55039-36-6Relevant articles and documents
Contra-thermodynamic E → Z isomerization of cinnamamides via selective energy transfer catalysis
Becker, Marc R.,Morack, Tobias,Robertson, Jack,Metternich, Jan B.,Mück-Lichtenfeld, Christian,Daniliuc, Constantin,Burley, Glenn A.,Gilmour, Ryan
, (2020)
A bio-inspired, photocatalytic E → Z isomerization of cinnamides is reported using inexpensive (?)-riboflavin (vitamin B2) under irradiation at λ = 402 nm. This operationally simple transformation is compatible with a range of amide derivatives including –NR2, –NHSO2R and N(Boc)2 (up to 99:1 Z:E). Selective energy transfer from the excited state photocatalyst to the starting E-isomer ensures that directionality is achieved: The analogous process with the Z-isomer is inefficient due to developing allylic strain causing chromophore deconjugation. This is supported by X-ray analysis and Stern-Volmer photo-quenching studies. Preliminary validation of the method in manipulating the conformation of a simple model Leu-enkephalin penta-peptide is disclosed via the incorporation of a cinnamamide-based amino acid.