Synthesis and mass spectrometric study of α,ω-diallylpermethyloligosilanes

Representatives of the homologous series of α,ω-diallylpermethyloligosilanes were synthesized for the first time by the reaction of α,ω-dichloropermethyloligosilanes Cl(Me₂Si)_nCl (n = 2–6) with allylmagnesium chloride. Fragmentation of α,ω-diallylpermethyloligosilanes under electron impact ionization was studied by mass spectrometry.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2129–2132, October, 2004.     

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.     

Solid-state chlorodecarboxylation of mono- and dicarboxylic acids with the Pb(OAc)<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MCl system

Solid state reactions of acids RCOOH (R = n-C₇H₁₅, BuC(Et)H, n-C₉H₁₉, PhCH₂, PhCH₂CH₂, H₂C=CH(CH₂)₈, or MeOOC(CH₂)₃) with Pb(OAc)₄ combined with KCl, NaCl, CdCl₂, or NH₄Cl in the absence of a solvent and without mechanical activation afford chlorohydrocarbons RCl. The corresponding reactions of acids HOOC(CH₂)_nCOOH (n = 3–6) give dichloroalkanes Cl(CH₂)_nCl and γ-butyrolactone (n = 3).__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2105–2109, October, 2004.     

The Amyloid Fibril-Forming β-Sheet Regions of Amyloid β and α-Synuclein Preferentially Interact with the Molecular Chaperone 14-3-3ζ

14-3-3 proteins are abundant, intramolecular proteins that play a pivotal role in cellular signal transduction by interacting with phosphorylated ligands. In addition, they are molecular chaperones that prevent protein unfolding and aggregation under cellular stress conditions in a similar manner to the unrelated small heat-shock proteins. In vivo, amyloid β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (α-syn) form amyloid fibrils in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, respectively, a process that is intimately linked to the diseases’ progression. The 14-3-3ζ isoform potently inhibited in vitro fibril formation of the 40-amino acid form of Aβ (Aβ₄₀) but had little effect on α-syn aggregation. Solution-phase NMR spectroscopy of ¹⁵N-labeled Aβ₄₀ and A53T α-syn determined that unlabeled 14-3-3ζ interacted preferentially with hydrophobic regions of Aβ₄₀ (L11-H21 and G29-V40) and α-syn (V3-K10 and V40-K60). In both proteins, these regions adopt β-strands within the core of the amyloid fibrils prepared in vitro as well as those isolated from the inclusions of diseased individuals. The interaction with 14-3-3ζ is transient and occurs at the early stages of the fibrillar aggregation pathway to maintain the native, monomeric, and unfolded structure of Aβ₄₀ and α-syn. The N-terminal regions of α-syn interacting with 14-3-3ζ correspond with those that interact with other molecular chaperones as monitored by in-cell NMR spectroscopy.     

Theoretical investigation on possible mechanisms on regioselective formation of (η-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes

Selective formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes by reaction of hydrido(hydrosilylene)tungsten complexes with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was reported experimentally. The mechanisms have been investigated by employing the model reaction of [Cp(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–{C(SiH₃)₃}] (R), derived from the original experimental complex Cp′(CO)₂(H)WSi(H)–[C(SiMe₃)₃] (1a, Cp′ = Cp*; 1b, Cp′ = η⁵-C₅Me₄Et), with methyl vinyl ketone, under the aid of the density functional calculations at the b3lyp level of theory. It is theoretically predicted that the route involving migration of the hydride to silicon to afford a 16e intermediate [Cp(CO)₂W–SiH₂–{C(SiH₃)₃}] is inaccessible (route 2), supporting the proposition by experiments. Another route, via [2 + 4] cycloaddition followed by directly Si–H reductive elimination, is theoretically predicted to be accessible (route 1). In route 1, two possible paths with different attacking directions of the oxygen of methyl vinyl ketone at Si (WSi) are put forward. The attack at the Si atom from the hydride (H1) side of the plane W–Si–H1 in R is found to be preferred kinetically. The regioselectivity for formation of (η³-siloxyallyl)tungsten complexes, where only the exo-anti isomer was obtained, is discussed based on the consideration of thermodynamics and kinetics.     

Exploring the Synthetic Potential of γ-Lactam Derivatives Obtained from a Multicomponent Reaction—Applications as Antiproliferative Agents

A study on the reactivity of 3-amino α,β-unsaturated γ-lactam derivatives obtained from a multicomponent reaction is presented. Key features of the substrates are the presence of an endocyclic α,β-unsaturated amide moiety and an enamine functionality. Following different synthetic protocols, the functionalization at three different positions of the lactam core is achieved. In the presence of a soft base, under thermodynamic conditions, the functionalization at C-4 takes place where the substrates behave as enamines, while the use of a strong base, under kinetic conditions, leads to the formation of C-5-functionalized γ-lactams, in the presence of ethyl glyoxalate, through a highly diastereoselective vinylogous aldol reaction. Moreover, the nucleophilic addition of organometallic species allows the functionalization at C-3, through the imine tautomer, affording γ-lactams bearing tetrasubstituted stereocenters, where the substrates act as imine electrophiles. Taking into account the advantage of the presence of a chiral stereocenter in C-5 substituted γ-lactams, further diastereoselective transformations are also explored, leading to novel bicyclic substrates holding a fused γ and δ-lactam skeleton. Remarkably, an example of a highly stereoselective formal [3+3] cycloaddition reaction of chiral γ-lactam substrates is reported for the synthesis of 1,4-dihidropyridines, where a non-covalent attractive interaction of a carbonyl group with an electron-deficient arene seems to drive the stereoselectivity of the reaction to the exclusive formation of the cis isomer. In order to unambiguously determine the substitution pattern resulting from the diverse reactions, an extensive characterization of the substrates is detailed through 2D NMR and/or X-ray experiments. Likewise, applications of the substrates as antiproliferative agents against lung and ovarian cancer cells are also described.     

Diffusion Measurements vs. Chemical Shift Titration for Determination of Association Constants on the Example of Camphor–Cyclodextrin Complexes

Measurements on camphor–cyclodextrin complexes reveal that precise association constants are more easily determined by chemical shift titration. Diffusion measurements using HR-DOSY allow easy following of the complex composition at different concentration ratios and estimation of the binding energy. Linear dependence of the diffusion coefficients on the molecular mass of free and associated cyclodextrins has been observed in D₂O. The solution structures of α- and β-cyclodextrin complexes of camphor in D₂O were deduced from intermolecular cross-relaxation data. Different preferential orientation in the 2:1 α-CD and 1:1 β-CD species have been derived in contrast to the loose 1:1 complex with γ-CD. Proton NMR chemical shift values proved to be much more sensitive to diastereomeric complex formation than diffusion coefficients.     

Strictly Regiocontrolled α-Monosubstitution of Cyclic Carbonyl Compounds with Alkynyl and Alkyl Groups via Pd-Catalyzed Coupling of Cyclic α-Iodoenones with Organozincs[]

The conditions for the Pd-catalyzed cross coupling of cyclic α-iodoenones, such as 2-iodo-2-cyclohexenone, with alkynylzincs have been optimized. The use of tris(o-furyl)phosphine (TFP) as a ligand and DMF as a solvent has led to the formation of α-alkynylenones in excellent yields. This optimized procedure has been applied to the synthesis of (±)-harveynone and (±)-tricholomenyn A in high yields. Investigation of related α-alkylation reactions using alkylzincs has revealed the following. Methylzinc and primary alkylzinc derivatives readily undergo Pd-catalyzed cross coupling with α-iodoenones. Although (s-Bu)₂Zn also undergoes Pd-catalyzed cross coupling, only the n-Bu-substituted products were obtained. α-Benzylation and α-homobenzylation can proceed satisfactorily, whereas allylzinc and propargylzinc derivatives undergo only addition to the carbonyl group. Although some promising results have been obtained in α-homoallylation and α-homopropargylation, these reactions need to be further improved.     

β-Lactamase label-based potentiometric biosensor for α-2 interferon detection

An effective immunosensor for α-2 interferon detection based on pH-sensitive field effect transistor (pH-FET) has been developed. A specific sensing element was fabricated by immobilizing α-2 interferon on the gate of a pH-FET. The interaction of anti-interferon antibodies labelled with β-lactamase with interferon–pH-FET (in the presence of specific enzyme substrate) leads to a local pH-change at the surface of transducer and produces an electrochemical signal which is proportional to the conjugate concentration. The main performance characteristics of the sensor obtained (sensitivity, dynamic range, operational and storage stability) were estimated. The effect of pH, buffer concentration and ionic strength on the immunosensor response as well as conditions of immunosensor regeneration were studied. For the determination of the interferon concentration in a sample solution the competitive electrochemical immunoassay has been employed. A linear response of the sensor on α-2 interferon concentration is obtained in the range 10–100 μg/ml. This gives the possibility to detect α-2 interferon in a non-diluted cultivated broth. The data of the competitive electrochemical immunoassay are available within 30 min and are in good accordance with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.     

Plasma-Induced Oxidation Products of (–)-Epigallocatechin Gallate with Digestive Enzymes Inhibitory Effects

(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the chief dietary constituent in green tea (Camellia sinensis), is relatively unstable under oxidative conditions. This study evaluated the use of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to improve the anti-digestive enzyme capacities of EGCG oxidation products. Pure EGCG was dissolved in an aqueous solution and irradiated with DBD plasma for 20, 40, and 60 min. The reactant, irradiated for 60 min, exhibited improved inhibitory properties against α-glucosidase and α-amylase compared with the parent EGCG. The chemical structures of these oxidation products 1–3 from the EGCG, irradiated with the plasma for 60 min, were characterized using spectroscopic methods. Among the oxidation products, EGCG quinone dimer A (1) showed the most potent inhibitory effects toward α-glucosidase and α-amylase with IC₅₀ values of 15.9 ± 0.3 and 18.7 ± 0.3 μM, respectively. These values were significantly higher than that of the positive control, acarbose. Compound 1, which was the most active, was the most abundant in the plasma-irradiated reactant for 60 min according to quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. These results suggest that the increased biological capacity of EGCG can be attributed to the structural changes to EGCG in H₂O, induced by cold plasma irradiation.     

Oligomerization and co-oligomerization of α-olefins catalyzed by nickel(II)/alkylaluminum systems

This work describes α-olefins oligomerization/co-oligomerization of 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene to linear oligomers (C₈---C₁₆ range) promoted by catalytic systems based on nickel(II) salts/alkylaluminum compounds. Conversion, selectivity (isomerization or oligomerization) and linearity are determined by mass distribution calculation of the substrates (α-olefins) in the products. The best results are obtained with Ni(acac)₂/AlEt₂OEt working at 60°C, Al/Ni ratio between 0.8–1.4 and using toluene as a solvent. Under these conditions, the conversion is higher than 90% giving 40% of oligomerization selectivity. The linearity varies from 65% (C₁₆ fraction) to 98% (C₈ fraction).     

Iron salts catalyzed synthesis of β-N-substituted aminoacrylates

The direct condensation of amines with β-ketoesters to produce functional enamine derivatives has been investigated with iron Lewis acid catalysts. FeCl₃·6H₂O shows good catalytic activity and makes possible the chemo- and stereoselective formations of (Z)-enamine derivatives from aliphatic and aromatic primary amines under mild conditions.     

Crystallographic and theoretical study of phenyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-α-D-mannopyranoside

The thiomannoside is a key intermediate in the synthesis of polymannosaccharide. But its crystallographic study has not been reported. X-ray crystal structure analysis shows that the crystal of phenyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-thio-α-D-mannopyranoside is in orthorhombic system, has P2₁2₁2₁ space group. Its unit cell dimensions are a=9.1731(11), b=11.574(2), and c=21.199(3) Å, α=β=γ=90.00°, Z=4, V=2250.6(6) ų, D_c=1.300 g/cm³. The crystallographic study reveals that the thiomannoside is an α-anomer. Most interestingly, the structure provides an evidence of existing C–HO and C–HS intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Peptide β-Bend and 3 10 -Helix: from 3D-Structural Studies to Applications as Templates

The 3 ₁₀-helix is a relatively common secondary structure motif in peptides and proteins. Its building block is one of various types of β-bend conformation which comprises an N ^α-acylated dipeptide alkylamide system. A complete 3D-structural characterization of this ternary helix has been achieved, thus allowing its unambiguous discrimination from the closely related α-helix. Recent applications of rigidified peptide β-bends and 3 ₁₀-helices as templates for investigations in synthetic organic chemistry (macrocyclization, catalysis), host–guest chemistry (molecular recognition), and physical chemistry (donor–acceptor interaction) will be discussed.     

Effect of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin on the electrochemical oxidation and polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene

The electrochemical oxidation of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) on platinum is studied in electrolyte solutions containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). HP-β-CD is found to increase the solubility of EDOT up to a concentration of 0.026 M in aqueous solutions. Addition of HP-β-CD (0.1 M) produces a slight red shift of the EDOT main absorption band from 254.9 to 257.7 nm and an increase of the HP-β-CD concentration decreases the absorption coefficient, _max to 6150 l mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹ in the UV–vis region, indicating complex formation. The cyclic voltammetric response of EDOT in 0.1 M aqueous LiClO₄ solutions consists of an ill-defined wave (P₁) and an adsorption peak (P₂). Contrary to the case of oxidation in acetonitrile medium, a post-peak is observed in the voltammograms of EDOT electro-oxidation in aqueous LiClO₄ solutions due to the adsorption of the oxidized EDOT species. A gradual reduction of the peak current of P₂ with increasing [HP-β-CD] and its total disappearance at high [HP-β-CD] suggest complex formation between HP-β-CD and EDOT√⁺ and also the peak P₂ to be due to adsorption of EDOT√⁺ species. The experiments intended to show the effect of ‘pre-adsorbed’ HP-β-CD on EDOT oxidation led to the conclusion that adsorbed HP-β-CD also solubilizes EDOT at the electrode surface. The CV behaviour of EDOT in HP-β-CD is discussed in comparison with that in sodium dodecylsulfate micellar solutions. Addition of increasing amounts of HP-β-CD shifts P₁ positively and P₂ negatively while also suppressing P₂ totally and reducing the peak current of P₁ to a significant extent. At a higher concentration of HP-β-CD, viz. 0.05 M, a peak appears at 1.29 V as a result of the above two opposing effects of CD on the peak potentials of P₁ and P₂. This resultant peak (P_composite) is more positive relative to the position of P₁ observed in the absence of HP-β-CD. The positive shift of the peak and peak current reduction indicate that EDOT (or an oxidized EDOT species) possibly interacts with the outer nucleophilic part of HP-β-CD. The electro-oxidation processes occurring at P₁ and P₂ are explained using an oligomeric approach, in which the electrochemical reactions are coupled to chemical reactions or adsorption of the oxidized species. Potential cycling of the platinum electrode in solutions containing 0.026 M EDOT+0.05 M HP-β-CD+0.1 M LiClO₄ between −0.5 and 1.2 V yields an adherent and smooth polymer film of poly(ethylenedioxythiophene), as shown in the SEM examination. In situ resistance measurements carried out with the polymer films in the electroactive region show a minimum resistance in the potential range of 0.3–0.4 V. Even the electrochemically-reduced films are found to possess some residual electrical conductivity.     

Voltammetric studies on the α-tocopherol anion and α-tocopheroxyl (Vitamin E) radical in acetonitrile

The α-tocopheroxyl radical was generated voltammetrically by one-electron oxidation of the α-tocopherol anion (E ^r_1/2=−0.73 V versus Ag|Ag⁺) that was prepared by reacting α-tocopherol with Et₄NOH in acetonitrile (with Bu₄NPF₆ as the supporting electrolyte). Cyclic voltammograms recorded at variable scan rates (0.05–10 V s⁻¹), temperatures (−20 to 20°C) and concentrations (0.5–10 mM) were modelled using digital simulation techniques to determine the rate of bimolecular self-reaction of α-tocopheroxyl radicals. The k values were calculated to be 3×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 20°C, 2×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at 0°C and 1.2×10³ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ at −20°C. In situ electrochemical-EPR experiments performed at a channel electrode confirmed the existence of the α-tocopheroxyl radical.     

Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketone from α-iodo ketone using photoirradiation

Irradiation of α-iodo ketone in hexane under a nitrogen atmosphere with a high-pressure mercury lamp (λ>300nm) at room temperature afforded the corresponding α,β-unsaturated ketones in good yield. This reaction affords a new, clean and convenient synthetic method for the α,β-unsaturated ketone.     

Synthesis of Drim-9(11)-en-8α- and -8β-ols from Drimenol

Drim-9(11)-en-8α-ol and drim-9(11)-en-8β-ol were synthesized in six steps from drimenol. Drimenol was oxidized by P₂O₅ and DMSO to drimenal, which isomerized with p-TsOH into isodrimenal. Isodrimenal was reduced by NaBH₄ into isodrimenol, epoxidation of which by m-CPBA gave a mixture (3.4:1) of α- and β-epoxyisodrimenols. These reacted with tosyl chloride in Py to give a mixture of α- and β-epoxyisodrimenol tosylates. Treatment of the tosylate mixture with KI and then Ph₃P produced a mixture of drim-9(11)-en-8α- and -8β-ols that was separated chromatographically. The overall yield was ∼26%.__________Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 152–155, March–April, 2005.     

An efficient method for synthesis of organophosphorus compounds in aqueous media

A convenient and facile one-pot synthesis of stable phosphorus ylides and 1,4-diionic organophosphorus compounds is reported by the reaction of triphenylphosphine,dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates and N-H,C-H or S-H acids in the presence of polyethyleneglycol (PEG),β-cyclodextrin(β-CD),glycerine(Gly) or ethyleneglycol(EG) in water.This methodology is of interest due to the use of water as a solvent,thus minimizing the cost operational hazards,and environmental pollution.     

Unusual case of catalysis by palladium clusters

An unusual for Pd catalysts dehydration of α-alkyl and α, α′-dialkylbenzyl alcohols PhCR′R″OH (R′ = H, Me, Et, Bu; R″ = H, Me) occurs in the presence of the palladium(I) cluster [Pd₄(CO)₄(OAc)₄] (1) in an inert atmosphere to form ethers PhCR′R″-O-CR′ R″ and water. The catalyst is an intermediate of cluster 1 reduction to Pd black, while neither the starting cluster 1, nor Pd black, which is the decomposition product, are active in the catalysis of this reaction.__________Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 788–791, March, 2005.