Properties of nylon 6 anionically obtained with NaAl(Lac)4 catalyst and polymerization of ϵ-caprolactam with NaAl(Lac)3(OEt) catalyst

The m-cresol-insoluble polymer of ?-caprolactam obtained with NaAl(Lac)₄ catalyst is converted to a soluble polymer on treatment with dilute (0.1 wt-%) aqueous hydrochloric acid without any accompanying degradation of polymer chain. Aluminum contained in the polymer was not removed completely by extensive extraction with methanol, regardless of the solubilities of the polymers. This fact suggests the existence of two forms of aluminum in the polymer: one contributes to insolubility of the polymer and the other does not. The polymerization behavior in the case of NaAl(Lac)₃(OEt) was somewhat different from that of NaAl(Lac)₄ and of NaAl(Lac)₃(NHBu). These results are considered to reflect a difference in the stability of the Al-O, Al-(Lac), and Al-N bonds in the catalyst.     

A new tocotrienol from the roots and branches of Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch (Sapindaceae)

Abstract

A new tocotrienol, 5-hydroxy-8-methyltocotrienol (1) was isolated from the roots and branches of A. cobbe (L.) Raeusch, together with seventeen known compounds (2–18). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and by comparison of ¹H and ¹³C NMR data with previous literature reports. This is the first phytochemical investigation of the roots and branches of Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch.     

A new isochroman derivative from the marine fungus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phomopsis</Emphasis> sp. (No. ZH-111)

A new isochroman, (3R,4S)-3,4-dihydro-4,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin (1), and two known compounds were isolated from the marine fungus Phomopsis sp. (No. ZH-111). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. Preliminary pharmacological test revealed that compound 1 and exumolide A (3) can accelerate the growth of subintestinal vessel plexus (SIV) branches markedly and compound 2 can inhibit the growth of subintestinal vessel plexus (SIV) branches.     

A new methylene bisflavan-3-ol from the branches and leaves of Potentilla fruticosa

Abstract

Dasiphora fruticosa L. (Rosaceae), also known as Potentilla fruticosa L. (syn.), is a hardy deciduous shrub widely distributed in the north temperate regions of the world. Three methylene bisflavan-3-ols (1-3), together with a procyanidin dimer, (-)-afzelechin-(4α→8)-(-)-afzelechin (4) were isolated for the first time from the branches and leaves of the titled plant, in addition to 11 known compounds (5-15). Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with data reported in the literatures. Methylene 6,8-bis(7-O-glucosyl) catechin (1) was determined to be a new dimeric flavan-3-ol glycoside through a methylene linkage between C-8 and C-8 of two units. At a concentration of 128?μg/mL, the known compounds 9 – 13 exhibited antibacterial activities on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compound 12 also showed certain glucose uptake stimulating activity.     

A new phenolic compound with antioxidant activity from the branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia

The branches and leaves of Pyrus pashia are used to cure abdominal pain and diarrhoea in Chinese folk medicine. A new phenilic compound, 4-O-β-d-glucopyranosylbenzyl-benzoate ester (1), along with 21 known ones (2–22) were isolated from the branches and leaves of this plant. Compounds 2 and 3 displayed remarkable antioxidant activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (IC₅₀ = 13.26 ± 0.04 μM, 13.28 ± 0.11 μM, respectively), which were at the same grade as positive control rutin. The caffeoyl group in compounds 2 and 3 was supposed to play an important role in the antioxidant activities.     

A new macrocyclic diterpenoid from Anisomeles indica

Abstract

A new macrocyclic diterpenoid, 4β,5β-dihydroxyovatodiolide (1), together with twenty-two known compounds (2-23) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the dried aerial parts of Anisomeles indica (L.) O. Kuntze (Labiatae). The structure of 1 was established on the basis of spectral evidence. Phenylethanoids, acteoside (5) and isoacteoside (6) showed significant inhibitory to IL-2 secretion of with respect to phorbol myristate acetate and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody co-stimulated activation of human peripheral blood T cells.     

One new berberine from the branches and leaves of Polyalthia obliqua Hook.f. & Thomson

One new alkaloid consanguine B (1), together with 10 known alkaloids (2–11), were isolated from ethanol extract of the branches and leaves of Polyalthia obliqua Hook.f. & Thomson collected in the Hainan Province, China. Their structures were elucidated by the detailed analysis of comprehensive spectroscopic data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 showed weak cytotoxic activities against Hela and MCF-7 human cancer cell lines.     

Trees with the same Topological Index JJ

Abstract

In the present paper we investigate the trees with the same JJ index (called JJ-equivalent trees). The topological index JJ is derived from the so called Wiener matrix introduced by Randic et al., in 1994. The Wiener matrix is constructed by generalizing the procedure of Wiener for evaluation of Wiener numbers in alkanes. From such matrices several novel structural invariants of potential interest in structure-property studies were obtained. These include higher Wiener numbers, Wiener sequences, and hyper-Wiener number, etc. The topological index JJ is constructed by considering the row sums of the Wiener matrix. A construction method for a class of JJ-equivalent trees is given. By using this method we construct the smallest pairs of non-isomorphic JJ-equivalent trees which have 18 vertices. In addition we report on groups of 3,4, and 6 non-isomorphic JJ-equivalent trees. The smallest such trees are of size 28 for triples and quadruples, and 34 for the group of 6 elements.     

6,6′-Dimethoxygossypol: molecular structure,crystal polymorphism,and solvate formation

6,6′-Dimethoxygossypol (DMG) is a naturally occurring derivative of gossypol that is found in relatively high concentration in some Gossypium barbadense cotton varieties. Like gossypol, DMG forms an equimolar solvate with acetic acid, but it was not known if, like gossypol, the compound would also form clathrates with other molecules. To test for this, the compound was crystallized from different solvents. Four new structures of DMG were found that include two polymorphic and two solvated forms. The polymorphs include two monoclinic structures with P2₁/c and C2/c space groups (P1 and P2, respectively). Packing of the DMG molecules P1 is similar to packing of the gossypol molecules in the P1 polymorphic form of gossypol. The DMG molecules in P2 pack in a highly ordered arrangement that has not been previously observed among gossypol structures. DMG forms equimolar solvates with water (S1) and cyclohexanone (S2). Both structures are triclinic with P [`1]P \bar {1} space groups. The DMG molecules in S2 assemble in a manner that is similar to the gossypol molecules of gossypol–cyclohexanone (1:1), and the DMG molecules in S1 pack in a manner that is similar to the DMG molecules in DMG–acetic acid (1:1) as well as the gossypol molecules in gossypol–acetic acid (1:1). Although DMG is not as versatile a host compound as gossypol, it still forms solvates under many crystallization conditions. Consequently, some care is needed to be sure that one understands exactly which form is recovered when the compound is isolated.     

Concise Synthesis of (3Z)-Dodecen-12-olide,Pheromone Component of the Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in Canada and the USA. (3Z)-Dodecen-12-olide is a known female-produced pheromone of this insect, and a concise, three-step synthesis of a 2:1 blend of (3Z)-dodecen-12-olide and (3E)-dodecen-12-olide starting from commercially available (2-carboxyethyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide and 10-bromo-1-decene is described. The key steps in this synthesis are a lithium-salt-free Wittig reaction and an intramolecular S_N2 esterification. Both of these macrocyclic lactones are behaviorally active toward EAB, and the 2:1 blend whose synthesis is described here has the potential to be a detection agent, mating disruptor, or mass trapping agent, which could be used in the control of EAB.     

High-temperature polymerization of ϵ-caprolactam by using as catalyst the Li,Na, or K salts derived from MAlEt4 or MOAlEt2·AlEt3 and monomer

High-temperature polymerization of ?-caprolactam by using the salts derived from MAlEt₄ (where M is Li, Na, and K) and monomer as catalyst was carried out. Polymerization occurs at 140–170°C, a temperature at which alkali metal caprolactamate has almost no catalytic activity for initiation. m-Cresol-insoluble polymer was obtained at temperatures lower than 231°C. Formation of a m-cresol-insoluble polymer depends on the polymerization temperature and time, and was observed under conditions where Al(Lac)₃ has no catalytic activity. All the polymers obtained by NaAl(Lac)_4–n(NHBu)_n (n = 1 or 2) at 202°C were soluble in m-cresol. These trends observed in the case of MAl(Lac)₄ are considered to be due to initiation by Al(Lac)₃, which is a component of the catalyst used.     

Problems in low-temperature polymerization of lactams with MAlEt4–n (Lac)n as catalyst

The NaAl(Lac)₄-catalyzed polymerization of ε-caprolactam at the medium temperature range (70–150°C) was investigated. The initiation temperature was observed to decrease to about 100°C in the case of a high concentration (such as 2.0 mole-%) of catalyst. Moreover, in the prolonged polymerization of lactams with KAl(Lac)₂Et₂ catalyst, in the absence of initiator, the low activity of aluminum lactamate as initiator was observed. In connection with the polymerization of lactams with MAl(Lac)_nEt_4–n catalyst, the reactivity of MAlEt₄ (where M is Na or K) with N-acetyllactams was investigated. The results imply that no consumption of N-acyllactams by the reaction with MAl(Lac)_nEt_4–n occurs in the course of the low-temperature polymerization of lactams.     

Depolymerization behavior of nylon 6 anionically obtained with NaAL(Lac)4 at high temperature

Depolymerization and consumption of catalyst in the polymerizing system were investigated in the polymerization of ?-caprolactam by using NaAl(Lac)₄ catalyst at 255°C. In the first stage of depolymerization, marked consumption of catalyst was observed. The relationship between the degree of polymerization of resulting polymer and the catalyst concentration, during the polymerization time from 10 min to 3 hr, was different from that observed for the final polymer in the case of sodium phenylacetate or sodium catalyst, and follows the equation, P_n ∞ 1/[Lac].^0.4 This behavior is ascribed to the peculiar catalytic behavior of Al(Lac)₃, which is a component of this catalyst.     

Effect of copper and manganese ions on activities of laccase and peroxidases in three Pleurotus species grown on agricultural wastes

Copper (Cu²⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺) ions influenced laccase (Lac) and peroxidase production in Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Pleurotus pulmonarius. In P. eryngii, the optimum Cu²⁺ concentration for Lac production was 1 mM and for peroxidases 10mM, and Mn²⁺ concentration of 5mM led to peaks of Lac and peroxidase activity. In P. ostreatus HAI 493, the highest level of Lac activity was at Cu²⁺ concentrations of 1 and 10 mM and Mn²⁺ concentration of 1mM, respectively. The absence of Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ caused the highest levels of peroxidase production. In P. ostreatus HAI 494, the highest level of Lac activity was at a Cu²⁺ concentration of 5 mM and at Mn²⁺ concentration of 1 mM, respectively. High levels of peroxidase activity were found in the medium without and with 1mM Cu²⁺, and at 1 and 5 mM Mn²⁺, respectively. In P. pulmonarius, the highest Lac activity was found in the presence of 5 mM Cu²⁺ and 5 mM Mn²⁺, respectively. The absence of Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ as well as their presence at a concentration of 1 mM led to the peaks of peroxidase activities.     

A new indole alkaloid with anti-inflammatory from the branches of Nauclea officinalis

Abstract

A new indole alkaloid, 17-oxo-19-(Z)-naucline, and six known alkaloids 2–7 were isolated from the branches of Nauclea officinalis. The structure of the new compound 1 was characterised mainly by analysing its physical data including IR, 1?D, 2?D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Other compounds were identified by comparisons their data with those reported in the literature. Compound1, 4, 5, 6, 7 showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity decrease the LPS-stimulated production of nitric oxide in RAW264.7 cell, while all compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicity against human tumour cell lines (LOVO, A549 and HepG2).     

Biosorption of Cadmium,Lead, and Uranium by Powder of Poplar Leaves and Branches

The removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions by biosorption plays an important role in water pollution control. In this study, dried leaves and branches of poplar trees were studied for removing some toxic elements (cadmium, lead, and uranium) from aqueous solutions. The equilibrium experiments were systematically carried out in a batch process, covering various process parameters that include agitation time, adsorbent size and dosage, initial cadmium, lead and uranium concentration, and pH of the aqueous solution. Adsorption behavior was found to follow Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The results have shown that both dried leaves and branches can be effectively used for removing uranium, while only branches were found to remove lead and cadmium completely from the aqueous solution. The maximum biosorption capacity of leaves for uranium was found to be 2.3 mg g⁻¹ and 1.7 mg g⁻¹ and 2.1 mg g⁻¹ for lead and cadmium on branches, respectively. In addition, the studied biomass materials were used in removing lead and cadmium from contaminated water and the method was found to be effective.     

Catalytic Activity of Polymer Anchored Cu-tren Complex in the Oxidation of 2,6-Di-t-butyl Phenol

Poly(styrene-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co- dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were prepared by solution polymerization. These polymers were quaternized by methyl iodide and n-hexyl bromide. The produced polymers were used as support in the aqueous oxidation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (DBP) using hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by tris(2-aminoethyl)amine copper(II) complex “Cu(II)-tren complex” anchored on the prepared polymers. The products obtained from the reactions were 3,3′-5,5′-tetra-tert-butyldiphenoquinine (DPQ) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (BQ). No reaction products were obtained when the reaction was carried out in the absence of polymeric catalyst. The polymer composition and reaction medium greatly affect product distribution of the reaction. Polar organic solvent like DMF and methanol favor the formation of DPQ, while nonploar organic solvent like benzene and methylene chloride favor the formation of BQ. Hydrophobic branches of polymers 6 (PS-HexBr-Cu-TREN) and 8 (PMMA-HexBr-Cu-TREN) favor BQ formation as the weight of support increased. On the other hand, DPQ is favored in the presence of hydrophilic branches as observed for both polymeric catalysts 5 (PS-MeI-Cu-TREN) and 7 (PMMA-MeI-Cu-TREN).     

Synthesis and Properties of Polycarbosilanes Having Lactose‐Derived Structures

A polycarbosilane having lactose‐derived structures was synthesized, and its thermal property, cytotoxicity, chemical crosslinking, and protein adsorption properties were investigated. The polycarbosilane (PSB‐Lac) was prepared by a thiol‐ene reaction between precursor poly(1‐(3‐butenyl)‐1‐methylsilacyclubane) (PSB) and heptaacetyl lactose that carried a thiol group at the anomeric position, and the successive deprotection of the acetyl groups. The lactose introduction efficiency determined by ¹H NMR measurement was 75%. TGA and DSC revealed that the polymer had a 5 wt% decomposition temperature of 260 °C and glass transition temperature (T_g) of 84 °C, which indicated that PSB‐Lac was a thermally stable polymer. PSB‐Lac had no significant cytotoxicity, which was evaluated by human liver cancer cell line HepG2 cultivation on the polystyrene dishes coated with the polymer. Urethane‐crosslinked PSB‐Lac films were prepared by casting solutions of PSB‐Lac and hexamethylene diisocyanate and heating at 120 °C after evaporation of the solvent. The crosslinked PSB‐Lac showed higher adsorption of bovine serum albumin than the similarly crosslinked polycarbosilane that had a glucose structure (PSB‐Glc). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 2420–2425     

A Study of the Metabolic Degradation of an insect juvenile hormone analog using different radiolabeling

The fate of an insect juvenile hormone analog applied to the insect body of the flesh fly (Sarcophaga bullata) or the tsetse fly (Glossina palpalis), respectively, was studied using three different radiolabeled positions in the parent biologically active compound 1 . Several metabolites were found and analyzed. A mechanism of degradation of the applied molecule was designed using a combination of several radioanalytical methods. A unique monitoring of the applied compound and its metabolites was provided, based on the different radiolabeling of the structure (cf. 1a – 1c ), and established their fate in an insect body during a 10-day experiment. A ¹⁴C and ³H radiolabeling, respectively, was employed to synthesize three different radiolabeled forms 1a – 1c derived from the parent non-labeled 1 . A combination of three different ways of radiolabeling resulted in an advantage in tracing the metabolic pathway of degradation of the employed compound 1 in its radiolabeled forms 1a – 1c .     

Unusual Transformations of 2-Cyanoacrylates in Reactions with Trivalent Phosphorus Compounds

Abstract

Cyanoacrylates 1 have existed for 40 years, but up till ¹ only polymerization processes, effected by various nucleophiles, including trivalent phosphorus compounds, have been known. We have shown that under established conditions 1 (aR=Me, b R=Et) reacts with trivalent phosphorus compounds not only via the anionic polymerization pathway, but depending on the structure, it forms stable adducts2,4 or 5.