Recently, we observed the first example of a left‐handed G‐quadruplex structure formed by natural DNA, named Z‐G4. We analysed the Z‐G4 structure and inspected its primary 28‐nt sequence in order to identify motifs that convey the unique left‐handed twist. Using CD, NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, we revealed a minimal sequence motif of...

Dps (DNA‐binding protein from starved cells) proteins are hollow sphere shaped, dodecameric enzymes found in bacteria and archaeal species. They are able to oxidize ferrous iron in a controlled manner using hydrogen peroxide or molecular oxygen as co‐substrate and most of them confer physical protection through DNA binding. Oxidized iron is stored,...

We demonstrate the construction of trifluoromethylated quaternary carbon centers via an asymmetric radical transformation. Enantioenriched trifluoromethylated oxindoles were accessed through the use of a hypervalent iodine‐based trifluoromethyl transfer reagent in combination with a magnesium Lewis acid catalyst and PyBOX‐type ligands to achieve up...

We report herein the first examples of catalytic enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 3‐arylpyrroles. Reaction of α‐isocyanoacetates with β‐aryl‐α,β‐alkynic ketones in the presence of silver oxide and a phosphine ligand derived from Cinchona alkaloid occurred chemoselectively to afford enantioenriched 3‐arylpyrroles in high yields with excellent...

New sides of eosin Y: Neutral eosin Y‐derived photoexcited states have been found to serve as photoacids and direct hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalysts in the activation of glycals and C−H bonds, respectively. These studies pave the way for further use of eosin Y in photochemical synthesis. Abstract Neutral eosin Y‐derived photoexcited...

Strengths and weaknesses: Dimeric chalcogen‐bonding capsules display a distinct behavior depending on the association strength, as shown by X‐ray structures and confirmed by NMR spectroscopy solution studies. While capsules based on weak S⋅⋅⋅N interactions rely on solvation and the associated hemisphere preorganization, capsular assemblies formed...