Controlled helical orientation of carbazole in amino acid derived poly(N‐propargylamide)s

Novel L ‐alanine and L ‐glutamic acid derivatized, carbazole‐containing N‐propargylamides [N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide and N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐γ‐benzyl ester N′‐propargylamide] were synthesized and polymerized with (nbd)Rh⁺[η⁶‐C₆H₅B^?(C₆H₅)₃] (nbd = norbornadiene) as a catalyst to obtain the corresponding polymers with moderate molecular weights in high yields. Polarimetry, circular dichroism, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy studies revealed that both poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide] and poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐γ‐benzyl ester N′‐propargylamide] took a helical structure with a predominantly one‐handed screw sense in tetrahydrofuran, CHCl₃, and CH₂Cl₂. The helix content of poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide] could be tuned by heat or the addition of a protic solvent, and the helical sense of poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl) ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐γ‐benzyl ester N′‐propargylamide] was inverted by heat in CHCl₃ or in mixtures of tetrahydrofuran and CH₂Cl₂. Poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl) ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide] and poly[N‐(9‐carbazolyl)ethyloxycarbonyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐γ‐benzyl ester N′‐propargylamide] also took a helical structure in film states. They showed small fluorescence in comparison with the monomers and redox activity based on carbazole. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 253–261, 2007     

Synthesis and properties of optically active amino acid based polyacetylenes bearing eugenol and fluorene moieties

Novel optically active amino acid based polyacetylenes bearing eugenol and fluorene moieties were synthesized, and their properties, including chiroptical ones, were analyzed. N‐[1‐(3,4‐Dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐propyloxycarbonyl]‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide ( 1 ), N‐[1‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐propyloxycarbonyl]‐L ‐alanine propargyl ester ( 2 ), N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L ‐alanine N′‐propargylamide ( 3 ), and N‐(9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L ‐alanine propargyl ester ( 4 ) were polymerized with a rhodium‐zwitterion catalyst in tetrahydrofuran to afford the corresponding polymers with moderate molecular weights ranging from 10,800 to 17,300 in good yields. Because of the large specific rotation and circular dichroism (CD) signal, it was concluded that the poly(N‐propargylamide)s [poly( 1 ) and poly( 3 )] took a helical structure with a predominantly one‐handed screw sense. The solvent and temperature could tune the helical structure of poly( 1 ). On the other hand, the poly(propargyl ester)s [poly( 2 ) and poly( 4 )] exhibited only small specific rotations and CD signals. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 810–819, 2006     

Synthesis of a New,Highly Fluorescent Amino Acid Derivative: N‐[(tert‐Butoxy)carbonyl]‐3‐[2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)benzoxazol‐5‐yl]‐L‐alanine Methyl Ester

A simple method of synthesis of a new, highly fluorescent amino acid derivative from the simple and generally available substrates 3‐nitro‐L ‐tyrosine and 1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehyde is described. The obtained compound, N‐[(tert‐butoxy)carbonyl]‐3‐[2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)benzoxazol‐5‐yl]‐L ‐alanine methyl ester ( 4 ), possesses a high fluorescence quantum yield. The described method illustrates a new possibility of synthesis of amino acid derivatives possessing desirable photophysical properties.     

Use of vibrational spectroscopy to study protein and DNA structure,hydration, and binding of biomolecules: A combined theoretical and experimental approach

We report on our work with vibrational absorption, vibrational circular dichroism, Raman scattering, Raman optical activity, and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy to study protein and DNA structure, hydration, and the binding of ligands, drugs, pesticides, or herbicides via a combined theoretical and experimental approach. The systems we have studied systematically are the amino acids (L ‐alanine, L ‐tryptophan, and L ‐histidine), peptides (N‐4271 acetyl L ‐alanine N′‐methyl amide, N‐acetyl L ‐tryptophan N′‐methyl amide, N‐acetyl L ‐histidine N′‐methyl amide, L ‐alanyl L ‐alanine, tri‐L ‐serine, N‐acetyl L ‐alanine L ‐proline L ‐tyrosine N′‐methyl amide, Leu‐enkephalin, cyclo‐(gly‐L ‐pro)₃, N‐acetyl (L ‐alanine)_n N′‐methyl amide), 3‐methyl indole, and a variety of small molecules (dichlobenil and 2,6‐dochlorobenzamide) of relevance to the protein systems under study. We have used molecular mechanics, the SCC‐DFTB, SCC‐DFTB+disp, RHF, MP2, and DFT methodologies for the modeling studies with the goal of interpreting the experimentally measured vibrational spectra for these molecules to the greatest extent possible and to use this combined approach to understand the structure, function, and electronic properties of these molecules in their various environments. The application of these spectroscopies to biophysical and environmental assays is expanding, and therefore a thorough understanding of the phenomenon from a rigorous theoretical basis is required. In addition, we give some exciting and new preliminary results which allow us to extend our methods to even larger and more complex systems. The work presented here is the current state of the art to this ever and fast changing field of theoretical spectroscopic interpretation and use of VA, VCD, Raman, ROA, EA, and ECD spectroscopies. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006     

Oleanane Saponins from Rhizome of Anemone raddeana

Two new oleanolic acid‐type triterpenoid saponins, raddeanosides R₂₂ and R₂₃ ( 1 and 2 , resp.), together with four known saponins were isolated from the rhizome of Anemone raddeana Regel. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as oleanolic acid 3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl(1→2)[β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl(1→4)]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside ( 1 ) and oleanolic acid 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl(1→3)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)[β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl(1→4)]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside ( 2 ). The four known compounds were identified as oleanolic acid 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside ( 3 ), oleanolic acid 3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl(1→4)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside ( 4 ), hederasaponin B ( 5 ), and hederacholchiside E ( 6 ) on the basis of chemical and spectral evidences. Compound 4 is reported for the first time from the Anemone genus, while the other three known compounds have been already found in this plant.     

Cyclic Peptidomimetics Derived from the Apical Membrane Antigen I of Plasmodium falciparum and Their Use in Malaria Vaccine Design

A library of 35 cyclic peptidomimetics has been prepared, by a combination of solid‐ and solution‐phase methods, which, together, scan amino acid residues 444–489 in a protruding loop in the subdomain‐III of the apical membrane antigen‐I (AMA‐I), an integral membrane protein found on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. The mimetics each contain twelve residues from AMA‐I linked through the N‐ and C‐termini to a β‐hairpin‐inducing template, comprising the dipeptide D ‐proline‐L ‐Apro (Apro=cis‐4‐amino‐L ‐proline). These peptidomimetics were each coupled via the 4‐amino group to a phospholipid, which allows their incorporation into reconstituted influenza virus‐like particles (virosomes) for immunization of mice, as well as their use in ELISA to characterize epitopes recognized by anti‐AMA‐I growth‐inhibitory monoclonal antibodies.     

Five New Medicagenic Acid Saponins from Muraltia ononidifolia

Five new triterpene saponins 1 – 5 were isolated from the roots of Muraltia ononidifolia E. Mey along with the two known saponins 3‐O‐[O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl]medicagenic acid 28‐[O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl] ester and 3‐O‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)medicagenic acid 28‐[O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl] ester (medicagenic acid=(4α,2β,3β)‐2,3‐dihydroxyolean‐12‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acid). Their structures were elucidated mainly by spectroscopic experiments, including 2D‐NMR techniques, as 3‐O‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)medicagenic acid 28‐[O‐β‐ D ‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl] ester ( 1 ), 3‐O‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)medicagenic acid 28‐{[O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[β‐D ‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→3)]‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl} ester ( 2 ), 3‐O‐[O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl]medicagenic acid 28‐{O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[β‐D ‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→3)]‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl} ester ( 3 ), 3‐O‐[O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl]medicagenic acid 28‐[O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl] ester ( 4 ), and 3‐O‐[O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl]medicagenic acid ( 5 ).     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Voltammetric Determination of L‐Cysteic Acid at the Surface of p‐Bromanil Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

The electrochemical properties of L ‐cysteic acid studied at the surface of p‐bromanil (tetrabromo‐p‐benzoquinone) modified carbon paste electrode (BMCPE) in aqueous media by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and double step potential chronoamperometry. It has been found that under optimum condition (pH 7.00) in cyclic voltammetry, the oxidation of L ‐cysteic acid at the surface of BMCPE occurs at a half‐wave potential of p‐bromanil redox system (e.g., 100 mV vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl_sat), whereas, L ‐cysteic acid was electroinactive in the testing potential ranges at the surface of bare carbon paste electrode. The apparent diffusion coefficient of spiked p‐bromanil in paraffin oil was also determined by using the Cottrell equation. The electrocatalytic oxidation peak current of L ‐cysteic acid exhibits a linear dependency to its concentration in the ranges of 8.00×10^?6 M–6.00×10^?3 M and 5.2×10^?7 M–1.0×10^?5 M using CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods, respectively. The detection limits (2σ) were determined as 5.00×10^?6 M and 4.00×10^?7 M by CV and DPV methods. This method was used as a new, selective, rapid, simple, precise and suitable voltammetric method for determination of L ‐cysteic acid in serum of patient's blood with migraine disease.     

New saponins from Sechium mexicanum

The chemical study of Sechium mexicanum roots led to the isolation of the two new saponins {3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl (1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐2β,3β,16α,23‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 4)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside} (1) and {3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl (1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐2β,3β,16α,23‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 4)‐[β‐D ‐apiosyl‐(1 → 3)]‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside} (2), together with the known compounds {3‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐2β,3β,6β,16α,23‐pentahydroxyolean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 4)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranoside} (3), tacacosides A₁ (4) and B₃ (5). The structures of saponins 1 and 2 were elucidated using a combination of ¹H and ¹³C 1D‐NMR, COSY, TOCSY, gHMBC and gHSQC 2D‐NMR, and FABMS of the natural compounds and their peracetylated derivates, as well as by chemical degradation. Compounds 1–3 are the first examples of saponins containing polygalacic and 16‐hydroxyprotobasic acids found in the genus Sechium, while 4 and 5, which had been characterized partially by NMR, are now characterized in detail. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bidesmosidic Oleanane Saponins from Xerospermum noronhianum

Three new oleanane‐type triterpenoid saponins, 3‐O‐(α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)‐β‐D ‐fucopyranosyl)‐28‐O‐{[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)] [β‐D ‐fucopyranosyl(1→6)]‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl} oleanolic acid ( 1 ), 3‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→3)‐β‐D ‐fucopyranosyl]‐28‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid ( 2 ), and 3‐O‐{α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)‐[3′,4′‐diacetoxy‐β‐D ‐fucopyranosyl]}‐28‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl] oleanolic acid ( 3 ) have been isolated from the stems of Xerospermum noronhianum. The structures of the saponins were determined as a series of bidesmosidic oleanane saponins based on spectral evidence. The anticholinesterase activity of the saponins 1 – 3 was also evaluated.     

Four new ursane‐type saponins from Morina nepalensis var. alba

Four new ursane‐type saponins, monepalosides C–F, together with a known saponin, mazusaponin II, were isolated from Morina nepalensis var. alba Hand.‐Mazz. Their structures were determined to be 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐&[alpha;‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosylpomolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (monepaloside C, 1 ), 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐&[alpha;‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)]‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosylpomolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (monepaloside D, 2 ), 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐&[beta;‐D ‐glucopyranosy‐(1 → 2)]‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosylpomolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (monepaloside E, 3 ) and 3‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosylpomolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside (monepaloside F, 4 ) on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. 2D NMR techniques, including ¹H–¹H COSY, HMQC, 2D HMQC‐TOCSY, HMBC and ROESY, and selective excitation experiments, including SELTOCSY and SELNOESY, were utilized in the structure elucidation and complete assignments of ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New Glycosides from Salvia moorcroftiana (Lamiaceae)

From the MeOH extract of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. (Lamiaceae), four new compounds, the two flavonoid glycosides genkwanin 4′‐[O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside] ( 1 ) and genkwanin 4′‐[O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranoside] ( 2 ), and the two benzene derivatives 4‐hydroxy‐2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenyl O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ) and nonyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate ( 4 ), were isolated in addition to two known compounds. The structures of all new compounds were determined by 1D and 2D homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and by comparison with published data.     

Water‐Soluble Constituents from the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha

Four new glycosides, the bibenzyl glycoside α,β‐dihydrostilbene‐2,4′,5‐triol 2,5‐di‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranoside) ( 1 ), the shikimic acid glycoside shikimic acid 4‐(β‐D ‐xylopyranoside) ( 2 ), and two phenylethanoid glycosides 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 3 ) and 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 4 ), together with three known aromatic glycosides were isolated from the H₂O‐soluble fraction of the EtOH extract of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidences.     

N‐(l‐2‐Aminobutyryl)‐l‐alanine and 2‐(l‐alanylamino)‐l‐butyric acid 0.33‐hydrate

The crystal structure of N‐(l ‐2‐amino­butyryl)‐l ‐alanine, C₇H₁₄N₂O₃, is closely related to the structure of l ‐alanyl‐l ‐alanine, both being tetragonal, while the retro‐analogue 2‐(l ‐alanyl­amino)‐l ‐butyric acid 0.33‐hydrate, C₇H₁₄N₂O₃·­0.33H₂O, forms a new type of molecular columnar structure with three peptide mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit.     

Flavonol Glycosides and Cytotoxic Triterpenoids from Alphitonia Philippinensis

Three new flavonol glycosides, namely, isorhamnetin 3‐O‐(6″‐O‐(Z)‐p‐coumaroyl)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 1 ), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranoside ( 2 ), and quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl(1 → 2)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranoside ( 3 ), were isolated from the stems of Alphitonia philippinensis. Their structures were established by spectral analysis. In addition, NMR data were assigned for ceanothenic acid ( 11 ). Some of the isolated triterpenoids and flavonoid glycosides showed cytotoxicity against human PC‐3 cells and hepatoma HA22T cells, and inhibition of replication on herpes simplex virus type‐1.     

Two new complex triterpenoid saponins from Gledistsia dolavayi Franch.

Two new triterpenoid saponins, gledistside A ( 1 ) and gledistside B ( 2 ), isolated from the fruits of Gledistsia dolavayi Franch., were characterized as the 3,28‐O‐bisdesmoside of echinocystic acid acylated with monoterpene carboxylic acids. On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidence, their structures were elucidated as 3‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐28‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[β‐D ‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐{6‐O‐[2,6‐dimethyl‐6(S)‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐2,7‐octadienoyl]}‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosylechinocystic acid ( 1 ) and 3‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐α‐L ‐arabinopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐28‐O‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐[β‐D ‐galactopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐{6‐O‐[2‐hydroxymethyl‐6‐methyl‐6(S)‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐2,7‐octadienoyl]}‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosylechinocystic acid ( 2 ). The complete ¹H and ¹³C assignments of saponins 1 and 2 were achieved on the basis of 2D NMR spectra including HMQC‐TOCSY, TOCSY, ¹H–¹H COSY, HMBC, ROESY and HMQC spectra. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microwave‐assisted synthesis and characterization of heterocyclic,and optically active poly(amide‐imide)s incorporating L‐amino acids

N,N′‐Pyromelliticdiimido‐di‐L ‐alanine ( 1 ), N,N′‐pyromelliticdiimido‐di‐L ‐phenylalanine ( 2 ), and N,N′‐pyromelliticdiimido‐di‐L ‐leucine ( 3 ) were prepared from the reaction of pyromellitic dianhydride with corresponding L ‐amino acids in a mixture of glacial acetic acid and pyridine solution (3/2 ratio) under refluxing conditions. The microwave‐assisted polycondensation of the corresponding diimide‐diacyl chloride monomers ( 5–7 ) with 4‐phenyl‐2,6‐bis(4‐aminophenyl) pyridine ( 10 ) or 4‐(p‐methylthiophenyl)‐2,6‐bis(4‐aminophenyl) pyridine ( 12 ) were carried out in a laboratory microwave oven. The resulting poly(amide‐imide)s were obtained in quantitative yields, and they showed admirable inherent viscosities (0.12–0.55 dlg^?1), were soluble in polar aprotic solvents, showed good thermal stability and high optical purity. The synthetic compounds were characterized by IR, MS, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and specific rotation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Phenylpropanoid Esters of Rhamnose from Buddleja asiatica

Four new phenylpropanoid esters of rhamnose, asiatisides A–D, along with the known compounds, buergeriside C₁ ( 5 ), p‐methoxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and O‐methylferulic acid were obtained from the aerial parts of Buddleja asiatica Lour by chromatographic methods. The new compounds were elucidated as 3‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(p‐methoxycinnamoyl)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranose ( 1 ), 3‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐feruloyl‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranose ( 2 ), 2‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(O‐methylferuloyl)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranose ( 3 ), 2‐O‐acetyl‐4‐O‐(p‐methoxycinnamoyl)‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranose ( 4 ) by spectral data (1D‐, 2D‐NMR, and MS), respectively.     

Cyclic polypeptides by thermal polymerization of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides

The NCAs of the following five amino acids were polymerized in bulk at 120 °C without addition of a catalyst or initiator: sarcosine (Sar), L ‐alanine (L ‐Ala), D ,L ‐phenylalanine (D ,L ‐Phe), D ,L ‐leucine (D ,L ‐Leu) and D ,L ‐valine (D,L ‐Val). The virgin reaction products were characterized by viscosity measurements ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. In addition to numerous low molar mass byproducts cyclic polypeptides were formed as the main reaction products in the mass range above 800 Da. Two types of cyclic oligo‐ and polypeptides were detected in all cases with exception of sarcosine NCA, which only yielded one class of cyclic polypeptides. The efficient formation of cyclic oligo‐ and polypeptides explains why high molar mass polymers cannot be obtained by thermal polymerizations of α‐amino acid NCAs. Various polymerization mechanisms were discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4012–4020, 2008     

New Triterpenoid and Ergostane Glycosides from the Leaves of Hydrocotyle umbellata L.

Two new triterpenoid glycosides, together with two new ergostane glycosides, umbellatosides A–D ( 1 – 4 , resp.), have been isolated from the leaves of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. Their structures were established by 2D‐NMR spectroscopic techniques (¹H,¹H‐COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC) and mass spectrometry as 3β,22β‐dihydroxy‐3‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucuronopyranosyl]olean‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl ester ( 1 ), 3‐O‐[α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D ‐glucuronopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl ester ( 2 ), (3β,11α,26)‐ergosta‐5,24(28)‐diene‐3,11,26‐triol 3‐O‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)‐11‐O‐(α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl)‐26‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ), and (3β,11α,21,26)‐ergosta‐5,24(28)‐diene‐3,11,21,26‐tetrol 3‐O‐(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)‐11‐O‐(α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl)‐26‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 4 ).