical and biological deterioration, and their adaptable acyclic structure makes it possible for them to interact with various enzymes. A phosphonate group, which is linked via an aliphatic functionality to a purine or a pyrimidine base, distinguishes acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) from other nucleotide analogs. Acyclic nucleosides and their derivatives have demonstrated various biological activities such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, etc. Ganciclovir, Famciclovir, and Penciclovir are the acyclic nucleoside-based drugs approved by FDA for the treatment of various diseases. Thus, acyclic nucleosides are extremely useful for generating a variety of unique bioactive chemicals. Their biological activities as well as selectivity is significantly influenced by the stereochemistry of the acyclic nucleosides because chiral acyclic nucleosides have drawn a lot of interest due to their intriguing biological functions and potential as medicines. For example, tenofovir's (R) enantiomer is roughly 50 times more potent against HIV than its (S) counterpart. We can confidently state, “The most promising developments are yet to come in the realm of acyclic nucleosides!” Herein, we have covered the most current developments in the field of chemical synthesis and therapeutic applications of acyclic nucleosides based upon our continued interest and activity in this field since mid-1990’s.

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The benzoxazole is one of the most widely exploited heterocycles in drug discovery. Natural occurring and synthetic benzoxazoles show a broad range of biological activities. Many benzoxazoles are available for treating several diseases, and, to date, a few are in clinical trials. Moreover, an ever-increasing number of benzoxazole derivatives are under investigation in the early drug discovery phase and as potential hit or lead compounds. This perspective is an attempt to thoroughly review the rational design, the structure–activity relationship, and the biological activity of the most notable benzoxazoles developed during the past 5 years (period 2019–to date) in cancers, neurological disorders, and inflammation. We also briefly overviewed each target and its role in the disease. The huge amount of work examined suggests the great potential of the scaffold and the high interest of the scientific community in novel biologically active compounds containing the benzoxazole core.

The astounding reactivity of tert-butoxides in transition metal-free coupling reactions is driving the scientific community towards a new era of environmental friendly, as well as cost-effective, transformation strategies. Transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions generate hazardous wastes and require harsh reaction conditions, mostly at elevated temperature, which increases not only costs but also environmental concerns regarding the methodology. Tert-butoxide-catalyzed/mediated coupling reactions have several advantages and potential applications. They can form carbon–carbon, carbon–heteroatom, and heteroatom–heteroatom bonds under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic insights into these reactions include both ionic and radical pathways, with the fate of the intermediates depending on the reaction conditions and/or additives used in the reactions. Among all of the known tert-butoxides, potassium tert-butoxide has pronounced applications in transition metal-free coupling reactions as compared to other tert-butoxides, such as sodium and lithium tert-butoxides, because of the higher electropositivity of potassium compared to sodium and lithium. Moreover, potassium tert-butoxide can act as a source of base, nucleophile and single electron donors in various important transformations. In this review, we provide an extensive overview and complete compilation of transition metal-free cross-coupling reactions catalyzed/promoted by tert-butoxides during the past 10 years.

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Tert-butoxide-mediated/activated cross-coupling reactions under the transition metal-free condition for benign organic transformation using a greener approach.

In recent years, the near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting materials have attracted increasing attention due to the broad application prospects in the fields of military industry, aerospace, lighting, display and wearable devices. As the transition metal complexes, platinum(II) complexes have been shown to emit luminescence efficiently in NIR organic light-emitting diodes because of the unique d⁸ electron structure. This structure ensures that the platinum(II) complex molecules exhibit a high planarity, variety of excited states, and strong intermolecular interactions. This review summarizes the research progress of deep red to NIR organic light-emitting materials based on platinum(II) complexes in recent years and provides a certain reference for the further design and synthesis of NIR platinum(II) complex luminescent materials with superior performance.