A study of Co/Mo/Al2O3 hydrodesulphurization catalysts and related model compounds byxps and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (xanes andexafs )

A detailed investigation of sulphided Co/Mo/Al₂O₃ catalysts, their oxide precursors and several model oxides and sulphides of cobalt and molybdenum has been carried out using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (xanes andexafs). Octahedrally coordinated Co(II) and Mo(IV) are shown to be present in a sulphidic environment on the surfaces of these catalysts. The surface species contain an excess of sulphur, probably involving disulphide linkages. The surface compositions of the catalysts examined conform to the general formula Co¹¹ Mo _2n ^IV (2n + 3)S ₂ ²⁻ (2n -2)S²⁻.     

Rotational isomerism and barriers to internal rotation in 3-halopropenes byscf-mo methods

Electronic structures of 3 halopropenes have been investigated through semiempiricalscf-mo calculations using valence basis sets of atomic orbitals (ao) constructed from Slater type orbitals (sto). The electronic structures of stable conformers have been predicted and the corresponding calculated dipole moments show good agreement with experimental data. The considerable differences between the dipole moments of various conformers confirm the hindrance to internal rotation about the C−C bond, i.e., the existence of a definite potential barrier to rotation. The barrier heights hindering the internal rotation in each system are also estimated.     

Kinetics and mechanism of anation of cis -diaquo- bis -oxalatochromate(III) ion byDL -alanine in ethanol-water mixtures of varying dielectric constant

The kinetics of the anation reaction of cis-diaquo-bis-oxalatochromate(III) ion by DL-alanine has been studied spectrophotometrically in the pH range 3.8 to 7.3, where DL-alanine remains in zwitterionic form. A second-order rate law has been established. Reaction rates in three different ethanol-water mixtures were measured. In each solvent medium the anation rate is higher as compared to water exchange reaction at a particular temperature. The activation parameters (gDH^# and ΔS^#) in different ethanol-water mixtures were obtained from Eyring plots. ΔG^#(ΔH^# −TΔS ^#) values were calculated in each solvent medium and compared with that of the isotopic water exchange process. A reaction mechanism involving theS _N2 path has been suggested.     

Macrocyclization of the semiclathrochelate o -carboranylboronate and n -butylboronate iron(II ) oximehydrazonates: synthesis and structure of clathrochelate products and unexpected allosteric effect of the apical substituent

The template condensation of diacetylmonooxime hydrazone (HDXO) with n-butylboronic acid and dimethyl ester of o-carboranyldiboronic acid on the iron(II) ion matrix afforded the [Fe(DXO)₃(BBu)](BF₄) and [Fe(DXO)₃(Bo-carb)](BF₄) semiclathrochelates. The H⁺-ion-catalyzed macrocyclization of these precursors with an excess of formaldehyde and triethyl orthoformate (TOF) resulted in the corresponding macrobicyclic complexes. In the case of o-carboranylboronate semiclathrochelate, the macrocyclization with TOF gave the clathrochelate with the previously unknown syn,syn,anti-orientation of the ethoxy substituents relative to the 1,3,5-triazacyclohexane capping fragment. The complexes obtained were characterized using elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, MALDI-TOF mass, ¹H, ¹¹B, and ¹³C NMR, and ⁵⁷Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopies and X-ray crystallography. Dedicated to Academician G. A. Abakumov on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1724–1731, September, 2007.     

Anticancer Properties of Highly Purified l-Asparaginase from Withania somnifera L. against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Withania somnifera L. has been traditionally used as a sedative and hypnotic. The present study was carried out for the purification, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity of l-asparaginase from W. somnifera L. l-Asparaginase was purified from the fruits of W. somnifera L. up to 95% through chromatography. The purified l-asparaginase was characterized by size exclusion chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and 2D PAGE. The antitumor and growth inhibition effect of the l-asparaginase was assessed using [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] (MTT) colorimetric dye reduction method. The purified enzyme is a homodimer, with a molecular mass of 72 ± 0.5 kDa, and the pI value of the enzyme was around 5.1. This is the first report of the plant containing l-asparaginase with antitumor activity. Data obtained from the MTT assay showed a LD₅₀ value of 1.45 ± 0.05 IU/ml. W. somnifera L. proved to be an effective and a novel source of l-asparaginase. Furthermore, it shows a lot of similarity with bacterial l-asparaginases EC-2.     

Stereoselective Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to ( E )-β-Nitrostyrene Catalysed by N -Toluensulfonyl-l -proline Amide in Ionic Liquids

Summary. N-Toluensulfonyl-l-prolin amide was tested as catalyst in the enantioselective Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to (E)-β-nitrostyrene in nine ionic liquids under different reaction conditions. The reaction rates and enantioselectivities were strongly dependent on the ionic liquids. Change of enantioselectivity was observed too and it is attributed to both the cation and the anion of ionic liquid. The best yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity (70% ee) of product were obtained in a basic ionic liquid [bmim]BF₄ at room temperature.     

Unexpected transformation of methyl 3,6-anhydro-2,7-dideoxy-7-iodo-4,5-O-isopropylidene-D -allo-heptonate in the dehydroiodination reaction with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene

The reaction of methyl 3,6-anhydro-2,7-dideoxy-7-iodo-4,5-O-isopropylidene-D-allo-heptonate with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene affords methyl 3,6-anhydro-2,7-dideoxy-4,5-O-isopropylidene-D-ribo-hept-6-enonate, which undergoes the previously unknown rearrangement into a 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole derivative. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 2610–2613, November, 2005.     

Hydrogen Bonding and Solvent Effects on Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by Lower Rim Calix[4]arene Tetra(O-[N -acetyl-D -phenylglycine methyl ester]) Derivative

Complexation of alkali metal cations with 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28,25,27-tetrakis(O-methyl-D-α-phenylglycylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, conductometric and potentiometric titrations at 25 °C. The solvent effect on the binding ability of L was examined by using two solvents with different affinities for hydrogen bonding, viz. methanol and acetonitrile. Despite the presence of intramolecular NH···O=C hydrogen bonds in L, which need to be disrupted to allow metal ion binding, this calix[4]arene amino acid derivative was shown to be an efficient binder for smaller Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations in acetonitrile (lg K_LiL > 5, lg K_NaL = 7.66), moderately efficient for K⁺ (lg K_KL = 4.62), whereas larger Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ did not fit in its hydrophilic cavity. The complex stabilities in methanol were significantly lower (lg K_NaL = 4.45, lg K_KL = 2.48). That could be explained by different solvation of the cations and by competition between the cations and methanol molecules (via hydrogen bonds) for amide carbonyl oxygens. The influence of cation solvation on complex stability was most pronounced in the case of Li⁺ for which, contrary to the quite stable LiL⁺ complex in acetonitrile, no complexation was observed in methanol under the conditions used.     

Synthesis of methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside-based azacrown ethers and their application in enantioselective reactions

New chiral monoaza-15-crown-5 compounds anellated to methyl-4,6-O-(1-naphthyl)methylene-α-d-glucopyranoside (2a–2b), to methyl-4,6-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside (3a–3b) and to methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (4a–4b) have been synthesized. Several representatives of these crown ethers showed significant asymmetric induction as chiral phase transfer catalysts, among them 2a proved to be the most efficient one inducing 90% ee in the Michael addition of 2-nitropropane to chalcone, 48% ee in the Darzens condensation of phenacyl-chloride with benzaldehyde and 89% ee in the epoxidation of chalcone with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The catalytic results were compared with those obtained earlier with macrocycles 1a–1b incorporating a 4,6-O- benzylidene protecting moiety. It occurred that the enantioselectivity is influenced to a great extent by the substituents on the C(4) and C(6) atoms of the monosaccharide. Lower enantioselectivities were obtained in the reactions of the chalcone analogues in the presence of catalyst 2a than in the case of the proper chalcone.     

Stereoselective Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to ( E )-β-Nitrostyrene Catalysed by N -Toluensulfonyl-l -proline Amide in Ionic Liquids

N-Toluensulfonyl-l-prolin amide was tested as catalyst in the enantioselective Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to (E)-β-nitrostyrene in nine ionic liquids under different reaction conditions. The reaction rates and enantioselectivities were strongly dependent on the ionic liquids. Change of enantioselectivity was observed too and it is attributed to both the cation and the anion of ionic liquid. The best yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity (70% ee) of product were obtained in a basic ionic liquid [bmim]BF₄ at room temperature.     

Stereochemical aspects of the metabolism ofL - andD -amino acids

Syntheses of stereospecifically labelled samples ofL- andD-amino acids and of enzyme inhibitors are reviewed, together with a discussion of the use of these compounds in elucidating the mechanism of action of enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism.     

Kinetics of the oxidative degradation of d-xylose in the presence and absence of cationic and anionic surfactants

The oxidative degradation of d-xylose by cerium(IV) has been found to be slow in acidic aqueous solution with the evidence of autocatalysis. The reaction is accelerated in the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micellar medium but sodium dodecyl sulfate (an anionic surfactant) has no effect. The pseudo first-order rate constants have been determined at different [reductant], [oxidant], [H₂SO₄], temperature, and [CTAB]. The reaction rate increased with increasing [d-xylose] and decreased with increase in [H₂SO₄]. The CTAB-micelle-catalyzed kinetic results can be interpreted by the pseudophase model. The kinetic parameters such as association constant (K _s), micellar medium rate constant (k _m), and activation parameters (E _a, ΔH ^# and ΔS ^#) are evaluated and the reaction mechanism is proposed. The reaction rate is inhibited by electrolytes and the results provide an evidence for the exclusion of the reactive species from the reaction site.     

Low-temperature heat capacity of heptacopper(II) complex [Cu7(μ3-Cl)2(μ3-OH)6-(d-pen-disulfide)3]

A single crystal calorimetry of a heptacopper(II) complex of [Cu₇(μ₃-Cl)₂(μ₃-OH)₆-(d-pen-disulfide)₃] which has a double-cubane structure supported by d-penicillaminedisulfides has been performed at low-temperature region below 8 K. This compound is a metal complex which contains seven Cu(II)s in a cluster unit. These Cu(II)s are magnetically coupled each other by strong intra-complex interactions. The heat capacities under magnetic fields exhibit Schottky type anomalies explained by the Zeeman splitting of the doublet ground state of the complex. The g-value of the ground state is evaluated as 1.86 from the systematic analysis of the Schottky peak under magnetic fields. The first excited state of the cluster seems to be separated at least by several Kelvins, which is consistent with the theoretical calculations and magnetic susceptibility results.     

A new octahedral cobalt(III) complex of (1,8)- bis (2-hydroxybenzamido)-3,6-diazaoctane incorporating phenolate-amide-amine coordination: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, ligand substitution and redox activity with sulfur(IV) and l -ascorbic acid

The octahedral complex, [Co^III(HL)]·9H₂O (H₄L = (1,8)-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido)-3,6-diazaoctane) incorporating bis carboxamido-N-, bis sec-NH, phenolate, and phenol coordination has been synthesized and characterized by analytical, NMR (¹H, ¹³C), e.s.i.-Mass, UV–vis, i.r., and Raman spectroscopy. The formation of the complex has also been confirmed by its single crystal X-ray structure. The cyclic voltammetry of the sample in DMF ([TEAP] = 0.1 mol dm⁻³, TEAP = tetraethylammonium perchlorate) displayed irreversible redox processes, [Co^III(HL)] → [Co^IV(HL)]⁺ and [Co^III(HL)] → [Co^II(HL)]⁻ at 0.41 and −1.09 V (versus SCE), respectively. A slow and H⁺ mediated isomerisation was observed for the protonated complex, [Co^III(H₂L)]⁺ (pK = 3.5, 25 °C, I = 0.5 mol dm⁻³). H₂Asc was an efficient reductant for the complex and the reaction involved outer sphere mechanism; the propensity of different species for intra molecular reduction followed the sequence: [{[Co^III(HL)],(H₂Asc)}–H]⁻ <<< {[Co^III(H₂L)],(H₂Asc)}⁺ < {[Co^III(HL)],(H₂Asc)}. A low value (ca. 3.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ dm³ mol⁻¹ s⁻¹, 25 °C, I = 0.5 mol dm⁻³) for the self exchange rate constant of the couple [Co^III(HL)]/[Co^II(HL)]⁻ indicated that the ligand HL³⁻ with amido (N-) donor offers substantial stability to the Co^III state. HSO₃⁻ and [Co^III(HL)] formed an outer sphere complex {[Co^III(HL)],(HSO₃⁻)}, which was slowly transformed to an inner sphere S-bonded sulfito complex, [Co^III(H₂L)(HSO₃)] and the latter was inert to reduction by external sulfite but underwent intramolecular S^IV → Co^III electron transfer very slowly. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Fluorescent sensing layer for the determination of<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps"> L</Emphasis>-malic acid in wine

An enzymatic method for determining L-malic acid in wine based on an L-malate sensing layer with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), L-malate dehydrogenase (L-MDH) and diaphorase (DI), immobilized by sol-gel technology, was constructed and evaluated. The sol-gel glass was prepared with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS), water and HCl. L-MDH catalyzes the reaction between L-malate and NAD⁺, producing NADH, whose fluorescence (λ _exc = 340 nm, λ _em = 430 nm) could be directly related to the amount of L-malate. NADH is converted to NAD⁺ by applying hexacyanoferrate(III) as oxidant in the presence of DI. Some parameters affecting sol-gel encapsulation and the pH of the enzymatic reaction were studied. The sensing layer has a dynamic range of 0.1–1.0 g/L of L-malate and a long-term storage stability of 25 days. It exhibits acceptable reproducibility [s _r(%)≈10] and allows six regenerations. The content of L-malic acid was determined for different types of wine, and polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) was used as a bleaching agent with red wine. The results obtained for the wine samples using the sensing layer are comparable to those obtained from a reference method based on UV-vis molecular absorption spectrometry, if the matrix effect is corrected for.     

Amino acids in aqueous solution. Effect of molecular structure and temperature on thermodynamics of dissolution

The enthalpies of dissolution of glycine (Gly) and L-α-alanine (Ala) in water at 288.15–318.15 K were measured. The results were compared with the earlier obtained data for L-α-phenylalanine (Phe) and L-α-histidine (His). The standard enthalpies of dissolution (Δ_soln H ₀) and differences (ΔC _p ⁰ ) between the limiting partial molar heat capacity of the amino acids in solution and the heat capacity of the amino acids in the crystalline state were calculated in the temperature interval 273–373 K. Changes in the entropy of dissolution (ΔΔ_soln S ₀) and reduced Gibbs energy [Δ (Δ_soln G ₀/T)] in the temperature interval from 273 to 373 K were determined from the known thermodynamic relationships. The ΔC _p ⁰ value is negative for hydrophilic glycine and positive for other amino acids. The ΔΔ_soln S ⁰ values increase with an increase in the hydrophobicity of the amino acids. The Δ(Δ_soln G ₀/T) values become more negative in the order Ala, Phe, Gly, His. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 711–714, April, 2007.     

Amino Acid Derivatives, V [1]: Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of α-Amino Acid Esters Bearing an α-d -Mannofuranoside Side Chain

d-Mannose was treated with dry acetone in the presence of conc. H₂SO₄ to afford 2,3:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-mannofuranoside. Treating the latter with ethyl chloroacetate gave carboethoxymethyl 2,3:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-α-d-mannofuranoside, which was hydrolyzed with N₂H₄ · H₂O to afford the acid hydrazide derivative. Treating of the acid hydrazide with acylated amino acides, via the azide-coupling method afforded the corresponding O-glycopeptides. Reaction of the glycopeptide methyl esters with N₂H₄ · H₂O afforded the corresponding hydrazides, which were coupled with the amino acid methyl esters to afford the dipeptides. Deprotection was carried out by using 70% AcOH. The prepared O-glycopeptides were tested for antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and showed moderate activities.     

Amino Acid Derivatives, IV [1]: Synthesis and Antiviral Evaluation of New α-Amino Acid Esters Bearing Methyl β-d -Ribofuranoside Side Chain

Methyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-β-d-ribofuranoside was synthesized and oxidized with HIO₄ to afford the corresponding carboxylic acid. The latter was coupled with the appropriate acylated amino acids in the presence of HOBt and DDC as coupling reagents to give the corresponding amides. The methyl acetate derivative was hydrolyzed with 2 N KOH/MeOH to the corresponding carboxylic acid, which was coupled with l-glycine methyl ester to furnish the amide. Deprotection was carried out with 70% AcOH at reflux temperature. The prepared glycopeptides were tested for antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) and hepatitis-A virus (HAV). The plaque reduction infectivity assay was used to determine virus count reduction as a result of treatment with tested compounds.     

Optimization of l -(+)-lactic acid production using pelletized filamentous Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395

Lactic acid is used as a food additive for flavor and preservation and a precursor in the development of poly-lactic acid, a product used to make biodegradable plastics and textiles. Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395 is known to be a strain that produces optically pure l-(+)-lactic acid. The morphology of Rhizopus cultures is complex, forming filamentous, clumps, and pellet mycelia. Different morphology growth has significant effects on lactic acid production. In bioreactors, the filamentous or clump mycelia increase the viscosity of the medium, wrap around impellers, and block the nutrient transportation, leading to a decrease in production efficiency and bioreactor performance. Growing fungi in pellet form can significantly improve these problems. In this study, factors that affect lactic acid production in pelletized flask cultures using R. oryzae NRRL 395 were investigated in detail. Completely randomized designs were used to determine the influence of culture temperature, time, concentration of glucose, and inoculum size. Lactic acid fermentation using clump and pellet morphologies were performed in a 5 L fermentor at the optimal values obtained from flask culture. Finally, fed-batch culture was used to enhance the lactate concentration in broth. The final lactate concentration of fed-batch culture reached 92 g/L. The data presented in the article can provide useful information on optimizing lactic acid production using alternative source materials.