General Method for the 11C‐Labeling of 2‐Arylpropionic Acids and Their Esters: Construction of a PET Tracer Library for a Study of Biological Events Involved in COXs Expression

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is a critical enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis that modulates a wide range of biological functions, such as pain, fever, and so on. To perform in vivo COX imaging by positron emission tomography (PET), we developed a method to incorporate ¹¹C radionuclide into various 2‐arylpropionic acids that have a common methylated structure, particularly among nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Thus, we developed a novel ¹¹C‐radiolabeling methodology based on rapid C‐[¹¹C]methylation by the reaction of [¹¹C]CH₃I with enolate intermediates generated from the corresponding esters under basic conditions. One‐pot hydrolysis of the above [¹¹C]methylation products also allows the synthesis of desired ¹¹C‐incorporated acids. We demonstrated the utility of this method in the syntheses of six PET tracers, [¹¹C]Ibuprofen, [¹¹C]Naproxen, [¹¹C]Flurbiprofen, [¹¹C]Fenoprofen, [¹¹C]Ketoprofen, and [¹¹C]Loxoprofen. Notably, we found that their methyl esters were particularly useful as proradiotracers for a study of neuroinflammation. The microPET studies of rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced brain inflammation clearly showed that the radioactivity of PET tracers accumulated in the inflamed region. Among these PET tracers, the specificity of [¹¹C]Ketoprofen methyl ester was demonstrated by a blocking study. Metabolite analysis in the rat brain revealed that the methyl esters were initially taken up in the brain and then underwent hydrolysis to form pharmacologically active forms of the corresponding acids. Thus, we succeeded in general ¹¹C‐labeling of 2‐arylpropionic acids and their methyl esters as PET tracers of NSAIDs to construct a potentially useful PET tracer library for in vivo imaging of inflammation involved in COXs expression.     

Die massenspektrometrische Fragmentierung von Neopentylpolyolestern. 1—Pentaerythrittetrafettsäureester

The fragmentation of the homologous fatty acid tetraesters of pentaerythritol (C-2 to C-14) upon electron impact was investigated. The main fragment ions are [M? RCOO]⁺ and [M? RCOOH]⁺, for which cyclic acetal structures are postulated. Subsequent fragmentation was elucidated by ‘direct analysis of daughter ion’ (DADI) measurements and high resolution measurements. Esters of branched fatty acids can be distinguished from esters of n-fatty acids by characteristic ions. Isomeric esters of n-fatty acids cannot be separated by gas chromatography but identification is also possible by mass spectrometry.     

Cyclic ions in the mass spectra of trimethylsilyl derivatives of substituted o-dihydroxybenzenes

The mass spectra of trimethylsilyl (TMS) ethers/methyl esters of phenolic acids containing o-dihydroxybenzene groups have base peaks at [M?119]⁺ instead of the usual [M?15]⁺ and [M?31]⁺ that are characteristic of TMS/methyl esters of monohydroxyphenolic acids. These ions, formed by the loss of 31+88 u from the parent ion, possess a cyclic moiety as proven by substitution of deuterium atoms for hydrogen atoms in the TMS groups of the methyl esters of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic (gallic), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic (protocatechuic) and β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propenoic (caffeic) acids. Although these cyclic ions are the base peaks in TMS-derivatized o-dihydroxyphenolic acid esters, similar ions represent intense peaks but not necessarily the base peak in other derivatized compounds such as 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, 1,2-dihydroxy-3-methyl- and 1,2-dihydroxy-4-methyl-benzenes and flavan-3-ols that possess o-dihydroxybenzene groups. Compounds possession m- or p-dihydroxybenzene groups do not form these cyclic ions; therefore, this procedure for derivatization and interpretation of mass spectra is valuable for the identification of compounds containing o-dihydroxybenzene groups in complex mixtures of isomeric compounds.     

One-pot esterification and amidation of phenolic acids

We developed a new one-pot reaction of phenolic acids to afford the corresponding esters and amides through acyl-protected and activated phenolic acid intermediates. The simultaneous protection/activation of phenolic acids with alkylchloroformates proceeded readily in the presence of DMAP at room temperature; subsequent addition of alcohols or amines afforded the corresponding esters or amides. The use of iso-butyloxycarbonyl as the protecting and activating group in the one-pot reactions afforded phenolic esters or amides in 91% average yield. As a practical example of this convenient synthesis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) was readily synthesized from commercially available caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol in 95% yield, and an isotopomer of CAPE, [3,10-¹³C₂]CAPE, was synthesized in 91% yield from [3-¹³C]caffeic acid and 2-[1-¹³C]phenethyl alcohol. This method may be useful for the convenient esterification and amidation of diverse phenolic acids.     

The effect of configuration of gas phase protonated ethenedicarboxylates on their low energy collision induced dissociation behaviour

Low energy collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra were measured by a triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer for the [MH]⁺ ions of diethyl and dimethyl esters of maleic, fumaric, citraconic and mesaconic acids. A very high degree of stereospecificity was observed for the geometrically isomeric diethyl esters. The cis esters give rise to very abundant [MH? EtOH]⁺ and [MH? EtOH? C₂H₄]⁺ ions, while the trans isomers exhibit very abundant [MH? C₂H₄]⁺ and [MH? 2 C₂H₄]⁺ ions. The highly stereospecific processes indicate that the double bond configuration is retained in the protonated species under the conditions of the experiment.     

Stereochemical applications of mass spectrometry. II—Chemical ionization mass spectra of isomeric dicarboxylic acids and derivatives

The H₂ and CH₄, chemical ionization mass spectra of the cis dicarboxylic acids, maleic and citraconic acid, show much more extensive loss of H₂O from [MH]⁺ than the trans isomers, fumaric acid and mesaconic acid. Similarly, esters of maleic acid show a much more facile loss of ROH (R=alkyl or phenyl) from [MH]⁺ than do esters of fumaric acid. Similar differences are observed in the chemical ionization mass spectra of the isomeric phthalic and isophthalic acids and derivatives, where the ortho isomers show more extensive fragmentation of [MH]⁺ than the meta isomers. The facile fragmentation of [MH]⁺ for the cis and ortho isomers is attributed to ROH elimination involving interaction between the two carboxylate functions and forming the stable cyclic anhydride structure for the fragment ion. By contrast ROH elimination from [MH]⁺ for the trans and metu isomers requires a symmetry-forbidden [1,3]-H migration in the carboxyl protonated species and cannot lead to the cyclic anhydride structure. The chemical ionization mass spectra of cis and trans cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acids are essentially identical and show extensive fragmentation of the [IMH]⁺ ion. Experiments using deuterium labelling show extensive carboxyl group interactions for both isomers. The chemical ionization mass spectra of maleanilic and phthalanilic acids and of the related anhydrides and imides also are reported, as are the electron impact mass spectra of diphenyl maleate, diphenyl fumarate, diphenyl phthalate, maleanilic acid and phthalanilic acid.     

Furan derivatives. part 11 [1]. on substituent effects in the synthesis of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans

Tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans 7a-e were synthesized by the treatment of ( 5 -oxo-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-4-yloxy)acetic acids 5a-e with sodium acetate in acetic anhydride or by heating of their esters 6a-e with sodium hydroxide or sodium hydride in dioxane. The yield of furans 7 decreased as a substituent R of acids 5 or esters 6 was changed from hydrogen to a methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl group. When R was a phenyl group furan 7e was always prepared in good yield. Sodium hydride was a useful base for synthesis of tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Diastereoisomerically Pure Tetracyclo[6.2.1.13,6.02,7]dodec‐9‐ene‐4‐carboxylic Acid Derivatives

The synthesis and detailed NMR analysis of diastereoisomerically pure samples of 4‐methyltetracyclo[6.2.1.1^3,6.0^2,7]dodec‐9‐ene‐4‐carboxylic acid ( 2 ), tetracyclo[6.2.1.1^3,6.0^2,7]dodec‐9‐ene‐4‐carboxylic acid ( 6 ) and their tert‐butyl esters are reported. Mixtures containing two isomers of the methyl esters of these compounds were obtained by a twofold, sequential Diels‐Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene, and methyl methacrylate or methyl acrylate, respectively. Pure diastereoisomers of the acids were prepared by selective hydrolysis of their methyl esters.     

Tetramethylsilane chemical ionization mass spectrometry of some isomeric unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and esterst

The tetramethylsilane (TMS) chemical ionization (CI) mass spectra of some geometrical isomers of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, esters and isomeric phthalic acids reveal explicit differences. The (E)-acids show an abundant [M + 73 ? CH₄]⁺Ion whereas the (Z)-acids exhibit a strong [M + 73 ? H₂O]⁺ ion in their TMS CI spectra. The loss of CH₄ from the adduct of fumaric acid has been confirmed by the study of fumaric acid-d₂ and B/E linked scan studies. In the case of esters, the TMS CI spectra of (E)-isomers contain abundant [M + 73]⁺ adduct ions, whereas these are weakly abundant in the TMS CI of the (Z)-isomers.     

Furan derivatives. Part 8 On substituent effects in the synthesis of 4,5-dihydro-3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furans

4,5-Dihydro-3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furans 4 and 6 which have various substituents (R¹ and R²) have been synthesized from 8-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthyloxyacetic acids 1 and 3 or their ethyl esters 2 . The reaction of acids 1 and 3 with sodium acetate in acetic anhydride gave a mixture of furans 4 and 6 and lactones 5 and 7 . The ratios of the products were varied according to the types of substituents (R¹ and R²) in acids 1 and 3 . As the substituent R¹ (R² = hydrogen) in acids 1 was changed from hydrogen to a methyl, ethyl or isopropyl group, production of furans 4 became more difficult. However, when a phenyl group was used as the substituent, furan 4 was obtained in good yield. Similarly, as the substituent R² (R¹ = hydrogen) in acids 1 was changed from hydrogen to a methyl, ethyl or isopropyl group, furan formation was more difficult. In contrast, acids 3 which had electron-withdrawing substituents such as chlorine, bromine or a nitro group at the 4-position afforded furans 6 in good yield. 4,5-Dihydro-3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furans 4 and 4,5-dihydro-3H-naphtho[1,8-bc]furan-2-carbocylic acids 8 were synthesized from the reaction of esters 2 and potassium hydroxide in dioxane. When the substituents R¹ or R² in esters 2 were varied from hydrogen to a methyl, ethyl or isopropyl group the total yields of furans 4 and furancarboxylic acids 8 were reduced.     

Sodiation as a tool for enhancing the diagnostic value of MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS spectra of complex astaxanthin ester mixtures from Haematococcus pluvialis

The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis produces the pigment astaxanthin mainly in esterified form with a multitude of fatty acids, which results in a complex mixture of carotenol mono‐ and diesters. For rapid fingerprinting of these esters, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS) might be an alternative to traditional chromatographic separation combined with MS. Investigation of ionization and fragmentation of astaxanthin mono‐ and diester palmitate standards in MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS showed that sodium adduct parent masses [M + Na]⁺ gave much simpler MS² spectra than radical / protonated [M]^+● / [M + H]⁺ parents. [M + Na]⁺ fragments yielded diagnostic polyene‐specific eliminations and fatty acid neutral losses, whereas [M]^+● / [M + H]⁺ fragmentation resulted in a multitude of non‐diagnostic daughters. For diesters, a benzonium fragment, formed by polyene elimination, was required for identification of the second fatty acid attached to the astaxanthin backbone. Parents were forced into [M + Na]⁺ ionization by addition of sodium acetate, and best signal‐to‐noise ratios were obtained in the 0.1 to 1.0 mM range. This method was applied to fingerprinting astaxanthin esters in a crude H. pluvialis extract. Prior to MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS, the extract was fractionated by normal phase Flash chromatography to obtain fractions enriched in mono‐ and diesters and to remove pheophytin a, which compromised monoester signals. All 12 types of all‐trans esterified esters found in LC were identified with MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS, with the exception of two minor monoesters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cationic ruthenium complex of the formula [RuCl(2,6-diacetylpyridine)(PPh3)2]BArF and its catalytic activity in the formation of enol esters

A new ruthenium 2,6-diacetylpyridine complex was synthesized and applied in the atom-economic synthesis of enol esters through Markovnikov-directed addition of carboxylic acids to terminal alkynes. The ruthenium complex [RuCl(dap)(PPh₃)₂]⁺BArF^? was synthesized from [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₂] and the corresponding ligand 2,6-diacetylpyridine (dap). The complex was characterized structurally. The new ruthenium complex was utilized under ambient conditions as a catalyst in the Markovnikov addition of carboxylic acids to terminal alkynes to afford the corresponding enol esters in 93% to 52% isolated yields (85?°C, 16?h reaction time, 1?mol% catalyst loading).     

Synthese und Reaktionen von Bicyclo[6.4.0]dodecan-3-carbonsäure-Derivaten

Synthesis and Reactions of the Bicyclo[6.4.0]dodecane-3-carboxylic Acid Derivatives The synthesis and some consecutive reactions of the compounds 5-8 , derivatives of bicyclo[6.4.0]dodecane-3-carboxylic acid ( 1 ), are described. The esters 7 and 8 can be obtained by Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 2-hydroxy-8-methyltricyclo[7.3.1.0^2,7]tridecan-13-one ( 4 ) and subsequent hydrolysis of the lactone 5 . The structure and configuration of these compounds has been evaluated by spectroscopic techniques (mainly 2D-NMR methods). The formation of 7 via 1,2-H shift and subsequent isomerization to 8 has been studied. The esters 11 and 13 are formed stereospecifically from 7 and 8 .     

1H- und 13C-NMR.-spektroskopische Untersuchungen an den vier diastereomeren (±)-Dihydropalustraminsäure-methylestern; Strukturkorrelation mit (−)-Dihydropalustraminsäure-methylester sowie mit dem Alkaloid Palustrin. 14. Mitteilung über Schachtelhalmalkaloide

¹H-and¹³C-NMR. spectra of methyl esters of the diastereomeric (±)-dihydropalustramic acids; structural correlation of (?)-dihydropalustramic acid with the alkaloid palustrin Unambiguous assignment of cis-trans configuration at the piperidine ring of the four diastereomeric methyl esters of the (±)-dihydropalustramic acids is based on the interpretation of ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR. data. (?)-Dihydropalustramic acid, the important degradation product of the alkaloid palustrin is shown to be threo-cis-[6-(1-hydroxypropyl)-2-piperidyl]acetic acid. The same conclusion holds for palustrin and dihydropalustrin. Therefore, palustrin is threo-cis-17-(1-hydroxy-propyl)-1,5,10-triazabicyclo[11.4.0]heptadec-15-en-11-one.     

1,2,3-thiadiazoles. I. Synthesis of sodium (or potassium) 1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-thiolates via thiocarbazonate esters and N-acylthiohydrazonate esters

A general synthesis of 1,2,3-thiadiazole-4-thiolates 1 and their derivatives 2–3 by an extension of the Hurd-Mori 1,2,3-thiadiazole synthesis is described. Treatment of methyl (or ethyl) [1-(alkylthio)alkylidene]hydrazinocarboxylates 11 (thiocarbazonate esters) or other N-acylthiohydrazonate esters [Y = ureido ( 12 ) or arenesulfonyl ( 13 )] with thionyl chloride affords 2–3 efficiently. Intermediates 11–13 are readily obtained from the N²-thioacylcarbazates 8 , N³-thioacylsemicarbazides 9 , or N²-thioacyl-N¹-(p-toluenesulfonyl)hydrazides 10 , respectively, by S-alkylation. Physicochemical properties of the 1,2,3-thiadiazoles 1–3 and N-acylthiohydrazonate esters 11–13 are also described.     

Fluoro-containing Heterocycles: VI. New Derivatives of 1,3,4-Thiadiazino[6,5,4-i,j]quinoline

A series of new tricyclic fluoroquinolones was prepared by replacing fluorine atoms in derivatives of 2-R-8-Y-7-oxo-9,10-difluoro-7H-1,3,4-thiadiazino[6,5,4-i,j]quinoline-6-carboxylic acids. In acids and esters containing a hydrogen atom in position 8 occurred replacement of F¹⁰ by amine rests, and in compounds with a fluorine in position 8 was substituted either F⁸or F¹⁰ and F⁸depending on the amine character.     

Synthesis of non-natural cyclic amino acids from available unsaturated tertiary amines

New approach is developed to the synthesis of cyclic amino acids derivatives. Unsaturated tertiary amines react with ethyl diazoacetate under the catalysis by copper catalyst Cu(F₃acac)₂ leading to the formation of products of [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement which via the metathesis of double bonds undergo a ring closure. The subsequent hydrogenation of compounds obtained furnished esters of 6- and 7-membered cyclic α-amino acids. Besides the racemic also optically active compounds were obtained, in particular, esters of (R)- and (S)-pipecolic acid.     

Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Secondary Benzylic Alcohols by the Enantioselective Esterification Using Pyridine‐3‐carboxylic Anhydride (3‐PCA) with Chiral Acyl‐Transfer Catalysts

Pyridine‐3‐carboxylic anhydride (3‐PCA) was found to function as an efficient coupling reagent for the preparation of carboxylic esters from various carboxylic acids with alcohols under mild conditions by a simple experimental procedure. This novel condensation reagent 3‐PCA was applicable not only for the synthesis of achiral carboxylic esters catalyzed by 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) but also for the production of chiral carboxylic esters by the combination of chiral nucleophilic catalyst, such as tetramisole (=2,3,5,6‐tetrahydro‐6‐phenylimidazo[2,1‐b][1,3]thiazole) derivatives. An efficient kinetic resolution of racemic benzylic alcohols with achiral carboxylic acids was achieved by using 3‐PCA in the presence of (R)‐benzotetramisole ((R)‐BTM), and a variety of optically active carboxylic esters were produced with high enantiomeric excesses by this new chiral induction system without using a tertiary amine.     

Reactions of 4-chloroacetoacetic esters with thioureas

Several heterocyclic acetic acids and esters were synthesized by allowing the appropriate thiourea, ethylenethiourea or trimethylenethiourea to react with 4-chloroacetoacetic esters, followed by acid hydrolysis to the hydrochlorides of the free acids. Both esters and acids of 2-aminothiazole-4-acetic acid, 5,6-dihydro-imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-3-acetic acid and 6,7-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-c]pyrimidine-3-acetic acid were obtained.     

2-Benzoyl-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl-1 and 2-benzoylamino-2-methoxy-carbonylvinyl-1 as N-protecting groups in peptide synthesis. Their application in the synthesis of dehydropeptide derivatives containing N-terminal 3-heteroarylamino-2,3-dehydroalanine

Ethyl 2-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopropenoate ( 6 ) and methyl 2-benzoylamino-3-dimethylaminopropenoate ( 46 ) were used as reagents for the protection of the amino group with 2-benzoyl-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl-1 and 2-benzoylamino-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl groups in the peptide synthesis. Reactions of ethyl 2-benzoyl-3-dimethylaminopropenoate (6) with α-amino acids gave N-(2-benzoyl-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl-1)-α-amino acids 13–19. These were coupled with various amino acid esters to form N-(2-benzoyl-2-ethoxycar-bonylvinyl-1)-protected dipeptide esters 20–31. The removal of 2-benzoyl-2-ethoxycarbonylvinyl-1 group, which was achieved by hydrazine monohydrochloride or hydroxylamine hydrochloride, afforded hydrochlo-rides of dipeptide esters 32–41 in high yields. Similarly, the substitution of the dimethylamino group in methyl 2-benzoylamino-3-dimethylaminopropenoate ( 46 ) by glycine gave N-(2-benzoylamino-2-methoxycar-bonylvinyl-1)glycine ( 47 ), which was coupled with glycine ethyl ester to give N-[N-(2-benzoylamino-2-methoxycarbonylvinyl-1)glycyl]glycine ethyl ester ( 48 ). Treatment of 48 with 2-arnino-4,6-dirnethylpyrimi-dine afforded N-[glycyl]glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride (34) in high yield. Amino acid esters and dipeptide esters were employed in the preparation of tri- 58-70, tetra- 71–82, and pentapeptide esters 83–85 containing N-terminal 3-heteroarylamino-2,3-dehydroalanine. 2-Chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine was employed as a coupling reagent for the preparation of peptides 58–85.