VCD to determine absolute configuration of natural product molecules: secolignans from Peperomia blanda

The absolute configuration and solution-state conformers of three peperomin-type secolignans isolated from Peperomia blanda (Piperaceae) are unambiguously determined by using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy associated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Advantages of VCD over the electronic form of CD for the analysis of diastereomers are also discussed. This work extends our growing knowledge about secondary metabolites within the Piperaceae family species while providing a definitive and straightforward method to assess the absolute stereochemistry of secolignans.     

Two new secolignans from the roots of Urtica mairei Levl.

Twonew secolignans(1 and 2)were isolated from the roots of Urtica mairei Levl.The structures of these two compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including HR-E1-MS.1D and 2D NMR experiments.     

Two new secolignans from the roots of Urtica mairei Lev1.

Two new secolignans （1 and 2） were isolated from the roots of Urtica mairei Levi. The structures of these two compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including HR-EI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments.     

Secolignans, neolignans and phenylpropanoids from Daphne feddei and their biological activities

Two new secolignans and one new neolignan, named feddeiphenols A-C (1-3), together with eight known compounds (4-11), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Daphne feddei. Their structures were established on the base of spectroscopic methods, mainly extensive NMR, UV spectroscopy, and MS spectrometry. Compounds 1-11 were tested for their anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 activity and cytotoxicity. The results revealed that compounds 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9 showed therapeutic index (TI) values above 30, respectively, and the other compounds also showed weak anti-HIV-1 activity. Compound 1 showed modest cytotoxic activity. The other compounds also showed weak cytotoxic activity.     

Synthesis of the C22-C37 segment of prorocentin

The synthesis of the C22-C37 segment of prorocentin, isolated from the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, was achieved. Because the relative stereochemical relationship between C26 and other stereocenters (C28/C31/C32 established as R*/R*/R*) in the C22-C37 region of natural prorocentin has not yet been determined, both epimers at C26 of the C22-C37 segment were selectively constructed. The synthesis was based on a 5-exo epoxide ring opening reaction to form an oxolane (E-ring), Brown asymmetric methallylation to install the C26-stereocenter, acryloylation of the resulting alcohol, and ring-closing olefin metathesis to establish the Z-olefin at C23/C24.     

Composition,Anti-MRSA Activity and Toxicity of Essential Oils from Cymbopogon Species

Many of the essential oils obtained from medicinal plants possess proven antimicrobial activity and are suitable for medicinal purposes and applications in the food industry. The aim of the present work was the chemical analysis of 19 essential oils (EOs) from seven different Cymbopogon species (C. nardus, C. citratus, C winterianus, C. flexuosus, C. schoenanthus, C. martinii, C. giganteus). Five different chemotypes were established by GC/MS and TLC assay. The EOs, as well as some reference compounds, i.e., citronellol, geraniol and citral (neral + geranial), were also tested for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by the microdilution method and direct bioautography. The toxicity of EOs was evaluated by Danio rerio ‘Zebrafish’ model assay. All examined EOs showed moderate to high activity against MRSA, with the highest activity noted for C. flexuosus—lemongrass essential oil, both in microdilution and direct autobiography method. Significant difference in the toxicity of the examined EOs was also detected.     

Synthesis of maresin 1 and (7S)-isomer

Maresin 1 (with the 7R carbon) and (7S)-maresin 1 were synthesized stereoselectively. The conjugated triene system was constructed by Pd-catalyzed coupling of the trans cis-dienylborane (the C10–C22 part) with the trans vinyl iodide corresponding to the C1–C9 part. The stereogenic centers at C7 and C14 were created by Ru-catalyzed asymmetric reduction of ketone and asymmetric epoxidation/kinetic resolution of the racemic alcohol, respectively.     

An electron diffraction investigation of the molecular structure of dichloromaleic anhydride

The molecular structure of gaseous dichloromaleic anhydride has been investigated by electron diffraction at a nozzle-tip temperature of 164–170°C. The molecule is planar to within experimental error, but small deviations from planarity corresponding to torsion up to about 10° around the carbon-carbon single bonds cannot be ruled out. Values of the more important r_α distances and angles with estimated 2σ uncertainties are r(CO) = 1.188(2) Å, r(CC) = 1.332(5) Å, r(C-O) = 1.389(3) Å, r(C—C) = 1.495(3) Å, r(C—Cl) = 1.685(2) Å, ∠CC-Cl = 129.4(2)°, ∠C-CO = 128.5(4)° and ∠CC—C = 107.9(2)°. The shortening of the carbonyl bond relative to that in maleic anhydride itself is discussed in terms of a possible general effect of vicinal substitution.     

Synthesis and comparative study of cytotoxicity and anticancer activity of Chalconoid-Co(II) metal complexes with 2-hydroxychalcones analogue containing naphthalene moiety

A series of six C1–C6 chalconoid based Co(II) complexes were prepared from bi-dentate 2-hydroxychalcones ligands L1-L6 containing naphthalene moiety. All synthesized metal-complexes have been evaluated to determine their cytotoxicity and anticancer activity against liver cancer cell line (Hep G2). Compared to standard 5-fluorouracil (IC₅₀ ?= ?98.61 ?μg/mL), the metal complex C6 exhibits more potency with IC₅₀ value 64.21 ?μg/mL against liver cancer cell line. While the remaining metal complexes such as C2, C4 and C5 are moderately active with IC₅₀ value 314.93, 414.05 and 376.00 ?μg/mL respectively. The complexes C1 and C3 with IC₅₀ value ?> ?1000 ?μg/mL are inadequate to display anticancer activity against Hep G2. Our perception towards the presence of organic group in the main structural moiety of complex C6 which associated with di-hydroxy (-OH) substituent at 3 and 4-position found more potent than complex C2, C4 and C5 which associated with halo (-Cl) substituent. The MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxicity and anticancer activity enhanced upon coordination of bio-ligand compared to free chalcone ligands. Therefore the present study may lead to the development of new class of anticancer drugs with structural modification.     

Microwave spectrum of cyclohexanecarbonitrile

The microwave rotational spectrum of cyclohexanecarbonitrile was investigated in the frequency region 8–40 GHz. From the measured transition frequencies the rotational constants of the two molecular were derived (equatorial isomer: A = 4238.77, B = 1399.172, C = 1128.845 MHz; axial isomer: A = 3005.58, B = 1763.483, C = 1558.615 MHz). Assuming the values of 1.531, 1.096 and 1.159 Å, respectively, for the CC, CH and CN distances, and supposing that the ring structure has the same symmetry as in cyclohexane, the following structural parameters were also obtained: equatorial isomer CCC (carbon ring) = 111.40°, r(CCN) = 1.489 Å, HCCN = 107.42°; axial isomer CCC (carbon ring) = 111.65°, r(CCN) = 1.489 Å, HCCN = 105.53°.     

Simultaneous Estimation of Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol in Essential Oils and Traditional and Ultrasound-Assisted Extracts of Different Species of Cinnamon Using a Sustainable/Green HPTLC Technique

A wide range of analytical techniques are reported for the determination of cinnamaldehyde (CCHO) and eugenol (EOH) in plant extracts and herbal formulations either alone or in combination. Nevertheless, sustainable/green analytical techniques for the estimation of CCHO and EOH either alone or in combination are scarce in the literature. Accordingly, the present research was carried out to establish a rapid, highly sensitive, and sustainable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique for the simultaneous estimation of CCHO and EOH in the traditional and ultrasound-assisted methanolic extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia and their essential oils. The simultaneous estimation of CCHO and EOH was performed through NP-18 silica gel 60 F254S HPTLC plates. The cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (90:10, v v⁻¹) solvent system was optimized as the mobile phase for the simultaneous estimation of CCHO and EOH. The greenness score of the HPTLC technique was predicted using AGREE software. The entire analysis was carried out at a detection wavelength of 296 nm for CCHO and EOH. The sustainable HPTLC technique was observed as linear in the range 10–2000 ng band⁻¹ for CCHO and EOH. The proposed technique was found to be highly sensitive, rapid, accurate, precise, and robust for the simultaneous estimation of CCHO and EOH. The content of CCHO in traditional methanolic extracts of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 96.36, 118.49, and 114.18 mg g⁻¹, respectively. However, the content of CCHO in ultrasound-assisted methanolic extracts of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 111.57, 134.39, and 129.07 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The content of CCHO in essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 191.20, 214.24, and 202.09 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The content of EOH in traditional methanolic extracts of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 73.38, 165.41, and 109.10 mg g⁻¹, respectively. However, the content of EOH in ultrasound-assisted methanolic extracts of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 87.20, 218.09, and 121.85 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The content of EOH in essential oils of C. zeylanicum, C. burmannii, and C. cassia was found to be 61.26, 79.21, and 69.02 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The amounts of CCHO and EOH were found to be significantly higher in ultrasound-assisted extracts of all species compared to its traditional extraction and hence ultrasound extraction has been proposed as a superior technique for the extraction of CCHO and EOH. The AGREE analytical score of the present analytical technique was predicted as 0.75, suggesting excellent greenness profile of the proposed analytical technique. Based on all these observations and results, the proposed sustainable HPTLC technique can be successfully used for the simultaneous estimation of CCHO and EOH in different plant extracts and herbal products.     

Pulsed fourier transform NMR of substituted aryltrimethyltin derivatives : II. (119Sn-13C) coupling constants and 13C chemical shifts of meta- and para-derivatives

Carbon-13 NMR data are reported for thirteen para- and meta-substituted phenyltrimethyltin compounds, RC₆H₄Sn(CH₃)₃, where R = para-N(CH₃)₂, para-OCH₃, para-OC₂H₅, para-CH₃, meta-CH₃, -H, para-F, meta-OCH₃, para-Cl, para-Br, meta-F, meta-Cl and para-Sn(CH₃)₃. In the para-derivatives, correlation coefficients with Hammet σ-constants of greater than ca. 0.9 are obtained with the tin-carbon couplings to methyl, C₁ and C₄ carbons, and with the carbon-13 chemical shifts δ(C(1)). In the meta-derivatives, the couplings |J(Sn-CH₃)|:, |:J(Sn-C(1))|:, |:J(Sn-C(3))|: and |:J(Sn-C(6))|:, and the shifts δ(C(1)) and δ(C(5)) correlate well with Hammett σ. In the para-derivatives, sensitivity to change in substituent falls off C(4) > C(3, 5) > C(1) > C(2, 6) > CH₃ as registered by the δ(C), while in the meta-derivatives δ(C) changes decrease C(3) > C(2), C(4) > C(1) > C(5), C(6) > CH₃. The magnitudes of the tin coupling constants decrease C(1) > CH₃ > C(3, 5) > C(2, 6) > C(4) in the para-derivatives, while in the meta-series the order is C(1) > CH₃ > C(3), C(5) > C(2) > C(6) > C(4). The two sets of one-bond |:J(Sn-CH₃)|: and |:J(Sn-C(1)|: values correspond closely to the 0.25/0.33 ratio of coefficients in the LCAO approach, and are interpreted in terms of s-electron redistributions at the tin atom with change in substituent.     

Analysis of Volatile Molecules Present in the Secretome of the Fungal Pathogen Candida glabrata

Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis are the four most common human fungal pathogens isolated that can cause superficial and invasive infections. It has been shown that specific metabolites present in the secretomes of these fungal pathogens are important for their virulence. C. glabrata is the second most common isolate world-wide and has an innate resistance to azoles, xenobiotics and oxidative stress that allows this fungal pathogen to evade the immune response and persist within the host. Here, we analyzed and compared the C. glabrata secretome with those of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and the non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In C. glabrata, we identified a different number of metabolites depending on the growth media: 12 in synthetic complete media (SC), 27 in SC-glutamic acid and 23 in rich media (YPD). C. glabrata specific metabolites are 1-dodecene (0.09 ± 0.11%), 2,5-dimethylundecane (1.01 ± 0.19%), 3,7-dimethyldecane (0.14 ± 0.15%), and octadecane (0.4 ± 0.53%). The metabolites that are shared with C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae are phenylethanol, which is synthesized from phenylalanine, and eicosane and nonanoic acid (identified as trimethylsilyl ester), which are synthesized from fatty acid metabolism. Phenylethanol is the most abundant metabolite in all fungi tested: 26.36 ± 17.42% (C. glabrata), 46.77 ± 15.58% (C. albicans), 49.76 ± 18.43% (C. tropicalis), 5.72 ± 0.66% (C. parapsilosis.) and 44.58 ± 27.91% (S. cerevisiae). The analysis of C. glabrata’s secretome will allow us to further our understanding of the possible role these metabolites could play in its virulence.     

Molecular structure and conformation of gaseous 2-chloro-3-fluoro-1-propene

2-Chloro-3-fluoro-1-propene has been studied by electron diffraction, and the molecule was found to exist in equilibrium between a syn and a gauche conformation, with the syn conformation as the most stable. The most important structure parameters with standard deviation are: r_g(CC) = 1.338(6) Å,r_g(C—C) = 1.505(5) Å, r_g(C—F) = 1.378(4) Å, r_g(C-Cl) = 1.743(3) Å, ∠CC—Cl = 123.0(7)°, ∠CC—C = 125.6(6)° and ∠C—C—F = 111.2(8)°.A force field was determined by a least-squares refinement to vibrational frequencies. Mean square amplitudes of vibration and perpendicular amplitude correction coefficients have been calculated. The mean square amplitudes of vibration from the electron diffraction data are in very good agreement with the values calculated from the spectroscopic data.     

New N-acylamino acids and derivatives from renewable fatty acids: gelation of hydrocarbons and thermal properties

This work reports the synthesis of new fatty N-acylamino acids and N-acylamino esters from the C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C18:1(OH) fatty acid families and demonstrates the activity of these compounds as organogel agents. Compounds were heated and dissolved in various solvents (n-hexane, toluene, and gasoline). Only saturated C16:0 and C18:0 derived from alanine were able to form gels in toluene, and saturated C16:0 derived from phenylalanine showed gelation in n-hexane. This is the first evidence that fatty N-acylamino esters and N-acylamino acid derivatives of l-serine and fatty acids C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 are able to form gels with hexane. This observation confirms the importance of the hydroxyl group in the segment derivative of l-serine in forming good gels.     

Rhodium(I) catalysis of cycloprop[a]acenaphthylene isomerizations

Cycloprop [a] acenaphthylene was found to rearrange to phenalene in the presence of rhodium dicarbonyl chloride dimer. Deuterium labeling of this molecule at C(7) (both exo and endo), at C(8), at C(7) (exo) and C(8) and at C(7) (exo), C(8), and C(8') indicated that the C(7) (exo) deuterium was migrating stereospecifically. Furthermore, all of the isotopic label present in the cycloprop[a]acenaphthylene was found statistically distributed over positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 of the phenalene product. Control experiments established the need of the catalyst, the inability to achieve rearrangement of the exo-7-methyl derivative, and the susceptibility of a monodeuterated phenalene for extensive isotopic scrambling in its own right when exposed to rhodium(I). These results have been interpreted on the basis of oxidative addition by rhodium(I) into the central bond of cycloprop[a]acenaphthylene from above the “flap”, followed by shifting of the C(7) (exo) hydrogen (or deuterium) to give a η³-allylrhodim-(III) complex. The experimental data further support a mechanism involving subsequent rearrangement of this intermediate around the periphery of the phenalene ring. This process which is otherwise degenerate is thought to be facilitated by the special electronic features of the phenalenyl system.     

Stereodefined synthesis of the four possible stereoisomers of 5,18-diHETE

Because of the structural similarity between 5,18-diHETE and anti-inflammatory resolvin E2, synthesis of 5,18-diHETE was studied. Methyl (R)-3-hydroxyvalerate was converted to the (R)-C9–C20 phosphonium salt via alkylation of the derived iodide with propargyl alcohol dianion and subsequent Castro-Stephens coupling. The (S)-enantiomer was prepared via Mitsunobu inversion. The (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of the γ-TMS-propargylic alcohol corresponding to the C1–C7 part were constructed by asymmetric hydrogen transfer reaction and converted to the (R)- and (S)-enals by adding the aldehyde carbon using the reaction of the derived TMS-epoxide with Et₂AlCN followed by hydride reduction. The (R)-enantiomer of the C1–C8 enal was coupled with the (R)-C9–C20 phosphonium salt by Wittig reaction, and the functional group in the product was transformed to afford 5R,18R-diHETE stereoselectively. Other stereoisomers were synthesized as well.     

Cross-mixing study of a poisonous Cestrum species,Cestrum diurnum in herbal raw material by chemical fingerprinting using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS

Poisonous plants are widely distributed and may have risk of phytotoxicity upon mixing with medicinal plants. Several species of Cestrum genus are poisonous and linked with many serious health issues. In the present study, cross-mixing of a toxic plant, Cestrum diurnum with morphologically resembling medicinal plant, Adhatoda vasica was studied using chemical fingerprinting approach. LC-ESI-MS/MS tool was used to develop the chemical fingerprints of three toxic species of Cestrum, including, C. diurnum, C. nocturnum and C. parqui. Total forty-three compounds were identified using high-resolution LC-ESI-MS/MS data comparison. Chemometric analyses were done to compare the distribution of identified compounds present in these Cestrum species. One of the identified compounds, nornicotine (a toxic compound) was also quantified using LC-IT-MS/MS. Adulteration study was conducted by mixing toxic C. diurnum in A. vasica with various ratios (w/w) and five differentiable compounds were identified to detect the adulteration. The method was able to detect up to the limit of 5% mixing of toxic C. diurnum. Moreover, cytotoxicity of the methanolic extracts of these three species were also studied on normal human PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and all found to be toxic, while the C. nocturnum showed the highest level of toxicity with the IC₅₀ 12.5 μg/mL.     

Efficient access to β- and γ-carbolines from a common starting material by sequential site-selective Pd-catalyzed C–C,C–N coupling reactions

Two efficient and practical approaches are reported for the synthesis of β- and γ-carboline derivatives from 3,4-dibromopyridine as a common starting material. The β-carbolines were prepared by site-selective Pd-catalyzed C–C coupling with o-bromophenylboronic acid and subsequent cyclization by double C–N coupling with amines. γ-Carbolines were prepared from the same starting material by C–N coupling with anilines and subsequent annulation by domino C–C/C–N coupling with o-bromophenylboronic acid.     

Cross-coupling of 2-methylquinolines and in-situ activated isoquinolines: Construction of 1,2-disubstituted isoquinolinones

In this study, a method was developed to form C(sp³)–C(sp²) bonds via copper catalyst-promoted cross coupling of 2-methylquinoline and in-situ-activated 3-haloisoquinoline under mild conditions. The multi-component tandem reaction was used to construct new C–N, C=O and C–C bonds in one pot via sequential functionalization of the N1, C3 and C1 positions of 3-haloisoquinoline. This method can be used to efficiently access 1,2-disubstituted isoquinolinones by the three-component reaction of 3-halogen isoquinoline, alkyl halide, and 2-methylquinoline.