Anomeric Research Articles

Stereoselective P(III)-Glycosylation for the Preparation of Phosphinated Sugars.

Most of the reported work focus on the development of O-, N-, C- and S-glycosylation methods. However, no study explores P(III)-glycosylation reaction. Herein we describe a convenient protocol to realize P(III)-glycosylation process. A simple β-phosphino ester is adopted as P(III)-transfer reagent for this new type of glycosylation via a nucleophilic substitution and release strategy. Diverse phosphine units are introduced to the anomeric center of various sugars efficiently and with excellent stereoselectivity. The value of this method is showcased by the prepared P(III)-sugars as novel linkers in bioactive molecule conjugation, new chiral ligands in metal-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitutions and organocatalysts. Preliminary mechanistic studies corroborated the designed P(III)-transfer process.

Stereoselective P(III)‐Glycosylation for the Preparation of Phosphinated Sugars

Most of the reported work focus on the development of O‐, N‐, C‐ and S‐glycosylation methods. However, no study explores P(III)‐glycosylation reaction. Herein we describe a convenient protocol to realize P(III)‐glycosylation process. A simple β‐phosphino ester is adopted as P(III)‐transfer reagent for this new type of glycosylation via a nucleophilic substitution and release strategy. Diverse phosphine units are introduced to the anomeric center of various sugars efficiently and with excellent stereoselectivity. The value of this method is showcased by the prepared P(III)‐sugars as novel linkers in bioactive molecule conjugation, new chiral ligands in metal‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitutions and organocatalysts. Preliminary mechanistic studies corroborated the designed P(III)‐transfer process.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of hyaluronic acid and regulation effects of its degradation products on gut microbiota in vitro.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has multiple biological activities which are closely related to its molecular weight. In the present study, the photoelectrocatalytic method was established for HA degradation and the influences of bias potentials, H2O2 additions and reaction times on the degradation results were investigated to optimize the reaction condition. Moreover, a series of analysis methods, such as FT-IR and NMR were used to analyze chemical compositions of the degradation products, revealing that photoelectrocatalytic degradation did not damage the structural blocks of HA obviously. Then 11 oligosaccharides with polymerization degrees from 2 to 8 in the degradation products were identified by mass spectroscopy and their reducing ends were all GlcA or AraA. In addition, in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of HA, ·OH were identified as the most influential among the produced free radicals, and it could be proposed that ·OH specifically targeted the anomeric carbon of GlcA, resulting in the disaggregation of polysaccharides chain. Furthermore, the results of in vitro fermentation with fecal microbiota demonstrated that HA and its degradation products regulated microbiota structure discriminately, indicating their possible different outcomes as nutritional supplements and agents.

Direct Experimental Characterization of a Sialyl Cation.

Sialic acids are monosaccharide residues involved in several biological processes. Controlling the stereoselectivity of sialylation reactions is challenging and mechanistic studies on the structure of its intermediate, the sialyl cation, are scarce. Here it is shown that a sialyl cation can be generated and isolated from an ionized sialic acid precursor. This short-lived species is structurally characterized for the first time using cryogenic infrared spectroscopy. In combination with quantum chemical calculations, the results reveal that the positive charge at the anomeric carbon of the sialyl cation is stabilized by remote participation of the C5-NHAc group leading to the formation of a bridged structure. In this structure, the β-side is shielded from nucleophilic attack, potentially explaining the α-selectivity of this building block in SN1-type sialylation reactions. Other modes of participation are energetically unfavored and cannot be observed experimentally.

Si-Linked Glycomimetics through a Stereoselective Silicon Transfer and Anion Addition.

We report a synthesis of silicon-linked glycomimetics, demonstrating unique structural properties and metabolic stability due to the inertness of the C-Si bond. Our method focuses on the stereoselective transfer of silicon and anion addition, revealing that chirality at the silicon atom can be controlled through kinetic resolution. This approach allows for the selective generation of 1,2-cis and 1,2-trans isomers via the manipulation of C2-protected silicon ethers and nucleophilic opening of glycal epoxides. We achieved high selectivity at the anomeric carbon and expanded the scope to include various saccharides and substituted silanes. Our findings indicate that silicon transfer occurs intramolecularly and is influenced by the nature of the counterion and reaction conditions. Additionally, chiral silanes produced through our method hold promise for medicinal chemistry applications, addressing significant gaps in the synthesis and utility of glycomimetics. This work opens new avenues for the development of bioactive silicon-based molecules.

Insights from Structure-Based Simulations into the Persulfidation of Uridine Diphosphate-Glycosyltransferase71c5 Facilitating the Reversible Inactivation of Abscisic Acid.

The action of abscisic acid (ABA) is closely related to its level in plant tissues. Uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferase71c5 (UGT71C5) was characterized as a major UGT enzyme to catalyze the formation of the ABA-glucose ester (ABA-GE), a reversible inactive form of free ABA in Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress). UGTs function in a mode where the catalytic base deprotonates an acceptor to allow a nucleophilic attack at the anomeric center of the donor, achieving the transfer of a glucose moiety. The proteomic data revealed that UGT71C5 can be persulfidated. Herein, an experimental method was employed to detect the persulfidation site of UGT71C5, and the computational methods were further used to identify the yet unknown molecular basis of ABA glycosylation as well as the regulatory role of persulfidation in this process. Our results suggest that the linker and the U-shaped loop are regulatory structural elements: the linker is associated with the binding of uridine diphosphate glucose (UPG) and the U-shaped loop is involved in binding both UPG and ABA.It was also found that it is through tuning the dynamics of the U-shaped loop that is accompanied by the movement of tyrosine (Y388) that the persulfidation of cysteine (C311) leads to the catalytic residue histidine (H16) being in place, preparing for the deprotonation of ABA, and then reorientates UPG and deprotonated ABA closer to the 'Michaelis' complex, facilitating the transfer of a glucose moiety. Ultimately, the persulfidation of UGT71C5 is in favor of ABA glycosylation. Our results provide insights into the molecular details of UGT71C5 recognizing substrates and insights concerning persulfidation as a possible mechanism for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to modulate the content of ABA, which helps us understand how modulating ABA level strengthens plant tolerance.

Influence of C-4 Axial/Equatorial Configuration and Neighboring Group/Remote Group Participation (NGP/RGP) Driven Conformational Evidence in Chemoselective Activation of Glycals.

We herein reveal the possibility of the C-4 neighboring group/remote group participation (NGP/RGP) facilitating the stabilization of the anomeric center via dioxolenium intermediates in the chemoselective activation of glycal donors. We further realized that the axial/equatorial configuration of the C-4 group in the galacto- and gluco-glycal series enables diverse pathways to give direct 1,2-addition or Ferrier rearrangement, respectively. A proof-of-principle for stereoselective glycosylation was amply illustrated by employing carbohydrates, amino acids, natural products, and bioactive molecules to develop 2-deoxy-glycan analogs.

Electroauxiliary-Assisted C-C Bond Formations in Lithium Perchlorate / Nitromethane Solution

C-nucleosides have C-C bonds between ribosyl moiety and nucleobase at anomeric carbon. This substitution of covalent bond gives hydrolysis resistance to C-nucleosides. Therefore, C-nucleosides are good candidates for antiviral or antitumor drugs as mimic building blocks of oligonucleotide.To synthesize nucleosides, cation intermediate is used for installing nucleobase on ribosyl moiety. When it comes to generation of cation intermediate, electrochemical methodology is one of the useful tools. In electrochemical method, 1’-arylthioriboses are used as glycosyl donors. They have thioether group as electroauxiliary at anomeric carbon forging O,S-acetal that are activated with anodic oxidation to generate corresponding cation intermediate. Since electrochemically generated cation intermediates have high reactivity enough to react with carbon nucleophiles, this method can be adopted to C-nucleoside synthesis.Previously, electrochemical nucleoside synthesis was reported using cation pool method in combination with electroauxiliary. To avoid undesired oxidation of nucleophile, it is important to pool the cation and/or to lower the oxidation potential of ribose. The low temperature condition such as -78 ~ -50 oC is necessary to pool cation intermediates.In this research, we aimed to achieve electrochemical C-C bond formation at anomeric carbon with ambient temperature condition. In this strategy, we use glycosyl donors with lowered oxidation potential to avoid competitive oxidation with carbon nucleophiles. We also adapt lithium perchlorate/nitromethane system for electrolysis. Figure 1

Molecular Mechanism of Double-Displacement Retaining β-Kdo Glycosyltransferase WbbB.

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are pivotal enzymes involved in glycosidic bond synthesis, which can lead to either retention or inversion of the glycosyl moiety's anomeric configuration. However, the catalytic mechanism for retaining GTs remains a subject of controversy. In this study, we employ MD and QM/MM metadynamics to investigate the double-displacement catalytic mechanism of the retaining β-Kdo transferase WbbB. Our findings demonstrate that the nucleophile Asp232 initiates the reaction by attacking the sugar ring containing a carboxylate at the anomeric position, forming a covalent adduct. Subsequently, the adduct undergoes a rotational rearrangement, ensuring proper orientation of the anomeric carbon for the acceptor substrate. In the second step, Glu158 acts as the catalytic base to abstract the proton of the acceptor substrate to complete the transglycosylation reaction. Notably, His265 does not function as the anticipated catalytic acid; instead, it stabilizes the phosphate group through H-bonding interactions. Our simulations support the double-displacement mechanism implicated from the crystallographic studies of WbbB. This mechanism deviates from the common SNi-type and retaining glycoside hydrolase mechanisms, thereby expanding our understanding of GT catalytic mechanisms.

Pd-Catalyzed Stereospecific Glycosyl Cross-Coupling of Reversed Anomeric Stannanes for Modular Synthesis of Nonclassical C-Glycosides.

Nonclassical C-glycosides, distinguished by their unique glycosidic bond connection mode, represent a promising avenue for the development of carbohydrate-based drugs. However, the accessibility of nonclassical C-glycosides hinders broader investigations into their structural features and modes of action. Herein, we present the first example of Pd-catalyzed stereospecific glycosylation of nonclassical anomeric stannanes with aryl or vinyl halides. This method furnishes desired nonclassical aryl and vinyl C-glycosides in good to excellent yields, while allowing for exclusive control of nonclassical anomeric configuration. Of significant note is the demonstration of the generality and practicality of this nonclassical C-glycosylation approach across more than 50 examples, encompassing various protected and unprotected saccharides, deoxy sugars, oligopeptides, and complex molecules. Furthermore, biological evaluation indicates that nonclassical C-glycosylation modifications of drug molecules can positively impact their biological activity. Additionally, extensive computational studies are conducted to elucidate the rationale behind differences in reaction reactivity, unveiling a transmetalation transition state containing silver (Ag) within a six-membered ring. Given its remarkable controllability, predictability, and consistently high chemical selectivity and stereospecificity regarding nonclassical anomeric carbon and Z/E configuration, the method outlined in this study offers a unique solution to the longstanding challenge of accessing nonclassical C-glycosides with exclusive stereocontrol.

Diverse Synthesis of C-Glycosides by Stereoselective Ni-Catalyzed Carboboration of Glycals.

C-Glycosides are important structures that are common to natural products and pharmaceutical agents. Established methods for their synthesis involve the reaction of an activated anomeric carbon. In this study, we report a conceptually new approach that involves the stereoselective Ni-catalyzed carboboration of glycals. In these reactions, not only is a C-C bond formed at the anomeric carbon, but a synthetically useful C-B bond is also installed. Upon C-B oxidation, differentially protected C-glycosides to be formed. In addition, stereospecific manipulation of the C-B bond leads to diverse C-glycosides. Finally, we report the application of this method in the synthesis of established C-glycosides, such as C-glycosyl amino acids, as well as a strategy to make all possible diastereomers at C1 and C2.

A three-step “ping-pong” mechanism of a GH20 β-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Vibrio campbellii belonging to a major Clade A-I of the phylogenetic tree of the enzyme superfamily

β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GlcNAcase) is an essential biocatalyst in chitin assimilation by marine Vibrio species, which rely on chitin as their main carbon source. Structure-based phylogenetic analysis of the GlcNAcase superfamily revealed that a GlcNAcase from Vibrio campbellii, formerly named V. harveyi, (VhGlcNAcase) belongs to a major clade, Clade A-I, of the phylogenetic tree. Pre-steady-state and steady-state kinetic analysis of the reaction catalysed by VhGlcNAcase with the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminide suggested the following mechanism: (1) the Michaelis-Menten complex is formed in a rapid enzyme-substrate equilibrium with a Kd of 99.1 ± 1 μM. (2) The glycosidic bond is cleaved by the action of the catalytic residue Glu438, followed by the rapid release of the aglycone product with a rate constant (k2) of 53.3 ± 1 s−1. (3) After the formation of an oxazolinium ion intermediate with the assistance of Asp437, the anomeric carbon of the transition state is attacked by a catalytic water, followed by release of the glycone product with a rate constant (k3) of 14.6 s−1, which is rate-limiting. The result clearly indicated a three-step “ping-pong” mechanism for VhGlcNAcase.

One-Step Synthesis, Crystallography, and Acute Toxicity of Two Boron-Carbohydrate Adducts That Induce Sedation in Mice.

Boronic acids form diester bonds with cis-hydroxyl groups in carbohydrates. The formation of these adducts could impair the physical and chemical properties of precursors, even their biological activity. Two carbohydrate derivatives from d-fructose and d-arabinose and phenylboronic acid were synthesized in a straightforward one-step procedure and chemically characterized via spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction crystallography. Additionally, an acute toxicity test was performed to determine their lethal dose 50 (LD50) values by using Lorke's method. Analytical chemistry assays confirmed the formation of adducts by the generation of diester bonds with the β-d-pyranose of carbohydrates, including signals corresponding to the formation of new bonds, such as the stretching of B-O bonds. NMR spectra yielded information about the stereoselectivity in the synthesis reaction: Just one signal was found in the range for the anomeric carbon in the 13C NMR spectra of both adducts. The acute toxicity tests showed that the LD50 value for both compounds was 1265 mg/kg, while the effective dose 50 (ED50) for sedation was 531 mg/kg. However, differences were found in the onset and lapse of sedation. For example, the arabinose derivative induced sedation for more than 48 h at 600 mg/kg, while the fructose derivative induced sedation for less than 6 h at the same dose without the death of the mice. Thus, we report for the first time two boron-containing carbohydrate derivatives inducing sedation after intraperitoneal administration. They are bioactive and highly safe agents. Further biological evaluation is desirable to explore their medical applications.

A Magnesium Binding Site And The Anomeric Effect Regulate The Abiotic Redox Chemistry Of Nicotinamide Nucleotides.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a redox active molecule that is universally found in biology. Despite the importance and simplicity of this molecule, few reports exist that investigate which molecular features are important for the activity of this ribodinucleotide. By exploiting the nonenzymatic reduction and oxidation of NAD+ by pyruvate and methylene blue, respectively, we were able to identify key molecular features necessary for the intrinsic activity of NAD+ through kinetic analysis. Such features may explain how NAD+ could have been selected early during the emergence of life. Simpler molecules, such as nicotinamide, that lack an anomeric carbon are incapable of accepting electrons from pyruvate. The phosphate moiety inhibits activity in the absence of metal ions but facilitates activity at physiological pH and model prebiotic conditions by recruiting catalytic Mg2+. Reduction proceeds through consecutive single electron transfer events. Of the derivatives tested, including nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinamide riboside, 3-(aminocarbonyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)pyridinium, 1-methylnicotinamide, and nicotinamide, only NAD+ and nicotinamide mononucleotide would be capable of efficiently accepting and donating electrons within a nonenzymatic electron transport chain. The data are consistent with early metabolic chemistry exploiting NAD+ or nicotinamide mononucleotide and not simpler molecules.

A True Reverse Anomeric Effect Does Exist After All: A Hydrogen Bonding Stereocontrolling Effect in 2-Iminoaldoses.

The reverse anomeric effect is usually associated with the equatorial preference of nitrogen substituents at the anomeric center. Once postulated as another anomeric effect with explanations ranging from electrostatic interactions to delocalization effects, it is now firmly considered to be essentially steric in nature. Through an extensive research on aryl imines from 2-amino-2-deoxyaldoses, spanning nearly two decades, we realized that such substances often show an anomalous anomeric behavior that cannot easily be rationalized on the basis of purely steric grounds. The apparent preference, or stabilization, of the β-anomer takes place to an extent that not only neutralizes but also overcomes the normal anomeric effect. Calculations indicate that there is no stereoelectronic effect opposing the anomeric effect, resulting from the repulsion between electron lone pairs on the imine nitrogen and the endocyclic oxygen. Such data and compelling structural evidence unravel why the exoanomeric effect is largely inhibited. We are now confident, as witnessed by 2-iminoaldoses, that elimination of the exo-anomeric effect in the α-anomer is due to the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the anomeric hydroxyl and the iminic nitrogen, thereby accounting for a true electronic effect. In addition, discrete solvation may help justify the observed preference for the β-anomer.

Synthesis of New Glycosylamine Derivatives based on Carbohydrates

Background: Glycosylamine play an important role in living organisms. Most plants store their chemical resources in the form of inactive glycosides, which are broken down and con-verted into sugar in the body of herbivores by hydrolyzing enzymes. Glycosylamine are obtained from the secondary metabolism of plants and consist of two parts. One part of it contains sugar like glucose and is inactive in most substances, and has a good effect on the solubility of the glycosyla-mine derivatives and its absorption and even its transfer from one organ to another. The therapeutic effect is related to the second part, which is called aglycan (or aglucan). Glycosylamine derivatives form a large group of valuable medicinal substances, which at the same time include some of the most dangerous and toxic substances in nature. These substances are present in many groups of flowering plants. Glycosides are made in different ways in different metabolic pathways. These materials have a complex and special chemical structure and leave special effects on the human body. Glycosylamine derivatives are called O-glycosid, N-glycosid, S-glycosid in terms of atoms coupling to anomeric carbon. Carbohydrate esterification reaction to prepare new glycosylamine derivatives is one of the most important carbohydrate reactions. The anomeric position of carbohy-drates with strong leaving groups is very important for the preparation of glycosides. Preparation of glycosylamine derivatives based on acetylated carbohydrates is the main purpose of this article. Dif-ferent carbohydrates were acetylated under mild conditions and high yields. The anomeric position was deacetylated by a magnesium oxide heterogeneous catalyst in methanol solvent. In order to pre-pare new glycosides acetylated/ deacytylated carbohydrate reacted with N-Methyl-(naphtha-2-ylmethoxy)amine. The final product was identified by various spectroscopic methods. Methods: Anhydrous sodium acetate (4 g) and α-D-glucose (28 mg, 5 g) were mixed. The mixture was transferred to a 200 ml Round-bottom flask . Acetic acid (260 mg, 25 ml) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was heated in a boiling water bath for 2 h until complete dissolution of the glucose. Then 100 ml of ice was added. After 1 hour, White crystals formed and were washed with cold water. And then 1 mol of glucose pentaacetate per 50 ml of methanol was dissolved by a magnetic stirrer. After thatMgO (0.2gr) was added to the reaction mixture. The re-action mixture was refluxed at room temperature within 4-5 hours. After 5 hours, the solvent was removed and separated by chromatography. It is then washed with hexane and crystallized by ether-hexane. And the final step reacted with N-Methyl- (naphtha-2-ylmethoxy) amine in order to prepare new glycosylamine derivatives. Results: Magnesium oxide in methanol solvent is one of the best effective catalysts in the deacetyla-tion of the anomer position of acetylated carbohydrates. It is done under ambient temperature and in very easy conditions and makes carbohydrates susceptible to extensive chemical reactions. One of these reactions is the formation of glycosides. Various carbohydrates are acetylated by acetic anhy-dride in the presence of sodium acetate, and the anomeric position is deacetylated by a heterogeneous catalyst. In order to prepare N-glycoside, the glycosides are reacted with N-alkoxy N-methylglycosyl amine. The final products are identified by various spectroscopic methods. Conclusion: Glucose, mannose, for example, were acetylated by acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium acetate. And the anomeric position of pentaacetate glucose was selectively deacetylated with magnesium oxide in a methanol solvent. Then, the reaction for the preparation of glycosylamine de-rivatives was carried out under very mild and easy conditions. The aminoglycosides synthesized in this article are used as raw materials for the synthesis of a wide range of antibacterials.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of lipid A derived from commensal Bacteroides.

The inflammation-inducing properties of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria reside in their lipid A moiety. Bacillus fragilis, which is a commensal Gram-negative bacterium, biosynthesises lipid A that is structurally distinct from that of E. coli and other enteric bacteria. It is composed of a β1,6-linked glucosamine (GlcN) disaccharide that is only phosphorylated at the anomeric center. The major species of B. fragilis has five fatty acids and the amine of the distal GlcN moiety carries the unusual (R)-3-(13-methyltetradecanoyloxy)-1.5-methylhexadecanoic acid. A recent study indicates that the LPS of B. fragilis has anti-viral activity by selective induction of interferon (IFN)-β and is protective in mouse models of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and influenza A. Heterogeneity in the structures of LPS and lipid A and possible contamination with other inflammatory components make it difficult to unambiguously define the immune-modulatory properties of LPS or lipid A. Therefore, we developed a synthetic approach for the preparation of the unusual major lipid A species derived from B. fragilis, which includes a synthetic approach for (R)-3-(13-methyltetradecanoyloxy)-1.5-methylhexadecanoic acid by the Wittig olefination to install the terminal isopropyl moiety. The proinflammatory and antiviral responses of synthetic B. fragilis lipid A were investigated in several cell lines and primary human monocytes by examining the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IFN-β. It was found that B. fragilis does not induce the production of IL-6 and IFN-β but can partially antagonize the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by E. coli LPS and lipid A.

Selenium nanoparticles coated bacterial polysaccharide with potent antimicrobial and anti-lung cancer activities

Bacterial exopolysaccharides are homopolymeric or heteropolymeric polysaccharides with large molecular weights (10–1000 kDa). Exopolysaccharides' functional uses and potential have revolutionized the industrial and medicinal industries. Hence, the aim of the present study was to optimize the production of bacterial exopolysaccharide and apply it as a capping agent for selenium nanoparticles synthesis. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from dairy products then biochemically characterized and assessed for their potential antimicrobial effect. The most potent EPS producer was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain A2 with accession number OP218384 using 16S rRNA sequencing. Overall, FTIR data of the extracted EPS revealed similarity with amylopectin spectrum. 1H NMR spectrum revealed an α-anomeric configuration of the glycosidic linkage pattern in the polysaccharides while the 13C NMR spectrum can also be separated into two main portions, the anomeric carbons region (δ 98–102 ppm) and the non-anomeric carbons region (δ 60–81 ppm). Antimicrobial activity of the produced EPS showed maximum activity against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans respectively. The EPS capsule layer surrounding the bacterial cells was detected by TEM study. Optimization of EPS production was evaluated using Taguchi design, trial 23 reported the highest biomass yield and EPS output (6.5 and 27.12 g/L respectively) with 2.4 and 3.3 folds increase (from the basal media) respectively. The optimized exopolysaccharide was used as a capping and stabilizing agent for selenium nanoparticles (EPS-SeNPs) synthesis. Zeta potential, size and PDI of the synthesized nanoparticles were − 19.7 mV, 45–65 nm and 0.446 respectively with strong bactericidal and fungicidal effect against the tested pathogens. Complete microbial growth eradication was recorded after 6, 8 and 10 h against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. EPS-SeNPs showed a potent antioxidant effect reached 97.4% and anticancer effect against A549 lung cancer cell line (IC50 reached 5.324 µg/mL). EPS-SeNPs inhibited cancerous cell growth at S phase. Moreover, molecular studies revealed the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl2's was inhibited and Bax was activated. The present investigation successfully synthesized selenium nanoparticles through bacterial EPS with significantly high antimicrobial and anticancer activity.

Photocatalyzed Perfluoroalkylation of Endoglycals.

The visible light-induced perfluoroalkyl (RF) radical reactions on peracetylglycals derived from hexoses and pentoses (galactal, glucal, arabinal, and xylal derivatives) were investigated. Various photocatalysts and perfluoroalkyl iodides (RF-I) were employed as sources of RF radicals with LEDs as the irradiation source. Particularly noteworthy was the use of an Iridium photocatalyst, Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbpy))PF6, which yielded two distinct product types when applied to glucal. On the one hand, the 2-RF-substituted glucal was formed, a trend observed even when utilizing organic dyes as photocatalysts. On the other hand, the unexpected addition product, namely the 1-RF-2-iodo-α-manno-configured C-glycosyl derivative, was also obtained, as a result of a highly regioselective addition reaction of the RF moiety into the anomeric carbon, followed by attachment of the iodine atom on C-2 in axial disposition. This result contrasted with other radical reactions carried out on 2-unsubstituted glycals, where the incipient radical adds to C-2, generating a stabilized 1-glycosyl radical. The photocatalyzed radical perfluoroalkylations of peracetyl glycals derived from galactose, arabinose, and xylose all afforded the 2-RF-substituted glycals in good yields as a result of the expected vinylic substitution reaction. Mechanistic studies revealed that the 1-RF-2-iodo-α-manno-configured C-glycosyl derivatives arise from a radical chain reaction, whereas the 2-RF-substituted glycals proceed from inefficient chain processes.

Reusable Glucose-Based Crown Ethers Anchored to PVC

The recovery and reuse of the enantioselective catalysts produced by tedious work are important not only from the perspective of green chemistry, but also from the point of view of productivity. Some of the carbohydrate-based crown ethers prepared in our research group were able to generate significant asymmetric induction in certain cases. However, they were not recoverable after the synthesis. Therefore, we modified the most effective structure with a propargyl group so that it can be attached to a polymer with an azide–alkyne reaction. It was investigated whether the position of the bonding affects the activity of the crown ethers, hence, the propargyl group was introduced either to the side chain, to the anomeric center or to the benzylidene protecting group. To anchor the macrocycles, low molecular weight PVC was modified with azide groups in 4% and 10%, respectively. It was found that glucose-based crown ether bearing the propargyl group on the benzylidene unit and grafted to PVC in 4% has the highest activity regarding the enantioselectivity (77% ee). The catalyst was recoverable in the Michael addition of diethyl acetamidomalonate to nitrostyrene and it could be reused five times without the loss of enantioselectivity.