Internally stabilized selenocysteine derivatives: syntheses, 77Se NMR and biomimetic studies

Selenocystine ([Sec]2) and aryl-substituted selenocysteine (Sec) derivatives are synthesized, starting from commercially available amino acid l-serine. These compounds are characterized by a number of analytical techniques such as NMR (1H, 13C and 77Se) and TOF mass spectroscopy. This study reveals that the introduction of amino/imino substituents capable of interacting with selenium may stabilize the Sec derivatives. This study further suggests that the oxidation-elimination reactions in Sec derivatives could be used for the generation of biologically active selenols having internally stabilizing substituents.     

On the calculation of expectation values and transition matrix elements by coupled cluster method

Summary Finite order expressions are derived for expectation values and transition matrix elements within the framework of the coupled cluster method.     

High-speed microwave-promoted hetero-Diels-Alder reactions of 2(1H)-pyrazinones in ionic liquid doped solvents

Inter- and intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder reactions in a series of functionalized 2(1H)-pyrazinones were investigated under controlled microwave irradiation. The cycloaddition reactions were efficiently performed in sealed tubes, utilizing either a combination of 1,2-dichloroethane and a thermally stable ionic liquid, or 1,2-dichlorobenzene as reaction medium. In all cases, a significant rate-enhancement using microwave flash heating as compared to thermal heating was observed.     

Sign ambiguity in dipole moment derivatives of Br2CO

Signs of the dipole moment derivatives, ?p_x/?S₄ and ?p_x/?S₅ where p_x is the dipole moment vector along an axis perpendicular to the CO bond in the plane of the molecule and S_j are the symmetry coordinates for the B₁ vibrations of Br₂CO have been re-evaluated from the reported ?p/?Q_i values (p being the dipole moment of the molecule and Q_i the normal coordinates) and the L matrix elements. The new set of dipole moment derivatives fits well with similar parameters for Cl₂CO and F₂CO.     

An average fock operator technique of approximate open-shell LCAO-MO-SCF calculation

The exchange part of the usual Hartree-Fock potential in the unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) theory is suitablyaveraged to construct an, average one-electron model Hamiltonian which generates a set of spin-restricted one-electron orbitals in a self-consistent manner. These orbitals are then used to calculate the electronic energy of the open-shell system by using the proper functional form for the energy which handles the exchange terms correctly. The eigenvalues ofF ^av can be used for calculating either the spin-polarised or spin-averaged ionisation potentials of different orbitals at theKoopmans’ theorem level of approximation. Comparison ofE ^ac with the UHF-energy shows thatE _UHF<E ^ac in each case revealing some kind of an upper bound nature ofE ^ac. An approximate variational argument is given. Relationship of our model with the hyper-Hartree-Fock theory of slater is explored and the general problem of eliminating ‘self-interaction’ terms in average Fock-operator based theories is discussed.     

A microwave-assisted click chemistry synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles via a copper(I)-catalyzed three-component reaction

A microwave-assisted three-component reaction was used to prepare a series of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from corresponding alkyl halides, sodium azide, and alkynes. This procedure eliminates the need to handle organic azides, as they are generated in situ, making this already powerful click process even more user-friendly and safe.     

Highly efficient synthesis of isoquinolines via nickel-catalyzed annulation of 2-iodobenzaldimines with alkynes: evidence for dual pathways of alkyne insertion

[reaction: see text] A wide range of substituted isoquinolines were synthesized via a highly efficient nickel-catalyzed annulation of the tert-butyl imines of 2-iodobenzaldehydes and various alkynes; examination of the regiochemistry of isoquinolines synthesized indicates that there are two different alkyne insertion pathways for the catalytic reactions.     

X-ray structure of physiological copper(II)-bis(L-histidinato) complex

The isolation and the X-ray crystal structure of physiological copper(II)-L-histidine complex are reported. The neutral five-coordinate complex shows distorted square pyramidal geometry with bidentate and tridentate L-histidine ligands. The basic character of the pendent imidazole group and H-bonding interactions of bidentate L-histidine ligand are important for copper transport. The unique structural features help explain the origin of its thermodynamic stability and kinetic reactivity in human blood along with the ternary copper(II)-amino acid complexes. The role of L-histidine in interaction with copper(II)-albumin, in cellular uptake of copper, and in treatment of Menkes disease can be studied using these results.     

EXAFS studies of cobalt oxides and oxide glasses

The exafs of Co²⁺ has been studied in rare earth cobaltites and in sulphate and borate glasses. It has been found that the environment of Co²⁺ ions is very similar in these cases. It appears feasible to study local structures in glasses using probe ion exafs. Communication No. 151 from the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit.     

Oxidative verdoheme formation and stabilization by axial isocyanide ligation

The effect of isocyanides as axial ligands on the formation and stability of verdoheme by oxidation has been examined. The reaction of [Fe(III)(OEPO)]2 with t-butyl isocyanide under dioxygen-free conditions results in the formation of (t-BuNC)2Fe(II)(OEPO*) with an electron paramagnetic resonance at g=2.009 with a peak-to-peak separation of 23.5 G at 4 K. (OEPO is the trianion of octaethyloxophlorin and OEPO* is the radical dianion obtained from OEPO by one-electron oxidation.) Exposure of chloroform solutions of either (2,6-xylylNC)2Fe(II)(OEPO*) or (t-BuNC)2Fe(II)(OEPO*) to dioxygen followed by the addition of ammonium hexafluorophosphate results in their transformation into the diamagnetic verdohemes, [(2,6-xylylNC)2Fe(II)(OEOP)](PF6) and [(t-BuNC)2Fe(II)(OEOP)](PF6), yields 68 and 70%, respectively. (OEOP is the anion of octaethyl-5-oxaporphyrin.) The oxidation reactions of (2,6-xylylNC)2Fe(II)(OEPO*) and (t-BuNC)2Fe(II)(OEPO*) have also been monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. No resonances due to paramagnetic products could be detected, the reactions appear to result only in the formation of the diamagnetic verdohemes, and the products are not susceptible to further oxidation.