Activities and identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists in sediments from the Danube river

This study is a consequence of a distinct fish decline in the Danube river since the beginning of the 1990s. In contrast to the decline of fish population, former studies have repeatedly documented that the water quality along the Danube river is improving. However, the conclusion of a pilot study in 2002 was that a high hazard potential is associated with local sediments. The present study documents that sediment samples from the Danube river showed comparatively high aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediated activity in biotests, using the cell lines GPC.2D.Luc, H4IIE (DR-CALUX) and RTL-W1. The combination of chemical analysis, fractionation techniques and different in vitro tests revealed that priority pollutants could not explain the main induction, even though the concentrations of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were very high (maximum in the tributary Schwarzach, sum of 16 EPA PAHs 26 mug/g). In conclusion, this investigation shows that nonpriority pollutants mainly mediate the high induction rates. Nevertheless, owing to the effects of PAHs towards fish and the connection between dioxin-like activity and carcinogenicity, the link between contamination and the fish population decline cannot be ruled out.     

Screening of synthetic and plant-derived compounds for (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities

Recently we constructed yeast cells that either express the human estrogen receptor α or the human androgen receptor in combination with a consensus ERE or ARE repeat in the promoter region of a green fluorescent protein (yEGFP) read-out system. These bioassays were proven to be highly specific for their cognate agonistic compounds. In this study the value of these yeast bioassays was assessed for analysis of compounds with antagonistic properties. Several pure antagonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and plant-derived compounds were tested. The pure antiestrogens ICI 182,780 and RU 58668 were also classified as pure ER antagonists in the yeast estrogen bioassay and the pure antiandrogen flutamide was also a pure AR antagonist in the yeast androgen bioassay. The plant-derived compounds flavone and guggulsterone displayed both antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic activities, while 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) and equol combined an estrogenic mode of action with an antiandrogenic activity. Indol-3-carbinol (I3C) only showed an antiandrogenic activity. Coumestrol, genistein, naringenin and 8-prenylnaringenin were estrogenic and acted additively, while the plant sterols failed to show any effect. Although hormonally inactive, in vitro and in vivo metabolism of the aforementioned plant sterols may still lead to the formation of active metabolites in other test systems.     

A new one-pot neat synthesis of 1,2,4-triazol-3-ones through 4-(N, N-dimethylamino) pyridine (DMAP) catalyzed cyclocondensation of ethyl carbazate with aryl nitriles

A new one-pot neat synthesis of some 5-aryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ones through cyclocondensation of ethyl carbazate with aryl nitriles catalyzed by DMAP as an efficient and basic nucleophilic catalyst is described.     

Studies of C. I. Acid Red 186 and Metal Complexes with Uo++2, Ce3+ and Th6+ Ions

The electronic absorption spectra of C. I. Acid Red 186 are studied in solution of different pH. The pK values of the acid-base equilibria set are determined and commented upon. The complexes of UO⁺⁺₂, Ce³⁺ and Th⁴⁺ ions are investigated by some spectroscopic techniques and potentiometric titration. The formation of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:2 complexes (M:L) with UO₂⁺⁺, Ce³⁺ and Th⁴⁺ respectively is confirmed and their conditional stability constants are determined. The solid complexes are prepared and analysed for their metal content, their ir spectra are disussed in comparison to that of the ligand to establish the bonding between the ligand and metal ions.     

Facile and efficient synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones through sequential hydrogenation condensation

The heterocyclizations from various methyl (2-nitrobenzoyl)carbamates to substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones under hydrogenation conditions were investigated in this study. In the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate in methanol, various quinazoline-2,4(1H, 3H)-diones were obtained in good to excellent yields within 12?h. The reaction was proposed to proceed through the cascade reactions of nitro reduction and condensation.     

A new one-pot neat synthesis of 1,2,4-triazol-3-ones through 4-（N,N-dimethylamino） pyridine （DMAP） catalyzed cyclocondensation of ethyl carbazate with aryl nitriles

A new one-pot neat synthesis of some 5-aryl-2,4-dihydro-3H- 1,2,4-triazol-3-ones through cyclocondensation of ethyl carbazate with aryl nitriles catalyzed by DMAP as an efficient and basic nucleophilic catalyst is described.     

Syntheses,Spectral, Thermal and Electrochemical Studies of 3-Carboxylacetonehydroxamic Acid and its Iron(Ii), Cobalt(Ii), Nickel(Ii), Copper(Ii) and Zinc(Ii) Complexes

3-Carboxylacetonehydroxamic acid (CAHA) and its iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis and IR spectra and magnetic susceptibility. The pK _a1 and pK _a2 values of the ligand in aqueous solution were found to be 6.5 ± 0.1 and 8.6 ± 0.1, which correspond to dissociation of carboxyl and hydroxamic protons, respectively. The dianion CAH acts as a tetradentate ligand through the hydroxamate and carboxylate groups and coordinates to the divalent metal ions, forming coordination polymers with a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1 : 1 in the solid state. FTIR spectra and thermal decomposition of the ligand and its metal complexes were recorded and briefly discussed. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes was investigated by square wave voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry at neutral pH. In contrast to the solid state, the iron(II) and copper(II) cations form stable complex species with a metal-to-ligand ratio of 1 : 2 in solution. The iron(II), cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes show two-electron irreversible reduction behavior, while the copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes undergo quasi-reversible and reversible electrode reactions, respectively. The stability constants of the complexes were determined by square wave voltammetry.     

Eremophilane esters of Robinsonecio gerberifolius and their rearranged products. Study of the coupling constants (2)J(H, H), (3)J(H, H) and (4)J(H, H)

In the course of the basic hydrolysis of four eremophilane esters isolated from Robinsonecio gerberifolius, some rearrangements, eliminations, and additions occurred. Five compounds were obtained, three of them not previously described. Additionally, a new sesquiterpene was produced by autooxidation of compound 1. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of these compounds were completely assigned by utilization of HMQC, HMBC, COSY, DEPT, and NOESY techniques. The long-range coupling constants of the peroxide 10 are reported, and all its coupling constants (2)J(H, H), (3)J(H, H), and (4)J(H, H) are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Their magnitude is explained in terms of electronic delocalization and the additivity of stereoelectronic effects.     

Novel,Simple, and Efficient Synthesis of 3-(2-(5-(Benzylideneamino)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)thiazol-4-yl)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one Derivatives via a One-Pot,Four-Component Condensation Reaction

The synthesis of 3-(2-(5-(benzylideneamino)-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)thiazol-4-yl)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one derivatives was achieved through a one-pot, four-component reaction involving condensation of 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one, thiosemicarbazide, phenacylcyanaide, and various aryl aldehydes in dry alcohol and few drops of acetic acid under reflux condition. This four-component reaction has some advantages such as ease of handling, good yields, and easy workup. All structures of newly prepared compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral data.     

Strongly Basic Anion Exchange Resin Based on a Cross-Linked Polyacrylate for Simultaneous C.I. Acid Green 16, Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Phenol Removal

The adsorption ability of Lewatit S5528 (S5528) resin for C.I. Acid Green 16 (AG16), heavy metals (Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II)) and phenol removal from single-component aqueous solutions is presented in this study to assess its suitability for wastewater treatment. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out in order to determine adsorption capacities, taking into account phase contact time, adsorbates’ initial concentration, and auxiliary presence (NaCl, Na₂SO₄, anionic (SDS) and non-ionic (Triton X100) surfactants). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described experimental data better than pseudo-first-order or intraparticle diffusion models. The adsorption of AG16 (538 mg/g), phenol (14.5 mg/g) and Cu(II) (5.8 mg/g) followed the Langmuir isotherm equation, while the uptake of Zn(II) (0.179 mg^1−1/nL^1/n/g) and Ni(II) (0.048 mg^1−1/nL^1/n/g) was better described by the Freundlich model. The auxiliary’s presence significantly reduced AG16 removal efficiency, whereas in the case of heavy metals the changes were negligible. The column studies proved the good adsorption ability of Lewatit S5528 towards AG16 and Zn(II). The desorption was the most effective for AG16 (>90% of dye was eluted using 1 mol/L HCl + 50% v/v MeOH and 1 mol/L NaCl + 50% v/v MeOH solutions).     

Isolation of Intermediates in the Synthesis of Thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones Using Microwave Irradiation

A simple and fast method for the isolation of intermediates in the synthesis of 3-arylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones has been developed by microwave-assisted condensation of ethyl 2-amino-4,5-dimethylthiophene-3-carboxylate with aryl isocyanates. The intermediates, subsequently, underwent cyclization in t-butanol in the presence of potassium t-butoxide on heating to reflux to give the desired bicyclic products, 3-arylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones.     

Crystal Structures of {[Cd(phen)](C6H8O4)3/3} and {[Cd(phen)](C7H10O4)3/3} · 2H2O with C6H10O4 = Adipic Acid and C7H12O4 = Pimelic Acid

Two coordination polymers {[Cd(phen)](C₆H₈O₄)_3/3} ( 1 ) and {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} · 2H₂O ( 2 ) were structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction methods. In 1 (C2/c (no. 15), a = 16.169(2)Å, b = 15.485(2)Å, c = 14.044(2)Å, β = 112.701(8)°, U = 3243.9(7)ų, Z = 8), the Cd atoms are coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand and five O atoms of three adipato ligands to form mono‐capped trigonal prisms with d(Cd‐O) = 2.271‐2.583Å and d(Cd‐N) = 2.309, 2.390Å. The [Cd(phen)] moieties are bridged by adipato ligands to generate {[Cd(phen)](C₆H₈O₄)_3/3} chains, which, via interchain π—π stacking interactions, are assembled into layers. Complex 2 (P1¯(no. 2), a = 9.986(1)Å, b = 10.230(3)Å, c = 11.243(1)Å, α = 66.06(1)°, β = 87.20(1)°, γ = 66.71(1)°, U = 955.7(2)ų, Z = 2) consists of {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} chains and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. The Cd atoms are pentagonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand and five O atoms of three pimelato ligands with d(Cd‐O) = 2.213—2.721Å and d(Cd‐N) = 2.329, 2.372Å. Through interchain π—π stacking interactions, the {[Cd(phen)](C₇H₁₀O₄)_3/3} chains resulting from [Cd(phen)] moieties bridged by pimelato ligands are assembled in to layers, between which the hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules are sandwiched.     

Simultaneous capillary GC of acids and sugars as their silyl(oxime) derivatives: Quantitation of chlorogenic acid,raffinose, and pectin substances

Our GC-MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of sugars and acids as their silyl(oxime) derivatives, from one solution by one injection, has been extended to the reproducible determination of high molecular weight compounds sensitive to decomposition yet requiring a high evaporation temperature (e.g. chlorogenic acid and rffinose) and for the quantitation of the decomposition products of pectin (i.e., for the determination of galacturonic acid at low ng levels in the presence of a 10–100 fold excess of glucose eluting just before the acid). The optimized GC procedure has been used for quantitation of the sugar and acid (including chlorogenic acid) composition of potato samples, and for the determination of the increasing amount of the decomposition products of pectin substances in apple pulp after different storage times.     

Synthesis of well‐defined second‐generation dendritic polymers of isoprene (I) and styrene (S): (S2I)3, (SI′I)3, (I″I′I)3, and (I′2I)4

The synthesis of second‐generation (G‐2) dendritic polymers of isoprene (I) and styrene (S) was achieved with anionic polymerization high‐vacuum techniques and by performing the following steps: (1) selective reaction of a living chain with the chlorosilane group of 4‐(chlorodimethylsilyl)styrene (a dual‐functionality compound) to produce a macromonomer, (2) addition of a second living chain (same or different) to the double bond of the macromonomer, (3) polymerization of I with the anionic sites, and (4) reaction of the produced off‐center living species with trichloromethyl silane or tetrachlorosilane (CH₃SiCl₃ or SiCl₄). The combined characterization results showed that the G‐2 dendritic macromolecules synthesized—(S₂I)₃, (SI′I)₃, (I″I′I)₃, (I′₂I)₄—have a high molecular and compositional homogeneity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1519–1526, 2002     

Stability of (C60)2 and epoxide dimers, (C60)2ON, and their anions

The PM3, AM1, and MINDO3 semiemperical methods are used to calculate the the energy difference between C60ON and C60ON- and the bond dissociation energy necessary to cleave neutral and negatively charged (C60)2 dimers and epoxide dimers, (C60)2ON, to their respective monomers C60, and C60ON/2. The results show that the anions of the dimers are significantly more stable than neutral dimers. This result may explain the higher thermal stability of the observed ferromagnetic phase in photolyzed C60. which has been attributed to epoxide dimers and oligomers. It also provides an explanation for the origin of unpaired electron spin necessary for ferromagnetism.     

Conversions of Coumarins Accompanied by Intermediate Opening and Recyclization of the Lactone Ring. 2. Study of the Interaction of Malonic Acid Hydrazide and Amide Derivatives with 3-Acyl(3-cyano, 3-ethoxycarbonyl)Coumarins

Reaction between the N,N′-diisopropylidene and N,N′-diacetyl derivatives of malonic acid dihydrazide and 3-acyl(3-cyano, 3-ethoxycarbonyl)coumarins under the conditions of the Michael reaction lead to the formation of N′-isopropylidene and N′-acetyl derivatives of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid hydrazide. Ethoxycarbonylacethydrazide reacts in an analogous manner. Special features have been studied of the interaction of malonic acid amide derivatives with unsubstituted coumarin and with coumarins containing electron-withdrawing groupings in position 3 of the ring. __________ Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 10, pp. 1502–1514, October, 2005.     

Synthesis of (S,Z)-3-[(1H-indol-3-yl)methylidene]hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-4(1H)-one: an alternative, enaminone based, route to unsaturated cyclodipeptides

A series of racemic and enantiopure (S,Z)-3-[(1H-indol-3-yl)methylidene]hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-4(1H)-one (cyclic Pro-ΔTrp) dipeptide analogues were prepared. Racemic analogues 6a-c were prepared by direct coupling of racemic cyclodipeptide enaminone (R,S)-5 with various indole derivatives. On the other hand, enantiopure analogues were prepared through a copper(I) catalyzed vinyl amidation reaction in which acyclic (S)-Pro-ΔTrp dipeptide analogues 20 and 21 were formed. Acyclic dipeptides were cyclized to enantiopure (S)-Pro-ΔTrp dipeptide analogues 24 and 25. For coupling reactions, vinyl bromides were prepared in several steps. From ethyl acetate (7), enaminone 8 was prepared and coupled with 2-methylindole and 2-phenylindole to give 9 and 10. Direct bromination of 3-(indole-3-yl)propenoates 9 and 10 at position 2 results in vinyl bromides 11 and 12. The Boc protecting group on the indole nitrogen 1′ in vinyl bromides 11 and 12 was introduced, before the copper(I) catalyzed coupling with N-Boc prolinamide 18 was performed. Enantiomeric purity of chiral intermediates and final products was determined mostly by HPLC or ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis of 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenones catalyzed by mercury(II) salts and their microwave assisted BiCl3 catalyzed aldol condensations

HgSO₄ catalyzed hydrative cyclization of 1,6-heptadiynes is present. This reaction proceeded smoothly under the mild condition for differently 4-sustituted 1,6-diynic substrates giving corresponding 3-methyl-2-cyclohexenones with high to excellent yield. The microwave assisted aldol condensation of cyclohexenones under the catalysis of BiCl₃ afforded 3-styryl-cyclohexenones with high regio- and stereo-selectivity.     

Lanthanide(<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">III</Emphasis>) ion as a luminescent and catalytically active reaction center of aniline condensation with butyraldehyde

A new type of chemiluminescence catalytic conversion in which the lanthanide(III) ion is a luminescent and highly efficient catalytically active center was found. Chemiluminescence (CL) is generated in the condensation reaction of aniline with butyraldehyde in DMF to form 3-ethyl-2-propylquinoline. The reaction is catalyzed by LnCl₃·6H₂O (Ln = Eu, Tb, and Ho). When EuCl₃·6H₂O and TbCl₃·6H₂O salts are used as catalysts, the CL emitters are the Eu³⁺* and Tb³⁺* excited ions. In the case of HoCl₃·6H₂O, the emitter is 3-ethyl-2-propylquinoline in the triplet-excited state. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 429–431, March, 2007.