Zur Synthese der 4-Dialkylamino-5,6-dihydrothiopyran-2-thione

4-Dialkylamino-5,6-dihydrothiopyrane-2-thiones3, 9, 10 are synthesized in good yields by reaction of α,β-unsaturated methylketones with dialkylammonium-dialkyldithiocarbamates5 or carbon disulfide and secondary amines. The reaction takes place via the corresponding oxobutyl-N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamates13 and dialkylaminobutenyl-N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamates14. Cyclohexenylmethylketone11 reacts with5 to give 4-dialkylaminohexahydrothiochromane-2-thiones12. In dimethylformamide or diethyl-formamide as solvents aminolysis take place and 4-dimethylamino or 4-diethylaminothiopyrane-2-thiones are also formed. Instead of 3-alken-2-ones6 also 4-hydroxy-2-alkanones7 and methylketones8 (such as acetone), which readily undergo the aldol condensation can be used for the preparation of thiopyrane-2-thiones.     

Facile synthesis of a porous network-like silver film for electrocatalytic detection of nitrate

We have developed a method for in-situ construction of a porous network-like silver film on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). It is based on a galvanic replacement reaction where a layer of copper nanoparticles is first electrodeposited as a sacrificial template. The silver film formed possesses a porous network-like structure and consists of an assembly of numerous nanoparticles with an average size of 200 nm. The electrode displays excellent electrocatalytic activity, good stability, and fast response (within 2 s) toward the reduction of nitrate at a working potential of ?0.9 V. The catalytic currents linearly increase with the nitrate concentrations in the range of 0.08–6.52 mM, with a detection limit of 3.5 μM (S/N?=?3) and a repeatability of 3.4 % (n?=?5).

Elimination of Benzene from Protonated N-Benzylindoline: Benzyl Cation/Proton Transfer or Direct Proton Transfer?

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of protonated N-benzylindoline and its derivatives was investigated by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Elimination of benzene was observed besides hydride transfer and electron transfer reactions. D-labeling experiments and accurate mass determinations of the product ions confirm that the external proton is retained in the fragment ion, and the elimination reaction was proposed to be initiated by benzyl cation transfer rather than proton transfer. Benzyl cation transfer from the nitrogen atom to one of the sp²-hybridized carbon atoms in the indoline core is the key step, and subsequent proton transfer reaction leads to the elimination of benzene. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed and the computational results also support the benzyl cation/proton transfer mechanism.

Efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted 2,6-dicyanoanilines by one-pot three-component tandem reaction of malononitrile with <Emphasis Type="Italic">α</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">β</Emphasis>-unsaturated imines

A facile and efficient one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted benzenes was achieved via the Michael addition of malononitrile with α,β-unsaturated imines and a sequential tandem reaction. This reaction generates polysubstituted 2,6-dicyanoanilines in high yields (15 examples, isolated yields of 57–91 %), and proceeds under mild reaction conditions (60°C, 10 min). In addition, a possible mechanism accounting for the reaction is proposed.     

Bioactivity fingerprint analysis of cyclooxygenase-2 ligands from radix Aconiti by ultrafiltration–UPLC–MSn

A novel fingerprinting method, bioactivity fingerprint analysis, based on an ultrafiltration–ultraperformance liquid chromatography–multistage tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS ⁿ ) method is proposed for the quality control of herbal medicines from the bioactivity viewpoint concerning the efficacy of herbal medicines. The bioactivity fingerprints reflecting the anti-inflammatory activities of radix Aconiti and radix Aconiti preparata were established. With use of ultrafiltration UPLC–MS ⁿ , 11 cyclooxygenase-2 ligands from radix Aconiti preparata and 14 cyclooxygenase-2 ligands from radix Aconiti were found after incubation with cyclooxygenase-2. Twelve of the cyclooxygenase-2 ligands were identified by the ultraperformance UPLC–MS ⁿ method. The enrichment factor of each peak in the bioactivity fingerprint was calculated and was demonstrated to be characteristic, which makes bioactivity fingerprint analysis for the quality control of herbal medicines possible from the viewpoint of their bioactivities.

MS/MS Fragmentation Behavior Study of meso-Phenylporphyrinoids Containing Nonpyrrolic Heterocycles and meso-Thienyl-Substituted Porphyrins

Free base and cobalt(II) complexes of six meso-tetraphenylporphyrinoids containing nonpyrrolic heterocycles and of three meso-thienylporphyrins were investigated using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Their fragmentation was studied in a quadrupole ion trap as a function of the porphyrinoid macrocycle structure and compared with the fragmentation behavior of the benchmark compound meso-tetraphenylporphyrin. In situ oxidation of the neutral cobalt(II) complexes under ESI conditions produced singly charged cobalt(III) porphyrinoid ions; the free bases were ionized by protonation. For the porphyrinoids with an intact porphyrin core, the major fragmentation pathways observed were the losses of the meso-substituent (for meso-phenyl groups) and characteristic fragmentations of one or more meso-substituents (for the meso-thienyl group). Complex fragmentation pathways were observed for porphyrinoids with modifications to the porphyrin core but chemically reasonable structures could be assigned to most fragments, thus delineating general patterns for the behavior of pyrrole-modified porphyrins under CID conditions.

Two efficient methods for the synthesis of novel indole-based chalcone derivatives

Two powerful methods for the synthesis of indole-based chalcone derivatives, namely (E)-1-(2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-aryl(hetaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (3a–l), are described, involving the ultrasound-assisted or solvent-free Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction of 3-acetyl-2-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)indole (1) and various aromatic aldehydes (2a–l). The ultrasound-assisted Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction was carried out using 1,4-dioxane as solvent and KOH as base at room temperature to give the corresponding products (3a–l) in yields ranging from 75 to 88 %. Alternatively, the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction could also be conducted under solvent-free conditions to obtain the products (3a–l) in comparable yields. The two procedures offer easy access to indole-based chalcone derivatives in short reaction times and good yields under mild conditions. Particularly, the advantageous aspect of the solvent-free method could avoid the use of environmentally hazardous and toxic solvents, and also reduced costs. The structures of all the newly synthesized indole-based chalcones 3a–l were confirmed by spectral data and elemental analyses.     

Rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus via a sensitive DNA hybridization assay based on a long-lifetime luminescent europium marker

A two-probe tandem nucleic acid hybridization assay for detection of Staphylococcus aureus is presented. It is based on a europium(III) complex as a marker that has a long fluorescence lifetime, high quantum yield and can be easily conjugated to an oligonucleotide signaling probe. The amino-modified capture probe was associated with the signaling probe to form a two-probe tandem DNA pattern that is complementary to the target DNA. The method was optimized in terms of hybridization temperature, hybridization time and washing time. This resulted in good specificity and sensitivity when detecting such bacteria in food samples.

Cataluminescence sensor for gaseous acetic acid using a thin film of In2O3

We report on a cataluminescence sensor for the determination of gaseous acetic acid. It is based on a 60-nm thick sol–gel film of In₂O₃ on a ceramic support. SEM, XPS and surface profiling were applied for its characterization. It is found that aluminum ions of the ceramic substrate penetrate into the film and produce a synergetic catalytic effect. The sensor displays high sensitivity and specificity for acetic acid, a low detection limit, a wide linear range and a fast response. No (or only very low) interference was observed by formic acid, ammonia, acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, ethanol, and acetaldehyde. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of acetic acid in spiked air samples. We also discuss a conceivable mechanism (based on the reaction products) for the cataluminescence resulting from the oxidation reaction on the surface of the sensor film.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel chalcone derivatives

A series of novel 3-[N, N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-chalcone derivatives 3a–3j were synthesized by the aldol condensation of [N, N-bis(2-hydroethyl)-3-amino]-acetophenone 2 with aromatic aldehydes. Their structures were further confirmed by ESI-HRMS, ¹H NMR, IR and elemental analysis. X-ray analysis reveals crystal 3b is a monoclinic system with P2₁/n space group. The antimicrobial activities of the newly synthesized chalcones in vitro were evaluated and the results indicated that most compounds presented moderate to good antimicrobial activities, especially the antifungal capability. Compounds 3a, 3d, 3f and 3g revealed obvious potency against Candida albicans with MIC values of 32 μg/mL, which were better compared with others.     

A cataluminescence sensor for propionaldehyde based on the use of nanosized zirconium dioxide

A sensor is described for the detection of propionaldehyde in the gas phase. The sensing scheme is based on the blue cataluminescence (CTL) emission that results from the catalytic oxidation of propionaldehyde on the surface of nanosized zirconium dioxide. The sensor displays high sensitivity to propionaldehyde, a response time of 3 s, and a recovery time of 8 s. Under optimized conditions, the intensity of CTL is linearly related to the concentration of propionaldehyde in the 2.5–1,300 mg·m^?3 concentration range, with a limit of detection of 0.6 mg·m^?3 (at an SNR of 3) and a relative standard deviation (for n?=?6) of 2.2 % at a level of 80 mg·m^?3 of propionaldehyde. Relatively weak interference is observed for ethanol, acetone and acetaldehyde. The method was applied to analyze environmental air samples containing propionaldehyde, and data were compared with those obtained by GC-MS. The results were in good agreement, thereby indicating the utility of the sensor for routine monitoring. A possible mechanism for the catalytic oxidation of propionaldehyde on the ZrO₂ surface is discussed on the basis of the chromatograms of the reaction products.

Study of Ozone-Initiated Limonene Reaction Products by Low Temperature Plasma Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Limonene and its ozone-initiated reaction products were investigated in situ by low temperature plasma (LTP) ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry. Helium was used as discharge gas and the protruding plasma generated ~850 ppb ozone in front of the glass tube by reaction with the ambient oxygen. Limonene applied to filter paper was placed in front of the LTP afterglow and the MS inlet. Instantly, a wide range of reaction products appeared, ranging from m/z 139 to ca. 1000 in the positive mode and m/z 115 to ca. 600 in the negative mode. Key monomeric oxidation products including levulinic acid, 4-acetyl-1-methylcyclohexene, limonene oxide, 3-isopropenyl-6-oxo-heptanal, and the secondary ozonide of limonene could be identified by collision-induced dissociation. Oligomeric products ranged from the nonoxidized dimer of limonene (C₂₀H₃₀) and up to the hexamer with 10 oxygen atoms (C₆₀H₉₀O₁₀). The use of LTP for in situ ozonolysis and ionization represents a new and versatile approach for the assessment of ozone-initiated terpene chemistry.

In situ NMR spectroelectrochemistry for the structure elucidation of unstable intermediate metabolites

In situ NMR spectroelectrochemistry is presented in this study as a useful hybrid technique for the chemical structure elucidation of unstable intermediate species. An experimental setting was designed to follow the reaction in real time during the experimental electrochemical process. The analysis of ¹H NMR spectra recorded in situ permitted us (1) to elucidate the reaction pathway of the electrochemical oxidation of phenacetin and (2) to reveal the quinone imine as a reactive intermediate species without using any trapping reaction. Phenacetin has been considered as hepatotoxic at high therapeutic amounts, which is why it was chosen as a model to prove the applicability of the analytical method. The use of 1D and 2D NMR experiments led to the elucidation of the major species produced from the oxidation process. We demonstrated that in situ NMR spectroelectrochemistry constitutes a fast way for monitoring unstable quinone imines and elucidating their chemical structures.

Enantioselective organocatalyzed cascade reactions to highly functionalized quinolizidines

An organocatalyzed one-pot Michael addition-Pictet-Spengler sequence of β-ketoamides and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was developed, which provided access to highly substituted indolo[2,3-α]quinolizidines and benzo[α]quinolizidines in moderate to good yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities. For aromatic α,β-unsaturated aldehydes 1a-j products 10a-r containing a stable enol configuration were obtained.     

Newborn screening of phenylketonuria using direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is commonly included in the newborn screening panel of most countries, with various techniques being used for quantification of l-phenylalanine (Phe). To diagnose PKU as early as possible in newborn screening, a rapid and simple method of analysis was developed. Using direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (TQ-MS/MS) and with use of a 12 DIP-it tip scanner autosampler in positive ion mode, we analyzed dried blood spot (DBS) samples from PKU newborns. The concentration of Phe was determined using multiple reaction monitoring mode with the nondeuterated internal standard N,N-dimethylphenylalanine. The results of the analysis of DBS samples from newborns indicated that the DART-TQ-MS/MS method is fast, accurate, and reproducible. The results prove that this assay as a newborn screen for PKU can be performed in 18 s per sample for the quantification of Phe in DBS samples. DART-TQ-MS/MS analysis of the Phe concentration in DBS samples allowed us to screen newborns for PKU. This innovative protocol is rapid and can be effectively applied on a routine basis to analyze a large number of samples in PKU newborn screening and PKU patient monitoring.

Zur Kenntnis der Reaktionsfähigkeit von 4-Hydrazino-2,5-di-tert.-butyl-2-methyl-2H-imidazol

4-Hydrazino-2.5-di-tert.-Butyl-2-methyl-2H-imidazole (1) reacts with aldehydes and ketones to give condensation products (2 a-1). The reaction of1 with acyl chlorides and dicarboxylic acid chlorides gives rise to the corresponding 4-acylhydrazino-2H-imidazoles (3 a, b) and dicarboxylic-bis(imidazole-4-yl)-hydrazides (4 a-c) resp. Heating1 with acetyl bromide, ethyl orthoformate and 3-bromo-4-methyl-2-pentanone affords new condensedring systems5 a, b and7, resp.     

One-Pot,Fluoride-Promoted Wittig Reaction

A one-pot, fluoride-promoted Wittig reaction was developed. The reactions of ethyl α-bromoacetate with aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced α,β-unsaturated esters in good to excellent yields and E-stereoselectivity. Under the same conditions, reactions of ethyl α-bromopropionate, α-bromo acetonitrile, and α-bromoacetophenone with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced the expected α,β-unsaturated derivatives in good E-stereoselectivity. The protocol was extended to semistabilized ylides and applied to the synthesis of some combretastatin analogs.     

In-situ decorated gold nanoparticles on polyaniline with enhanced electrocatalysis toward dopamine

Gold nanoparticles were in-situ decorated on top of a polyaniline film (GNPs–PANI) via the direct electroreduction of the adsorbed AuCl ₄ ^- ions on a glassy carbon electrode that previously was coated with PANI by electropolymerization. The GNPs–PANI composite and the performance of the resultant sensors were investigated in some detail. The sensor was applied to the oxidation of dopamine (DA) with improved catalytic activity. Its catalytic current showed wide linear response toward dopamine ranging from 3 to 115 μM, with a low detection limit of 0.8 μM (S/N=3). In addition, the sensor exhibits easy-operation, fast response to dopamine, as well as excellent reproducibility and stability.

Organocatalytic approach toward the green one-pot synthesis of novel benzo[<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>]chromenes and 12<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-benzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>]pyridines

An efficient tandem reaction approach is described to prepare novel benzo[f]chromenes from 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, malononitrile and aldehydes using 10 mol% guanidine hydrochloride as the catalyst under solvent-free conditions. The method was also extended to the preparation of novel 12H-benzo[5,6]chromeno[2,3-b]pyridines from 2-aminoprop-1-ene-1,1,3-tricarbonitrile instead of malononitrile under the same reaction conditions. The described one-pot three-component reaction is characterized by short reaction times, high-product yield, mild reaction conditions, simple workup procedure, and simple purification.