Deuterium Labeling Research Articles

Rhodium-Catalyzed Selective C(sp2)-H Activation/Annulation of tert-Butyl Benzoyloxycarbamates with 1,3-Diynes: A One Step Access to Alkynylated Isocoumarins and Bis-Isocoumarins.

We report here a Rh(III) catalyzed regio- and stereoselective synthesis of alkynylated and bis-isocoumarin from 1,3-dialkyne. Exclusive one-pot formation of 3,3-bis-isocoumarin isomers has been achieved by eliminating several other possibilities. This is the first example of transition metal catalyzed synthesis of alkynylated and bis-isocoumarin scaffolds. The protocol is compatible with a wide range of functional groups affording good to excellent yields. Several mechanistic investigations, including deuterium labeling experiments and kinetic isotope effect studies, have been carried out.

Construction of Benzocyclobutenes Enabled by Visible‐Light‐Induced Triplet Biradical Atom Transfer of Olefins

AbstractHerein, we report a method that provides an array of benzocyclobutanol and benzocyclobutylamine derivatives with broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds by engaging triplet biradical atom transfer of olefinic compounds in the activation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds upon visible‐light irradiation. The reaction mechanism involves the generation of triplet excited state of diarylethylene derivative and subsequent HAT process, and then the further ring‐closing reaction affording the product via an electrocyclization process. The plausible mechanism is supported by control and deuterium labeling experiments, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations.

Construction of Benzocyclobutenes Enabled by Visible‐Light‐Induced Triplet Biradical Atom Transfer of Olefins

Herein, we report a method that provides an array of benzocyclobutanol and benzocyclobutylamine derivatives with broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds by engaging triplet biradical atom transfer of olefinic compounds in the activation of remote C(sp3 )-H bonds upon visible-light irradiation. The reaction mechanism involves the generation of triplet excited state of diarylethylene derivative and subsequent HAT process, and then the further ring-closing reaction affording the product via an electrocyclization process. The plausible mechanism is supported by control and deuterium labeling experiments, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations.

Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of 1-silabenzonorbornenes via 1,4-rhodium migration

An efficient synthesis of 1-silabenzonorbornenes was developed from a simple substrate combination of alkynyl(2-alkylallyl)silanes and arylboron reagents under rhodium catalysis through the use of 1,4-rhodium migration. Three carbon–carbon bonds were newly formed during the catalytic process and the reaction pathway was probed by a deuterium labeling experiment as well.

A Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cyclization to Dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridinone from 7-Azabenzonorbornadienes with Aryl Amides

An efficient ruthenium(II)-catalyzed tandem C-C/C-N bond formation with aryl amides and 7-azabenzonorbornadienes has been developed to synthesize cis-fused dihydrobenzo[c]phenanthridinones. The amide group functions as a directing group as well as a leaving group and provides an easy access to the pharmaceutically useful benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids such as nitidine and fagaronine analogues. The present methodology is compatible with various functional groups with respect to azabicyclic alkenes and aromatic amides. The reaction mechanism involving directing-group-assisted C-H activation was proposed and supported by the deuterium labeling studies.

Tetrahydroxydiboron‐Mediated Palladium‐Catalyzed Deoxygenative Transfer Hydrogenation of Aryl Ketones

AbstractWe describe a palladium‐catalyzed deoxygenative transfer hydrogenation of ketones using B2(OH)4 as the sole additive. Deuterium labeling experiments using B2(OD)4 show that the incorporated protons originate exclusively from the diboron reagent. Spectroscopic evidence implicates the intermediacy of a borate ester. A variety of aromatic ketones can be deoxygenated using this approach.magnified image

Explaining Regiodivergent Vinylations with Vinylbenziodoxolones**

AbstractVinylbenziodoxolones have recently been identified as efficient hypervalent iodine(III) reagents for electrophilic vinylations under transition metal‐free conditions. Their unique reactivity allows synthesis of either internal or terminal alkenes, depending on the nucleophile class. This paper constitutes the first mechanistic investigation of VBX vinylations, and makes use of NMR studies, deuterium labelling and computations to rationalize the observed regio‐ and stereochemical outcome. Internal alkene formation in S‐vinylation was found to proceed through the ligand coupling mechanism typical of diaryliodonium salts, whereas terminal alkene formation in P‐vinylations took place via a phosphinous acid‐coordinated VBX complex, which underwent concerted deprotonation and Michael‐type addition. Subsequent base‐assisted protonation and E2 elimination delivered the terminal alkene. The findings can be used to predict the regioselectivity in vinylations of other nucleophile classes.

Explaining Regiodivergent Vinylations with Vinylbenziodoxolones.

Vinylbenziodoxolones have recently been identified as efficient hypervalent iodine(III) reagents for electrophilic vinylations under transition metal‐free conditions. Their unique reactivity allows synthesis of either internal or terminal alkenes, depending on the nucleophile class. This paper constitutes the first mechanistic investigation of VBX vinylations, and makes use of NMR studies, deuterium labelling and computations to rationalize the observed regio‐ and stereochemical outcome. Internal alkene formation in S‐vinylation was found to proceed through the ligand coupling mechanism typical of diaryliodonium salts, whereas terminal alkene formation in P‐vinylations took place via a phosphinous acid‐coordinated VBX complex, which underwent concerted deprotonation and Michael‐type addition. Subsequent base‐assisted protonation and E2 elimination delivered the terminal alkene. The findings can be used to predict the regioselectivity in vinylations of other nucleophile classes.

Investigations on the in vivo metabolism of 5α-androst-2-en-17-one.

The anabolic steroid 5α-androst-2-en-17-one (2EN) is sold as a prohormone and has been investigated regarding its potential as a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. The administration of 2EN was detected in a doping control sample in 2015, and investigations into its metabolism allowed for the identification and characterization of three urinary metabolites. Unfortunately, the utility of the main metabolite 2β,3α-dihydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one for doping control purposes was hampered under routine doping control conditions due to chromatographic issues, thus warranting further studies on the metabolism of the prohibited substance. The metabolism of 2EN was reinvestigated after oral administration of twofold-deuterated 2EN employing hydrogen isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) in combination with high-accuracy/high-resolution mass spectrometry. After a single dose of 50 mg of doubly labeled 2EN, urine samples were collected for 9days. All samples were processed using routine doping control methods for IRMS analysis, and all detected metabolites were further characterized by mass spectrometry-based investigations. More than 15 different metabolites still containing the deuterium label were detected after administration. The presence of steroids exhibiting a 5β-configuration was unexpected as the administered 2EN features a 5α-configured pharmacophore. Further investigations corroborated a significant impact of the administered 2EN on etiocholanolone and 5β-androstanediol. Seven metabolites of 2EN not present as endogenous compounds were identified as potential candidates for routine doping controls and could be detected for up to 9days after administration. The new metabolites identified in this study enable the detection of the misuse of 2EN for up to 9days. The conversion of a 5α-steroid to urinary metabolites with 5β-configuration has not been reported so far and should be further investigated.

Direct Measurements of Hydrogen Exchange and Diffusion Kinetics at Elevated Temperatures in Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Materials

Storage of purified hydrogen is one of the central challenges in addressing climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for energy conversion and storage, and therefore there is a global surge in research and development concerning hydrogen purification and storage. In this regard, we are studying proton conduction in solid oxide materials at elevated temperatures for applications in hydrogen separation and compression membranes. Hydrogen compression is the most recommended method to store hydrogen for automotive applications as it allows an increase in the hydrogen volumetric energy density.Traditionally the protonic conductivity in these materials is measured by indirect methods. For example, conductivity measurements in mixed gas atmospheres, comparing for example dry N2 with humidified N2, thereby allowing the contribution of protons to be evaluated. In this study, we for the first time report the evaluation of protonic conductivity in BaZr1-xCexY0.2O3−δ (BZCY) and BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2–xYbxO3–δ (BZCYYb) by direct measurements afforded by the Isotope Exchange Depth Profiling (IEDP) technique with deuterium labelling. We also report the kinetics of H/D transport through the bulk materials and across metal-ceramic interfaces with particular interest in the behaviour of the interface between the key Pd/Pd alloy catalyst component and the hydrogen transporting oxide ceramic material. The transport and interface behaviour information will be of significance in designing hydrogen separation and compression membranes. Figure 1

Unified, Asymmetric Total Synthesis of the Asnovolins and Related Spiromeroterpenoids: A Fragment Coupling Approach.

3,5-Dimethylorsellinic acid (DMOA)-derived spiromeroterpenoids are a unique natural product family with attractive structures, unconventional stereochemistry, and potent biological activities. Herein, we report the first asymmetric total syntheses of the asnovolins, DMOA-derived spiromeroterpenoids. The spirocyclic skeleton was efficiently assembled through a sterically hindered bis-neopentyl 1,2-addition coupling/oxidative Michael addition sequence. The unusual axial C12-methyl stereochemistry was established via metal hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) reduction involving a chair-to-boat conformational change. The mechanism of the HAT process was studied through both deuterium labeling and computational studies. Attempted late-stage alkene isomerization of an exocyclic enone proved to be challenging and resulted in hetero-Diels-Alder dimerization, which ultimately led to development of an alternative desaturation/coupling sequence. Endgame core modifications including orthogonal desaturation, Sc(III)-promoted regioselective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, and Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction enabled collective syntheses of five asnovolin-related natural products. This study demonstrates the utility of anionic fragment coupling to assemble a sterically congested molecular framework and provides a foundation for the synthesis of spiromeroterpenoid congeners with higher oxidation states for biological studies.

Evidence of hydraulic redistribution and its water sharing mechanism in a karst field of Southwest China

• Large roots and xylem diameters were found to facilitate large HR. • HR water flux to neighbor trees depends on the volume of HR and their distance. • A comprehensive method for monitoring HR occurrence in field is proposed. • HR was initially confirmed in a karst field of Southwest China. Hydraulic redistribution ( HR ) might serve as a crucial drought-tolerance mechanism to address dry and harsh environments in mixed-species communities. However, it remains unclear just how the unique water supply capacity of karst ecosystems (higher potential water content in karst water bearing media and lower effective water content in rock stratum) impact HR patterns. Here, dominant evergreen trees and their neighboring species were selected to determine the occurrence of HR and its water sharing mechanism by employing three methods (soil water content ( SWC )/soil water potential ( Ψs ), deuterium labeling, and thermal technique methods) in a subtropical karst ecosystem with shallow, patchy, and skeletal soils. The results revealed that the water potential gradient (>-1.28 Mpa) between 0 and 20 cm and 20–40 cm soil depths provide favorable conditions for the occurrence of HR . A marked increase in the isotopic composition of soil water following a deuterium labeling experiment showed the distinct occurrence of HR between sampled species. In contrast, the stable isotopic composition of xylem water in sampled species implied that there was no uptake of water released from HR . The downward flow rate of sap largely explained the quantity and maintenance of HR . A weak increase in the isotopic composition of the xylem water in neighboring species following a deuterium labeling experiment indicated that water sharing between species was contingent on the distance between the sampled and neighboring species. The water sharing kinetics of HR between species was observed to depend on the distance between the trees, as well as the HR volume and sustainability. This HR was initially confirmed in a karst field of Southwest China. The water released through the sampled plant roots was not for their own use, but for that of neighboring species. Our results provide multiple research strategies and indicated that HR is a significant mechanism in facilitating species coexistence, which sheds light on the restoration of vegetation in karst areas.

Mitigating Matrix Effects in LC-ESI-MS-MS Analysis of a Urinary Biomarker of Xylenes Exposure.

Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS-MS) with stable isotope-labeled internal standards (SIL-ISs) is the gold standard for quantitative analysis of drugs and metabolites in complex biological samples. Significant isotopic effects associated with deuterium labeling often cause the deuterated IS to elute at a different retention time from the target analyte, diminishing its capability to compensate for matrix effects. In this study, we systematically compared the analytical performance of deuterated (2H) SIL-IS to non-deuterated (13C and 15N) SIL-ISs for quantifying urinary 2-methylhippuric acid (2MHA) and 4-methylhippuric acid (4MHA), biomarkers of xylenes exposure, with an LC-ESI-MS-MS assay. Analytical method comparison between ISs demonstrated a quantitative bias for urinary 2MHA results, with concentrations generated with 2MHA-[2H7] on average 59.2% lower than concentrations generated with 2MHA-[13C6]. Spike accuracy, measured by quantifying the analyte-spiked urine matrix and comparing the result to the known spike concentration, determined that 2MHA-[2H7] generated negatively biased urinary results of -38.4%, whereas no significant bias was observed for 2MHA-[13C6]. Post-column infusion demonstrated that ion suppression experienced by 2MHA and 2MHA-[13C6] was not equally experienced by 2MHA-[2H7], explaining the negatively biased 2MHA results. The quantitation of urinary 4MHA results between ISs exhibited no significant quantitative bias. These results underscore the importance of the careful selection of ISs for targeted quantitative analysis in complex biological samples.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Migration Isomerization of Dienes.

A cobalt-catalyzed multipositional isomerization of conjugated dienes has been reported for the first time using an 8-oxazoline iminoquinoline ligand. This reaction is operationally simple and atom-economical using readily available starting materials with an E/Z mixture to access disubstituted 1,3-dienes with excellent yields and good E,E stereoselectivity. The mechanism via alkene insertion of cobalt hydride species and β-H elimination of a π-allyl cobalt intermediate is proposed on the basis of deuterium labeling and control experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Visible Light-Mediated, Highly Diastereoselective Epimerization of Lactams from the Most Accessible to the More Stable Stereoisomer.

Most known methods to access δ-lactams with stereogenic centers at the α- and β-positions are highly selective for the contra-thermodynamic syn diastereomer, typically via hydrogenation of the corresponding pyridinones or quinolinones. We describe here the development of a photoredox-mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) approach for the epimerization of δ-lactams to access the more stable anti diastereomers from the contra-thermodynamic syn isomers. The reaction displays broad functional group compatibility, including acid, ester, 1°, 2° and 3° amide, carbamate, and pyridyl groups, and was effective for a range of differently substituted monocyclic and bicyclic lactams. Experimentally observed diastereoselectivities are consistent with the calculated relative stabilities of lactam diastereomers. Convergence to the same diastereomer ratio from the syn- and anti- diastereomers establishes that reversible epimerization provides an equilibrium mixture of diastereomers. Additionally, deuterium labeling and luminescence quenching studies shed further light on the mechanism of the reaction.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Deuterated Tsuji-Wilkinson Decarbonylation of Aldehydes with Deuterium Oxide.

The recent surge in the applications of deuterated drug candidates has rendered an urgent need for diverse deuterium labeling techniques. Herein, an efficient Rh-catalyzed deuterated Tsuji-Wilkinson decarbonylation of naturally available aldehydes with D2O is developed. In this reaction, D2O not only acts as a deuterated reagent and solvent but also promotes Rh-catalyzed decarbonylation. In addition, decarbonylative strategies for the synthesis of terminal monodeuterated alkenes from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes are within reach.

Does Reduction-Induced Isomerization of a Uranium(III) Aryl Complex Proceed via C-H Oxidative Addition and Reductive Elimination across the Uranium(II/IV) Redox Couple?

Reaction of the uranium(III) bis(amidinate) aryl complex {TerphC(NiPr)2}2U(Terph) (2, where Terph = 4,4″-di-tert-butyl-m-terphenyl-2'-yl) with a strong reductant enabled isolation of isomeric uranium(III) bis(amidinate) aryl product {TerphC(NiPr)2}2U(Terph*) (3, where Terph* = 4,4″-di-tert-butyl-m-terphenyl-4'-yl). In terms of connectivity, 3 differs from 2 only in the positions of the U-C and C-H bonds on the central aryl ring of the m-terphenyl-based ligand. A deuterium labeling study ruled out mechanisms for this isomerization involving intermolecular abstraction or deprotonation of the ligand C-H bonds activated during the reaction. Due to the complexity of this rapid, heterogeneous reaction, experimental studies could not further distinguish between two different intramolecular C-H activation mechanisms. However, high-level computational studies were consistent with a mechanism that included two sets of unimolecular, mononuclear C-H oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps involving uranium(II/IV).

1350-P: Elucidation of Terminal Fatty Acid–Derived Acetyl-CoA Preference for Ketogenic Flux

Insulin resistance is a major contributor to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) . NAFLD is a progressive disease that leads to impaired hepatic function and liver cirrhosis. Increased ketogenesis has been correlated with a protective phenotype in mice and humans. During our study we identified differences in acetyl-CoA partitioning between the oxidative tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) , and ketogenesis. 8 week old C57Bl6 mice were fed a high fat or low fat (60% or 10% fat by calories respectively) diet for 16 weeks before performing liver perfusion in 12-14 hours fasted mice with 1 mM [D15]-octanoate fatty acid tracer. The effluent perfusate was collected and GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the distribution of deuterium label. Enrichments were greater in ketones (˜70%) than the TCA cycle (˜20%) with the unexpected determination that terminal acetyl-CoA units derived from fatty acids were preferentially used for ketogenesis as compared to internal acetyl-CoA units (Figure 1) . These changes were confirmed with fractional enrichment analysis and metabolic modeling of the ketogenic pathway and TCA cycle. This finding elucidates differential handling of acetyl-CoA that could be exploited for therapeutic benefit to NAFLD. Disclosure M.Mcleod: None. M.Ragavan: None. A.Rushin: None. M.Merritt: None. A.G.Giacalone: None.

Rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing by Deuterium Labeling of Bacterial Lipids in On-Target Microdroplet Cultures.

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious challenge facing human and veterinary health. Current methods of detecting resistance are limited in turn-around time or universal detection. In this work, a new antimicrobial susceptibility test is developed and validated, which utilizes deuterium labeling of membrane lipids to track the growth of bacterial cells. We hypothesize that deuterium uptake and subsequent labeling of lipids can be detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Additionally, bacteria growth is performed on the MALDI target, minimizing sample preparation materials and time. When two Escherichia coli strains are grown in the presence of deuterium oxide, labeling can be detected in as little as 30 min to 2 h. The labeling efficiency, or the ratio of labeled to unlabeled lipid peaks, provides information about the growth rate of bacteria. This growth ratio can differentiate between resistant and susceptible strains of bacteria as a resistant strain will maintain ∼50% labeling efficiency between untreated and treated cultures. In comparison, a susceptible strain will see a decrease in fractional abundance of deuterium from ∼50% in the untreated to ∼10% in the treated. This approach is applied to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the resistant and susceptible strains from on-target microdroplet culture in a range of antibiotic concentrations. The first antibiotic concentration with a significant decrease in fractional abundance of deuterium correlates well with a traditionally obtained MIC using broth dilution, indicating the clinical relevance of the results.

N-Methylation of Amines with Methanol Catalyzed by Iridium(I) Complexes Bearing an N,O-Functionalized NHC Ligand

A set of neutral [IrBr(L2)(κC-tBuImCH2PyCH2OMe)] and cationic [Ir(L2)(κ2C,N-tBuImCH2PyCH2OMe)]PF6 (L2 = cod, (CO)2) Ir(I) compounds featuring a flexible lutidine-derived polydentate ligand having NHC and −OMe as donor functions have been evaluated as catalyst precursors for the N-methylation of aniline using methanol both as a reducing agent and a C1 source. The carbonyl complexes are somewhat more active than the related diene compounds with the neutral compound [IrBr(CO)2(κC-tBuImCH2PyCH2OMe)] being the more active. A range of aromatic primary amines, including heterocyclic amines, have been selectively transformed into the corresponding N-methylamino derivatives using this catalyst at a low catalyst loading (0.1 mol %) and substoichiometric amounts of Cs2CO3 (half equiv) as a base, in methanol at 423 K. For aliphatic primary amines, selective N,N-dimethylation was achieved under the same catalytic conditions. The unselective deprotonation of the methylene linkers in [IrBr(CO)2(κC-tBuImCH2PyCH2OMe)] affords two isomeric neutral complexes featuring a coordinated dearomatized pyridine core, which were converted into [Ir(OMe)(CO)2(κC-tBuImCH2PyCH2OMe)] upon addition of methanol. This compound undergoes thermal activation of a C–H bond of the tert-butyl group to give the cyclometalated iridium(I) complex [Ir(CO)2{κ2C,C-(-CH2Me2C-ImCH2PyCH2OMe)}] featuring a bidentate C,C-coordinated NHC ligand. Mechanistic investigations support a borrowing hydrogen mechanism proceeding through iridium(I) intermediates with the methoxo complex as the catalytic active species and the cyclometalated complex as the catalyst resting state. Deuterium labeling experiments have demonstrated that both species are in equilibrium under catalytic conditions, which is consistent with the exhibited catalytic activity of the cyclometalated complex.