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- PublicationAbnormal N-heterocyclic Carbenes: More than just Exceptionally Strong Donor LigandsComplexes comprising a so-called abnormal carbene ligand, which displays pronounced mesoionic character, have recently been shown to be competent catalyst precursors for bond activation processes and oxidative transformations, including base-free alcohol oxidation and water oxidation. In this highlight we propose that these abnormal carbene ligands are not just useful spectator ligands but also actively participate in the bond activation step. This mode of action is partially based on the exceptionally strong donor properties of the ligand and, specifically, on the mesoionic character of these abnormal carbenes. The mesoionic properties provide a reservoir for charges and holes and thus induce efficient ligand-metal cooperativity, which is beneficial in particular for oxidation catalysis that involves concerted proton and electron transfer processes.
373Scopus© Citations 92 - PublicationAbnormal NHC Palladium Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and ReactivityDevelopments in palladium chemistry have been spurred predominantly by the outstanding application potential of this metal in catalysis. The quest for new ligands in order to modulate the catalytic activity and selectivity of the palladium center has been greatly stimulated by the discovery of N-heterocyclic carbenes as formally neutral, strongly donating, and covalently binding ligands. Abnormal variations of N-heterocyclic carbenes, even though known (yet not recognized) for 30 years, have received very little attention until recently. In parts this may have been due to the fact that the free abnormal carbene ligand is much less stable than the normal carbene analogues. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in abnormal carbene palladium chemistry and reliable synthetic routes as well as promising catalytic applications have been developed. As a consequence, these types of complexes have gradually transformed from laboratory curiosities to unique formally neutral ligands with exceptional donor ability. Here, the advances in abnormal carbene palladium chemistry are summarized. In an attempt to stimulate the entry of newcomers in this fascinating field of research, elementary aspects of synthesis are discussed as well as progress in characterization of the complexes. Most recent (catalytic) applications may highlight the potential of this rapidly growing area of palladium chemistry.
438Scopus© Citations 48 - PublicationAlternative mild route to the synthesis of 4-methylenecyclohex-2-enone, a key moiety of the anticancer compounds ottelione A and B(Taylor & Francis, 2012-02-27)
; ; ; Rare 4-methylenecyclohex-2-enone is prepared from a Diels-Alder methanesulfonate adduct and sodium iodide in acetone in up to 70% yield under mild conditions. This procedure is envisaged to be relevant to the synthesis of 4-methylenecyclo hex-2-enone analogues, structurally similar to the key functionality of cytotoxic otteliones and with potentially significant bioactivity.471Scopus© Citations 3 - PublicationAnomalous Z-isomer content in Wittig reaction products from keto-stabilised ylides with ortho-heteroatom substituted benzaldehydesWittig reaction products of keto-stabilised ylides with ortho-substituted benzaldehydes are found to show significantly higher than expected Z-alkene content (up to 50%) compared to analogous reactions of the same ylides with benzaldehyde itself. A cooperative effect is seen whereby the unusual Z-content is further augmented if the ylide bears greater steric bulk in the α′-position. These results are consistent with our previous observations on reactions of all ylide types with aldehydes bearing a β-heteroatom. Significantly, the cooperative effect, previously seen only with semi-stabilised ylides, has now been extended to stabilised ylides. Both the anomalous increase in Z-content and the cooperative effect can be rationalised within the [2+2] cycloaddition mechanism of the Wittig reaction.
453Scopus© Citations 14 - PublicationApplication of 1,2,3-triazolylidenes as versatile NHC-type ligands: synthesis, properties, and application in catalysis and beyondTriazolylidenes have rapidly emerged as a powerful subclass of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for transition metals. They are readily available through regioselective [2 + 3] cycloaddition of alkynes and azides and subsequent metallation according to procedures established for related carbenes. Due to their mesoionic character, triazolylidenes are stronger donors than Arduengo-type imidazol-2-ylidenes. Spurred by these attractive attributes and despite their only recent emergence, triazolylidenes have shown major implications in catalysis. This feature article summarises the synthetic accessibility of triazolylidene metal complexes and their electronic and structural characteristics, and it compiles their applications, in particular, as catalyst precursors for various bond forming and redox reactions, as well as first approaches into photophysical and biochemical domains.
641Scopus© Citations 323 - PublicationAttempts at an in-situ Raman study of Ceria / Zirconia catalysts in PM combustion(Elsevier, 2011-10-11)
; ; ; ; CexZr1−xO2 catalysts with various Ce/Zr contents were studied using Raman spectroscopy under different gaseous atmospheres, at different temperatures and in the presence of a model soot. Catalysts with high concentrations of Zr fluoresced at elevated temperatures making analysis of their spectra impossible. This effect became even more pronounced at higher temperatures. CeO2 and solid solutions with relatively low concentrations of Zr showed a red shift and a decrease in intensity of the characteristic F2g peak at high temperatures under different atmospheres. The magnitude of the latter effect was higher under reducing atmospheres. These changes are reversible upon cooling, showing that they relate to a lattice expansion effect rather than any major chemical change to the material. In the presence of the model soot the Raman spectra of all materials was much decreased due to the absorption of the incident and scattered radiation by the soot particles. The presence of soot does not change the relative intensities or positions of the peaks in the spectra of the solid solutions. Evidence is shown for the production of a Ce3+–CO species following interaction between the soot and the surface at high temperature in an inert atmosphere.568Scopus© Citations 18 - PublicationBeneficial and problematic interactions between NOx trapping materials and carbonaceous particulate matterThe presence of a NOx trapping BaO component with a Pt active phase does not per-se promote carbon combustion. However when coupled with trap regeneration, promotion of soot combustion is seen. Operating NOx trapping materials promote combustion due to the periodic localised increases in [NO2](g) generated during the regeneration rather than due to a co-generated exotherm. However, it has been noted that the presence of soot prevents NOx traps from employing their full trapping capacity.
306Scopus© Citations 27 - PublicationBenzylation Reactions in DMF Lead to an Impurity Which Acts as an Organocatalyst Poison in Thiourea-Catalyzed GlycosylationsThe benzylation of alcohols with the commonly used combination of benzyl bromide and sodium hydride in DMF can lead to the formation of an amine side product, N,N′-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1-(o-tolyl)methanamine. This amine coeluted with benzylated galactal during column chromatography and was found to be a catalyst poison in thiourea-catalyzed glycosylations of galactals. It may also be problematic for other base-sensitive reactions involving benzylated substrates. Solutions to this problem are described.
416Scopus© Citations 12 - PublicationBeyond catalysis: N-heterocyclic carbene complexes as components for medicinal, luminescent, and functional materials applicationsThis tutorial review compiles the advances that have been achieved in using transition metal complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands as components for materials. Applications of metal carbene complexes in fields different from catalysis are remarkably scarce. During the last few years, promising results have been accomplished in particular by utilizing such complexes as antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents, as photoactive sites in luminescent materials, for self-assembly into liquid crystalline materials and metallasupramolecular structures, and as synthons for molecular switches and conducting polymeric materials. These initial achievements clearly underline the great potential of N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in various fields of materials science.
2207Scopus© Citations 618 - PublicationBimetallic Iridium-Carbene Complexes with Mesoionic Triazolylidene Ligands for Water Oxidation CatalysisTwo new diiridium–triazolylidene complexes were prepared as bimetallic analogues of established mononuclear water oxidation catalysts. Both complexes are efficient catalyst precursors in the presence of cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) as sacrificial oxidant. Up to 20000:1 ratios of CAN/complex, the turnover limitation is the availability of CAN and not the catalyst stability. The water oxidation activity of the bimetallic complexes is not better than the monometallic species at 0.6 mm catalyst concentration. Under dilute conditions (0.03 mm), the bimetallic complexes double their activity, whereas the monometallic complexes show an opposite trend and display markedly reduced rates, thereby suggesting a benefit of the close proximity of two metal centers in this low concentration regime. The high dependence of catalyst activity on reaction conditions indicates that caution is required when catalysts are compared by their turnover frequencies only.
332Scopus© Citations 42 - PublicationBio-Nano-Magnetic Materials for Localized Mechanochemical Stimulation of Cell Growth and DeathMagnetic nanoparticles are promising new tools for therapeutic applications, such as magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy and targeted drug delivery. Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated that a force application with magnetic tweezers can also affect cell fate, suggesting a therapeutic potential for magnetically modulated mechanical stimulation. The magnetic properties of nanoparticles that induce physical responses and the subtle responses that result from mechanically induced membrane damage and/or intracellular signaling are evaluated. Magnetic particles with various physical, geometric, and magnetic properties and specific functionalization can now be used to apply mechanical force to specific regions of cells, which permit the modulation of cellular behavior through the use of spatially and time controlled magnetic fields. On one hand, mechanochemical stimulation has been used to direct the outgrowth on neuronal growth cones, indicating a therapeutic potential for neural repair. On the other hand, it has been used to kill cancer cells that preferentially express specific receptors. Advances made in the synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanomaterials and a better understanding of cellular mechanotransduction mechanisms may support the translation of mechanochemical stimulation into the clinic as an emerging therapeutic approach.
628Scopus© Citations 41 - PublicationBiological recognition of graphene nanoflakes(2018-04-20)
; ; ; ; ; ; The systematic study of nanoparticle-biological interactions requires particles to be reproducibly dispersed in relevant fluids along with further development in the identification of biologically relevant structural details at the materials-biology interface. Here, we develop a biocompatible long-term colloidally stable water dispersion of few-layered graphene nanoflakes in the biological exposure medium in which it will be studied. We also report the study of the orientation and functionality of key proteins of interest in the biolayer (corona) that are believed to mediate most of the early biological interactions. The evidence accumulated shows that graphene nanoflakes are rich in effective apolipoprotein A-I presentation, and we are able to map specific functional epitopes located in the C-terminal portion that are known to mediate the binding of high-density lipoprotein to binding sites in receptors that are abundant in the liver. This could suggest a way of connecting the materials' properties to the biological outcomes.312Scopus© Citations 60 - PublicationBiomolecular coronas provide the biological identity of nanosized materials(Nature Publishing Group, 2012-12-05)
; ; ; The search for understanding the interactions of nanosized materials with living organisms is leading to the rapid development of key applications, including improved drug delivery by targeting nanoparticles, and resolution of the potential threat of nanotechnological devices to organisms and the environment. Unless they are specifically designed to avoid it, nanoparticles in contact with biological fluids are rapidly covered by a selected group of biomolecules to form a corona that interacts with biological systems. Here we review the basic concept of the nanoparticle corona and its structure and composition, and highlight how the properties of the corona may be linked to its biological impacts. We conclude with a critical assessment of the key problems that need to be resolved in the near future.2953Scopus© Citations 1976 - PublicationBioorganometallic Chemistry: A Key To New Chemotherapy?6-Substituted fulvenes are interesting and easily accessible starting materials for the synthesis of novel substituted titanocenes via reductive dimerisation, carbolithiation or hydridolithiation reactions, which are followed by a transmetallation reaction with titanium tetrachloride in the latter two cases. Depending on the substitution pattern, these titanocenes prove to be bioorganometallic anticancer drugs, which have significant potential against advanced or metastatic renal-cell cancer. Patients bearing these stages of kidney cancer have a poor prognosis so far and therefore real progress in the area of metal-based anticancer drugs may come from this simple and effective synthetic approach.
67 - PublicationA Bridge Too Far: Testing the Limits of Polypyridyl Ligands in Bridging Soluble Subunits of a Coordination Polymer(ACS, 2017-11-03)
; ; ; ; ; Starting with a coordination polymer, {[Cu(L)]2}n (1 where H2L = salicylidene-2-aminophenol), we have explored the ability of polypyridyl ligands (P) to bridge the monomer complex to form nine {[Cu(L)]2(P)} complexes. The identity and solution stability of the [Cu(L)] units has been investigated through a novel combined UV-vis/EPR experiment and it has been found to be a stable supramolecular building unit for the construction of discrete complexes and coordination polymers. The reorganization of [Cu(L)] units to a new coordination polymer on addition of 4, 4′- bipyridine markedly changes the connectivity of the structure and the magnitude of the antiferromagnetic interactions through reorientation of the Cu(II) orbitals. We also present the structure of 1, 80 years after its synthesis was first reported.283Scopus© Citations 8 - PublicationCarbene Iridium Complexes for Efficient Water Oxidation: Scope and Mechanistic Insights(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2014-07-01)
; ; ; ; ; Iridium complexes of Cp* and mesoionic carbene ligands were synthesized and evaluated as potential water oxidation catalysts using cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate as a chemical oxidant. Performance was evaluated by turnover frequency at 50% conversion and by absolute turnover number, and the most promising precatalysts were studied further. Molecular turnover frequencies varied from 190 to 451 per hour with a maximum turnover number of 38 000. While the rate of oxygen evolution depends linearly on iridium concentration, concurrent spectroscopic and manometric observations following stoichiometric oxidant additions suggest oxygen evolution is limited by two sequential first-order reactions. Under the applied conditions, the oxygen evolving species appears to be a well-defined and molecular species based on kinetic analyses, effects of careful ligand design, reproducibility, and the absence of persistent dynamic light scattering signals. Outside of these conditions, the complex mechanism is highly dependent on reaction conditions. While confident characterization of the catalytically active species is difficult, especially under high-turnover conditions, this work strongly suggests the primary active species under these conditions is a molecular species.365Scopus© Citations 94 - PublicationCarbene transfer from triazolylidene gold complexes as a potent strategy for inducing high catalytic activity(American Chemical Society, 2013-09-04)
; ; ; ; A series of gold(I) complexes [AuCl(trz)] were synthesized that contain 1,2,3-triazolylidene (trz) ligands with variable wingtip groups. In the presence of AgBF4, these complexes undergo ligand redistribution to yield cationic complexes [Au(trz)2]BF4 in high yields as a result of efficient carbene transfer. Identical reactivity patterns were detected for carbene gold complexes comprised of Arduengo-type IMes ligands (IMes=N,Nâ ²-dimesityl-imidazol-2-ylidene). Reaction of cationic complexes [Au(trz)2]+ with [AuCl(trzâ ²)] afforded the heteroleptic complex [Au(trz)(trzâ ²)]+ and [AuCl(trz)] (trz, trzâ ²=triazolylidene ligands with different wingtip groups). Carbene transfer occurs spontaneously, yet is markeldy rate-enhanced in the presence of Ag+. The facile carbene transfer was exploited as a catalyst activation process to form active gold species for the aldol condensation of isocyanides and aldehydes to form oxazolines. The catalytic activity is strongly dependent on the presence of Ag+ ions to initiate catalyst activation. High turnovers (105) and turnover frequencies (10 4 h-1) were accomplished. Structural analysis at early stages of the reaction support the critical role of triazolylidene dissociation to activate the precatalyst and dynamic light scattering revealed the presence of nanoparticles (±100 nm diameter) as potential catalytically active species. Furthermore, the triazolylidene scaffold had no impact on the diastereoselectivity of the oxazoline formation, and chiral triazolylidenes did not induce any asymmetry in the product. The facile dissociation of carbenes from [AuCl(carbene)] in the presence of Ag+ ions suggests a less stable Au-Ccarbene interaction than often assumed, with potential implications for gold-catalyzed reactions that employ a silver salt as (putative) halide scavenger.393Scopus© Citations 111 - PublicationCarbenes in ActionNew reactions of N-heterocyclic carbenes and the stabilization of abnormal variations of these ligands provide exciting perspectives for organic synthesis and organometallic catalysis.
156Scopus© Citations 34 - PublicationCarbon nanohorn modified platinum electrodes for improved immobilisation of enzyme in the design of glutamate biosensors(The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2019-07-25)
; ; ; Electrochemical enzymatic biosensors are the subject of research due to their potential for in vivo monitoring of glutamate, which is a key neurotransmitter whose concentration is related to healthy brain function. This study reports the use of biocompatible oxidised carbon nanohorns (o-CNH) with a high surface area, to enhance the immobilization of glutamate oxidase (GluOx) for improved biosensor performance. Two families of biosensors were designed to interact with the anionic GluOx. Family-1 consists of covalently functionalised o-CNH possessing hydrazide (HYZ) and amine (PEG-NH2) terminated surfaces and Family-2 comprised non-covalently functionalised o-CNH with different loadings of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to form a cationic hybrid. Amperometric detection of H2O2 formed by enzymatic oxidation of glutamate revealed a good performance from all designs with the most improved performance by the PEI hybrid systems. The best response was from a o-CNH:PEI ratio of 1:10 mg mL-1, which yielded a glutamate calibration plateau, JMAX, of 55 ± 9 μA cm-2 and sensitivity of 111 ± 34 μA mM-1 cm-2. The low KM of 0.31 ± 0.05 mM indicated the retention of the enzyme function, and a limit of detection of 0.02 ± 0.004 μM and a response time of 0.88 ± 0.13 s was determined. The results demonstrate the high sensitivity of these biosensors and their potential for future use for the detection of glutamate in vivo.241Scopus© Citations 13 - PublicationCarbon-Doped TiO2 and Carbon, Tungsten-Codoped TiO2 through Sol-Gel Processes in the Presence of Melamine Borate: Reflections through Photocatalysis(American Chemical Society, 2012-08-09)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; A series of C-doped, W-doped, and C,Wcodoped TiO2 samples have been prepared using modified sol-gel techniques. Reproducible inexpensive C-doping arises from the presence of melamine borate in a sol-gel mixture, whereas W-doping is from the addition of tungstic acid to the sol. The materials have been characterized using elemental analysis, N2 physisorption (BET), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman, X-ray photoelectron, UV-vis spectroscopies, and photocatalytic activity measurements. Doping C and W independently results in an increased absorbance in the visible region of the spectrum with a synergistic effect in increased absorbance when both elements are codoped. The increased visible-light absorbance of the W-doped or codoped materials is not reflected in photocatalytic activity. Visiblelight- induced photocatalytic activity of C-doped material was superior to that of an undoped catalyst, paving the way for its application under only visible-light irradiation conditions. A significant fraction of the spectral red shift commonly observed with doped catalysts might be due to the formation of color centers as a result of defects associated with oxygen vacancies, and bandgap-related narrowing or intragap localization of dopant levels are not the only factors responsible for enhanced visible-light absorption in doped photocatalysts. Furthermore, bandgap narrowing through increases in the energy of the valence band may actually decrease photo-oxidation activity through a curtailment of one route of oxidation.874Scopus© Citations 108