Stereoselectivity in the electrophilic addition reactions of stigmast-22(23)-ene derivatives

Oxidation of 5α-stigmast-22-en-3- one (1) with m-chloroperbenzoic acid afforded [22R,23R]-epoxide 3 and [22S, 23S]-epoxide 2, in a 5:3 ratio. Reaction of 1 with iodine/silver acetate gave a mixture of iodoacetates 8 and 9, which on treatment with base yielded the single epoxide 2. Those results suggest that electrophiles may preferentially approach the Δ²²-bond from the side of the 21-Me group, in accordance with observations with the ergosterol-like side chain.     

Regioselective Synthesis of α‐Iodoacetates from Alkenes/Ammonium Acetate/I2 by Woodward's Reaction

Abstract

Regioselective synthesis of α‐iodoacetates from alkenes, ammonium acetate, and iodine in acetic acid is reported. The reaction is facile, fast, environmentally, friendly, and cost effective. α‐Iodoacetates are obtained from both acyclic and cyclic alkenes in high yields ranging from 80–95% within 10–20 min.     

Self-protection: the advantage of radical oligomeric mixtures in organic synthesis

Atom-transfer radical oligomers of allyl iodoacetates were converted to 4-pentenoic acids upon treatment with zinc. Reactions of the radical oligomers of various omega-alkenyl iodoacetates with Grignard reagents afforded the corresponding substituted tetrahydrofuran derivatives. These results indicated that radical oligomeric mixtures not only serve as versatile intermediates in organic synthesis, but also exhibit unique advantages in that the oligomeric mixtures are self-protected and the deoligomerization functions as the simultaneous deprotection.     

A New Procedure for Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Iodoacetoxylation of Protected Glycals and α‐1,2‐Cyclopropanated Sugars

Protected glycals and α‐1,2‐cyclopropanated sugars were converted in high yields and selectivities in less than 2 h at low temperatures to 2‐deoxy‐2‐iodoglycosyl acetates or novel 2‐deoxy‐2‐iodomethylglycosyl acetates using the simple, inexpensive reagent mixture of ammonium iodide, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic anhydride/acetic acid in acetonitrile. The protected glycals gave rise to 2‐deoxy‐2‐bromoglycosyl acetates when ammonium bromide was used instead of the iodide, although longer reaction times were required and selectivities were inferior. Other simple olefins such as styrene and indene were also converted to their corresponding 1,2‐trans‐iodoacetates.     

Simple Methods for Preparing Oligonucleotides Containing 1) Thiol Groups at their 5′-Termini, 2) 5′-Phosphates

Abstract

A simple method has been developed for synthesising oligonucleotides containing a thiol group at their 5′-termini. The sequence required is prepared using standard solid phase phosphoramidite methods and an extra round of synthesis is then performed with S-triphenylmethyl O-methoxymorpholino-phosphinyl 3-mercaptopropan (1) ol. After normal deblocking this gives an oligonucleotide containing a tritylthiol group attached to the 5′-phosphate of an oligonucleotide via a 3-carbon spacer arm. The trityl group can be removed with AgNO₃ at pH 5 to give the free thiol. This compound is stable at pH 8 and reacts cleanly and rapidly with sulphydryl specific probes (eg fluorescent iodoacetates) at this pH value. This method can be used to prepare a wide variety of usefully labelled oligonucleotides and it is envisaged that fluorescent oligonucleotides will be useful in the study of protein nucleic acid interactions and to replace ³²P labelled hybridisation probes.     

Converting radical oligomers to a single product

Atom-transfer radical oligomerizations of omega-alkenyl iodoacetates followed by rearrangemental deoligomerization via treatment with concentrated H2SO4 or heating led to the formations of gamma-lactones in high yield, demonstrating the important value of radical oligomers in organic synthesis.     

Stereodivergent and regioselective synthesis of 3,4-cis- and 3,4-trans-pyrrolidinediols from alpha-amino acids

[reaction: see text] Highly stereodivergent Woodward-Prevost reaction applied to iodoacetates derived from homochiral alpha-amino acids afforded enantiopure 3,4-cis- and 3,4-trans-pyrrolidinediol derivatives, with control over the protecting group, allowing for differential protection.     

Investigation of bis(tributyltin)-initiated free radical cyclization reactions of 4-pentenyl iodoacetates

Bis(tributyltin)-initiated atom transfer cyclization reactions of 4-pentenyl iodoacetates (1) at 80 degrees C led to the formations of 5-(3-iodopropyl)-substituted dihydro-2(3H)-furanones (3) in high yield. With BF3*Et2O as the catalyst, the reactions were run at room temperature to afford the corresponding gamma-iodoheptanolactones (2), which could be further transformed into 3-(tetrahydro-2-furyl)propanoic acids (6) upon treatment with aqueous NaHCO3. The reaction mechanism was postulated to be the 8-endo free radical cyclization to generate gamma-iodoheptanolactones which easily underwent intramolecular nucleophilic substitution to form bicyclic acylium species (7) as the key intermediate. Subsequent attack by iodide ion furnished gamma-lactones while attack by hydroxide ion gave the tetrahydrofuran derivatives.     

Mixed oxides of sodium, antimony (5+) and divalent metals (Ni, Co, Zn or Mg)

A family of α-NaFeO₂-type oxides Na_xM_(1+x)/3Sb_(2−x)/3O₂ (M=Ni, Co, Zn, Mg; x≈0.8 or 0.9) has been prepared by solid state reactions and characterized by powder XRD. At x=1, ordering occurs with tripling the unit cells and formula units. The powder patterns for Na₃M₂SbO₆ (M=Ni, Co) comply with both trigonal P3₁12 cell and monoclinic C2/m cell. The Ni compound exhibits also a series of extremely weak reflections (I<0.3%) that need doubling of the c axis, and the final cell is C2/c, a=5.3048(3), b=9.1879(4), c=10.8356(7), β=99.390(5). These ambiguities are explained by stacking faults. The compounds absorb atmospheric moisture with c-axis expansion up to 29%. A delafossite-related superlattice Ag₃Co₂SbO₆ has been prepared by ion exchange and refined: P3₁12, a=5.3842(2), c=18.6613(10). Ionic conductivity of the Na_0.8Ni_0.6Sb_0.4O₂ ceramics, 0.4 S/m at 300 °C, is greater than reported previously, presumably owing to the grain orientation produced by hot pressing.     

Calixarene coated gold nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic agent

In the current study, gold nanoparticles (AuC6NPs and AuC8NPs) were prepared through sodium borohydride reduction method by using Calix[6]rene and Calix[8]rene as a stabilizing agents. The synthesized AuNPs were screened for cytotoxic, phytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial activities. The fabricated AuNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and FTIR spectroscopy. Antibacterial activities of the AuNPs were tested against E. coli and S. aureus. The AuC6NPs were found to be effective against the growth of gram positive bacteria and inhibited the growth of S. aureus. AuC6NPs interact with bacterial cell and damaged cell membrane. Roughness of the bacterial surface and membrane rupture can be clearly observed by AFM images. The AuNPs possess insignificant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Moreover, AuC8NPs have significant phytotoxicity and moderate cytotoxicity.     

Biocatalytic and chemical routes to all the stereoisomers of methionine and ethionine sulfoxides

Biotransformations of the N-phthaloyl derivatives of d- and l-methionine and of d- and l-ethionine by Beauveria bassiana ATCC 7159 or Beauveria caledonica ATCC 64970 produce the corresponding (S_S) sulfoxides in good yield and diastereomeric excess. Pure (S_SS_C) diastereomers can be obtained from l-series substrates by crystallisation of the biotransformation extract, and the corresponding (S_SR_C) products obtained from d-series substrates by chromatography of the biotransformation extract. Hydrogen peroxide-catalysed oxidation of the N-phthaloyl derivatives of d- and l-methionine and of d- and l-ethionine gives diastereomeric mixtures from which the (S_SS_C) and (R_SR_C) diastereomers can be obtained by crystallisation, and the (S_SR_C) and (R_SS_C) diastereomers obtained by chromatography. N-Cbz- and N-t-Boc methionines are also converted to sulfoxides with predominant (S_S) configuration by both B. bassiana and B. caledonica, but the isolated yields and d.e. of products were generally lower than those obtained from the N-phthaloyl substrates.Removal of the N-phthaloyl group from diastereomerically pure methionine and ethionine sulfoxides gave the corresponding amino acid sulfoxides in high yield; removal of N-Cbz and N-t-Boc groups from protected methionine sulfoxides was also achieved without loss of configuration at sulfur.     

Synthesis and properties of BCOD-fused trithiasapphyrin and trithiabenzosapphyrins

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene(BCOD)-fused trithiasapphyrin was prepared by 3+2 condensation of BCOD-fused thiatripyrrane with BCOD-fused bithiophene. The BCOD-fused trithiasapphyrin was successfully converted to pentabenzo[b,g,l,q,v]sapphyrin by the thermal retro-Diels-Alder reaction. In this case, trithiapentabenzo[b,g,l,q,v]- and trithiadibenzo[g,q]sapphyrins were selectively prepared by control of the temperature in the thermal retro-Diels-Alder reaction.     

Identification and synthesis of new bicyclic acetals from caddisflies (Trichoptera)

As shown by synthesis and enantioselective gas chromatography, males and females of the caddisfly species Potamophylax latipennis and Potamophylax cingulatus produce (1R,3S,5S,7S)-1-ethyl-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, while Glyphotaelius pellucidus produces 1,3-diethyl-4,6-dimethyl-2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, having either the (1S,3S,4R,6S) or (1R,3R,4S,6S)-configuration. As shown by electrophysiological investigations, the compounds are perceived by the antennae of both sexes.     

A concise and stereospecific synthesis of some cyclitols containing eight-membered rings: cyclooctane-1,2,3,4-tetraoles

A concise and efficient synthesis of cyclooctane-1,2,3,4-tetraoles, new polyhydroxylated eight-membered carbocycles, is described starting from cis,cis-1,3-cyclooctadiene. Cyclooctene endoperoxide obtained by photooxygenation of cis,cis-1,3-cyclooctadiene was the key compound in the synthesis. Reduction of the endoperoxide with zinc or thiourea followed by acetylation of the hydroxyl group and OsO₄/NMO oxidation of the double bond gave (1R(S),2S(R),3R(S),4S(R))-cyclooctane-1,2,3,4-tetraol. Interestingly, epoxidation of cyclooctene-1,4-diol with m-CPBA also afforded trans-epoxy-diol 17. (1R(S),2R(S),3R(S),4S(R))-cyclooctane-1,2,3,4-tetraol was easily obtained by hydrolysis of epoxy-diol 17.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the liquid-phase oxidation of tert-butyl phenylacetate

The oxidation of tert-butyl phenylacetate in ortho-dichlorobenzene at 140°C occurs with short chains. The primary nonperoxide reaction products (tert-butyl α-hydroxyphenylacetate, tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate, and benzaldehyde) are formed by the decomposition of a hydroperoxide (tert-butyl α-hydroperoxyphenylacetate) and (or) by the recombination of peroxy radicals with and without chain termination. Benzaldehyde and tert-butyl α-hydroxyphenylacetate undergo radical chain oxidation in a reaction medium to result in benzoic acid and tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate. Homolytic hydroperoxide decomposition is responsible for process autoacceleration and results in benzaldehyde, which is also formed from hydroperoxide by a nonradical mechanism, probably, via a dioxetane intermediate. Both of the reactions are catalyzed by benzoic acid. Benzoic acid has no effect on hydroperoxide conversion into tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate, which most likely occurs as a result of hydroperoxide decomposition induced by peroxy radicals. The rate constants of the main steps of the process and kinetic parameters have been calculated by solving an inverse kinetic problem.     

Protective Effects of Cinnamaldehyde on the Inflammatory Response,Oxidative Stress,and Apoptosis in Liver of Salmonella typhimurium-Challenged Mice

Salmonella typhimurium infection is associated with gastrointestinal disorder and cellular injury in the liver of both humans and animals. Cinnamaldehyde, the main component of essential oil from cinnamon, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects. However, it remains unknown whether cinnamaldehyde can alleviate Salmonella typhimurium infection-induced liver injury in mice. In the present study, we found that cinnamaldehyde attenuated Salmonella typhimurium-induced body weight loss, the increase of organ (liver and spleen) indexes, hepatocyte apoptosis, and the mortality rate in mice. Further study showed that cinnamaldehyde significantly alleviated Salmonella typhimurium-induced liver injury as shown by activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and myeloperoxidase, as well as malondialdehyde. The increased mRNA level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and chemokines (CCL2 and CCL3) induced by Salmonella typhimurium were significantly abolished by cinnamaldehyde supplementation. These alterations were associated with a regulatory effect of cinnamaldehyde on TLR2, TLR4, and MyD88. 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that Salmonella typhimurium infection led to upregulation of the abundances of genera Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Alistipes, Muribaculum, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and downregulation of the abundances of genera Lactobacillus, Enterorhabdus, and Eggerthellaceae (unclassified). These alterations were reversed by cinnamaldehyde supplementation. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde attenuated the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of Salmonella typhimurium-infected mice. Supplementation of cinnamaldehyde might be a preventive strategy to alleviate liver injury caused by Salmonella typhimurium infection in humans and animals.     

Helicity of N,N′-diaryl-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane derivatives. Implications for molecular helicity manipulations

Derivatives of trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH), useful as chiral ligands, scaffolds and building blocks, differ in their conformation. The conformation of N,N′-diaryl-DACH derivatives was studied by the semiempirical and DFT computational methods and by exciton-coupled circular dichroism. It was found that, contrary to M-helical N,N′-diimine, N,N′-diimide and N,N′-diamide derivatives, the aromatic residues in N,N′-diphenyl derivatives are oriented to form a P-helix for the (R,R)-DACH absolute configuration. The helicity of the bis-aryl system is modified in the case of 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl derivatives. Further switching of helicity has been demonstrated by either protonation or mono-N-acetylation of N,N′-diaryl DACH derivatives.     

Design of postmetallocene catalytic systems of arylimine type for olefi n polymerization: XV. Synthesis of (N-Aryl)salicylaldimine ligands containing a but-3-enyloxy group and their complexes with titanium(IV) dichloride

A series of (N-aryl)salicylaldimines was synthesized by the reaction of salicylaldehydes substituted in the positions 3 and 5 by bulky tert-butyl or α-cumyl groups with hydrochlorides of o-, m-, and p-(but-3-enyloxy) aniline in the presence of triethylamine. The obtained compounds formed by the reaction with TiCl₂(OPr-i)₂ complexes of titanium(IV) dichloride L₂TiCl₂.     

Preparation and identification of bis(formylmethano)[60]fullerene isomers: the first systematic study on bifunctionalized [60]fullerenes with dissymmetric addends

Fourteen isomers of bis(formylmethano)C₆₀ were isolated and characterized. A mixture of the bisadducts was obtained by the reaction of C₆₀ with an α-formylsulfonium ylide, and then separated into 15 fractions by preparative HPLC, preparative TLC, and recycling preparative HPLC. Fourteen of the fifteen fractions were found to consist of a single isomer, respectively, which were assigned to the trans-2 (3 diastereo-isomers), trans-3 (3 diastereo-isomers), trans-4 (3 diastereo-isomers), equatorial (2 diastereo-isomers), and cis-2 (3 diastereo-isomers) bisadducts by the comparison of their UV/vis spectra with those of the bisadducts obtained by the Bingel-Hirsch reaction. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR analysis, the transformation of the formyl groups, and the dipole moment calculation clarified the stereochemistry of the substituents on the two cyclopropane bridge-head carbons (in/in, in/out, and out/out).     

Identification of the geometrical isomers of α-linolenic acid using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with a binary decision tree

Gas chromatography, using a highly polar column, low energy (30 eV) electron ionization mass spectrometry and multivariate curve resolution, are combined to obtain the mass spectra of all eight geometrical isomers of α-linolenic acid. A step by step Student's t-test is performed on the m/z 50-294 to identify the m/z by which the geometries of the double bonds could be discriminated. The most intense peak discriminates between cis (m/z 79) and trans (m/z 95) at the central (carbon 12) position. The configuration at carbon 15 is then distinguished by m/z 68 and 236, and finally the geometry at carbon 9 is determined by m/z 93, 173, 191 and 236. A three-question binary tree is developed based on the normalized intensities of these ions by which the identity of any given isomer of α-linolenic is accurately determined. Application of Bayes theorem to data from independent samples shows that the complete configuration is determined correctly with a minimum probability of 87%.