Synthesis of O,O Ethane Bridged Bis-copper(II) Macrocycles. Selective Enzyme Model for Catecholase Activity

New mononuclear and dinuclear complexes [3-hydroxyethyl-1,3,5,8,11pentaazacyclotridecane]copper(II) (1)/nickel(II) (2) perchlorate and O,O ethane bridged bis-copper(II) (3)/nickel(II) (4) macrocycles have been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, viz. i.r., n.m.r., e.p.r., u.v.–vis. and conductance measurements. Spectral data and conductance measurements reveal that all the complexes are consistent with square-planar geometry and are ionic in nature. The catalytic activity of the dinuclear Cu(II) complex (3) in the presence of pyrocatechol was determined spectrometrically by monitoring the increase of the o-benzoquinone characteristic absorption band at 25,000 cm⁻¹ with respect to time in DMF saturated with molecular oxygen. The kinetic parameters V_max (2.8×10⁻³ M s⁻¹) and K_M (1.4×10⁻³ mm) have been determined by Michaelis–Menten method. Electrochemistry of the dinuclear Cu(II) complex has been studied in the presence of molecular oxygen with pyrocatechol and without pyrocatechol at a scan rate of 0.1 V s⁻¹ by cyclic voltammetry. On addition of pyrocatechol, complex shows a shift in E_pc, E_pa and E_1/2 values indicating the oxidation of substrate (pyrocatechol).     

Adsorptive stripping voltammetric analysis of 2,4,6-tri(2′pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine at a mercury electrode

The redox behaviour of adsorbed species of 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3-5-triazine (TPTZ) at the surface of a mercury electrode was examined using cycling voltammetry. Based on the adsorption and accumulation of TPTZ at the charged mercury surface cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (CSV) is applied for the trace determination of TPTZ using a differential pulse (DP) technique. Experimental and operational parameters for the quantitative analysis of TPTZ are optimized and the detection limit was found to be 3×10^–9 mol/l. The effect of some interferences, e.g. organic compounds, cations and anions, are investigated.     

Complexes of tris(o-phenanthroline)nickel(II) and copper(II) bromide with dithiocarbamates derived from α-amino acids

Complexes of 1,10-o-phenanthroline (o-phen)-Ni^II and Cu^II with dithiocarbamates derived from -amino acids (glycine, phenylalanine, alanine, methionine and tryptophan) were synthesized and characterized by chemical analysis, spectral and thermal studies and by biological screening; the complexes are non-electrolytes. The empirical formula are [Ni(o-phen)₂(aadtc)] and [Cu₂(o-phen)₂(phaladtc)(H₂O)₂Br₂] where, aadtc = glycinyl-, phenylalaninyl-, alaninyl-, methioninyl- and tryptophanyldithiocarbamate and phaladtc = phenylalaninyldithiocarbamate. The structure of these complexes is probably octahedral. Molecular association through hydrogen bonding between the —NH and the carboxylate groups is proposed for the Ni^II complexes. The Cu^II complex is dimeric with the phenylalaninyldithiocarbamate acting as a bridge.     

New prodrugs derived from 6-aminodopamine and 4-aminophenol as candidates for melanocyte-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MDEPT)

Two novel tyrosinase mediated drug delivery pathways have been investigated for the selective delivery of cytotoxic units to melanocytes from urea and thiourea prodrugs. The synthesis of these prodrugs is reported, as well as oximetry data that illustrate that the targets are substrates for tyrosinase. The stability of each of the prodrugs in (i) phosphate buffer and (ii) bovine serum is discussed, and the urea prodrugs are identified as lead candidates for further studies. Finally, HPLC studies and preliminary cytotoxicity studies in a melanotic and an amelanotic cell line, that illustrate the feasibility of the approach, are presented.     

Synthesis and photochemistry of binary and mixed ligand complexes of copper(II) containing 5-arylazo-8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives and alkyl xanthates

Summary Mixed ligand complexes of the type K[Cu(x-HQA)Rxan] [x-HQA = 5-arylazo-8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives; Rxan = methyl or ethylxanthate] have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, spectral measurements and conductivity. Upon irradiation, solutions of these complexes photoeliminate dinitrogen and a mechanism for this reaction is proposed. The photosensitivity of the oxine ligand was found to be responsible for the observed photolysis of the complexes.     

Study of Molecular Interactions in Binary Mixtures of Aniline with Carboxylic Acids at 293.15 K, 303.15 K and 313.15 K

Ultrasonic velocity, density, refractive index and viscosity of binary mixtures of aniline with acetic acid (AA) and propionic acid (PA) have been measured at 293.15, 303.15 and 313.15 K over the entire composition range. Further, the specific heat ratio, heat capacity, effective Debye temperature and pseudo-Gruensisen parameter and non-linearity parameter have been evaluated using ultrasonic absorption data. The deviation in isentropic compressibility, excess molar volume, excess intermolecular free length, deviation in molar refraction, deviation in viscosity, relaxation time, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy of activation have been calculated from the experimental data and fitted with the Redlich-Kister polynomial equation. A comparative study has also been made between experimental and theoretically calculated values of densities using the HBT and Rackett density models. Mixing rules for the prediction of refractive index, e.g. Lorentz-Lorenz (L-L), Eykmen (Eyk), Weiner (W), Heller (H), Gladstone-Dale (G-D), Arago-Biot (A-B) and Newton (N) have been applied to these binary mixtures.     

Medicinal Potential of Isoflavonoids: Polyphenols That May Cure Diabetes

In recent years, there is emerging evidence that isoflavonoids, either dietary or obtained from traditional medicinal plants, could play an important role as a supplementary drug in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to their reported pronounced biological effects in relation to multiple metabolic factors associated with diabetes. Hence, in this regard, we have comprehensively reviewed the potential biological effects of isoflavonoids, particularly biochanin A, genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and formononetin on metabolic disorders and long-term complications induced by T2DM in order to understand whether they can be future candidates as a safe antidiabetic agent. Based on in-depth in vitro and in vivo studies evaluations, isoflavonoids have been found to activate gene expression through the stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) (α, γ), modulate carbohydrate metabolism, regulate hyperglycemia, induce dyslipidemia, lessen insulin resistance, and modify adipocyte differentiation and tissue metabolism. Moreover, these natural compounds have also been found to attenuate oxidative stress through the oxidative signaling process and inflammatory mechanism. Hence, isoflavonoids have been envisioned to be able to prevent and slow down the progression of long-term diabetes complications including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Further thoroughgoing investigations in human clinical studies are strongly recommended to obtain the optimum and specific dose and regimen required for supplementation with isoflavonoids and derivatives in diabetic patients.     

Synthesis of α-alkenyl-α-amino esters via addition of potassium Alkenyltrifluoroborate salts to imine in the presence of Yb(OTf)3

A simple protocol which led to an effective construction of α-alkenyl-α-amino esters was achieved under mild conditions. This transformation proceeded by Yb-catalyzed addition of alkenyltrifluoroborates across the imine double bond. A variety of functional groups could be applicable to both partners.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Series of Hydroxy Pyrazolines

3-Phenyl-1-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one obtained by Claisen–Schmidt condensation of 2-acetyl thiophene with benzaldehyde was converted into 2,3-dibromo-3-phenyl-1-(thiophen-2-yl)propan-1-one, which on treatment with various thiosemicarbazides in the presence of triethylamine in absolute ethanol, yielded the corresponding hydroxy pyrazolines 3a–h. All the compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectra.