Synthesis and Biological Importance of 2-(thio)ureabenzothiazoles

The (thio)urea and benzothiazole (BT) derivatives have been shown to have a broad spectrum of biological activities. These groups, when bonded, result in the 2-(thio)ureabenzothizoles (TBT and UBT), which could favor the physicochemical and biological properties. UBTs and TBTs are compounds of great importance in medicinal chemistry. For instance, Frentizole is a UBT derivative used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The UBTs Bentaluron and Bethabenthiazuron are commercial fungicides used as wood preservatives and herbicides in winter corn crops. On these bases, we prepared this bibliography review, which covers chemical aspects of UBTs and TBTs as potential therapeutic agents as well as their studies on the mechanisms of a variety of pharmacological activities. This work covers synthetic methodologies from 1935 to nowadays, highlighting the most recent approaches to afford UBTs and TBTs with a variety of substituents as illustrated in 42 schemes and 13 figures and concluded with 187 references. In addition, this interesting review is designed on chemical reactions of 2-aminobenzothiazoles (2ABTs) with (thio)phosgenes, iso(thio)cyanates, 1,1′-(thio)carbonyldiimidazoles [(T)CDI]s, (thio)carbamoyl chlorides, and carbon disulfide. This topic will provide information of utility for medicinal chemists dedicated to the design and synthesis of this class of compounds to be tested with respect to their biological activities and be proposed as new pharmacophores.     

Electroanalytical Study of Macluraxanthone: A Natural Product with a Strong Antioxidant and Antimalarial Activity

The electrochemical behaviour of macluraxanthone (McX), a natural compound with significant antioxidant and anti‐malarial properties, is reported here for the first time. The anodic behaviour of McX is related with its chemical reducing power, and both redox properties are compared with the ones of osajaxanthone (OjX), a similar molecule with non‐antioxidant activity. Based on cyclic voltammetric technique, it was observed that the electrooxidation of McX at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is quasireversible and pH dependent, occurring easily at pH ≥ 7. The anodic behaviour of McX correlates well with its antioxidant/reducing activity (evaluated by the DPPH method), being both redox processes attributed to the oxidation of the catechol moiety of McX. The electron transfer processes between the catechol/o‐quinone redox function of McX and the GCE are simultaneously diffusion‐ and adsorption‐controlled and blocked by the adsorption of some inactive products. The achieved results are very useful for understanding and predicting the oxidative behaviour of other xanthones with biological properties. The main anodic process of McX at GCE yields a well‐defined and sensitive DPV response, which can be easily used for the analytical determination of this natural xanthone in real samples, namely in physiological infusions to be used in biological and clinical trials.     

Guest Modulation of Spin‐Crossover Transition Temperature in a Porous Iron(II) Metal–Organic Framework: Experimental and Periodic DFT Studies

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of three clathrate derivatives of the spin‐crossover porous coordination polymer {Fe(pyrazine)[Pt(CN)₄]} ( 1 ) with five‐membered aromatic molecules furan, pyrrole, and thiophene is reported. The three derivatives have a cooperative spin‐crossover transition with hysteresis loops 14–29 K wide and average critical temperatures T_c=201 K ( 1?fur ), 167 K ( 1?pyr ), and 114.6 K ( 1?thio ) well below that of the parent compound 1 (T_c=295 K), confirming stabilization of the HS state. The transition is complete and takes place in two steps for 1?fur , while 1?pyr and 1?thio show 50 % spin transition. For 1?fur the transformation between the HS and IS (middle of the plateau) phases occurs concomitantly with a crystallographic phase transition between the tetragonal space groups P4/mmm and I4/mmm, respectively. The latter space group is retained in the subsequent transformation involving the IS and the LS phases. 1?pyr and 1?thio display the tetragonal P4/mmm and orthorhombic Fmmm space groups, respectively, in both HS and IM phases. Periodic calculations using density functional methods for 1?fur , 1?pyr , 1?thio , and previously reported derivatives 1?CS₂ , 1?I, 1?bz (benzene), and 1?pz (pyrazine) have been carried out to investigate the electronic structure and nature of the host–guest interactions as well as their relationship with the changes in the LS–HS transition temperatures of 1?Guest . Geometry‐optimized lattice parameters and bond distances in the empty host 1 and 1?Guest clathrates are in general agreement with the X‐ray diffraction data. The concordance between the theoretical results and the experimental data also comprises the guest molecule orientation inside the host and intermolecular distances. Furthermore, a general correlation between experimental T_c and calculated LS–HS electronic energy gap was observed. Finally, specific host–guest interactions were studied through interaction energy calculations and crystal orbital displacement (COD) curve analysis.     

A survey of interactions in crystal structures of pyrazine‐based compounds

The important role of pyrazine (pz) and its derivatives in fields such as biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as in the study of magnetic properties, is surveyed. Recognition of these properties without extensive investigations into their structural properties is not possible. This review summarizes interactions that exist between these organic compounds by themselves in the solid state, as well as those in coordination polymers with metal ions and in polyoxometalate‐based hybrids. Complexes based on pyrazine ligands can generate metal–organic framework (MOF) structures that bind polyoxometalates (POMs) through covalent and noncovalent interactions. Some biological and magnetic properties involving these compounds are considered and the effect of hydrogen bonding on their supramolecular architectures is highlighted.     

Microfibers as Physiologically Relevant Platforms for Creation of 3D Cell Cultures

Microfibers have received much attention due to their promise for creating flexible and highly relevant tissue models for use in biomedical applications such as 3D cell culture, tissue modeling, and clinical treatments. A generated tissue or implanted material should mimic the natural microenvironment in terms of structural and mechanical properties as well as cell adhesion, differentiation, and growth rate. Therefore, the mechanical and biological properties of the fibers are of importance. This paper briefly introduces common fiber fabrication approaches, provides examples of polymers used in biomedical applications, and then reviews the methods applied to modify the mechanical and biological properties of fibers fabricated using different approaches for creating a highly controlled microenvironment for cell culturing. It is shown that microfibers are a highly tunable and versatile tool with great promise for creating 3D cell cultures with specific properties.     

Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and thio‐bromo “click” chemistry approach toward the preparation of flame‐retardant polymers

This contribution describes our recent efforts geared toward the use of a general, thio‐bromo “click” reaction as a post‐polymerization method for the preparation of flame‐resistant polymeric materials. α‐bromo ester‐containing polymers could easily be prepared using ROMP and a subsequent, facile thio‐bromo click reaction was used for the installation of a phosphorus‐moiety that was shown to impart flame‐resistant/self‐extinguishing properties to these polymers. The extent of their flame resistance was then ascertained by treating paper (previously coated with polymer) to standard burn tests as well as measuring the limiting oxygen index (LOI). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 645–652     

A Review of Silver Nanoparticles: Research Trends,Global Consumption,Synthesis, Properties,and Future Challenges

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are intensively investigated for their superior physical, chemical, and biological properties. A proper knowledge of these properties is essential to maximizing the potential applications of AgNPs in several areas while minimizing their risks to humans and the environment. This paper aims to critically review AgNPs from the perspectives of research trends, global consumption, synthesis, properties, and future challenges. Generally, AgNPs can be synthesized using three methods, namely physical, chemical, and biological, and the related works as well as their numerous advantages and disadvantages are presented in this review. In addition, AgNPs can be potentially explored for various applications. Future challenges on (AgNP) synthesis, their release into the environment, and scaling up production, as presented in the review, suggest that several potential topics for future works are available to promote a safer and more efficient use of these nanoparticles. Studies on AgNPs in Malaysia have increased since the Malaysian government officially established a directorate for nanotechnology development. This calls for a proper set of policies on AgNPs starting from their production to utilization as well as their effects on various related industries and the environment.     

Self-Assembly in Natural and Unnatural Systems

Although there are no fundamental factors hindering the development of nanoscale structures, there is a growing realization that “engineering down” approaches, in other words a reduction in the size of structures generated by lithographic techniques below the present lower limit of roughly 1 μm, may become impractical. It has, therefore, become increasingly clear that only by the development of a fundamental understanding of the self-assembly of large-scale biological structures, which exist and function at and beyond the nanoscale, downwards, and the extension of our knowledge regarding the chemical syntheses of small-scale structures upwards, can the gap between the promise and the reality of nanosystems be closed. This kind of construction of nanoscale structures and nanosystems represents the so-called “bottom up” or “engineering up” approach to device fabrication. Significant progress can be made in the development of nanoscience by transferring concepts found in the biological world into the chemical arena. Central to this mission is the development of simple chemical systems capable of instructing their own organization into large aggregates of molecules through their mutual recognition properties. The precise programming of these recognition events, and hence the correct assembly of the growing superstructure, relies on a fundamental understanding and the practical exploitation of non-covalent bonding interactions between and within molecules. The science of supramolecular chemistry—chemistry beyond the molecule in its very broadest sense—has started to bridge the yawning gap between molecular and macro-molecular structures. By utilizing inter-actions as diverse as aromatic π–π stacking and metal–ligand coordination for the information source for assembly processes, chemists have, in the last decade, begun to use biological concepts such as self-assembly to construct nanoscale structures and superstructures with a variety of forms and functions. Here, we provide a flavor of how self-assembly operates in natural systems and can be harnessed in unnatural ones.     

4-(硝基苯基)-3-硫代脲酸烷基酯类的合成及其生物活性研究

通过硝基苯胺同烷氧酰基异硫氰酸酯的化合反应以及钛酸丁酯的酯交换反应共合成了9个4-(硝基苯基)-3-硫代脲酸烷基酯类化合物(1-9)。通过各种波谱分析确定了它们的化学结构, 并研究了这类物质对农杆菌的抑制作用。     

A Review on Coordination Properties of Al(III) and Fe(III) toward Natural Antioxidant Molecules: Experimental and Theoretical Insights

This review focuses on the ability of some natural antioxidant molecules (i.e., hydroxycinnamic acids, coumarin-3-carboxylic acid, quercetin, luteolin and curcumin) to form Al(III)- and Fe(III)-complexes with the aim of evaluating the coordination properties from a combined experimental and theoretical point of view. Despite the contributions of previous studies on the chemical properties and biological activity of these metal complexes involving such natural antioxidants, further detailed relationships between the structure and properties are still required. In this context, the investigation on the coordination properties of Al(III) and Fe(III) toward these natural antioxidant molecules might deserve high interest to design water soluble molecule-based metal carriers that can improve the metal’s intake and/or its removal in living organisms.     

Continuous-Flow Chemistry and Photochemistry for Manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

An active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is any substance in a pharmaceutical product that is biologically active. That means the specific molecular entity is capable of achieving a defined biological effect on the target. These ingredients need to meet very strict limits; chemical and optical purity are considered to be the most important ones. A continuous-flow synthetic methodology which utilizes a continuously flowing stream of reactive fluids can be easily combined with photochemistry, which works with the chemical effects of light. These methods can be useful tools to meet these strict limits. Both of these methods are unique and powerful tools for the preparation of natural products or active pharmaceutical ingredients and their precursors with high structural complexity under mild conditions. This review shows some main directions in the field of active pharmaceutical ingredients’ preparation using continuous-flow chemistry and photochemistry with numerous examples of industry and laboratory-scale applications.     

Insertion reactions of heterocumulene into metal-ligand bonds

Published and authors’ own data on the typical examples of behavior of organic iso(thio)cyanates and other unsaturated substrates in reactions with metal-heteroatom bonds-M-O, M-N, M-P, and M-Hal-are reviewed. A possibility of multiple insertion of heterocumulenes into the same M-L bond and their ability to undergo-sphere condensation with other ligands upon heteromolecular insertion as well as the cocyclization of inserted ligands upon complex will be discussed in this review. Factors that affect the direction of iso(thio)cyanate addition to upon metal-heteroatom bond as well as the possibility of different kinds of their combination for the formation of heterocyclic ligands or compounds are also. Most of the findings are based on the results of IR and NMR spectroscopical, as well as X-ray structural studies.     

Distinct chemoselectivity in the reaction of N-(thio)phosphoryl imines with diethylzinc

This report describes the reaction of N-(thio)phosphoryl imines with diethylzinc under different conditions. An interesting and distinct chemoselectivity between hydrogen-addition and ethyl-addition to imine double bond is disclosed: in weakly polar solvent, e.g. toluene, N-(thio)phosphoryl imines were exclusively reduced in excellent yields via a β-H transfer from diethylzinc to imine double bond; in polar solvents like THF, the reduction product was competitively formed as a major product together with the minor product resulting from ethyl-addition to imine double bond; in sharp contrast, in the presence of strong coordinative additive N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), the ethylation product was formed exclusively from the reaction of N-(thio)phosphoryl imine with diethylzinc. These results are discussed and explained in terms of the coordination interactions between the imine, solvent, and additive with diethylzinc.     

Capsules with Highly Active Pores and Interiors: Versatile Platforms at the Nanoscale

Spherical porous capsules offer new exciting approaches in chemistry, materials sciences, and in context of physical and biological phenomena. The underlying concepts are reported with particular emphasis on metal oxide based capsules of the {M₁₃₂} Keplerate type which display—due to their exceptional structural features and easy variation/derivatization as well as exchange of building units—an unmatched range of properties and offer unique opportunities for investigating a variety of basic aspects of nanoscience, including the discovery of some new phenomena, especially those related to hydrophobicity issues that are of significance for everyday life. This relies in particular on the existence of a large number of flexible crown ether type pores/channels and the possibility of changing the interior from completely hydrophilic to completely hydrophobic due to the presence of numerous easily exchangeable internal ligands/functionalities; the capsules can even be constructed so that they enclose a large number of highly active Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. The manifold of possible applications/uses are outlined as subtitles with reference to results as well as possible future studies. There are, among many others, options to control passing cations under different internal frames allowing also their separations, to conduct studies about hydrophobic recognitions and clustering of biological interest in water, controlled internal ion transport, nanoscale dewetting, and to carry out basic as well as new types of reactions under confined conditions.     

Macrocyclic anion receptors based on directed hydrogen bonding interactions

Natural anion receptors use charge-neutral dipoles to bind small anions with high affinities and selectivities. A convergent and rigid display of hydrogen bond donors such as amide, thiourea and urea functional groups in macrocyclic scaffolds would be one of the most efficient ways to create synthetic anion receptors that mimic natural ones. In this article, we present examples of natural anion receptors and discuss the synthesis of neutral macrocyclic receptors and their anion binding properties.     

Bacteria and the Biodegradation of Chemicals Achieved Naturally,by Combination,or by Construction

The natural potential of bacteria for the biological degradation of synthetic compounds is greater than is commonly supposed and extends to many heteroarenes and even some chloroarenes. An increase in the number of substituents on the aromatic ring or a certain substitution pattern is what confers xenobiotic character to a compound. In addition, when enzymes with low substrate specificity encounter foreign compounds with random variations, products with very strong xenobiotic character often result. In this case, changing the conditions or introducing a cooperation between several different types of bacteria can be used to degrade these compounds. Finally, mineralization, the complete breakdown of organic substances into carbon dioxide and inorganic salts, of xenobiotics previously regarded as persistent can be achieved by taking advantage of natural or induced gene transfer to construct hybrid degradative pathways. After an introduction to the world of bacteria and their place in Nature, we will describe their natural potential for biodegradation with reference to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The discussion will then turn to the types of the substituents that confer xenobiotic properties to compounds and how these compounds are degraded despite their xenobiotic character.     

Carbon Dots: The Newest Member of the Carbon Nanomaterials Family

Carbon nanomaterials have been extensively researched in the past few years owing to their interesting properties. The massive research efforts resulted in the emergence of carbon dots, which belong to the carbon nanomaterials family. Carbon dots (C‐dots) have garnered the attention of researchers mainly due to their convenient availability from organic as well as inorganic materials and also due to the novel properties they exhibit. C‐Dots have been said to overcome the era of quantum dots, referring to their levels of toxicity and biocompatibility. In this review, we focus on the discovery of C‐dots, their structure and composition, surface passivation to enhance their optical properties, the various synthetic methods used, their applications in different areas, and future perspectives. Emphasis has been given to greener approaches for the synthesis of C‐dots in order to make them cost effective as well as to improve their biocompatibility.     

J-aggregates: from serendipitous discovery to supramolecular engineering of functional dye materials

J-aggregates are of significant interest for organic materials conceived by supramolecular approaches. Their discovery in the 1930s represents one of the most important milestones in dye chemistry as well as the germination of supramolecular chemistry. The intriguing optical properties of J-aggregates (in particular, very narrow red-shifted absorption bands with respect to those of the monomer and their ability to delocalize and migrate excitons) as well as their prospect for applications have motivated scientists to become involved in this field, and numerous contributions have been published. This Review provides an overview on the J-aggregates of a broad variety of dyes (including cyanines, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, and perylene bisimides) created by using supramolecular construction principles, and discusses their optical and photophysical properties as well as their potential applications. Thus, this Review is intended to be of interest to the supramolecular, photochemistry, and materials science communities.     

Synthesis of New Phenolic Derivatives of Quinazolin-4(3H)-One as Potential Antioxidant Agents—In Vitro Evaluation and Quantum Studies

Considering the important damage caused by the reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species in the human organism, the need for new therapeutic agents, with superior efficacy to the known natural and synthetic antioxidants, is crucial. Quinazolin-4-ones are known for their wide range of biological activities, and phenolic compounds display an important antioxidant effect. Linking the two active pharmacophores may lead to an increase of the antioxidant activity. Therefore, we synthesized four series of new hybrid molecules bearing the quinazolin-4-one and phenol scaffolds. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro, considering different possible mechanisms of action: hydrogen atom transfer, ability to donate electrons and metal ions chelation. Theoretical quantum and thermodynamical calculations were also performed. Some compounds, especially the ortho diphenolic ones, exerted a stronger antioxidant effect than ascorbic acid and Trolox.     

以蛋白质为基础模拟谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶

硒元素作为一种生命体中必须的微量元素,与人类的健康和疾病息息相关.硒元素主要以硒代半胱氨酸的形式存在于至少25种硒蛋白中,执行着多种生物功能.在这20多种硒蛋白中,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)作为一种主要的抗氧化酶,能够有效地利用谷胱甘肽还原氢过氧化物以防止机体的氧化损伤.这里,我们主要介绍以蛋白质为骨架构筑GPx模拟物的一些策略和方法,以期望于能够更好的理解硒蛋白的生物学性质,甚至开拓更为有效的技术去模拟这种抗氧化酶.