Aerobic C−N Bond Formation through Enzymatic Nitroso-Ene-Type Reactions**

The biocatalytic oxidation of acylated hydroxylamines enables the direct and selective introduction of nitrogen functionalities by activation of allylic C−H bonds. Utilizing either laccases or an oxidase/peroxidase couple for the formal dehydrogenation of N-hydroxycarbamates and hydroxamic acids with air as the terminal oxidant, acylnitroso species are generated under particularly mild aqueous conditions. The reactive intermediates undergo C−N bond formation through an ene-type mechanism and provide high yields both in intramolecular and intermolecular enzymatic aminations. Investigations on different pathways of the two biocatalytic systems and labelling studies provide more insight into this unprecedented promiscuity of classical oxidoreductases as catalysts for nitroso-based transformations.     

Remote Radical Desaturation of Unactivated C−H Bonds in Amides

Desaturation of inert aliphatic C−H bonds in alkanes to form the corresponding alkenes is challenging. In this communication, a new and practical strategy for remote site-selective desaturation of amides via radical chemistry is reported. The readily installed N-allylsulfonylamide moiety serves as an N radical precursor. Intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer from an inert C−H bond to the N-radical generates a translocated C-radical which is subsequently oxidized and deprotonated to give the corresponding alkene. The commercially available methanesulfonyl chloride is used as reagent and a Cu/Ag-couple as oxidant. The remote desaturation is realized on different types of unactivated sp³-C−H bonds. The potential synthetic utility of this method is further demonstrated by the dehydrogenation of natural product derivatives and drugs.     

Vinylation of Unprotected Phenols Using a Biocatalytic System

Readily available substituted phenols were coupled with pyruvate in buffer solution under atmospheric conditions to afford the corresponding para‐vinylphenol derivatives while releasing only one molecule of CO₂ and water as the by‐products. This transformation was achieved by designing a biocatalytic system that combines three biocatalytic steps, namely the C? C coupling of phenol and pyruvate in the presence of ammonia, which leads to the corresponding tyrosine derivative, followed by deamination and decarboxylation. The biocatalytic transformation proceeded with high regioselectivity and afforded exclusively the desired para products. This method thus represents an environmentally friendly approach for the direct vinylation of readily available 2‐, 3‐, or 2,3‐disubstituted phenols on preparative scale (0.5 mmol) that provides vinylphenols in high yields (65–83 %).     

C3 and C6 Modification-Specific OYE Biotransformations of Synthetic Carvones and Sequential BVMO Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Chiral Caprolactones

The scope for biocatalytic modification of non-native carvone derivatives for speciality intermediates has hitherto been limited. Additionally, caprolactones are important feedstocks with diverse applications in the polymer industry and new non-native terpenone-derived biocatalytic caprolactone syntheses are thus of potential value for industrial biocatalytic materials applications. Biocatalytic reduction of synthetic analogues of R-(−)-carvone with additional substituents at C3 or C6, or both C3 and C6, using three types of OYEs (OYE2, PETNR and OYE3) shows significant impact of both regio-substitution and the substrate diastereomer. Bioreduction of (−)-carvone derivatives substituted with a Me and/or OH group at C6 is highly dependent on the diastereomer of the substrate. Derivatives bearing C6 substituents larger than methyl moieties are not substrates. Computer docking studies of PETNR with both (6S)-Me and (6R)-Me substituted (−)-carvone provides a model consistent with the outcomes of bioconversion. The products of bioreduction were efficiently biotransformed by the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVase) CHMO_Phi1 to afford novel trisubstituted lactones with complete regioselectivity to provide a new biocatalytic entry to these chiral caprolactones. This provides both new non-native polymerization feedstock chemicals, but also with enhanced efficiency and selectivity over native (+)-dihydrocarvone Baeyer–Villigerase expansion. Optimum enzymatic reactions were scaled up to 60–100 mg, demonstrating the utility for preparative biocatalytic synthesis of both new synthetic scaffold-modified dihydrocarvones and efficient biocatalytic entry to new chiral caprolactones, which are potential single-isomer chiral polymer feedstocks.     

Co-Catalyzed Metal-Ligand Cooperative Approach for N-alkylation of Amines and Synthesis of Quinolines via Dehydrogenative Alcohol Functionalization

Herein we report a cobalt-catalyzed sustainable approach for C−N cross-coupling reaction between amines and alcohols. Using a well-defined Co-catalyst 1 a bearing 2-(phenyldiazenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline ligand, various N-alkylated amines were synthesized in good yields. 1 a efficiently alkylates diamines producing N, N′-dialkylated amines in good yields and showed excellent chemoselectivity when oleyl alcohol and β-citronellol, containing internal carbon-carbon double bond were used as alkylating agents. 1 a is equally compatible with synthesizing N-heterocycles via dehydrogenative coupling of amines and alcohols. 1H-Indole was synthesized via an intramolecular dehydrogenative N-alkylation reaction, and various substituted quinolines were synthesized by coupling of 2-aminobenzyl alcohol and secondary alcohols. A few control reactions and spectroscopic experiments were conducted to illuminate the plausible reaction mechanism, indicating that the 1 a -catalyzed N-alkylation proceeds through the borrowing hydrogen pathway. The coordinated arylazo ligand participates actively throughout the reaction; the hydrogen eliminated during dehydrogenation of alcohols was set aside in the ligand backbone and subsequently gets transferred in the reductive amination step to imine intermediates yielding N-alkylated amines. On the other hand, 1 a -catalyzed quinoline synthesis proceeds through dehydrogenation followed by successive C−C and C−N coupling steps forming H₂O₂ as a by-product under air.     

Multienzymatic Synthesis of γ-Lactam Building Blocks from Unsaturated Esters and Hydroxylamine

The assembly of enzymatic cascades and multi-step reaction sequences represents an attractive alternative to traditional synthetic-organic approaches. The biocatalytic reaction mediators offer not only mild conditions and permit the use of environmentally benign reagents, but the high compatibility of different enzymes promises more streamlined reaction setups. In this study, a triple-enzymatic strategy was developed that enables the direct conversion of γ,δ-unsaturated esters to N-hydroxy-γ-lactam building blocks. Hereby, a lipase-catalyzed hydroxylaminolysis generates hydroxamic acid intermediates that are subsequently aerobically activated by horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase to cyclize in an intramolecular nitroso ene reaction. Utilizing the hydroxylaminolysis/ene-cyclization sequence for the preparation of an aza-spirocyclic lactam, the multi-enzymatic methodology was successfully employed in the synthesis of key intermediates en route to alkaloids of the Cephalotaxus family.     

Biocatalytic Reduction of 2‐Monosubstituted 3‐Thiazolines Using Imine Reductases

The application of a straightforward biocatalytic technology for the reduction of racemic 2‐monosubstituted 3‐thiazolines, which are easily prepared via Asinger‐multicomponent reaction, is reported. The biocatalytic reduction yields racemic 2‐monosubstituted 3‐thiazolidines, which are difficult to be prepared by means of classic chemical routes, in moderate to high yields. Moreover, our study clarifies the stereochemical reaction course of the biocatalytic reduction. Furthermore, the efficiency of this biocatalytic technology is demonstrated in an experiment at an elevated substrate concentration of 60 mM leading to 96% conversion.     

Reversible Logic Gates Based on Enzyme‐Biocatalyzed Reactions and Realized in Flow Cells: A Modular Approach

Reversible logic gates, such as the double Feynman gate, Toffoli gate and Peres gate, with 3‐input/3‐output channels are realized using reactions biocatalyzed with enzymes and performed in flow systems. The flow devices are constructed using a modular approach, where each flow cell is modified with one enzyme that biocatalyzes one chemical reaction. The multi‐step processes mimicking the reversible logic gates are organized by combining the biocatalytic cells in different networks. This work emphasizes logical but not physical reversibility of the constructed systems. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed and potential use in biosensing systems, rather than in computing devices, is suggested.     

Synthesis of 3-Benzoyl Acrylates/Acrylamides via Dehydrogenation of 3-Benzoyl Propionates/Propionamides Using IBX/p-TsOH

Dehydrogenation by IBX/p‐TsOH is applied to the conversion of 3‐benzoyl propionates/propionamides to 3‐benzoyl acrylates/acrylamides in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction time for the dehydrogenation of 3‐benzoyl propionamides was remarkably shorter than that for the dehydrogenation of esters.     

Microsecond timescale MD simulations at the transition state of PmHMGR predict remote allosteric residues

Understanding the mechanisms of enzymatic catalysis requires a detailed understanding of the complex interplay of structure and dynamics of large systems that is a challenge for both experimental and computational approaches. More importantly, the computational demands of QM/MM simulations mean that the dynamics of the reaction can only be considered on a timescale of nanoseconds even though the conformational changes needed to reach the catalytically active state happen on a much slower timescale. Here we demonstrate an alternative approach that uses transition state force fields (TSFFs) derived by the quantum-guided molecular mechanics (Q2MM) method that provides a consistent treatment of the entire system at the classical molecular mechanics level and allows simulations at the microsecond timescale. Application of this approach to the second hydride transfer transition state of HMG-CoA reductase from Pseudomonas mevalonii (PmHMGR) identified three remote residues, R396, E399 and L407, (15–27 Å away from the active site) that have a remote dynamic effect on enzyme activity. The predictions were subsequently validated experimentally via site-directed mutagenesis. These results show that microsecond timescale MD simulations of transition states are possible and can predict rather than just rationalize remote allosteric residues.

Transition state force fields enable MD simulations at the transition state of HMGCoA reductase that sample the transition state ensemble on the μs timescale to identify remote residues that affect the reaction rate.     

Dehydrogenation Mechanism of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers: Dodecahydro‐N‐ethylcarbazole on Pd(111)

Dodecahydro‐N‐ethylcarbazole (H₁₂‐NEC) has been proposed as a potential liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for chemical energy storage, as it combines both favourable physicochemical and thermodynamic properties. The design of optimised dehydrogenation catalysts for LOHC technology requires a detailed understanding of the reaction pathways and the microkinetics. Here, we investigate the dehydrogenation mechanism of H₁₂‐NEC on Pd(111) by using a surface‐science approach under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. By combining infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface intermediates and their stability are identified. We show that H₁₂‐NEC adsorbs molecularly up to 173 K. Above this temperature (223 K), activation of C? H bonds is observed within the five‐membered ring. Rapid dehydrogenation occurs to octahydro‐N‐ethylcarbazole (H₈‐NEC), which is identified as a stable surface intermediate at 223 K. Above 273 K, further dehydrogenation of H₈‐NEC proceeds within the six‐membered rings. Starting from clean Pd(111), C? N bond scission, an undesired side reaction, is observed above 350 K. By complementing surface spectroscopy, we present a temperature‐programmed molecular beam experiment, which permits direct observation of dehydrogenation products in the gas phase during continuous dosing of the LOHC. We identify H₈‐NEC as the main product desorbing from Pd(111). The onset temperature for H₈‐NEC desorption is 330 K, the maximum reaction rate is reached around 550 K. The fact that preferential desorption of H₈‐NEC is observed even above the temperature threshold for H₈‐NEC dehydrogenation on the clean surface is attributed to the presence of surface dehydrogenation and decomposition products during continuous reactant exposure.     

Metal oxide-modified ZnO/SiO <Subscript>2</Subscript> catalysts for cyclo-dehydrogenation of ethylenediamine with propyleneglycol to 2-methylpyrazine

Metal oxide-modified ZnO /SiO2 catalysts were studied for the cyclo-dehydrogenation of ethylenediamine with propyleneglycol to 2-methylpyrazine at 633 K. The ZnO/SiO₂ catalyst showed fairly good ethylenediamine conversion and quantitative propyleneglycol conversion with about 60 mol% of 2-methylpyrazine selectivity, which is due to the existence of large amount of unconverted intermediate, 2-methylpiperazine. Metal oxide (CuO, NiO, Co₃O₄)-modified ZnO/SiO₂ catalysts were prepared to facilitate the dehydrogenation of 2-methylpiperazine to 2-methylpyrazine. About 82 mol% of 2-methylpyrazine selectivity was achieved on CuO and Co₃O₄ modified ZnO/SiO₂ catalysts, with significant increases of pyrazine selectivity. The catalytic properties of the metal oxidemodified ZnO/SiO₂ catalysts, pretreated with hydrogen gas as in the cyclo-dehydrogenation, were compared using the well-known probe reaction, the dehydrogenation/ dehydration of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone or phenol/cyclohexene. The selectivities of pyrazine in the cyclo-dehydrogenation on the metal oxide-modified ZnO/SiO₂ catalysts were correlated with the phenol selectivities of the probe reaction. It is proposed that the metallic site of catalyst is responsible for the formation of pyrazine from ethylenediamine dimerization. The improved 2-methylpyrazine yield on CuO/ZnO/SiO₂ catalyst was explained by the proper adjustment of catalytic properties, which could be differentiated by the phenol selectivity in the cyclohexanol probe reaction. Thus, the large enhancement of 2-methylpiperazine dehydrogenation to 2-methylpyrazine and the suppression of excess pyrazine formation are supposed to occur on the metallic Cu formed in situ during the reaction during the cyclo-dehydrogenation of ethylenediamine with propyleneglycol.     

Interfacial Sites in Ag Supported Layered Double Oxide for Dehydrogenation Coupling of Ethanol to n-Butanol

Upgrading of ethanol to n-butanol through dehydrogenation coupling has received increasing attention due to the wide application of n-butanol. But the enhancement of ethanol dehydrogenation and followed coupling to produce high selectivity to n-butanol is still highly desired. Our previous work has reported an acid-base-Ag synergistic catalysis, with Ag particles supported on Mg and Al-containing layered double oxides (Ag/MgAl-LDO). Here, Ag-LDO interfaces have been manipulated for dehydrogenation coupling of ethanol to n-butanol by tailoring the size of Ag particles and the interactions between Ag and LDO. It has been revealed that increasing the population of surface Ag sites at Ag-LDO interfaces promotes not only the dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde but also the subsequent aldol condensation of generated acetaldehyde. A selectivity of up to 76 % to n-butanol with an ethanol conversion of 44 % has been achieved on Ag/LDO with abundant interfacial Ag sites, much superior to the state-of-the-art catalysts.     

Katalytische Dehydrierung im Mikrogrammbereich

Direct coupling of a catalytic dehydrogenation to TLC is described. The reaction takes place according to the principle of gas phase dehydrogenation by injecting the solution of the compound to be dehydrogenized in batches into the TAS-cartridge, loaded with e.g. palladium-barium sulphate catalyst. Sample size are in the range of 20–100 μg and the reaction temperatures, depending on the compound, is between 200 and 400°C. The reaction products are carried by the solvent vapours to the thin-layer and subsequently chromatographed and identified. In given examples the dehydrogenation is applied to sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and alcohols, sesquiterpenoids of the eudesman type, abietic acid and steroids.     

Comparative Computational Studies of Gaseous Alkali Metal Amidoboranes MNH2BH3 and their Carbon Analogs MC2H5 (M = Li – Cs): Formation and Unimolecular Hydrogen Evolution

Comparative computational studies of reaction mechanisms of formation and unimolecular hydrogen evolution from alkali metal amidoboranes MNH₂BH₃ and their carbon analogs MC₂H₅ (M = Li – Cs) were performed at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVPPD level of theory. Transition states (TS) for the consecutive dehydrogenation reactions were optimized. In contrast to endergonic dehydrogenation of carbon analogs, dehydrogenation reactions of alkali metal amidoboranes are exergonic at room temperature. The nature of the alkali metal does not significantly affect the thermodynamic characteristics and activation energies of unimolecular gas phase dehydrogenation reactions. The influence of the alkali metal is qualitatively similar for amidoboranes and their carbon analogs.     

In Vivo Biocatalytic Cascades Featuring an Artificial-Enzyme-Catalysed New-to-Nature Reaction**

Artificial enzymes utilizing the genetically encoded non-proteinogenic amino acid p-aminophenylalanine (pAF) as a catalytic residue are able to react with carbonyl compounds through an iminium ion mechanism to promote reactions that have no equivalent in nature. Herein, we report an in vivo biocatalytic cascade that is augmented with such an artificial enzyme-catalysed new-to-nature reaction. The artificial enzyme in this study is a pAF-containing evolved variant of the lactococcal multidrug-resistance regulator, designated LmrR_V15pAF_RMH, which efficiently converts benzaldehyde derivatives produced in vivo into the corresponding hydrazone products inside E. coli cells. These in vivo biocatalytic cascades comprising an artificial-enzyme-catalysed reaction are an important step towards achieving a hybrid metabolism.     

Oxygen‐Assisted Hydroxymatairesinol Dehydrogenation: A Selective Secondary‐Alcohol Oxidation over a Gold Catalyst

Selective dehydrogenation of the biomass‐derived lignan hydroxymatairesinol (HMR) to oxomatairesinol (oxoMAT) was studied over an Au/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The reaction was carried out in a semi‐batch glass reactor at 343 K under two different gas atmospheres, namely produced through synthetic air or nitrogen. The studied reaction is, in fact, an example of secondary‐alcohol oxidation over an Au catalyst. Thus, the investigated reaction mechanism of HMR oxidative dehydrogenation is useful for the fundamental understanding of other secondary‐alcohol dehydrogenation over Au surfaces. To investigate the elementary catalytic steps ruling both oxygen‐free‐ and oxygen‐assisted dehydrogenation of HMR to oxoMAT, the reactions were mimicked in a vacuum over an Au₂₈ cluster. Adsorption of the involved molecular species—O₂, three different HMR diastereomers (namely, one SRR and two RRR forms), and the oxoMAT derivative—were also studied at the DFT level. In particular, the energetic and structural differences between SRR‐HMR and RRR‐HMR diastereomers on the Au₂₈ cluster were analyzed, following different reaction pathways for the HMR dehydrogenation that occur in presence or absence of oxygen. The corresponding mechanisms explain the higher rates of the experimentally observed oxygen‐assisted reaction, mostly depending on the involved HMR diastereomer surface conformations. The role of the support was also elucidated, considering a very simple Au₂₈ charged model that explains the experimentally observed high reactivity of the Au/Al₂O₃ catalyst.     

Rational Development of Remote C−H Functionalization of Biphenyl: Experimental and Computational Studies

A simple and efficient nitrile‐directed meta‐C?H olefination, acetoxylation, and iodination of biaryl compounds is reported. Compared to the previous approach of installing a complex U‐shaped template to achieve a molecular U‐turn and assemble the large‐sized cyclophane transition state for the remote C?H activation, a synthetically useful phenyl nitrile functional group could also direct remote meta‐C?H activation. This reaction provides a useful method for the modification of biaryl compounds because the nitrile group can be readily converted to amines, acids, amides, or other heterocycles. Notably, the remote meta‐selectivity of biphenylnitriles could not be expected from previous results with a macrocyclophane nitrile template. DFT computational studies show that a ligand‐containing Pd–Ag heterodimeric transition state (TS) favors the desired remote meta‐selectivity. Control experiments demonstrate the directing effect of the nitrile group and exclude the possibility of non‐directed meta‐C?H activation. Substituted 2‐pyridone ligands were found to be key in assisting the cleavage of the meta‐C?H bond in the concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD) process.