Molecular tectonics. Porous hydrogen-bonded networks built from derivatives of pentaerythrityl tetraphenyl ether

The symmetric four-armed geometry of pentaerythrityl tetraphenyl ether (5) makes it a valuable starting point for building complex molecular and supramolecular structures. In particular, it provides a core to which multiple sites of attractive intermolecular interaction can be attached, thereby creating compounds predisposed to form complex networks by association. To facilitate exploitation of the pentaerythrityl tetraphenyl ether core in such ways, we have prepared more than 20 new derivatives by efficient methods. Of special interest are compounds 3 and 4, which incorporate four diaminotriazine groups attached to the meta and para positions of the pentaerythrityl tetraphenyl ether core. Crystallization of compounds 3 and 4 from DMSO/dioxane is directed by hydrogen bonding of the diaminotriazine groups according to well-established motifs, thereby producing three-dimensional networks. In forming these networks, each molecule of compound 3 forms a total of 12 hydrogen bonds with six others, whereas each molecule of compound 4 forms a total of 16 hydrogen bonds with four others. Both networks are highly porous and define significant interconnected channels for the inclusion of guests. In crystals of compounds 3 and 4, the fraction of the volume accessible to guests is 66% and 57%, respectively. In both cases, the pentaerythrityl tetraphenyl ether cores adopt conformations that deviate substantially from tetrahedral geometry. It is noteworthy that the inherent flexibility of the core does not favor the formation of close-packed guest-free structures.     

Characterization of an opioid peptide-containing protein and of bovine α-lactalbumin by electrospray ionization and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry methods have been used to characterize two proteins: an opioid peptide-containing protein extracted from bovine pituitary, and bovine α-lactalbumin (BAL). A protein that contains β-endorphin was found in bovine pituitary, and that protein was characterized with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS), gel permeation chromatography, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), radioimmunoassay, trypsinolysis, and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS). BAL is a protein that was used as a model to develop analytical methods to study opioid peptide-containing proteins. Commercial BAL was purified by RP-HPLC, and its molecular weight (M.W.) was determined by ESIMS. The shift in mass observed following dithiothreitol (DTT) reduction estimated the number of disulfide bonds. For all of the data obtained for BAL with or without RP-HPLC separation, ESIMS determined the M.W. of the peptides produced by trypsin treatment of BAL, and LSIMS selected a precursor ion, the protonated molecule ion [M + H]⁺, of a tryptic peptide, which was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Following DTT reduction, ESIMS and LSIMS detected each peptide that contained disulfide bonds in that mixture of tryptic peptides.     

Imino-bridged heterocycles. VII. N-aminobenzocycloheptapyridinimines

Condensation of anhydrous hydrazine with a variety of benzocycloheptapyridinones led to N-aminobenzocycloheptapyridinimines. Regiospecific ring closures occurred in all the systems investigated.     

Ring-closing double reductive amination route to aza-heteroannulated sugars

1,4-Dicarbonyl derivatives of glycosides are produced by ozonolysis or Wacker oxidation. A stable ozonide is isolated and a carbonyl group reduced whilst maintaining the ozonide functionality. The 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds are converted to various N-substituted pyrrolidines by diastereoselective double reductive amination The resulting aza-heteroannulated sugars no significant inhibition of any glycosidase, with the exception of compound 12g, which is a weak inhibitor of β-galactosidase.     

Synthesis and properties of axially-chiral N-(2,6-disubstituted)phenyl triazolones

Certain ortho-substituted phenyl triazolone compounds are fungicidal. When two ortho-substituents are present, stable atropisomers can be isolated. Several methods for resolving racemic intermediates into the enantiomers are described, including separations of diasteromeric ester derivatives and diasteromeric salts. The intermediates were converted into products in which the absolute configuration can be correlated to biological activity.