Three new linear pentapyrrole rubinoid analogs: 2,3,7,8,17,18,22,23-octamethyl-12,13-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-1,10,15,24,25,27,28,29-octahydro-27H-pentapyrrin-1,24-dione and 2,3,8,12,13,17,22,23-octamethyl-7,18-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-1,10,15,24,25,26,27,28,29-octahydro-27H-pentapyrrin-1,24-dione as well as its 7,18-dihexanoic acid analog were synthesized, respectively, from 2,3,7,8-tetramethyl-(10H)-dipyrrin-2-one, from 2,3,8-trimethyl-7-[2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl]-(10H)-dipyrrinone, and from 2,3,8-trimethyl-7-[5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentyl]-(10H)-dipyrrinone. 13C NMR and 1H NMR measurements in (CD3)2SO confirmed the pentapyrrole structures, while 1H NMR data indicate intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the CO2H and dipyrrinone groups. Molecular mechanics modeling studies suggest stable U-shape conformations capable of encapsulating small planar aromatic molecules.
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