Triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. Structure and cytotoxic action of cucumariosides A2, A7, A9, A10, an, A13 and A14, seven new minor non-sulfated tetraosides and an aglycone with an uncommon 18-hydroxy group

Seven new minor triterpene glycosides, cucumariosides A2 (1), A7 (2), A9 (3), A10 (4), A11 (5), A13 (6) and A14 (7) have been isolated from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. Structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. Glycosides 1-7 belong to the group of cucumariosides A, having linear tetrasaccharide carbohydrate moieties without any sulfate group and possessing 3-O-methyl-D-xylose as a terminal monosaccharide unit. Glycosides 1, 2, 5-7 differ from each other in side chain structures in aglycone moieties, while cucumarioside A10 (4) has a 23,24,25,26,27-pentanorlanostane aglycone with 18(16)-lactone. Cucumarioside A9 (3), having an uncommon 18-hydroxy group, is the second representative of the unique metabolically active glycosides that are regarded as intermediates of glycoside biosynthesis in sea cucumbers. Cytotoxic activities of glycosides 1-7 and cucumarioside A8 (8) against mouse spleen lymphocytes and the cells of the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma, along with hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes and antifungal activity were studied. Cucumariosides A2 (1), A8 (8) and A13 (6) demonstrated high hemolytic activities. Glycosides 1, 4 and 6 showed moderate cytotoxic activity. Only cucumarioside A8 (8), having an 18-oxymethylene group and a 24(25)-double bond, was very active in all the tests.     

Highly Antiplasmodial Non‐Natural Oxidative Products of Dioncophylline A: Synthesis,Absolute Configuration,and Conformational Stability

Four new compounds, the monomeric dioncotetralones A ( 6 a ) and B ( 6 b ) and the dimeric compounds jozimine A₃ ( 7 ) and jozimine A₄ ( 9 ), were semi‐synthesized from the natural product dioncophylline A ( 4 ) and its 5′‐O‐demethylated derivative ( 5 ), respectively, under phenol oxidative reaction conditions. Dioncotetralones A ( 6 a ) and B ( 6 b ) possess an unprecedented Z‐configured double bond, in contrast to the classic biaryl axis that is present in the precursor dioncophylline A ( 4 ), and an additional stereogenic center at the C2′ atom was generated due to the dearomatization. The resulting steric repulsion forced the expected planar double bond into a helical distorted conformation. The homocoupling of 5 yielded compounds 7 and 9 , the latter of which is the first sp³–sp² coupled product of a monomeric naphthylisoquinoline with a reduced one and, thus, contains a newly generated stereogenic center. The full stereostructures of 6 a , 6 b , 7 , and 9 were successfully elucidated by the interplay of spectroscopic methods (1D/2D NMR and electronic circular‐dichroism spectroscopy) in combination with quantum‐chemical calculations. In addition, compounds 6 a and 7 exhibited high antiplasmodial activities with excellent half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values.     

A novel agarofuran sesquiterpene, celahin D from Celastrus hindsii Benth

A novel agarofuran sesquiterpene polyol ester, 1beta,2beta,6alpha,15beta-tetracetoxy-8 beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-beta- dihydroagarofuran (celahin D) (1), two known analogues of 1,1beta-acetoxy-8beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-4al pha6alpha-dihydroxy-2beta(alphamethylbutanoyloxy)-beta-++ +dihydroagarofuran (2) and beta-acetoxy-8beta,9alpha-dibenzoyloxy-6alpha-hy droxy-2beta(alpha -methylbutanoyloxy)-beta-dihydroagarofuran (3), and a known cytotoxic sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloid, emarginatine E (4) were isolated from the stems of Celastrus hindsii Benth. Three known triterpenes, loranthol (5), lupenone (6) and friedelinol (7) were also obtained from the titled plant. Structural elucidation of compound 1 was established by 2D NMR spectra.     

3,7-Dimethylguanine, a new purine from a Philippine sponge Zyzzya fuliginosa.

A new purine 3,7-dimethylguanine (1) has been isolated from the marine sponge Zyzzya fuliginosa, along with the known metabolites, makaluvamines A, C, K (2--4), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), methyl ester of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6), 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (7), L-phenylalanine (8) and L-tryptophan (9). The structure of 3,7-dimethylguanine (1) was elucidated by analysis of 1D and 2D (one- and two-dimensional) NMR [HMQC (heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence), gHMBC (heteronuclear multiple bond connectivity), 1H-15N gHMBC] data, mass spectroscopy data, and by comparison with 3,7-dimethylisoguanine (10).     

Kallisteine A and B, two new coumarins from the roots of Peucedanum paniculatum L, a species endemic to Corsica

From the dichloromethane extract of the roots of Peucedanum paniculatum L., two new coumarins, a species endemic to Corsica, have been isolated. Their structures were elucidated, on the basis of spectroscopic studies, particularly 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as 6-(7'-beta-cyclolavandulyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin 1 and a spirodihydrofurano-coumarin 2 (Kallisteine A and B).     

Triterpene glycosides from the sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. Structure and biological action of cucumariosides A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A12 and A15, seven new minor non-sulfated tetraosides and unprecedented 25-keto, 27-norholostane aglycone

Seven new minor triterpene glycosides, cucumariosides A1 (1), A3 (2), A4 (3), A5 (4), A6 (5), A12 (6) and A15 (7) have been isolated from the Far Eastern sea cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix. Structures of the glycosides were elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and MS. Glycosides 1-7 belong to the group of cucumariosides A, having linear tetrasaccharide carbohydrate moieties without any sulfate group and possessing 3-O-methyl-D-xylose as a terminal monosaccharide unit. The latter peculiarity is rare in sea cucumber glycosides, but typical for the glycosides from E. fraudatrix. Glycosides 1-7 differ from each other by side chain structures in the aglycone moieties; three of them have unique structural features. The first is the presence of a 25-butoxy-group in the side chain of cucumarioside A3 (2), the second is a 23E,25-diene system in cucumarioside A6 (5) and the third is a 25-keto-27-nor-holostane aglycone in cucumarioside A12 (6); these were never previously found in sea cucumber glycosides. Cytotoxic activity of glycosides 1-7 against mouse spleen lymphocytes and the cells of the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma, along with hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes and antifungal activity were studied. Glycosides 1 and 5 were the most active in all the tests.     

Synthesis, characterization, and substitution chemistry of [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(OSO2CF3)6]. A versatile precursor for axially substituted clusters containing the (W6Cl8)4+ core

The new cluster [Bu4N]2[W6Cl8(OSO2CF3)6] (1) has been prepared and structurally characterized. This material is an effective precursor for the generation of cluster ions with the general formula [W6C18L6]n (L = Cl-, Br-, I-, NCS-, NCO-, NCSe-, and O=PPh3; n = 2- or 4+). The last three clusters are new. The products have been characterized by IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and FAB mass spectrometry. In addition to 1, the products [Bu4N]2[W6C18(NCS)6] (5) and [Bu4N]2[W6C18(NCO)6] (7) were structurally characterized. Crystal data for 1: space group, P2(1/c) (No. 14); a = 11.116(5) A; b = 27.952(1) A; c = 24.516(1) A; beta = 95.182(9) degrees; V = 7586.3(5) A3; Z = 4. Crystal data for 5: space group, P2(1/n) (No. 14); a = 11.3323(9) A; b = 12.3404(9) A; c = 44.583(3) A; beta = 97.089(1) degrees ; V = 6187.1(7) A3; Z = 4. Crystal data for 7: space group, P1 (No. 2); a = 11.8009(8) A; b = 11.9332(8) A; c = 11.9522(8) A; alpha = 77.904(1) degrees; beta = 95.182(9) degrees; gamma = 62.574(1) degrees V = 1450.5(2) A3; Z = 1.     

13C-NMR.-spectroscopy of the trichothecane derivatives verrucarol, verrucarins A and B and roridins A, D and H.

Partial decoupling experiments permitted assignment of carbon magnetic resonance spectra of verrucarins A ( 1 ) and B ( 4 ), of roridin A ( 2 ), D ( 5 ), and H ( 6 ), and of verrucarol (9). In this connection new verrucarol derivatives were prepared and are described.     

Wedelolides A and B: novel sesquiterpene delta-lactones, (9R)-eudesman-9,12-olides, from Wedelia trilobata

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, wedelolides A (1) and B (2), were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation from the leaves of Wedelia trilobata, together with known trilobolides 6-O-isobutyrate (3) and 6-O-methacrylate (4). The compounds 1 and 2 were the first examples of an unprecedented framework: a novel sesquiterpene delta-lactone, (9R)-eudesman-9,12-olide. The structures of the antimalarial wedelolides A (1) and B (2) were determined on the basis of MS and 2D NMR spectral analysis. The absolute configuration of eight carbon stereocenters of compounds 1 and 2 was determined to be 1S,4S,5S,6R,7S,8S,9R,10S by mean of auxiliary chiral MTPA derivatives.     

Organotin derivatives of alpha-[XIIIW9O33]9- (X = As,Sb) heteropolytungstates. Solution- and solid-state characterization of [[C6H5Sn)2O]2H(alpha-AsW9O33)2]9- and [(C6H5Sn)3Na3(alpha-SbW9O33)2]6-

The tris(phenyltin)-substituted tungstoantimonate(III) Cs6[(PhSn)3Na3(alpha-SbW9O33)2].20H2O (1) and the tetrakis-(phenyltin)-substituted tungstoarsenate(III) Na9[[(PhSn)2O]2H(alpha-AsW9O33)2].20H2O (2) have been prepared by reaction of phenyltin trichloride with Na9[alpha-SbW9O33].19.5H2O and Na9[alpha-AsW9O33].19.5H2O, respectively, in aqueous solution. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray crystallography, multinuclear NMR, and infrared spectroscopy. Crystals of 1 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 13.7952(1) A, b = 22.3133(2) A, c = 34.4493(2) A, beta = 90.933(1) degrees, and Z = 4. Anion 1 has nominal D3h symmetry and contains three PhSn3+ groups and three sodium ions sandwiched between [alpha-SbW9O33]9- units. Crystals of 2 are triclinic, space group P1, with a = 15.272(6) A, b = 15.303(6) A, c = 16.760(7) A, alpha = 93.59(3) degrees, beta = 106.187(19) degrees, gamma = 112.23(3) degrees, and Z = 1. Anion 2 has nominal C2h symmetry and contains four PhSn3+ groups sandwiched between two [alpha-AsW9O33]9- units.     

A new cycloartane nortriterpenoid from Quercus variabilis Blume

The leaves and stems of Quercus variabilis Blume afforded a new cycloartane nortriterpenoid,3α-acetyloxy-4α,14α-dimethyl-9β, 19-cycloergost-24-oic acid(1),along with five known compounds(2-6).The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy.     

Complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR data for rings A,B-seco limonoids from the seed of Aphanamixis polystachya

Seven rings A,B-seco limonoids 1-7 were isolated from the EtOH extract of the seed of Aphanamixis polystachya. Their structures were identified as rohituka-7 (1), dregeana-1 (2), rohituka-15 (3), Tr-B (4), rohituka-3 (5), rohituka-5 (6), and rohituka-14 (7) by MS and NMR spectroscopy. The complete assignment of proton and carbon signals was achieved by 1D and 2D NMR experiments including DEPT, HSQC, 1H--1H COSY, HMBC, and NOESY.     

Molecular Recognition of Amino Acids by Copper(II) Complexes of 6(A),6(X)-Diamino-6(A),6(X)-dideoxy-beta-cyclodextrin (X = B, C, D)

The three regioisomers of beta-cyclodextrin 6-difunctionalized with NH(2) groups (6(A),6(X)-diamino-6(A),6(X)-dideoxy-beta-cyclodextrin, A,X-CDNH(2), X = B, C, or D) were synthesized. Their binary and ternary copper(II) complexes with amino acids were characterized by ESR and electronic spectroscopy. Furthermore, the binary copper(II) complexes were used as eluent in ligand exchange chromatography (LEC), to resolve racemates of unmodified amino acids. HPLC separation of enantiomers of aromatic amino acids was obtained only when the complex [Cu(A,B-CDNH(2))](2+) was used as eluent. The two complexes with the other two regioisomers did not show chiral recognition ability. Circular dichroism (c.d.) spectroscopy studies of the ternary complexes with D- and L-amino acids carried out in the presence and in the absence of 1-adamantanol, suggested a recognition mechanism that involves the cyclodextrin cavity, only in the case of ternary A,B-CDNH(2) complexes.     

Magnetic and optical studies on an S = 6 ground-state cluster [Cr12O9(OH)3(O2CCMe3)15]: determination of,and the relationship between,single-ion and cluster spin Hamiltonian parameters

The dodecametallic Cr(III) cluster [Cr(12)O(9)(OH)(3)(O(2)CCMe(3))(15)] has a ground spin state of S = 6 characterized by the spin Hamiltonian parameters g(ZZ)() = 1.965, g(XX)() = g(YY)() = 1.960, D(S=)()(6) = +0.088 cm(-)(1), and E(S=)()(6) = 0 (where D and E are the axial and rhombic zero-field splitting parameters, respectively) as determined by multifrequency EPR spectroscopy and magnetization studies. Micro-SQUID magnetization studies reveal steps due to the fine structure of the ground state, with the spacing between the steps in excellent agreement with the D(S=)()(6) value determined by EPR. Analysis of high-resolution optical data (MCD) allows us to determine the single-ion g values and D value (= -1.035 cm(-)(1)) of the constituent Cr(III) ions directly. A vector coupling analysis demonstrates that the cluster ZFS is almost entirely due to the single-ion component. Thus, the relative orientations of the local and cluster magnetic axes can lead to a cluster ZFS of opposite sign to the single-ion value, even when this is the only significant contribution.     

Two new irregular acyclic sesquiterpenes aldehydes from Santolina corsica essential oil

Two isomeric irregular sesquiterpene aldehydes, namely 3,9-dimethyl-6-isopropyl-2(E),7(E),9-decatrienal and 3,9-dimethyl-6-isopropyl-2(Z),7(E),9-decatrienal, were isolated from the essential oil of Santolina corsica and their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

Iridoids from Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora and their hepatoprotective activities in vitro

Four new non-glycosidic iridoids, piscrocins D (1), E (2), F (6), and G (7), as well as two new iridoid glycosides, piscrosides A (8) and B (9), were isolated from the roots of Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Scrophulariaceae), together with seven known iridoids. The structures of the isolated compounds were established by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and chemical methods. The hepatoprotective activities of these compounds were evaluated by measuring their effects on CCl(4)-induced hepatocytes damage in vitro, and the structure-activity relationships were also discussed.     

Asteropsiside A and other asterosaponins from the starfish Asteropsis carinifera

Three asterosaponins were isolated from the tropical starfish Asteropsis carinifera: a new one, asteropsiside A, and two known ones, regularoside A and thornasteroside A. The structure of the new compound was established using 2D NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry as the sodium salt of 3-O-sulfonato-(20E)-6-O-{β-d-fucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-[β-d-quinovopyranosyl-(1→2)]-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-d-quinovopyranosyl}-3β,6α-dihydroxy-5α-cholesta-9(11),20(22)-dien-23-one. Regularoside A and thornasteroside A were shown to display the ability to inhibit the growth of the T-47D and RPMI-7951 tumor cell colonies in vitro.     

Rare-earth tricyanomelaminates [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)H(2)O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy): structural investigation, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and photoluminescence

The rare-earth tricyanomelaminates, [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O (LnTCM; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy), have been synthesized through ion-exchange reactions. They have been characterized by powder as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N MAS NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray powder pattern common to all nine rare-earth tricyanomelaminates LnTCM (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) indicates that they are isostructural. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction pattern of LnTCM is indicative of non-merohedral twinning. The crystals are triclinic and separation of the twin domains as well as refinement of the structure were successfully carried out in the space group P1 for LaTCM (LaTCM; P1, Z=2, a=7.1014(14), b=13.194(3), c=13.803(3) A, alpha=90.11(3), beta=77.85(3), gamma=87.23(3) degrees , V=1262.8(4) A(3)). In the crystal structure, each Ln(3+) is surrounded by two nitrogen atoms from two crystallographically independent tricyanomelaminate moieties and seven oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules. The positions of all of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ions and water molecules could not be located from difference Fourier syntheses. The presence of [NH(4)](+) ions as well as two NH groups belonging to two crystallographically independent monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties has only been confirmed by subjecting LaTCM to solid-state (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N{(1)H} cross-polarization (CP) MAS NMR and advanced CP experiments such as cross-polarization combined with polarization inversion (CPPI). The (1)H 2D double-quantum single-quantum homonuclear correlation (DQ SQ) spectrum and the (15)N{(1)H} 2D CP heteronuclear-correlation (HETCOR) spectrum have revealed the hydrogen-bonded (N--HN) dimer of monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties as well as H-bonding through [NH(4)](+) ions and H(2)O molecules. The structures of the other eight rare-earth tricyanomelaminates (LnTCM; Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method. Photoluminescence studies of [NH(4)]Eu[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have revealed orange-red (lambda(max)=615 nm) emission due to the (5)D(0)-(7)F(2) transition, whereas [NH(4)]Tb[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O has been found to show green emission with a maximum at 545 nm arising from the (5)D(4)-(7)F(5) transition. DTA/TG studies of [NH(4)]Ln[HC(6)N(9)](2)[H(2)O](7)xH(2)O have indicated several phase transitions associated with dehydration of the compounds above 150 degrees C and decomposition above 200 degrees C.     

Synthesis, structure, and biological activity of ferrocenyl carbohydrate conjugates

Seven ferrocenyl carbohydrate conjugates were synthesized. Coupling reactions of monosaccharide derivatives with ferrocene carbonyl chloride produced {6-N-(methyl 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-amino-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside)}-1-ferrocene carboxamide (3), {1-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-D-glucopyranose)}-1-ferrocene carboxylate (4), and {6-O-(1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose)}-1-ferrocene carboxylate (5). Similarly, 1,1'-bis(carbonyl chloride)ferrocene was coupled with the appropriate sugars to produce the disubstituted analogues bis{6-N-(methyl 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-amino-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside)}-1,1'-ferrocene carboxamide (8), bis{1-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzyl-D-glucopyranose)}-1,1'-ferrocene carboxylate (9), and bis{6-O-(1,2,3,4-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranose)}-1,1'-ferrocene carboxylate (10). {6-N-(Methyl-6-amino-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside)}-1-ferrocene carboxamide monohydrate (12) was synthesized via amide coupling of an activated ferrocenyl ester with the corresponding carbohydrate. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. X-ray crystallography confirmed the solid-state structure of three ferrocenyl carbohydrate conjugates: 2-N-(1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose)-1-ferrocene carboxamide (1), 1-S-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-deoxy-1-thio-D-glucopyranose)-1-ferrocene carboxylate (2), and 12. The above compounds, along with bis{2-N-(1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose)}-1,1'-ferrocene carboxamide (6), bis{1-S-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1-deoxy-1-thio-D-glucopyranose)}-1,1'-ferrocene carboxylate (7), and 2-N-(2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose)-1-ferrocene carboxamide (11) were examined for cytotoxicity in cell lines (L1210 and HTB-129) and for antimalarial activity in Plasmodium falciparum strains (D10, 3D7, and K1, a chloroquine-resistant strain). In general, the compounds were nontoxic in the human cell line tested (HTB-129), and compounds 4, 7, and 9 showed moderate antimalarial activity in one or more of the P. falciparum strains.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of supramolecular charge-transfer complexes between bis(18-crown-6)stilbene and ammonioalkyl derivatives of 4,4'-bipyridine and 2,7-diazapyrene

4,4'-Bipyridine and 2,7-diazapyrene derivatives (A) having two ammonioalkyl N-substituents were synthesized. The complex formation of these compounds with bis(18-crown-6)stilbene (D) was studied by spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry, (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. In MeCN, π-donor D and π-acceptors A form supramolecular 1:1 (D·A) and 2:1 (D·A·D) charge-transfer complexes. The D·A complexes have a pseudocyclic structure as a result of ditopic binding of the ammonium groups to the crown-ether fragments. The better the geometric matching between the components, the higher the stability of the D·A complexes (log K up to 9.39). A key driving force of the D·A·D complex formation is the excessive steric strain in the precursor D·A complexes. The pseudocyclic D·A complexes involving the ammoniopropyl derivative of 4,4'-bipyridine were obtained as single crystals. Crystallization of the related ammonioethyl derivative was accompanied by transition of the D·A complexes to a structure of the (D·A)(m) coordination polymer type.