Stable selenium-modified DNA which maintains the native tertiary structure has been prepared under automated conditions enabling SAD X-ray crystallography.

Inspired by naturally occurring molecules containing atropisomeric N+‐C axes, we have developed a novel synthetic approach to generate a library of axially chiral N‐aryl quinolinium salts. Enantiopurities up to 93 % ee were obtained via a four‐step route from commercially available precursors. Axial stereochemistry was controlled through an enantioselective ring‐closing Buchwald–Hartwig coupling reaction. The structure and properties of the salts were examined by X‐ray crystallography, DFT, UV‐Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing high rotational barriers and solvatochromic behaviour.

Molecules containing an atropisomeric C–N biaryl axis are gaining increasing attention in catalytic and medicinal chemistry. Despite this rising interest, relatively few approaches towards their catalytic enantioselective synthesis have been reported. Here we review these approaches, with a focus on the mechanism of asymmetric induction. Some common themes emerge: Brønsted acid catalysed cyclo-condensation and palladium-catalysed ring-closure are the most common and successful approaches. Meanwhile, the more direct but challenging axial C–N bond formation strategy remains in its infancy, with just two reports to-date. We hope this review will inform and inspire other researchers to develop new creative approaches to this important chemical motif.1 Introduction2 Cyclo-Condensation3 Proximal C–N Bond Formation4 Desymmetrisation of Intact Axes5 ortho-C–H Functionalisation6 Cycloaddition7 Axial C–N Bond Formation8 Atropisomeric N–N Axes: An Emerging Class of Heterobiaryls9 Conclusion and Outlook

Vibration ball-milling in a zirconia-lined vessel afforded clean and quantitative nucleophilic displacement reactions between 4-methoxybenzylthiolate salts and nucleoside 5′-halides or 5′-tosylates in five to 60 minutes. Under these conditions, commonly-encountered nucleoside cyclisation byproducts (especially of purine nucleosides) were not observed. Liquid-assisted grinding of the same 5'-iodide and 5′-tosylate substrates with potassium selenocyanate in the presence of DMF produced the corresponding 5′-selenocyanates in variable yields over the course of between one and eleven hours thereby avoiding the preparation and use of hygroscopic tetrabutylammonium salts.