Comparison of Methionine α,γ‐Lyase and Homocysteine α,γ‐Lyase for Electrochemical Determination of Homocysteine

Recently, a novel enzymatic method was developed for determination of homocysteine. This method utilizes the electrochemical hydrogen sulfide sensor along with methionine α,γ‐lyase to accomplish the fast, accurate, sensitive and selective measurements. As a continuation of this work, another enzyme, homocysteine α,γ‐lyase, was used and the parallel experiments of using both enzymes were carried out against the effect of pH, sensitivity, linearity, and interferences, in an intended comparison between these two enzymes. The excellent linearity of amperometric currents against homocysteine concentrations, high sensitivities and low detection limits for both enzymes reconfirmed that the electrochemical method is superior over other analytical means. The high enzymatic activity of methionine α,γ‐lyase surpassing homocysteine α,γ‐lyase endowed the former higher sensitivity, lower detection limit and faster response than the latter, suggesting methionine α,γ‐lyase a better candidate for homocysteine measurement by electrochemical method. The differences between these two enzymes on the trends of response time and sensitivity at different pH environments, reactivity toward several forms of homocysteine as well as on the interference from several agents were also addressed and discussed.     

Heat-resistant resins obtained from polymer precursors bearing β,β′-dicyanovinyl terminal groups

Certain polymer precursors of the general formula: where A is an aromatic structure bearing ester, amide, azomethine, or imide linkages were synthesized. Particularly, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde was condensed with malonitrile to afford 4-hydroxy-β,β′-dicyanostyrene which reacted with a half molar amount of terephthaloyl dichloride in the presence of an acid acceptor. In addition, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde was condensed with malonitrile to yield 3-nitro-β,β′-dicyanostyrene that was catalytically hydrogenated to the corresponding amine. The latter reacted with a half molar amount of terephthaloyl dichloride, terephthaldehyde, pyromellitic dianhydride, or benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride. The polymer precursors were characterized by elemental analyses as well as IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Their curing behavior was investigated by DTA. Crosslinked polymers were obtained by curing the monomers at 300°C for 24 h. They were stable up to 407–437°C in N₂ and afforded an anaerobic char yield of 65–50% at 800°C. The thermal stability of resins was correlated with their chemical structures. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Studies on the Mass Spectra of N‐Aryl α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactams

The mass spectra of a series of N‐aryl α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams were studied. Besides the molecular ion, the three characteristic fragments such as [M⁺‐29], [M⁺‐55], and [M⁺‐82] were commonly found in a series of N‐Aryl α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactams in EI/MS. Further more the mechanism for the interpretation of these fragments is also de scribed.     

Synthesis of new optically active α,α′,β‐trisubstituted‐β‐lactones as monomers for stereoregular biopolyesters

Various optically active (4R)‐alkyloxycarbonyl‐3,3‐dialkyl‐2‐oxetanones as monomers were synthesized from L‐(S)‐malic acid in six steps to prepare a new family of stereopolyesters for biomedical applications. The synthesis began with an esterification followed of a dialkylation in the aim to introduce hydrophobic groups as methyl or reactive group as allyl. Then, a saponification has permitted to obtain the corresponding diacids that reacted with appropriate alcohols to furnish different monoesters. The last and most important step was activation of hydroxyl group of monoesters with the asymmetric carbon configuration inversion according to the Mitsunobu reaction. Thus, this reaction has provided lactones from monoesters with 100% enantiomeric excess which was confirmed by ¹H NMR and by the synthesis of corresponding isotactic and semicrystalline homopolyesters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2586–2597     

α,ω-Diisocyanatocarbodiimides, -Polycarbodiimides,and Their Derivatives

Research in the field of low-molecular weight, oligomeric and polymeric α,ω-diisocyanatocarbodiimides and -polycarbodiimides has been fruitful, not only in connection with these compounds themselves, but also—as so often happens in chemistry—with quite different problems. Novel synthetic methods, discoveries concerning the properties of low-molecular weight carbodiimides and phosphane imide derivatives, as well as results on the fragmentation reactions of four-membered heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen, phosphorus, and nitrogen, and a better understanding of the diisocyanate polyaddition process are among the many by-products of this research. The “high- and low-temperature formation” of polycarbodiimides and the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis of this process are described, and the fundamental importance of four-membered ring fragmentation mechanisms resulting in the formation of phosphane imide derivatives is outlined. Interesting building blocks for the diisocyanate polyaddition and polycondensation processes can be synthesized by many derivatization reactions of oligomeric and high-molecular weight polycarbodiimides and polyuretonimines. The in situ production of polycarbodiimides via matrix reactions in flexible polyurethane foams leads to a cellular arrangement of the material due to the pronounced symmetrical growth processes. Combination-foams with increased carbonation tendencies are formed in this way. Attention is drawn to several industrial applications of α,ω-diisocyanatopolycarbodiimides, of high-molecular weight cross-linked polyuretonimines, and of polycarbodiimide foams.     

Furanose C—C‐linked γ‐lactones: a combined ESI FTICR MS and semi‐empirical calculations study

Sugars that incorporate the unsaturated carbonyl motif have become important synthetic targets not only as a result of their potential biological properties but also as precursors in the synthesis of many bioactive products. Moreover, little is known about the influence of the γ‐lactone moiety in the fragmentation pattern of furanose rings. Therefore, two α,β‐unsaturated γ‐lactones (butenolides) and two β‐hydroxy γ‐lactones, C? C linked to a furanose ring were studied using electrospray ionization FTICR mass spectrometry. The behaviour of the protonated and sodiated forms of the compounds under study has been compared considering their structural features. Fragmentation mechanisms were established and ion structures were proposed taking into account the MS² and MS³ experiments, accurate mass measurements and semi‐empirical calculations. These inexpensive methods proved to be a valuable resource for proposing protonation sites and for the establishment of fragmentation pathways. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

σ–π Continuum in Indole–Palladium(II) Complexes

The intrinsic features of (hetero‐arene)–metal interactions have been elusive mainly because the systematic structure analysis of non‐anchored hetero‐arene–metal complexes has been hampered by their labile nature. We report successful isolation and systematic structure analysis of a series of non‐anchored indole–palladium(II) complexes. It was revealed that there is a σ–π continuum for the indole–metal interaction, while it has been thought that the dominant coordination mode of indole to a metal center is the Wheland‐intermediate‐type σ‐mode in light of the seemingly strong electron‐donating ability of indole. Several factors which affect the σ‐ or π‐character of indole–metal interactions are discussed.     

Triphenylphosphine‐Mediated Reduction of Electron‐Deficient Propargyl Ethers to the Allylic Ethers

Semihydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated ynoates and ‐ynones bearing a γ‐alkoxy group can be performed using triphenylphosphine and water. α,β‐Unsaturated ynoates were reduced to a mixture of cis and trans α,β‐unsaturated enoates, whereas, ynones were reduced to trans α,β‐unsaturated enones as the only products.     

Application of Cyclodextrins to the Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Olive Oil

Olive oil contains powerful antioxidant compounds which impart stability, contribute to various properties of it, and are valuable from the nutritional point of view. Their extraction with as mild conditions as possible led to its investigation using cyclodextrins as a tool. The inclusion ability of α-, β-, and γ-CD was estimated, and it has been demonstrated that the small cavity of α-CD as well as the wide one of γ-CD could enclose less effectively the antioxidant compounds of olive oil than the intermediate in shape cavity of β-CD. The highest yields of antioxidant compounds were achieved when olive oil was mixed with a 2%aqueous solution of β-CD and the resulting precipitate was treated with ethyl alcohol.__________Published in Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 1, pp. 18–21, January–February, 2005.     

Energy‐induced polymorphic changes in poly(vinylidene fluoride): How ultrasonication results in polymer with predominantly γ phase

Self‐polarized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films were prepared via solution crystallization technique wherein the polymorphism of the films was controlled from α phase (>85%) to γ phase (>90%) by varying the time of ultrasonication. On increasing ultrasonication time up to 60 min, γ phase crystallites were found to be self‐aligned in the matrix while an equal proportion of α and γ phases coexist in the PVDF films ultrasonicated for 120 min. The phase conversion as well as inversion was evident from Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. Microscopic images of films ultrasonicated for 60 min showed a scrolled lamellar morphology while those sonicated for 120 min showed mixture of scrolled lamellar and spherulitic morphology. With the help of computational studies, it is explained that a large amount of energy is required for transforming trans‐gauche‐trans‐gauche into trans‐trans‐trans‐gauche conformation which is provided by ultrasonication. The mechanism of γ phase formation is proposed based on the experimental and theoretical approaches. Our studies show that just by tuning the time of ultrasonication, PVDF films with various morphologies can be processed; either one with predominantly electroactive γ phase with superior electrical properties or one with equal proportion of α and γ phases with superior mechanical properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 40–50     

Transition Metal Complexation of σ Bonds

The first σ complexes were found in the 1960s and 1970s, but they did not attract more than passing attention. Only now are we beginning to recognize their key role in the chemical reactions of σ bonds, and this has encouraged more detailed study. In contrast with the more familiar π-donor complexes such as M? (CH₂?CH₂) and complexes like M? NH₃, in which the one pair of electrons on the N atom is bound to the metal atom, in a σ complex an X? H group binds to the transition metal atom; the X? H σ-bonding electron pair acts as a 2e donor to give an (X-H)-M type complex. Dihydrogen complexes (X = H) are one important group of σ complexes. C-H-M complexes (X = R₃C) with an agostic C-H-M interaction have not only been found in the ground state but also implicated in the transition states of many important organometallic transformations such as Ziegler–Natta catalysis and sigma bond metathesis. The importance of X? H bond activation will encourage continued growth in this field.     

Cyclic RGD–Polyethylene Glycol–Polyethylenimine for Intracranial Glioblastoma‐Targeted Gene Delivery

Even though the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is compromised for angiogenesis, therapeutic agents for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are particularly inefficient due to the existence of a blood–tumor barrier (BTB), which hampers tumor accumulation and uptake. Integrin α_vβ₃ is overexpressed on glioblastoma U87 cells and neovasculture, thus making its ligands such as the RGD motif target glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. In the present work, we have designed a modified polyethylene glycol–polyethylenimine (PEG–PEI) gene carrier by conjugating it with a cyclic RGD sequence, c(RGDyK) (cyclic arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid‐D ‐tyrosine‐lysine). When complexed with plasmid DNA, this gene carrier, termed RGD–PEG–PEI, formed homogenous nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 73 nm. These nanoparticles had a high binding affinity with U87 cells and facilitated targeted gene delivery against intracranial glioblastoma in vivo, thereby leading to a higher gene transfer efficiency compared to the PEG–PEI gene carrier without RGD decoration. This intracranial glioblastoma‐targeted gene carrier also enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of pORF‐hTRAIL, as evidenced by a significantly prolonged survival of intracranial glioblastoma‐bearing nude mice. Considering the contribution of glioblastoma neovasculature to the BBB under angiogenic conditions, our results demonstrated the therapeutic feasibility of treating a brain tumor through mediation of integrin α_vβ₃, as well as the potential of using RGD–PEG–PEI as a targeted gene carrier in the treatment of intracranial glioblastoma.     

Gamma-oxidation of linear low density polyethylenes: Ethylene–butene and ethylene–hexene copolymers

Different linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPEs) based on hexene and butene comonomer were irradiated with γ-rays under air. The oxidation products have been quantified using NO and SF₄ treatments by IR spectroscopy. An FTIR examination displayed unexpected products such as free hydroperoxides and trans-vinylenes. It was found that the type of α-olefin used to process LLDPE films may influence the mechanism of oxidation. Parameters such as the melt index and the density seem to affect the γ-oxidation rate. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Bis[N-(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphanide des Lithiums und Zinks – Synthese sowie NMR-spektroskopische,strukturelle und quantenchemische Untersuchungen

Acyl- and Alkylidenephosphanes. XXXV. Bis[ N -(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphanides of Lithium and Zinc – Syntheses as well as NMR Spectroscopic, Structural, and Quantumchemical Studies From the reaction of bis(tetrahydrofuran)lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide with two equivalents of benzonitrile in 1,2-dimethoxyethane, the yellow dme complex ( 2 a ) of lithium bis[N-(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphanide ( 2 ) was obtained in 69% yield. However, the intermediate {1-[N-lithium-N-(trimethylsilyl)amido]benzylidene}trimethylsilylphosphane ( 1 ), formed by an analogous 1 : 1 addition in diethyl ether, turned out to be unstable and as a consequence could be characterized by nmr spectroscopic methods only; attempts to isolate the compound failed, but small amounts of the neutral complex 2 b , with the ligands benzonitrile and tetrahydrofuran coordinated to lithium, precipitated. The reaction of compound 2 with zinc(II) chloride in diethyl ether gives the orange-red spiro-complex zinc bis{bis[N-(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphanide} ( 3 ); this complex is also formed from bis[N-(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphane ( 4 ), easily amenable by a lithium hydrogen exchange of 2 a with trifluoroacetic acid [18], and zinc bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide]. As derived from nmr spectroscopic studies and x-ray structure determinations, compounds 2 a {δ³¹P +63.3 ppm; P2₁/n; Z = 4; R₁ = 0.067}, 2 b {δ³¹P +63.3 ppm; P2₁/c; Z = 4; R₁ = 0.063}, 3 {δ³¹P +58.2 ppm; C2/c; Z = 4; R₁ = 0.037} and 4 {δ³¹P +58.1 ppm [18]} exist as cyclic 3-imino-2λ³σ²-phosphapropenylamides and -propenylamine, respectively, in solution as well as in the solid state. Unlike hydrogen derivative 4 the bis[N-(trimethylsilyl)iminobenzoyl]phosphanide fragments N,N′-coordinating either a lithium or a zinc cation are characterized by almost completely equalized bond lengths; typical mean distances and angles are: PC 180.3 and 178.7; CN 130.5 and 131.8; N–Si 175.3 and 179.3; N–Li 202.3; N–Zn 203.5 pm; CPC 108.8° and 110.5°; PCN 130.9° and 132.9°; CN–Li 113.0°, CN–Zn 117.4°; N–Li–N 104.6°; N–Zn–N 108.8°. Alterations in the shape of the six membered chelate rings, caused by an exchange of the 3-imino-2λ³σ²-phosphapropenylamide or related 2λ³σ²-phospha-1,3-dionate units for the corresponding phosphorus free ligands, are discussed in detail. The results of quantumchemical DFT-B3LYP calculations coincide very well with the experimentally obtained findings.     

Two‐Step Backbiting Reaction in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of γ‐Acryloyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone Initiated with Aluminium Isopropoxide

γ‐Acryloyloxyethyl‐γ‐butyrolactone is formed as a byproduct when the polymerization of γ‐acryloyloxy‐ε‐caprolactone is initiated with aluminium isopropoxide in toluene. The extent of this side reaction decreases with decreasing temperature and is dependent on whether the reaction is stopped as soon as monomer conversion is complete or not. A two‐step backbiting mechanism is proposed for this intramolecular transesterification reaction.     

Synthesis and Biological Activity of α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactones

α-Methylene-γ-butyrolactones [dihydro-3-methylene-2(3H)furanones] constitute an important group of natural products and possess wide-ranging biological activities. Progress in the synthesis of the heterocycle and the classification of the synthetic methods are not only of practical interest, but also fundamentally important as a current example for the construction of an unusual 1,4-functionality distance and an α-substituted acrylic ester moiety which is susceptible to nucleophilic attack.     

P,P′-(2,5-Dimethoxy-3,6-dimethyl-2,5-dioxo-2λ5,5λ5-[1,4,2,5]dioxadiphosphinan-2,5-diyl)-bis-phosphonsäuretetramethylester

P,P′-(2,5-Dimethoxy-3,6-dimethyl-2,5-dioxo-2λ⁵,5λ⁵-[1,4,2,5]dioxadiphosphinane-2,5-diyl)-bis-phosphonic acid tetramethylester The title compound 1 is formed by reaction of the corresponding phosphonic acid 2 and orthoformicacidmethylester as a mixture of four stereoisomeres. The RRSS isomer was separated. It crystallizes in the triclinic space group P ?1 with a = 649.2 pm, b = 976.1 pm, c = 1 571.7 pm, α = 80.9°, β = 88.1°, γ = 78.6° and Z = 2. The ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectra (4 and 5 spin systems) are discussed.     

NH2SO3H–SiO2 as a new water‐compatible,recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of novel (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction

NH₂SO₃H–SiO₂/water as a novel catalytic system was used for the synthesis of (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction at reflux conditions. The methodology was of general applicability and the catalyst exhibited activity up to five cycles. The catalyst was characterized for the first time using FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic–energy dispersion analytical X‐ray. The stability of the catalyst was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and TGA/differential thermal analysis. High efficiency of the catalyst along with its recycling ability and the rather low loading demonstrated in reactions are the merits of the presented protocol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Darstellung,Kristallstrukturen und Schwingungsspektren von [(Mo6X)Y]2–; Xi = Cl,Br; Ya = NO3, NO2

Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Vibrational Spectra of [(Mo₆X)Y]^2–; Xⁱ = Cl, Br; Y^a = NO₃, NO₂ By treatment of [(Mo₆X)Y]^2–; Xⁱ = Y^a = Cl, Br with AgNO₃ or AgNO₂ by strictly exclusion of oxygene in acetone the hexanitrato and hexanitrito cluster anions [(Mo₆X)Y]^2–, Y^a = NO₂, NO₃ are formed. X-ray structure determinations of (Ph₄As)₂[(Mo₆Cl)(NO₃)] · 2 Me₂CO ( 1 ) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 12.696(3), b = 21.526(1), c = 14.275(5) Å, β = 115.02(2)°, Z = 2), (n-Bu₄N)₂[(Mo₆Br)(NO₃)] · 2 CH₂Cl₂ ( 2 ) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 14.390(5), b = 11.216(5), c = 21.179(5)Å, β = 96.475(5)°, Z = 2) and (Ph₄P)₂[(Mo₆Cl)(NO₂)] (3) (monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 11.823(5), b = 13.415(5), c = 19.286(5) Å, β = 105.090(5)°, Z = 2) reveal the coordination of the ligands via O atoms with (Mo–O) bond lengths of 2.11–2.13 Å, and (MoON) angles of 122–131°. The vibrational spectra of the nitrato compounds show the typical innerligand vibrations ν_as(NO₂) (∼ 1500), ν_s(NO₂) (∼ 1270) and ν(NO) (∼ 980 cm^–1). The stretching vibrations ν(N=O) at 1460–1490 cm^–1 and ν(N–O) in the range of 950–1000 cm^–1 are characteristic for nitrito ligands coordinated via O atoms.     

Siliciumhaltige spirocyclische Phosphor(V)-Hydrazin-Heterocyclen

Silicon-Containing Spirocyclic Phosphorus(V) Hydrazine Heterocycles In the reaction of 1,1-dichlorosilacyclohexane with dihydrazido thiophosphoric acid O-phenylester in a 1:1 molar ratio in THF as solvent and in the presence of triethylamine mainly the expected spirocyclic system of inorganic and organic heterocycle is formed with the Si atom as spirocenter (ms, nmr). In addition and in low yield crystalls of a dimeric compound are isolated. A single crystall x-ray analysis reveals this compound to consist of a dispiro system with a central centrosymmetric eightmembered inorganic heterocycle connected with two silacyclohexanes via Si spirocenters.