Structure and biosynthetic implication of (S)-NHAB, a novel shunt product, from a disruptant of the actVI-ORFA gene for actinorhodin biosynthesis in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)

A novel shunt product was isolated from a disruptant of the actVI-ORFA gene involved in the biosynthesis of actinorhodin (ACT) in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2). Its structure was elucidated as 1,4-naphthoquinone-8-hydroxy-3-[3(S)-acetoxy-butyric acid], (S)-NHAB, based on NMR, MS, and CD spectroscopic data as well as a single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The formation of (S)-NHAB involves a retro-Claisen type C-C bond cleavage of an ACT biosynthetic intermediate. Feeding experiments with [1-¹³C] and [2-¹³C] acetates indicated its biosynthetic origin as a single octaketide chain. The relevant gene product, Act-ORFA, which is a functionally unknown protein, is proposed to play a regulatory role related to the multi-enzymatic steps to ACT production, based on the metabolic profile of its disruptant and the wide distribution of actVI-ORFA homologues in the gene clusters for Streptomyces aromatic polyketides.     

Total Synthesis of 6-Deoxydihydrokalafungin,a Key Biosynthetic Precursor of Actinorhodin,and Its Epimer

In this article, we report the total synthesis of 6-deoxydihydrokalafungin (DDHK), a key biosynthetic intermediate of a dimeric benzoisochromanequinone antibiotic, actinorhodin (ACT), and its epimer, epi-DDHK. Tricyclic hemiacetal with 3-siloxyethyl group was subjected to Et₃SiH reduction to establish the 1,3-cis stereochemistry in the benzoisochromane, and a subsequent oxidation/deprotection sequence then afforded epi-DDHK. A bicyclic acetal was subjected to AlH₃ reduction to deliver the desired 1,3-trans isomer in an approximately 3:1 ratio, which was subjected to a similar sequence to that used for the 1,3-cis isomer that successfully afforded DDHK. A semisynthetic approach from (S)-DNPA, an isolable biosynthetic precursor of ACT, was also examined to afford DDHK and its epimer, which are identical to the synthetic products.     

Luminescence and electroluminescence of bis (2-(benzimidazol-2-yl) quinolinato) zinc. Exciplex formation and energy transfer in mixed film of bis (2-(benzimidazol-2-yl) quinolinato) zinc and N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine

The absorption and emission properties of benzimidazol-2-yl-quinoline (BIQ) and bis (2-(benzimidazol-2-yl) quinolinato) zinc (ZnBIQ) a new emitter used for organic light emitting device (OLED) were reported. Exciplexes are observed for ZnBIQ with N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (NPB) system, in both electro- and photoluminescent processes. The identification of exciplex emission in co-evaporated and multi-layer ZnBIQ thin film was reported for the first time. The optical formation of the exciplex involves the excitation of a single molecule, followed by the relaxation of that exciton into a lower energy exciplex state. Both BIQ and ZnBIQ possess very high thermal stabilities and can be purified by subliming under the high vacuum condition. Devices consisting of ZnBIQ as the emitting layer have been fabricated, and the emission spectra of ZnBIQ-base devices gave a voltage-dependent spectrum, with the red emission observed (3-7 V), switching over to strong white emission as the bias was raised.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Physical Properties of a Conjugated Heteroacene: 2‐Methyl‐1,4,6,7,8,9‐hexaphenylbenz(g)isoquinolin‐3(2H)‐one (BIQ)

We report the synthesis and characterization of a novel, stable and blue heteroacene, 2‐methyl‐1,4,6,7,8,9‐hexaphenylbenz(g)isoquinolin‐3(2H)‐one (BIQ 3 ). BIQ 3 , with its relatively small π framework, has an absorption λ_max at 620 nm, which is larger than that of pentacene (λ_max=582 nm), but BIQ 3 is more stable. The solutions of BIQ 3 are observed without any noticeable photobleaching on the order of days. In the solid state, it is very stable at ambient conditions and can be stored indefinitely. Owing to its pyridone end unit, BIQ 3 can display different resonance structures in different solvents (aprotic and protic) or Lewis acids to give different colors. The attractive stability exhibited by BIQ 3 is very desirable in organic semiconductor devices. Herein, we investigated a simple heterojunction photovoltaic device based on BIQ 3 as an electron donor and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₆₁ butyric methyl ester as an electron acceptor. Our results show that this type of heteroacene could be a good candidate as a charge‐transport material in organic semiconductor devices.     

2-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid dihydrate: Crystal structure, vibrational spectra, proton conductivity, and thermal stability

The crystal and molecular structure of 2-hydroxy4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid dihydrate C₆H₃(CH₃)(OHSO^? ₃ H₅O₂ ⁺ (I) was studied by X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. The compound crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system; crystal data: a=10.853(2) Å, b=7.937(2) Å, c=12.732(3) Å, β=112.13(3)°, V=1015.9(4)ų,Z=4,d_calc=1.466g/cm³,spacegroupP2₁/c,R_f=0.0486,GOOF=1.161.The S-O distances in the sulfonate group differed substantially (S1-O2 1.439(2) Å, S1-O3 1.455(2) Å, and S1-O4 1.464(2) Å. The symmetry of the H₅O₂ cation decreased due to proton displacement toward one of the two water molecules. XRD data on the asymmetry of H5O2 were confirmed by IR and Raman spectral data. The strong triplet at 2900, 3166, 3377 cm^?1 in the IR spectrum of I corresponds to different types of H-bond and shifted to 2185, 2363, 2553 cm^?1 after deuteration. The proton conductivity of the compound was measured by impedance spectroscopy: 6 × 10^?7 S/cm at 298 K (32 rel %), E _act=0.4±0.01 eV. The conductivity increased to 10^-3 S/cm, E_act=0.1 eV when ambient humidity increased to 60 rel %.     

Role of alkyl substituent in room temperature ionic liquid on the electrochemical behavior of uranium ion and its local environment

A systematic study was carried out to understand the effect of structural modification of C_nmim⁺ moiety of C_nmimBr (n = 6, 8 or 10) on the electrochemical behavior of uranium. The cyclic voltammetric study of the above room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) media revealed that with increase in the chain length the electrochemical window extended more towards the negative potential. This resulted in the possibility of conversion of U(VI) to U(III) or even possibly to, U metal via U(IV) (as UO₂) when n ≥ 10. The diffusion coefficient of U(VI) was found to decrease from n = 6 to 8 to 10 due to the increasing order of viscosity of the RTIL. As a consequence, the activation energy was found to follow reverse order i.e. E _act(C₆mimBr) < E _act(C₈mimBr) < E _act(C₁₀mimBr). The conversion of UO₂ ²⁺ to UO₂ was found to be quasi reversible and also exothermic while the entropy was found to decrease due to the reduction reaction. An UV–Vis spectroscopic study was also carried out to understand the local environment around uranium in aqueous and RTIL media. Among several cationic and anionic species, the predominance of UO₂Cl₄ ^2? in 7 M HCl with D_4h coordination symmetry was observed. The decrease in symmetric stretching frequency of UO₂ ²⁺ in RTILs in comparison with aqueous system indicates that the bond strength of UO₂ ²⁺ in aqueous is less than that of UO₂ ²⁺ in RTILs.     

The structure type of Re2Te5, a new [M6X14] cluster compound

Re₂Te₅ crystallizes in a new structure type, having space group Pbca (No. 61) with a = 13.003(5), b = 12.935(7), c = 14.212(5) Å, Z = 12. All atoms are in the general positions 8(c), apart from one Te atom which occupies the special position 4(a) in a center of symmetry. The Re atoms are arranged in octahedral [Re₆] clusters and all the atoms in general positions can be grouped as {[Re₆Te₈]Te₆} complexes. The centers of these units and the Te atom in 4(a) are arranged like a slightly distorted rock salt structure. The Te atoms can be replaced by Se atoms up to at least 40%. Re₂Te₅ and Re₂Se₂Te₃ reveal a semiconductor-like electric behavior which is accounted for by the chemical bonding.     

Rhodauricanol A,an analgesic diterpenoid with an unprecedented 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic system featuring a unique 16-oxa-tetracyclo[11.2.1.01,5.07,13]hexadecane core from Rhododendron dauricum

A novel diterpenoid with an unprecedented 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic system, rhodauricanol A (1), five new grayanane-derived diterpenoids, dauricanols A?E (2?6), and five known ones (7?11) were isolated from the flowers of Rhododendron dauricum. Rhodauricanol A (1) possesses a unique 5/6/5/7 tetracyclic ring system featuring a 16-oxa-tetracyclo[11.2.1.0^1,5.0^7,13]hexadecane core. Dauricanols A?C (2?4) are the first 1,3-dioxolane conjugates of grayanane diterpenoids and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and vanillin, respectively, and dauricanols D (5) and E (6) represent the first examples of 6-deoxy-1,5-seco-grayanane diterpenoids. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculation including ¹³C NMR-DP4+ analysis and ECD calculation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1?4 were proposed. All the isolates showed significant analgesic activities, and dauricanols B (3) and C (4) showed more potent analgesic activities than the positive control, morphine.     

Salvifarinin A,a neo-clerodane diterpenoid with a 6/5/7 tricyclic skeleton from Salvia farinacea

Salvifarinin A (1), a rearrangement product of Languidulane-type clerodane diterpenoids with a 6/5/7 tricyclic ring skeleton fused with γ-lactone ring and furan ring, and two new biogenetically related diterpernoids, salvifarinins B (2) and C (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia farinacea. The absolute configuration of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and bio-inspired semisynthesis. The plausible biogenetic pathway was also proposed. Compound 2 displayed a potent effect on reducing hepatic steatosis.     

Synthesis, crystal and band structures, and properties of a new supramolecular complex (Hg2As)2(CdI4)

A new quaternary supramolecular complex (Hg₂As)₂ (CdI₄) (1) has been prepared by the solid-state reaction and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the space group P2₁ of the monoclinic system with two formula units in a cell: a=7.945(4), b=12.934(6), c=8.094(4) Å, β=116.898°(1), V=741.7(6) Å³. The structure of 1 is characterized by a tridymite-like three-dimensional cationic framework, which is composed of mercury and arsenic atoms, with the channels being occupied by discrete CdI₄²⁻ tetrahedral guest-anions. The optical properties were investigated in terms of the diffuse reflectance and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The electronic band structure along with density of states (DOS) calculated by DFT method indicates that the present compound is a semiconductor with a direct band gap, and that the optical absorption is mainly originated from the charge transitions from I-5p and As-4p to Cd-5s and Hg-6s states.     

(NH4)4P4O12 · 2Te(OH)6 · 2H2O,the first example of a tetrametaphosphate-tellurate

Ammonium tetrametaphosphate-tellurate dihydrate, (NH₄)₄P₄O₁₂ · 2Te(OH)₆ · 2H₂O, is triclinic with the following unit cell dimensions: a = 11.845(6), b = 8.554(5), c = 7.433(5) Å, α = 66.28(5), β = 95.91(5), γ = 76.00(5)° space group: $\text{P}\text{1}$ and Z = 1. The crystal structure has been determined with a final R value of 0.021. As in the previously described phosphate-tellurates, monophosphate-tellurate and trimetaphosphate-tellurates, the phosphoric anion (here the P₄O₁₂ ring) is independent of the octahedral Te(OH)₆ group. A complete pattern of the hydrogen bonds is given.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a new aluminum oxycarbonitride, Al5(O, C, N)4

A new aluminum oxycarbonitride, Al₅(O_xC_yN_4−x−y) (x∼1.4 and y∼2.1), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The title compound was found to be hexagonal with space group P6₃/mmc, Z=2, and unit-cell dimensions a=0.328455(6) nm, c=2.15998(3) nm and V=0.201805(6) nm³. The atom ratios O:C:N were determined by EELS. The final structural model, which is isomorphous with that of (Al_4.4Si_0.6)(O_1.0C_3.0), showed the positional disordering of one of the three types of Al sites. The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting (MPF) method was used to confirm the validity of the split-atom model, in which conventional structure bias caused by assuming intensity partitioning was minimized. The reliability indices calculated from the MPF were R_wp=6.94% (S=1.22), R_p=5.34%, R_B=1.35% and R_F=0.76%. The crystal was an inversion twin. Each twin-related individual was isostructural with Al₅C₃N (space group P6₃mc, Z=2).     

Stereo-conserved synthesis of syn-diarylheptanoids, active principles of Zingiber, starting from d-glucose

A highly efficient and stereo-controlled synthetic strategy has been developed to access syn-diarylheptanoids, for example, 2,3, 4, and 5b starting from d-glucose as a chiral pool. The 3-(R), 5-(S)-syn-diol stereochemistry present in these heptanoids was obtained after conserving C2 and C4 stereochemistry of d-glucose during the course of synthetic transformation. The key features of this synthetic strategy include: (i) conversion of d-glucose to a known chiral template 6 armored with the required 1,3-syn-diol stereochemistry as well as two terminal aldehyde functionalities for building up customized ‘diaryl wings’; (ii) conversion of 6 to 7 via an initial Wittig olefination at the C5-aldehyde; (iii) use of the hemiacetal 7 as a common intermediate to obtain the individual heptanoids via a second Wittig reaction at its anomeric center using appropriately chosen ylides.     

Secondary Metabolites,including a New 5,6-Dihydropyran-2-One,Produced by the Fungus Diplodia corticola. Aphicidal Activity of the Main Metabolite,Sphaeropsidin A

An undescribed 5,6-dihydropyran-2-one, namely diplopyrone C, was isolated and characterized from the cultures of an isolate of the fungus Diplodia corticola recovered from Quercus suber in Algeria. The structure and relative stereostructure of (5S,6S,7Z,9S,10S)-5-hydroxy-6-(2-(3-methyloxiran-2-yl)vinyl)-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one were assigned essentially based on NMR and MS data. Furthermore, ten known compounds were isolated and identified in the same cultures. The most abundant product, the tetracyclic pimarane diterpene sphaeropsidin A, was tested for insecticidal effects against the model sucking aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Results showed a toxic dose-dependent oral activity of sphaeropsidin A, with an LC₅₀ of 9.64 mM.     

Characterization of the photoisomers from cis- and trans-chlordanes, trans-nonachlor and heptachlor epoxide

Irradiation of acetone solutions of trans-chlordane (4a) and trans-nonachlor (4b) with UV light produces new half-cage photoisomers (5a or 6a and 5b or 6b, respectively) with bridging that differs from that of the photoisomers (2 and 8a) obtained from cis-chlordane (1b) and heptachlor epoxide (7). A new photoisomer (10) obtained from heptachlor epoxide is transformed into photoisomer 8a on further irradiation. Detailed PMR and ¹³C-NMR studies establish the structures of the new photoisomers and permit a decision between alternative formulations for the structures of the half-cage photoisomers of heptachlor epoxide and cis-chlordane,     

Stachyodin A,a pterocarpan derivative with unusual spirotetrahydrofuran ring from the roots of Indigofera stachyodes

Stachyodin A (1), a rearrangement product of pterocarpan featuring a 6/5/5/6 tetracyclic ring system with an unusual spirotetrahydrofuran ring, and stachyodin B (2), a new dihydrochalcone, along with five known analogues (3–7) were isolated from the roots of Indigofera stachyodes. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of their HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, respectively. Compounds 2–4 showed inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells.     

Harrisotones A-E, five novel prenylated polyketides with a rare spirocyclic skeleton from Harrisonia perforata

Five novel prenylated polyketides, harrisotones A-E (1-5) representing a rare spirocyclic skeleton, along with a new hydroperoxypolyketide harrisonol A (6), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Harrisonia perforata. The structures of harrisotones A-E (1-5) were extensively elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, especially 2D NMR and CD spectra. A plausible origin of compounds 1-5 was rationalized biogenetically, and traced back to harrisonol A (6). Harrisotones A-C (1-3) and harrisonol A (6) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against P-388 and/or A-549 tumor cell lines.     

Synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)- and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin

A convergent synthesis of (4R,15R,16R,21S)-rollicosin (1) and (4R,15S,16S,21S)-rollicosin (2) was accomplished. Hydroxy lactone 6a and/or 6b were synthesized from 4-pentyn-1-ol, and α,β-unsaturated lactone 7 was synthesized from γ-lactone 8 and 5-hexen-1-ol. Inhibitory activity of these compounds was examined with bovine heart mitochondrial complex I.