Beyond symmetric self-assembly and effective molarity: unlocking functional enzyme mimics with robust organic cages

• Keith G. Andrews

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2025, 21, 421–443, doi:10.3762/bjoc.21.30

• Keith G. Andrews Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Lower Mount Joy, South Rd, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK 10.3762/bjoc.21.30 Abstract The bespoke environments in enzyme active sites can selectively accelerate chemical reactions by as much as 1019. Macromolecular and supramolecular chemists have

• a molecular “cavity”. The activities of different cavities vary with the subset of features available to a particular cavity type. Unsurprisingly, without synthetic access to mimics able to encompass more/all of the functional features of enzyme active sites, examples of cavity-catalyzed processes

• catalytically active sites but can promote chemical transformations has received significant attention, but it remains a synthetic challenge [27].” The vague term “confinement” is sometimes used as a catch-all explanation for the property changes that arise within a cavity environment, often in the context of

Factors influencing the performance of organocatalysts immobilised on solid supports: A review

• Zsuzsanna Fehér,
• Dóra Richter,
• Gyula Dargó and
• József Kupai

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 2129–2142, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.183

• insoluble materials preferably with a large surface area to maximise the number of active sites for catalyst attachment. The advantages of such supports have been demonstrated by numerous reports on immobilised catalysts [12][13][14]. The type of support and the immobilisation technique have a major

• a second run. This decrease was attributed to the use of a protic solvent, MeOH, in combination with basic Et3N, which could degrade the surface of the support and result in the leaching of the active sites or the restructuring of the mesoporous material. This could have been avoided by performing

• ability to predesign both primary and high-order structures serves as a great advantage in these catalytic systems, making them easily fine tuneable. Catalytically active sites can be formed by direct condensation or post-synthetic modifications. In the case of catalyst immobilisation post-synthetic

Computational toolbox for the analysis of protein–glycan interactions

• Ferran Nieto-Fabregat,
• Maria Pia Lenza,
• Angela Marseglia,
• Cristina Di Carluccio,
• Antonio Molinaro,
• Alba Silipo and
• Roberta Marchetti

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 2084–2107, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.180

Chemo-enzymatic total synthesis: current approaches toward the integration of chemical and enzymatic transformations

• Ryo Tanifuji and
• Hiroki Oguri

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 1693–1712, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.151

• evolution using site-saturation mutagenesis targeting the putative active sites L110 and Y112, led to the variant MoBsc9 Y112M, which substantially improved the enzymatic conversion into 22, achieving an isolated yield of up to 67%. Diastereoselective reduction of the C8 ketone was then achieved using the

Synthesis of 1,4-azaphosphinine nucleosides and evaluation as inhibitors of human cytidine deaminase and APOBEC3A

• Maksim V. Kvach,
• Stefan Harjes,
• Harikrishnan M. Kurup,
• Geoffrey B. Jameson,
• Elena Harjes and
• Vyacheslav V. Filichev

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 1088–1098, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.96

• ) and FdZ (IId) form tetrahedral intermediates after hydrolysis of the N3–C4 double bond in the active sites of A3Gctd and A3A [59][60]. The intermediates formed had the same R-stereochemistry at the C4 atom of the nucleobase as previously observed for CDA, and thus confirming the general mechanism of

Green and sustainable approaches for the Friedel–Crafts reaction between aldehydes and indoles

• Periklis X. Kolagkis,
• Eirini M. Galathri and
• Christoforos G. Kokotos

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2024, 20, 379–426, doi:10.3762/bjoc.20.36

• 100 nm, exhibit various benefits, such as tailoring the scaffold of the catalyst, the recyclability of the nanocompounds, as well as the elevated catalytic activity offered. These benefits stem from their high surface area, that provides more active sites for the reactants to absorb into and collide

• attributed to deactivation of active sites of the nanorod. Once again, this method provided short reaction times with an efficiently recovered catalyst with the handicap of the necessity of conventional heating and an unfavorable solvent [106]. At the same time, Khalafi-Nezhad et al. developed unique ʟ

Long oligodeoxynucleotides: chemical synthesis, isolation via catching-by-polymerization, verification via sequencing, and gene expression demonstration

• Yipeng Yin,
• Reed Arneson,
• Alexander Apostle,
• Adikari M. D. N. Eriyagama,
• Komal Chillar,
• Emma Burke,
• Martina Jahfetson,
• Yinan Yuan and
• Shiyue Fang

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 1957–1965, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.146

• group is stable during deblocking, approximately half of the active sites of the CPG were blocked. Parameters for the four steps of the synthetic cycle were as recommended by the manufacturer, except for the coupling step where the waiting time was increased from 25 to 35 seconds. In the last synthetic

Radical ligand transfer: a general strategy for radical functionalization

• David T. Nemoto Jr,
• Kang-Jie Bian,
• Shih-Chieh Kao and
• Julian G. West

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 1225–1233, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.90

• body’s own cytochrome P450 enzymes. These catalysts exhibit unique “radical rebound” reactivity at their heme active sites (Scheme 1) [12], a mechanism proposed by Groves and co-workers and heavily explored beginning in the 1970s [13][14]. This two-step functionalization sequence begins with HAT from an

• behavior of P450 oxygenases encouraged early work on site-selective C–H functionalization [20]. Throughout their studies, it was found that manganese could perform the same HAT and RLT steps as iron at heme active sites. Groves developed the manganese tetramesitylporphine catalyst V (Scheme 2), which was

Synthesis, α-mannosidase inhibition studies and molecular modeling of 1,4-imino-ᴅ-lyxitols and their C-5-altered N-arylalkyl derivatives

• Martin Kalník,
• Sergej Šesták,
• Juraj Kóňa,
• Maroš Bella and
• Monika Poláková

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2023, 19, 282–293, doi:10.3762/bjoc.19.24

• α-mannosidase (LMan, GH38 family, E.C.3.2.1.24) [17] due to structural similarities between the active sites of GMII and LMan. Lysosomal α-mannosidases operate at a lower pH value (pH 4.5) compared to Golgi-type mannosidases (pH 6) and have a significantly broader substrate specificity. Another type

• active site almost identical to those of human GMII [22]. In addition, analysis of the available X-ray structures of GH38 enzymes such as dGMII [23], bovine lysosomal α-mannosidase II (bLMan) [17] and JBMan [24] showed that the active sites of Golgi and acidic α-mannosidases are structurally very similar

Microelectrode arrays, electrosynthesis, and the optimization of signaling on an inert, stable surface

• Kendra Drayton-White,
• Siyue Liu,
• Yu-Chia Chang,
• Sakashi Uppal and
• Kevin D. Moeller

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 1488–1498, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.156

• solution and recording the corresponding change in current, a binding curve for the interaction can be generated. While this approach can be very effective, it has limitations. We are interested in using microelectrode arrays to guide synthetic efforts to build molecular probes for protein active sites

Anti-inflammatory aromadendrane- and cadinane-type sesquiterpenoids from the South China Sea sponge Acanthella cavernosa

• Shou-Mao Shen,
• Qing Yang,
• Yi Zang,
• Jia Li,
• Xueting Liu and
• Yue-Wei Guo

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 916–925, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.91

• ). Different enantiomeric ratios could explain the properties of the active sites in the corresponding terpene synthases, which remain unclear for further investigations [22]. The diversified structures of terpenes were constructed by terpene synthase [26] along with the post-modification enzymes, such as P450

Structural basis for endoperoxide-forming oxygenases

• Takahiro Mori and
• Ikuro Abe

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 707–721, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.71

• , including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain, the membrane binding domain, and the catalytic domain (Figure 2A) [46][47][48][49][50][51]. The catalytic domain possesses two active sites, the cyclooxygenase- and heme-dependent peroxidase-sites, which are physically separated. The peroxidase-site

Heteroleptic metallosupramolecular aggregates/complexation for supramolecular catalysis

• Prodip Howlader and
• Michael Schmittel

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 597–630, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.62

• compared to the non-encapsulated catalyst, which only managed to yield 8% ee at 4% of conversion. Thus, the molecular capsule 47 can be viewed as a second coordination sphere of the catalyst, reminiscent of enzymatic active sites. In summary, the above discrete molecular architectures containing cavity and

Menadione: a platform and a target to valuable compounds synthesis

• Acácio S. de Souza,
• Ruan Carlos B. Ribeiro,
• Dora C. S. Costa,
• Fernanda P. Pauli,
• David R. Pinho,
• Matheus G. de Moraes,
• Fernando de C. da Silva,
• Luana da S. M. Forezi and
• Vitor F. Ferreira

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 381–419, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.43

• reaction speed when compared to the use of gold-impregnated catalysts, indicating that gold(III) impregnation blocks are part of the active sites for menadiol acetylation. The third approach was based on the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction coupled with an acetylation reaction, in combination with

Site-selective reactions mediated by molecular containers

• Rui Wang and
• Yang Yu

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 309–324, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.35

• could mimic the catalysis behavior of the active sites of enzymes. In 2012, the Fujita group reported a site-selective nucleophilic substitution reaction of allylic chlorides mediated by cage host J (Figure 12) [74]. Usually, this reaction occurs both at the α and γ positions of the allylic chloride

Recent developments and trends in the iron- and cobalt-catalyzed Sonogashira reactions

• Surendran Amrutha,
• Sankaran Radhika and
• Gopinathan Anilkumar

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 262–285, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.31

• Co2+ and Pd2+ in the solution). The difference in reactivity was shown by reacting aryl halides and terminal alkynes containing electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups. The catalyst could be reused after seven successive runs which displays the nature of Pd active sites that did not change

• dopants on the activity of the catalyst was assigned on the basis of their dispersing effect on active sites of Pd. The maximum conversion was acquired on Pd-Co-1(H). A Sonogashira reaction of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes catalyzed by cobalt hollow nanospheres has been developed by Bao and co

Anomeric 1,2,3-triazole-linked sialic acid derivatives show selective inhibition towards a bacterial neuraminidase over a trypanosome trans-sialidase

• Peterson de Andrade,
• Sanaz Ahmadipour and
• Robert A. Field

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 208–216, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.24

• showing a bulky hydrophobic loop that sits over TcTS active site in its absence for neuraminidase. The black arrows indicate the difference between the narrow (TcTS) (C) and wide (neuraminidase) (D) regions around C-2 in both active sites, possibly preventing the inhibitors from entering the TcTS active

Ready access to 7,8-dihydroindolo[2,3-d][1]benzazepine-6(5H)-one scaffold and analogues via early-stage Fischer ring-closure reaction

• Irina Kuznetcova,
• Felix Bacher,
• Daniel Vegh,
• Hsiang-Yu Chuang and
• Vladimir B. Arion

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2022, 18, 143–151, doi:10.3762/bjoc.18.15

• enzyme active sites and/or improved selectivity [7]. One of the main drawbacks of paullones is their poor aqueous solubility. Therefore, in an attempt to overcome this shortcoming, the paullone backbone A was decorated with functional groups and coordinated to metal ions. Ruthenium(II), osmium(II), and

One-step synthesis of imidazoles from Asmic (anisylsulfanylmethyl isocyanide)

• Louis G. Mueller,
• Allen Chao,
• Embarek AlWedi and
• Fraser F. Fleming

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1499–1502, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.106

• central role of histidine in biological machinery, particularly as a base at enzymatic active sites [2]. As histidine mimics, imidazole-containing pharmaceuticals are often only N-substituted, as in the fungicides ketoconazole and econazole (Figure 1) [3], or disubstituted as illustrated by the anesthetic

A comprehensive review of flow chemistry techniques tailored to the flavours and fragrances industries

• Guido Gambacorta,
• James S. Sharley and
• Ian R. Baxendale

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1181–1312, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.90

Selected peptide-based fluorescent probes for biological applications

• Debabrata Maity

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2971–2982, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.247

• heparin stabilizes the tetrameric structure, without its tryptase dissociates into inactive monomers. The reported cationic ligand binds at the rim of anionic residues around the entrance of the central pore, blocks the access to the active sites, and inhibits enzyme activity. Schmuck et al. reported a

• . Thus, it acts as inhibitor by preventing the substrate to reach the active sites in β-tryptase. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirms that peptide 9 is mast-cell permeable and exhibits inhibitory activity within cells by suppressing their growth (Figure 8B). Heparin detection Heparin is a

A novel and robust heterogeneous Cu catalyst using modified lignosulfonate as support for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles

• Bingbing Lai,
• Meng Ye,
• Ping Liu,
• Minghao Li,
• Rongxian Bai and
• Yanlong Gu

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2888–2902, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.238

• preparing a heterogeneous Cu-based catalyst, the thereby obtained catalyst displayed remarkable performance in the Glaser hetero-coupling reaction. Combining two successful attempts, a further study concerning improvement of the robustness of catalysts and active sites when using LS as support is urgently

Vicinal difluorination as a C=C surrogate: an analog of piperine with enhanced solubility, photostability, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

• Yuvixza Lizarme-Salas,
• Alexandra Daryl Ariawan,
• Ranjala Ratnayake,
• Hendrik Luesch,
• Angela Finch and
• Luke Hunter

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2663–2670, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.216

• to different levels of flexibility within the enzyme active sites. A third possibility is that the analog 2 adopts different conformations upon binding to AChE vs BACE-1, since the microenvironments within the enzymes’ active sites could be different (e.g., more/less polar), the “correct” binding

Activation of pentafluoropropane isomers at a nanoscopic aluminum chlorofluoride: hydrodefluorination versus dehydrofluorination

• Maëva-Charlotte Kervarec,
• Thomas Braun,
• Mike Ahrens and
• Erhard Kemnitz

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2623–2635, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.213

• further purification. ACF was synthesized according to the literature and stored in a glove box. The number of active sites (1 mmol acidic sites/g of catalyst) was determined by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD) [34][65]. NMR spectra were recorded at room temperature using a Bruker

Heterogeneous photocatalysis in flow chemical reactors

• Christopher G. Thomson,
• Ai-Lan Lee and
• Filipe Vilela

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1495–1549, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.125

• separation and recycling, HPCats show advantages such as an enhanced photostability and selectivity [47][48]. A heterogeneous catalyst with a high surface area is often associated with a greater number of surface-active sites for catalysis to occur and makes morphological control critical to the catalyst