Synthesis of epothilones molecule fragment (15<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>)-C<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">13</Emphasis></Superscript>-C<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">21</Emphasis></Superscript> from D-mannitol

Efficient synthesis of an epothilone molecules fragment (15R)-C¹³-C²¹ was carried out from D-mannitol through its conversion into methyl 2,3-O-cyclohexylidene-D-glycerate followed by the cyclopropanation of the ester group with ethylmagnesium bromide in the presence of titanium(IV) isopropoxide and the transformation of the obtained cyclopropanol into the corresponding 2-substituted allyl bromide. The coupling of the latter catalyzed by copper with 2-methylthiazolyl-4-magnesium bromide, the shift of a double carbon-carbon bond in the product obtained into the position, conjugated with the thiazole ring, and the common transformation of the protected 1,2-diol function afforded the target compound in 15% yield.     

The Association Constants of H<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">+</Emphasis></Superscript> and Ca<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">2 +</Emphasis></Superscript> with 2-Keto-D-Gluconate in Aqueous Solutions

2-Keto-D-gluconate (kG) is naturally produced in soils, sediments and rock faces through the microbial oxidation of glucose. Studies have qualitatively shown kG to enhance the dissolution of soil minerals. However, quantitative information, such as the log K values for the formation of metal–kG complexes, are not available. This paper presents the results of potentiometric titration studies that employ H⁺ and Ca²⁺ ion selective electrodes (ISEs) to determine the conditional ion association constants (log Q values) for the protonation and deprotonation of kG and the formation of Ca–kG complexes. The experimentally-determined log Q values were then converted to the corresponding ion association constants (the zero ionic strength condition; log K values) by employing a modified Davies equation for charged species and the Setchenów equation for neutral species. The log K values were determined by potentiometric titrations at constant kG concentration, varied ionic strengths, 25 or 22 ^∘C, and in the absence of CO₂. The computer model GEOCHEM-PC was used to determine the aqueous speciation of ions other than kG and the computer model FITEQL was used to estimate conditional log Q values for reactions in the various chemical models. Based on our evaluations, equilibrium constants for the following reactions were determined: H⁺+ kG^– ⇌ HkG⁰, log K_a1 = (3.00 ± 0.06), kG^–⇌ H_–1kG^2–+ H⁺, log K_a–1 = –(11.97 ± 0.41), and Ca²⁺+ kG^–⇌ CakG⁺, log K₁₀₁ = (1.74 ± 0.04).     

4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> resonances in photoionization from 4<Emphasis Type="Italic">s</Emphasis>4<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis> levels in neutral zinc

In neutral zinc the 4p ² configuration lies above the 3d ¹⁰4s ionization limit and its levels become perturbers in the continuum. Lines have been identified in the Zn I spectrum for the multiplet, whereas no lines have been found for transitions to 4p ^{2 1} D or ¹ S. In this paper, cross sections for photoionization from 4s4p levels are reported that reveal the positions and widths of the 4p ² resonances. Calculations were performed using the multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock (MCHF) and B-spline R-matrix (BSR) method. Results from Breit–Pauli calculations that ignore the background continua are also presented. Included in the latter are energies for the levels and transition data (transition energies, line strengths, f-values, and A-rates) for all E1 transitions between these levels. Transition energies and the agreement in the length and velocity values, particularly for allowed transitions, indicate the accuracy of the computational model. Line widths are compared with other estimates. Contribution to the Serafin Fraga Memorial Issue.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>-conformers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-chloroacetylcytisine

N-Chloroacetylcytisine was synthesized by acylation of (–)-cytisine. Stable Z- and E-conformers with respect to rotational isomerism around the N-12–CO bond were found in PMR spectra at room temperature. The point at which PMR resonances of the Z- and E-conformers coalesced upon heating was measured. The transition barrier between the conformers was estimated.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-resonance in Toroidal Polyhexes*

This paper considers the k -resonance of a toroidal polyhex (or toroidal graphitoid) with a string (p, q, t) of three integers (p ≥ 2, q ≥ 2, 0 ≤ t ≤ p − 1). A toroidal polyhex G is said to be k-resonant if, for 1≤ i ≤ k, any i disjoint hexagons are mutually resonant, that is, G has a Kekulé structure (perfect matching) M such that these hexagons are M-alternating (in and off M). Characterizations for 1, 2 and 3-resonant toroidal polyhexes are given respectively in this paper. *This work is supported by FRG, Hong Kong Baptist University; NSFC and TRAPOYT.     

Splitting of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis></Superscript> atomic states in icosahedral 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis> metal endofullerenes M@C<Subscript>60</Subscript>

Group-theoretical and quantum-chemical investigations of the spectrum of low-lying excited states have been performed by the ROHF and FCI-RAS (Full CI in Restricted Active Space) methods for 3d metal endofullerenes (MEFs) M@C₆₀ (M =Mn, Cr, and Fe) in different charged states. The major purpose of this study is quantum-chemical verification of the anomalous (“non-Bethe’s”) character of splitting of the d ^N atomic states in an electrostatic field with icosahedral symmetry, predicted previously within the theory of integral invariants theory. The interrelation between the integral invariants theory and the quantumchemical methods applied in this work is considered in detail. Our calculations suggest that the d ^N atomic states in the icosahedral field generated by fullerene C60 (I _h ) on a metal atom (ion) remain non-split for different charged states of the metal and C₆₀. Reasons for this phenomenon and other possible approaches to verification of the prediction are discussed. It is demonstrated that the d ^N states of the encapsulated metal are split in icosahedral 3d MEFs only under very strong compression of these structures.     

Accelerating <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis><Subscript>0</Subscript>

Combining the powers of a fast pneumatic transport system and the Automatic Activation Analyzer (AAA) of the Atominstitut in Vienna with the newest version of the IAEA k ₀-Software, the application of the k ₀-method to the determination of short-lived radionuclides becomes easily possible. By calculating Asp-values with the IAEA software, the often expensive and time-consuming measurement of Asp-values using certified reference materials is reduced to quality control checks. Measurements clearly show that the two approaches are equivalent, especially since both take self-absorption and neutron self-shielding into account. In this way it is possible to expand the library of the AAA with many hitherto unobtainable Asp-values. At the same time, using highly accurate Asp-values already measured for many short-lived radionuclides, k ₀-values for those can be produced with a simple procedure.     

A complete characterization for <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-resonant Klein-bottle polyhexes

A hexagonal tessellation K(p, q, t) on Klein bottle, a non-orientable surface with cross-cap number 2, is a finite-sized elemental benzenoid which can be produced from a p × q-parallelogram of hexagonal lattice with usual identifications of sides and with torsion t. Unlike torus, Klein bottle polyhex K(p, q, t) is not transitive except for some degenerated cases. We shall show, however, that K(p, q, t) does not depend on t. Accordingly, criteria for K(p, q, t) to be k-resonant for every positive integer k will be given. Moreover, we shall show that K(3, q, t) of 3-resonance are fully-benzenoid.      

Molecular properties of the copolymers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-diallyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-dimethylammonium chloride and maleic acid

The hydrodynamic and conformational properties of molecules of poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) and N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride-maleic acid copolymers of different compositions in solutions with various ionic-strength and pH values, as well as of the polyelectrolyte complex based on the copolymer with dodecyl sulfate anions in chloroform, are studied. For poly(N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride) molecules in a 1 M NaCl solution, the Kuhn segment length and the hydrodynamic diameter of the chain are estimated as A = 3.9 nm and d = 0.48 nm, respectively. In acidic solutions with pH 3.5, the copolymers demonstrate behavior typical for polyelectrolytes. In an alkaline solution with pH 13, when 1 M NaCl is added to the solution of the copolymer containing 29 mol % maleic acid units, there is an antipolyelectrolyte effect that manifests itself as an increase in the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymer and in the hydrodynamic radius of its molecules. It is found that an increase in the fraction of maleic acid units in the copolymer from 12 to 42 mol % brings about a reduction in the equilibrium rigidity of its macromolecules from 4.1 to 2.2 nm. The equilibrium rigidity of polyelectrolyte-complex molecules is higher than that of initial copolymer molecules owing to steric interactions arising between the aliphatic chains of dodecyl sulfate anions. In an electric field, the molecules of the complex are oriented owing to the induced dipole moment resulting from the displacement of dodecyl sulfate anions along the chain contour.     

Copolymer of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-diallyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-dimethylammonium chloride with maleic acid as drug carrier

A copolymer of N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride with maleic acid of constant composition was prepared under the conditions of radical initiation. The possibility of the functionalization of the copolymer with drugs containing amino groups by polymer-analogous transformations was examined. Conditions were found for preparing conjugates of the copolymer with isoniazid. The structures and the quantitative compositions of the conjugates were determined by ¹³С NMR spectroscopy, and the possibility of preparing conjugates with controlled drug content was demonstrated.     

New framework nanostructures of carbon atoms in <Emphasis Type="Italic">sp</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">sp</Emphasis><Superscript>3</Superscript> hybridized states

A new family of framework nanostructures including carbon atoms in _sp ² and sp ³ hybridized states is reported. Structure optimization was fulfilled using MM+ molecular mechanics and Hückel semiempirical methods. The energy characteristics of the structures have been evaluated. Comparative analysis of the stability of the title nanostructures has been performed in relation to their geometry and relative contents of sp ²/sp ³ atoms.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">On-line</Emphasis> Characterization of Metabolic State in Batch Cultivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clostridium diolis</Emphasis> for 1,3-Propanediol Production Using NADH+H<Superscript>+</Superscript> Fluorescence

NADH is a coenzyme which plays a central role in cellular growth and metabolism. It is an intracellular fluorophore which fluoresces at 460 nm when cells are irradiated by 340 nm wavelength of light. The application of NADH+H⁺ fluorescence measurement for characterization of biomass and its metabolic activity during batch fermentation of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) using Clostridium diolis was investigated in this study. A linear correlation between net fluorescence and biomass concentration was observed during both the initial and final phases of 1,3-PD fermentation. This could be used as an on-line indicator of biomass concentration inside the bioreactor thereby eliminating the need for sampling and off-line analysis for establishing biomass concentration during these phases. Also a sharp decline in the NADH+H⁺ fluorescence value was obtained towards the end of fermentation which could be a significant on-line, in situ signal of substrate depletion in the bioreactor and therefore possible fresh nutrient feed for enhanced production of 1,3-PD by repetitive and/or various fed-batch cultivation(s). This is the first report on the use of NADH + H⁺ fluorescence measurement technique for 1,3-PD fermentation.     

Glutaraldehyde-modified electrode for nonlabeling voltammetric detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p16</Emphasis><Superscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">INK4A</Emphasis></Superscript> gene

A nonlabeling electrochemical detection method for analyzing the polymerase-chain-reaction-amplified sequence-specific p16 ^INK4A gene, in which the basis for the covalent immobilization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe is described, has been developed. The self-assembly process was based on the covalent coupling of glutaraldehyde (GA) as an arm molecule onto an amino-functional surface. The p16 ^INK4A gene was used as the model target for the methylation detection of early cancer diagnosis. An amino-modified DNA probe was successfully assembled on the GA-coupling surface through the formation of Schiff base under potential control. The hybridization of amino-modified DNA probes with the target was investigated by means of electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. Furthermore, the functions of GA coupling for sequence-specific detection were compared with those obtained based on mercaptopropionic acid. Hybridization experiments indicated that the covalent coupling of GA was suitable for the immobilization of DNA probe and was sensitive to the electrochemical detection of single-base mismatches of label-free DNA targets in hybridization. Moreover, reported probe-modified surfaces exhibited excellent stability, and the hybridization reactions were found to be completely reversible and highly specific for recognition in subsequent hybridization processes. The strategy provided the potential for taking full advantage of existing modified electrode technologies and was verified in microarray technology, which could be applied as a useful and powerful tool in electrochemical biosensor and microarray technology.     

Norditerpenoid alkaloids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aconitum septentrionale K</Emphasis>.

Two new alkaloids, Septonine (C₃₅H₄₄N₂O₉) and Septontrionine (C₂₅H₃₉NO₆) were isolated from the roots of Aconitum septentrionale K. According to the ¹H and ¹³C NMR, IR, and mass spectra, Septonin and Septontrionin were assigned the structures of 20-ethyl-7-hydroxy-1α,14α,16β-trimethoxy-6-oxo-17(7→8)abeoaconitan-4-ylmethyl 2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-l-yl)benzoate and 20-ethyl-7-hydroxy-1α,14α,16β-trimethoxy-4-methoxymethyl-17(7→8)abeoaconitan-6-one, respectively.     

A new <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-containing cucurbitacin from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemsleya endecaphylla</Emphasis>

A new cucurbitacin, endecaphyllacin C, was isolated from the tubers of Hemsleya endecaphylla. The structure was elucidated as 2β,16α,20β,25-tetrahydroxy-24-acetylaminocucurbita-5-en-3,11,22-trione (1) on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including COSY, HMBC, HMQC, and NOESY correlations, as well as HR-FAB-MS analysis.     

Conformations and properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>-Alkyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>-(2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-dialkylamino)-ethylmethylthiophosphonates

Conformers of the biologically active compounds CH₃P(O)(OR)(SCH₂CH₂NR ₂ ^′ ), where (I) R = i-C₄H₉, R′ = C₂H₅ and (II) R = C₂H₅, R′ = i-C₃H₇, are calculated within the AM1 level of theory. The elongated and twisted forms with maximum and minimum distances between a nitrogen atom and those of a phosphorus tetrahedron, respectively, and bearing a syn and anti oriented alkoxy group relative to a phosphoryl oxygen, are studied. It is found that the differences between the energy, electronic, and geometric parameters of these forms are apparent in differences between their properties, e.g., the ability to participate in complexation and protonation, reactions that to some extent simulate the interaction between a substance and a biological object.     

Synthesis of 6-methyl-8<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-dibenzo[<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">g</Emphasis>]quinolizin-8-imines <Emphasis Type="Italic">via Reissert</Emphasis> compounds

Alkylation of Reissert compounds derived from 3-methylisoquinolines with several 2-cyanobenzylbromides followed by hydrolytic cleavage provided the corresponding 1-benzyl-3-methylisoquinolines. Treatment of the latter with methylmagnesiumiodide caused cyclization to the title compounds rather than formation of 2-acetylbenzylisoquinolines.     

Molecular structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-and <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine

The molecular structures of N-(o-and p-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine were investigated by NMR spectroscopy, x-ray structure analysis, and molecular modeling. It was found that NMR resonances of the OH and aromatic protons in N-(o-hydroxybenzyl)cytisine were doubled because of the presence of two conformers in solution. __________ Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 165–168, March–April, 2008.