Cyanogen chloride N-oxide cycloadditions. A simple,short route to AT-125.

Addition of AgNO₃ to dichloroformaldoxime in the presence of alkenes provides an efficient procedure for the preparation of 3-chloroisoxazolines including AT-125.     

Kaolinite-mullite series: Firing vs. reactive hot-pressing

The effect of an applied pressure on the transformation of metakaolin to spinel has been studied under reactive hot-pressing conditions and the results are compared with the conventionally fired clays. For the experiments both Georgia kaolin and a Canadian fireclay (kaolinitic) were used. The results indicated that the transformation temperature of metakaolin to spinel can be lowered by the application of an external pressure, confirming the earlier work of Carruthers and Wheat. The application of Clapeyron-Clausius equation showed that in order to lower the transformation temperature, the enthalpy change (H) for this transformation has to be positive, contrary to experimental DTA plots, where an exothermic reaction is generally encountered. This anomalous behaviour can be explained, if it is accepted that the exothermic peak at about 900°C in the kaolinite to mullite transformation sequence is due to the crystallization of amorphous silica, as suggested by Nicholson and Fulrath.

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Zusammenfassung Der Einfluß eines geeigneten Druckes auf die Umwandlung von Metakaolin in Spinell wurde unter den Bedingungen des reaktiven Warmpressens untersucht und die Resultate mit den für konventionell gebrannten Ton erhaltenen verglichen. Die Versuche erfolgten mit einem Kaolin aus Georgia und einer Tonart aus Kanada. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß die Übergangstemperaturen Metakaolin-Spinell durch Anwendung eines äußeren Druckes erheblich vermindert werden können. Mit Hilfe der Clausius-Clapeyronschen Gleichung wurde für die Umwandlung eine positive Enthalpieänderung errechnet, hingegen deuteten die experimentellen DTA Spitzen eine exothermische Reaktion an. Dieses anomalische Verhalten läßt sich durch die Annahme von Nicholson und Fulrath erklären, nach der die exothermische Spitze bei 900° beim Kaolinite-Mullit Übergang der Kristallisation des amorphen Siliziumdioxyds zuzuschreiben ist.

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Résumé Etude de l'influence de la pression exercée à chaud sur la transformation du métakaolin en spinelle et comparaison des résultats avec ceux obtenus avec les argiles calcinées de manière conventionnelle. Les expériences ont été pratiquées sur un kaolin de Géorgie et sur une argile kaolinitique du Canada. Les résultats montrent que le fait d'exercer une pression extérieure abaisse d'une manière importante la température de la transformation du métakaolin en spinelle. La variation d'enthalpie correspondante a été calculée à l'aide de l'équation de Clausius-Clapeyron. On l'a calculé positif, cependant les pics ATD montrent une réaction exothermique. On peut expliquer ce comportement anomalistique par la suggestion de Nicholson et Fulrath, selon laquelle le pic exothermique de 900° dans la transformation kaolinite/mullite est due à la cristallisation de l'oxyde de silice amorphe.

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, . . , . (+H) - .

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Thanks are due to Dr. D. Coates for his helpful suggestions on the applicability of the Clapeyron-Clausius equation in this transformation sequence.     

Some structural aspects in binary aqueous mixtures of simple amides from rotational molecular motions

Nuclear magnetic relaxation rates of²D and¹⁴N in binary aqueous mixtures of formamide,N-methylformamide (NMF), andN,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are reported as a function of the mixture composition. From these intramolecular quadrupolar relaxation data separate rotational correlation times for the two components of the mixture can be determined. The relative variation of the single correlation time as a function of the composition is interpreted in terms of structural changes caused by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects. The results also clearly reflect the expected characteristic variation of these effects on the rotational molecular motions in going from formamide to NMF and DMF. The maximum correlation time retardation of DMF in the aqueous mixture is compared with those of other hydrophobic solvents. A correlation between this maximum retardation and the excess enthalpy of mixing of hydrophobic solvents in aqueous solution can be established graphically.     

Selectivity variation in hydrolysis of phenyl acetates by simple modifications of β-cyclodextrin.

By reaction of β-cyclodextrin 6-monotosylate with alkyl mercaptans, 6-deoxy-6-alkylthio-β-cyclodextrins, $\text{2}$, $\text{3}$, and $\text{4}$, were prepared. Studies of the hydrolyses of $\text{m}$- and $\text{p}$-substituted phenyl acetates showed that the well-known meta-selectivity effect occurred with $\text{2}$, while none was observed with $\text{4}$. This variation in selectivity was due to a change in the catalytic rate constant caused by the substituent on β-cyclodextrin.     

Tuning of switching properties and excited-state dynamics of fulgides by structural modifications

The ultrafast photo-induced dynamics of the E-isomers of four selected photochromic fulgides with distinct structural motifs have been elucidated by femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy in n-hexane as solvent. E→C and E→Z isomerisations, respectively, with time constants of ～0.12 ± 0.02 ps and ～0.34 ± 0.03 ps taking place in parallel were found for derivatives with a methyl substituent at the central hexatriene (HT) unit. In contrast, fulgides with increased steric constraints by an iso-propyl substituent or by intramolecular bridging displayed virtually zero E→Z isomerisation, but instead a desired accelerated and more efficient ring closure in a reaction time of only ～50 ± 10 fs. Both photoisomerisations appear to follow excited-state pathways with distinctive conical intersections. For the ring closure, direct barrierless pathways with steep downhill gradients are likely. Furthermore, the results indicate conformer-specific reactions, with ring closure exclusively by the E(α) conformer and E→Z isomerisation predominantly by the E(β) conformer, because the E(α)→Z channel is unfavoured by the faster and kinetically more competitive E(α)→C reaction. DFT calculations of the equilibrium structures showed that the sterically demanding groups at the HT unit shift the conformer equilibria towards the E(α) conformers. At the same time, they appear to cause a favourable pre-orientation of the furyl unit that accelerates the conrotatory ring closure in the E(α)→C reaction. Benzo-annulation of the furyl unit has little effect on the observed dynamics. Overall, the results demonstrate how the excited-state dynamics and thereby the photoswitching properties of fulgides can be successfully tuned and improved by structural modifications at the chromophores.     

Reactivity of 2-acylaminoacrylates with ketene diethyl acetal; [2 + 2] cycloadditions vs. tandem condensations

The reactivity of 2-acylaminoacrylates with ketene diethyl acetal can be modulated by means of thermal conditions to yield cyclobutanes for the preparation of protected beta-hydroxycyclobutane-alpha-amino acids, or catalytic conditions that yield cyclohexanes by tandem condensations to obtain interesting building blocks that are alternatives to Danishefsky's diene.     

Charge-transfer forces in the self-assembly of heteromolecular reactive solids: successful design of unique (single-crystal-to-single-crystal) Diels--Alder cycloadditions.

Electron donor/acceptor (EDA) interactions are found to be a versatile methodology for the engineering of reactive heteromolecular crystals. In this way, a series of the charge-transfer pi-complexes between bis(alkylimino)-1,4-dithiin acceptors and anthracene donors are shown to form heteromolecular (1:1) crystalline solids that spontaneously undergo stereoselective [2 + 4] Diels--Alder cycloadditions. The flexible nature of the 1,4-dithiin moiety allows this homogeneous topochemical transformation to proceed with minimal distortion of the crystal lattice. As a result, a unique (single) crystal phase of the Diels--Alder adduct can be produced anti-thermodynamically with a molecular arrangement very different from that in solvent-grown crystals. Such a topochemical reaction between bis(methylimino)-1,4-dithiin and anthracene proceeds thermally and homogeneously up to very high conversions without disintegration of the single crystal. This ideal case of the mono-phase topochemical conversion can be continuously monitored structurally (X-ray crystallography) and kinetically (NMR spectroscopy) throughout the entire range of the crystalline transformation. The resultant "artificial" crystal of the Diels--Alder adduct is surprisingly stable despite its different symmetry and packing mode compared to the naturally grown (thermodynamic) crystal.     

Solvatochromic study on nitroanilines. Preferential solvation vs dielectric enrichment in binary solvent mixtures

The preferential solvation approach and the dielectric enrichment model have been applied to explain the solvatochromic behavior of o-, m- and p-nitroaniline (oNA, mNA and pNA) in several binary solvent mixtures. Cyclohexane was used as the “inert” nonpolar cosolvent in every mixture. The other solvents were chosen trying to vary their polarity as much as possible as well as their hydrogen bond donor or acceptor capabilities. Preferential solvation is detected in every solvent mixture studied. These global interactions were quantified by calculating the preferential solvation constant, K. Also, by using the previously developed model, we calculated for each pair of solvent mixtures a theoretical curve and the corresponding K_D due to dielectric enrichment. Non hydrogen bond acceptor solvents (β=0), give values of K quite similar to those of K_D, indicating that the preferential interaction is practically dielectric in nature. When the interacting solvent is a hydrogen bond acceptor, the values of K are higher than K_D according to the acidity of the H in the amino group in the solutes. The values of K as well as of K_D for any solvent mixtures in general follow the order pNA > mNA > oNA as expected, considering the values of μ_g and μ_g-μ_ex. Studies in pure solvent support previous conclusions.     

Surface and bulk cotton fibre modifications: plasma and cationization. Influence on dyeing with reactive dye

The surface of cotton fabrics was functionalized through corona plasma treatments and/or by cationising the whole of the fibre with an epihalohydrin. The effects of both treatments, individually and in combination are analyzed through wettability studies, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and also by dyeing studies with an hetero bis functional reactive dye. Plasma improved wetting properties, exhaustion of the dyebaths and K/S_corr of the fabrics through surface functionalisation. Cationising of the cotton highly increased the exhaustion of the dyebaths and produced a dramatic improvement in K/S_corr. Plasma treatment previous to cationising increased the impregnation of the fabrics, but the effects of both treatments on dyeing parameters are additive only in column water rise and generally the effects obtained by cationising with the epihalohydrin prevail. The differences between both treatments are discussed in terms of surface functionalisation of the cotton fibres.     

Structural modifications and adsorption capability of C18-silica/binary solvent interphases studied by EPR and RP-HPLC

The structure of the octadecyl (C18) chain layer attached to a silica surface in the presence of binary solvents (acetonitrile/water; methanol/water) was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), using 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (Tempol) to mimic the behavior of pollutants with medium-low polarity. The computer-aided analysis of the EPR spectra provided structural and dynamical information of the probe and its environments which clarified the modifications of the chain conformations that occur at different solvent compositions. Capacity factors, k', were calculated as a function of the percentage of water/organic solvent (mobile phase), and the retention behavior of the C18-functionalized silica surface (stationary phase) was compared with the results obtained with EPR analysis under static conditions. In particular, EPR analysis showed that, at percentages of ACN equal or higher than 50%, the chain layer assume a quite ordered structure, whereas at percentages lower than 50% the chains tend to collapse and fold on the silica surface. In this latter situation, the hydrophobic net of the C18 chains strongly limits Tempol mobility. In methanol/water mixtures, both EPR and RP-HPLC analysis showed that the probe was adsorbed into a poorly ordered interphase. If the residual silanols at the silica surface were bonded to a sililating agent (endcapping), both EPR and RP-HPLC analysis showed a decreased adsorption of the probe with respect to the non-endcapped silica at the same mobile phase composition.     

New covalent modifications of phosphatidylethanolamine by alkanals: mass spectrometry based structural characterization and biological effects

The pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease, is accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can oxidatively damage nearly all biomolecules, including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, (poly)unsaturated fatty acids within the phospholipid (PL) structure are easily oxidized by ROS to lipid peroxidation products (LPP) carrying reactive carbonyl groups. Carbonylated LPP are characterized by high in vivo toxicity due to their reactivity with nucleophilic substrates (Lys‐, Cys‐and His‐residues in proteins or amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamines [PE]). Adducts of unsaturated LPP with PE amino groups have been reported before, whereas less is known about the reactivity of saturated alkanals – which are significantly increased in vivo under oxidative stress conditions – towards nucleophilic groups of PLs. Here, we present a study of new alkanal‐dipalmitoyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine (DPPE) adducts by MS‐based approaches, using consecutive fragmentation (MSⁿ) and multiple reaction monitoring techniques. At least eight different DPPE–hexanal adducts were identified, including Schiff base and amide adducts, six of which have not been reported before. The structures of these new compounds were determined by their fragmentation patterns using MSⁿ experiments. The new PE‐hexanal adducts contained dimeric and trimeric hexanal conjugates, including cyclic adducts. A new pyridine ring containing adduct of DPPE and hexanal was purified by HPLC, and its biological effects were investigated. Incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes with modified DPPE did not result in increased production of TNF‐α as one selected inflammation marker. However, incorporation of modified DPPE into 1,2‐dipalmitoleoyl‐sn‐phosphatidylethanolamine multilamellar vesicles resulted in a negative shift of the transition temperature, indicating a possible role of alkanal‐derived modifications in changes of membrane structure. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enantioselective cycloadditions of 2-alkenoylpyridine-N-oxides catalysed by a bis(oxazoline)/Cu(II) complex: structure of the reactive intermediate

Diels–Alder and 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions involving (E)‐3‐aryl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl‐N‐oxide)prop‐2‐en‐1‐ones as the 2π components are efficiently catalysed by bis(oxazoline)–Cu^II complexes. The cycloadducts are obtained in quantitative yields with up to 98 % ee; absolute configurations were determined by X‐ray analysis. The structure of the reactive complex, determined by X‐ray analysis, is fully consistent with the stereochemical outcome of the catalysed process (approach of the diene or nitrone to the less hindered face of the coordinated pyridine‐N‐oxide derivative).     

Origin of diastereoselectivity in the thermal [4+2] cycloadditions of dienophiles derived from Oppolzer's sultams: Steric vs. Stereoelectronic Influences

Comparative semi-empirical PM3 and ab initio STO 3-21G calculations on bornanesultam-derived dienophiles containing the structural moiety SO₂? N? C(O)? X(α) = Y(β) suggest that, among the conformers of low energy, the thermodynamically less stable SO₂/C(O)-syn,C(O)/X=Y-s-cis conformation is also reactive in terms of LUMO level and atomic coefficients. Furthermore, the X(α), Y(β) LUMO atomic coefficients are nonequivalent with respect to both X(α)-re and X(α)-si faces, and thus have, depending on the conformation, a matching or mismatching stereoelectronic influence with the co-operative steric effect. This dissymmetry is believed to result from the generalized anemone effect of the N lone pair, itself anomerically stabilized and directed, in the absence of crucial steric interactions, by the pseudo-axial anti-periplanar S?O bond. Five N-acyl-substituted bornanesultams arc discussed ((–)- 1a : N-acryloyl, X?CH, Y?CH₂; (–)- 1b ; N-crotonoyl, X?CH, Y?CHMe; (–)- 1c : N-N′-fumaroyl, X?CH, Y?CH(C(O)-bornanesultam); 2a : N-glyoxyloyl, X?CH, Y?O; 2b : N-acylnitroso, X?N, Y?O). In this context, differences with toluenesultams 3 are pointed out. A previous report on N-(acylnitroso)-bornanesultam 2b is revisited, and the diastereoselectivity observed is shown to result from thermodynamic control.     

Phase equilibria and excess properties for binary systems in reactive distillation processes Part I. Methyl acetate synthesis

Isothermal vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) and excess enthalpy (H^E) data were measured for binary systems required for the design of reactive distillation processes for the methyl acetate production. The isothermal P–x data were measured with the help of a computer-operated static apparatus. A commercial isothermal flow calorimeter was used for the determination of the heats of mixing. Temperature-dependent interaction parameters for the UNIQUAC model were fitted simultaneously to the experimental data from this work and other authors.     

Oxidative modifications of the Photosystem II D1 protein by reactive oxygen species: from isolated protein to cyanobacterial cells

Action of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the isolated D1 protein, a key component of Photosystem II (PSII) complex, was studied and compared with the effect of high irradiance on this protein in mildly solubilized photosynthetic membranes and cells of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. Whereas singlet oxygen caused mainly protein modification reflected by shift of its electrophoretic mobility, action of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide resulted in generation of specific fragments. Hydroxyl radicals as the most ROS induced fast disappearance of the protein. The results substantiate the ability of ROS to cause direct scission of the D1 peptide bonds. Similar D1 modification, fragmentation and additionally cross-linking with other PSII subunits were observed during illumination or hydrogen peroxide treatment of mildly solubilized thylakoids. Peroxide-induced fragmentation did not occur in thylakoids of the strain lacking a ligand to the nonheme iron, confirming the role of this prosthetic group in the D1-specific cleavage. The D1 modification, fragmentation and cross-linking were suppressed by ROS scavengers, supporting the direct role of ROS in these phenomena. Identical symptoms of the ROS-induced D1 damage were detected in illuminated cells of Synechocystis mutants with a higher probability of ROS formation, documenting the relevance of the in vitro results for the situation in vivo.     

Activation of metal-acyl oxygen atoms by triflic anhydride: a simple synthetic route to reactive cationic vinylidene complexes

(η⁵-Cyclopentadienyl) (acyl) (carbonyl) (tertiary phosphine) iron complexes react rapidly with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride to afford cationic vinylidene complexes, via the intermediacy of cationic carbene complexes. Spectroscopic and chemical characterizations of these vinylidene complexes are reported.     

Comparative study of imidazole hydration: Ab initio and electrostatic calculations vs. Cambridge structural database analysis

We studied geometries and energies of complexes between water and neutral or protonated imidazole by ab initio molecular orbital calculations using the 4-31G basis set with and without the counterpoise correction. Positions of hydration sites and relative binding energies could be also estimated by using the electrostatic field map of imidazole as calculated by our bond increment method. The reliability of the calculations is confirmed by comparing the geometries of the imidazole-water complex to the experimental ones from the Cambridge Structural Database. These were obtained by X-ray diffraction studies on crystals with water bound to a molecule containing the imidazole fragment.