Zur Kenntnis des Faktors F430 aus methanogenen Bakterien: Struktur des porphinoiden Ligandsystems

Factor F430 from Methanogenic Bacteria: Structure of the Porphninoid Ligand System A structure is proposed for F430M, a non-cristalline methanolysis product of isolates of the nickel-containing, porphinoid factor F430 from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum. Crucial to the structure determination are five incorporation experiments with M. thermoautotrophicum (strain Marburg) in which the specifically mono-¹³C-labeled biosynthetic precursors (2-¹³C), (3-¹³C), (4-¹³C)-, (5-¹³C) ALA (ALA = δ-amino-levulinic acid) and L-(methyl-¹³C)methionine were incorporated into F430 with high efficiency. The ¹³C-NMR,-spectra of the specifically labeled F430M samples derived therefrom, together with the UV./VIS. spectral data of F430M, contain all the information necessary for the deduction of the constitution of the F430M chromophore, assuming the established pattern of porphinoid biosynthesis to be operative in F430 biosynthesis. ¹H-NMR. spectroscopy and, in particular, ¹H-NMR.-NOE-difference spectroscopy corroborates and completes the constitutional assignments and, furthermore, makes possible an almost complete derivation of the molecule's relative configuration. Schemes 3 and 4 summarize the results of ¹H-NMR. spectroscopy, presenting them within the context of the proposed structure for F430M. The assignment of absolute configuration implied in the formula is given preference because of F430M's very close structural and (assumed) biosynthetic relationship to sirohydrochlorin and vitamin B₁₂ (with respect to ring C, the assignment is based on degradative evidence). According to the proposed structure, the nickel complex F430M possesses an uroporphinoid (Type III) ligand skeleton with an additional carbocyclic ring and a chromophore system not previously encountered among natural porphinoids. It can be considered to be a (tetrahydro) derivative of the corphin system, combining structural elements of both porphyrins and corrins.     

Zur Kenntnis des Faktors F430 aus methanogenen Bakterien: Über die Natur der Isolierungsartefakte von F430, ein Beitrag zur Chemie von F430 und zur konformationellen Stereochemie der Ligandperipherie von hydroporphinoiden Nickel(II)-Komplexen

Factor F430 from Methanogenic Bacteria: On the Nature of the Isolation Artefacts of F430, a Contribution to the Chemistry of F430 and the Conformational Stereochemistry of the Ligand Periphery of Hydroporphinoid Nickel(II) Complexes Factor F430 ( 1 ), a coenzyme from methanogenic bacteria, when heated in aqueous solution isomerizes to 12,13-di-epi-F430 ( 5 ) via 13-epi-F430 ( 3 ). The equilibrium mixture of the three F430 isomers in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH 7, 100°) contains 88 % of 5 , 8 % of 3 , and 4 % of 1 (Scheme 1). The structural assignment for the F430 isomers rests on FAB-MS-, UV/VIS-, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra of their pentamethyl esters. Chemical proof for the double epimerization at the two chiral centers of F430's ring C was provided by ozonolytic degradation of the di-epimer to give a ring-C-derived succinimide derivative that was shown to be the enantiomer of the one previously obtained by ozonolysis of F430M (see Scheme 2). The two F430 ring-C epimers 3 and 5 are the isolation artefacts described in the earlier F430 literature. F430 is susceptible to autoxidation in air and the product, that absorbs at 560 nm, was shown to be the 12,13-didehydro derivative 8 of F430 by spectroscopic characterization of its pentamethyl ester 9 . The dehydrogenation product 8 can be diastereoselectively reduced with Zn in AcOH to give natural F430 as the main product rather than the thermodynamically more stable F430-di-epimer (Scheme 3). In the double epimerization of F430, the two ring-C side chains change from a trans-quasi-diaxial arrangement to the (locally) enantiomorphic position in which the same side chains are again in a trans-quasi-diaxial arrangement. This equilibrium paradox as well as the kinetic diastereoselectivity of the reduction of 12,13-didehydro-F430 ( 8 ) are rationalized to be consequences of the general phenomenon documented earlier (see the preceding paper) according to which hydroporphinoid Ni(II) complexes all show a characteristic conformational ruffling of their ligand system due to the tendency of the (small) Ni(II) ion to contract the size of the ligand's central coordination hole (see Fig. 5 and 6).     

Zur Kenntnis des Faktors F430 aus methanogenen Bakterien: Struktur des proteinfreien Faktors

Factor F430 from Methanogenic Bacteria: Structure of the Protein-free Factor Factor F430, the porphinoid nickel-containing coenzyme of the methylcoenzyme-M reductase of metanogenic bacteria is shown to be the 3³,8³,12²,13³,18²-pentaacid derivative of the pentamethylester F430M, the structure of which had been determined previously (see structural formulae 1 and 2 ). The structure assignment rests on chromatographic, UV/VIS-, CD-, IR-, and ¹³C-NMR-spectroscopic as well as FAB-mass spectral comparision of F430 with F430M and the pentaacid prepared by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of F430M. In the cells of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum, factor F430 is present in a ‘bound’ and also, depending on the growth conditions, in ‘free’ form, the latter being defined as the part of total F430 that can be extracted from the cells under extremely mild conditions (80% EtOH at 0–4°). From the (protein)-‘bound’ form, F430 is extracted by subsequently treating the cells at 0–4° with 80% EtOH containing (e.g.), 2m LiCi. From both sources, the extracted factor is the same pentaacid, and there is no indication for the existence of a protein-free F430 species that would contain additional (covalently bound) structural elements.     

Synthesis of the C6–C18 bis-tetrahydrofuran fragment of the proposed structure of iriomoteolide-2a via stepwise double SN2 cyclization reactions

The C6–C18 bis-tetrahydrofuran (bis-THF) fragment of the proposed structure of iriomoteolide-2a has been synthesized via stepwise double intramolecular S_N2-type etherifications. The C11 and C16 stereogenic centers could be secured in the forms of propargyl alcohols by asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of the corresponding propargyl ketones. The C9–C12 THF ring was first constructed via a tandem asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD)–S_N2 sequence while the C13–C16 THF ring was later installed via an intramolecular S_N2 reaction of a chiral propargyl mesylate. During the latter THF ring formation, epimerization at the propargylic carbon was not observed. Since the initially proposed (9R,11S,12R) configuration of iriomoteolide-2a has recently been revised to (9S,11R,12S), the established synthesis of the C6–C18 bis-THF fragment could be easily amended by using the opposite enantiomers of the chiral ligands for AD and asymmetric transfer hydrogenation.     

Die absolute Konfiguration des Spermin-Alkaloides Aphelandrin

The Absolute Configuration of the Spermine Alkaloid Aphelandrine The relative configuration of aphelandrine ( 1 ) was established by X-ray structure determination. The absolute configuration of the centers 11 and 18 was determined earlier by chiroptic measurements. Therefore, structure 1 with the configurations 11S, 17S, and 18S represents the absolute configuration of aphelandrine. In the presence of base, 1 was converted to (11S, 17R, 18R) orantine ( 2 ). The ¹H-NMR coupling constants between H? C(17) and H? C(18) (part of the dihydrofuran ring) are very much dependent on the substituent pattern of the amino N-atoms N(6) and N(10).     

Hydrogenation of the ansa-Chain of Rifamycins. X-ray crystal structure of (16S)-16,17,18,19-tetrahydrorifamycin S

The catalytic hydrogenation of rifamycin S ( 2 ) over Pd/C, followed by oxidation with K₃[Fe(CN)₆], generates a pair of 16,17,18,19-tetrahydrorifamycins S ( 3/4 ), epimeric at C (16). The use of PtO₂ as catalyst leads to the hydrogenation also of the C(28)?C(29) bond giving, after oxidation by K₃[Fe(CN)₆], a mixture of the epimers (16R)- and (16S)-16,17,18,19,28,29-hexahydrorifamycins S ( 5/6 ). Furthermore, we synthesized the (16R)- and (16S)-3-bromo derivatives 7/8 and (16R)- and (16S)-3-(piperidin-1-yl) derivatives 9/10 . The determination of the X-ray crystal structure of the most abundant epimer 4 of the tetrahydrorifamycins allowed the assignment of the absolute configuration at C(16) of all derivative. A Structure-activity relationship study showed that in general the (16R)-epimers are more potent inhibitors of bacterial RNA polymerase than the (16S)-epimers.     

Coenzyme F430 from Methanogenic Bacteria: Mechanistic studies on the reductive cleavage of sulfonium ions catalyzed by F430 pentamethyl ester

Mechanistic questions regarding the reductive cleavage of sulfonium ions by the Ni^I form of coenzyme F430 pentamethyl ester (F430M) were addressed in a series of kinetic studies and isotope labeling experiments. In neat DMF, methane formation from dialkyl(methyl)sulfonium ions consistently showed a delay time of ca. 1 h. In the presence of excess propanethiol, no delay was observed and methane formation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics with a logarithmic dependence of the initial rate on the concentration of propanethiol. From the temperature dependence of the reaction rate, an estimate for the activation parameters of ΔH^# = 49 kJ mol^?1 and (apparent) ΔS# = –114 J K^?1 mol^?1 was derived. The observation of deuterium incorporation into methane from (CH₃)₂CHOD, but not from (CH₃)₂CDOH, indicates that the fourth H-entity is introduced into CH₄ as a proton, and that free CH₃ radicals are not involved. In contrast to the reaction with the homogeneous one-electron reductant sodium naphthalide, the F430M-catalyzed reduction of mixed dialkyl(methyl)sulfonium ions showed a pronounced selectivity for the cleavage of Me? S over that of alkyl-S (alkyl ≠ Me) bonds. Mechanisms that are consistent with these results, as well as possible explanations for the time delay and the apparent highly negative entropy of activation, are discussed.     

Application of the gold(I)-Catalyzed aldol reaction to a stereoselective synthesis of (2S, 3R, 4R, 6E)-3-Hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)oct-6-enoic Acid ( = MeBmt), Cyclosporin's unusual amino acid

The title compound 8 was prepared in three steps starting from the optically pure aldehyde (2R, 4E)-2-methyl-hex-4-enal ( 3 ), thus constituting the shortest synthetic approach reported. Two of the three stereogenic centers in the product were generated in a coupling reaction of 3 with ethyl isocyanoacetate, catalyzed by a gold(I)/chiral ferrocenylphosphine system, giving the dihydrooxazole 5 in 85% diastereoselectivity (mismatchedcase). The weak effect of double stereodifferentiation in this reaction (matched case 90% ds) is discussed. N-Methylation and hydrolytic ring opening of 5 gave the protected form 7 of MeBmt, The X-ray diffraction study carried out on 7 confirms the absolute configuration of the two stereogenic centers formed in the gold(I)-catalytic reaction.     

Synthese von (+)-Aspicilin mit Bausteinen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen

Synthesis of (+)-Aspicilin Using Building Blocks from Renewable Resources The 18-membered lichen macrolide (+)-aspicilin ( 1 ) is easily built up from compounds 14 , 16 , 3 , and 24 following the C₃ + C₇ + C₆ + C₂ = C₁₈ pattern (see Schemes). The synthesis requires 15 steps and gives 1 in 13% overall yield from D -mannose ( 2 ). The latter compound provides the stereogenic centers C(4), C(5), and C(6). The stereogenic center C(17) is supplied by building block 14 (from (?)-(S)-ethyl lactate).     

New Results on the Stereoselective Alkylations of Malic Acid Derivatives Supported by Molecular Modeling

The stereoselectivity of the alkylation of dialkyl malates is dependent on steric hindrance of both ester alkyl groups. It was found that the two alkyl groups have opposite effects on diastereoselectivity. Increased steric hindrance at the C(1) carboxy group increases the anti‐selectivity, whereas increased steric hindrance at the C(4) carboxy group decreases it. The results are explained by comparing the structures of the enolates, which were obtained by molecular modeling. Alkylation at C(4′) of dioxolanones, derived from benzyl‐substituted malic acids, with an additional stereogenic center on the side chain is dependent on the stereogenic centers of the ring acetal and of the side chain. Alkylation at low temperatures occurs only with cis‐dioxolanones having an (R)‐configured side‐chain stereogenic center. The corresponding trans‐dioxolanone and the cis‐dioxolanone with a (S)‐configured side‐chain stereogenic center were recovered unchanged. A rationale is presented with models of monolithiated dioxolanones obtained by ab initio calculations.     

Computational Interpretation of Vibrational Optical Activity: The ROA Spectra of (4S)‐4‐Methylisochromane and the (4S)‐Isomers of Galaxolide®

The reliable computation of Raman‐optical‐activity (ROA) spectra of molecules of the size of the title compounds has, until now, not been possible. We show that our rarefied basis sets yield results in good agreement with the experimental data for (4S)‐4‐methylisochromane (=(4S)‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐1H‐2‐benzopyran; 1 ), provided the equilibrium between the pseudo‐equatorial and the pseudo‐axial conformers is taken into account. Comparison between the measured and the computed ROA back‐scattering spectra allows the unequivocal assignment of the absolute configuration of the molecule. Comparison with more‐approximate calculations for the larger (4S)‐isomers of Galaxolide^® ( 2 ), which contain the (4S)‐4‐methylisochromane moiety, shows large‐scale group frequencies on the same chiral fragments of the two molecules. The data confirm that ROA can be generated by interactions extending over several bonds, i.e., over larger distances than can be probed by NMR spectroscopy. Thus, the absolute configuration at C(7) of Galaxolide^® is assignable independently of that at C(4). The computation of ROA for forward‐scattering, which will soon be measurable for Galaxolide^®, suggests that this scattering geometry provides additional stereochemical information that will be valuable in situations where absolute configurations at several stereogenic centers have to be assigned.     

Hydrogen bonding between aromatic H and F groups leading to a stripe structure with R‐ and S‐columns: the crystal structure of (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(3‐fluorophenyl)methanone and comparison with its 1‐aroylnaphthalene analogues

In the molecule of (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(3‐fluorophenyl)methanone, C₁₉H₁₅FO₃, (I), the dihedral angle between the plane of the naphthalene ring system and that of the benzene ring is 85.90 (5)°. The molecules exhibit axial chirality, with either an R‐ or an S‐stereogenic axis. In the crystal structure, each enantiomer is stacked into a columnar structure and the columns are arranged alternately to form a stripe structure. A pair of (methoxy)C—H...F hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions between the benzene rings of the aroyl groups link an R‐ and an S‐isomer to form a dimeric pair. These dimeric pairs are piled up in a columnar fashion through (benzene)C—H...O=C and (benzene)C—H...OCH₃ hydrogen bonds. The analogous 1‐benzoylated compound, namely (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(phenyl)methanone [Kato et al. (2010). Acta Cryst. E 66 , o2659], (II), affords three independent molecules having slightly different dihedral angles between the benzene and naphthalene rings. The three independent molecules form separate columns and the three types of column are connected to each other via two C—H...OCH₃ hydrogen bonds and one C—H...O=C hydrogen bond. Two of the three columns are formed by the same enantiomeric isomer, whereas the remaining column consists of the counterpart isomer. In the case of the fluorinated 1‐benzoylated naphthalene analogue, namely (2,7‐dimethoxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(4‐fluorophenyl)methanone [Watanabe et al. (2011). Acta Cryst. E 67 , o1466], (III), the molecular packing is similar to that of (I), i.e. it consists of stripes of R‐ and S‐enantiomeric columns. A pair of C—H...F hydrogen bonds between R‐ and S‐isomers, and C—H...O=C hydrogen bonds between R(or S)‐isomers, are also observed. Consequently, the stripe structure is apparently induced by the formation of R...S dimeric pairs stacked in a columnar fashion. The pair of C—H...F hydrogen bonds effectively stabilizes the dimeric pair of R‐ and S‐enantiomers. In addition, the co‐existence of C—H...F and C—H...O=C hydrogen bonds makes possible the formation of a structure with just one independent molecule.     

Trennung und absolute Konfiguration der C(8)-epimeren (all-E)-Neochrome (Trollichrome) und -Dinochrome

Separation and Absolute Configuration of the C(8)-Epimeric (app-E)-Neochromes (Trollichromes) and -Dinochromes The C(8′)-epimers of (all-E)-neochrome were separated by HPLC and carefully characterized. The faster eluted isomer, m.p. 197.8–198.3°, is shown to have structure 3 ((3S,5R,6R,3′S,5′R,8′R)-5′,8′-epoxy-6,7-dodehydro-5,6,5′,8′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-3,5,3′-triol). To the other isomer, m.p. 195-195.5°, we assign structure 6 , ((3S,5R,6R,3′S,5′R,8′R)-5′,8′-epoxy-6,7-didehydro-5,6,5′,8′-tetrahydro-β,β-carotene-3,5,3′-triol). The already known epimeric dinochromes (= 3-O-acetylneochromes) can now be formulated as 4 and 5 , (‘epimer 1’ and its trimethylsilyl ether) and 7 and 8 , (‘epimer 2’ and its trimethylsilyl ether), respectively.     

Synthese von (+)-(5S, 6S)-Azafrin-methylester; absolute Konfiguration von Aeginetinsäure and von weiteren vicinalen Apocarotin-diolen

Synthesis of (+)-(5S, 6S)-Azafrin Methyl Ester; Absolute Configuration of Aeginetic Acid and of Further Vicinal Apocarotenediols We describe the synthesis of a series of optically active vicinal apo-β-carotenediols. Thus, starting from (+)-(5S, 6S)-5,6-dihydroxy-5,6-dihydro-β-ionone ( 2 ) we have prepared the (Z/E)-isomeric (+)-C₁₅-esters 7 and 8 , the (+)-retinoic derivatives 14 , 15 , 18 , 19 and (+)-methyl azafrinate ( 22 ), the enantiomer of the naturally occur-ring compound (s. Scheme 1). Our synthesis also establishes the absolute configura-tion of aeginetic acid ( 24 ), aeginetoside ( 25 ) and aeginetin ( 26 ), compounds isolated from the root parasite Aeginetia indica by Indian and Japanese workers (s. Scheme 2). The presented synthesis of optically active methyl azafrinate confirms our previous assignment [14] of the absolute configuration of azafrin ( 1a ), which was based on degradative evidence.     

Crystal Structure of Akuammigine Picrate Hydrate

The single‐crystal X‐ray data of akuammigine picrate hydrate ( 1 ?Picr?H₂O) confirm the relative configuration of the indole alkaloid akuammigine ( 1 ) as epiallo (Fig. 1). With reference to the known (15S)‐configuration due to biosynthesis, the absolute configuration of the other stereogenic centers is thus given by (3R,19S,20S). Four crystallographically independent molecules are observed in the asymmetric unit (Fig. 2). Each of the alkaloid cations forms H‐bonds to a H₂O and a picrate anion (Fig. 3). The H₂O molecules are further associated by a H‐bond as indicated by the short O???O distance (Table 2). The conformation in the solid state of the picrate hydrate is now firmly established, and a cute H‐bonding motif is observed.     

Derivatives of Coenzyme F430 with a Covalently Attached α‐Axial Ligand. Part I

X‐Ray structures of the enzyme methyl‐coenzyme M reductase show that the Ni‐center in the prosthetic group coenzyme F430 is penta‐ or hexacoordinated with the carboxamide group of a glutamine residue occupying the axial coordination site on the α‐side of the macrocycle. To obtain diastereoselectively coordinated complexes for mechanistic and spectroscopic studies of the free coenzyme in solution, we aimed to prepare partial‐synthetic derivatives of coenzyme F430 that have a coordinating group attached via a linker to one of the propanoic acid side chains. By using molecular‐mechanics calculations and two different conformational search methods, a set of 50 structures containing imidazole or pyridine units as potential ligands were computationally tested according to geometric criteria defining coordinating conformations. The best candidates proved to be proline‐containing tri‐ and tetrapeptides with a methyl‐histidine as the C‐terminal residue. These linkers were synthesized, and their conformation was determined by NMR. Refinement of the molecular modeling by using the experimentally determined geometric restraints allowed us to decide that the tripeptide Pro‐Pro‐His(π‐Me)‐OMe ( 10 ) was the most promising of all tested structures for attachment to the side chain at C(3) or C(13) of F430.     

Stereochemistry of two new polyfunctionalized gem‐dihalo­cyclo­propanes

The two new gem‐dihalogeno­cyclo­propanes (1′S,3R)‐3‐(2′,2′‐di­chloro‐1′‐methyl­cyclo­propyl)‐6‐oxoheptanoic acid, C₁₁H₁₆­Cl₂O₃, (2), and (1′S,3R)‐3‐(2′,2′‐di­bromo‐1′‐methyl­cyclo­propyl)‐6‐oxoheptanoic acid, C₁₁H₁₆Br₂O₃, (3), are isostructural. Both present two stereogenic centers at C1′ and C3. The absolute configuration was determined by X‐ray methods. The cyclo­propyl rings are unsymmetrical, the shortest bond being distal with respect to the alkyl‐substituted C atom.     

螺〔1-溴-4-l-孟氧基-5-氧杂-6-氧代双环〔3.1.0〕己烷2,3’-(4’-甲氧基5’孟氧基丁内酯)〕的晶体结构

本文报道了利用新手性源合成的标题化合物C2 9H45 BrO7(Mr=5 85 .5 6 )的晶体结构 ,该晶体属正交晶系 ,空间群为P2 1 2 1 2 1 ,晶胞参数a =9.748(4) ,b =12 .5 37(5 ) ,c =2 5 .85 1(9) ,V =315 9(2 ) 3,Z =4,Dx=1.2 31g/cm3,μ =1.341mm- 1 ,F(0 0 0 ) =12 40 ,偏离因子R =0 .0 475 ,Rw=0 .0 6 0 9;分子中共有 5个环 ,12个手性中心 ,2个六元环呈椅式构象 ,2个五元内酯环呈信封式构象 ,并分别与环丙烷形成〔2 .4〕螺环和〔3 .1.0〕稠环 ,4个新生成的手性中心的绝对构型为C(13) (S) ,C(14 ) (S) ,C(15 ) (R) ,C(16 (R) ,无任何对称因素     

Absolute Konfiguration von Antheraxanthin, «cis-Antheraxantliirt» und der diastereomeren Mutatoxanthine

Absolute Configuration of Antheraxanthin, ‘cis-Aritheraxanthin’ and of the Stereoisomeric Mutatdxanthins The assignement of structure 2 to antheraxanthin (all-E)-(3 S, 5 R, 6 S, 3′ R)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol and of 1 to ‘cis-antheraxanthin’ (9Z)-(3 S, 5 R, 6 S, 3′ R)-5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol is based on chemical correlation with (3 R, 3′ R)-zeaxanthin and extensive ¹H-NMR. measurements at 400 MHz. ‘Semisynthetic antheraxanthin’ ( = ‘antheraxanthin B’) has structure 6 . For the first time the so-called ‘mutatoxanthin’, a known rearrangement product of either 1 or 2 , has been separated into pure and crystalline C(8)-epimers (epimer A of m.p. 213° and epimer B of m.p. 159°). Their structures were assigned by spectroscopical and chiroptical correlations with flavoxanthin and chrysanthemaxanthin. Epimer A is (3 S, 5 R, 8 S, 3′ R)-5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol ( 4 ; = (8 S)mutatoxanthin) and epimer B is (3 S, 5 R, 8 R, 3′ R)-5,8-epoxy-5,8-dihydro-β,β-carotene-3,3′-diol ( 3 ; = (8 R)-mutatoxanthin). The carotenoids 1 – 4 have a widespread occurrence in plants. We also describe their separation by HPLC. techniques. CD. spectra measured at room temperature and at ? 180° are presented for 1 – 4 and 6 . Antheraxanthin ( 2 ) and (9Z)-antheraxanthin ( 1 ) exhibit a typical conservative CD. The CD. Spectra also allow an easy differentiation of 6 from its epimer 2 . The isomeric (9Z)-antheraxanthin ( 1 ) shows the expected inversion of the CD. curve in the UV. range. The CD. spectra of the epimeric mutatoxanthins 3 and 4 (β end group) are dissimilar to those of flavoxanthin/chrysanthemaxanthin (ε end group). They allow an easy differentiation of the C (8)-epimers.     

Coenzyme F430 from Methanogenic Bacteria: Detection of a Paramagnetic Methylnickel(II) Derivative of the Pentamethyl Ester by 2H-NMR Spectroscopy

A methylnickel(II) derivative of coenzyme F430 ( 1 ) was proposed as an intermediate in the enzymic process catalyzed by methyl-CoM reductasc. Indirect evidence points to formation of CH₃–F430M^II in the reaction of F30M¹ (obtained from F430M^II ( 2 )) with eleclrophilic methyl donors. The results presented here show, that such a compound does exist. A paramagnetic CD₃–Ni^II derivative 5b of the pentamethyl ester 2 (F430M) of coenzyme F430 was prepared by in situ methylation with (CD₃)₂Mg and characterized by its isotropically shifted ²H-NMR spectrum. At ?40°, the very broad D-signal of the axially coordinated CD₃ group is found at ?490 ppm. Comparison with the ²H- and ¹H-NMR spectra of mcthyl(tetramethylcyclam)nickel(II) derivatives 4 ([Ni^II(CH₃))(tmc)]CF₃SO₃ ( 4a ) is the only isolated CH₃–Ni derivative of a N₄macrocyclic Ni^II complex' shows that the large isotropic shift to high field is characteristic for a Me group axially bound to the Ni center. The temperature dependence of the isotropic shift of the CD₃–Ni group in both 4b and 5b follows Curie's law and yields ²H hyperfine coupling constants of ?0.65 ( 4b ) and ?0.85 MHz ( 5b ), respectively. The ¹H-NMR spectrum indicates that, in contrast to the five-coordinate monochloro complex [Ni^IICl(tmc)]⁺, intermolecular exchange of the axial ligand in [Ni^II(CH₃)(tmc)]⁺ 4a is either slow at the NMR time scale or does not occur at all.