Search for: All records

A kinetic analysis of a “declick” reaction is described. Compound 1 , previously reported to couple an amine and a thiol ( i.e. “click”) under mild aqueous conditions to create 2 , undergoes release of the unaltered coupling partners upon triggering with dithiothreitol ( DTT ). In the study reported herein various aniline derivatives possessing para-electron donating and withdrawing groups were used as the amines. UV/vis spectroscopy of the declick reaction shows time-dependent spectra lacking isosbestic points, implying a multi-step mechanism. Global data fitting using numerical integration of rate equations and singular value decomposition afforded the spectra and time-dependence of each species, as well as rate constants for each step. The kinetic analysis reveals a multi-step process with an intermediate where both thiols of DTT have added prior to expulsion of the aniline leaving group, followed by rearrangement to the final product. Hammett plots show a negative rho value on two of the steps, indicating positive charge building ( i.e. reduction of a negative charge) in the step leading to the intermediate and its rate-determining breakdown. Overall, the kinetic study reported herein gives a complete mechanistic picture of the declick reaction. 

We demonstrate that bisulfite can be used for reduction of a highly electrophilic anthraquinone derivative, N,N ′-dimethyl-2,6-diaza-9,10-anthraquinonediium (DAAQ), and subsequent autoxidation generates an equivalent of hydrogen peroxide. The mechanism for DAAQ reduction by bisulfite, DAAQ electrochemistry, and use of a simple test strip assay for H 2 O 2 , are described.