Characterization of crude oil biomarkers using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

Oil samples from Recôncavo basin (NE Brazil), previously analyzed by traditional techniques such as gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, were evaluated using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry and comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry along with simplified methods of samples preparation to evaluate the differences and advantages of these analytical techniques to better understand the development of the organic matter in this basin without altering the normal distribution of the compounds in the samples. As a result, the geochemical parameters calculated by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry described better the origin, maturity, and biodegradation of both samples probably by increased selectivity, resolution, and sensitivity inherent of the multidimensional technique. Additionally, the detection of the compounds such as, the C(14α‐) homo‐26‐nor‐17α‐hopane series, diamoretanes, nor‐spergulanes, C₁₉–C₂₆ A‐nor‐steranes and 4α‐methylsteranes resolved and detected by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry were key to classify and differentiate these lacustrine samples according to their maturity and deposition conditions.     

Polar Metabolites of the Tropical Green Seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia Which Is Spreading in the Mediterranean Sea: Glycoglycerolipids and Stable Enols (α\=Keto Esters)

Examination of the polar components of the green seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl ) C. Agardh , which is heavily spreading in the northeastern Mediterranean, led to two families of compounds. The new (2R)-3-O-β-D -galactopyranosyl-1-O-[(7Z,10Z,13Z)-hexadeca-7,10,13-trienoyl]-2-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-1,12,15-trienoyl]-sn-glycerol ( 2 ) was isolated in low abundance, like the analogues 1 and 3 already known from freshwater cyanobacteria. The acyl positions in 1 – 3 were determined by enzymatic methods and the absolute configuration from the O-galactosylglycerol obtained upon alcaline methanolysis. More abundant were the (4-hydroxyphenyl)- and (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)pyruvic acid methyl esters, occurring in the enol (Z) forms 13a and 14a accompanied by very minor (E) forms 13b and 14b . The latter became predominant on UV irradiation of 13a or 14a , allowing the determination of the C=C configuration of these isolatable, stable enols from ¹H,¹³C NMR couplings (larger H−C(3)/C(1) coupling constant in the (E) than in the (Z) isomer). Contrary to literature implications, the O-galactosylglycerolipids 1 – 3 lack any cholinergic or histaminergic activity; similarly, enols (= α-keto esters) 13 and 14 or terpenoids of this seaweed were also devoid of such biological activities (see Table).     

Monohydroxy‐Substituted Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Swertia japonica

Fourteen monohydroxy‐substituted polyunsaturated fatty acids, including two new compounds, (9Z,12S,13E,15Z)‐12‐hydroxyoctadeca‐9,13,15‐trienoic acid ( 10 ) and (9Z,12Z,14E,16R)‐16‐hydroxyoctadeca‐9,12,14‐trienoic acid ( 13 ), and 12 known ones, i.e., 1 – 9, 11, 12 , and 14 , were isolated from the whole plants of Swertia japonica Makino , and characterized as the corresponding methyl esters 1a – 14a . Their structures were elucidated by analysis of the corresponding spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of 10a and 13a were determined by the Mosher‐ester method. The CD spectra (Table) of compounds 1a – 14a are briefly discussed. This is the first report on the isolation of monohydroxy‐substituted polyunsaturated fatty acids from the Swertia genus in Gentianaceae.     

Identification of Twenty-one Novel Constituents of Oriental Tobacco Flavour (Nicotiana tabacumL.) including (E)-3-methyl-non-2-en-4-one,pentadecan-15-olide, 8α, 13:9α, 13-diepoxy-15, 16-dinorlabdane, (Z)-octadec-9-en-18-olide,and (E)-2-ethylidene-6, 10, 14-trimethyl-pentadecanal

Investigation by gas liquid chromatography of a small but organoleptically typical subfraction of Oriental tobacco condensate led to the identification of 47 compounds. Of these 21 have hitherto not been reported as Oriental tobacco constituents, and 14 appear to be novel to all tobacco types. The latter are (E)-3-methyl-non-2-en-4-one ( 1 ), (E)-1-(2, 3, 6-trimethylphenyl)-but-2-en-1-one ( 3 ), pentadecan-15-olide ( 12 ), 8α, 13:9α, 13-diepoxy-15, 16-dinorlabdane ( 17 ), (Z)-octadec-9-en-18-olide ( 18 ), (E)-2-ethylidene-6, 10, 14-trimethylpentadecanal ( 21 ), the norlabdanoids 9 , 10 , 11 , 14 , 15 , 16 , tridecan-2-one, and 2-phenylethyl isovalerate. The macrolides 12 and 18 represent the first musk compounds detected in tobacco. Identification were made by direct comparison (MS. and/or ¹ H-NMR./IR.) with the authentic chemicals synthesized whenever necessary.     

Synthesis of Racemic Δ3‐2‐Hydroxybakuchiol and Its Analogues

The first synthetic approach to (±)‐Δ³‐2‐hydroxybakuchiol (=4‐[(1E,5E)‐3‐ethenyl‐7‐hydroxy‐3,7‐dimethylocta‐1,5‐dien‐1‐yl]phenol; 14 ) and its analogues 13a – 13f was developed by 12 steps (Schemes 2 and 3). The key features of the approach are the construction of the quaternary C‐center bearing the ethenyl group by a Johnson–Claisen rearrangement (→ 6 ); and of an (E)‐alkenyl iodide via a Takai–Utimoto reaction (→ 11 ); and an arylation via a Negishi cross‐coupling reaction (→ 12e – 12f ).     

13,14-Seco-steroids: A New Type of Modified Steroids Containing a Nine-Membered Ring

Oxidations of 14α-hydroxy-5α-cholestan-3β-yl acetate ( 5 ) with lead tetraacetate under thermal or photolytic conditions or in the presence of iodine proceed mainly by fragmentation of the C(13)−C(14) bond to give as the primary products the 13,18-didehydro-13,14-seco derivative 6 and the (E )-Δ¹²-13,14-seco ketone 11 , respectively. Further transformations of these compounds under conditions of their formation afforded, in addition, the acetoxy derivatives 7 – 9 (from 6 ), and the D-homo-C-nor compound 12 and (12R,13R)-epoxide 13 (from 11 ). Unexpectedly, the photolytic lead-tetraacetate oxidation of 5 resulted partly (to ca. 20%) in a reversible fragmentation involving scission and recombination of the C(8)−C(14) bond followed by formation of the 14β,22-ether 10 . Possible mechanisms for the observed transformations are discussed.     

Isolation of Toxic and Potentially Toxic Sesqui- and Monoterpenes from the Tropical Green Seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia Which Has Invaded the Region of Cap Martin and Monaco

The green seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia (VAHL ) C. AGARDH (Caulerpales), which, after its recent accidental introduction, is growing in the region of Cap Martin much more vigorously than in the tropics, is shown to contain the known sesquiterpenic toxins caulerpenyne ( 1 ) – in larger amounts than in tropical Caulerpales – and oxytoxin 1 ( 2 ). Novel, potentially toxic products isolated in small amounts from this seaweed include the sesquiterpenes taxifolial A ( = (5E)-6,10-dimethyl-2-[(E)2-oxoethylidene]undeca-5,9-dien-7- yne-1,3-diyl diacetate; 3 ), taxifolial B (= (1E,6E,10E)-3-[( Z )-acetoxymethylidene]-7, 11-dimethyl-12-oxododeca-1,6,10-trien-8-yne-1,4-diyl diacetate; 4 ), 10,11-epoxycaulerpenyne ( = (1E,6E)-3-[(Z)-acetoxymethylidene]-10,11-epoxy-7, 11-dimethyldodeca-1,6-dien-8-yne-1,4-diyl diacetate; 1:1 diastereoisomer mixture; 5 ), and taxifolial C ( = (2Z,6E)-3-formyl-7,11-dimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trien-8-yne-1,1, 4-triyl triacetate; 6 ), besides, as the first example of a monoterpene from the Caulerpales, taxifolial D ( = (2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2, 6-dien-4-ynal; 7 ).     

Face Selectivity of the Diels-Alder Reaction of Hexadienone Moieties Grafted onto the Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene Skeleton and Perturbed by a Remote Tricarbonylbutadieneiron Group

Selective oxidations of bis(tricarbonyliron) complexes of methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-ylidene)methyl ketones 15 – 17 afforded selectively the tricarbonyl {(1RS,4SR,7SR,8RS)-C,7,8,C-η-[methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-(2Z)-2-ylidene)methyl ketone]}iron ( 12 ), the corresponding (2E)-derivative 13 and the tricarbonyl{(1RS,2RS,3SR,4SR)-C,2,3,C-η-[methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-(2Z)-2-ylidene)methyl ketone]}iron ( 18 ). The stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder reactions of the uncomplexed (Z)- and (E)-hexadienone 12 and 13 , respectively, was established. The face of the diene syn with respect to the C(5), C(6) etheno bridge was preferred for the cycloadditions of N-phenyltriazolinedione (NPTAD). In contrast, the reactions of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) and methyl propynoate showed a slight preference for addtion to the face of the hexadienones anti with respect to the etheno bridges of 12 and 13 . The crystal structure of the adduct 25 resulting from the cycloaddition of NPTAD to 12 is reported.     

E,E-α-Farnesene rich essential oil of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wilde flower

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wilde (Fabaceae) commonly known as ‘Ashoka’ is a highly valued medicinal plant categorised ‘vulnerable’ by International Union for Conservation of Nature. The hydro-distilled essential oil from the flowers of S. asoca was investigated using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty-eight compounds representing 95.8% of the total oil were identified. The major constituents of the essential oil were E,E-α-farnesene (41.2%), hexadecanoic acid (15.3%), methyl salicylate (9.5%) and Z-lanceol (6.6%). The oil was found to be rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbon-type constituents.     

Maculatic Acids—Sex Attractant Pheromone Components of Bald‐Faced Hornets

Yellowjackets in the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula are prevalent eusocial insects of great ecological and economic significance, but the chemical signals of their sexual communication systems have defied structural elucidation. Herein, we report the identification of sex attractant pheromone components of virgin bald‐faced hornet queens (Dolichovespula maculata). We analyzed body surface extracts of queens by coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD), isolated the compounds that elicited responses from male antennae by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and identified these components by GC mass spectrometry (MS), HPLC‐MS, and NMR spectroscopy. In laboratory olfactometer experiments, synthetic (2Z,7E)‐3,7‐dimethyldeca‐2,7‐diendioic acid (termed here maculatic acid A) and (2Z,7E)‐10‐methoxy‐3,7‐dimethyldeca‐10‐oxo‐deca‐2,7‐dienoic acid (termed here maculatic acid C) in binary combination significantly attracted bald‐faced hornet males. These are the first sex attractant pheromone components identified in yellowjackets.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Acetone Hydrazones

1‐Isopropylidene‐2‐methylhydrazine ( 1 ), 1‐isopropylidene‐2‐hydroxyethylhydrazine ( 2 ) and 1‐isopropylidene‐2‐formylhydrazine ( 3 ) were synthesized by reaction of the corresponding hydrazine with an excess of acetone in the presence of a drying agent (anhydrous sodium sulfate or barium oxide). All compounds 1 – 3 were characterized by elemental analysis, coupled gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS), multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N) and vibrational spectroscopy (infrared and Raman). Compounds 1 and 2 are liquid at room conditions and their density was measured by means of a picnometer, however, (at room conditions) compound 3 is a solid and its crystal density and structure were determined by low temperature X‐ray diffraction techniques (monoclinic, P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 5.666(1) Å, b = 6.254(1) Å, c = 15.277(4) Å, β = 91.30(2)°, V = 541.2(2) ų). The structure of hydrazone 3 is discussed in detail and compared to that of monoformylhydrazine. Finally, the (gas phase) structure of compound 3 was optimized using DFT calculations (B3LYP/6‐31+G(d, p)) and its NBO charges are reported.     

华泽兰的七个新的倍半萜

Seven new sesquiterpenoids, namely eupatochinilides Ⅰ-Ⅶ （1-7）, together with eight known compounds, euponin （8）, mollisorin A （9）, niveusin B （10）, 8β-（4＇-acetoxy-tiglyloxy）-3β-hydroxy-6Hβ,7Hα-germacra-1（10）E,4E,11（13）-trien-6,12-olide （11）, eupalinifide B （12）, 8β-（4＇-hydroxytigloyloxy）-5-desoxy-8-desacyleuparotin （13）, 3-deacetyeupalinin A （14）, and 15-hydroxyleptocarpin （15）, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Eupatorium chinense L. Their structures and stereochemistry were established by spectroscopic methods and GIAO based ^13C NMR chemical shift calculations.     

Carbon isotope mass spectrometry in doping control

A procedure that makes it possible to establish the origin of endogenous steroids present in human urine by the determination of the ¹³C/¹²C carbon isotope ratio is described. A combination of solid-phase and liquid-liquid extraction, as well as semipreparative liquid chromatography, was used to separate fractions containing testosterone, 5α- and 5β-androstane-3α, 17β-diols, androsterone, ethiocholanolone, 5β-pregnane-3α, 20S-diol, and 16(5α)-androstene-3α-ol. More than 100 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with isotope mass spectrometry. The resulting values of ¹³C/¹²C were statistically processed, and the ranges required for the interpretation of the results were found. The procedure was certified and accredited in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.     

Reduktion von 1,2-bis[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)-NNO-azoxy]benzol: Synthese von Cyclotrisazobenzol ( = (5E,6aZ,11E,12aZ,17E,18aZ)-5,6,11,12,17,18-Hexaazatribenzo[aei][1,3,5,7,9,11]cyclododeca-hexaen)

Reduction of 1,2-Bis[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)-NNO-azoxy]benzene¹: Synthesis of Cyclotrisazobenzene ( = (5E,6aZ,11E,12aZ,17E,18aZ)-5,6,11,12,17,18-Hexaazatribenzo[aei][1,3,5,7,9,11]cyclododeca-hexaene) Na₂S reduction of 1,2-bis[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)-NNO-azoxy]benzene ( 2 ) yielded 3 deoxygenated products: the (known) red 2,2′-((E,E)-1,2-phenylenbisazo)dianiline ( 3 , 23%), the orange 2-[2-((E)-2-aminophenylazo)phenyl]-2H-benzotriazol ( 4 , 55%) and the colorless 2,2′-(1,2-phenylene)di-2H-benzotriazol ( 5 , 13%). The constitutions of 3 – 5 and of 6 , the N-acetyl derivative of 4 , were deduced from their ¹H-NMR spectra (chemical shifts, couplings, and symmetry properties), and the configurations of 3 , 4 , and 6 at their N,N-double bonds are assumed to be the same as in 2 . Oxidation of 3 with 2 mol-equiv. of Pb(OAc)₄ afforded 5 (47%) and a novel, highly symmetrical macrocycle, called cyclotrisazobenzene ( 7 , 24%). The constitution of 7 as a tribenzo-hexaaza[12]annulene and its (E)-configuration at the N,N-bonds was confirmed by X-ray analysis. The molecular symmetry expressed by the ¹H-, ¹³C- and ¹⁵N-NMR spectra of 7 reveals a rapid torsional motion around the six N,C bonds. This implies that the N,N-double bonds in the cyclic 12π-electron system (or 24π-electron system if the benzene rings are included) of 7 are highly localized.     

Novel Sesquiterpenoids from Siegesbeckia orientalis

Five new sesquiterpenoids, namely, 8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐4β,6α,15‐trihydroxy‐14‐oxoguaia‐9,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 1 ), 4β,6α,15‐trihydroxy‐8β‐(isobutyryloxy)‐14‐oxoguaia‐9,11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 2 ), 11,12,13‐trinorguai‐6‐ene‐4β,10β‐diol ( 3 ), (1(10)E,4E,8Z)‐8‐(angeloyloxy)‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐(1(10),4,8,11(13)‐tetraen‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 9 ), and (1(10)E,4β)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐6α,14,15‐trihydroxygermacra‐1(10),11(13)‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 11 ), and three new artifacts, (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α‐ethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4,11(13)‐trien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 6 ), (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α,13‐diethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 7 ), and (1(10)E,4Z)‐8β‐(angeloyloxy)‐9α‐ethoxy‐6α,15‐dihydroxy‐13‐methoxy‐14‐oxogermacra‐1(10),4‐dien‐12‐oic acid 12,6‐lactone ( 8 ), together with the three known sesquiterpenoids 4, 5 , and 10 , were isolated from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia orientalis L. Their structures were established by spectral methods, especially 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral methods.     

Triterpene Esters Isolated from Leaves of Maytenus salicifolia Reissek

The triterpene ester (3β)‐olean‐18‐en‐3‐yl stearate ( 1 ), together with (3β)‐urs‐12‐en‐3‐yl stearate ( 2 ), and (3β)‐lup‐20(29)‐en‐3‐yl stearate ( 3 ) were isolated from leaves of Maytenus salicifolia Reissek (Celastraceae). The structure of 1 , a new compound, including its configuration, was established by ¹H, ¹³C, and DEPT‐135 NMR data, including 2D experiments (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, and NOESY). The molecular mass (692 Da) was confirmed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (CG/MS).     

Elemental,Isotopic, and Pesticide Analysis of Wild and Cultivated Berries

ABSTRACT

The focus of this study was to investigate differences in isotopic, elemental, and trace pesticide concentrations of wild and cultivated berries from Transylvania. To emphasize differences based on geographical origin, stable isotopic ratios of ²H/¹H, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O, and ¹³C/¹²C were determined by isotopic ratio mass spectrometry. Elemental fingerprinting of berries was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The determination of trace pesticides in berries was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Differences between wild and cultivated berries were evaluated using multivariate statistical analysis. The results suggest that multielemental, isotopic, and trace pesticide fingerprinting is feasible for sample differentiation.     

(all-E)-12′-Apozeaxanthinol,Persicaxanthine und Persicachrome

( all-E)-12′-Apozeanthinol, Persicaxanthine, and Persicachromes Reexamination of the so-called ‘persicaxanthins’ and ‘persicachromes’, the fluorescent and polar C₂₅-apocarotenols from the flesh of cling peaches, led to the identification of the following components: (3R)-12′-apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diol ( 3 ), (3S,5R,8R, all-E)- and (3S,5R,8S,all-E)-5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro-12′-apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diols (4 and 5, resp.), (3S,5R,6S,all-E)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-l2′-apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diol =persicaxanthin; ( 6 ), (3S,5R,6S,9Z,13′Z)-5,6-dihydro-12′apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diol ( 7 ; probable structure), (3S,5R,6S,15Z)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-12′-apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diol ( 8 ), and (3S,5R,6S,13Z)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-12′-apo-β-carotene-3,12′-diol ( 9 ). The (Z)-isomers 7 – 9 are very labile and, after HPLC separation, isomerized predominantly to the (all-E)-isomer 6 .     

Slowly Interconverting Conformers of The Briarane Diterpenoids Verecynarmin B,C, and D,Isolated from the nudibranch mollusc Armina maculata and the pennatulacean octocoral Veretillum cynomorium of East Pyrenean waters

The novel briarane diterpenoids verecynarmin B(=(?)-(1R*, 10S*, 11R*, 4E, 12Z)-briara-4,7,12,17,-tetraen-14-one; (?)- 4 ); verecynarmin C (=(?)-(1R*, 10R*, 11S*, 4E, 12Z)?11-hydroxybriara-4,7,12,17-tetraen-14-one; (?)- 5 ); and verecynarmin D (=(?)-(1R*, 10R*, 11R*, 4E, 12E)-13-chloro-11-hydroxybriara-4,7,12,17,-tetraen-14-one; (?)- 6 ) are reported here as constituents of both the Mediterranean nudibranch mollusc Armina maculata (Rafinesque) and its prey, the pennatulacean octocoral Veretillum cynomorium (PALLAS ). The structural assignments rest mainly on (i) establishing that these briaranes occur in solution as two stable conformers which interconvert slowly (ca. 10 time per second at r.t. according to dynamic NMR) by 180° flipping of the C(4)?C(5) group in the ten-membered ring (Scheme 1), (ii) deriving, for both conformers, ¹H, ¹H coupling constants from 1D spectra, as well as ¹H, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹H, and ¹³C, ¹H, and ¹³C, ¹³C, correlations from 2D experiments; (iii) subjecting the briaranes to SeO₂ oxidation at the C(16) methyl group with isomerization at the C(4)=C(5) bond to give, in each case, only one observable molecular species as shown by NMR spectroscopy (Scheme 2).     

Experimente zum kompetitiven Einbau der Stereoisomeren des Farnesols in Cantharidin. 6. Mitteilung zur Biosynthese des Cantharidins

Experiments on the competitive incorporation of farnesol-stereoisomers into cantharidin Farnesol ( 2 ) has been demonstrated to be an efficient precursor for cantharidin ( 1 ), into which it is transformed by elimination of C(1), C(5), C(6), C(7) and C(7′) [1]. The following incorporation experiments with doubly labelled (³H and ¹⁴C) stereoisomers of farnesol present strong evidence that (E,E)- farnesol ((E,E)- 2 ) in fact is the precursor for cantharidin, whereas (2E, 6Z)- 2 and (Z,Z)- 2 are not utilized for the biosynthesis of cantharidin. A possible mechanism for the incorporation of (2Z,6E)-farnesol ((2Z,6E)- 2 ) to an extent of 56,8% relative to (E,E)- 2 is discussed.