Is there stereoselectivity in spin trapping superoxide by 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide?

[reaction: see text] Ester-containing nitrones, including 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 5, have been reported to be robust spin traps for superoxide (O2*-). Using a chiral column, we have been able to isolate the two enantiomers of nitrone 5. With enantiomerically pure nitrone 5a and 5b we explored whether one of these isomers was solely responsible for the EPR spectrum of aminoxyl 6. Data obtained demonstrate that the spin trapping of O2*- by nitrone 5a and nitrone 5b affords the identical EPR spectra and lifetimes in homogeneous aqueous solution and exhibits the same ratio of cis and trans isomers. Quantum chemical modeling in vacuo also finds no difference, aside from the expected optical activity, arising from the difference in stereochemistry.     

Radical trapping properties of 3-aryl-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-4-oxides

A series of 3-aryl-2H-benzo[1,4]oxazin-4-oxides was prepared, and their ability to trap free radicals was investigated by EPR spectroscopy. In organic solvents, these compounds were able to efficiently scavenge all carbon- and oxygen-centered radicals tested, giving very persistent aminoxyls, except with superoxide anion whose spin adducts were unstable. The main feature of these nitrones as spin traps lies in the possibility to recognize the initial radical trapped. In fact, besides a g-factor and aminoxyl nitrogen EPR coupling constant dependence on the species trapped, the EPR spectra also show different patterns due to hyperfine splittings characteristic of the radical scavenged. This last important feature was investigated by means of density functional theory calculations.     

Inclusion complexes of EMPO derivatives with 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin: synthesis, NMR and EPR investigations for enhanced superoxide detection

The free radical trapping properties of eight 5-alkoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (EMPO) type nitrones and those of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) were evaluated for trapping of superoxide anion radicals in the presence of 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD). (1)H-NMR titrations were performed to determine both stoichiometries and binding constants for the diamagnetic nitrone-DM-beta-CD equilibria. EPR titrations were then performed and analyzed using a two-dimensional EPR simulation program affording 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometries for the nitroxide spin adducts with DM-beta-CD and the associated binding constants after spin trapping. The nitroxide spin adducts associate more strongly with DM-beta-CD than the nitrones. The ability of the nitrones to trap superoxide, the enhancement of the EPR signal intensity and the supramolecular protection by DM-beta-CD against sodium L-ascorbate reduction were evaluated.     

Superoxide dismutase versus ferricytochrome C: determining rate constants for the spin trapping of superoxide by cyclic nitrones

Given that spin trapping/electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has become the primary technique to identify important biologically generated free radicals, such as superoxide (O(2)(*-)), in vitro and in vivo models, evaluation of the efficiency of specific spin traps to identify this free radical is paramount. Recently, a family of ester-containing nitrones has been prepared, which appears to have distinct advantages for spin trapping O(2)(*-) compared to the well-studied spin traps 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 1 and 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 2. An important determinant in the selection of a spin trap is the rate constant (k(app)) for its reaction with O(2)(*-), and several different methods have been employed in estimating this k(app). In this paper, the two most frequently used scavengers of O(2)(*-), ferricytochrome c and Cu/Zn-SOD, were evaluated as competitive inhibitors for spin trapping this free radical. Data presented herein demonstrate that SOD is the preferred compound when determining the k(app) for the reaction of O(2)(*-) with spin traps. Using this model, the k(app) for the reaction of nitrone 1, 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 3, and 5-methoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide 4 with O(2)(*)(-) was estimated to be 24.6 +/- 3.1, 73.0 +/- 12, and 89.4 +/- 1.0 M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7.0, respectively. Several other comparative studies between known spin traps were also undertaken.     

Improved spin trapping properties by beta-cyclodextrin-cyclic nitrone conjugate

Spin trapping using a nitrone and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is commonly employed in the identification of transient radicals in chemical and biological systems. There has also been a growing interest in the pharmacological activity of nitrones, and there is, therefore, a pressing need to develop nitrones with improved spin trapping properties and controlled delivery in cellular systems. The beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-cyclic nitrone conjugate, 5-N-beta-cyclodextrin-carboxamide-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (CDNMPO) was synthesized and characterized. 1-D and 2-D NMR show two stereoisomeric forms (i.e., 5S- and 5R-) for CDNMPO. Spin trapping using CDNMPO shows distinctive EPR spectra for superoxide radical anion (O2(*-)) compared to other biologically relevant free radicals. Kinetic analysis of O2(*-) adduct formation and decay using singular value decomposition and pseudoinverse deconvolution methods gave an average bimolecular rate constant of k = 58 +/- 1 M(-1) s(-1) and a maximum half-life of t(1/2) = 27.5 min at pH 7.0. Molecular modeling was used to rationalize the long-range coupling between the nitrone and the beta-CD, as well as the stability of the O2(*-) adducts. This study demonstrates how a computational approach can aid in the design of spin traps with a relatively high rate of reactivity to O2(*-), and how beta-CD can improve adduct stability via intramolecular interaction with the O2(*-) adduct.     

Theoretical study of the spin trapping of hydroxyl radical by cyclic nitrones: a density functional theory approach

The hydroxyl radical (*OH) is an important mediator of biological oxidative stress, and this has stimulated interest in its detection. 5,5-Dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) and its alkoxycarbonyl and alkoxyphosphoryl analogues have been employed as spin traps for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic radical detection. Energies of optimized geometries of nitrones and their corresponding *OH adducts were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31+G//B3LYP/6-31G level. Calculations predict that the trans adduct formation is favored in alkoxycarbonyl nitrones, while cis adducts with intramolecular H-bonding is favored for alkoxyphosphoryl nitrones. Addition of *OH to a phosphoryl-substituted nitrone is more exoergic than the carbonylated nitrones. Charge and spin densities on the nitrone spin traps were correlated with their rates of addition with *OH, and results show that the charge density on the nitronyl C, the site of *OH addition, is more positive in phosphorylated nitrones compared to DMPO and the alkoxycarbonyl nitrones. The dihedral angle between the beta-H and nitroxyl O bonds is smaller in phosphorylated nitrones, and that aspect appears to account for the longer half-lives of the spin adducts compared to those in DMPO and alkoxycarbonyl nitrones. Structures of nitrones with trifluoromethyl-, trifluoromethylcarbonyl-, methylsulfonyl-, trifluoromethylsulfonyl-, amido-, spiropentyl-, and spiroester substituents were optimized and their energies compared. Amido and spiroester nitrones were predicted to be the most suitable nitrones for spin trapping of *OH due to the similarity of their thermodynamic and electronic properties to those of alkoxyphosphoryl nitrones. Moreover, dimethoxyphosphoryl substitution at C-5 was found to be the most efficient substitution site for spin trapping of *OH, and their spin adducts are predicted to be the most stable of all of the isomeric forms.     

Reactivity of superoxide radical anion with cyclic nitrones: role of intramolecular H-bond and electrostatic effects

Limitations exist among the commonly used cyclic nitrone spin traps for biological free radical detection using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The design of new spin traps for biological free radical detection and identification using EPR spectroscopy has been a major challenge due to the lack of systematic and rational approaches to their design. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and stopped-flow kinetics were employed to predict the reactivity of functionalized spin traps with superoxide radical anion (O2*-). Functional groups provide versatility and can potentially improve spin-trap reactivity, adduct stability, and target specificity. The effect of functional group substitution at the C-5 position of pyrroline N-oxides on spin-trap reactivity toward O2*- was computationally rationalized at the PCM/B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) and PCM/mPW1K/6-31+G(d,p) levels of theory. Calculated free energies and rate constants for the reactivity of O2*- with model nitrones were found to correlate with the experimentally obtained rate constants using stopped-flow and EPR spectroscopic methods. New insights into the nucleophilic nature of O2*- addition to nitrones as well as the role of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of O2*- in facilitating this reaction are discussed. This study shows that using an N-monoalkylsubstituted amide or an ester as attached groups on the nitrone can be ideal in molecular tethering for improved spin-trapping properties and could pave the way for improved in vivo radical detection at the site of superoxide formation.     

Rate constants of hydroperoxyl radical addition to cyclic nitrones: a DFT study

Nitrones are potential synthetic antioxidants against the reduction of radical-mediated oxidative damage in cells and as analytical reagents for the identification of HO2* and other such transient species. In this work, the PCM/B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) and PCM/mPW1K/6-31+G(d,p) density functional theory (DFT) methods were employed to predict the reactivity of HO2* with various functionalized nitrones as spin traps. The calculated second-order rate constants and free energies of reaction at both levels of theory were in the range of 100-103 M-1 s-1 and 1 to -12 kcal mol-1, respectively, and the rate constants for some nitrones are on the same order of magnitude as those observed experimentally. The trend in HO2* reactivity to nitrones could not be explained solely on the basis of the relationship of the theoretical positive charge densities on the nitronyl-C, with their respective ionization potentials, electron affinities, rate constants, or free energies of reaction. However, various modes of intramolecular H-bonding interaction were observed at the transition state (TS) structures of HO2* addition to nitrones. The presence of intramolecular H-bonding interactions in the transition states were predicted and may play a significant role toward a facile addition of HO2* to nitrones. In general, HO2* addition to ethoxycarbonyl- and spirolactam-substituted nitrones, as well as those nitrones without electron-withdrawing substituents, such as 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) and 5-spirocyclopentyl-pyrroline N-oxide (CPPO), are most preferred compared to the methylcarbamoyl-substituted nitrones. This study suggests that the use of specific spin traps for efficient trapping of HO2* could pave the way toward improved radical detection and antioxidant protection.     

Superoxide radical anion adduct of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline n-oxide (DMPO). 1. The thermodynamics of formation and its acidity

The nitrone 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) has been the most widely used spin trap for the detection of transient free radicals in chemical, biological, and biomedical research using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. A density functional theory (DFT) approach was used to predict the thermodynamics of formation of the superoxide anion/hydroperoxyl radical (O2*-/*O2H) adduct of DMPO as well as its pK(a) in aqueous systems. At the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level, we predicted (in the gas phase and with a polarizable continuum model (PCM) for water) three conformational minima for both the DMPO-O2- and DMPO-O2H adducts. Using DFT and the PCM solvation method, the pK(a) of DMPO-O2H was predicted to be 14.9 +/- 0.5. On the basis of free energy considerations, the formation of DMPO-O2H at neutral pH proceeds via initial addition of O2*- to DMPO to form the DMPO-O2- adduct and then subsequent protonation by water (or other acidic sources) to form DMPO-O2H. Under acidic conditions, the addition of *O2H to DMPO is predicted to be more exoergic than the addition of O2*- and is consistent with available experimental kinetic data.     

Reactivities of superoxide and hydroperoxyl radicals with disubstituted cyclic nitrones: a DFT study

The unique ability of nitrone spin traps to detect and characterize transient free radicals by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has fueled the development of new spin traps with improved properties. Among a variety of free radicals in chemical and biological systems, superoxide radical anion (O(2)(?-)) plays a critical role as a precursor to other more oxidizing species such as hydroxyl radical (HO(?)), peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and therefore the direct detection of O(2)(?-) is important. To overcome the limitations of conventional cyclic nitrones, that is, poor reactivity with O(2)(?-), instability of the O(2)(?-) adduct, and poor cellular target specificity, synthesis of disubstituted nitrones has become attractive. Disubstituted nitrones offer advantages over the monosubstituted ones because they allow bifunctionalization of spin traps, therefore accommodating all the desired spin trap properties in one molecular design. However, because of the high number of possible disubstituted analogues as candidate, a systematic computational study is needed to find leads for the optimal spin trap design for biconjugation. In this paper, calculation of the energetics of O(2)(?-) and HO(2)(?) adduct formation from various disubstituted nitrones at PCM/B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory was performed to determine the most favorable disubstituted nitrones for this reaction. In addition, our results provided general trends of radical reactivity that is dependent upon but not exclusive to the charge densities of nitronyl-C, the position of substituents including stereoselectivities, and the presence of intramolecular H-bonding interaction. Unusually high exoergic ΔG(298K,aq)'s for O(2)(?-) and HO(2)(?) adduct formation were predicted for (3S,5S)-5-methyl-3,5-bis(methylcarbamoyl)-1-pyrroline N-oxide (11-cis) and (4S,5S)-5-dimethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-4-ethoxycarbonyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (29-trans) with ΔG(298K,aq) = -3.3 and -9.4 kcal/mol, respectively, which are the most exoergic ΔG(298K,aq) observed thus far for any nitrone at the level of theory employed in this study.     

A new kinetic approach to the evaluation of rate constants for the spin trapping of superoxide/hydroperoxyl radical by nitrones in aqueous media

A new kinetic approach to the evaluation of rate constants for the spin trapping of superoxide/hydroperoxyl radical by nitrones in buffered media is described. This method is based on a competition between the superoxide trapping by the nitrone and the spontaneous dismutation of this radical in aqueous media. EPR spectra are recorded as a function of time at various nitrone concentrations, and kinetic curves are obtained after treatment of these spectra using both singular value decomposition and pseudo-inverse deconvolution methods. Modelling these curves permits the determination of the rate constants k(T) and k(D) for the superoxide trapping and the adduct decay reactions, respectively. Kinetics parameters thus obtained with six nitrones, namely the 2-ethoxycarbonyl-2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrole N-oxide (EMPO), the 5-diethoxyphosphoryl-5-methyl-3,4-dihydro-5H-pyrrole N-oxide (DEPMPO), the 5,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-5H-pyrrole N-oxide (DMPO), the 1,3,5-tri[(N-(1-diethylphosphono)-1-methylethyl)-N-oxy-aldimine]benzene (TN), the N-benzylidene-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1-methylethylamine N-oxide (EPPN), and the N-[(1-oxidopyridin-1-ium-4-yl)methylidene]-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1-methylethylamine N-oxide (EPPyON), indicate that cyclic nitrones trapped superoxide faster than the linear ones. However, the low k(T) values obtained for compounds show that there is still a need for new molecules with better spin trapping capacities.     

EPR study of dialkyl nitroxides as probes to investigate the exchange of solutes between the ligand shell of monolayers of protected gold nanoparticles and aqueous solutions

EPR spectroscopy has been used to study the interaction of para-substituted benzyl hydroxyalkyl nitroxides with the monolayer of water-soluble protected gold cluster made by a short alkyl chain and a triethylene glycol monomethyl ether unit. The inclusion of nitroxide probes in the more hydrophobic environment of the monolayer gave rise to a reduction of the value of both nitrogen and beta-proton hyperfine splittings. The spectra also showed selective line broadening attributed to modulation of the spectroscopic parameters as the result of exchange between free and complexed nitroxide. The rate constants were obtained by analyzing the EPR line shape variations as functions of nanoparticle concentration and temperature. This represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first determination of rate constants for the solubilization of organic substrates in a monolayer-protected cluster.     

Study of photoinduced N-hydroxy-arylnitroxide radicals (ArNO*OH) by time-resolved EPR

The photoreduction of aromatic nitro compounds by alcohols is a well-known reaction; however, the first stages of its mechanism remain controversial. This study aims at characterizing the "primary" radicalar transients involved in this reaction by EPR spectroscopy. Laser flash photolysis (lambda = 266 nm) of nitrobenzene, 5-nitrouracil, p-nitroacetophenone, o-propylnitrobenzene, and 2-nitroresorcinol in ethylene glycol was followed by time-resolved EPR spectroscopy. In all reported TR-EPR spectra, except those obtained from the photolysis of 2-nitroresorcinol, the key intermediate N-hydroxy-arylnitroxide radicals (ArNO*OH, 1-4) could be identified unambiguously. In 2-nitroresorcinol, the radical anion (ArNO*O(-), 5) and a sigma iminoxy radical (6) were observed, and a third radical (7) remains unidentified. These observations indicate that two radicalar mechanisms (by H* transfer and by electron transfer) are competing in the photoreduction mechanism. The attribution of the EPR spectra was helped by DFT calculations of the hyperfine coupling constants (hcc's).     

Comparative DFT study of the spin trapping of methyl, mercapto, hydroperoxy, superoxide, and nitric oxide radicals by various substituted cyclic nitrones

The thermodynamics of the spin trapping of various cyclic nitrones with biologically relevant radicals such as methyl, mercapto, hydroperoxy, superoxide anion, and nitric oxide was investigated using computational methods. A density functional theory (DFT) approach was employed in this study at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The order of increasing favorability for Delta G(rxn) (kcal/mol) of the radical reaction with various nitrones, in general, follows a trend similar to their respective experimental reduction potentials as well as their experimental second-order rate constants in aqueous solution: NO (14.57) < O2*- (-7.51) < *O2H (-13.92) < *SH (-16.55) < *CH3 (-32.17) < *OH (-43.66). The same qualitative trend is predicted upon considering the effect of solvation using the polarizable continuum model (PCM): i.e., NO (14.12) < O2*- (9.95) < *O2H (-6.95) < *SH (-13.57) < *CH3 (-32.88) < *OH (-38.91). All radical reactions with these nitrones are exoergic, except for NO (and O2*- in the aqueous phase), which is endoergic, and the free energy of activation (Delta G) for the NO additions ranges from 17.7 to 20.3 kcal/mol. This study also predicts the favorable formation of certain adducts that exhibit intramolecular H-bonding interactions, nucleophilic addition, or H-atom transfer reactions. The spin density on the nitronyl N of the superoxide adducts reveals conformational dependences. The failure of nitrones to trap NO at normal conditions was theoretically rationalized due to the endoergic reaction parameters.     

Spin trapping by 5-carbamoyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (AMPO): theoretical and experimental studies

The nitrone 5-carbamoyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (AMPO) was synthesized and characterized. Spin trapping of various radicals by AMPO was demonstrated for the first time by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The resulting spin adducts for each of these radicals gave unique spectral profiles. The hyperfine splitting constants for the superoxide adduct are as follows: isomer I (80%), a(nitronyl)(-)(N) = 13.0 G and a(beta)(-)(H) = 10.8 G; isomer II (20%), a(nitronyl)(-)(N) = 13.1 G, a(beta)(-)(H) = 12.5 G, and a(gamma)(-)(H) = 1.75 G. The half-life of the AMPO-O(2)H was about 8 min, similar to that observed for EMPO but significantly shorter than that of the DEPMPO-O(2)H with t(1/2) approximately 16 min. However, the spectral profile of AMPO-O(2)H at high S/N ratio is distinguishable from the spectrum of the (*)OH adduct. Theoretical analyses using density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31+G//B3LYP/6-31G level were performed on AMPO and its corresponding superoxide adduct. Calculations predicted the presence of intramolecular H-bonding in both AMPO and its superoxide adduct. The H-bonding interaction was further confirmed by an X-ray structure of AMPO, and of the novel and analogous amido nitrone 2-amino-5-carbamoyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (NH(2)-AMPO). The thermodynamic quantities for superoxide radical trapping by various nitrones have been found to predict favorable formation of certain isomers. The measured partition coefficient in an n-octanol/buffer system of AMPO was similar to those of DMPO and DEPMPO. This study demonstrates the suitability of the AMPO nitrone for use as a spin trap to study radical production in aqueous systems.     

4-Aryl-1,3,2-oxathiazolylium-5-olates as pH-controlled NO-donors: the next generation of S-nitrosothiols

S-Nitrosothiols (RSNOs) are important exogenous and endogenous sources of nitric oxide (NO) in biological systems. A series of 4-aryl-1,3,2-oxathiazolylium-5-olates derivatives with varying aryl para-substituents (-CF3, -H, -Cl, and -OCH3) were synthesized. These compounds were found to release NO under acidic condition (pH = 5). The decomposition pathway of the aryloxathiazolyliumolates proceeded via an acid-catalyzed ring-opening mechanism after which NO was released and an S-centered radical was generated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping studies were performed to detect NO and the S-centered radical using the spin traps of iron(II) N-methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate [(MGD)2-FeII] and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Also, EPR spin trapping and UV-vis spectrophotometry were used to analyze the effect of aryl para substitution on the NO-releasing property of aryloxathiazolyliumolates. The results showed that the presence of an electron-withdrawing substituent such as -CF3 enhanced the NO-releasing capability of the aryloxathiazolyliumolates, whereas an electron-donating substituent like methoxy (-OCH3) diminished it. Computational studies using density functional theory (DFT) at the PCM/B3LYP/6-31+G**//B3LYP/6-31G* level were used to rationalize the experimental observations. The aryloxathiazolyliumolates diminished susceptibility to reduction by ascorbate or gluthathione, and their capacity to cause vasodilation as compared to other S-nitrosothiols suggests potential application in biological systems.     

Synthesis and properties of substituted 2-thioxohexahydropyrimidine-5-carbohydrazides

A regioselective method for the synthesis of substituted (4R*,5S*,6R*)-2-thioxohexahydro-pyrimidine-5-carbohydrazides from the corresponding diastereomers of hexahydro-2H-chromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidines was developed. In acidic medium, the obtained hydrazides are prone to retro reaction to give hexahydro-2H-chromeno[4,3-d]pyrimidines.

     

Magnetic properties of single crystal alpha-benzoin oxime: An EPR study

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of gamma irradiated single crystals of alpha-benzoinoxime (ABO) have been examined between 120 and 440 K. Considering the dependence on temperature and the orientation of the spectra of single crystals in the magnetic field, we identified two different radicals formed in irradiated ABO single crystals. To theoretically determine the types of radicals, the most stable structure of ABO was obtained by molecular mechanic and B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculations. Four possible radicals were modeled and EPR parameters were calculated for the modeled radicals using the B3LYP method and the TZVP basis set. Calculated values of two modeled radicals were in strong agreement with experimental EPR parameters determined from the spectra. Additional simulated spectra of the modeled radicals, where calculated hyperfine coupling constants were used as starting points for simulations, were well matched with experimental spectra.     

Reactions of fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)3]+ with nucleoside diphosphates and thiamine diphosphate in aqueous solution investigated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy

Products formed between monoester diphosphates (MDPs) and fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)3]OTf at pH 3.6 were examined. Such adducts of the fac-[Re(CO)3]+ moiety have an uncommon combination of properties for an "inert" metal center in that sharp NMR signals can be observed, yet the products are equilibrating at rates allowing NMR EXSY cross-peaks to be observed. Thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and uridine 5'-diphosphate (5'-UDP) form 1:1 bidentate {Palpha,Pbeta} chelates, in which the MDP binds Re(I) via Palpha and Pbeta phosphate groups. Asymmetric centers are created at Re(I) (RRe/SRe) and Palpha (Delta/Lambda), leading to four diastereomers. The two mirror pairs of diastereomers (RReDelta/SReLambda) and (RReLambda/SReDelta) for TDP (no ribose) and for all four diastereomers (RReDelta, RReLambda, SReDelta, SReLambda) for 5'-UDP (asymmetric ribose) gave two and four sets of NMR signals for the bound MDP, respectively. 31Palpha-31Palpha EXSY cross-peaks indicate that the fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)({Palpha,Pbeta}MDP)]- isomers interchange slowly on the NMR time scale, with an average k approximately equal to 0.8 s(-1) at 32 degrees C; the EXSY cross-peaks could arise from chirality changes at only Re(I) or at only Palpha. Guanosine 5'-diphosphate (5'-GDP), with a ribose moiety and a Re(I)-binding base, formed both possible diastereomers (RRe and SRe) of the fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)({N7,Pbeta}GDP)]- macrochelate, with one slightly more abundant diastereomer suggested to be RRe by Mn2+ ion 1H NMR signal line-broadening combined with distances from molecular models. Interchange of the diastereomers requires that the coordination site of either N7 or Pbeta move to the H2O site. 31Palpha-31Palpha EXSY cross-peaks indicate a k approximately equal to 0.5 s(-1) at 32 degrees C for RRe-to-SRe interchange. The similarity of the rate constants for interchange of fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)({Palpha,Pbeta}MDP)]- and fac-[Re(CO)3(H2O)({N7,Pbeta}GDP)]- adducts suggest strongly that interchange of Pbeta and H2O coordination positions accounts for the EXSY cross-peaks present in the spectra of all adducts.     

LET effects following neutron irradiation of lithium formate EPR dosimeters

Lithium formate electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimeters were irradiated using 60Co gamma-rays or fast neutrons to doses ranging from 5 to 20 Gy and investigated by EPR spectroscopy. Using a polynomial fitting procedure in order to accurately analyze peak-to-peak line widths of first derivative EPR spectra, dosimeters irradiated with neutrons had on average 4.4+/-0.9% broader EPR resonance lines than gamma-irradiated dosimeters. The increase in line width was slightly asymmetrical. Computer simulated first derivative polycrystalline EPR spectra of a *CO2- radical gave very good reconstructions of experimental spectra of irradiated dosimeters. The spectrum simulations could then be used as a tool to investigate the line broadening observed following neutron irradiation. It was shown that an increase in the simulated Lorentzian line width could explain both the observed line broadening and the asymmetrical effect. The ratio of the peak-to-peak amplitude of first derivative EPR spectra obtained at two different microwave powers (20 and 0.5 mW) was 7.8+/-1.2% higher for dosimeters irradiated with neutrons. The dependence of the spectrum amplitude on the microwave power was extensively investigated by fitting observations to an analytical non-linear model incorporating, among others, the spin-lattice (T1) and spin-spin (T2) relaxation times as fitting parameters. Neutron irradiation resulted in a reduction in T(2) in comparison with gamma-irradiation, while a smaller difference in T1 was found. The effects observed indicate increased local radical density following irradiation using high linear energy transfer (LET) neutrons as compared to low LET gamma-irradiation. A fingerprint of the LET may thus be found either by an analysis of the line width or of the dependence of the spectrum amplitude on the microwave power. Lithium formate is therefore a promising material for EPR dosimetry of high LET radiation.