Separation of Polybutylene Glycols Widely Differing in Molecular Weight on Different Stationary Phase by Gradient RP-HPLC and Detection by Evaporative Light Scattering

Polybutylene glycols (PBG’s) substantially differing in molecular weight (MW), i.e., PBG 650, PBG 1000, PBG 2000 and PBG 3000 were subjected to separation on monolithic, i.e., Chromolith SpeedRod RP-18 and Chromolith Performance RP-18, polymeric, i.e., Polymer C₁₈ and silica-based, i.e., Nucleosil 5C₄ chromatographic supports. Different eluent systems each consisting of a ternary gradient built up from acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and water were applied and monitoring of signal responses was accomplished by evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Fine-tuning of the gradient profiles for the different PBG’s yields optimum separation of the individual oligomers of the low MW samples PBG 650 and PBG 1000 and no marked differences seem to occur on the four stationary phases used within the study. However in contrast, pronounced deviations between them were observable when applied for separation of PBG 2000 and PBG 3000. Surprisingly in the latter case the Nucleosil 5C₄ support proved to be better suited for separation of sample constituents of higher MW. Although better resolution into individual oligomers, in particular of PBG 2000 and PBG 3000, was achieved on both Chromolith SpeedRod RP-18 and Chromolith Performance RP-18 when compared to the Polymer C₁₈ support, the good separation efficiency of the latter support is nevertheless quite remarkable making this material an additional valuable alternative for chromatographic fingerprinting at least for PBG 650 and PBG 1000.     

New CNT/poly(brilliant green) and CNT/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) based electrochemical enzyme biosensors

A combination of the electroactive polymer poly(brilliant green) (PBG) or conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with carbon nanotubes to obtain CNT/PBG and CNT/PEDOT modified carbon film electrodes (CFE) has been investigated as a new biosensor platform, incorporating the enzymes glucose oxidase (GOx) as test enzyme, alcohol oxidase (AlcOx) or alcohol dehydrogenase (AlcDH). The sensing parameters were optimized for all biosensors based on CNT/PBG/CFE, CNT/PEDOT/CFE platforms. Under optimized conditions, both GOx biosensors exhibited very similar sensitivities, while in the case of AlcOx and AlcDH biosensors, AlcOx/CNT/PBG/CFE was found to give a higher sensitivity and lower detection limit. The influence of dissolved O₂ on oxidase-biosensor performance was investigated and was shown to be different for each enzyme. Comparisons were made with similar reported biosensors, showing the advantages of the new biosensors, and excellent selectivity against potential interferents was successfully demonstrated. Finally, alcohol biosensors were successfully used for the determination of ethanol in alcoholic beverages.     

Total synthesis of (+)-blastmycinone and formal synthesis of (+)-antimycin A3b

The formal synthesis of (+)-antimycin A_3b and the total synthesis of (+)-blastmycinone were achieved using, as a key step, a method developed by us for the synthesis of 2-methyl-1,3-diols via Ti(III)-mediated diastereo- and regioselective opening of trisubstituted 2,3-epoxy alcohols, to carry out the stereoselective construction of the hydroxy-acid segment. An interesting intramolecular radical translocation took place during the epoxide opening process transforming its vicinal PMB-ether in situ, into an ‘1,2-O-(p-methoxy)benzylidene’ ring.     

Piezoelectric relaxation in poly(γ-benzyl-glutamate)

The piezoelectric d- and e-constants, together with the elastic constant and the dielectric constant, were measured for oriented poly(γ-benzyl-glutamate) (PBG) films with various elongation ratios as a function of frequency and temperature, using an apparatus developed by us. The results are discussed in terms of a general theory of piezoelectricity for inhomogeneous systems, in particular for a disperse two-phase system. The piezoelectricity of PBG film is proved to originate from the piezoelectric and optically active symmetry of PBG crystallities and their orientation distribution by three findings: (1) the d₁₄ component of the piezoelectric matrix, which is the only component for a uniaxially or uniplanarly oriented system, is observed; (2) d₁₄ > 0 for PBDG and d₁₄ < 0 for PBLG; (3) d₁₄ is proportional to the degree of orientation F_c of PBG crystallites, as determined by x-ray diffraction. By extrapolating to perfect orientation, d₁₄ is determined to be 5 × 10^?8 cgs esu, if the side chains of PBG are rigid. The piezoelectric relaxation of PBG due to thermal motion of the side chains has a dual character: it is relaxational at lower frequencies and retardational at higher frequencies. On the assumption that the α-helical main chains surrounded by the bulky side chains are responsible for the origin of the piezoelectricity, such relaxation phenomena are interpreted in terms of the relaxation of the local elastic field in the main chains. An equivalent model having the same frequency characteristics is proposed to include the higher order structure of the PBG film.     

Direct SNAr amination of fluorinated imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine nucleosides: efficient syntheses of 3-fluoro-3-deazaadenosine analogs

This paper describes the ready preparation of 3,6-difluoro-3-deazapurine (4,7-difluoroimidazo[4,5-c]pyridine). This novel base was glycosylated under mild conditions using three different ribose sugar analogs. 3,6-Difluoro-3-deazapurine ribonucleoside analogs underwent direct S_NAr amination reactions with liquid ammonia to give 3-fluoro-3-deazaadenosine analogs in excellent yield; in contrast, 6-chloro-3-fluoro-3-deazapurine nucleosides were inert under similar reaction conditions.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of SGLT2 inhibitors: gem-difluoromethylenated Dapagliflozin analogs

Dapagliflozin is currently the most advanced SGLT2 inhibitor, which has been used in Phase III clinical trials for treatment of diabetes. Here we describe the design and synthesis of Dapagliflozin analogs modified with gem-difluoromethylene group. Their biological evaluation of in vitro inhibitory activity against human SGLT2 showed that some of the analogs with CF₂ at C-4 are better SGLT2 inhibitors compared with Dapagliflozin.     

Ethynylation of pyrroles with 1-acyl-2-bromoacetylenes on alumina: a formal ‘inverse Sonogashira coupling’

Pyrroles are cross-coupled with 1-acyl-2-bromoacetylenes on the surface of Al₂O₃ at room temperature under solvent-free conditions to afford 2-(acylethynyl)pyrroles with 100% regioselectivity and in good yields, thus representing the first example of a palladium-, copper-, base-, and solvent-free (‘green’) ethynylation of pyrroles, which can be considered a formal ‘inverse Sonogashira coupling’. Given the interest in functionalized pyrroles and acetylenes, this new facile and environmentally friendly cross-coupling should be of significant interest for the role of acylhaloacetylenes in pyrrole and acetylene chemistry.     

Reactivity of Binary Mixtures of La(III) Oxide and Cu(II) Oxalate or Nitrate and Synthesis of La(III) Cuprate

Reactivity of mixtures of La(III) oxide and Cu(II) oxalate/nitrate in hydrated as well as anhydrous state was studied using TG, DTA and XRD. Cu(II) oxide formed in the endothermic decomposition of mixture containing hydrated Cu(II) nitrate and La(III) oxide could not form La₂CuO₄ while Cu(II) oxide formed in the exothermic decomposition of mixture containing hydrated/anhydrous Cu(II) oxalate and La(III) oxide reacts with La(III) oxide and develops the phases CuLaO₃ and La₂CuO₄. The maximum reactivity with respect to the formation of La₂CuO₄phase was observed in mixture containing anhydrous Cu(II) oxalate. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Reactivity of binary mixtures of Cu(II) oxalate and La(III) oxalate

Reactivity of binary mixtures of oxalates of Cu(II) and La(III) was studied by observing their thermal behaviours in decomposition using TG, DTA and XRD techniques to set the temperature conditions for preparations of various composites of oxides of Cu(II) and La(III). In the thermal behaviour it was found that the decomposition of Cu(II) oxalate is not affected while that of La(III) oxalate is drastically affected in the case of all the mixtures. The decomposition temperature at which La(III) oxide is formed is lowered by 250 K in the case of all the mixtures while the complete decomposition occurred at 723 K only in the case of mixtures containing excess Cu(II) oxalate.At 823 K La₂CuO₄ phase is developed in all the mixtures while -La and Cu₂La phases are also detected in mixtures containing excess Cu(II) oxalate. Therefore, the temperature 823 K was found to be suitable to prepare various composites viz. La₂CuO₄, La₂CuO₄·La₂O₃ and La₂CuO₄·CuO to study their electrical properties.Authors are thankful to the authorities of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, for providing the funds for research project and to Professor A. V. Phadke, Department of Geology, University of Poona, for valuable discussion.     

Crystal growth and magnetic behavior of R6T13−xAlxMy phases (R=La, Nd; T=Mn, Fe; M=main group) grown from lanthanide-rich eutectic fluxes

Binary eutectic mixtures of early lanthanide metals and late transition metals have been explored as media for crystal growth of new intermetallic phases. A large family of R₆T_13−xAl_xM_y phases (R=La or Nd; T=Fe or Mn; M=main group elements) with the La₆Co₁₁Ga₃ structure type can be crystallized from La/Ni and Nd/Fe eutectics. The tetragonal structure of these compounds features slabs of transition metal atoms capped with mixed T/Al sites and separated by layers of lanthanide ions. The growth of large crystals of the lanthanum analogs allows for the study of the anisotropic magnetic properties of the transition metal slabs. For La₆Fe_13−xAl_xM_y analogs, these order antiferromagnetically with T_N strongly dependent on the Fe/Al ratio on the mixed sites. Growth of Mn analogs is reported for the first time; the transition metal slabs in La₆(Mn/Ni)₁₀Al₃ phases order ferromagnetically with a T_C of 200 K.     

A hydrogen-1, nitrogen-15, and chlorine-35 NMR coordination study of Lu(ClO4)3 and Lu(NO3)3 in aqueous solvent mixtures

A coordination study of Lu(III) has been carried out for the nitrate and perchlorate salts in aqueous mixtures of acetone-d₆ and Freon-12 by¹H,¹⁵N and³⁵Cl NMR spectroscopy. At temperatures lower than –90°C, proton and ligand exchange are slow enough to permit the direct observation of¹H resonance signals for coordinated and free water molecules, leading to an accurate measure of the Lu(III) hydration number. In perchlorate solution, in the absence of inner-shell ion-pairing, Lu(III) exhibits a maximum coordination number of six over the allowable concentration range of study, contrasting markedly with the report of values of six to nine or greater as determined by a similar NMR method. The absence of contact ion-pairing was confirmed by³⁵Cl NMR chemical shift and linewidth measurements. Extensive ion-pairing was observed in the nitrate solutions as reflected by the lower Lu(III) hydration numbers of two to three in these systems, the observation of two coordinated water signals, and¹⁵N NMR signals for two complexes. The¹H and¹⁵N NMR spectra and the hydration number could be accounted for by the presence of (H₂O)₄Lu(NO₃)²⁺ and (H₂O)₂Lu(NO₃) ₂ ¹⁺ .     

Chromium(III)-Ettringite Formation and its Thermal Stability

Attempts have been made to replace aluminium(III) by chromium(III) in the ettringite structure because of practical importance of a waste treatment technology. The optimum conditions of Ca₆[Cr(OH)₆]₂(SO₄)₃⋅26H₂O formation and its thermal stability are reported. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The crystal chemistry of Bi6TP2O15+x, T=Fe, Ni, Zn: Isomorphism and polymorphism, structural relationship to Bi6TiP2O16

The crystal structures of compounds with nominal compositions Bi₆FeP₂O_15+x (I), Bi₆NiP₂O_15+x (II) and Bi₆ZnP₂O_15+x (III) were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. They are monoclinic, space group I2, Z=2. The lattice parameters for (I) are a=11.2644(7), b=5.4380(3), c=11.1440(5) Å, β=96.154(4)°; for (II) a=11.259(7), b=5.461(4), c=11.109(7) Å, β=96.65(1)°; for (III) a=19.7271(5), b=5.4376(2), c=16.9730(6) Å, β=131.932(1)°. Least squares refinements on F² converged for (I) to R1=0.0554, wR₂=0.1408; for (II) R₁=0.0647, wR₂=0.1697; for (III) R₁=0.0385, wR₂=0.1023. The crystals are complexly twinned by 2-fold rotation about , by inversion and by mirror reflection. The structures consist of edge-sharing articulations of OBi₄ tetrahedra forming layers in the a-c plane that then continue by edge-sharing parallel to the b-axis. The three-dimensional networks are bridged by Fe and Ni octahedra in (I) and (II) and by Zn trigonal bipyramids in (III) as well as by oxygen atoms of the PO₄ moieties. Bi also randomly occupies the octahedral sites. Oxygen vacancies exist in the structures of the three compounds due to required charge balances and they occur in the octahedral coordination polyhedron of the transition metal. In compound (III), no positional disorder in atomic sites is present. The Bi-O coordination polyhedra are trigonal prisms with one, two or three faces capped. Magnetic susceptibility data for compound (I) were obtained between 4.2 and 350 K. Between 4.2 and 250 K it is paramagnetic, μ_eff=6.1 μ_B; a magnetic transition occurs above 250 K.     

2-methylindole analogs as cholinesterases and glutathione S-transferase inhibitors: Synthesis,biological evaluation,molecular docking,and pharmacokinetic studies

In this study, we aimed to (i) synthesize new 2-methylindole analogs containing various amino structures, pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, and substituted phenyl groups through structural and molecular modifications, (ii) evaluate the pharmaceutical potential of 2-methylindole analogs via assessing enzyme inhibitory activity against glutathione S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), (iii) predict ADMET and pharmacokinetic properties of the synthesized 2-methylindole analogs, (iv) reveal the possible interactions between the synthesized 2-methylindole analogs with GST, AChE, and BChE enzymes using several molecular docking software. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays showed that the synthesized indole analogs exhibited moderate to good inhibitory activities against GST, AChE, and BChE enzymes. Briefly, the inhibitory activities of the analogs 4b and 4i against AChE, 4a and 4b against BChE, and analogs 1 and 4i against GST were detected to be higher or close to the standard inhibitor compounds. The analog 4b was detected to have the best inhibitory activity against both AChE and BChE enzymes with the lowest IC₅₀ values as 0.648 µM for AChE and 0.745 µM for BChE. The analyses of enzyme inhibition relationship with the synthesized analogs could help to design new analogs for the inhibitors of cholinergic and glutathione pathways based on the indole derivatives.     

Trinuclear metal(III) trifluoroacetates

Hydrated and anhydrous trinuclear metal(III) trifluoroacetates of Cr and Fe were prepared by reaction of freshly precipitated metal oxides with trifluoroacetic acid, while manganese analogs by acid exchange. IR data show the presence of bidentate trifluoroacetate groups. The diffuse reflectance spectra suggest octahedral environment around metals.Mössbauer spectra show that iron atoms in the compounds are high spin hexacoordinated; two types of iron sites are suggested in hydrated iron compound. Low magnetic moment of chromium and iron compounds indicate antiferromagnetic coupling. Th anhydrous compounds decompose in single step with the evolution of (CF₃CO)₂O.M ₃O(O₂CCF₃)₇ form complexes [M ₃O(O₂CCF₃)₆·3Py]⁺ [O₂CCF₃]^– with pyridine.

---

Dreikernige Metall(III)-Trifluoracetate

Zusammenfassung Es wurden hydratisierte und wasserfreie dreikernige Metall(III)-Trifluoracetate von Cr und Fe mittels der Reaktion von frisch gefälltem Metalloxid und Trifluoressigsäure dargestellt; die Mangan-Analogen wurden über Säure-Austausch gewonnen. Die IR-Daten zeigen die Präsenz von zweizähnigen Trifluoracetat-Gruppen an. Die diffuse-reflectance-Spektren sprechen für eine octahedrale Umgebung rund um das Metall. DieMössbauer-Spektren zeigen, daß die Eisenatome in den entsprechenden Verbindungen high-spin hexakoordiniert sind; dabei werden in den hydratisierten Eisenverbindungen zwei Typen von Eisenatomen gezeigt. Ein niederes magnetisches Moment der Chrom- und Eisen-Verbindungen zeigen eine antiferromagnetische Kopplung an. Die wasserfreien Verbindungen zersetzen sich in einem einzigen Schritt unter Entwicklung von (CF₃CO)₂O. Mit Pyridin bilden die VerbindungenM ₃O(O₂CCF₃)₇ die Komplexe [M ₃O(O₂CCF₃)₆·3Py]⁺ [O₂CCF₃]^–.

     

Li2MnO3-based composite cathodes for lithium batteries: A novel synthesis approach and new structures

A new, simple technique has been demonstrated for fabricating high-capacity composite electrode structures. In this technique, Li₂MnO₃ is leached in acid in the presence of soluble transition metal ions and subsequently annealed between 450 and 850 °C. The technique can be used to prepare a wide variety of composite compounds, in particular, a new family of ‘layered–rocksalt’ xLi₂MnO₃·(1−x)MO (e.g., M = Ni and Co) structures and modifications thereof, as well as ‘layered–layered’ xLi₂MnO₃·(1−x)LiMO₂ (e.g., M = Mn, Ni, and Co) and ‘layered–spinel’ xLi₂MnO₃·(1−x)LiM₂O₄ (e.g., M = Mn and Ni). This novel approach also holds promise for 1) synthesizing materials that reduce the extent of internal phase transitions of composite cathode structures with a high manganese content, and 2) minimizing the extent to which cells need to be electrochemically activated to remove Li₂O, thereby reducing the extent of the irreversible capacity loss on the first charge/discharge cycle.     

Synthesis of 6-thia analogs of the natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone

A procedure is described for the preparation of 6-thiapregnanes in five steps from pregnenolone via a 5-oxo-7-iodo-secopregnane intermediate. The 6-thiasteroid obtained was converted into 6-thia-allopregnanolone and its sulfoxide and sulfone derivatives. The trans stereochemistry at the A/B ring junction was accomplished by stereoselective reduction of an intermediate hemithioketal with triethylsilane/BF₃·Et₂O. The compounds synthesized are analogs of natural neurosteroids, and exhibited GABA_A receptor activity comparable to allopregnanolone.     

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis and anticancer effects of the novel non-calcemic analog of vitamin D, 2α-fluoro-19-nor-22-oxa-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in metastatic lung carcinoma

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α,25-D₃) has potent antiproliferative and anti-invasive properties in vitro in cancer cells. However, the major limitation to its clinical use is that it causes hypercalcemia. Therefore, vitamin D analogs with potent cell regulatory effects but with weaker calcemic effects than 1α,25-D₃ are required. Among them, 22-oxa-1α,25-D₃ and 19-nor-1α,25-D₃ have anti-cancer effects with relatively low calcemic effects. Modifications at the C-2α position of the A-ring also produced analogs with a unique biological profile. Not only the side-chain but also the A-ring modification thus generates a unique analog with potent cell regulatory effects and low calcemic activity as well. We report here that the hybrid 1α,25-D₃ analog, synthesized via the highly regio- and stereo-selective ring opening 2α-fluorination and catalytic asymmetric carbonyl-ene cyclization, with 2α-fluoro, 19-nor, and 22-oxa modification exhibits unique cell regulatory activities against the development of metastatic lung carcinoma.     

The thermal behaviour of the hydroxide mixtures used for the synthesis of MgFe2O4 spinel

The thermal behaviour of hydroxide mixtures, precursors to the synthesis of MgFe₂O₄ spinel powders, was investigated.The mixtures of hydroxides were prepared by coprecipitation reaction from nitrate solutions with an Mg/Fe atomic ratio of 12. The results were related to the thermal behaviour of separately precipitated components of the hydroxide mixtures. Samples prepared by mechanically mixing the separately precipitated hydroxides were also studied.The spinel formation temperature was identified by performing XRD analysis on powder samples heated to different temperatures. The presence of spinel from the thermal decomposition of coprecipitated mixtures was detected at a temperature as low as 380°C. The separate formation of MgO and Fe₂O₃ from the thermal decomposition of mechanical mixtures was observed; nevertheless the formation of MgFe₂O₄ through a solid state reaction between the oxides was noted at a temperature as low as 500°C.The Authors wish to thank Dr. L. Petrilli and Mr. F. Dianetti for carrying out the elemental chemical analyses at the Microanalysis Service of the C. N. R. laboratories of the Area della Ricerca di Roma.     

CoFe2O4 nano-particles functionalized with 8-hydroxyquinoline for dispersive solid-phase micro-extraction and direct fluorometric monitoring of aluminum in human serum and water samples

A simple dispersive solid-phase micro-extraction method based on CoFe₂O₄ nano-particles (NPs) functionalized with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) with the aid of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was developed for separation of Al(III) ions from aqueous solutions. Al(III) ions are separated at pH 7 via complex formation with 8-HQ using the functionalized CoFe₂O₄ nano-particles sol solution as a dispersed solid-phase extractor. The separated analyte is directly quantified by a spectrofluorometric method at 370 nm excitation and 506 nm emission wavelengths. A comparison of the fluorescence of Al(III)–8-HQ complex in bulk solution and that of Al(III) ion interacted with 8-HQ/SDS/CoFe₂O₄ NPs revealed a nearly 5-fold improvement in intensity. The experimental factors influencing the separation and in situ monitoring of the analyte were optimized. Under these conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.1–300 ng mL⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9986. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.03 ng mL⁻¹ and 0.10 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The inter-day and intra-day relative standard deviations for six replicate determinations of 150 ng mL⁻¹ Al(III) ion were 2.8% and 1.7%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to direct determine Al(III) ion in various human serum and water samples.