Cubane,Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane: Impact and Thermal Sensitiveness of Carboxyl-, Hydroxymethyl- and Iodo-substituents

With the burgeoning interest in cage motifs for bioactive molecule discovery, and the recent disclosure of 1,4-cubane-dicarboxylic acid impact sensitivity, more research into the safety profiles of cage scaffolds is required. Therefore, the impact sensitivity and thermal decomposition behavior of judiciously selected starting materials and synthetic intermediates of cubane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP), and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (BCO) were evaluated via hammer test and sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Iodo-substituted systems were found to be more impact sensitive, whereas hydroxymethyl substitution led to more rapid thermodecomposition. Cubane was more likely to be impact sensitive with these substituents, followed by BCP, whereas all BCOs were unresponsive. The majority of derivatives were placed substantially above Yoshida thresholds—a computational indicator of sensitivity.     

A new ent-clerodane diterpenoid from Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. (Asteraceae)

A phytochemical investigation of the whole plant of Crassocephalum bauchiense Huch. resulted in the isolation of a new clerodane diterpenoid, ent-2β,18,19-trihydroxycleroda-3,13-dien-16,15-olide (1), together with two known flavonoids 3′,5-dihydroxy-4′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (2) and 4′,5-dihydroxy-3′,5′,6,7,8-pentamethoxyflavone (3). The compounds were tested against the chloroquine-sensitive 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Compound 2 showed weak activity (IC₅₀ = 10.1 g/mL) whilst compounds 1 and 3 were inactive. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by using detailed spectral analyses, especially ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, NOESY, HMBC and HR-ESI-MS.     

Guided Antitumoural Drugs: (Imidazol-2-ylidene)(L)gold(I) Complexes Seeking Cellular Targets Controlled by the Nature of Ligand L

Three [1,3-diethyl-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene](L)gold(I) complexes, 4 a (L=Cl), 5 a (L=PPh₃), and 6 a (L=same N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)), and their fluorescent [4-(anthracen-9-yl)-1,3-diethyl-5-phenylimidazol-2-ylidene](L)gold(I) analogues, 4 b , 5 b , and 6 b , respectively, were studied for their localisation and effects in cancer cells. Despite their identical NHC ligands, the last three accumulated in different compartments of melanoma cells, namely, the nucleus ( 4 b ), mitochondria ( 5 b ), or lysosomes ( 6 b ). Ligand L was also more decisive for the site of accumulation than the NHC ligand because the couples 4 a / 4 b , 5 a / 5 b , and 6 a / 6 b , carrying different NHC ligands, afforded similar results in cytotoxicity tests, and tests on targets typically found at their sites of accumulation, such as DNA in nuclei, reactive oxygen species and thioredoxin reductase in mitochondria, and lysosomal membranes. Regardless of the site of accumulation, cancer cell apoptosis was eventually induced. The concept of guiding a bioactive complex fragment to a particular subcellular target by secondary ligand L could reduce unwanted side effects.     

Opening Enediyne Scissors Wider: pH‐Dependent DNA Photocleavage by meta‐Diyne Lysine Conjugates

Photochemical activation of meta‐diynes incapable of Bergman and C1–C5 cyclizations still leads to efficient double‐strand DNA cleavage. Spatial proximity of the two arylethynyl groups is not required for efficient DNA photocleavage by the enediyne‐lysine conjugates. Efficiency of the cleavage is a function of the external pH and DNA damage is strongly enhanced at pH < 7. The pH‐dependence of the DNA photocleavage activity stems from the protonation states of lysine amino groups, the internal electron donors responsible for intramolecular PET quenching and deactivation of the photoreactive excited states. DNA‐binding analysis suggests intercalative DNA binding for phenyl substituted conjugate and groove binding for TFP‐substituted conjugate. Additional insights in the possible mechanism for DNA damage from the ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenger experiments found that generation of singlet oxygen is partially involved in the DNA damage.     

Ranking Oxidant Sensitiveness: A Guide for Synthetic Utility

Common oxidants used in chemical synthesis, including newly developed perruthenates, were evaluated in the context of understanding (and better appreciating) the sensitiveness and associated potential hazards of these reagents. Analysis using sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry (scDSC) facilitated Yoshida correlations, which were compared to impact sensitiveness and electrostatic discharge experiments (ESD), that enabled sensitiveness ranking. Methyltriphenylphoshonium perruthenate (MTP3, 8 ), isoamyltriphenylphosphonium perruthenate (ATP3, 7 ) and tetraphenylphosphonium perruthenate (TP3, 9 ) were found to be the most sensitive followed by 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX, 2 ) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO, 10 ), whereas the most benign were observed to be Oxone ( 12 ), manganese dioxide (MnO₂, 13 ), and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS, 17 ).     

Oligomeric phthalonitriles and tetrakis(phenylethynyl)benzene blends with improved processing and thermal properties

Blended resins were prepared from the resorcinol-based PEEK-like oligomeric phthalonitrile resin (RES) and tetrakis(phenylethynyl)benzene (TPEB), a high char yield arylacetylene resin. Initial probing of curing properties using differential scanning calorimetry, indicated that TPEB and RES co-cure when heated. Characterization of thermal properties using thermogravimetric analysis indicated that a 1:1 TPEB-RES blend (by weight) exhibited a char yield of 80% which was 6% larger compared to pure RES (74%). According to FTIR characterization, the enhanced thermal properties of TPEB-RES were the result of increased crosslinking density. Rheological studies of TPEB, RES, and TPEB-RES blends indicated that blended systems exhibit similar processing characteristics as RES resin. For example, resins display ideal viscosities and relatively large processing windows when cured at 175 °C. Alternatively, pure TPEB resin exhibits low viscosities when melted, which are not suitable for preparing composite materials. This study indicates that preparing TPEB-RES blends is an effect strategy for improving thermal performance of potential RES composites while still maintaining the required processability for fabrication of dense polymer composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 2630–2640     

Sticking and nonsticking orbits for a two-degree-of-freedom oscillator excited by dry friction and harmonic loading

We consider a system composed of two masses connected by linear springs. One of the masses is in contact with a rough surface. Friction force, with Coulomb’s characteristics, acts between the mass and the surface. Moreover, the mass is also subjected to a harmonic external force. Several periodic orbits are obtained in closed form. A first kind of orbits involves sticking phases: during these parts of the orbit, the mass in contact with the rough surface remains at rest for a finite time. Another kind of orbits includes one or more stops of the mass with zero duration. Normal and abnormal stops are obtained. Moreover, for some of these periodic solutions, we prove that symmetry in space and time occurs.     

Identification of Compounds that Selectively Stabilize Specific G‐Quadruplex Structures by Using a Thioflavin T‐Displacement Assay as a Tool

Small molecules are used in the G‐quadruplex (G4) research field in vivo and in vitro, and there are increasing demands for ligands that selectively stabilize different G4 structures. Thioflavin T (ThT) emits an enhanced fluorescence signal when binding to G4 structures. Herein, we show that ThT can be competitively displaced by the binding of small molecules to G4 structures and develop a ThT‐displacement high‐throughput screening assay to find novel and selective G4‐binding compounds. We screened approximately 28 000 compounds by using three different G4 structures and identified eight novel G4 binders. Analysis of the structural conformation and stability of the G4 structures in presence of these compounds demonstrated that the four compounds enhance the thermal stabilization of the structures without affecting their structural conformation. In addition, all four compounds also increased the G4‐structure block of DNA synthesis by Taq DNA polymerase. Also, two of these compounds showed selectivity between certain Schizosaccharomyces pombe G4 structures, thus suggesting that these compounds or their analogues can be used as selective tools for G4 DNA studies.