Unité de Recherche en Chimie Organique et Macromoléculaire

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The continuously increasing need for novel and selective methods in organic synthesis to aid drug discovery and to address environmental concerns is a constant source of stimulation to develop novel and more efficient reaction systems. This has often resulted in a focus on transition metals, ligands, and additives, with much less attention paid to the counterion(s) of the metal cation. Recently, metal salts with one or more triflimidate counterion(s) have appeared as a unique class of catalysts that display outstanding σ- and π-Lewis acid character. The highly delocalized nature of the triflimidate counterion, combined with its high steric hindrance results in virtually no nucleophilic behavior and an extremely high positive charge density on the metal cation, thus enhancing its Lewis acid character. Consequently, these metal triflimidates often outperform their metal halide or triflate analogues. This Review describes general methods for the preparation of metal triflimidate salts and their use as catalysts.

This review provides a report on properties and recent research advances in the application of plant-derived colorants in food, cosmetics and textile materials. The following colorants are reviewed: Polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavonol-quercetin and curcumin), isoprenoids (iridoids, carotenoids and quinones), N-heterocyclic compounds (betalains and indigoids), melanins and tetrapyrroles with potential application in industry. Future aspects regarding applications of plant-derived colorants in the coloration of various materials are also discussed.

A new C(3v)-symmetrical calix[6]azacryptand, that is, calix[6]tmpa (11), was synthesized by efficient [1+1] macrocyclization reactions. Remarkably, both linear and convergent synthetic strategies that were applied lead to equally good overall yields. Calix[6]tmpa behaves as a single proton sponge and appeared reluctant to undergo polyprotonation, unlike classical tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (tmpa) derivatives. It also acts as a good host for ammonium ions. Interestingly, it strongly binds a sodium ion and a neutral guest molecule, such as a urea, an amide, or an alcohol, in a cooperative way. A (1)H NMR study indicated that the ligand, as well as its complexes, adopt a major flattened cone conformation that is the opposite of that observed with the previously reported calix[6]cryptands. Characterization of the monoprotonated derivative 11H(+) by X-ray diffraction also revealed the presence of a 1,3-alternate conformation, which is the first example of its kind in the calix[6]arene family. This conformer is probably also present in solution as a minor species. The important covalent constraint induced by the polyaromatic tmpa cap on the calixarene skeleton, and conversely from the calix core onto the tmpa moiety, is the likely basis for the unique conformational and chemical properties of this host.

The straightforward syntheses of C3v symmetrical calix[6]trisureas and -thiourea have been achieved. NMR studies have shown that these flexible compounds possess a major cone conformation. While these neutral hosts can strongly bind anions such as AcO(-) or HSO4(-) through induced fit processes, they can also behave as unique heteroditopic receptors for organic ion pairs with a remarkable positive cooperativity in the complexation process, the anion acting as an allosteric effector.

Hidden benefits: The enantioselective organocatalytic protonation of silyl enolates has been achieved by using readily available cinchona alkaloid catalysts (1) and a latent source of HF that delivers “at will” the active catalytic hydrogen fluoride salt (1-HF). This approach leads to enantioselective proton transfer with high enantioselectivities of up to 92 % under mild, neutral, and metal-free conditions (see scheme, TMS=trimethylsilyl).

Bismuth(III) triflate was found to promote the formation of stable cyclic N-acyliminium species in remarkable catalytic amounts (1 mol %). The alpha-amidoalkylation process seems to be effective in intermolecular and intramolecular manners leading to alpha-substituted lactams and heterocyclic systems containing azacycles, respectively. By comparing our results with those obtained with the classical Lewis acids as catalysts, it was evidenced clearly that the use of bismuth(III) triflate had been efficient for nearly all alpha-acetoxy lactams we used, except for N-acyliminium precursors bearing a sulfur atom. Also, the process seems to be easy, general, and clean, having diastereoselectivity comparable to protocols using classical Lewis acids and resulting in the formation of polyheterocyclic systems in good to excellent yields (64-99% in acetonitrile as solvent).

Direct nose-to-brain delivery has been raised as a non-invasive powerful strategy to deliver drugs to the brain bypassing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study aimed at preparing and characterizing an innovative composite formulation, associating the liposome and hydrogel approaches, suitable for intranasal administration. Thermosensitive gel formulations were obtained based on a mixture of two hydrophilic polymers (Poloxamer 407, P407 and Poloxamer 188, P188) for a controlled delivery through nasal route via liposomes of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of potential interest for Alzheimer’s disease. The osmolarity and the gelation temperature (T° sol-gel) of formulations, defined in a ternary diagram, were investigated by rheometry and visual determination. Regarding the issue of assays, a mixture composed of P407/P188 (15/1%, w/w) was selected for intranasal administration in terms of T° sol-gel and for the compatibility with the olfactory mucosal (280 ± 20 mOsmol, pH 6). Liposomes of API were prepared by the thin film hydration method. Mucoadhesion studies were performed by using mucin disc, and they showed the good natural mucoadhesive characteristics of in situ gel formulations, which increased when liposomes were added. The study demonstrated successful pharmacotechnical development of a promising API-loaded liposomes in a thermosensitive hydrogel intended for nasal Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Atom-economical: Unmodified hemi-N,O-acetals are used in a catalytic, highly efficient α-amidoalkylation of a broad range of carbon-centered nucleophiles, including silicon-based components, active methylene derivatives, electron-rich arenes, and even simple ketones (see scheme). The reactions proceed in a highly efficient manner and typically require only 1 mol % of the Lewis superacidic reagent Sn(NTf2)4 as the catalyst. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

The first C3v-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown 8 has been obtained in five steps from X6H3Me3 3. The key-step introduction of the triple bridge at the small rim has been achieved through reaction of a tris-arylsulfonamide derivative of tren 1 and tris-tosylcalix[6]arene 6. A 1H NMR study has shown that the tripodal cap rigidifies the whole edifice, preventing ring inversion and constraining the calixarene core in a straight cone conformation.

A new and highly diastereoselective tandem reaction aza-Michael/intramolecular nucleophilic substitution is presented. This unprecedented tandem reaction between N-substituted alpha-bromoacetamides and Michael acceptors proceeds with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivity to provide the corresponding trisubstituted gamma-lactam systems. An application to the concise synthesis of the tricyclic core of (+/-)-martinelline alkaloids is also described.

The concept of green chemistry began in the USA in the 1990s. Since the publication of the 12 principles of this concept, many reactions in organic chemistry have been developed, and chemical products have been synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions. Lewis acid mediated synthetic transformations are by far the most numerous and best studied. However, the use of certain Lewis acids may cause risks to environmental and human health. This Review discusses the evolution of Lewis acid catalyzed reactions from a homogeneous liquid phase to the solid phase to yield the expected organic molecules under green, safe conditions. In particular, recent developments and applications of biosourced catalysts from plants are highlighted.

, which are currently used in salt replacement and are not recommended for consumers with renal disease. The method described here should be considered by cheese-making producers to improve the nutritional quality of cheese. Additional nutritional optimization strategies are suggested.

Abstract Der steigende Bedarf an neuen selektiven und umweltverträglichen Methoden in der organischen Synthese treibt die Entwicklung effizienterer Reaktionssysteme an. In diesem Zusammenhang hat man sich häufig auf Übergangsmetalle, Liganden und Additive konzentriert; dem Gegenion des Metallkations wurde weniger Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Kürzlich wurden Metallsalze mit einem oder mehreren Triflimidat‐Gegenion(en) (Tf 2 N − ) beschrieben. Triflimidate bilden eine einzigartige Katalysatorklasse mit außergewöhnlicher σ‐ und π‐Lewis‐Acidität, die durch die starke Delokalisierung der Ladung im Triflimidation sowie seine sterische Hinderung begründet wird. Daher wird praktisch kein nucleophiles Verhalten und eine hohe positive Ladungsdichte am Metallkation beobachtet, die seine Lewis‐Acidität verstärkt. Folglich sind Metalltriflimidate häufig effizienter als entsprechende ‐halogenide oder ‐triflate. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt Methoden zur Herstellung von Metalltriflimidaten und deren Einsatz als Katalysatoren.

The practical stereodivergent route to both syn- and anti-diastereomers of 1-substituted 3-aminobutane-1,4-diols based on the crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation (CIAT) approach was completed. This led to the revision of the reported stereochemistry of the first inhibitor of CERT-dependent ceramide trafficking HPA-12 from (R,R)-anti- to the (R,S)-syn-enantiomer. Due to the expeditiousness of production and inexpensive conditions developed, a series of alkyl- and aryl-substituted analogues of HPA-12 is also reported.

Abstract A methodology, particularly well adapted to the evaluation of cosmetic creams containing various texturing agents, is defined here using the S pectrum D escriptive A nalysis method. The objectives were to describe and to understand the contributions of the texturing agents to the texture attributes of oil‐in‐water emulsions. The study focused on eight hydrophilic polymers, either natural (e.g., xanthan), semi‐synthetic (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar) or synthetic (e.g., carbomer), incorporated each one in an o/w emulsion. Eight texture attributes were selected and precisely defined, with strict evaluation procedures and notation scales. These attributes were gloss, integrity of shape, penetration and compression forces, stringiness, difficulty of spreading, absorbency and stickiness. A quantitative frame of reference was also developed. The methodology accuracy was evaluated through statistical analysis thus proving the sensory panel was highly discriminative, reproducible and repetitive. Principal component analysis underlined that polymers conferred to creams a very different skin feel when compared to the “control” emulsion without polymer. Synthetic polymers were characterized by higher consistency and lower gloss; semi‐synthetic polymers and xanthan by higher degrees of stringiness, whereas carob exhibited intermediate properties. Practical Applications This study may concern all the actors of the cosmetic industry, either the marketing, the quality control or the research and development departments. The developed methodology with precise definitions, strict and reproducible protocols, and with a frame of reference will be an accurate and useful tool to improve or optimize sensory evaluations of cosmetic creams, especially to investigate all the sensory aspects conferred to products by texturing agents. In the present study, the eight polymers were chosen as frequently used in cosmetic applications. As a consequence, both the methodology and the results are precious tools for product development and product optimization in order to meet consumers' texture quality requirements.

The pot, atom, and step-economic synthesis of Rosettacin topo-I poison and its derivatives has been achieved using a novel domino N-amidoacylation/aldol-type condensation, followed by decarboxylation of the ester function. The key domino procedure simply involves mixing HOBt ester as new reagent with lactam and NaH together in THF or THF/ DMF. The reaction seems to be general and led to suitable N-heterocyclic products in moderate to good yields.

In the present work, enantioselective protonation of silyl enol ethers is reported by means of a variety of chiral nitrogen bases as catalysts, mainly derived from cinchona alkaloids, in the presence of various protic nucleophiles as proton source. A detailed study of the most relevant reaction parameters is disclosed allowing high enantioselectivities of up to 92% ee with excellent yields to be achieved under mild and eco-friendly conditions. The synthetic utility of this organocatalytic protonation was demonstrated during the preparation of two homoisoflavones 4a and 4b, isolated from Chlorophytum Inornatum and Scilla Nervosa, which were obtained with 81% and 78% ee, respectively.

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Gold catalysts have been applied in cascade-type reactions for the synthesis of different nitrogen-based compounds. The reactions likely proceed by a new gold-catalyzed cascade intermolecular α-amidoalkylation/intramolecular carbocyclization cascade process by unifying both the σ- and π-Lewis acid properties of the gold salts. In the first part of this report we show that the σ-Lewis acidity of gold(I) and gold(III) could be exploited to efficiently catalyze the nucleophilic substitution of various alkoxy- and acetoxylactams. The reaction was found to be applicable to a wide range of cyclic N-acyliminium ion precursors and various nucleophiles, including allyltrimethylsilane, silyl enol ethers, arenes, and active methylene derivatives. As a logical progression of this study, a combined hard/soft binary catalytic gold system was then used to implement an unprecedented tandem intermolecular Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation/intramolecular hydroarylation sequence allowing an expedient access to new, complex, fused polyheterocyclic structures from trivial materials.