Synthesis and structure of a 1:1 complex of a chiral methyl 4,6-0-benzylidene-2 , 3-0 (1 ,2-bis (ethoxyethoxy) -benzenediyl) - α,d-glucopyranoside and potassium iodide

The chiral crown ether was prepared according to the method described in the literature and its complex with potassium iodide was obtained. The crystal data are as follows: a = 10.315(4), b = 9.265(4), c = 15.88(2) Å, β = 100.70(7)°. V = 1494 Å,³ Z = 2, D₀ = 1.55 Mg m^?3 space group symmetry P2₁.The structure was determined by the heavy atom method using 2214 independent observed reflections. The conformation of the macrocyclic ring is discussed.     

Physicochemical and Quality Properties of Dried Courgette Slices: Impact of Vacuum Impregnation and Drying Methods

The aim of this study was to determine the effects that the type of impregnating solution and drying method (freeze drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD) at 45 °C and convective drying (CD) at 50, 60, and 70 °C) had on the physicochemical and quality properties of courgettes. Courgette slices were vacuum-impregnated (6 kPa) in freshly squeezed onion, kale, and onion and kale (50:50) juices with 3% NaCl solution (N). The application of vacuum impregnation (VI) with impregnating solutions from freshly squeezed onions and kale had a beneficial effect on the bioactive values of courgette. The highest contents of quercetin (41.84 μg/g d.m.) and carotenoids (276.04 μg/g d.m.) were found in courgette impregnated with onion juice after freeze drying. The highest values of lutein and zeaxanthin (216.42 μg/g d.m.) were recorded for courgette impregnated with kale juice and convective dried. By analysing the kinetics of convective drying, the best matching of the logistic model was found. Increasing the drying process temperature from 50 to 70 °C reduced the drying time from 15% to 36%, depending on the type of impregnating solution used. Water activity < 0.6 was recorded for courgette dried by freezing, vacuum, and convection at 60 and 70 °C. Conclusions: The vacuum impregnation process and the impregnation solutions from freshly squeezed vegetables can be used to develop new snacks with high levels of bioactive compounds. The FD method is the most appropriate considering both the bioactive compounds content and the obtained colour and water activity.     

Conformations of 2-C:1-N-carbonyl-2-deoxy-d-glycopyranosylamines

Geometry and molecular conformation of theN-toluenesulfonyl1 andN-acetyl-2 derivatives of peracetylated 2-C:1-N-carbonyl-2-deoxy--d-glucopyranosylamine were investigated with the use of X-ray diffraction methods. Compound1 (C₂₀H₂₃NSO₁₀) crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁ space group, withZ=2 anda=8.238(1),b=7.988(1),c=16.928(2)Å, =99.12(1)°. Compound2 (C₁₅H₁₉NO₉) crystallizes in orthorhombic P2₁2₁2₁ space group withZ=4 anda=8.385(1),b=8.550(1),c=24.000(2) Å. Analysis of differences in bond lengths and angles between compounds1 and2 and other compounds of this class showed that the electronwithdawing effect by the residue located at the nitrogen atom can be manifested by lengthening of the -lactam C-N bonds, with simultaneous shortening of the distance between two carbon atoms at the ring fusion. Semi-empirical calculations suggested that the title compounds displayed two positively charged centers, susceptible for attack of nucleophiles, one at the carbonyl group of -lactam and the second at the anomeric carbon atom. Atomic charges, however, calculated for compounds1 and2 did not explain their different reaction directions during alcoholysis.Part 3. For part 1 and 2, see Refs. 5 and 6.     

Properties of polyethylene glycol supported tetraarylporphyrin in aqueous solution and its interaction with liposomal membranes

5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin was functionalized by covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains of various molecular weights, 350, 2000, and 5000 Da. The properties of PEG-functionalized tetraarylporphyrins in aqueous solution and their interactions with liposomes have been studied. Electronic absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and fluorescence quenching were used to monitor aggregation of porphyrin chromophores and behavior of the attached PEG chains in the aqueous solution. The tendency for aggregation of porphyrin chromophores in aqueous solution and the efficiency of fluorescence quenching by KI decrease with increasing length of PEG chain linked to the porphyrin ring. The experimental results indicate that polymer clusters are present in aqueous solution of all pegylated porphyrins. The interactions between the pegylated porphyrins and phosphatidylcholine liposomes in the aqueous solution were studied using the fluorescence methods. The apparent binding constants of porphyrin chromophores to liposomes were determined. The degree of binding was found to be dependent on the molecular weight of the attached polymer.     

Titanium-manganese compound with a chiral Mn3Ti center

We have shown here for the first time a facile route to the molecular compound [Mn3Ti(mu3-OCH2CH2OCH3)2(mu-OCH2CH2OCH3)3(mu-Cl)Cl2(OiPr)2] with a Mn3Ti motif, where the Ti atom is in the chiral position and the Mn atoms occupy nonchiral sites.     

The Structural Determinants for α1-Adrenergic/Serotonin Receptors Activity among Phenylpiperazine-Hydantoin Derivatives

Several studies confirmed the reciprocal interactions between adrenergic and serotoninergic systems and the influence of these phenomena on the pathogenesis of anxiety. Hence, searching for chemical agents with a multifunctional pharmacodynamic profile may bring highly effective therapy for CNS disorders. This study presents a deep structural insight into the hydantoin-arylpiperazine group and their serotonin/α-adrenergic activity. The newly synthesized compounds were tested in the radioligand binding assay and the intrinsic activity was evaluated for the selected derivatives. The computer-aided SAR analysis enabled us to answer questions about the influence of particular structural fragments on selective vs. multifunctional activity. As a result of the performed investigations, there were two leading structures: (a) compound 12 with multifunctional adrenergic-serotonin activity, which is a promising candidate to be an effective anxiolytic agent; (b) compound 14 with high α_1A/α_1D affinity and selectivity towards α_1B, which is recommended due to the elimination of probable cardiotoxic effect. The structural conclusions of this work provide significant support for future lead optimization in order to achieve the desired pharmacodynamic profile in searching for new CNS-modulating agents.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of a new amino acid possessing a BODIPY moiety

The synthesis of a new amino acid possessing a BODIPY fluorophore, which is of use in peptide synthesis, is described. The influence of the amino acid as well as of benzoxazole moieties on the BODIPY spectral and photophysical properties is discussed. The photophysical properties of this fluorophore were modified only to a small extent compared to those of the parent compound.     

Comparison of photodynamic efficacy of tetraarylporphyrin pegylated or encapsulated in liposomes: In vitro studies

Two photosensitizing systems: (1) tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (p-THPP) encapsulated in sterically stabilized liposomes (SSL) and (2) p-THPP functionalized by covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (p-THPP–PEG₂₀₀₀) were studied in vitro. The dark and photo cytotoxicity of these systems were evaluated on two cell lines: HCT 116, a human colorectal carcinoma cell line, and DU 145, a prostate cancer cell line and compared with these determined for free p-THPP. It was demonstrated that both encapsulation in liposomes as well as attachment of PEG chain result in pronounced reduction of the dark cytotoxicity of the parent porphyrin. The liposomal formulation showed higher than p-THPP–PEG₂₀₀₀ photocytotoxicity towards both cell lines used in the studies.