Electronic structures and properties of eight-coordinate metal-polyarsenic complexes MAs8n- (M = V,Nb, Ta,Cr, Mo,W, Mn,Tc, Re)

The eight-coordinate early transition metal polyarsenic complexes, MAs(8)3- (M = V, Nb, Ta), MAs(8)2- (M = Cr, Mo, W), and MAs8- (M = Mn, Tc, Re), have been studied using density functional theory (DFT). The geometry optimizations of these complexes indicate that in the most stable structures the transition metal atoms are trapped in a crownlike cavity consisting of a zigzag eight-membered ring of As8 cluster. The scalar-relativistic effects and spin-orbit coupling effects on the electronic structures and energy levels were taken into account. The stabilities of gas-phase MAs8n- ions and bonding between the As8 ring and early transition metals are discussed on the basis of population analysis, atomization energies, and decomposition reaction energies. All these complex ions are found to be diamagnetic with notable HOMO-LUMO energy gaps. The vibrational frequencies and infrared absorption intensities of the MAs8n- series are predicted theoretically. Brief theoretical calculations of the similar MoA(8)2- pnictide ions indicate that the analogous P, Sb, and even Bi complexes are likely to be stable, whereas the crownlike MoN(8)2- is not a stable complex.     

Cyclotetraphosphinophosphonium ions: synthesis, structures, and pseudorotation

The first derivatives of catenated cyclotetraphosphinophosphonium cations, [(PhP)4PPhMe]+ (8a), [(MeP)4PMe2]+ (8b), [(CyP)4PPh2]+ (8d), [(CyP)4PMe2]+ (8e), [(PhP)4PPh2]+ (8f), [(PhP)4PMe2]+ (8g), are synthesized as trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate, OSO2CF3-) salts through the reaction of cyclopentaphosphines (PhP)5 (4a) or (MeP)5 (4b) with methyl triflate (MeOTf) or by a net phosphenium ion [PR2+, R = Ph, Me; from R2PCl and trimethylsilyltriflate (Me3SiOTf)] insertion into the P-P bond of either cyclotetraphosphine (CyP)4 (3c) or cyclopentaphosphines (PhP)5 (4a) or (MeP)5 (4b). Although more conveniently prepared from 4a, compound 8a[OTf] can also be formed from (PhP)4 (3a) and MeOTf, and derivatives 8f[OTf] and 8g[OTf] are also accessible through reactions of 3a and R2PCl/Me3SiOTf with R = Ph or Me, respectively. A tetrachlorogallate salt of [(PhP)4PPhtBu]+ (8c) has been synthesized by alkylation of 4a with tBuCl/GaCl3. 31P[1H] NMR parameters for all derivatives of 8 have been determined by iterative simulation of experimental data. Derivatives 8a[OTf], 8b[OTf], 8c[GaCl4], 8e[OTf], 8f[OTf], and 8g[OTf] and have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, showing the most favorable all-trans configuration of substituents for the phosphine centers, thus minimizing steric interactions. Each derivative adopts a unique envelope or twist conformation of C1 symmetry. The effective C2 symmetry observed for 8b, d, e, f, and g in solution, signified by their 31P[1H] NMR AA'BB'X spin systems, implies a rapid conformational exchange for derivatives of 8. The core frameworks of the cations in the solid state are viewed as snapshots of different conformational isomers within the solution-phase pseudorotation process.     

Synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical, and electrogenerated chemiluminescence studies. Multiple sequential electron transfers in BODIPY monomers, dimers, trimers, and polymer

Synthesis of the C(8) BODIPY monomers, dimers, and trimers, a C(8) polymer, and N(8) aza-BODIPY monomer and dimer was carried out. Methyl and mesityl C(8)-substituted monomers, dimers, and trimers were used. Dimers, trimers, and polymer were formed chemically through the β-β (2/6) positions by oxidative coupling using FeCl(3). A red shift of the absorbance and fluorescence is observed with addition of monomer units from monomer to polymer for C(8) dyes. The aza-BODIPY dye shows red-shifted absorbance and fluorescence compared with the C(8) analogue. Cyclic voltammetry shows one, two, and three one-electron waves on both reduction and oxidation for the monomer, dimer, and trimer, respectively, for the C(8) BODIPYs. The separation for the reduction peaks for the C(8) dimers is 0.12 V compared with 0.22 V for the oxidation, while the trimers show separations of 0.09 V between reduction peaks and 0.13 V for oxidation peaks. The larger separations between the second and third peaks, 0.25 V for the oxidation and 0.2 V for the reduction, are consistent with a larger energy to remove or add a third electron compared with the second one. The BODIPY polymer shows the presence of many sequential one-electron waves with a small separation. These results provide evidence for significant electronic interactions between different monomer units. The aza-BODIPY dye shows a reduction peak 0.8 V more positive compared to the C(8) compound. Aza-BODIPY dimer shows the appearance of four waves in dichloromethane. The separation between two consecutive waves is around 0.12 V for reduction compared with 0.2 V for oxidation, which is comparable with the results for the C(8) dyes. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of the different species was obtained, including weak ECL of the polymer.     

Investigation of solution‐grown,chain‐folded lamellar crystals of the even‐even nylons: 6 6, 8 6, 8 8, 10 6, 10 8, 10 10, 12 6, 12 8, 12 10, and 12 12

Chain‐folded lamellar crystals of the ten even‐even nylons: 6 6, 8 6, 8 8, 10 6, 10 8, 10 10, 12 6, 12 8, 12 10, and 12 12 have been grown from solution and their morphologies and structures studied using transmission electron microscopy, both imaging and diffraction. Sedimented mats were examined using X‐ray diffraction. The solution‐grown crystals are lath‐shaped lamellae and diffraction from these crystals, at room temperature, reveals that three crystalline forms are present in differing ratios. The crystals are composed of chain‐folded, hydrogen‐bonded sheets, the linear hydrogen bonds within which generate a progressive shear of the chains (p‐sheets). The sheets are found to stack in two different ways. Some p‐sheets stack with a progressive shear, to form the “α_p structure”; others sheets stack with an alternate stagger, to form the “β_p structure”. Both the α_p and β_p structures give two strong diffraction signals at spacings of 0.44 nm and 0.37 nm; these signals represent a projected intrasheet interchain distance (actual value 0.48 nm) and the intersheet spacing, respectively. Preparations of nylons 6 6, 8 6, 8 8, 12 6, and 12 8 consisted almost entirely of α_p‐structure material, with only a trace of β_p‐structure material being present. In contrast, nylons 10 6, 10 8, 10 10, 12 10, and 12 12 contained substantial quantities of both α_p‐ and β_p‐structure material, with α_p‐structure material always being in the majority. Preparations of nylons 10 8, 12 10, and 12 12 also showed an additional diffraction signal at 0.42 nm; this signal is characteristic of the pseudohexagonal (high temperature) structure. The melting temperature of solution‐grown lamellae of these even‐even nylons decreases with decreasing linear amide density. On heating, the strong diffraction signals (0.44 nm and 0.37 nm) gradually moved together and merge at the Brill temperature to form a single diffraction signal (0.42 nm), characteristic of the pseudohexagonal structure. This single diffraction signal remained until melting. For nylons 6 6, 8 6, 8 8, 10 6, and 12 6, the Brill temperatures were substantially below the respective melting temperatures and the single 0.42 nm diffraction signal was stable over temperature ranges of 14 °C to 56 °C, depending on the nylon. Conversely, nylons 10 8, 10 10, 12 8, 12 10, and 12 12 had coincident melting and extrapolated Brill temperatures. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 1209–1221, 2000     

面包酵母对1, 4, 4α, 8α-四氢-1, 4-亚甲基萘-5, 8-二酮的催化异构化

文章描述了面包酵母将1, 4, 4α, 8α-四氢-1, 4-亚甲基萘-5, 8-二酮催化异构化为1, 4-二氢-5, 8-二羟基-1, 4-亚甲基萘, 而不是还原为相应的羟基化合物。     

膦配体对金团簇[Au@Au8(PR3)8]3+(R=Me,OMe,H,F,Cl,CN)稳定化作用的理论研究

采用ab initio HF, MP2方法和密度泛函理论方法, 对具有D2h和D4d构型的膦配体稳定的过渡金属团簇[Au@Au8(PR3)8]3+(R=Me, OMe, H, F, Cl, CN)进行了几何结构、 电子结构及团簇稳定性等方面的研究. 计算表明, 与D2h构型相比, D4d构型更稳定, 两者能量相差约5~10 kJ/mol. SVWN局域泛函能够对团簇的几何结构给予较准确的描述, MP2方法对团簇的结构参数有所低估, 而离域和杂化泛函则过高地估计了团簇的结构参数. 电子结构分析表明, 中心Au原子与外围的Au原子之间通过 d 电子的成键作用构成团簇内核[Au@Au8]3+, [Au@Au8]3+与PR3配体则通过"σ给予/π反馈"模式成键. PR3配体与[Au@Au8]3+的结合能够加强内核-外围Au原子间的成键作用, 缩小外围Au原子在成键上的差异, 增大前线轨道能级间隙, 从而提高团簇的稳定性. PR3配体中R基团供、 吸电子能力的变化对[Au@Au8(PR3)8]3+结构影响较小, 但对[Au@Au8]3+-PR3结合能影响较大. 能量分析显示, 不同PR3配体与[Au@Au8]3+之间具有相近的轨道作用能, 与R基团供、 吸电子能力相关的非轨道作用能成为影响两者连接牢固程度的决定因素.     

Scaffolding, ladders, chains, and rare ferrimagnetism in intermetallic borides: synthesis, crystal chemistry and magnetism

Single-phase polycrystalline samples and single crystals of the complex boride phases Ti(8)Fe(3)Ru(18)B(8) and Ti(7)Fe(4)Ru(18)B(8) have been synthesized by arc melting the elements. The phases were characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. They are new substitutional variants of the Zn(11)Rh(18)B(8) structure type, space group P4/mbm (no. 127). The particularity of their crystal structure lies in the simultaneous presence of dumbbells which form ladders of magnetically active iron atoms along the [001] direction and two additional mixed iron/titanium chains occupying Wyckoff sites 4h and 2b. The ladder substructure is ca. 3.0 ? from the two chains at the 4h, which creates the sequence chain-ladder-chain, establishing a new structural and magnetic motif, the scaffold. The other chain (at 2b) is separated by at least 6.5 ? from this scaffold. According to magnetization measurements, Ti(8)Fe(3)Ru(18)B(8) and Ti(7)Fe(4)Ru(18)B(8) order ferrimagnetically below 210 and 220 K, respectively, with the latter having much higher magnetic moments than the former. However, the magnetic moment observed for Ti(8)Fe(3)Ru(18)B(8) is unexpectedly smaller than the recently reported Ti(9)Fe(2)Ru(18)B(8) ferromagnet. The variation of the magnetic moments observed in these new phases can be adequately understood by assuming a ferrimagnetic ordering involving the three different iron sites. Furthermore, the recorded hysteresis loops indicate a semihard magnetic behavior for the two phases. The highest H(c) value (28.6 kA/m), measured for Ti(7)Fe(4)Ru(18)B(8), lies just at the border of those of hard magnetic materials.     

Zn11Rh18B8 and Zn10MRh18B8 with M = Sc,Ti, V,Cr, Mn,Fe, Co,Ni, Cu,Al, Si,Ge, Sn – New Ternary and Quaternary Zinc Rhodium Borides

Zn₁₁Rh₁₈B₈ and Zn₁₀MRh₁₈B₈ with M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Si, Ge and Sn are obtained by reaction of the elemental components in sealed tantalum tubes at 1500 K. They crystallize tetragonally with Z = 2 in the spacegroup P4/mbm with lattice constants a = 1771.2(2) pm, c = 286.40(4) pm for Zn₁₁Rh₁₈B₈ and in the range a = 1767.65(9) pm, c = 285.96(3) pm (Zn₁₀NiRh₁₈B₈) to a = 1774.04(9) pm, c = 286.79(2) pm (Zn₁₀SnRh₁₈B₈) for the quaternary compounds. According to powder photographs all compounds are isotypic. Struture determinations based on single crystal X-ray data were performed with Zn₁₁Rh₁₈B₈, Zn₁₀FeRh₁₈B₈ and Zn₁₀NiRh₁₈B₈. The structure of Zn₁₁Rh₁₈B₈ is related to the Ti₃Co₅B₂ type. Along the short axis planar nets of rhodium atoms composed of triangles, squares, pentagons and elongated hexagons alternate with layers containing the boron and zinc atoms. The rhodium atoms form trigonal prisms centered by boron atoms, two kinds of tetragonal and pentagonal prisms centered by zinc atoms and elongated hexagonal prisms containing pairs of zinc atoms. In the quaternary compounds Zn₁₀MRh₁₈B₈ the zinc atoms in one sort of tetragonal prisms are replaced by M atoms.     

Metal–organic frameworks as efficient materials for drug delivery: Synthesis,characterization, antioxidant,anticancer, antibacterial and molecular docking investigation

Metal–organic framework (MOF) nano particles are a class of promising porous nano materials for biomedical applications. Owing to its high loading potential and pH-sensitive degradation, most promising of the MOFs is the zeolitic imidazolate crystal framework (ZIF-8), a progressive useful material for small molecule distribution. Doxorubicin (DOX), designated as a classical drug, was jobwise entrapped in ZIF-8 nano particles. ZIF-8 nano particles, as a novel carrier, were used to monitor the release of the anticancer drug DOX and prevent it from dissipating before reaching its goal. ZIF-8 nano particles with encapsulated DOX (DOX@ZIF-8) can be synthesized in a single pot by incorporation of DOX into the reaction mixture. MOFs and the designed drug delivery (DOX@ZIF-8) system were characterized by Fourier transfer infrared, scanning electron microscopy, N₂ sorption isotherm and X-ray diffraction. The impact of MOFs and the engineered drug delivery system on the viability of human breast and liver cancer cell lines was evaluated. The loaded drug was released at pH 5 faster than at pH 7.4. The nano particles of ZIF-8 showed low cytotoxicity, while DOX@ZIF-8 showed high cytotoxicity to HepG-2 and MCF-7 cells compared with free DOX at the equivalent concentration of DOX of >12.5 μg/ml. These findings indicate that DOX@ZIF-8 nano particles are a promising method for the delivery of cancer cells to drugs. Furthermore, ZIF-8, DOX and encapsulated DOX@ZIF-8 compounds were screened for their potential antibacterial activities against pathogenic bacteria compared with standard antibiotics by the agar well diffusion technique. The results demonstrate that the DOX@ZIF-8 exhibits a strong inhibition zone against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli) in comparison with the reference drug gentamycin. The docking active site interactions were evaluated to predict the binding between DOX with the receptor of breast cancer 3hb5-oxidoreductase and liver cancer 2h80-lipid binding protein for anticancer activity.     

Synthesis of 3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a α-Octahydro-4a β, 8α-Dimethyl-2(1H)-Naphthalenones from the Wieland-Miescher Ketone

Conversion of the Wieland-Miescher ketone to a bicyclic dienophile capable of providing the AB rings of the picrasane skeleton of the guassinoids required the introduction of a C-8α methyl group in a 2-decalone. Among the routes explored, the conversion of the Wieland-Miescher ketone to a 4,4a,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-4aβ-methyl-8-methylene-2(3H)-napthalenone and subsequent reduction to a 3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aα-octahydro-4aβ,8α-dimethyl-2(1H)-napthalenone proved most useful.     

Analogues of the Lavallo-Grubbs compound Fe3(C8H8)3: equilateral, isosceles, and scalene metal triangles in trinuclear cyclooctatetraene complexes M3(C8H8)3 of the first row transition metals (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni)

The trinuclear derivative Fe(3)(C(8)H(8))(3) was synthesized in 2009 by Lavallo and Grubbs via the reaction of Fe(C(8)H(8))(2) with a bulky heterocyclic carbene. This fascinating structure is the first example of a derivative of the well-known Fe(3)(CO)(12) in which all 12 carbonyl groups have been replaced by hydrocarbon ligands. The density functional theory predicts a structure having a central Fe(3) equilateral triangle with ～2.9 ? Fe-Fe single bonded edges bridged by η(5),η(3)-C(8)H(8) ligands. This structure is close to the experimental structure, determined by X-ray crystallography. The related hypoelectronic M(3)(C(8)H(8))(3) derivatives (M = Cr, V, Ti) are predicted to have central scalene M(3) triangles with edge lengths and Wiberg bond indices (WBIs) corresponding to one formal single M-M bond, one formal double M═M bond, and one formal triple M≡M bond. For Mn(3)(C(8)H(8))(3), both a doublet structure with one Mn═Mn double bond and two Mn-Mn single bonds in the Mn(3) triangle, and a quartet structure with two Mn═Mn double bonds and one Mn-Mn single bond are predicted. The hyperelectronic derivatives M(3)(C(8)H(8))(3) have weaker direct M-M interactions in their M(3) triangles, as indicated by both the M-M distances and the WBIs. Thus, Ni(3)(C(8)H(8))(3) has bis(trihapto) η(3),η(3)-C(8)H(8) ligands bridging the edges of a central approximately equilateral Ni(3) triangle with long Ni···Ni distances of ～3.7 ?. The WBIs indicate very little direct Ni-Ni bonding in this Ni(3) triangle and thus a local nickel environment in the singlet Ni(3)(C(8)H(8))(3) similar to that observed for diallylnickel (η(3)-C(3)H(5))(2)Ni.     

Gas phase, solution, and solid state alkali ion binding by the [NbE8](3-) (E = As, Sb) complexes: synthesis, structure, and spectroscopy

Toluene solutions of Nb(toluene)(2) react with ethylenediamine solutions of K(3)E(7) (E = As, Sb) in the presence of 2,2,2-crypt to give [NbAs(8)](3-) (2) and [NbSb(8)](3-) (3) ions, respectively, in low yields. The (133)Cs NMR spectroscopy, ESIMS results (negative ion mode), and single-crystal X-ray structures of the ions are reported. The complexes have S(8)-like E(8) rings with Nb atoms in the center. The 1:1 complex of 2 with Cs+ was observed in solution and also in the gas phase as the oxidized ion [CsNbAs(8)](1-). The anion 2 selectively binds to Cs(+) in solution even in the presence of excess Na(+). Other gas-phase ions formed include [Cs(2)(NbAs(8))](1-), [KCs(NbAs(8))](1-), [KCs(NbAs(8))(2)](1-), [KNbAs(8)](1-), and [K(2)NbAs(8)](1-).     

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of (+)-totarol, (+)-podototarin, (+)-sempervirol, and (+)-jolkinolides E and D

The enzymatic resolution products [(1R,4aR,8aR)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydro-5,5,8a-trimethyl-2-oxo-trans-naphthalene-1-methanol-2-ethylene acetal (8aR)-7 (98% ee) and {acetate of (1S,4aS,8aS)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydro-5,5,8a-trimethyl-2-oxo-trans-naphthalene-1-methanol-2-ethylene acetal} (8aS)-9 (>99% ee)] obtained by the lipase-catalyzed enantioselective acetylation of (±)-7 in the presence of vinyl acetate as an acyl donor were converted to the ,β-unsaturated ketones (8aR)-6 and (8aS)-6, respectively. Concise syntheses of (+)-totarol 1, (+)-podototarin 2 and (+)-sempervirol 3 were achieved based on Michael reactions between (8aS)-6 and the appropriate β-keto ester followed by aldol condensation. The first chiral syntheses of (+)-jolkinolides E 4 and D 5 were achieved from (5R,10R,12R)-12-hydroxypodocarpa-8(14)-en-13-one 15 derived from (8aR)-6.     

配体稳定的二元过渡金属团簇[PdAu8(PR3)8]2+(R=Me,OMe,H,F,Cl,CN)的量子化学理论研究

采用从头计算MP2方法和密度泛函理论方法,对过渡金属团簇[PdAu8(PR3)8]2+(R=Me,OMe,H,F,Cl,CN)的几何结构、电子结构以及团簇各组成部分之间的结合能进行了研究.MP2方法和SVWN局域泛函能够对团簇的结构给予准确的描述,而离域泛函BP86,PBE,BLYP和杂化泛函B3LYP则过高地估计了团簇的几何结构参数.电子结构研究表明Pd,Au原子通过d电子的成键作用构成团簇内核[PdAu8]2+,[PdAu8]2+与PR3配体则通过"σ给予/π反馈"模式成键.PR3配体与[PdAu8]2+的结合能够加强Pd-Au之间的成键作用,增大前线轨道能级间隙,从而提高团簇的稳定性.PR3配体中 R 基团供、吸电能力的变化对[PdAu8(PR3)8]2+结构的影响较小,但对[PdAu8]2+ -pR3结合能的影响较大.能量分析显示不同PR3与[PdAu8]2+之间具有相近的轨道作用能,与R基团供、吸电能力相关的非轨道作用能成为影响两者连接牢同程度的决定因素.     

Single-electron entrapment of [8]annulyne, biannulenylenes, and an annulenoannulene

The low-temperature (-100 degrees C) dehydrohalogenation of bromocyclooctatetraene followed by immediate electron-transfer yields a stable solution of the [8]annulyne anion radical. If the unstable [8]annulyne is reacted with itself, cyclobutadiene, or benzyne, the respective bi-[8]annulenylene, [6]annuleno[8]annulene, or [6]-[8]annulenylene can be trapped as their anion radicals via one-electron transfer. These condensation products were all obtained from simple [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions. B3LYP/6-31G geometry optimizations were carried out, and the calculated spin densities were compared to the EPR spectral results obtained for the anion radicals of [6]annuleno[8]annulene, [8]annulyne, bi[8]annulenylene, and [6]-[8]annulenylene, and excellent agreement has been realized. This simple "one-pot" approach should be applicable to a wide range of such systems.     

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE LETHAL, MUTAGENIC, AND RECOMBINOGENIC EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET-A,-B,-C, AND VISIBLE LIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT 8-METHOXYPSORALEN IN Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genetic effects of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and the combination of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with UV-A or visible light were studied in the haploid strain XV185-14C and diploid strain D5 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The induction of his+, lys+, and hom+ reverse mutations was measured in strain XV185-14C. In strain D5 we measured the induction of genetically altered colonies, particularly twin spot colonies arising from a mitotic crossing-over. UV-C and UV-B induced point mutations at the three loci in the haploid strain and mitotic crossing-over and other genetic alterations in the diploid strain. UV-C was more mutagenic and recombinogenic than UV-B. UV-A or visible light alone did not induce genotoxic effects at the doses tested. However, UV-A plus 8-MOP produced lethal and mutagenic effects in the haploid strain XV185-14C, although mutagenic activity was less than that of UV-B. Visible light plus 8-MOP also induced genotoxic effects in strain XV185-14C. In the diploid strain D5, UV-A plus 8-MOP induced a higher frequency of genetic alterations than UV-B at comparative doses. Visible light plus 8-MOP was also genetically active in strain D5. The haploid strain was more sensitive to the lethal effects of UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, and impure visible light plus 8-MOP than the diploid strain.     

HP-Ca2Si5N8--a new high-pressure nitridosilicate: synthesis, structure, luminescence, and DFT calculations

HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) was obtained by means of high-pressure high-temperature synthesis utilizing the multianvil technique (6 to 12 GPa, 900 to 1200 degrees C) starting from the ambient-pressure phase Ca(2)Si(5)N(8). HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (Pbca (no. 61), a=1058.4(2), b=965.2(2), c=1366.3(3) pm, V=1395.7(7)x10(6) pm(3), Z=8, R1=0.1191). The HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) structure is built up by a three-dimensional, highly condensed nitridosilicate framework with N([2]) as well as N([3]) bridging. Corrugated layers of corner-sharing SiN(4) tetrahedra are interconnected by further SiN(4) units. The Ca(2+) ions are situated between these layers with coordination numbers 6+1 and 7+1, respectively. HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) as well as hypothetical orthorhombic o-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) (isostructural to the ambient-pressure modifications of Sr(2)Si(5)N(8) and Ba(2)Si(5)N(8)) were studied as high-pressure phases of Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) up to 100 GPa by using density functional calculations. The transition pressure into HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) was calculated to 1.7 GPa, whereas o-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) will not be adopted as a high-pressure phase. Two different decomposition pathways of Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) (into Ca(3)N(2) and Si(3)N(4) or into CaSiN(2) and Si(3)N(4)) and their pressure dependence were examined. It was found that a pressure-induced decomposition of Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) into CaSiN(2) and Si(3)N(4) is preferred and that Ca(2)Si(5)N(8) is no longer thermodynamically stable under pressures exceeding 15 GPa. Luminescence investigations (excitation at 365 nm) of HP-Ca(2)Si(5)N(8):Eu(2+) reveal a broadband emission peaking at 627 nm (FWHM=97 nm), similar to the ambient-pressure phase Ca(2)Si(5)N(8):Eu(2+).     

4, 4'', 5''-TRIMETHYL-8-AZAPSORALEN, A NEW-PHOTOREACTIVE AND NON-SKIN-PHOTOTOXIC BIFUNCTIONAL BIOISOSTER OF PSORALEN

Photochemical and photobiological properties of a new isoster of psoralen, 4,4',5'-trimethyl-8-azapsoralen (4,4',5'-TMAP), have been studied. This compound shows a high DNA-photobinding rate, higher than that of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), forming both monoadducts and inter-strand cross-links. The yield of cross-links, however, is markedly lower than that of 8-MOP. Antiproliferative activity of 4,4',5'-TMAP, in terms of DNA synthesis inhibition in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, is higher than that of 8-MOP. Mutagenic activity on E. coli WP2 R46+ cells appeared similar to or even lower than that of 8-MOP. This new compound applied on depilated guinea pig skin and irradiated with UVA did not show any skin-phototoxicity. On the basis of these properties 4,4',5'-TMAP appears to be a potential photochemotherapeutic agent.     

COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE LETHAL, MUTAGENIC, AND RECOMBINOGENIC EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET-A,-B,-C, AND VISIBLE LIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT 8-METHOXYPSORALEN IN Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract
Genetic effects of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and the combination of 8-methoxypsoralen (8MOP) with UV-A or visible light were studied in the haploid strain XV185–14C and diploid strain D5 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The induction of his+, lys+, and horn+ reverse mutations was measured in strain XV185–14C. In strain D5 we measured the induction of genetically altered colonies, particularly twin spot colonies arising from a mitotic crossing-over. UV-C and UV-B induced point mutations at the three loci in the haploid strain and mitotic crossing-over and other genetic alterations in the diploid strain. UV-C was more mutagenic and recombinogenic than UV-B. UV-A or visible light alone did not induce genotoxic effects at the doses tested. However, UV-A plus 8-MOP produced lethal and mutagenic effects in the haploid strain XV185–14C, although mutagenic activity was less than that of UV-B. Visible light plus 8-MOP also induced genotoxic effects in strain XV185–14C. In the diploid strain D5, UV-A plus 8-MOP induced a higher frequency of genetic alterations than UV-B at comparative doses. Visible light plus 8-MOP was also genetically active in strain D5. The haploid strain was more sensitive to the lethal effects of UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, and impure visible light plus 8-MOP than the diploid strain.     

A novel fluorescent guanine derivative distinguishable of three structures, single strand, duplex, and quadruplex

We have constructed a pyrene-labeled guanine base, ^8PyG. ^8PyG is a novel fluorescent probe for monitoring the secondary structure of G-rich DNA. The fluorescence emitted from ^8PyG-labeled oligodeoxynucleotide clearly distinguished three structural states, single strand-duplex-quadruplex. Thus, the technique, which monitors the fluorescence of ^8PyG-labeled oligodeoxynucleotide, is a powerful tool for the investigation of DNA structural changes.