Isomeric cyclopropenes exhibit unique bioorthogonal reactivities

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Sep 18;135(37):13680-3. doi: 10.1021/ja407737d. Epub 2013 Sep 6.

Abstract

Bioorthogonal chemistries have provided tremendous insight into biomolecule structure and function. However, many popular bioorthogonal transformations are incompatible with one another, limiting their utility for studies of multiple biomolecules in tandem. We identified two reactions that can be used concurrently to tag biomolecules in complex environments: the inverse electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction of tetrazines with 1,3-disubstituted cyclopropenes, and the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile imines with 3,3-disubstituted cyclopropenes. Remarkably, the cyclopropenes used in these transformations differ by the placement of a single methyl group. Such orthogonally reactive scaffolds will bolster efforts to monitor multicomponent processes in cells and organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cycloaddition Reaction
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Isomerism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Tetrazoles / chemistry

Substances

  • 1,2-di-tert-butyl-3,3-dimethylcyclopropene
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Tetrazoles