The band edges of metal-halide perovskites with a general chemical structure of ABX3 (A, usually a monovalent organic cation; B, a divalent cation; and X, a halide anion) are constructed mainly of the orbitals from B and X sites. Hence, the structural and compositional varieties of the inorganic B–X framework are primarily responsible for regulating their electronic properties, whereas A-site cations are thought to only help stabilize the lattice and not to directly contribute to near-edge states. We report a π-conjugation–induced extension of electronic states of A-site cations that affects perovskite frontier orbitals. The π-conjugated pyrene-containing A-site cations electronically contribute to the surface band edges and influence the carrier dynamics, with a properly tailored intercalation distance between layers of the inorganic framework. The ethylammonium pyrene increased hole mobilities, improved power conversion efficiencies relative to that of a reference perovskite, and enhanced device stability.

Nonplanar, electronically destabilized amides have emerged as powerful intermediates in organic synthesis. We report a highly selective method for transamidation of common secondary amides under mild, metal-free conditions that relies on transient N-selective functionalization to weaken amidic resonance. The combination of rational modification of the amide bond with nucleophilic addition mechanism, and the thermodynamic collapse of the resultant tetrahedral intermediate constitutes a two-step procedure to accomplish a challenging transamidation of secondary amides under mild conditions.

The synthesis, crystal structures, and reactivity of the most twisted acyclic amides described to date are reported. Substitution at the nitrogen atom in simple benzamides with Ts and acyl or carbamate groups provides a unique way to achieve almost perpendicular twist in N-acyclic amides (τ = 77°, N = Ac; τ = 87°, N = Boc). The overlap between the Nlp and CO π* orbital is disrupted due to geometrical constraints around the N-substituents. The perpendicular acyclic twisted amides represent a transition state mimic of cis–trans peptide isomerization thus far only accessible by excessively twisted bridged lactams.

Preequilibration of an interconverting set of isomeric allylic azides is coupled with an intramolecular Schmidt reaction to stereoselectively afford substituted lactams. The effect of substitution and a preliminary mechanistic study are reported. The synthetic potential of this method is demonstrated in the context of an enantioselective synthesis of an advanced intermediate toward pinnaic acid.

Electrochemistry provides a powerful tool for the late-stage functionalization of complex lactams. A two-stage protocol for converting lactams, many of which are preparable through the intramolecular Schmidt reaction of keto azides, is presented. In the first step, anodic oxidation in MeOH using a repurposed power source provides a convenient route to lactams bearing a methoxy group adjacent to nitrogen. Treatment of these intermediates with a Lewis acid in DCM permits the regeneration of a reactive acyliminium ion that is then reacted with a range of nucleophilic species.