Hexapole helicenes 1, which contain six [5]helicene substructures, were synthesized by Pd-catalyzed [2+2+2]cycloadditions of aryne precursor 6. Among the possible 20 stereoisomers, which include ten pairs of enantiomers, HH-1 was obtained selectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations identified HH-1 as the second most stable isomer that quantitatively isomerizes under thermal conditions into the most stable isomer (HH-2). Both enantiomers of HH-2 can be separated by chiral HPLC. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed a saddle-like structure for (P,M,P,P,M,P) HH-1 and a propeller-like structure for (P,M,P,M,P,M) HH-2. Because of the helical assembly and the resulting steric repulsion, the structure of HH-1 is significantly distorted and exhibits the largest twisting angle reported so far (up to 35.7° per benzene unit). Electrochemical studies and DFT calculations indicated a narrow HOMO-LUMO gap on account of the extended π-system. Kinetic studies of the isomerization from HH-1 to HH-2 and the racemization of enantiomerically pure HH-2 were conducted based on H NMR spectroscopy, HPLC analysis, and DFT calculations.

We report the discovery of a new class of light-sensing molecules. These light sensors are composed of fluorophore oligomers assembled on a DNA backbone. A combinatorial library of tetrafluorophores consisting of over 14 000 compounds was synthesized and screened for rapid responses toward light exposure. Among the most light-sensitive molecules, at least three tetramers were found to respond to light exposure with apparent color changes, rather than simple photobleaching.

The effects of various structured triglycerides containing medium-chain (caprylic or capric acids) and long-chain (linoleic acid) fatty acids on fatty acid and cholesterol absorption were studied in lymph-cannulated rats. A considerable portion of capric and caprylic acid was absorbed through the lymph duct, although to a lesser extent than was linoleic acid. Capric and linoleic acid located at the 2-position of 2-decanoyl-1,3-dilinoleoyl-glycerol (18:2/10:0/18:2) and 2-linoleoyl-1,3-didecanoyl-glycerol (10:0/18:2/10:0), respectively, tended to be absorbed more efficiently than those located at the 1- and 3-position or those from tricaprin (10:0/10:0/10:0) or trilinolein (18:2/18:2/18:2). A similar trend was observed when the medium-chain fatty acid was caprylic acid instead of capric acid. Caprylic acid absorption from 2-octanoyl-1,3-dilinoleoyl-glycerol (18:2/8:0/18:2) was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) than from 2-linoleoyl-1,3-dioctanoyl-glycerol (8:0/18:2/8:0) or tricaprylin (8:0/8:0/8:0). Preferential absorption of caprylic and linoleic acid was not observed when the 1 to 2 and the 2 to 1 mixtures of 8:0/8:0/8:0 and 18:2/18:2/18:2, respectively, were administered. The structured lipids did not affect the lymphatic absorption of cholesterol. The results suggest that structured triglycerides composed of medium-chain fatty acids and linoleic acid may be more useful for the treatment of lipid malabsorption than are mixtures of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) and long-chain triglyceride (LCT).

(+)-Iso-A82775C is a proposed biosynthetic precursor of the chloropupukeananin family and an important intermediate for related natural products. The first enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-iso-A82775C (18 steps, 2.2% overall yield) toward the eventual biomimetic total synthesis of chloropupukeananin is described. The key steps are (1) the enantioselective Diels-Alder reaction of 4-bromo-3-hydroxy-2-pyrone with methyl 2-chloroacrylate using cinchonine as an organocatalyst and (2) the anti-selective Cu-mediated S2' reaction to afford the axially chiral vinylallene moiety.

Three-bladed propeller-shaped triple [5]helicene was synthesized using eliminative and oxidative photocyclization reactions, which proceeded in 37 and 63% yields, respectively. Chromatographic purification gave a mixture of diastereomers, and the PPM and PMM isomers were gradually converted to the thermodynamically more stable PPP and MMM isomers at room temperature. The activation parameters for the racemization of the PPP and MMM isomers were determined, and the structure of the triple [5]helicene was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis.