Two original chiral diphosphines, SYNPHOS and DIFLUORPHOS, have been synthesized on multigram scales. Their steric and electronic profiles have been established in comparison with the commonly used 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl and 6,6'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-biphenyl ligands. A screening study of the four ligands in Ru(II)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of...

Enzymes from Salvia officinalis, capable of catalyzing the electrophilic isomerization and subsequent cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate (3,8-dimethylocta-2E,6-dienyl pyrophosphate) to the monoterpenes (+)-alpha-pinene and (+)-bornyl pyrophosphate, were examined with a series of substrate analogs modified in carbon chain length and in the geometric and electronic character of the C2-C3 and C6...

We present an experimental method, which provides information on the steric and electronic properties of ligands in metal complexes. This approach is based equilibrium ion-pairing a cationic [(NHC)Ir(cod)]+ fluorescent bodipy-sulfonate (bdpSO3?). The close ion-pair [(NHC)Ir(bdpSO3)(cod)] toluene solution weakly fluorescent, but dissociates into solvent-separated ion pairs upon exposure to sligh...

The lock-and-key concept is discussed with respect to necessary extensions. Formation of supramolecular complexes depends not only, and often not even primarily on an optimal geometric fit between host and guest. Induced fit and allosteric interactions have long been known as important modifications. Different binding mechanisms, the medium used and pH effects can exert a major influence on the...