Isolation and characterization of atropisomers of seven-membered-ring benzolactams

The atropisomeric properties of seven-membered-ring benzolactams (7a-c and 8a) [1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one (a), 1,5-benzothiazepin-4-one (b), and 1-benzazepin-2-one (c)] were examined. The atropisomers were isolated as the diastereomers with an (S)-phenethylamide moiety, which were characterized by X-ray crystallography, and the barriers to their interconversion were clarified.     

Peroxynitrite generation from a NO-releasing nitrobenzene derivative in response to photoirradiation

Photocontrollable ONOO(-) generation from a nitrobenzene derivative was demonstrated. The designed compound released NO in response to photoirradiation, and the resulting semiquinone reduced molecular oxygen to generate O(2)˙(-); reaction of the two generated ONOO(-), as confirmed with an ONOO(-) fluorescent probe, HKGreen-3.     

Sunlight-induced efficient and selective photocatalytic benzene oxidation on TiO2-supported gold nanoparticles under CO2 atmosphere

The sunlight-induced photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous benzene on TiO(2)-supported gold nanoparticles was considerably improved when the reaction was conducted under a CO(2) atmosphere. 13% yield and 89% selectivity of phenol was obtained on P25-supported gold nanoparticles under 230 kPa of CO(2).     

Determination of binding constants of various alkali metal cations with p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene by using inclusion equilibrium with thionine dye

The binding constants of various alkali metal cations with water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[8]arene (Calix-S8) were determined spectrophotometrically by using the inclusion equilibrium of thionine (Th) dye as a chemical indicator. Depending on the kind of alkali metal cations, the inclusion constants of Calix-S8 for Th decrease steeply with an increase in salt concentrations. Alkali metal cations compete with the organic guest Th in the Calix-S8 inclusion. Based on a competitive binding experiment, the binding constants of alkali metal cations with Calix-S8 were evaluated to be 17, 60, and 11 dm⁶ mol^?2 for Na⁺, K⁺, and Cs⁺, respectively. We have demonstrated an absorption-based method of evaluating the binding constants of spectroscopically inert metal cations with Calix-S8 and shown the effects of salts on the molecular recognition of Calix-S8.     

Synthesis of Block Copolyamides by End-Reactive Oligomers

Block copolyamides having poly(propylene oxide) units in main chains were prepared by interfacial polyconden-sation using hydroxyl-terminated poly(propylene oxide), acid chloride and diamine. Block copolyamides having poly(styrene) segments were also prepared by the same technique by using endcaped poly(styrene) with carboxyl or amine end groups. They were characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray analyses.

Platlet adhersion behaviors were evaluated on the surface of these block copolyamides and it was found that the platelet adhersion and aggregation were greatly influenced by the domain size as well as the distribution of the block units in the block polyamides. Bio-compatibilities of these block po-lyamides were discussed in respect of microphase-separated domain structures.     

New Photosensitive High Temperature Polymers for Electronic Applications

A new photosensitive high temperature polymer stable up to 500%deg;C with high photosensitivity and high resolution has been developed. The trend toward a high degree of integration in solid-state technology requires the use of new high temperature photosensitive insulating materials. Toray's Photoneece system provides such versatile polyimide pattern-generation techniques, containing a unique photosensitive polyimide precursor which can be spun or coated on the substrate. The resultant relief of photosensitive polyimide precursor, after exposure to UV light with a mask, development, and cure processing, is transformed into a cyclized aromatic polyimide. The new system has higher photosensitivity and resolution and eliminates three steps in the conventional pattern-making process for integrated circuits, resulting in a significant cost reduction. The characterization of pattern generation, the conversion to polyimide patterns, and the properties of both Photoneece and the patterns are discussed.     

Unique inclusion behaviour of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetraaminothiacalix[4]-arene towards small organic molecules

Tetraaminothiacalixarene 3, bearing four amino groups instead of the hydroxy groups of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene 2, exhibits inclusion properties different from those of compound 2 towards small organic molecules upon crystallisation from neat solvents or guest solutions. X-ray crystallographic analyses reveal that nitromethane and acetonitrile are included into the cone-shaped cavity of compound 3, as is often seen in inclusion crystals of compound 2, whereas dichloromethane occupies a space between two distal benzene rings of compound 3, adopting a 1,3-alternate conformation. Acetic acid, which forms a dimer, fills a pore surrounded by four host molecules with a pinched cone conformation. Furthermore, guest-free crystals of compound 3 with a 1,3-alternate conformation absorb acetonitrile to give inclusion crystals with the same crystal structure as that obtained by the crystallisation. Thus, compound 3 flexibly changes its conformation according to the structures of guest compounds.     

Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Extract in Healthy Female Subjects: A Pilot Study

Blackcurrant extract (BCE) ameliorates dyslipidemia in menopausal model animals and in elderly women at a risk of dyslipidemia. However, it is unknown whether the daily intake of BCE can prevent lipid abnormalities in healthy individuals. Lipids are essential for the body, but they also cause arteriosclerosis. In this noncomparative pilot study, we examined the effects of BCE administered for 29 days on serum lipids in young healthy women. Blood samples were collected before and on days 4 and 29 after BCE intake, and 20 lipoprotein fractions in the serum were separated using a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography method to measure the triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels in lipoproteins. There were no effects on lipids on day 4 of BCE intake, but the total cholesterol level decreased on day 29. Furthermore, the levels of total very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, small VLDL cholesterol, and large low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased. These results suggest that the daily intake of BCE has a hypocholesterolemic effect in healthy women, and that it is effective in preventing atherosclerosis.     

Remark on the stability of the large stationary solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations under the general flux condition

Consider stationary weak solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations in a bounded domain in R³${\mathbb{R}}^3$ under the nonhomogeneous boundary condition. We give a new approach for the stability of the stationary flow in the L²$L^2$-framework. Furthermore, we give some examples of stable solutions which may be large in L³(Ω)$L^3\left(\Omega \right)$ or W^1,3/2(Ω)$W^{1,3/2}\left(\Omega \right)$.     

Chromatography-free synthesis of Corey's intermediate for Tamiflu

Column chromatography-free stereoselective synthesis of Corey's intermediate for Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) was achieved, starting from l-glutamic acid γ-ethyl ester. The reagents and solvents used in the reaction scheme are industrially tractable, rendering the synthesis a potential starting point for process research.