Cleavage of phosphate diesters mediated by Zn(II) complex in Gemini surfactant micelles

The cleavage of 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) catalyzed by the Zn(II)-biap (biap: N,N-bis(2-ethyl-5-methylimidazole-4-ylmethyl)aminopropane) complex has been investigated spectrophotometrically in a micellar solution of cationic Gemini surfactant 16-2-16 [bis(hexadecyldimethylammonium)ethane bromide] and CTAB (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) at 25+/-0.1 degrees C. The experimental results reveal that a higher rate of acceleration (about 2016-fold) of HPNP cleavage promoted by the Zn(II)-biap complex has been observed in the 16-2-16 micellar solution in comparison with the background rate (k(0)) of HPNP spontaneous cleavage at 25 degrees C. Reaction rates of HPNP cleavage in CTAB micellar solutions are only about 40% of that in Gemini 16-2-16 micelles under comparable conditions. In addition, the cleavage rates of HPNP in Gemini micelles and in CTAB micelles are respectively 29.5 times and 12 times faster than that in aqueous buffer. Especially, a "sandwich absorptive mode" has been proposed to explain the acceleration of HPNP cleavage in a cationic micellar solution.     

Unique ligand-based oxidative DNA cleavage by zinc(II) complexes of hpyramol and hpyrimol

The zinc(II) complexes reported here have been synthesised from the ligand 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (Hpyramol) with chloride or acetate counterions. All the five complexes have been structurally characterised, and the crystal structures reveal that the ligand Hpyramol gradually undergoes an oxidative dehydrogenation to form the ligand 4-methyl-2-N-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (Hpyrimol), upon coordination to Zn(II). All the five complexes cleave the phiX174 phage DNA oxidatively and the complexes with fully dehydrogenated pyrimol ligands were found to be more efficient than the complexes with non-dehydrogenated Hpyramol ligands. The DNA cleavage is suggested to be ligand-based, whereas the pure ligands alone do not cleave DNA. The DNA cleavage is strongly suggested to be oxidative, possibly due to the involvement of a non-diffusible phenoxyl radical mechanism. The enzymatic religation experiments and DNA cleavage in the presence of different radical scavengers further support the oxidative DNA cleavage by the zinc(II) complexes.     

Efficient cleavage of the N-O bond of 3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazines mediated by some alpha-hetero substituted carbonyl compounds in mild conditions

The efficient cleavage of the N-O bond of some nitroso Diels-Alder cycloadducts has been achieved in mild conditions, mediated either by 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-one or 1,3-dithiolane-2-carboxaldehyde. These new and purely organic conditions allow an excellent tolerance with respect to many functional groups that would have been affected by previous reductive cleavage conditions.     

Mass spectra of thiazolidines

The electron impact mass spectra of twelve thiazolidines have been measured and the fragmentation patterns examined. The three most intense fragmentations common to all the thiazolidines examined are: (a) the cleavage of the substituent at C-2, (b) 1,4-ring cleavage, and (c) 2,5-ring cleavage. The 1,4- and 2,5-cleavages occur with and without rearrangement of a proton.     

Mechanism of phosphorus-carbon bond cleavage by lithium in tertiary phosphines. An optimized synthesis of 1,2-Bis(phenylphosphino)ethane

Conditions influencing the extent of P-C(aryl) vs P-C(alkyl) bond cleavage in the reaction of Ph(2)P(CH(2))(2)PPh(2) with lithium in THF have been investigated. The results complement and elucidate earlier work; they indicate that the mechanism of P-C bond cleavage in tertiary phosphines of this type involves a thermodynamic equilibrium between P-C(aryl) and P-C(alkyl) cleaved radicals and anions, followed by reaction and stabilization of these as lithium salts. The addition of water to the reaction mixture causes a reestablishment of the cleavage equilibrium prior to the formation of the secondary phosphines. A mechanism involving competitive release of leaving groups as the thermodynamically most stable anion or radical has been proposed. The preparation of (R, R)-(+/-)/(R, S)-PhP(H)(CH(2))(2)P(H)Ph by this route has been optimized.     

Heterolytic cleavage of peroxide by a diferrous compound generates metal-based intermediates identical to those observed with reactions utilizing oxygen-atom-donor molecules

Under cryogenic stopped-flow conditions, addition of 2-methyl-1-phenylprop-2-yl hydroperoxide (MPPH) to the diiron(II) compound, [Fe(2)(H(2)Hbamb)(2)(NMeIm)(2)] (1; NMeIm=N-methylimidazole; H(4)HBamb: 2,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido)dimethylbutane) results in heterolytic peroxide O-O bond cleavage, forming a high-valent species, 2. The UV/Vis spectrum of 2 and its kinetic behavior suggest parallel reactivity to that seen in the reaction of 1 with oxygen-atom-donor (OAD) molecules, which has been reported previously. Like the interaction with OAD molecules, the reaction of 1 with MPPH proceeds through a three step process, assigned to oxygen-atom transfer to the iron center to form a high-valent intermediate (2), ligand rearrangement of the metal complex, and, finally, decay to a diferric mu-oxo compound. Careful examination of the order of the reaction with MPPH reveals saturation behavior. This, coupled with the anomalous non-Arrhenius behavior of the first step of the reaction, indicates that there is a preequilibrium peroxide binding step prior to O-O bond cleavage. At higher temperatures, the addition of the base, proton sponge, results in a marked decrease in the rate of O-O bond cleavage to form 2; this is assigned as a peroxide deprotonation effect, indicating that the presence of protons is an important factor in the heterolytic cleavage of peroxide. This phenomenon has been observed in other iron-containing enzymes, the catalytic cycles of which include peroxide O-O bond cleavage.     

Thio effects on the departure of the 3'-linked ribonucleoside from diribonucleoside 3',3'-phosphorodithioate diesters and triribonucleoside 3',3',5'-phosphoromonothioate triesters: implications for ribozyme catalysis

To provide a solid chemical basis for the mechanistic interpretations of the thio effects observed for large ribozymes, the cleavage of triribonucleoside 3',3',5'-phosphoromonothioate triesters and diribonucleoside 3',3'-phosphorodithioate diesters has been studied. To elucidate the role of the neighboring hydroxy group of the departing 3'-linked nucleoside, hydrolysis of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenosin-5'-yl bis[5'-O-methyluridin-3'-yl] phosphoromonothioate (1 a) has been compared to the hydrolysis of 2',3'-O-methyleneadenosin-5'-yl 5'-O-methyluridin-3'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methyluridin-3'-yl phosphoromonothioate (1 b) and the hydrolysis of bis[uridin-3'-yl] phosphorodithioate (2 a) to the hydrolysis of uridin-3'-yl 2',5'-di-O-methyluridin-3'-yl phosphorodithioate (2 b). The reactions have been followed by RP HPLC over a wide pH range. The phosphoromonothioate triesters 1 a,b undergo two competing reactions: the starting material is cleaved to a mixture of 3',3'- and 3',5'-diesters, and isomerized to 2',3',5'- and 2',2',5'-triesters. With phosphorodithioate diesters 2 a,b, hydroxide-ion-catalyzed cleavage of the P--O3' bond is the only reaction detected at pH >6, but under more acidic conditions desulfurization starts to compete with the cleavage. The 3',3'-diesters do not undergo isomerization. The hydroxide-ion-catalyzed cleavage reaction with both 1 a and 2 a is 27 times as fast as that compared with their 2'-O-methylated counterparts 1 b and 2 b. The hydroxide-ion-catalyzed isomerization of the 3',3',5'-triester to 2',3',5'- and 2',2',5'-triesters with 1 a is 11 times as fast as that compared with 1 b. These accelerations have been accounted for by stabilization of the anionic phosphorane intermediate by hydrogen bonding with the 2'-hydroxy function. Thio substitution of the nonbridging oxygens has an almost negligible influence on the cleavage of 3',3'-diesters 2 a,b, but the hydrolysis of phosphoromonothioate triesters 1 a,b exhibits a sizable thio effect, k(PO)/k(PS)=19. The effects of metal ions on the rate of the cleavage of diesters and triesters have been studied and discussed in terms of the suggested hydrogen-bond stabilization of the thiophosphorane intermediates derived from 1 a and 2 a.     

The base sequence dependent flexibility of linear single-stranded oligoribonucleotides correlates with the reactivity of the phosphodiester bond

The effect of base sequence on the structure and flexibility of linear single-stranded RNA molecules and the influence of the base sequence on phosphodiester bond reactivity have been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations of 2.1 ns were carried out for nine chimeric oligonucleotides containing only one unsubstituted ribo unit, all the rest of sugars being 2'-O-methylated. The base sequence has recently been reported to make a big contribution to the reactivity of these compounds. A detailed examination of the interaction energies between the base moieties shows that base stacking is strongly context-dependent and cooperative. The strength of stacking at the site susceptible to chain cleavage by intramolecular transesterification was observed to be dependent on both the flanking bases of the cleavage site and those further apart in the molecule. The interaction energies between the bases in the vicinity of the scissile linkage were found to correlate well with the experimental phosphodiester bond cleavage rates: the stronger the bases close to the cleavage site are stacked, the slower the cleavage rate is.     

Differential scanning calorimetry—thin layer chromatography study of ribonucleosides

Thermal mutagenesis has been associated with cleavage of the glycosidic bond and modification of the base structure. Using deoxynucleosides as models, thermal analysis has been utilized to determine the influence of structure on relative ease of these thermolysis reactions. Differential enthalpic analyses of series of crystalline ribonucleosides indicate that they are more resistent to glycosidic cleavage than are the corresponding 2′—deoxyribonucleosides. This difference in thermal stability is attributed to the retarding influence of the 2′-hydroxyl group on the initiation of ion pair formation in the proposed cyclic transition state. Cytosine exhibits a unique behavior insofar as partial deamination of the base occurs, subsequent to cleavage from the sugar, to yield uracil as indicated by a combined DSC-TLC analysis.     

Catalytic C(1), C(2)-Bond Cleavage of Long-Chain Aliphatic Alcohols and ω-Phenylalkyl Alcohols

A catalytic one step procedure for the C(1), C(2)-bond cleavage of long-chain aliphatic alcohols and ω-phenyl alcohols has been investigated, using as examples decanol, dodecanol, hexadecanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol and 3-phenyl-propanol. The reactions, which were carried out in a continuous flow tubular reactor using a Ni/Cu catalyst, showed good activity and selectivity with respect to the cleavage products. On the basis of the experimental studies a reaction scheme for the heterogeneous catalytic C(1), C(2)-bond cleavage of the alcohols is suggested.     

Mass spectrometry of 4-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene compounds

The mass spectra of 32 substituted 4-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene compounds have been recorded and the most intense peaks have been used to characterize these spectra. It was found that the spectra of 4-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene compounds are characterized by peaks due to: (1) molecular ions, (2) fragment ions formed by cleavage of one of the carbon-nitrogen bonds adjacent to the azo linkage with the positive charge remaining with the amine fragment, (3) ions formed by cleavage alpha to the amine nitrogen with the charge remaining with the amine substituent, (4) ions formed by cleavage beta to the amine nitrogen with the loss of the amine substituent fragment, (5) secondary ions formed by cleavage beta to the amine nitrogen with the loss of the amine substituent fragment from the primary amine fragment (2), and (6) ions formed by loss of NO from the molecular ion. This work shows that 4-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene compounds exhibit fragmentation which is dependent in a consistent manner on the types of substituents. This work provides a basis for a systematic approach to the identification of 4-amino-4′-nitroazobenzene compounds.     

Synthesis and DNA Cleavage Properties of Triazacrown Derivatives

New metal‐free DNA cleaving reagent 1 , 1,4,7‐triazacrown (TACN) both with aminoethyl, hydroxyethyl side arms and a planar anthraquinone linked by an alkyl (1,6‐hexamethylene) spacer has been synthesized and characterized by NMR and MS spectrometry. For comparison, the corresponding aminoethyl, hydroxyethyl triazacrown derivative 2 without the anthraquinone has also been synthesized. DNA‐binding properties via fluorescence and CD spectroscopy indicate that the binding affinity of 1 with DNA is much stronger than that of 2 . Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to assess plasmid pUC19 DNA cleavage. Kinetic data of DNA cleavage promoted by 1 , 2 and parent triazacrown (TACN) 3 under physiological condition give the 15‐fold and 234‐fold rate acceleration of compound 1 over 2 and parent triazacrown 3 . Radical scavenger inhibition study suggests that DNA cleavage promoted by 1 may be a non‐oxidative pathway through the transphosphorylation and then hydrolysis. The dramatic rate acceleration is due not only to the anthraquinone moiety of compound 1 intercalating into DNA base pairs via stacking interaction, but also the cooperative catalysis of the nucleophilic hydroxyl and the electrophilic ammonium group for the cleavage of phosphodiester of DNA.     

Preparation of a 24-nor-1,4-dien-3-one triterpene derivative from betulin: a new route to 24-nortriterpene analogues

A new route to 24-nortriterpene derivatives with 2-hydroxy-Delta(1,4)-cyclohexadien-3-one A-rings from triterpene precursors has been demonstrated beginning with betulin to prepare derivatives of betulinic acid. The key steps in the transformation are a Suárez cleavage of the A-ring with a subsequent SmI(2)-mediated pinacol-type coupling to reclose the A-ring following removal of the C-24 carbon by oxidative cleavage.     

Synthesis and DNA cleavage activity of diiron(III) complex bearing pyrene group

As DNA cleavage agent, a new diiron(III) complex (Fe2Lb), in which a DNA-intercalator "(pyrene) is covalently linked to a diferric moiety, has been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding property and DNA cleavage activity of the complex have also been investigated.     

Regioselectivity in the Acid Cleavage of Bicyclo[4.1.0]Heptan-3-Ones

Acid-promoted cyclopropane cleavage reactions have been employed with great success for the generation of angular methyl groups.² Sims has shown that the regioselectivity of such reactions may be influenced by acid strength.^2d We now report a case in which steric factors appear to direct the cleavage pathway.     

DNA cleavage by copper-ATCUN complexes. Factors influencing cleavage mechanism and linearization of dsDNA

The reactivity of two [peptide-Cu] complexes ([GGH-Cu](-) and [KGHK-Cu](+)) toward DNA cleavage has been quantitatively investigated. Neither complex promoted hydrolytic cleavage, but efficient oxidative cleavage was observed in the presence of a mild reducing agent (ascorbate) and dioxygen. Studies with scavengers of ROS confirmed hydrogen peroxide to be an obligatory diffusible intermediate. While oxidative cleavage of DNA was observed for Cu(2+)(aq) under the conditions used, the kinetics of cleavage and reaction products/pathway were distinct from those displayed by [peptide-Cu] complexes. DNA cleavage chemistry is mediated by the H(2)O-dependent pathway following C-4'H abstraction from the minor groove. Such a cleavage path also provides a ready explanation for the linearization reaction promoted by [KGHK-Cu](+). Kinetic activities and reaction pathways are compared to published results on other chemical nucleases. Both [peptide-Cu] complexes were found to display second-order kinetics, with rate constants k(2) approximately 39 and 93 M(-1) s(-1) for [GGH-Cu](-) and [KGHK-Cu](+), respectively. Neither complex displayed enzyme-like saturation behavior, consistent with the relatively low binding affinity and residence time expected for association with dsDNA, and the absence of a prereaction complex. However, the intrinsic activity of each is superior to other catalyst systems, as determined from relative k(2) or k(cat)/K(m) values. Linearization of DNA was observed for [KGHK-Cu](+) relative to [GGH-Cu](-), consistent with the increased positive charge and longer residency time on dsDNA.     

Potential-modulated DNA cleavage by (N-salicylideneglycinato)copper(II) complex.

The interaction of aqua (N-salicylideneglycinato)copper(II) (Cu(salgly)2+) complex with calf thymus DNA has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Potential-modulated DNA cleavage in the presence of Cu(salgly)2+ complex was performed at a gold electrode in a thin layer cell. DNA can be efficiently cleaved by electrochemically reducing Cu(salgly)2+ complex to Cu(salgly)+ complex at -0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). When the solution was aerated with a small flow of O2 during electrolysis, the extent of DNA cleavage was dramatically enhanced, and hydroxyl radical scavengers inhibited DNA cleavage. These results suggested that O2 and hydroxyl radical were involved in potential-modulated DNA cleavage reaction. The percentage of DNA cleavage was enhanced as the working potential was shifted to more negative values and the electrolysis time was increased. It was also dependent on the ratio of Cu(salgly)2+ complex to DNA concentration. The cleaved DNA fragments were separated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental results indicated that the method for potential-modulated DNA cleavage by Cu(salgly)2+ complex was simple and efficient.     

Synthesis and DNA cleavage activity of diiron（Ⅲ） complex bearing pyrene group

As DNA cleavage agent, a new diiron（Ⅲ） complex （Fe2Lb）, in which a DNA-intercalator （pyrene） is covalently linked to a diferric moiety, has been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding property and DNA cleavage activity of the complex have also been investigated.     

A new base-catalyzed cleavage reaction for the preparation of protected peptides

A new base-catalyzed elimination reaction employing the hindered, non-nucleophilic bases tetramethylguanidine or 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0.]undec-7-ene has been developed for the removal of protected peptides from a 2-[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl-acetoxy]propionyl-resin. The proposed reaction mechanism involved cleavage of the ester bond between the peptide and resin via a base-catalyzed elimination. The protected peptide-resin cleavage reaction is mild, rapid and proceeds in good yield with a very simple work- up procedure. Four protected peptide-resins varying in size from seven to sixteen residues were prepared using the 2-[4-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl-acetoxy]- propionyl-resin and then cleaved in the protected form to demonstrate the utility of the new cleavage technique. The protected peptide cleavage products can be used in the preparation of larger peptides by fragment condensation.     

Catalytic C-C bond cleavage and C-Si bond formation in the reaction of RCN with Et3SiH promoted by an iron complex

Catalytic C-C bond cleavage of acetonitrile and C-Si bond formation have been attained in the photoreaction of MeCN with Et3SiH in the presence of an iron complex, Cp(CO)2FeMe. This catalytic system can be applied for arylnitrile C-C bond cleavage.