An effective metallohydrolase model with a supramolecular environment: structures, properties, and activities

A supramolecular inclusion complex, [Zn(L1)(H2O)2(beta-CD)](ClO4)2.9.5 H2O (1) was synthesized and characterized structurally and its first-order active species for hydrolysis of esters, [Zn(L1)(H2O)(OH)(beta-CD)](ClO4) (2), was isolated (L1=4-(4'-tert-butylbenzyl)diethylenetriamine; beta-CD=beta-cyclodextrin). The apparent inclusion stability constant of the host and the guest measured in aqueous solution was (5.91+/-0.03)x10(3) for 1. The measured values of the first- and second-order pK(a) values of coordinated water molecules were 8.20+/-0.08 and 10.44+/-0.08, respectively, and were assigned to water molecules occupying the plane and remaining axial positions in a distorted trigonal bipyramid of the [Zn(L1)(H2O)2(beta-CD)]2+ sphere according to the structural analysis of [Zn(L2)(H2O)}2(mu-OH)](ClO4)3 (3) (L2=4-benzyldiethylenetriamine). p-Nitrophenyl acetate (pNA) hydrolysis catalyzed by 1 at pH 7.5-9.1 and 25.0+/-0.1 degrees C exhibited a first-order reaction with various concentrations of pNA and 1, but the pH profile did not indicate saturated kinetic behavior. Second-order rate constants of 0.59 and 24.0 M(-1) s(-1) were calculated for [Zn(L1)(H2O)(OH)(beta-CD)]+ and [Zn(L1)(OH)2(beta-CD)], respectively; the latter exhibited a potent catalytic activity relative to the reported mononuclear and polynuclear Zn(II) species.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the interaction of nitric oxide with pentacyanoferrate(II). Formation and dissociation of [Fe(CN)5NO]3 -

The interaction of NO with [Fe(CN)(5)H(2)O](3)(-) (generated by aquation of the corresponding ammine complex) to produce [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) was studied by UV-vis spectrophotometry. The reaction product is the well characterized nitrosyl complex, described as a low-spin Fe(II) bound to the NO radical. The experiments were performed in the pH range 4-10, at different concentrations of NO, temperatures and pressures. The rate law was first-order in each of the reactants, with the specific complex-formation rate constant, k(f)( )()= 250 +/- 10 M(-)(1) s(-)(1) (25.4 degrees C, I = 0.1 M, pH 7.0), DeltaH(f)() = 70 +/- 1 kJ mol(-)(1), DeltaS(f)() = +34 +/- 4 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1), and DeltaV(f)() = +17.4 +/- 0.3 cm(3) mol(-)(1). These values support a dissociative mechanism, with rate-controlling dissociation of coordinated water, and subsequent fast coordination of NO. The complex-formation process depends on pH, indicating that the initial product [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) is unstable, with a faster decomposition rate at lower pH. The decomposition process is associated with release of cyanide, further reaction of NO with [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2)(-), and formation of nitroprusside and other unknown products. The decomposition can be prevented by addition of free cyanide to the solutions, enabling a study of the dissociation process of NO from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-). Cyanide also acts as a scavenger for the [Fe(CN)(5)](3)(-) intermediate, giving [Fe(CN)(6)](4)(-) as a final product. From the first-order behavior, the dissociation rate constant was obtained as k(d) = (1.58 +/- 0.06) x 10(-)(5) s(-)(1) at 25.0 degrees C, I = 0.1 M, and pH 10.2. Activation parameters were found to be DeltaH(d)() = 106.4 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-)(1), DeltaS(d)() = +20 +/- 2 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1), and DeltaV(d)() = +7.1 +/- 0.2 cm(3) mol(-)(1), which are all in line with a dissociative mechanism. The low value of k(d) as compared to values for the release of other ligands L from [Fe(II)(CN)(5)L](n)()(-) suggests a moderate to strong sigma-pi interaction of NO with the iron(II) center. It is concluded that the release of NO from nitroprusside in biological media does not originate from [Fe(CN)(5)NO](3)(-) produced on reduction of nitroprusside but probably proceeds through the release of cyanide and further reactions of the [Fe(CN)(4)NO](2)(-) ion.     

Ester hydrolysis by a cyclodextrin dimer catalyst with a metallophenanthroline linking group

A novel beta-cyclodextrin dimer, 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dimethyl-bridged-bis(6-monoammonio-beta-cyclodextrin) (phenBisCD, L), was synthesized. Its zinc complex (ZnL) has been prepared, characterized, and applied as a new catalyst for diester hydrolysis. The formation constant (logK(ML)=9.56+/-0.01) of the complex and deprotonation constant (pK(a)=8.18+/-0.04) of the coordinated water molecule were determined by a potentiometric pH titration at (298+/-0.1) K. Hydrolytic kinetics of carboxylic acid esters were performed with bis(4-nitrophenyl) carbonate (BNPC) and 4-nitrophenyl acetate (NA) as substrates. The obtained hydrolysis rate constants showed that ZnL has a very high rate of catalysis for BNPC hydrolysis, giving a 3.89x10(4)-fold rate enhancement over uncatalyzed hydrolysis at pH 7.01, relative to only a 42-fold rate enhancement for NA hydrolysis. Moreover, the hydrolysis second-order rate constants of both BNPC and NA greatly increases with pH. Hydrolytic kinetics of a phosphate diester catalyzed by ZnL was also investigated by using bis(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) as the substrate. The pH dependence of the BNPP cleavage in aqueous buffer shows a sigmoidal curve with an inflection point around pH 8.11, which was nearly identical to the pK(a) value from the potentiometric titration. The k(cat) of BNPP hydrolysis promoted by ZnL was found to be 9.9x10(-4) M(-1) s(-1), which is comparatively higher than most other reported Zn(II)-based systems. The possible intermediate for the hydrolysis of BNPP, BNPC, and NA catalyzed by ZnL is proposed on the basis of kinetic and thermodynamic analysis.     

Triisopropyltriazacyclononane copper(II): an efficient phosphodiester hydrolysis catalyst and DNA cleavage agent

A 6000-fold rate enhancement has been observed for the hydrolysis of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) in the presence of 0.2 mM Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) at pH 9.2 and 50 degrees C. In a direct comparison, the rate of hydrolysis of BNPP is accelerated at least 60-fold over the previously reported catalyst Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+). As observed for Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+), hydrolysis is selective for diesters over monoesters. Hydrolysis of BNPP by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is catalytic, exhibiting both rate enhancement and turnover. The reaction is inhibited by both p-nitrophenyl phosphate and inorganic phosphate. The reaction is first-order in substrate and half-order in metal complex, with a k(1.5) of 0.060 +/- 0.004 M(-1/2) s(-1) at 50 degrees C. The temperature dependence of the rate constant results in a calculated activation enthalpy (Delta H(++) of 51 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) and activation entropy (Delta S(++)) of -110 +/- 6 J mol(-1) K(-1). The kinetic pK(a) of 7.8 +/- 0.2 is close to the thermodynamic pK(a) of 7.9 +/- 0.2, consistent with deprotonation of a coordinated water molecule in the active form of the catalyst. The active catalyst [Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(OH)(OH(2))](+) is in equilibrium with an inactive dimer, and the formation constant for this dimer is between 216 and 1394 M(-1) at pH 9.2 and 50 degrees C. Temperature dependence of the dimer formation constant K(f) indicates an endothermic enthalpy of formation for the dimer of 27 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1). The time course of anaerobic DNA cleavage by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is presented over a wide range of concentrations at pH 7.8 at 50 degrees C. The concentration dependence of DNA cleavage by Cu([9]aneN(3))(2+) and Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) reveals a maximum cleavage efficiency at sub-micromolar concentrations of cleavage agent. DNA cleavage by Cu(i-Pr(3)[9]aneN(3))(2+) is twice as efficient at pH 7.8 as at pH 7.2.     

An electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometric (ESI-MS-MSn) study of dehydroascorbic acid hydrolysis at neutral pH

The hydrolysis of dehydroascorbic acid (DAAH) at neutral pH and 27 degrees C was investigated by direct infusion electrospray ionisation ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). This approach permitted derivatisation and elution procedures to be avoided, reducing to the minimum extent sample manipulation and allowing a rapid and direct observation of the species involved in the reaction. Six main peaks, related to hydrated dehydroascorbate (HyDAA-) and diketogulonate (HyDKG-) anions, were observed in the mass spectra of DAAH solutions at different times of incubation and were characterised by MSn experiments. The relevant signal intensities changed with time and a model, based on the irreversible pseudo-first order HyDAA(-)-->HyDKG- conversion, fitted successfully the data obtained for dehydroascorbate. The kinetic constant of the process was (3.2 +/- 0.5) x 10(-2) min-1. The influence of metal ion traces on the hydrolysis rate was also checked, performing experiments in the presence of EDTA, and was found to be negligible.     

Behaviour of the thiodipropionic complex of In(III) and U(VI) at the DME in aqueous and aqueous methanolic solutions

The complexation of In(III) and U(VI) with thiodipropionic acid has been investigated polarographically in water and water-methanol solutions at 30 +/- 0.1 degrees . All the chelates belong to polaro-graphically reversible systems. With indium(III), complexes with metal to ligand ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 are found at pH 4.8. Uranium(VI) is found to form three successive complexes with metal to ligand ratios of 1:1,1:2 and 1:3 in 0.1M HCl, with 0.1M KCl as supporting electrolyte.     

A mechanistic study of the alkaline hydrolysis of diaryl sulfate diesters

Nearly all of the reported studies of reactions of sulfate diesters are for dialkyl or alkyl aryl diesters, which undergo reaction by carbon-oxygen bond fission. Sulfuryl transfer reactions of sulfate diesters (RO-SO(2)-OR') proceeding by attack at sulfur have been little explored. When both ester groups are aryl groups the hydrolysis reaction (sulfuryl transfer to water) occurs by way of attack at sulfur. The alkaline hydrolysis of diaryl sulfate diesters was shown to obey first-order kinetics with respect to [(-)OH] and proceed through S-O bond fission, in a mechanism that is most likely concerted. Activation parameters for 4-chloro-3-nitrophenyl phenyl sulfate and 4-nitrophenyl phenyl sulfate gave the following respective values: Delta H(++) = 88.0 +/- 0.1 and 84.83 +/- 0.06 kJ mol(-)(1) and Delta S(++) = -37 +/- 1 and -50.2 +/- 0.5 J mol(-)(1) deg(-)(1). The dependence of the second-order rate constant for hydrolysis on leaving group pK(a) was analyzed giving a beta(lg) slope of -0.7 +/- 0.2 and a Leffler alpha parameter value of 0.36. A (15)k kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for the hydroxide attack on 4-nitrophenyl phenyl sulfate of 1.0000 +/-0.0005 and an (18)k(lg) KIE value of 1.003+/-0.002 were obtained.     

Mechanisms of NO release by N1-nitrosomelatonin: nucleophilic attack versus reducing pathways

A new type of physiologically relevant nitrosamines have been recently recognized, the N(1)-nitrosoindoles. The possible pathways by which N(1)-nitrosomelatonin (NOMel) can react in physiological environments have been studied. Our results show that NOMel slowly decomposes spontaneously in aqueous solution, generating melatonin as the main organic product (k = (3.7 +/- 1.1) x 10(-5) s(-1), Tris-HCl (0.2 M) buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C, anaerobic). This rate is accelerated by acidification (k(pH 5.8) = (4.5 +/- 0.7) x 10(-4) s(-1), k(pH 8.8) = (3.9 +/- 0.6) x 10(-6) s(-1), Tris-HCl (0.2 M) buffer at 37 degrees C), by the presence of O(2) (k(o) = (9.8 +/- 0.1) x 10(-5) s(-1), pH 7.4, 37 degrees C, [NOMel] = 0.1 mM, P(O(2)) = 1 atm), and by the presence of the spin trap TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl; k(o) = (2.0 +/- 0.1) x 10(-4) s(-1), pH 7.4, 37 degrees C, [NOMel] = 0.1 mM, [TEMPO] = 9 mM). We also found that NOMel can transnitrosate to l-cysteinate, producing S-nitrosocysteine and melatonin (k = 0.127 +/- 0.002 M(-1) s(-1), Tris-HCl (0.2 M) buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C). The reaction of NOMel with ascorbic acid as a reducing agent has also been studied. This rapid reaction produces nitric oxide and melatonin. The saturation of the observed rate constant (k = (1.08 +/- 0.04) x 10(-3) s(-1), Tris-HCl (0.2 M) buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C) at high ascorbic acid concentration (100-fold with respect to NOMel) and the pH independence of this reaction in the pH range 7-9 indicate that the reactive species are ascorbate and melatonyl radical originated from the reversible homolysis of NOMel. Taking into account kinetic and DFT calculation data, a comprehensive mechanism for the denitrosation of NOMel is proposed. On the basis of our kinetics results, we conclude that under physiological conditions NOMel mainly reacts with endogenous reducing agents (such as ascorbic acid), producing nitric oxide and melatonin.     

Equilibrium and Kinetics of Bromine Hydrolysis

Equilibrium constants for bromine hydrolysis, K(1) = [HOBr][H(+)][Br(-)]/[Br(2)(aq)], are determined as a function of ionic strength (&mgr;) at 25.0 degrees C and as a function of temperature at &mgr; approximately 0 M. At &mgr; approximately 0 M and 25.0 degrees C, K(1) = (3.5 +/- 0.1) x 10(-)(9) M(2) and DeltaH degrees = 62 +/- 1 kJ mol(-)(1). At &mgr; = 0.50 M and 25.0 degrees C, K(1) = (6.1 +/- 0.1) x 10(-)(9) M(2) and the rate constant (k(-)(1)) for the reverse reaction of HOBr + H(+) + Br(-) equals (1.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(10) M(-)(2) s(-)(1). This reaction is general-acid-assisted with a Br?nsted alpha value of 0.2. The corresponding Br(2)(aq) hydrolysis rate constant, k(1), equals 97 s(-)(1), and the reaction is general-base-assisted (beta = 0.8).     

Combined LIBD and XAFS investigation of the formation and structure of Zr(IV) colloids

The solubility of Zr(OH)4(am)--in other words hydrated Zr(IV) oxyhydroxide--is determined by means of coulometric titration (CT), and colloids are detected by laser-induced breakdown when the solubility limit is exceeded. Our results at pH 3-8 demonstrate that the solubility of Zr(OH)4(am) is several orders of magnitude higher than reported classical solubility data for acidic solutions, determined from undersaturation with a less soluble microcrystalline Zr(IV) oxide precipitate. Analysis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data shows that the microcrystalline colloids in a 0.1 mol l(-1) Zr aqueous solution at pH 0.2 contain tetrameric units, similar to those present in the structure of ZrOCl2.8H2O. Characterization of the CT solutions by means of EXAFS shows that oligomeric species form as the solubility limit is approached. The current lack of data on equilibrium constants for polynuclear hydroxide complexes prohibits the use of a realistic speciation model to describe the solubility of pH-dependent Zr(OH)4(am). However, the solubility curve is obtained using the mononuclear hydrolysis constants estimated in the present paper, along with the solubility constant (log K'sp=-49.9+/-0.5 in 0.5 mol l(-1) NaCl; log K degrees(sp)=-53.1+/-0.5 at I=0).     

Unexpected stability of aryl beta-N-acetylneuraminides in neutral solution: biological implications for sialyl transfer reactions

A reagent panel comprised of seven aryl beta-D-N-acetylneuraminides was synthesized and then used to probe the mechanisms of nonenzymatic hydrolysis. These reactions proceeded via four independent pathways: (1) acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the neutral molecule; (2) acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the anionic form, or its kinetic equivalent spontaneous hydrolysis of the neutral form; (3) spontaneous hydrolysis of the anionic form; and (4) a base-promoted pathway. The pH-independent spontaneous hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl alpha-D-N-acetylneuraminide (5) occurs at a rate that is over 100 times faster than that of the corresponding reaction of 4-nitrophenyl beta-D-N-acetylneuraminide (4a). Spontaneous hydrolyses of four aryl beta-D-N-acetylneuraminides displayed a beta(lg) value of -1.24 +/- 0.16 (pH = 8.1, T = 100 degrees C), and at a pH value of 1.0 (50 degrees C), all seven panel members gave a beta(lg) value of 0.14 +/- 0.08. The aqueous ethanolyses of 4a and 5 gave similar products and displayed sensitivity parameters (m) in a standard Winstein-Grunwald analysis of -0.04 +/- 0.01 and +0.23 +/- 0.02, respectively. These results, plus the activation parameters calculated for the spontaneous hydrolyses of the anionic forms of 5 (DeltaH() = 116 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS = 27 +/- 4 J mol(-1) K(-1)) and 4a (DeltaH = 138 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaS = 59 +/- 8 J mol(-1) K(-1)), are inconsistent with anomeric carboxylate assistance occurring during the hydrolysis reactions, and the likely cause for the enhanced reactivity of 5 in comparison to that of 4a is an increase in ground-state steric strain.     

Copper(II) complexes of novel N-alkylated derivatives of cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane. 2. Metal-promoted phosphate diester hydrolysis

Aqueous copper(II) N,N',N' '-trimethyl-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane (Cu(tach-Me(3))(2+)(aq)) promotes the hydrolysis of activated phosphate diesters in aqueous medium at pH 7.2. This complex is selective for cleavage of the phosphate diester sodium bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP), the rate of hydrolysis of the monoester disodium p-nitrophenyl phosphate being 1000 times slower. The observed rate acceleration of BNPP hydrolysis is slightly greater than that observed for other Cu(II) complexes, such as [Cu([9]aneN(3))Cl(2)] ([9]aneN(3) identical with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane). The rate of hydrolysis is first-order in phosphate ester at low ester concentration and second-order in [Cu(tach-Me(3))](2+)(aq), suggesting the involvement of two metal complexes in the mechanism of substrate hydrolysis. The reaction exhibits saturation kinetics with respect to BNPP concentration according to a modified Michaelis-Menten mechanism: 2CuL + S <==> LCu-S-CuL --> 2CuL + products (K(M) = 12.3 +/- 1.8 mM(2), k(cat) = (4.0 +/- 0.4) x 10(-)(4) s(-1), 50 degrees C) where CuL (triple bond) [Cu(tach-Me(3))](2+), S (triple bond) BNPP, and LCu-S-CuL is a substrate-bridged dinuclear complex. EPR data indicate that the dicopper complex is formed only in the presence of BNPP; the active LCu-S-CuL intermediate species then slowly decays to products, regenerating monomeric CuL.     

Oxygen measurement via phosphorescence: reaction of sodium dithionite with dissolved oxygen

A homemade instrument for the measurement of oxygen concentration in aqueous solutions measures the decay rate of the phosphorescence of a Pd-porphyrin complex (phosphor) dissolved in the solution, which is flashed every 0.1 s with 630 nm light. The concentration of O2 is a linear function of the decay rate. The instrument is used to study the reaction of dithionite (S2O42-) with O2 at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C. It is found that the ratio of dithionite to oxygen consumed in the reaction is 1.2 +/- 0.2 at 25 degrees C and 1.7 +/- 0.1 at 37 degrees C, suggesting a temperature-dependent stoichiometry. At both temperatures, the initial rate of O2 consumption, -d[O2]/dt, is found to be 1/2 order in S2O42- and first order in O2. This finding is consistent with a previously proposed mechanism: S2O42- <--> 2SO2- comes to a rapid equilibrium, and SO2- reacts with O2 in the rate-determining step.     

Evaluation of the pH- and thermal stability of the recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the presence of sodium chloride

The thermal stability of recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions at different concentrations, pH, and temperatures was evaluated by assaying the loss of fluorescence intensity as a measure of denaturation. GFP, extracted from Escherichia coli cells by the three-phase partitioning method and purified through a butyl hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) column, was diluted in water for injection (WFI) (pH 6.0-7.0) and in 10 mM buffer solutions (acetate, pH 5.0; phosphate, pH 7.0; and Tris-EDTA, pH 8.0) with 0.9-30% NaCl or without and incubated at 80-95 degrees C. The extent of protein denaturation was expressed as a percentage of the calculated decimal reduction time (D-value). In acetate buffer (pH 4.84+/-0.12), the mean D-values for 90% reduction in GFP fluorescence ranged from 2.3 to 3.6 min, independent of NaCl concentration and temperature. GFP thermal stability diluted in WFI (pH 5.94+/-0.60) was half that observed in phosphate buffer (pH 6.08+/-0.60); but in both systems, D-values decreased linearly with increasing NaCl concentration, with D-values (at 80 degrees C) ranging from 3.44, min (WFI) to 6.1 min (phosphate buffer), both with 30% NaCl. However, D-values in Tris-EDTA (pH 7.65+/-0.17) were directly dependent on the NaCl concentration and 5-10 times higher than D-values for GFP in WFI at 80 degrees C. GFP pH- and thermal stability can be easily monitored by the convenient measure of fluorescence intensity and potentially be used as an indicator to monitor that processing times and temperatures were attained.     

Interference in the kinetic determination of ascorbic acid by sulphide and sulphite

The reduction of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPI) by sulphides and sulphites has been studied kinetically by the stopped-flow technique. The reaction is first-order with respect to each of the reactants. From the distribution diagrams for the species DH(+)(2), DH and D(-) for DCPI and H(2)Q, HQ(-) and Q(2-) for sulphides or sulphites, a mechanism is proposed which suggests partial reactions of all possible combinations of the reacting species at any pH. An equation for calculation of the second-order reaction rate constants k at any pH is derived, which gives k as a function of [H(+)], the partial reaction rate constants and the dissociation constants of DCPI and H(2)S or H(2)SO(3). Values of the overall reaction rate constants over a wide pH-range have been determined, together with values of k for all possible partial reactions. For particular pH-values the second-order reaction rate constant was determined by four different methods. Mean values of k = 251 +/- 1 and 240 +/- 1 l.mole(-1).sec(-1) were obtained for pH 3.15 and 4.17, respectively, for the DCPI-Na(2)S reaction and k = 137 +/- 1, 127 +/- 1 and 136 +/- 1 l.mole(-1).sec(-1) for pH 2.02, 4.25 and 5.10, respectively, for the DCPI-Na(2)SO(3) reaction. From the slopes of the linear Arrhenius plots activation energies of 6.6 +/- 0.2 and 4.0 +/- 0.1 kcal/mole for the DCPI-Na(2)S and DCPI-Na(2)SO(3) reactions, respectively were calculated. The effect of ionic strength on the reactions supports the proposed mechanism.     

Reactive dye ostazine black V-B: determination in the dye-bath and hydrolysis monitoring by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Monitoring the hydrolysis of Ostazine Black V-B reactive dye was found to be possible by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). All the desired substances were identified in a mixture of the dye-bath. The process of the substrate reactive dye hydrolysis was qualified with hydrolysis rate constants k(1) (2.0 +/- 0.3 h(-1)) and k(2) (0.6 +/- 0.1 h(-1)). The method developed is important for the dyeing industry and for following the colouration process.     

The reaction of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP) with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril--mechanism of transnitrosation

Kinetic studies involving the use of both stopped-flow and diode array spectrophotometers, show that the reaction between SNAP and captopril in the presence of the metal ion sequestering agent, EDTA, occurs in two well-defined stages. The first stage is a fast reaction while the second stage is slow. The first stage has been postulated to be transnitrosation, and the second stage involves the decay of the newly formed RSNO to effect nitric oxide (NO) release. Both stages are found to be dependent on captopril and H+ concentration. The rates of the transnitrosation increased drastically with increasing pH in the first stage, signifying that the deprotonated form of captopril is the more reactive species. In the case of the second stage the variation in pH showed an increase in rate up to pH 8 after which the rate remained unchanged. Both stages were clearly distinguishable and easily monitored separately. Transnitrosation is a reversible reaction with the tendency for the equilibrium to break down at high thiol concentration. Second-order rate constants were calculated based on the following derived expressions: -d[SNAP]/dt=k(f)((K(SHCapSH)[CapSH](t))/(K(SHCapSH)+[H+]))[SNAP]. k(f) is the second-order rate constant for the forward reaction of the reversible transnitrosation process. At 37 degrees C, k(f)= 785 +/- 14 M(-1) s(-1), activation parameters [Delta]H(f)++= 49 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1), (Delta)S(f)++=-32 +/- 2 J K(-1) mol(-1). The activation parameters demonstrate the associative nature of the transnitrosation mechanism. The second stage has been found to be very complex, as a variety of nitrogen products form as predicted before. However, the following expression was derived from the initial kinetic data: rate =k1K[SNOCap][CapS-]/(K[CapS-]+ 1) to give k1= 13.3 +/- 0.4 x 10(-4) s(-1) and K= 5.59 +/- 0.53 x 10(4) M(-1), at 37 degrees C, where k1 is the first-order rate constant for the decay of the intermediate formed during the reaction between SNOCap and the remaining excess CapSH present at the end of the first stage reaction. Activation parameters are (Delta)H1++= 37 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1), (Delta)S1++=-181 +/- 44 J K(-1) mol(-1).     

Paper electrophoretic determination of the stability constants of binary and ternary complexes of copper(II) and cobalt(II) with nitrilotriacetate and cysteine

A paper ionophoretic method is described for the study of equilibria in mixed ligand (nitrilotriacetate-cysteine) complex system in solution. The proportion of ionic species of nitrilotriacetate (NTA) and cysteine were varied by changing the pH of background electrolyte. The stability constants of Cu(II)-NTA-cysteine and Co(II)-NTA-cysteine complexes were found to be 6.35+/-0.05 and 5.45+/-0.02 (logarithm stability constant values), respectively, at ionic strength 0.1 M and a temperature of 35 degrees C.     

The thermodynamic model of inorganic arsenic species in aqueous solutions Potentiometric study of the hydrolitic equilibrium of arsenic acid

Protonation constants of arsenic acid were determined at different ionic strengths in NaClO(4) (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 mol dm(-3)), NaCl (0.5 and 1.0 mol dm(-3)) and KCl (0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 mol dm(-3)) ionic media by means of a potentiometric study. The distribution of arsenate species was defined depending on two important variables in natural environments: pH and composition. All the experimentation was performed at 25 degrees C. The differences found in the protonation constants for different medium compositions, were explained by the different behaviour of the interaction parameters of the species considered in the different media and ionic strengths. These parameters were reported for all hydrolitic As(V) species and were calculated using the Modified Bromley's Methodology (MBM). The corresponding thermodynamic stepwise formation constants were also determined (log degrees K(1)=11.58+/-0.01, log degrees K(2)=7.06+/-0.01, log degrees K(3)=2.25+/-0.01). All the results obtained showed not only the importance of the ionic strength but also of the composition of the ionic medium on the distribution of the acid-base species of As(V) as a function of pH in natural waters.