The First Synthesis of a Diynone from Echinacea pallida

In order to provide an authentic standard and to generate pure material for biological testing, an efficient synthetic route to 1 was developed. This represents the first total synthesis of a major bioactive diynone from E. pallida.     

Synthesis and natural distribution of anti-inflammatory alkamides from Echinacea

The synthesis of the alkamides 2Z,4E-undeca-2,4-dien-8,10-diynoic acid isobutyl amide (1) and 2Z,4E-undeca-2,4-dien-8,10-diynoic acid isobutyl amide (5) was accomplished by organometallic coupling followed by introduction of the doubly unsaturated amide moiety. The distribution of these two amides in accessions of the nine species of Echinacea was determined.     

Synthesis and cannabinoid receptor activity of ketoalkenes from Echinacea pallida and nonnatural analogues

Despite its popularity and widespread use, the efficacy of Echinacea products remains unclear and controversial. Among the various compounds isolated from Echinacea, ketoalkenes and ketoalkenynes exclusively found in the pale purple coneflower (E. pallida) are major components of the extracts. In contrast to E. purpurea alkamides, these compounds have not been synthesized and studied for immunostimulatory effects. We present a practical and useful synthetic approach to the ketoalkenes using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and the pharmaceutical results at the human cannabinoid receptors. The synthetic route developed provides overall good yields for the ketoalkenes and is applicable to other natural products with similar 1,4-diene motifs. No significant activity was observed at either receptor, indicating that the ketoalkenes from E. pallida are not responsible for immunomodulatory effects mediated via the cannabinergic system. However, newly synthesized non-natural analogues showed micro-molar potency at both cannabinoid receptors.     

The preparation of ketone constituents from Echinacea pallida

Efficient syntheses of two ketones from Echinacea pallida are described.     

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of polyacetylenes and polyenes in Echinacea pallida by using a monolithic reversed-phase silica column

In this study, a RP-HPLC method for the analysis of polyacetylenes and polyenes in Echinacea pallida roots and phytopharmaceuticals was developed. The reference compounds used for quantification were isolated from the plant material and their structures were determined on the basis of the analysis of UV, IR, NMR and MS data. The complete structure elucidation of three compounds, namely 8-hydroxy-tetradec-(9E)-ene-11,13-diyn-2-one (1), tetradec-(8Z)-ene-11,13-diyn-2-one (6) and pentadec-(8Z)-en-2-one (9) is described. In the analysis of the n-hexane extracts of E. pallida roots, the comparison between conventional and monolithic columns showed that the elution order in both cases is identical and the selectivity is equivalent. However, the retention times achieved by the monolithic column are shorter, resulting in a faster separation (20 min). Therefore, the analyses were carried out on a Chromolith Performance RP-18e (100 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.), with a gradient mobile phase composed by H(2)O and ACN at the flow rate of 2 mL/min. The column was thermostatted at 20 degrees C. The photodiode array detector monitored the eluent at 210 nm. The validation procedure confirmed that this technique affords reliable analysis of these components and is appropriate for the quality control of complex matrices, such as E. pallida roots and phytopharmaceuticals.     

The synthesis and some reactions of pentafluoroethyl vinyl ketone

The title compound has been prepared in a four step synthesis starting from acrolein. Both its dimerization, which yields a 3.4-dihydropyranyl derivative, and the uncatalyzed addition of ethanol across the CCbond take place at 20°, reflecting the high reactivity of this α,β-unsaturated ketone.     

The natural constituents of historical textile dyes

The sources and structures of dyes used to colour Western historical textiles are described in this tutorial review. Most blue and purple colours were derived from indigo--obtained either from woad or from the indigo plant--though some other sources (e.g. shellfish and lichens) were used. Reds were often anthraquinone derivatives obtained from plants or insects. Yellows were almost always flavonoid derivatives obtained from a variety of plant species. Most other colours were produced by over-dyeing--e.g. greens were obtained by over-dyeing a blue with a yellow dye. Direct analysis of dyes isolated from artefacts allows comparison with the historical record.     

Enantioselective synthesis of sabina ketone

Both enantiomers of sabina ketone were efficiently prepared via an easy synthesis of 1-diazo-5-methylene-6-methylheptan-2-one, starting from succinic anhydride, followed by its highly enantioselective cyclization catalyzed by chiral dirhodium(II) compounds having ortho-metalated phosphines as ligands.     

Control of molecular weight distribution in polycondensation polymers 2. Poly(ether ketone) synthesis

Synthesis of aromatic poly(ether ketone) (3) with a narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n) was investigated via polycondensation. M_ns of 3 could be controlled varying the feed ratio of monomer (1) and initiator (2) maintaining relatively narrow M_w/M_ns (<1.3). The kinetics of polycondensation obeyed a first-order relationship between polycondensation time and -(1/[2]₀) ln([1]/[1]₀), and the rate of polycondensation was estimated as 2.57 mol⁻¹ L h⁻¹. MALDI-TOF mass analysis of 3 indicated that polycondensation should proceed via chain growth manner to give 3 having an initiator unit in each chain end.     

Bioavailability of Echinacea constituents: Caco-2 monolayers and pharmacokinetics of the alkylamides and caffeic acid conjugates

Many studies have been done over the years to assess the effectiveness of Echinacea as an immunomodulator. We have assessed the potential bioavailability of alkyl- amides and caffeic acid conjugates using Caco-2 monolayers and compared it to their actual bioavailability in a Phase I clinical trial. The caffeic acid conjugates permeated poorly through the Caco-2 monolayers. Alkylamides were found to diffuse rapidly through Caco-2 monolayers. Differences in diffusion rates for each alkylamide correlated to structural variations, with saturation and N-terminal methylation contributing to decreases in diffusion rates. Alkylamide diffusion is not affected by the presence of other constituents and the results for a synthetic alkylamide were in line with those for alkylamides found in an ethanolic Echinacea preparation. We examined plasma from healthy volunteers for 12 hours after ingestion of Echinacea tablets manufactured from an ethanolic liquid extract. Caffeic acid conjugates could not be identified in any plasma sample at any time after tablet ingestion. Alkylamides were detected in plasma 20 minutes after tablet ingestion and for each alkylamide, pharmacokinetic profiles were devised. The data are consistent with the dosing regimen of one tablet three times daily and supports their usage as the primary markers for quality Echinacea preparations.     

Stereoselective synthesis, natural occurrence and CB(2) receptor binding affinities of alkylamides from herbal medicines such as Echinacea sp

A divergent synthesis of (2E,4E,8E,10E)- and (2E,4E,8E,10Z)-N-isobutyldodeca-2,4,8,10-tetraenamides from pent-4-yn-1-ol allowed identification of the (2E,4E,8E,10Z)-isomer for the first time in Echinacea species. A short, stereoselective synthesis of the (2E,4E,8E,10Z)-isomer is also described which allowed further biological evaluation of this material, and the demonstration that this isomer does not occur in Spilanthes mauritiana as previously reported.     

Proline imidazolidinones and enamines in Hajos-Wiechert and Wieland-Miescher ketone synthesis

Readily available aromatic prolinamides obtained from the acid chloride of proline hydrochloride and anilines induce large enantiomeric excesses in intramolecular aldol condensations. Imidazolidinones derived from the reaction of the catalyst and enamines have been found as intermediates in these reactions.     

The synthesis of shihunine and related compounds from ortho-carboxyphenyl cyclopropyl ketone

Reaction of dicyclopropyl cadmium and phthalic acid monochloride monomethyl ester gives o-carboxyphenyl cyclopropyl ketone (2). Reaction of the methyl ester of 2 with methylamine gives 2 - methyl - 3 - hydroxy-3-cyclopropyl-1-isoindolinone (4b), which is converted by hydrogen halides in chloroform to the rearranged homoallylic halides 5a–c. Thionyl chloride in chloroform converts 2 to 3-(3-chloropropylidene) phthalide (7) which upon reaction with methylamine gives isoshihunine (8). Heating of keto acid 2 with aniline leads to N-phenyl-N-norshihunine (9), while upon heating of 2 with methylamine spiro [(1 - methylpyrrolidine) - 2 - 3′ - (2′ - methyl - 1′ - isoindolinone)] (10) is obtained. 10 is converted to shihunine (1) by 48% HBr solution. The mechanisms of the reactions are discussed.     

Chemical determination of some major constituents in rocks and minerals

Macro-analytical schemes are described for the determination of aluminium, total iron and iron(II), as part of the complete analysis of silicate rocks and minerals Solvent extraction eliminates interferences before titration of aluminium with DCTA Iron(III) is extracted with MIBK and determined indirectly with EDTA Iron(II) is determined by potentiometric titration under an inert atmosphere. Interferences are removed with 2,4-pentanedione and carbon tetrachloride before the determination of calcium and magnesium.     

The first total synthesis of the natural product angoluvarin

The total synthesis of angoluvarin, a member of the dihydrochalcone family of natural products, is reported. Starting with 2-bromophenol, the synthesis was accomplished in eight steps with an overall yield of 2%. This represents the first reported synthesis of angoluvarin.