Reaction of carotenoids with CCl_3OO~· by using pulse radiolysis

CCl4 as a selective toxin to liver can be metabolized into the free radical 3CClg by cyto- chrome P450 through a reductive dehalogenation. In the presence of oxygen, 3CClg reacts rapidly with O2 to form CCl3OO·[1], which reacts with various biological molecules, including DNA bases, amino acids and lipids and leads to various types of tissue injury[2]. CCl3OO· is used as a model of alkyl peroxyl radicals because it can be generated in water/alcohol solution, in which sufficient solubi…     

Delocalized carotenoid cations in relation to the soliton model

A series of charge-delocalized carotenoid mono- and dications have been prepared by treatment of selected carotenoids with Br?nsted and Lewis acids. The detailed structures of the carbocations were established by NMR studies in the temperature range from -10 to -20 degrees C. The general strategy for structure elucidation by NMR of several cationic components in a mixture is outlined. Bond type and regions of bond inversion were established, as well as the charge distribution, which was determined from the difference in (13)C chemical shift at each carbon. This method gave a more accurate estimate for the partial charges than by using the Spiesecke-Schneider relationship. The resulting charge distribution was used as models for the structure of charged solitons. These carotenoid cations have the most delocalized charge so far determined, and the monocations represent the first experimental structure determination of positively charged solitons. The soliton width determined here is in good agreement with the results of previous AM1 calculations.     

Identification of a carotenoid oxygenase synthesizing acyclic xanthophylls: combinatorial biosynthesis and directed evolution

A carotenoid desaturase homolog from Staphylococcus aureus (CrtOx) was identified. When expressed in engineered E. coli cells synthesizing linear C(30) carotenoids, polar carotenoid products were generated, identified as aldehyde and carboxylic acid C(30) carotenoid derivatives. The major product in this engineered pathway is the fully desaturated C(30) dialdehyde carotenoid 4,4'-diapolycopen-4,4'-dial. Very low carotenoid yields were observed when CrtOx was complemented with the C(40) carotenoid lycopene pathway. But extension of an in vitro evolved pathway of the fully desaturated 2,4,2',4'-tetradehydrolycopene produced the structurally novel fully desaturated C(40) dialdehyde carotenoid 2,4,2',4'-tetradehydrolycopendial. Directed evolution of CrtOx by error-prone PCR resulted in a number of variants with higher activity on C(40) carotenoid substrates and improved product profiles. These findings may provide new biosynthetic routes to highly polar carotenoids with unique spectral properties desirable for a number of industrial and pharmaceutical applications.     

Time-dependent changes in the carotenoid composition and preferential binding of spirilloxanthin to the reaction center and anhydrorhodovibrin to the LH1 antenna complex in Rhodobium marinum

Carotenoids were isolated from the cells of Rhodobium marinum, and their structures were determined by mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; the carotenoids include lycopene, rhodopin, anhydrorhodovibrin, rhodovibrin and spirilloxanthin. Time-dependent changes in the carotenoid composition in the reaction center (RC) and the light-harvesting complex 1 (LH1) were traced by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the extracts. The carotenoid composition changed according to the spirilloxanthin biosynthetic pathway. However, spirilloxanthin having the longest conjugated chain was always preferentially bound to the RC, and anhydrorhodovibrin and other precursors to the LH1.     

Preparation, structure, and unique redox properties of mono-, bis-, and Tris(diarylmethylene)-1,3,5-trithianes and related compounds

A series of 1,3,5-trithianes 1-3 having diarylmethylene units were designed as novel electron donors giving highly colored cationic species upon oxidation. They were prepared along with the dithiane and dithiazine derivatives 4-6 by the reactions of lithiated heterocycles with diaryl ketones followed by dehydration. Voltammetric analyses indicate that a large structural change and/or transannular bonding are induced during their electrochemical oxidation. Mono(diarylmethylene) derivative 1a exhibits electrochromism with vivid change in color from faintly yellow to deep blue with concomitant rotation around the exocyclic bond. Both of the strongly colored salts obtained upon oxidation of 2,4-bis- and 2,4,6-tris(diarylmethylene)-1,3,5-trithianes (2aa and 3) consist of the dications with a 1,2,4-trithiane ring, suggesting the easy skeletal rearrangement of the transannular dications with a trithiabicylo[3.1.0]hexane ring. Upon reduction of these salts were obtained bright yellow 12 and 13, respectively, with high electron-donating properties due to the tetraarylbutadiene-type conjugation, thus giving another class of electrochromic compounds.     

Bond-formation versus electron transfer: C-C-coupling reactions of hydrocarbon dications with benzene

The bimolecular reactions of several hydrocarbon dications C(m)H(n)(2+) (m = 6-10, n = 4-9) with neutral benzene are investigated by tandem mass spectrometry using a multipole instrument. Not surprisingly, the major reaction of C(m)H(n)(2+) with benzene corresponds to electron transfer from the neutral arene to the dication resulting in the pair of monocationic products C(m)H(n)(+) + C(6)H(6)(+). In addition, also dissociative electron transfer takes place, whereas proton transfer from the C(m)H(n)(2+) dication to neutral benzene is almost negligible. Interestingly, the excess energy liberated upon electron transfer from the neutral arene to the C(m)H(n)(2+) dication is not equally partitioned in the monocationic products in that the cations arising from the dicationic precursor have a higher internal energy content than the monocations formed from the neutral reaction partner. In addition to the reactions leading to monocationic product ions, bond-forming reactions with maintenance of the two-fold charge are observed, which lead to a condensation of the C(m)H(n)(2+) dications with neutral benzene under formation of intermediate C(m+6)H(n+6)(2+) species and then undergo subsequent losses of molecular hydrogen or neutral acetylene. This reaction complements a recently proposed dicationic route for the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under extreme conditions such as they exist in interstellar environments.     

Reaction of carotenoids with CCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>OO<Superscript>.</Superscript> by using pulse radiolysis

The interactions of carotenoids (bixin, β-carotene and lycopene) with CCl₃OO^. in aqueous and i-propylalcohol solution saturated with air have been studied by pulse radiolysis. For bixin and β-carotene reaction products from forming process, absorbing in the region of 650 nm, is observed with concomitant carotenoid bleaching (bixin at 500 nm, β-carotene at 450 nm). Their rate constants from forming process are 1.78 ×10⁸ and 7.8 ×10⁷ mol^-1 · L · s^-1 respectively. However, in the case of lycopene, no such a forming process of reaction as bixin and β-carotene can be observed although there is the bleaching reaction (rate constant 4 ×10⁷ mol^-1 · L · s^-1). The results suggest that the carotenoid radical cation and an additional radical are produced in the case of bixin and β-carotene, whereas lycopene undergoes electron transfer with CCl₃OO^., forming cation radical.     

On the structure of carotenoid iodine complexes

Previous work on carotenoid-iodine complexes is briefly reviewed. The formation of iodine complexes of beta,beta-carotene and of (3R,3' R )-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol (zeaxanthin) has been studied by modern methods including UV/VIS/NIR, IR MS, EPR, ENDOR and NMR (1H, 1H-1H COSY, TOCSY, 2D ROESY, 1H-13C HSQC and 1H-13C HMBC) spectroscopy, and chemical reactions monitored by HPLC, TLC and spectral analysis (VIS, MS, 1H NMR). beta,beta-Carotene formed a solid complex C40H56 x 4I with iodine in hexane and a solvent complex with lambdamax 1010 nm in chlorinated solvents. Iodine was not covalently bound to the carotene. Spectroscopic and chemical evidence is consistent with the representation of the beta,beta-carotene-iodine complex containing iodine in a pi complex with cationic/radical cationic properties. Extensive E/Z isomerisation was noted for all quenching products obtained in acetone, with thiosulfate, by dilution, or by reaction with nucleophile (MeOH). Key products obtained from the beta,beta-carotene-iodine complex were 4',5'-didehydro-4,5'-retro-beta,beta-carotene (isocarotene) and 4-methoxy-beta,beta-carotene. The zeaxanthin-iodine complex was not suitable for a practical synthesis of (3S,3'S)-4',5'-didehydro-4,5'-retro-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol (eschscholtzxanthin).     

Longer polyenyl cations in relation to soliton theory

The carotene-like polyenes decapreno-beta-carotene (C50), C54-beta-carotene (C54, first synthesis) and dodecapreno-beta-carotene (C60) with 15, 17 and 19 conjugated double bonds, respectively, were synthesized by double Wittig reactions. Introduction of a leaving group in allylic position failed, and cations were obtained by hydride elimination effected by i) triphenylcarbenium tetrafluoroborate-d15, prepared by a new method, or ii) treatment with trifluoroacetic acid-d. Deuterated reagents were employed for product analysis by 1H NMR. Parallel experiments were performed with beta,beta-carotene (C40). NIR spectra at room temperature and at -15 degrees C were employed for characterisation and stability studies of the cationic products. In CH2Cl2lambdamax in the 900-1350 nm region was recorded. NMR data for the cationic product of beta,beta-carotene obtained by the two new preparation methods were consistent with the two monocations previously characterised. The cationic products of the longer polyenes provided downfield-shifted, broadened signals, compatible with C50-monocation, mixed C54-mono- and dication and C60-dication. Combined NIR and NMR data suggest that the extent of charge delocalisation is limited by the maximum soliton width for cations obtained from linear polyenes with more than ca. 20 sp2-hybridized carbon atoms.     

Model reactions and formation of epoxy networks with the phenylbenzoate mesogen

The phenylbenzoate mesogen was introduced into epoxy networks by the crosslinker 4-hydroxyphenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate and by the diglycidylether of 4-hydroxyphenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, respectively. Rigid networks were synthesized on the basis of 4-hydroxyphenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate and the diglycidylether of bisphenol A, and flexible networks were prepared by reaction of the diglycidylether of butanediol-1.4 with the same dihydroxy compound. Model investigations were used to obtain information about the reactivity differences of the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the bisphenol used for network formation. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the main products isolated from the model reactions are strongly influenced by the substituents at the phenylbenzoate structure. Some of these model substances demonstrate structures that can be also found in the networks. In addition, photoinduced cationic crosslinking of the diglycidylether of 4-hydroxyphenyl-4-hydroxybenzoate results in networks with different thermal properties that are dependent on the temperature of network formation. Moreover, the temperature used during crosslinking influences the formation of ordered structures in the networks. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 2653–2688, 1997     

Competition of proton and electron transfers in gas-phase reactions of hydrogen-containing dications CHX2+ (X = F, Cl, Br, I) with atoms, nonpolar and polar molecules

The competition between proton and electron transfer in reactions of mass-selected dications CHX2+ (X = F, Cl, Br, and I) with rare gas atoms (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) and selected molecular reagents (N2, O2, CO, H2O, and HCl) is studied in the gas phase. In the ion-molecule reactions of CHX2+ dications with atoms and nonpolar molecules, it is the energy balance of electron transfer that acts as the decisive factor: when the exothermicity of electron transfer exceeds 2 eV, this process predominates at the expense of bond-forming proton transfer. In marked contrast, the reactions between these triatomic dications and polar molecules are governed for the benefit of the thermochemically more favored products resulting from proton transfer.     

Hydration of Polycationic [5]Radialene with Quintuple 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidenes Leads to a New Class of π-Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Scaffold

[5]Radialene with quintuple 4,5-benzo-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidenes (DTs) easily forms a stable polycationic salt ( 1 )⁴⁺(BF₄⁻)₄ owing to its aromatic character in the central cyclopentadienide ring. In this work, it was found that the polycationic salt ( 1 )⁴⁺ underwent a hydration reaction in moist polar solvent to give several unexpected products, namely, an oxygen adduct dicationic salt ( 2 )²⁺, a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) vinylogue ( 3 ) with 1,4-dithiine-2(3H)-one moieties, and an oxygen adduct of π-extended TTF with a cyclopentenone core ( 4 ). Their molecular structures were fully determined by X-ray crystal-structure analysis. In this reaction, irreversible hydration to the polycationic salt might either initiate the ring expansion and lead to the successive hydration at the specific cationic DT ring (for 3 ), or promote the transannular reactions to the next DT ring followed by elimination of the DT ring (for 4 ). Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements for compound 3 indicated the occurrence of multi redox process resulting from electronic delocalization on the vinylogous TTF moiety. The electronic structures of the cationic species of 3 were also investigated by electronic spectra.     

Animal carotenoids. 31. Structure elucidation of a sponge metabolite via mesylate elimination

The structure of a sponge metabolite from Microciona prolifera, previously considered to be (6S)-2,3-didehydro- or 3,4-didehydro-gamma, chi-carotene, has been further studied. Attempted total synthesis of the 3,4-didehydro derivative provided the hitherto unknown gamma, chi-carotene, the synthesis of which is described. Hydrolysis of lutein methanesulfonate diester (dimesylate) gave elimination products possessing the 3,4-didehydro gamma end-group. 1H NMR data for this gamma end-group were identical with those for the sponge carotenoid. The mesylate elimination reaction described may mimic the metabolic formation of the 3,4-didehydro-gamma-carotenoid end-group. In connection with other investigations on functionalized carotenoids we further report the preparation of zeaxanthin and lutein mesylates and their base-catalyzed elimination reactions. SN2 type substitution reactions of zeaxanthin dimesylate with appropriate nucleophiles did not produce beta, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin diacetate or thiozeaxanthin.     

Reactions of carbanions derived from α-substituted-methyl tolyl sulfones with quinone methides as Michael acceptors

Nucleophilic addition of α-halo-4-tolylsulfonyl methyl anions to quinone methides and subsequent reactions were studied. Three kinds of consecutive reaction products were isolated, depending on the substrate structures and reaction conditions. Two of them were identified as rearrangement products and one as the vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) product. An unexpected 1,2-migration of the tosyl group was observed. The mechanism of the reactions is briefly discussed.     

From Byproducts to Efficient Fluorophores: A Route to the Synthesis of Fluorubines

The reaction of bis(imidoyl) chlorides of oxalic acid with monoalkyl hydrazines leads to substituted Δ²‐1,2‐diazetines, which are versatile building blocks for ring‐transformation reactions. One remarkable product originating from side reactions featured by a strong orange/red fluorescence was confirmed as a novel fluorubine derivative. In continuing our studies to substituted oligoazaacenes, we developed several synthetic entries to build up novel fluorubine derivatives, in which particularly aminobridged bis(quinoxaline)s are the key products for cationic hexaazapentacenes. We would like to discuss the possible formation pathways of these fluorubine derivatives, which exhibit interesting photophysical and chemical properties. The structures of all new derivatives were confirmed by common analytical methods (NMR spectroscopy, CV, UV/Vis, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and X‐ray structural analysis) and will be discussed on selected examples in more detail.     

Synthesis and characterization of benzyl and benzoyl substituted oxime-phosphazenes

Two oxime-cyclophosphazenes were prepared from hexakis(4-formylphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (2) and hexakis(4-acetylphenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (7). The reactions of these oximes with benzyl chloride, benzenesulfanoyl chloride, benzoyl chloride, 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride and 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride were studied. Hexa and pentasubstituted compounds were obtained from the reaction of hexakis(4-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]phenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (3) with benzyl chloride (4) and benzoyl chloride, respectively. However, the oxime groups on 3 rearranged to nitrile (5) in the reaction of 3 with benzenesulfanoyl chloride and 1-napthalenesulfanoyl chloride. Hexasubstituted compounds were also obtained from the reactions of hexakis(4-[(1)-N-hydroxyethaneimidoyl]phenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene (8) with benzoyl chloride (10), 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride (11) and 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride (12). A trisubstituted compound was obtained from the reaction of 8 with benzyl chloride (9). All the products were generally obtained in high yields. Pure and defined products could not be obtained from the reaction of 3 with 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride and 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride. The structures of the compounds were defined by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy.     

2,3-Diphosphino-1,4-diphosphonium ions

Salts of the first crystallographically characterized chlorophosphinophosphonium ions have been prepared, and their reaction with Ph3P results in reductive coupling of the chlorophosphine centers to give the first acyclic 2,3-diphosphino-1,4-diphosphonium ions, representing a key framework in the development of catena-phosphorus chemistry. These new salts of general formula [R3P-PR'-PR'-PR3][OTf]2 are also obtained in a one-pot diastereoselective reaction of a dichlorophosphine, a tertiary phosphine, and trimethylsilyltrifluoromethanesulfonate. The structural and spectroscopic features of the new dications complement those of the known diphosphonium and 2-phosphino-1,3-diphosphonium dications. Quantitative ligand exchange reactions are observed when derivatives of [Ph3P-PR'-PR'-PPh3][OTf]2 are combined with Me3P, demonstrating the coordinative nature of the phosphine-phosphonium P-P bonds and implicating a bonding model involving the diphosphenium dication acceptor. The observed solid state structures have been interpreted in the context of computational studies.     

Cationic copolymerization of isobutene and conjugated small-ring dienes

1-Methyl-3-methylenecyclobutene (MMCB) and 1,2-dimethylenecyclobutane (DMCB) copolymerized readily with isobutene with aluminum chloride as initiator in methyl chloride solution at temperatures from ?95 to ?78°C. No polymers were obtained with methylenecyclobutene (MCB) under similar conditions. The copolymerization of MMCB with isobutene took place through a 1,5-addition reaction while that of DMCB through both 1,2- and 1,4-addition reactions. Large amounts of gel were present in the copolymers obtained from DMCB if the reaction was carried to high conversion. The commonly observed effects of dienes (i.e., rate retardation and molecular weight depression) on cationic copolymerization reactions were observed but to a much higher degree with these small ring dienes. The thermal crosslinking behavior of the resulting copolymers was investigated. In conjunction with the copolymerization studies, homopolymers of MMCB, DMCB, and 3,3-dimethyl-1-isopropylidene-2-methylenecyclobutane (IMCB) were prepared and their chemical structures examined.     

Antiaromatic spacer-bridged bisfluorenyl dications generated by superacid induced ionization

Derivatives of the dication of tetrabenzo[5.5]fulvalene were prepared with phenyl and ethynyl spacers through ionization of the appropriate bis-methylethers. The antiaromaticity shown by the parent dication was demonstrated for these dications with spacers, although it was attenuated by the presence of the spacer. It was substantially greater than that of fluorenyl monocations with similar substituents. Antiaromaticity was evaluated through comparison of (1)H NMR shifts with those of acyclic analogues, through nucleus independent chemical shifts, and through magnetic susceptibility exaltation. Although the fluorenyl systems are separated by spacers, the antiaromaticity of one system is affected by the other remote fluorenyl system. An explanation for this interaction may lie in the ability of a remote cationic substituent to attenuate delocalization in the spacer. The use of spacers is designed to prevent side reactions in less stable antiaromatic dications, allowing exploration of a number of species that have previously been inaccessible.