Physicochemical Characterization of Sildenafil: Ionization,Lipophilicity Behavior,and Ionic‐Partition Diagram Studied by Two‐Phase Titration and Electrochemistry

Sildenafil (Viagra^TM) was examined for its ionization and lipophilicity by two‐phase titration and electrochemistry at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) in the 1,2‐dichloroethane/H₂O system. The dissociation constants (basic pK_a=6.78, acidic pK_a=9.12) and partition coefficients of the various species, together with the effects of electrical potential, were used to construct an ionic partition diagram (pH‐potential representation). This allowed to interpret the transfer mechanisms of sildenafil at liquid/liquid interfaces, suggesting in particular that an intramolecular H‐bond influences the lipophilicity of the neutral and cationic species. Conformational calculations confirmed this hypothesis.     

Conversion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (mptp) and its 5-methyl analog into pyridinium salts

Monoamine oxidase B metabolizes 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP; 1 ) first to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium salt (MPDP⁺; 5 ), and then to 1-methyl-4-phenylphridinium salt (MPP⁺; 7 ). Chemical synthesis of MPDP⁺ and its 5-methyl analog 6 was accomplished from the N-oxides 3 and 4 of MPTP and its 5-methyl analog, respectively, by a Polonovski reaction. Oxidation of MPDP⁺ to MPPM⁺ was accomplished with air, and greatly accelerated by Pt catalyst. Reduction of MPDP⁺ and MPP⁺ with NaBH₄ afforded MPTP.     

Determination of the solubilising character of 2-methoxyethyl-(dimethyl)ethylammonium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate based on the Abraham solvation parameter model

Gas–liquid chromatographic retention factors have been measured for 42 different organic probes on a 2-methoxyethyl(dimethyl)ethylammonium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, ([MeoeM₂EAm]⁺[FAP]^–), stationary phase capillary column at 323 and 353 K. The measured retention factors were combined with published gas-to-liquid partition coefficient data for solutes dissolved in ([MeoeM₂EAm]⁺[FAP]^–) and with published gas-to-water partition coefficient data to yield 107 gas-to-anhydrous ionic liquid and 105 water-to-anhydrous ionic liquid partition coefficients. Abraham model correlations for describing solute transfer into ([MeoeM₂EAm]⁺[FAP]^–) were derived from the three sets of experimental partition coefficient data. The derived correlations back-calculated the experimental gas-to-([MeoeM₂EAm]⁺[FAP]^–) and water-to-([MeoeM₂EAm]⁺[FAP]^–) partition coefficient data to within 0.13 and 0.15 log units, respectively.     

Correlation of the Solubilizing Abilities of Hexyl(trimethyl)ammonium <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>((Trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide, 1-Propyl-1-methylpiperidinium <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>((Trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide,and 1-Butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium Thiocyanate

Chromatographic retention data were measured for a wide range of organic solutes on 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium thiocyanate ([BMPyrr]⁺[SCN]⁻), hexyl(trimethyl)ammonium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([HexM₃Am]⁺[(Tf)₂N]⁻), and 1-propyl-1-methylpiperidinium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide ([PMPip]⁺[(Tf)₂N]⁻) stationary phases at 323 and 353 K. The measured retention factors were combined with published infinite dilution activity coefficient and gas-to-water partition coefficient data to yield gas-to-anhydrous ionic liquid (IL) partition coefficients and water-to-anhydrous IL partition coefficients. Both sets of partition coefficients were analyzed using the Abraham model. The derived Abraham model correlations describe the observed gas-to-IL and water-to-IL partition coefficient data to within average standard deviations of 0.116 and 0.156 log₁₀ units, respectively.     

Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Procyanidins on Parkinson’s Disease In Vivo and In Vitro

This research assessed the molecular mechanism of procyanidins (PCs) against neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. In vitro, PC12 cells were incubated with PCs or deprenyl for 24 h, and then exposed to 1.5 mM MPP⁺ for 24 h. In vivo, zebrafish larvae (AB strain) 3 days post-fertilization (dpf) were incubated with deprenyl or PCs in 400 μM MPTP for 4 days. Compared with MPP⁺/MPTP alone, PCs significantly improved antioxidant activities (e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), and decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, PCs significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 accumulation in PC12 cells and raised the expression of NQO1, HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC in both PC12 cells and zebrafish compared to MPP⁺/MPTP alone. The current study shows that PCs have neuroprotective effects, activate the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and alleviate oxidative damage in MPP⁺/MPTP-induced PD models.     

A Micellar Multitasking Device: Sensing pH Windows and Gauging the Lipophilicity of Drugs with Fluorescent Signals

A multitasking fluorescent device can be obtained by forming micelles of Triton X‐100, containing a lipophilic macrocyclic Cu²⁺ complex and the coordinating fluorophore Coumarin 343 (C343), which features a COOH moiety. At low pH the two micellised components do not interact, and the fluorescence of Courmarin 343 (C343) is intense. At intermediate pH, C343 is deprotonated and coordinates to the Cu²⁺ centre in its apical position, with fluorescence quenching. At higher pH the deprotonated C343 is displaced from Cu²⁺ by the formation of an OH^? complex, and the fluorescence is revived. This allows the system to carry out its first task as it behaves as an “on–off–on” fluorescent sensor for pH windows. The “off” part of the window ranges from pH 6 to 8. In this interval, in which the carboxylate form of C343 is apically coordinated to the Cu²⁺ complex inside micelles, the device carries out its second task, that is, it behaves as a gauge for lipophilicity. For pHs between 6 and 8, molecules containing a COOH group are in their COO^? form and distribute between bulk water and micelles proportionally to their lipophilicity. Upon entering the micelle, their COO^? moiety competes for coordination with C343, displacing it from the Cu²⁺ centre, and this results in fluorescence revival, the intensity of which is also proportional to the lipophilicity of the examined molecule. We have chosen the physiological pH value (7.4) as the working pH, and we have examined the lipophilicity of fatty acids and of the widely used family of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The device successfully measures their lipophilicity, expressing it with an “off–on” type fluorescent signal, as demonstrated by the correlation of the fluorescence increase with the logarithmic water/octanol partition coefficient (log P) and with the difference between the pK_a observed in micelles and that measured in water for NSAIDs.     

New β-orcinol depsides from Hypotrachyna caraccensis,a lichen from the páramo ecosystem and their free radical scavenging activity

The new hypotrachynin A (1) and B (2) along with the known (+)-(9b-R)-usnic (3) and methylstictic acids (4) were isolated for the first time from Hypotrachyna caraccensis. Additionally, their potency and reactivity as DPPH? scavengers was determined by a kinetic study calculating their EC₅₀ and second-order rate constants (k₂). Considering 1–4 could be dermatological agents, their n-octanol-water partition coefficients and standard molar Gibbs free energies of transfer were calculated as estimation of their lipophilicity and skin penetration. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 were less potent than 2 (EC₅₀ = 3.3014; 1.7540; 2.6652 vs 0.7376) as DPPH? scavengers, in turn 4, was the most reactive with a comparable k₂ to the antioxidant BHT (k₂ = (232 ± 24) × 10^?2 vs (564 ± 12) × 10^?2 M^?1 s^?1, respectively). Since 2 and 4 had an optimal lipophilicity and permeability for skin penetration, they might be developed as topical ingredients to prevent oxidative damage.     

Estimating the lipophilicity of a number of 2‐amino‐1‐cyclohexanol derivatives exhibiting anticonvulsant activity

The lipophilicity of a number of N‐acyl derivatives of trans‐ or cis‐: racemic, (1R,2R)‐ or (1S,2S)‐aminocyclohexanol (1–13) exhibiting anticonvulsant activity was investigated. Their lipophilicity (R_{m 0}) was determined using reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography (RP‐TLC) with mixtures of methanol and water as mobile phases. The partition coefficients of compounds 1–13 (log P) were also calculated using two computer programs (Pallas and Chem DU) and compared with R_{m 0}. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Correlation of the Solubilizing Abilities of 1-Butyl-1-methylpiperidinium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium Tetracyanoborate

Chromatographic retention data were measured for a wide range of organic solutes on 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tetracyanoborate ([BMPyrr]⁺[B(CN)₄]^?) and 1-butyl-1-methyl-piperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMPip]⁺[Tf₂N]^?) stationary phases at 323 K and 353 K. The measured retention factors were combined with published infinite dilution activity coefficient and gas-to-water partition coefficient data to yield gas-to-anhydrous ionic liquid (IL) and water-to-anhydrous IL partition coefficients. Both sets of partition coefficients were analyzed using the Abraham model. The derived Abraham model correlations describe the observed gas-to-IL (log₁₀ K) and water-to-IL (log₁₀ P) partition coefficient data to within average standard deviations of about 0.10 and 0.15 log₁₀ units, respectively.     

The study of the lipophilicity of some aminoalkanol derivatives with anticonvulsant activity

A series of new (phenoxyethyl)aminoalkanol derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity. The most promising compound seemed to be (R,S)‐1N‐[(2,6‐dimethyl)phenoxyethyl]amino‐2‐butanol, which displayed anti‐MES activity (in mice, i.p.) with protective index (TD₅₀/ED₅₀) of 5.712, corresponding to that of phenytoin (6.6), carbamazepine (4.9) and valproate (1.7). The lipophilicity of compounds 1–17 exhibiting anticonvulsant activity was investigated. Their lipophilicities (R_M0) were determined using reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography (RP‐TLC) with a mixture of acetone and water as mobile phases. The partition coefficients of 1–17 (logP) were also calculated using two computer programs (Pallas and ALOGPS) and compared with R_M0. The relationship between anticonvulsant activity and lipophilicity of the tested substances was estimated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of lipophilicity of γ‐butyrolactone derivatives with anticonvulsant and analgesic activity using micellar electrokinetic chromatography

The lipophilicity of a library of 30 derivatives of dihydrofuran‐2(3H)‐one (γ‐butyrolactone) was determined by MEKC. Calibration curve prepared for ten reference drugs enabled to calculate partition coefficient (log P) for novel compounds. The results of MEKC analysis were compared with lipophilicity coefficients determined by RP‐TLC (R_M0) and computational (Mlog P, Clog P) methods. Good correlation was observed between the results obtained by both experimental methods: the MEKC parameters log k and relative lipophilicity R_MO. The relationship between determined log P values and results of the computational prediction was weaker. Analysis of the relationship between lipophilicity and anticonvulsant activity showed statistically significant differences between mean values of log P coefficients for group of active (2.18) and inactive (1.51) compounds in the maximal electroshock test.     

Linear free energy relationship (LFER) correlations for the solubilising characterisation of room temperature ionic liquids containing triethylsulphonium and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium cations

Gas-to-room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) partition coefficients have been compiled from the published literature for solutes dissolved in triethylsulphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide, {[E₃S]⁺[(Tf)₂N]^?}, and in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulphonate, {[BMPyr]⁺[Trif]^?}. These partition coefficients were converted into water-to-RTIL partition coefficients using the corresponding gas-to-water partition coefficients. Both sets of partition coefficients were analysed using the Abraham model with cation-specific and anion-specific equation coefficients. Equation coefficients are reported for the triethylsulphonium and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium cations. The calculated cation coefficients can be combined with our previously determined eight sets of anion-specific equation coefficients to yield expressions capable of predicting the partition coefficients of solutes in 16 different RTILs.     

Octanol/water partitioning simulation by RP‐HPLC for structurally diverse acidic drugs: Comparison of three columns in the presence and absence of n‐octanol as the mobile phase additive

The advantageous effect of n‐octanol as a mobile phase additive for lipophilicity assessment of structurally diverse acidic drugs both in the neutral and ionized form was explored. Two RP C₁₈ columns, ABZ⁺ and Aquasil, were used for the determination of logk_w indices, and the results were compared with those previously reported on a base‐deactivated silica column. At pH 2.5, the use of n‐octanol‐saturated buffer as the mobile phase aqueous component led to high‐quality 1:1 correlation between logk_w and logP for the ABZ⁺ column, while inferior statistics were obtained for Aquasil. At physiological pH, the correlations were significantly improved if strongly ionized acidic drugs were treated separately from weakly ionized ones. In the latter case, 1:1 correlations between logD_7.4 and logk_w^oct indices were obtained in the presence of 0.25% n‐octanol. Concerning strongly ionized compounds, adequate correlations were established under the same conditions; however, slopes were significantly lower than unity, while large negative intercepts were obtained. According to the absolute difference (diff = logD_7.4–logk_w) pattern, base‐deactivated silica showed a better performance than ABZ⁺, however, the latter seems more efficient for the lipophilicity assessment of highly lipophilic acidic compounds. Aquasil may be the column of choice if logD_7.4<3 with the limitation, however, that very hydrophilic compounds cannot be measured.     

Correlation of the Solubilizing Abilities of 1-Butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium Tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium Triflate and 1-Methoxyethyl-1-methylmorpholinium Tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate

Chromatographic retention data were measured for a wide range of organic solutes on 1-butyl-1-methylpyrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate ([BMPyrr]⁺[FAP]^?), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium triflate, ([BMPyrr]⁺[Trif]^?), and 1-methoxyethyl-1-methylmorpholinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, ([MeoeMMorp]⁺[FAP]^?), stationary phases at (323, 353 and 383) K. The measured retention factors were combined with published infinite dilution activity coefficient and gas-to-water partition coefficient data to yield gas-to-anhydrous ionic liquid (IL) and water-to-anhydrous IL partition coefficients. The three sets of partition coefficients were analyzed using the Abraham model. The derived Abraham model correlations describe the observed gas-to-IL (log₁₀ K) and water-to-IL (log₁₀ P) partition coefficient data to within average standard deviations of about 0.11 and 0.15 log₁₀ units, respectively.     

Surface structure of CTMA modified bentonite and their sorptive characteristics towards organic compounds

This work was to examine the correlation between surface structure and sorptive characteristics of cetyltrimethylammonium cations (CTMA⁺) modified bentonite, which will provide novel information for exploring the sorptive mechanisms of organoclays. Various amounts of CTMA⁺ (0.21–1.98 mmol/g) were intercalated into bentonite to prepare a series of organobentonites with different structures. N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms were plotted for the organobentonites to obtain the surface structure information, and sorption capacities of these organobentonites toward phenol, aniline, nitrobenzene and naphthalene were examined. It was shown that surface areas, pore volumes and surface fractal dimension of the organobentonites decreased with increasing CTMA⁺ loading amount. Sorption capacities of the organobentonites towards the four organic compounds have no evident correlation with their surface structures, and K_oc values of the organic compounds were shown to first increase until the maximum and then decrease as CTMA⁺ loading amount further increased. Combining with the surface structure and sorption capacities of the organobentonites, we proposed that the solute molecules were penetrated into the CTMA⁺ aggregates, and partition rather than adsorption mechanism dominated the sorption processes. The CTMA⁺ aggregates formed optimal partition phases in the intermediate surfactant loading range.     

Double Stereoselection in the Hydrogenation over Cationic Rh(I) Complexes with Two Different Chiral Ligands

The catalytic activity and stereoselectivity in the hydrogenation of itaconic and -(acetylamino)cinnamic acids were studied in the presence of the complex [Rh(COD)(L¹)₂]⁺ TfO^- (where COD is cyclooctadiene and L¹ is (1S,2S,5R)-(+)-neomenthyldiphenylphosphine] which was generated in situ. The optical yield of the hydrogenation of itaconic acid increases both on addition of chiral (4S,5S)-(+)-2,2-dimethyl-4,5-bis(dimethylaminomethyl)-1,3-dioxolane (L²) as an auxiliary ligand to the complex [Rh(COD)(L¹)₂]⁺ TfO^- and on addition of achiral and chiral tertiary phosphines to the complex [Rh(L²)₂]⁺ TfO^-. The result of joint action of two ligands can be regarded as "matched effect." Transformations of the complexes in a hydrogen atmosphere were examined by ¹H and ^{3 1}P NMR spectroscopy. It was found that at least three complexes: diamine complex [Rh(L²)₂]⁺ TfO^-, solvate complex [Rh(L¹)₂(solv)₂]⁺ TfO^-, and diamine-bis-phosphine complex [Rh(L¹)₂L²]⁺ TfO^- may be catalytic precursors.     

Quantification of Paraquat, MPTP, and MPP+ in brain tissue using microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Animal models, consistent with the hypothesis of direct interaction of paraquat (PQ) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) with specific areas of the central nervous system have been developed to study Parkinson’s disease (PD) in mice. These models have necessitated the creation of an analytical method for unambiguous identification and quantitation of PQ and structurally similar MPTP and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP⁺) in brain tissue. A method for determination of these compounds was developed using microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Extraction solvent and microwave conditions such as power and time were optimized to produce recoveries of 90% for PQ 78% for MPTP and 97% for its metabolite MPP⁺. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C8, column and detection was carried out using an ion trap as an analyzer with electrospray ionization. Mass spectrometer parameters such as heated capillary temperature, spray voltage, capillary voltage and others were also optimized for each analyte. Analysis was done in selective ion-monitoring (SIM) mode using m/z 186 for PQ, m/z 174 for MPTP, and m/z 170 for MPP⁺. The method detection limit for paraquat in matrix was 100 pg, 40 pg for MPTP, and 20 pg MPP⁺.     

Yields of O2(1Σg+) and O2(1Δg) in the H + O2 reaction system,and the quenching of O2(1Σg+) by atomic hydrogen

The generation of metastable O₂(¹Σg⁺) and O₂(¹Δg) in the H + O₂ system of reactions was studied by the flow discharge chemiluminescence detection method. In addition to the O₂(¹Σg⁺) and O₂(¹Δg) emissions, strong OH(v = 2) → OH(v = 0), OH(v = 3) → OH(v = 1), HO₂(²A′₀₀₀) → HO₂(²A″₀₀₀), HO₂(²A′₀₀₁) → HO₂(²A″₀₀₀), and H O₂(²A″₂₀₀) → HO₂(²A″₀₀₀) emissions were detected in the H + O₂ system. The rate constants for the quenching of O₂(¹Σg⁺) by H and H₂ were determined to be (5.1 ± 1.4) × 10^?13 and (7.1 ± 0.1) × 10^?13 cm³ s^?1, respectively. An upper limit for the branching ratio to produce O₂(¹Σg⁺) by the H + HO₂ reaction was calculated to be 2.1%. The contributions from other reactions producing singlet oxygen were investigated.     

Multiconfigurational study on the synchronous mechanisms of the ClO self-reaction leading to Cl or Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>

For studying the adiabatic and nonadiabatic mechanisms of the ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl → 2Cl (² P _u) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) reaction (1) and the ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl → Cl₂ (X ¹Σ _g ⁺) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) reaction (2), we calculated, by partial geometry optimizations under the C₂ constraint, the O–O and O–Cl dissociation potential energy curves (PECs) from the five low-lying states of ClOOCl at the CASPT2 level. The CASSCF minimum-energy crossing point (MECP) between the potential energy surfaces of the 1 ¹A ground state [correlating with the product of reaction (1)] and the 1 ³B state [correlating with the product of reaction (2)] states was also determined. Based on the CAS calculation results (PECs, energies, and spin–orbit coupling at the MECP), we predict that reaction (1) occurs along pathway 1: ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl (1 ¹A) → 2Cl (² P _u) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻) and that reaction (2) occurs along pathway 2: ClO (X ²Π) + ClO (X ²Π) → ClOOCl (1 ¹A) → 1 ¹A/1 ³B MECP (142.4 cm⁻¹) → ClOOCl (1 ³B) → Cl₂ (X ¹Σ _g ⁺) + O₂ (X ³Σ _g ⁻). The needed energies (relative to the reactant) for pathways 1 and 2 are predicted to be 5.3 and 11.1 kcal/mol, respectively, which indicates that reaction (1) is more favorable than reaction (2). The present work supports the traditional photochemical model for ozone degradation: ClOOCl (1 ¹A), formed by two ClO (X ²Π), can directly produce O₂ plus two Cl atoms.     

The effect of analyte lipophilicity on the resolution of α-amino acids on a HPLC chiral stationary phase based on crown ether

The effect of analyte lipophilicity on the resolution of α-amino acids on a chiral stationary phase based on chiral crown ether has been examined by the chromatographic resolution trends for the resolution of a homologous series of five α-amino acids with an alkyl group of different length at the chiral center. The retention factors (k₁ and k₂) for the two enantiomers and the separation factors (α) were found to depend on the lipophilicity of the α-amino acid. In general, the retention factors increased as the organic modifier content in the mobile phase increased, the degree of the enhancement of retention factors being dependent on the analyte lipophilicity. The separation factors also increased as the analyte lipophilicity and the organic modifier content in the mobile phase increased. Possible rationales for these behaviors have been proposed.