Shaping 1,2,4-Triazolium Fluorinated Ionic Liquid Crystals

The synthesis and thermotropic behaviour of some di-alkyloxy-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolium trifluoromethane-sulfonate salts bearing a seven-carbon atom perfluoroalkyl chain on the cation is herein described. The fluorinated salts presenting a 1,2,4-triazole as a core and differing in the length of two alkyloxy chains on the phenyl ring demonstrated a typical liquid crystalline behaviour. The mesomorphic properties of this set of salts were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The thermotropic properties are discussed on the grounds of the tuneable structures of the salts. The results showed the existence of a monotropic, columnar, liquid crystalline phase…

Chemistry of Fluorinated Oxadiazoles and Thiadiazoles

A literature survey of the chemistry of fluorinated oxadiazoles and thiadiazoles is presented. The core part on synthetic procedures is given by type of heterocycle and includes recent developments up to the end of 2012. Reactivity is discussed when induced by the presence of the fluorinated moiety. Selected examples of bioactive compounds and applications are illustrated.

Functionalization of Graphene with Molecules and/or Nanoparticles for Advanced Applications

Graphene is considered the material of the third millennium, due to its extraordinary electronic and mechanical properties, and due to the possibility to modulate its conductivity, flexibility, elasticity, transparency, and biocompatibility by bottom-up approach. The possibility to gather the proper- ties of graphene and graphene oxide with those of functional moieties or nanoparticles is herein reviewed. The synthetic approaches proposed, either covalent or noncovalent, are aimed to tune appropriately graphene’s properties for the realization of materials for advanced uses, such as bio- medical applications, sensors, catalysis, and energy devices. In particular, methods based on covalent l…

Synthesis of new fluorinated low molecular weight (LMW) gelators

New Insight on Archaeological Metal Finds, Nails and Lead Sheathings of the Punic Ship from Battle of the Egadi Islands

The wreck of the Punic ship exhibited at the Archaeological Park of Lilybaeum (Marsala, Italy) is a unique example in the world. In this paper, the investigation of some metal finds (30 nails and 3 fragments of sheathings) belonging to the wreck of the Punic ship is reported. Portable X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy allowed us to identify the elements and compounds constituting them and make some deductions about their composition. X-ray diffractometry, polarised optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the collected micro-samples allowed us to explain the degradation that occurred in the underwater environment.

Premature termination codon 124 derivatives as a novel approach to improve the read-through of premature amber and ochre stop codons

Nucleotide changes within an exon may alter the trinucleotide normally encoding a particular amino acid, such that a new stop signal is transcribed into the mRNA open reading frame. A recent approach to directly overcome the deleterious effects caused by nonsense mutations is represented by readthrough strategies which take advantage of the known properties of aminoglycosides that can suppress stop codons.

Anti-HIV Agents Derived from the ent-Kaurane Diterpenoid Linearol

Twenty-six semisynthetic ent-kaurane derivatives of linearol (1) have been investigated for their anti-HIV effects. Five compounds (4, 7, 11, 25, and 26) showed significant activity against HIV replication in H9 lymphocyte cells with EC(50) values in the range <0.1-3.11 microg/mL. With TI values of 163 and 184, compounds 4 and 25 are especially promising for further development as potential anti-HIV agents.

Nonsense codons suppression. An acute toxicity study of three optimized TRIDs in murine model, safety and tolerability evaluation.

Stop mutations cause 11% of the genetic diseases, due to the introduction of a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mRNA, followed by the production of a truncated protein. A promising therapeutic approach is the suppression therapy by Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs (TRIDs), restoring the expression of the protein. Recently, three new TRIDs (NV848, NV914, NV930) have been proposed, and validated by several in vitro assays, for the rescue of the CFTR protein, involved in Cystic Fibrosis disease. In this work, an acute toxicological study for the three TRIDs was conducted in vivo on mice, according to the OECD No.420 guidelines. Animals were divided into groups and treated with …

COMBINING TRANSLATION READTHROUGH INDUCING DRUGS AND NONSENSE MEDIATED DECAY PATWHAY INHIBITION TO THE CFTR RESCUE IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS CELL MODEL SYSTEM

Nonsense mutations affect 10% of patients with cystic fibrosis and produce a premature termination codon in CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) mRNA causing early termination of translation and leading to lack of CFTR function. A potential therapy for nonsense mutations provides the use of small molecules able to overcome the premature stop codon (PTC) by a readthrough mechanism that lead to synthesis a complete CFTR protein. Despite the good results obtained from this approach, TRIDs efficiency is considerably reduced by the poor amount of target transcript, that is the mRNA containing the PTC. The readthrough, indeed, does not occur on the totality of target transcr…

RESCUE OF LRBA GENE EXPRESSION IN PRIMARY HUMAN FIBROBLASTS CHARACTERISED BY NONSENSE MUTATION c. 5047 (C>T).

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are rare genetic diseases characterized by susceptibility to infections, increased risk of autoimmunity, hypogammaglobulinemia, and lymphoproliferative syndromes. PIDs are associated to genetic alterations in about 400 known genes, among which, mutations of the LRBA gene. LRBA gene encodes a widely expressed multi-domain protein with highly conserved BEACH domain, involved in regulation of endosomal trafficking, particularly endocytosis of ligand-activated receptors. It was reported that stop mutations affect this gene leading to the loss of the protein expression. Recently, we identified three Translational Readthrough Inducing Drug (TRID), that showed hig…

Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds. A Photochemical Approach to a Synthesis of Polyfluoroaryl-1,2,4-triazoles.

The reaction of some fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in the presence of methylamine or propylamine has been investigated. The irradiation in methanol or acetonitrile leads with acceptable yields to the corresponding fluorinated 1- methyl- or 1-propyl-1,2,4-triazole.

Identification and validation of novel molecules obtained by integrated computational and experimental approaches for the read-through of PTCs in CF cells

Competing Ring-Photoisomerization Pathways in the 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Series. An Unprecedented Ring-Degenerate Photoisomerization

The irradiation of some 5-alkyl-3-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles at lambda = 254 nm in methanol in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) gave ring-photoisomerization both into 2-alkyl-5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and, unprecedently, into the ring-degenerate 3-alkyl-5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles. The competing ring contraction-ring expansion route and the internal cyclization-isomerization mechanism explain the results.

Deciphering the Nonsense Readthrough Mechanism of Action of Ataluren: An in Silico Compared Study

Ataluren was reported to suppress nonsense mutations by promoting the readthrough of premature stop codons, although its mechanism of action (MOA) is still debated. The likely interaction of Ataluren with CFTR-mRNA has been previously studied by molecular dynamics. In this work we extended the modeling of Ataluren's MOA by complementary computational approaches such as induced fit docking (IFD), quantum polarized ligand docking (QPLD), MM-GBSA free-energy calculations, and computational mutagenesis. In addition to CFTR-mRNA, this study considered other model targets implicated in the translation process, such as eukaryotic rRNA 18S, prokaryotic rRNA 16S, and eukaryotic Release Factor 1 (eRF…

Caffeine boosts Ataluren's readthrough activity

Abstract The readthrough of nonsense mutations by small molecules like Ataluren is considered a novel therapeutic approach to overcome the gene defect in several genetic diseases as cystic fibrosis (CF). This pharmacological approach suppresses translation termination at premature termination codons (PTCs readthrough) thus restoring the expression of a functional protein. However, readthrough might be limited by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a cell process that reduces the amount/level of PTCs containing mRNAs. Here we investigate the combined action of Ataluren and caffeine to enhance the readthrough of PTCs. IB3.1 CF cells with a nonsense mutation were treated with caffeine to a…

Photocatalytic partial oxidation of phenenthrene in green organic solvents

A Novel Graphene Oxide-Silica Nanohybrid, Highly Functionalized by Organic Fluorotails

GO-based composites have attracted increasing attention due to their improved properties: in this context Silica-GO nanohybrids are currently used in many fields, ranging from biomedicine to optoelectronics. In recent years growing interest of the materials community has been posed on the functionalization of graphene materials with fluorine: Fluorinated graphene oxide has been proven to be the first carbon material for Magnetic Resonance Imaging without the addition of magnetic nanoparticles,1 moreover, has proven to absorb NIR-laser energy and efficiently transform it into heat, so that fluorinated graphene oxide has been suggested as a contrast agent for MRI, ultrasound and photoacoustic…

1,2,4-Ossadiazoli come “nitrogen-donor” nella sintesi foto-indotta di aziridine

Photochemical synthesis of pyrene perfluoroalkyl derivatives and their embedding in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix: a spectroscopic and structural study

A photochemical, alternative and eco-compatible approach to perfluoroalkyl derivatives of pyrene is presented. The perfluoroalkyl chain is regiospecifically introduced at the 1 position of pyrene. The synthesized products have been embedded in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix by photocuring at 365 nm. Both the photochemical reactions can be considered a “green tool” for the synthetic chemist in order to obtain materials with prospective optoelectronic applications. The so-obtained composites have been the object of a study by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy in order to explore their luminescence properties. The small angle X-ray scattering and the transmission electron microscopy techniques…

Identification of a new molecule with readthrough activity to rescue CFTR protein function

In Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene cause absence of the CFTR protein expression and a more severe form of the disease. About 10% of patient affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by translational readthrough inducing drugs such as Ataluren. In this context we aimed to compare the 1,2,4-oxadiazole core of Ataluren with a slightly different scaffold, the 1,3,4oxadiazole core. By a validated protocol consisting of computational screening, synthesis and biological tests we identified, a new small molecule with 1,3,4-oxadiazole core (2a/NV2445…

Photocatalysis in dimethyl carbonate green solvent: degradation and partial oxidation of phenanthrene on supported TiO2

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is here proposed – for the first time – as a green organic solvent for photocatalytic synthesis. In this work, the photocatalytic partial oxidation of phenanthrene in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) by using anatase TiO2 as the photocatalyst is described as paradigmatic example of a green synthetic process starting from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For comparison, the same reaction carried out also in ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol is reported. The use of DMC as the solvent allowed us to achieve 19% and 23% selectivity towards 9-fluorenone and 6H-benzo[c]chromen- 6-one, respectively. The proposed approach may represent both a new green synthetic process and …

Sintesi di Piperonale tramite fotocatalisi eterogenea in condizioni green

Dissecting the packing forces in mixed perfluorocarbon/aromatic co-crystals

We carried out a systematic evaluation of the packing forces in co-crystals featuring monoiodo- and diiodo-perfluoroalkanes and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles through single crystal X-ray diffraction and theoretical analysis. The molecules assemble via a combination of halogen bonding and specific dispersive interactions involving the perfluorinated units. We quantitatively elucidated the nature and strength of such interactions through solid-state calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis. One of the co-crystals, formed by two monoiodoperfluorodecane molecules, the longest perfluorinated chain ever solved at the atomic level, allowed us to fully highlight the role of fluorous interactions.

Enhancement of premature stop codon readthrough in the CFTR gene by Ataluren (PTC124) derivatives.

Abstract Premature stop codons are the result of nonsense mutations occurring within the coding sequence of a gene. These mutations lead to the synthesis of a truncated protein and are responsible for several genetic diseases. A potential pharmacological approach to treat these diseases is to promote the translational readthrough of premature stop codons by small molecules aiming to restore the full-length protein. The compound PTC124 (Ataluren) was reported to promote the readthrough of the premature UGA stop codon, although its activity was questioned. The potential interaction of PTC124 with mutated mRNA was recently suggested by molecular dynamics (MD) studies highlighting the importanc…

PTC124 derivatives as a novel approach to improve the readthrough of premature stop codons in the CFTR gene.

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Approximately 10% (worldwide) of patients have in-frame nonsense mutations (UAA, UAG or UGA class I mutations) in the CF trans-membrane regulator (CFTR) gene that result in premature stop codons (PTCs) in the messenger RNA (mRNA) generating truncated CFTR protein responsible for a severe CF phenotype. Pharmacological approaches have been proposed to directly overcome PTCs. Ataluren (PTC124) a small molecule that mimics the activity of aminoglycosides has been suggested to allow PTCs readthrough and to partially restore the protein function. However, des…

Characterization of isomeric 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-N-methylpyridinium salts by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

The mass spectrometric behavior of 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl- N-methylpyridinium salts has been investigated. These substances are of current interest as perspective ionic liquids, compounds used as green solvents for synthesis, and for their catalytic properties. The studies have been developed through electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) experiments. The obtained results demonstrate a ready distinction between the two isomeric classes, 3- N-methylpyridinium- and 5- N-methylpyridinium-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, is possible through ESI-MS/MS experiments. A deeper investigation on the principal fragmentation pathways of characteristic ions has been also developed.

Synthesis of 9-fluorenone and 6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one through photocatalytic oxidation of phenanthrene by TiO2 photocatalysis

Characterization of isomeric organic cations by Esi/MS: 3-alkyl-5-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations, 5-alkyl-3-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations and 3-perfluoroakyl-5-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations, 5-perfluoroakyl-3-(4-N-methylpyridinium)-1,2,4-oxadiazole cations

Solvent dependent photochemical reactivity of 3-allyloxy-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

Anrorc rearrangements of fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as an expedient route to fluorinated heterocycles

Ionic liquid crystals based on 1,2,4-triazolium rings

Ionic liquids crystals (ILCs) are a class of organic materials of great current interest. They show unique properties that can be exploited in many different fields, for example their use as solvents for extraction processes as well as electrolytes for batteries, fuel cells, dye-sensitised solar cells etc. [1-4] Moreover, in perfluorinated ILCs, the segregation of the perfluorocarbon chains promotes further self-organisation of the LC phases, adding to the materials further properties such as affinity for gases suitable for example in gas-storage. [5-7] A series of salts based on 5-(4-alkyloxyphenyl)-1,4-dimethyl-3-(perfluoroalkyl)-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium structures, differing in the length of …

Composti eterociclici fluorurati. Un approccio fotochimico alla sintesi di chinazolin-4-oni

A recent portrait of bioactive triazoles

Scientists have extensively explored new synthetic routes in order to obtain 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles as they represent a very interesting class of compounds due to their wide range of biological activities such as antitumor, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, etc. This mini review reports the synthesis and the biological activities of compounds containing a triazole moiety published since 2007. No attempt is made to provide a comprehensive literature overview, our aim is to highlight some more recent examples of synthetic biological active compounds. In particular, we focus on the applications of “click reactions” that allow the regioselective synthesis of…

Designing fluorous domains. Pyridinium salts bearing a perfluoroalkylated oxadiazole moiety

Perfluorocarbon functionalized hyaluronic acid derivatives as oxygenating systems for cell culture

A set of new hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives was obtained by binding fluorinated oxadiazole (OXA) moieties to an amino derivative of the polysaccharide (HA-EDA). The obtained HA-EDA-OXA biomaterials are potentially able to improve oxygenation into a scaffold for tissue engineering purposes. The oxygen solubility in aqueous dispersions of the obtained derivatives showed that polymers were able to improve oxygen uptake and maintenance in the medium. The HA-EDA-OXA was employed to form a hydrogel in situ by reaction with a vinyl sulphone derivative of inulin, under physiological conditions. The influence of the presence of OXA moieties on the mechanical properties of the obtained hydrogels as…

On the Photoisomerization of Caffeic Acid in the Presence of Nanostructured TiO2

Novel Translational Read-through–Inducing Drugs as a Therapeutic Option for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is one of the most commonly inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). In SDS, bone marrow is hypocellular, with marked neutropenia. Moreover, SDS patients have a high risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which in turn increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) from an early age. Most SDS patients are heterozygous for the c.183-184TA&gt;CT (K62X) SBDS nonsense mutation. Fortunately, a plethora of translational read-through inducing drugs (TRIDs) have been developed and tested for several rare inherited diseases due to nonsense mutations so far. The authors previously demonstrated that ataluren (PTC124) can restore full-length SBDS…

Molecular Approaches Fighting Nonsense

Nonsense mutations are the result of single nucleotide substitutions in the DNA that change a sense codon (coding for an amino acid) to a nonsense or premature termination codon (PTC) within the coding region of the mRNA [...]

Investigating the inhibition of FTSJ1 a tryptophan tRNA-specific 2’-O-methyltransferase by NV TRIDs, as a mechanism of readthrough in nonsense mutated CFTR

Abstract: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, coding for the CFTR chloride channel. About 10% of the CFTR gene mutations are "stop" mutations, which generate a Premature Termination Codon (PTC), thus synthesizing a truncated CFTR protein. A way to bypass PTC relies on ribosome readthrough, which is the ri-bosome’s capacity to skip a PTC, thus generating a full-length protein. “TRIDs” are molecules exerting ribosome readthrough; for some, the mechanism of action is still under debate. We in-vestigate a possible mechanism of action (MOA) by which our recently synthesized TRIDs, namely NV848, NV914, and NV930, could exert their r…

TiO2-induced photoisomerization of caffeic acid

Heterocyclic Scaffolds for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Background: The treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are two of the most urgent goals for research around the world. The cognitive decline is generally associated with the elevated levels of extracellular senile plaques, intracellular neurofibril- lary tangles (NFTs), and with a progressive shutdown of the cholinergic basal forebrain neurons transmission. Even if several key targets are under fervent investigation in the cure of AD, till now, the only approved therapeutic strategy is the treatment of symptoms by using cholinesterases inhibitors. It has been demonstrated that both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes are not only responsible of…

Photochemical Functionalization of Allyl Benzoates by C-H Insertion

The photoreactivity of allyl benzoates, containing an electron-rich double bond, has been explored by irradiation at 305 nm in different solvents. Solvent addition products arising from an insertion of the alpha H–C bonds of THF, dioxane, and i-PrOH to the allylic double bond was realized. The observed reactivity depended on reaction conditions and substitution pattern of the substrate. A DFT study on this unusual reaction was performed allowing the formulation of two mechanistic pathways.

Synthesis and characterization of perfluoroalkyl-pyrenes embedded in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix

Synthesis, structural characterization, anti-proliferative and antimicrobial activity of binuclear and mononuclear Pt(II) complexes with perfluoroalkyl-heterocyclic ligands

Abstract In this paper we report the synthesis of four Pt(II) complexes with 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-pyridine and 3-perfluoroalkyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl-pyridine ligands. Two binuclear complexes [PtCl(pfibap)2](µ-Cl)2 (1), [Pt2(µ-Cl)2(pfioap)4]Cl2 (2), and two mononuclear [PtCl2(pfptp)] (3), [PtCl2(pfhtp)2] (4), were synthesized with the ligands: 2-(5-perfluoropropyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole-3yl)-pyridine (pfpop), 2-(5-perfluoroheptyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-3yl)-pyridine (pfhop), 2-(3-perfluoropropyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfptp), 2-(3-perfluoroheptyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfhtp), and were structurally characterized. All complexes were tested in vitro on th…

Nuovi film elettrocromici

Halogen bond directionality translates tecton geometry into self-assembled architecture geometry

The structures of halogen-bonded infinite chains involving two diiodoperfluoroalkanes and a bent bis(pyrid-4′-yl)oxadiazole show that the geometry of the pyridyl pendant rings is translated into the angle between the formed halogen bonds.

Oxadiazolyl-Pyridinium as Cationic Scaffold for Fluorinated Ionic Liquid Crystals

The synthesis and characterization of a new class of 1,2,4-oxadiazolylpyridinium as a cationic scaffold for fluorinated ionic liquid crystals is herein described. A series of 12 fluorinated heterocyclic salts based on a 1,2,4-oxadiazole moiety, connected through its C(5) or C(3) to an N-alkylpyridinium unit and a perfluoroheptyl chain, differing in the length of the alkyl chain and counterions, has been synthesized. As counterions iodide, bromide and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide have been considered. The synthesis, structure, and liquid crystalline properties of these compounds are discussed on the basis of the tuned structural variables. The thermotropic properties of this series of sa…

Recent Advances in 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Chemistry

Fluorinated heterocyclic compounds from ring-to-ring transformations of O-N bond containing azoles

Ionic liquid crystals based on 3-perfluoalkyl-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium salts

Liquid-crystalline ionic liquids (LC-ILs) are a class of organic materials that of great current interest: they are defined as organic salts that possess the properties of two interesting kinds of material – ionic liquids (ILs) and liquid crystals (LCs). LC-ILs combine many interesting features of ILs (e.g. low volatility and the ability to dissolve solutes with a range of polarities) as well as many attractive properties of LCs (e.g. their intrinsic order and anisotropy). This provides unique opportunities that can be exploited in many different fields, for example their use as solvents for extraction processes as well as electrolytes for batteries, fuel cells, and dye-sensitised solar cel…

The innovative role of the readthrough inducing drugs in the translation rescue of mRNAs characterized by premature stop codon (PTCs).

On the reaction of some 5-polyfluoroaryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with methylhydrazine: synthesis of fluorinated indazoles

The reaction of 5-polyfluoroaryl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with methylhydrazine has been studied and the synthesis of fluorinated N-methylindazoles has been realized. Rearrangement reactions showed predominantly formation of N(1)-methylindazole regioisomers. Starting compounds were preliminarily functionalized at the polyfluoroaryl moiety through fluorine displacement with nucleophiles (methanol, methylamine, dimethylamine), allowing the obtainment of target indazoles substituted at the C(6) position.

Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds− The First Example of an Irreversible Ring-Degenerate Rearrangement on Five-Membered Heterocycles by Attack of an External Bidentate Nucleophile

The reactions of 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 3 with hydroxylamine in DMF give the regioisomeric 3-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 4 in excellent yields. This process is the first example of ring-degenerate rearrangement (RDR) occurring on five-membered heterocycles by attack of an external bidentate nucleophile, which replaces two heteroatoms of the ring. We suggest that an ANRORC-like mechanism occurs in which the addition of the nucleophilic nitrogen atom (NH2OH) on the C(5) atom of 3 is followed by ring opening and irreversible ring-degenerate closure by attack of the nucleophilic oxygen atom (=NOH) on the C(3) atom of the original ring, realizing an elegant and efficient synthes…

Photocatalytic synthesis of piperonal in aqueous TiO2 suspensions

Rescuing CFTR Protein Function: 1,3,4-oxadiazoles versus 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as readthrough inducing drugs

In Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene cause the absence of the CFTR protein expression and a more severe form of the disease. About 10% of patient affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by translational readthrough inducing drugs such as Ataluren (1). We reported a rationale for Ataluren promoted readthrough of PTCs by computational approach and GFP-reporter cell-based assay (2) and the observed enhancement of readthrough activity by some Ataluren derivatives (3, 4). In this context we aimed to compare the 1,2,4-oxadiazole core of Ataluren w…

Sintesi e valutazione biologica di 1,2,4-ossadiazoli analoghi del Linezolid

Fluorinated heterocyclic compounds: an assay on the photochemistry of some fluorinated 1-oxa-2-azoles: an expedient route to fluorinated heterocycles

Abstract Photoinduced heterocyclic rearrangements of ON bond-containing azoles have been claimed in the synthesis of target fluorinated heterocyclic compounds. In this context, the photochemical behavior of some fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles has been investigated. Irradiations of 3-amino-5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles at λ =313 nm in methanol gave open-chain products arising from a reaction of the nucleophilic solvent with either the first formed ring-photolytic species or with a nitrilimine moiety generated from it. Differently, irradiations in methanol with the presence of triethylamine (TEA) followed competing phototransposition pathways leading to the ring-isomers 2-amino-5-perfluo…

Synthesis of fluorinated oxadiazoles with gelation and oxygen storage ability

A new family of fluorinated low molecular weight (LMW) gelators has been synthesized through SNAr substitution of 5-polyfluoroaryl-3-perfluoroheptyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with glycine ester. The obtained compounds give thermal and pH-sensitive hydrogels or thermo-reversible organogels in DMSO. Oxygen solubility studies showed the ability to maintain high oxygen levels in solution and in gel blend with plate counter agar (PCA).

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles

1,2,4-Oxadiazoles experienced an almost 80-year long period of scientific lethargy before they tickled the curiosity of chemists. The study of chemical and photochemical reactivity of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles opened the way to a series of applications in heterocyclic synthesis. Today, 1,2,4-oxadiazoles are known in medicinal chemistry for their use as bioisosters of esters and amides. Furthermore, fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles have been applied in materials science either by themselves or for the targeted modification of polymers and macromolecules. Overall, the synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles can be planned to fine-tune their properties for featured applications. Their versatility, either as start…

ChemInform Abstract: Photochemical Functionalization of Allyl Benzoates by C-H Insertion.

The photoreactivity of allyl benzoates, containing an electron-rich double bond, has been explored by irradiation at 305 nm in different solvents. Solvent addition products arising from an insertion of the alpha H–C bonds of THF, dioxane, and i-PrOH to the allylic double bond was realized. The observed reactivity depended on reaction conditions and substitution pattern of the substrate. A DFT study on this unusual reaction was performed allowing the formulation of two mechanistic pathways.

Translational readthrough inducing drugs: a study of toxicity in mice models and in vitro safety validation of the specific readthrough process.

Objective Nonsense mutations are responsible for 15% of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients due to the introduction of a premature stop codon (PTC) in the mRNA and the production of a truncated CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) protein1. A promising therapeutic approach for stop mutations is the suppression therapy by Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs (TRIDs) to restore the expression of the protein2,3. Recently three new TRIDS (NV848, NV914, NV930) have been proposed and validated by several assays. Our work was focused on TRIDs NV848, NV914, NV930. Important aspects of TRIDs to be evaluated are their specificity towards PTC, to demonstrate that TRIDs do not inter…

FDA-Approved Fluorinated Heterocyclic Drugs from 2016 to 2022

The inclusion of fluorine atoms or heterocyclic moiety into drug structures represents a recurrent motif in medicinal chemistry. The combination of these two features is constantly appearing in new molecular entities with various biological activities. This is demonstrated by the increasing number of newly synthesized fluorinated heterocyclic compounds among the Food and Drug Administration FDA-approved drugs. In this review, the biological activity, as well as the synthetic aspects, of 33 recently FDA-approved fluorinated heterocyclic drugs from 2016 to 2022 are highlighted.

Uncatalyzed photofunctionalization of C-H bonds

Photoluminescent hybrid nanomaterials from modified halloysite nanotubes

The synthesis of photoluminescent nanomaterials based on halloysite nanotubes is described. The obtained hybrid was characterized by means of TGA, FT-IR, DLS and XPS measurements; in addition its morphology was imaged by TEM and HR-TEM. The HNT hybrid also exhibited photoluminescent properties, both in solution and in the solid state, and white-light emission (0.24, 0.36; CIE coordinates) was observed. This work could be pioneering as a new strategy for manufacturing both LEDs and fluorescent tags based on HNT nanomaterials. © 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

SYNTHESIS OF OXADIAZOLE BASED ORGANIC SALTS

Derivati Ossadiazolici per il trattamento della fibrosi cistica: Readthrough di mutazioni nonsense

Fluorescent Hg2+ Sensors: Synthesis and Evaluation of a Tren-Based Starburst Molecule Containing Fluorinated 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles.

A new tren-based starburst molecule containing fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as fluorophores has been synthesized and its sensing behavior toward several metal cations has been investigated by UV/Vis, fluorescence, 1 H NMR and 19 F NMR spectroscopy. Selective sensing for Hg 2+ ions through a PET-based mechanism was evidenced, suggesting application as fluorescent sensor for Hg 2+ of the off-on type.

Sintesi di sali di azolil-piridinio contenenti catene perfluoroalchiliche o alchiliche: alcune proprietà e potenziali applicazioni

Synthesis, characterization and study of covalently modified triazole LAPONITE® edges

Abstract LAPONITE® (Lap) clay mineral was successful functionalized by triazole groups in a two steps procedure. First, the Lap edges were modified with 3-azidopropyltrimethoxysilane by traditional heating and microwave irradiation. Microwave irradiation allowed us to obtain high loading onto the Lap edges in lower times compared to those obtained through conventional method. Afterwards, the triazole moieties were obtained by reaction between azido functionalized Lap and propargyl alcohol. The successful functionalization of Lap was proved by thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and ζ-potential measurements. Finally, the effects of the surface modificatio…

Identification and validation of novel molecules obtained by integrated computational and experimental approaches for the readthrough of PTCs in CF cells

Cystic Fibrosis patients with nonsense-mutation in h-CFTR gene generally make virtually no CFTR protein and thus often have a more severe form of CF. Ataluren (PTC124) was suggested to induce read-through of premature but not normal termination codons. Despite the promising results there is not a general consensus on the mechanism of its action (protein stabilization or codon read-through) and its efficacy, the identification of new PTC124 analogues and the study of the mechanism of action may led to a new strategy for the development of a pharmacologic approach to the cure of CF.

Oxadiazolyl-pyridinium based organic salts

Ionic self assembly in the design of fluorinated ionic liquid crystals (ILCs)

Ionic liquid crystals are a class of compounds containing anions and cations, that combine the properties of liquid crystals and ionic liquids[1]. In the conventional design of ionic liquid crystalline compounds, an ionic core is connected with mesogenic groups via chemical covalent bonding . Alternatively, in ionic compounds, strong electrostatic interactions between cation and anion can be used to build up liquid crystalline order at supramolecular level. This general approach, called ionic self-assembly (ISA), allows one to create ionic phases and mesophases with highly organized supramolecular order [2]. In this context, a new series of fluorinated ionic liquids (ILs) and ionic liquid c…

Heterocyclic Rearrangements: An Expedient Route to the Synthesis of Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds‡‡Financial support through the Italian MIUR and University of Palermo within the National Research Project “Fluorinated Compounds: New Materials for Advanced Applications”.

Strategies against nonsense: oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs)

This review focuses on the use of oxadiazoles as translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) to rescue the functional full-length protein expression in mendelian genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations. These mutations in specific genes generate premature termination codons (PTCs) responsible for the translation of truncated proteins. After a brief introduction on nonsense mutations and their pathological effects, the features of various classes of TRIDs will be described discussing differences or similarities in their mechanisms of action. Strategies to correct the PTCs will be presented, particularly focusing on a new class of Ataluren-like oxadiazole derivatives in comparison …

Photocatalytic oxidation in green organic solvent: the case study of water-insoluble phenanthrene

Rescuing the CFTR protein function: Introducing 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as translational readthrough inducing drugs.

Nonsense mutations in the CFTR gene prematurely terminate translation of the CFTR mRNA leading to the production of a truncated protein that lacks normal function causing a more severe form of the cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. About 10% of patients affected by CF show a nonsense mutation. A potential treatment of this alteration is to promote translational readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) by Translational Readthrough Inducing Drugs (TRIDs) such as PTC124. In this context we aimed to compare the activity of PTC124 with analogues differing in the heteroatoms position in the central heterocyclic core. By a validated protocol consisting of computational screening, synthesis an…

Theoretical study of photoinduced ring-isomerization in the 1,2,4-oxadiazole series

Abstract A theoretical study of photoinduced ring-isomerization of 3-amino-5-methyl- and 3-amino-5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles is reported. The results well agree with the reported experimental data: in particular, they explain the ring-photoisomerization into the corresponding 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles through a ring contraction-ring expansion route; moreover, the occurrence of competing pathways involving both the ring contraction and the internal cyclization–isomerization mechanism during irradiation of the 5-alkyl substituted substrates in the presence of a base has been also substantiated.

Uno studio comparativo in silico sui possibili target di Ataluren e analoghi farmaci promotori di readthrough di codoni di stop prematuri

E’ noto in letteratura che Ataluren (acido 5-(fluorofenil)-1,2,4-ossadiazolil-benzoico) sia in grado di sopprimere le mutazioni non senso favorendo il readthrough dei codoni di stop prematuri, anche se il suo meccanismo di azione non risulta ancora chiaro. La probabile interazione tra Ataluren e CTFR-mRNA è stata precedentemente studiata mediante dinamica molecolare. In questo studio1, abbiamo esteso il modeling del probabile meccanismo di azione di Ataluren mediante approcci computazionali completementari, quali Induced Fit Docking (IFD), Quantum Polarized Ligand Docking (QPLD), metodi MM-GBSA e mutagenesi computazionale. Oltre a considerare il CTFR-mRNA, sono stati presi in considerazione…

Polyfluoroalkyl viologen-based Ionic Liquid Crystals

Self-Sustaining Supramolecular Ionic Liquid Gels for Dye Adsorption

Water contamination is one of the main problems of modern society, and scientific research is continuously involved in identifying solutions able to preserve this valuable source. In this context, we characterized novel ionogels formed by organic salts with different anions. In particular, they show self-strengthening behavior, a quite unusual property for supramolecular gels, and they also exhibit a good load-bearing capacity. These ionogels are able to remove cationic dyes from wastewater. Thanks to their properties, they can be used in different apparatuses like dialysis membranes and as loading in adsorption columns. In the latter case over 95% removal is achieved in less than 10 min. I…

Studio dell’effetto dei sostituenti sul riarrangiamento fotoindotto di diaril-1,2,4-ossadiazoli in zeolite NaY

Pharmacophore-Based Design of New Chemical Scaffolds as Translational Readthrough-Inducing Drugs (TRIDs)

[Image: see text] Translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) rescue the functional full-length protein expression in genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, caused by premature termination codons (PTCs). Small molecules have been developed as TRIDs to trick the ribosomal machinery during recognition of the PTC. Herein we report a computational study to identify new TRID scaffolds. A pharmacophore approach was carried out on compounds that showed readthrough activity. The pharmacophore model applied to screen different libraries containing more than 87000 compounds identified four hit-compounds presenting scaffolds with diversity from the oxadiazole lead. These compounds have been s…

Inhibition of FTSJ1, a tryptophan tRNA-specific 2’-O-methyltransferase as possible mechanism to readthrough premature termination codons (UGAs) of the CFTR mRNA

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, coding for the CFTR chloride channel. About 10 % of the mutations affecting the CFTR gene are "stop" mutations, which generate a Premature Termination Codon (PTC), thus resulting in the synthesis of a truncated CFTR protein. A way to bypass PTC relies on ribosome readthrough, that is the capacity of the ribosome to skip a PTC, thus generating a full-length protein. “TRIDs” are molecules exerting ribosome readthrough and for some of them the mechanism of action is still under debate. By in silico analysis as well as in vitro studies, we investigate a possible mechanism of action (MOA) by whic…

Photocatalytic Isomerization of Caffeic Acid and its Cyclization to Esculetin

tThe photoisomerization of trans-caffeic acid to cis-caffeic acid has been studied in the presence of N2in homogeneous aqueous solutions and in suspensions of various TiO2catalysts. The results supportedthe hypothesis of an energy transfer process from TiO2 to the substrate due to the recombination of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs.

An Overview of Functionalized Graphene Nanomaterials for Advanced Applications

Interest in the development of graphene-based materials for advanced applications is growing, because of the unique features of such nanomaterials and, above all, of their outstanding versatility, which enables several functionalization pathways that lead to materials with extremely tunable properties and architectures. This review is focused on the careful examination of relationships between synthetic approaches currently used to derivatize graphene, main properties achieved, and target applications proposed. Use of functionalized graphene nanomaterials in six engineering areas (materials with enhanced mechanical and thermal performance, energy, sensors, biomedical, water treatment, and c…

Five-to-Six Membered Ring-rearrangements in the Reaction of 5-Perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with Hydrazine and Methylhydrazine

The hydrazinolysis reaction of 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with hydrazine or methylhydrazine as bidentate nucleophiles has been investigated. The reaction occurred through the addition of the bidentate nucleophile to the C(5)-N(4) double bond of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole followed by ring-opening and ring-closure (ANRORC) involving the second nucleophilic site of the reagent. This ring-closure step could involve either the original C(3) of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole (giving a five-to-five membered ring rearrangement) or an additional electrophilic center linked to it (exploiting a five-to-six membered ring rearrangement). An alternative initial nucleophilic attack may involve the additional elec…

Mononuclear Perfluoroalkyl-Heterocyclic Complexes of Pd(II): Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity

Two mononuclear Pd(II) complexes [PdCl2(pfptp)] (1) and [PdCl2(pfhtp)] (2), with ligands 2-(3-perfluoropropyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfptp) and 2-(3-perfluoroheptyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfhtp), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The two complexes showed a bidentate coordination of the ligand occurring through N atom of pyridine ring and N4 atom of 1,2,4-triazole. Both complexes showed antimicrobial activity when tested against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains.

Synthesis, Reactivity, Biological Activity and Applications of Fluorinated Oxadiazoles and Thiadiazoles

A literature survey of the chemistry of fluorinated oxadiazoles and thiadiazoles is presented. The core part on synthetic procedures is given by type of heterocycle and includes recent developments up to the end of 2012. Reactivity is discussed when induced by the presence of the fluorinated moiety. Selected examples of bioactive compounds and applications are illustrated.

Sintesi di un nuovo sensore fluorescente selettivo per Hg2++ contenente ossadiazoli fluorurati

Synthesis and characterization of a series of alkyl-oxadiazolylpyridinium salts as perspective ionic liquids

The synthesis of a series of 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-N-methylpyridinium salts differing in the length and the position of the alkyl chain in the heterocyclic ring and the counter ions is reported. Some features of this new family of salts as perspective ionic liquids are described and the influence of the varying moieties in the modulation of the properties is discussed.

AZIONE READTHROUGH DI DERIVATI DEL PTC124 SU SISTEMI MODELLO CELLULARI E IN CELLULE DI EPITELIO BRONCHIALE-FC IB3.1 (CFTR F508/W1282X )

Obiettivi specifici: Le mutazioni nonsenso (mutazioni STOP), un difetto genetico frequente negli individui affetti da Fibrosi Cistica (CF), causano la sintesi di proteine CFTR tronche e non funzionanti che sono associate ad un fenotipo più severo della CF (McKone EF. et al., Chest 2006). L’obiettivo del nostro studio è stato quello di disegnare derivati dell’Ataluren (PTC124), una ‘small molecule’ a cui è stata attribuita attività readthrough, e valutarne l’attività su tre differenti sistemi modello sperimentali contenenti codoni di STOP prematuri (UGA, UAG, UAA). Materiali e metodi: Sono state sintetizzate 24 molecole derivate dal PTC124 e analizzate mediante tecniche spettroscopiche per v…

SINTESI DI IMIDAZOLI E 4,4’-BISIMIDAZOLI FUNZIONALIZZATI, TRAMITE REAZIONI DI RIARRANGIAMENTO DI ISOSSAZOLI

Nanopiattaforme di Ossido di Grafene perfluorurate: materiali biocompatibili con affinità per l'ossigeno

L’attacco covalente di molecule perfluorurate su ossido di graphene (GO) via sostituzione nucleofila aromatica ha consentito una facile funzionalizzazione delle lamelle di GO.1,2 La performance delle nanopiattaforme perluorurate (GOF) nell’uptake e rilascio di ossigeno è stata valutata in condizioni di pH fisiologico a differenti concentrazioni e temperature, dimostrando una maggiore affinità del materiale perfluorurato GOF rispetto al GO pristino. Anche a basse concentrazioni GOF ha mostrato valori di uptake di ossigeno a saturazione e velocità di diffusione superiori ad altri materiali proposti in letteratura per ingegneria tissutale, per l’ossigenazione cellulare durante la rigenerazione…

Experimental and DFT Studies on Competitive Heterocyclic Rearrangements. Part 2:1 A One-Atom Side-Chain versus the Classic Three-Atom Side-Chain (Boulton−Katritzky) Ring Rearrangement of 3-Acylamino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

The experimental investigation of the base-catalyzed rearrangements of 3-acylamino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles evidenced a new reaction pathway which competes with the well-known ring-degenerate Boulton-Katritzky rearrangement (BKR). The new reaction consists of a one-atom side-chain rearrangement that is base-activated, occurs at a higher temperature than the BKR, and irreversibly leads to the corresponding 2-acylamino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. An extensive DFT study is reported to elucidate the proposed reaction mechanism and to compare the three possible inherent routes: (i) the reversible three-atom side-chain ring-degenerate BKR, (ii) the ring contraction-ring expansion route (RCRE), and (iii) the one-…

Photocatalytic green synthesis of piperonal in aqueous TiO2 suspension

Abstract Piperonal (heliotropine or 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde) has been synthesized by oxidizing piperonyl alcohol in aqueous UV-irradiated TiO2 suspensions. This compound was identified by GC–MS chromatography, 1H NMR and melting point determination. The other products of the photoprocess were 1,3-bis(3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzyl) ether (found in traces) and CO2, derived from the parallel pathway of photo-mineralization. Commercial and home-prepared TiO2 samples have been tested and the best selectivity (ca. 35%) was obtained by using the home-prepared ones. The reported green process allows to obtain an added value product (piperonal), upon partial oxidation of a cheap reagent.

PTC124 DERIVATIVES AS A NOVEL APPROACH TO IMPROVE THE READTHROUGH OF PREMATURE AMBER AND OCHRE STOP CODONS

Nucleotide changes within an exon may alter the trinucleotide normally encoding a particular amino acid, such that a new “stop” signal is transcribed into the mRNA open reading frame. This causes the ribosome to prematurely terminate its reading of the mRNA, leading to the lack of production of a normal full-length protein. Such premature termination codon (PTC) mutations occur in an estimated 10% to 15% of many genetically based disorders (1). Pathological nonsense mutations resulting in TAG (40.4%), TGA (38.5%), and TAA (21.1%) occur in different proportions to naturally occurring stop codons (2). Several genetic disorders are characterized by opal (TGA; Cystic fibrosis, Duchenne/Becker m…

Recent development in fluorinated antibiotics

This chapter presents the most recent results in the development of fluorinated antibioticsby taking into consideration modern challenges of multidrug-resistant pathogens. After a brief introduction on the direct and indirect effects of fluorine and fluorinated moieties in regulating biological activity, the chapter is developed in three main subsections discussing the two major classes of fluorinated antibiotics, fluoroquinolones and oxazolidinones, plus an overview of recent research on the antibiotic activity of fluorinated analogs of tetracyclines, peptidomimetics, triazoles, and nucleosides. Discussed aspects include: (1) Synthesis and challenges posed by the introduction of fluorinate…

Perfluorocarbons–graphene oxide nanoplatforms as biocompatible oxygen reservoirs

Abstract 3-Pentadecafluoroheptyl,5-perfluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (FOX) molecules were attached onto a graphene oxide (GO) via a facile aromatic substitution in alkaline environment. This approach allows achieving high degree of functionalization under mild conditions. The covalent attachment of perfluoromoieties onto GO lamellae was confirmed by spectroscopic analyses. The performance of these nanoplatforms (GOF) as oxygen reservoirs was assessed at different concentrations and temperature. The results revealed that under physiologic conditions GO and FOX synergistically operate for increasing oxygen uptake and release, either from a thermodynamic and a kinetic point of view. Even at low…

Synthesis of Heteroaromatics via Rearrangement Reactions

Photochemical and photocatalytic isomerization of trans -caffeic acid and cyclization of cis -caffeic acid to esculetin

Abstract The photoisomerization of trans-caffeic acid to cis-caffeic acid has been studied in the presence of N2 in homogeneous aqueous solutions and in suspensions of various TiO2 catalysts. The results supported the hypothesis of an energy transfer process from TiO2 to the substrate due to the recombination of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. The differences among the measured photostationary [cis]/[trans] ratios have been attributed to the different physico-chemical properties of the catalysts. In particular, the lowest ratio measured in the presence of Merck TiO2 was ascribed to the very low adsorption of trans-caffeic acid onto the surface of this sample. In the presence of O2 a…

Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds. A Photochemical Approach to a Synthesis of Fluorinated Quinazolin-4-ones

An efficient and generalized photochemical methodology for the preparation of fluorinated quinazolin-4-ones is described. Depending on the starting substrate, quinazolin-4-ones bearing a perfluoroalkyl- or perfluoroaryl- substituent in position 2 or fluorine atoms on any positions of the benzo-fused moiety can easily be obtained. 5-Aryl-3-perfluoroalkylpentafluorophenyl- or 5-polyfluoroaryl-3-phenyl(methyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles, respectively, can be considered as ideal precursors that can be transformed into the target quinazolin-4-ones by irradiation in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) (at λ = 313 nm) or pyrene (at λ = 365 nm) in dry methanol or acetonitrile as solvent. Some mechanistic co…

Photochemically Produced Singlet Oxygen: Applications and Perspectives

This Review aims to provide early stage researchers with an updated guide to applications of photochemically produced singlet oxygen and, at the same time, widen the experienced researcher's perspectives in a holistic approach to singlet oxygen chemistry. Without being exhaustive, literature between 2010 and early 2018 has been surveyed by focusing on a critical evaluation of new knowledge and applications. After an introductory section concerning singlet oxygen production, detection, and interactions with biological systems, subsequent sections describe current applications of singlet-oxygen-enabled technology. Besides strictly chemical synthesis applications, attention has been given to t…

Mesomorphic and electrooptical properties of viologens based on non-symmetric alkyl/polyfluoroalkyl functionalization and on an oxadiazolyl-extended bent core

Two different sets of ionic liquid crystals based on bistriflimide salts of non-symmetrically substituted polyfluorinated bipyridinium (viologens) and bent symmetrically substituted dialkyl-oxadiazolyl-bipyridinium have been synthesized, in order to study the effect on the mesomorphic and electrooptical properties of the non-symmetric functionalization (alkyl chain and fluoroalkyl chains of different lengths) on the two pyridinium rings and additionally the effect of a bent conjugated spacer among the two pyridinium units of the viologen. POM and DSC characterization show that the synthesized salts have a mesomorphic and, in some cases, polymesomorphic behaviour in a wide thermal range, als…

The biotransformation of the Diterpenoid, Rosenonolactone by Mucor Plumbeus

The biotransformation of rosenonolactone by the fungus, Mucor plumbeus involves hydroxylation at C-2α C-6β C-12α and epoxidation of the Δ15-alkene.

Synthesis of β-methylfurolabdanes from (+)-sclareolide

An efficient synthesis of the methylfurolabdane 3 from (+)-sclareolide (6) via the hydroxyalkenes 12 is reported. Alternative modes of cyclization of 12 allowed the synthesis of methyldihydrofuran derivatives 4 and 5 and methyltetrahydrofuran derivatives 15. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)

Sintesi di Low Molecular Weight Gelators (LMWG) Fluorurati

Synthesis of a fluorinated graphene oxide-silica nanohybrid: Improving oxygen affinity

An easy method to achieve a fluorinated graphene oxide–silica nanohybrid (GOSF) is presented. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by Hummer's modified method, the GO–silica nanohybrid (GOS) was obtained via Fischer esterification, the fluorinated moiety (3-pentadecafluoroheptyl-5-perfluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole) was introduced by nucleophilic substitution operated by the hydroxyl functionalities onto the GOS surface. Full characterization of the new materials confirmed the formation of covalent bonds between the graphene oxide/silica hybrid matrix and the fluorinated moieties. The proposed methodology offers an easy way to get fluorinated carbon/silica hybrid nanomaterials avoiding the har…

X CONVENTION OF INVESTIGATORS IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS.

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Approximately 10% (worldwide) of patients have in-frame nonsense mutations (UAA, UAG or UGA class I mutations) in the CF trans-membrane regulator (CFTR) gene that result in premature stop codons (PTCs) in the messenger RNA (mRNA) generating truncated CFTR protein responsible for a severe CF phenotype. Pharmacological approaches have been proposed to directly overcome PTCs. Ataluren (PTC124) a small molecule that mimics the activity of aminoglycosides has been suggested to allow PTCs readthrough and to partially restore the protein function. However, des…

Oxadiazolyl-pyridines and perfluoroalkyl-carboxylic acids as building blocks for protic ionic liquids: crossing the thin line between ionic and hydrogen bonded materials.

A series of 18 samples has been prepared in order to obtain fluorinated materials as Protic Ionic Liquids (PILs). These were synthesized by appropriately mixing 1,2,4-oxadiazoles derivatised with two pyridines, or one pyridine and a fluorinated chain, and perfluoroalkyl-carboxylic acids, either mono- or dicarboxylic, leading to symmetric and non-symmetric materials. Many of them showed low melting points. However, the possibility of classifying the synthesized materials as PILs is discussed in terms of effective ionicity of the systems by the combination of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation and IR spectroscopy. The important outcome of our investigation is that the complete proton…

Exploring the readthrough of nonsense mutations by non-acidic Ataluren analogues selected by ligand-based virtual screening

Abstract Ataluren, also known as PTC124, is a 5-(fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-benzoic acid suggested to suppress nonsense mutations by readthrough of premature stop codons in the mRNA. Potential interaction of PTC124 with mRNA has been recently studied by molecular dynamics simulations highlighting the importance of H-bonding and stacking π−π interactions. A series of non-acidic analogues of PTC124 were selected from a large database via a ligand-based virtual screening approach. Eight of them were synthesized and tested for their readthrough activity using the Fluc reporter harboring the UGA premature stop codon. The most active compound was further tested for suppression of the UGA non…

Microreattori fluorurati. Studio della reazione "ene" con ossigeno singoletto in zeolite NAY modificata con cationi fluoroorganici

Synthesis of Fluorinated Bent-Core Mesogens (BCMs) Containing the 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Ring

New fluorinated bent-core mesogens containing the 1,2,4-oxadiazole or 1,2,4-triazole nucleus have been synthesized taking advantage of the ANRORC (Addition of Nucleophile, Ring-Opening, Ring-Closure) reactivity of 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles. Physical state changes of the obtained compounds were characterized through DSC, POM, and SAXS. Besides the formation of a smectic mesophase, a novel behavior as organic molecular glass was evidenced for some 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives.

Synthesis and mesomorphism of related series of triphilic ionic liquid crystals based on 1,2,4-triazolium cations

Abstract The synthesis, liquid crystal and conductivity properties of a series of 27 salts based on the 5-(4-(alkyloxy)phenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium cation bearing a perfluoroalkyl chain with triflate, tetrafluoroborate and bistriflimide anion are reported. The cations are regarded as triphilic on account of their three distinct regions – hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon and ionic. The mesophases were characterised by a combination of polarised optical microscopy, calorimetry and small-angle scattering experiments using both X-rays and neutrons, while thermal stability was probed using thermogravimetric analysis. The liquid crystal properties are found to be dependent on the anion and the length of …

Molecular rearrangements of 1-oxa-2-azoles as an expedient route to fluorinated heterocyclic compounds

Molecular rearrangements of O-N bond-containing azoles (1-oxa-2- azoles) represent a wide class of reactions by which various heterocycle-to- heterocycle transformations can be performed as alternative synthetic methodologies. The material presented in this review is an extensive survey of both thermal and photochemical methodologies that have been applied to fluorinated oxadiazoles, and shows how molecular rearrangements can be an alternative and in some cases the most convenient route for the synthesis of several fluorinated heterocycles.

Synthesis and characterization of a new set of protic ionic liquids

Designing fluorous domains. Synthesis of a series of pyridinium salts bearing a perfluoroalkylated azole moiety

The synthesis of a series of N-methylpyridinium salts bearing a perfluoroalkylated 1,2,4-oxadiazole or 1,2,4-triazole moiety is reported. X-Ray structures of representative perfluoroalkyl-triazolylpyridine (15) and methyl- pyridinium iodide salt (5a) are reported. Their crystal packing clearly shows segregation between the aromatic and parallel double layer fluorinated regions.

Synthesis of Fluorinated Indazoles Through ANRORC-Like Rearrangement of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles with Hydrazine.

A series of 6-substituted fluorinated indazoles has been obtained through an ANRORC-like rearrangement (Addition of Nucleophile, Ring-Opening and Ring-Closure) of 5-tetrafluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles with hydrazine. The initial addition of the bidentate nucleophile to the electrophilic C(5) of the 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring, followed by ring opening and ring closure, leads to the formation of fluorinated indazoles in high yield under mild experimental conditions. Functionalization of the C(6) in the final indazole nucleus was preliminarily achieved through a nucleophilic aromatic substitution on the starting 5-pentafluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole.

Fluoroarylation of hydroxylated molecules with 5-pentafluorophenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

OXADIAZOLE DERIVATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT OF GENETIC DISEASES DUE TO NONSENSE MUTATIONS

Are disclosed oxadiazole derivatives, their use as medicaments and in particular for the treatment of diseases associated with the presence of a nonsense mutation in the gene or a premature stop codon in the mRNA, pharmaceutical formulation comprising said oxadiazole derivatives and prodrug or mixture thereof and the methods for the preparation of said Oxadiazole derivatives.

Study on the thermotropic properties of highly fluorinated 1,2,4-oxadiazolylpyridinium salts and their perspective applications as ionic liquid crystals

A new series of fluorinated salts, iodides and trifluoromethanesulfonates, was synthesized from perfluoroalkylated 1,2,4-oxadiazolylpyridines. Their thermotropic properties were investigated by combined temperature resolved small angle and wide angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and polarised optical microscopy. The UV–visible and photoluminescence properties were studied for all compounds. The results showed for two compounds the existence of an enantiotropic mesomorphic smectic liquid crystal phase. All iodides showed thermochromism phenomena suggesting prospective applications in optoelectronics.

Synthesis and characterization of new azoles as building blocks for functional ionic systems

Experimental and DFT studies on competitive heterocyclic rearrangements. part 2: A one-atom side-chain versus the classic three-atom side-chain (Boulton-Katritzky) ring rearrangement of 3-acylamino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

The experimental investigation of the base-catalyzed rearrangements of 3-acylamino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles evidenced a new reaction pathway which competes with the well-known ring-degenerate Boulton- Katritzky rearrangement (BKR). The new reaction consists of a one-atom side-chain rearrangement that is base-activated, occurs at a higher temperature than the BKR, and irreversibly leads to the corresponding 2-acylamino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. An extensive DFT study is reported to elucidate the proposed reaction mechanism and to compare the three possible inherent routes: (i) the reversible three-atom side-chain ring-degenerate BKR, (ii) the ring contraction-ring expansion route (RCRE), and (iii) the one…

Nuovi film policromatici

Fluorinated azole-azine systems as new Liquid-crystalline Ionic Liquids

Toward a Rationale for the PTC124 (Ataluren) Promoted Readthrough of Premature Stop Codons: A Computational Approach and GFP-Reporter Cell-Based Assay

The presence in the mRNA of premature stop codons (PTCs) results in protein truncation responsible for several inherited (genetic) diseases. A well-known example of these diseases is cystic fibrosis (CF), where approximately 10% (worldwide) of patients have nonsense mutations in the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. PTC124 (3-(5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-benzoic acid), also known as Ataluren, is a small molecule that has been suggested to allow PTC readthrough even though its target has yet to be identified. In the lack of a general consensus about its mechanism of action, we experimentally tested the ability of PTC124 to promote the readthrough of premature termination c…

Fotochimica organica in zeolite: dalle fotoossidazioni ai riarrangiamenti eterociclici

Applications of ring rearrangements involving a participating side chain for the synthesis of five-membered heterocycles

1,2,4-Triazolium ions as flexible scaffolds for the construction of polyphilic ionic liquid crystals

A novel scaffold for the construction of self-organised ionic liquids and ionic liquid crystals bearing both perfluorocarbon and hydrocarbon moieties has been developed. The phase behaviour and physical properties of these materials can be tuned as a function of chain length and fluorine content and significant structural elaboration is possible, giving a highly flexible system.

Aqueous selective photocatalytic oxidation of salicyl alcohol by TiO2 catalysts: Influence of some physico-chemical features

Abstract Partial photocatalytic oxidation of salicyl alcohol (2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol) to salicylaldehyde in water was investigated under environmental friendly conditions in the presence of home-prepared and commercial TiO2 (Merck and Aeroxide P25) samples under UVA irradiation. The photocatalysts were characterized by using BET, XRD, SEM and/or TEM techniques. The effects of crystallinity degree, pH (3–11) and presence of a hole trap (ethanol) on the photocatalytic activity and product selectivity were investigated. 4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol was also used to study the influence of the position of the substituent group in the aromatic ring. High alcohols conversion and product selectivity va…

Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds. An Expedient Route to 5-Perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazoles via an Unusual Hydrazinolysis of 5-Perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles:  First Examples of an ANRORC-Like Reaction in 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives

The hydrazinolysis reaction of 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles has been investigated. Nucleophilic addition of the reagent to the C(5)-N(4) double bond of the oxadiazole ring, followed by ring-opening and then ring-closure involving the beta-nitrogen atom of the hydrazino moiety and the C(3) of the oxadiazole ring, explains the formation of 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazoles as final products. Useful applications in synthesis of this uncommon hydrazinolysis can be claimed.

Targeting Nonsense: Optimization of 1,2,4-Oxadiazole TRIDs to Rescue CFTR Expression and Functionality in Cystic Fibrosis Cell Model Systems

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients develop a severe form of the disease when the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is affected by nonsense mutations. Nonsense mutations are responsible for the presence of a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mRNA, creating a lack of functional protein. In this context, translational readthrough-inducing drugs (TRIDs) represent a promising approach to correct the basic defect caused by PTCs. By using computational optimization and biological screening, we identified three new small molecules showing high readthrough activity. The activity of these compounds has been verified by evaluating CFTR expression and functionality after…

Fluorinated heterocycles from 1,2,4-oxadiazole precursors. Synthesis of 3-amino-indazoles

Photochemistry of Fluorinated Heterocyclic Compounds. An Expedient Route for the Synthesis of Fluorinated 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles and 1,2,4-Triazoles

The photochemistry of some 3-N-alkylamino-5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles in the presence of nitrogen nucleophiles such as ammonia and primary and secondary aliphatic amines has been investigated. The primary photolytic intermediate from the cleavage of the ring O-N bond follows two distinct and competing pathways leading to (i). 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, through the ring contraction-ring expansion photoisomerization route favored by the presence of the base or (ii). 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazoles, through the intervention, as an internal nucleophile, of the exocyclic N-alkylamino moiety of the oxadiazole followed by the attack of the external nitrogen nucleophile and subsequ…

Synthesis of platinum complexes with 2-(5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3yl)-pyridine and 2-(3-perfluoroalkyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine ligands and their in vitro antitumor activity.

Five new mononuclear Pt(II) complexes with 5-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl-pyridine and 3-perfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazolyl-pyridine ligands are reported. The ligands 2-(5-perfluoroheptyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole-3yl)-pyridine (pfhop), 2-(5-perfluoropropyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole-3yl)-pyridine (pfpop), 2-(3-perfluoroheptyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfhtp), 2-(3-perfluoropropyl-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-5yl)-pyridine (pfptp) and their complexes [PtCl2(pfhop)(2)]center dot 1.5 DMSO (2a), [PtCl2(pfpop)(2)]center dot 1.5 DMSO (3a), [PtCl2(pfhtp)(2)]center dot 1.5 DMSO (4a), PtCl2(pfhtp) (4b), [PtCl2(PfPtP)(2)]center dot 1.5 DMSO (5a) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The comple…

SINTESI E ATTIVITÀ PROAPOPTOTICA SU LINEE CELLULARI TUMORALI UMANE DI COMPLESSI DI Pt (II) CON LEGANTI AZOLICI FLUORURATI

On the photoreaction of some 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in the presence of2,3-dimethyl-2-butene. Synthesis of N-imidoyl-aziridines

Fhe photochemistry of some 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazoles in the presence of 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene has been investigated. The irradiation in acetonitrile yielded differently substituted N-imidoyl-aziridines through an aziridination reaction involving an acyliminonitrene intermediate. Pyrolysis of N-imidoyl-aziridines produced the corresponding N-allylamidines through a ring opening process.

Le Tecnologie Fotovoltaiche

CCDC 2077920: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Marco Saccone, Andrea Pace, Ivana Pibiri, Gabriella Cavallo, Pierangelo Metrangolo, Tullio Pilati, Giuseppe Resnati, Giancarlo Terraneo|2021|CrystEngComm|23|7324|doi:10.1039/D1CE01001H

CCDC 1848982: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Alessio Riccobono, Rachel R. Parker, Adrian C. Whitwood, John M. Slattery, Duncan W. Bruce, Ivana Pibiri, Andrea Pace|2018|Chem.Commun.|54|9965|doi:10.1039/C8CC04704A