Dual functionalized liposomes were developed to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and to release their cargo in a pathological matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-rich microenvironment. Liposomes were surface-functionalized with a modified peptide deriving from the receptor-binding domain of apolipoprotein E (mApoE), known to promote cargo delivery to the brain across the BBB in vitro and in vivo; and with an MMP-sensitive moiety for an MMP-triggered drug release. Different MMP-sensitive peptides were functionalized at both ends with hydrophobic stearate tails to yield MMP-sensitive lipopeptides (MSLPs), which were assembled into mApoE liposomes. The resulting bi-functional liposomes (i) displayed a < 180 nm diameter with a negative ζ-potential; (ii) were able to cross an in vitro BBB model with an endothelial permeability of 3 ± 1 × 10−5 cm/min; (iii) when exposed to functional MMP2 or 9, efficiently released an encapsulated fluorescein dye; (iv) showed high biocompatibility when tested in neuronal cultures; and (v) when loaded with glibenclamide, a drug candidate with poor aqueous solubility, reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines from activated microglial cells.

Grubbs complexes are also useful catalysts to chemoselectively promote intramolecular carbene C–H insertion from amino-tethered α-diazoesters to give pyrrolidines.

The use of Pd-, Rh(II)-and Ru(II)-based catalysts has been explored in the transition metalcatalysed intramolecular carbenoid CÀH insertion of a-diazoesters leading to pyrrolidines. Although the outcome of the reaction was highly substrate-dependent, in general, it was possible to control the chemoselectivity of the process towards pyrrolidines by adequate catalyst selection. The Pd(0)-catalysts were as efficient as [Rh(Ph 3 CCO 2 ) 2 ] 2 in promoting the C(sp 3 )ÀH insertion of ortho-substituted anilines. In contrast, for anilines bearing meta-and para-substituents, the Rh(II)-catalyst provided the best chemoselectivities and reaction yields. On the other hand, [Ru(p-cymene)Cl 2 ] 2 was the most efficient catalyst for the insertion reaction of the N-benzyl-N-phenyl and N,N-dibenzyl a-diazoesters, while the C(sp 3 )ÀH insertion of the N-benzylsulfonamide substrate was only promoted by [Rh(Ph 3 CCO 2 ) 2 ] 2 . According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the mechanism involved in the Pd(0)-and Ru(II)catalysed C(sp 3 )ÀH insertions differs considerably from that typically proposed for the Rh(II)-catalysed transformation. Whereas the Pd(0)-catalysed reaction involves a Pd-mediated 1,5-H migration from the C(sp 3 )ÀH bond to the carbenoid carbon atom leading to the formal oxidation of the transition metal, a Ru(II)-promoted Mannich type reaction involving a zwitterionic intermediate seems to be operative in the Ru(II)-catalysed transformation.

In the panorama of sustainable chemistry, the use of green solvents is increasingly emerging for the optimization of more eco-friendly processes which look to a future of biocompatibility and recycling. The green solvent Cyrene, obtained from biomass via a two-step synthesis, is increasingly being introduced as the solvent of choice for the development of green synthetic transformations and for the production of biomaterials, thanks to its interesting biocompatibility, non-toxic and non-mutagenic properties. Our review offers an overview of the most important organic reactions that have been investigated to date in Cyrene as a medium, in particular focusing on those that could potentially lead to the formation of relevant chemical bonds in bioactive molecules. On the other hand, a description of the employment of Cyrene in the production of biomaterials has also been taken into consideration, providing a point-by-point overview of the use of Cyrene to date in the aforementioned fields.

A synthetic method to prepare tetrahydroquinoline‐4‐carboxylic acid esters has been developed through the transition‐metal‐catalyzed intramolecular aromatic C−H functionalization of α‐diazoesters. Both [{Pd(IMes)(NQ)}2] (IMes=1,3‐dimesitylimidazol‐2‐ylidene, NQ=1,4‐naphthoquinone) and the first‐generation Grubbs catalyst proved effective for this purpose. The ruthenium catalyst was found to be the most versatile, although in a few cases the palladium complex afforded better yields or selectivities. According to DFT calculations, Pd0‐ and RuII‐catalyzed sp2‐CAr−H functionalization proceeds through different reaction mechanisms. Thus, the Pd0‐catalyzed reaction involves a Pd‐mediated 1,6‐H migration from the sp2‐CAr−H bond to the carbene carbon atom, followed by a reductive elimination process. In contrast, electrophilic addition of the ruthenacarbene intermediate to the aromatic ring and subsequent 1,2‐proton migration are operative in the Grubbs catalyst promoted reaction.

Cannabinoid subtype 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are an important class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the endocannabinoid system. CB1Rs play a crucial modulatory role in the functioning of other neurotransmitter systems and are involved in a wide range of physiological functions and dysfunctions; thus, they are considered one of the most important targets for drug development, as well as diagnostic purposes. Despite this, only a few molecules targeting this receptor are available on the pharmaceutical market, thus emphasizing the need to gain a deeper understanding of the complex activation pathways of CB1Rs and how they regulate diseases. As part of this review, we provide an overview of pharmacological and imaging tools useful for detecting CB1Rs. Herein, we summarize the derivations of cannabinoids and terpenoids with fluorescent compounds, radiotracers, or photochromic motifs. CB1Rs’ molecular probes may be used in vitro and, in some cases, in vivo for investigating and exploring the roles of CB1Rs together with the starting point for the development of CB1R-targeted drugs.

In the presence of substoichiometric amounts of FeBr2, δ-arylamino-α-diazoesters undergo dealkylative aminocyclization to give N-aryl proline derivatives through a Fe(ii)–carbene intermediate.

The Pd-catalyzed intramolecular carbene C–H insertion of α-diazo-α-(methoxycarbonyl)acetamides to prepare oxindoles as well as β-lactams was studied. In order to identify what factors influence the selectivity of the processes, we explored how the reactions are affected by the catalyst type, using two oxidation states of Pd and a variety of ligands. It was found that, in the synthesis of oxindoles, ((IMes)Pd(NQ))2 can be used as an alternative to Pd2(dba)3 to catalyze the carbene CArsp2–H insertion, although it was less versatile. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that the Csp3–H insertion leading to β-lactams can be effectively promoted by both Pd(0) and Pd(II) catalysts, the latter being most efficient. Insight into the reaction mechanisms involved in these transformations was provided by DFT calculations.