Bichromophoric perylene derivatives: energy transfer from non-fluorescent chromophores

The energy of excitation at non-fluorescent chromophores such as fluorenone and anthraquinone has been trapped by a fast energy transfer to the highly fluorescent perylene bisimides. To this end, anthraquinone, fluorenone and anthracene derivatives have been linked to the perylene bisimides by non-conjugating spacers and fluorescence quantum yield of such assemblies have been determined as a function of the wavelengths of excitation. Energy transfer in such assemblies is strongly influenced by the orientation of the two chromophores. This is of interest for the construction of fluorescence switches.     

The substrate specificity of the enzyme amyloglucosidase (AMG). Part I. Deoxy derivatives

The eight possible monodeoxy derivatives of methyl beta-maltoside and two bisdeoxy derivatives have been synthesized. The unprotected glycosides have all been investigated by NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy in order to confirm their structures and to obtain supporting information about their preferred solution conformations. The compounds have all been tested as substrates toward the hydrolase, amyloglucosidase (AMG) and it has been demonstrated that three hydroxy groups (3, 4' and 6') are essential for the compounds to act as substrate for the enzyme. The kinetic parameters KM (Michaelis-Menten constant) and VM (maximum rate for the reaction) have been determined using 1H NMR spectroscopy at 500 MHz.     

Synthesis,Electrochemistry, and Hydrolysis of Anthraquinone Derivatives

Anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives, including members of the anthraquinone imide (AQI) family, have been synthesized to afford good candidates for electron-transfer studies in DNA. Electron-withdrawing groups on the AQ ring give a less negative reduction potential, as desired. As expected, the AQI derivatives have less negative reduction potentials than AQ derivatives. The AQI ring system has a half-life for hydrolysis of about 75 min in a 3:7 MeCN and 0.005 M K₂CO₃ in MeOH.     

Synthesis and antitumor activity of 1,8-diaminoanthraquinone derivatives

Continuing our ongoing studies on cytotoxic substances, a series of regioisomeric disubstituted aminoanthraquinone (DAAQ) derivatives have been synthesized as cytotoxic activity based on a proposed bioactive amino conformation. To assess the biological activity of amino-substitution in the side-chains of anthraquinone located at positions 1 and 8 of the anthraquinone ring system. The aim of the study was to determine if members of the anthraquinone family could be used as adjuncts to increase the growth inhibiting effect of anticancer agents in rat glioma C6 cells, human hepatoma G2 cells and 2.2.15 cells. In vitro cytotoxicity data is reported for the compounds and some indications of structure--activity relationships have been discerned. A number of compounds were found to have good cytotoxicity against proliferation in these three cell lines. This has led to the discovery some of the DAAQ as a conformationally constrained structure possessing anticancer properties that displays cytotoxicity for these above cell lines and is being investigated further.     

Polarisation switching and molecular relaxation behaviour of anthraquinone dye-dispersed polymer-stabilised ferroelectric liquid crystal composites

Guest–host polymer-stabilised ferroelectric liquid crystal (GH-PSFLC) composite films have been prepared with dispersion of small concentration (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 wt%) of anthraquinone blue dye in PSFLC host matrix via a polymerisation-induced phase separation (PIPS) process. The variation in alignment and size of twisted fibril has been observed in the optical textures of the guest–host composites with different wt/wt ratio of anthraquinone dye. The electrical and dielectric properties of PSFLC mixture and its guest–host derivatives are studied. Our results showed that an optimum amount of dye concentration (0.1 wt%) enhances the dielectric permittivity as well as the spontaneous polarisation of the GH-PSFLC material in the SmC* phase.     

蒽醌衍生物的三阶非线性光学极化率

用有限场 (FF)和含时间的耦合微扰 Hartree- Fork方法计算了蒽醌及其衍生物的三阶非线性光学 (NLO)极化率。计算表明 ,2 ,6位双取代物具有较大的响应系数 ,且随着取代基供电性的增强而增大。含频率的 NLO极化率大于静态值 ,且随频率的增大而增大。     

Synthesis of deoxy derivatives of lactose and their hydrolysis by beta-galactosidase from E. coli.

Methyl 2-deoxy-alpha-lactoside, methyl 3-deoxy-beta-lactoside, 1,5-anhydro-4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol and the 2-deoxy and 2,3-dideoxy derivatives of 1,5-anhydro-4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucitol have been synthesized by deoxygenation of lactose derivatives at appropriate positions. Cyclohexyl beta-D-galactopyranoside has also been synthesized. All derivatives proved to be substrates for the enzyme beta-galactosidase from E. coli, but the rate of hydrolysis of the substrate analogues was strongly dependent on the nature of the aglycone.     

2,3‐Diethoxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone

Anthraquinone derivatives form an important class of dyes and are also known for their medicinal properties. Recently, 2,3‐disubstituted anthraquinones have been shown unexpectedly to jellify various organic solvents. No information on the packing mode of these derivatives was known. Here, the first X‐ray structure of a 2,3‐disubstituted anthraquinone is reported, namely 2,3‐diethoxy‐9,10‐anthraquinone, C₁₈H₁₆O₄. The merit of this study lies in the observation of significant differences between the packing in 9,10‐anthraquinone, which displays a herring‐bone arrangement, and that in the title 2,3‐diethoxy derivative, in which the molecules lie on parallel crystallographic morror planes separated by a distance of 3.4081 (1) Å, reminiscent of the graphite layer architecture.     

Kinetic study of electrochemically induced Michael reaction of1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone with acetylacetone and benzoylacetone

The electrochemical oxidation of 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone has been studied in the presence of acetylacetone and benzoylacetone as nucleophiles in a mixture of ethanol/water by means of cyclic voltammetry as a diagnostic technique.The results indicate the participation of electrochemically produced anthraquinone in the Michael addition reaction with acetylacetone and benzoylacetone to form the corresponding new anthraquinone derivatives.On the basis of the EC mechanism,the observed homogeneous rate constants（kobs）of the reaction of anthraquinone with acetylacetone and benzoylacetone were estimated by comparing the experimental cyclic voltammograms with the digitally simulated results.     

Spectrophotometric microdetermination of some anthraquinone derivatives separated by thin layer chromatography

A method for the spectrophotometric determination of anthraquinone derivatives, after separation on thin layers of silica gel, has been developed. These derivatives are photo-oxidation products of anthracene and they may occur separately, together, or in combination with other substances. Thus anthraquinone, alizarin, chrysazin, and quinizarin, at microgram levels, can be analyzed quantitatively.     

Folding-induced selective hydrogenation of helical 9,10-anthraquinone analogues

The first selective catalytic hydrogenation induced by the artificial helix based on oligo(phenanthroline dicarboxamide)s containing a 9,10-anthraquinone subunit is described. Due to the steric hindrance within the helically folded oligomers, the selective reductions of the anthraquinone units were completely different from those of model substrates, which subsequently mimicked the enzyme catalysis for preventing some reactions from occurring.     

Selective self-organization of guest molecules in self-assembled molecular boxes

This article describes the synthesis and binding properties of highly selective noncovalent molecular receptors 1(3).(DEB)6 and 3(3).(DEB)6 for different hydroxyl functionalized anthraquinones 2. These receptors are formed by the self-assembly of three calix[4]arene dimelamine derivative molecules (1 or 3) and six diethylbarbiturate (DEB) molecules to give 1(3).(DEB)6 or 3(3).(DEB)6. Encapsulation of 2 occurs in a highly organized manner; that is, a noncovalent hydrogen-bonded trimer of 2 is formed within the hydrogen-bonded receptors 1(3).(DEB)6 and 3(3).(DEB)6. Both receptors 1(3).(DEB)6 and 3(3).(DEB)6 change conformation from staggered to eclipsed upon complexation to afford a better fit for the 2(3) trimer. The receptor selectivity toward different anthraquinone derivatives 2 has been studied using 1H NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, UV spectroscopy, and isothermal microcalorimetry (ITC). The pi-pi stacking between the electron-deficient center ring of the anthraquinone derivatives 2a-c and 2e-g and the relatively electron-poor melamine units of the receptor is the driving force for the encapsulation of the guest molecules. The selectivity of the hydrogen-bonded host for the anthraquinone derivatives is the result of steric interactions between the guest molecules and the calix[4]arene aromatic rings of the host.     

Characterization of anthraquinone-2-carbonyl chloride as an alcohol derivatization reagent for negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Anthraquinone-2-carbonyl chloride has been utilized as a derivatization reagent for alcohols to impart electron affinity and aid in transport via a particle beam liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) interface. In addition, the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry, UV, fluorescence, and electrochemical characteristics of the derivatives were determined. A series of model compounds, 2-phenylethanol (phenethyl alcohol), 1-phenyl-2-propanol, 2-methyl-l-phenyl-2-propanol, hexanol, and methyl 2-methylglycerate, were used as analytes. The particle beam LC/MS properties of the resultant anthraquinone carboxylate esters were determined in electron impact (EI) and negative ion chemical ionization (NCI) modes. The NCI responses of these anthraquinone carboxylate esters were compared with the corresponding 3,5-dinitrobenzoate esters. The anthraquinone carboxylate esters exhibited an NCI to EI sensitivity enhancement of 113 and were detected in NCI at a tenfold lower concentration than the corresponding 3,5-dinitrobenzoate esters. A detection limit of 26 pg injected on column was achieved for phenethyl anthraquinone carboxylate in NCI by using selected ion monitoring.     

An Unprecedented Photochemical Reaction for Anthracene‐Containing Derivatives

A series of anthracene‐containing derivatives have been synthesised and characterised. The photochemical behaviour of these derivatives have been investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. An unprecedented photolysis reaction for anthracene‐containing derivatives was observed in the case of anthracenes directly armed with a ‐CH₂O‐R group upon UV irradiation. The photolysis reaction process has been demonstrated to occur in three steps. Firstly, the anthracene‐containing derivatives are converted into the corresponding endoperoxide intermediate upon UV irradiation in the presence of air; then, the endoperoxide intermediate is decomposed to the corresponding starting compound and 9‐anthraldehyde; finally, 9‐anthraldehyde is further oxidised to anthraquinone. Additionally, the photolysis reaction of anthracene‐containing derivatives is significantly promoted in the presence of a thiacalix[4]arene platform.     

β-Hydroxylation of anthraquinone derivatives with benzaldehyde oxime as a source of hydroxyl group

Hydroxyanthraquinones are of significant interest due to their broad spectrum of biological activity, coloring properties and synthetic applications. Here, we describe a mild and convenient method for β-hydroxylation of anthraquinone derivatives that can be used during late stages of modifications. The scheme is based on the Miller-Loudon-Snyder reaction, which uses benzaldoxime as a source of a hydroxyl group. The influence of different leaving groups and neighboring substituents at the anthraquinone core on reaction rate and yield has been evaluated. A series of β-hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives was synthesized using the developed approach.     

High-performance thin layer chromatography method for quantitative determination of four major anthraquinone derivatives in Rheum emodi

A high-performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for the rapid and simple quantification of the four major anthraquinone derivatives i.e. physcion, chrysophanol, emodin and chrysophanol glycoside in Rheum emodi is described. HPTLC of anthraquinone derivatives was performed on pre-coated RP-18 F254S HPTLC plates. For achieving good separation, the mobile phase of methanol-water-formic acid (80:19:1, v/v/v) was used. The densitometric determination of anthraquinone derivatives was carried out at 445 nm in reflection/absorption mode. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 20-100 ng for physcion, 80-400 ng for chrysophanol and emodin, and 200-1000 ng for chrysophanol glycoside. The method was found to be reproducible and convenient for quantitative analysis of anthraquinone derivatives in the methanolic extract of rhizomes of R. emodi collected from three different locations of Western Himalaya, India.     

蒽醌衍生物的合成与光谱特性

合成了6个蒽醌衍生物(1a~1 f),其中2,3-二氢-9,10-二羟基-1,4-蒽醌(1d)和2,3,4,9-四氢-9-羟基-1,10-蒽醌(1 e)为新的蒽醌衍生物。1a~1 f的结构经UV,1H NMR,IR及MS确定。初步探讨了1a~1 f的荧光和燐光光谱特性。结果表明,1a~1 f都能发射荧光和室温燐光(RTP),尤其是SS-RTP具有较大的Stokes位移和较长的寿命。     

Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric investigation of aggregation of some anthraquinone derivatives

The behaviour of some anthraquinone derivatives in aqueous solution has been studied by absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The results point to the presence of molecular aggregates in solution, also confirmed by polarographic determinations.     

Microbial glycosyltransferases for carbohydrate synthesis: alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase from Neisseria gonorrheae.

The alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase from Neisseria gonorrheae was overproduced in E. coli for exploitation of its substrate specificity and synthetic utility. Several potential acceptor substrates were synthesized in this study, including mono- and oligosaccharides, glycolipids, and glycopeptides and their sulfate derivatives. Some CMP-sialic acid derivatives with modification at the C-5 position were also prepared for evaluation as donor substrates. It was found that the enzyme exhibits a broader acceptor substrate specificity when compared to other sialyltransferases, though the donor specificity is quite limited. Application of the enzyme to the preparative synthesis of representative sialyl glycoconjugates has been demonstrated. On the basis of this work and the work of others, this enzyme is the most versatile and synthetically useful among all sialyltransferases known to date, especially for the synthesis of sulfate-containing glycoconjugates.     

Synthesis of novel,azasugar-modified anthraquinone derivatives and their cytotoxicity

A series of novel, azasugar-modified 2-monosubstituted, 2,6- and 2,7-bissubstituted anthraquinone derivatives have been synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of N-alkylamino azasugar with mono-, bis（2-chloroacetamido）anthraquinones. Their cytotoxic activities against HeLa and MCF-7 ceils were preliminarily evaluated and compound 9a with mono-azasugar pendant at 2-position showed similar activity to the control drug （Cisplatin）.