Directed Aminomethylation of Pyrrole,Indole, and Carbazole with <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N′</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N′</Emphasis>-Tetramethylmethanediamine

Catalytic aminomethylation of pyrrole and indole with N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylmethanediamine in the presence of 5 mol % of ZrOCl₂·8H₂O proceeds selectively at the positions 2, 5 of pyrrole and 1, 3 of indole. Carbazole under the same conditions affords 3-formyl-9-aminomethyl derivative. The reaction in the presence of 5 mol % of K₂CO₃ occurs as monoaminomethylation: for pyrrole at the position 2, for indole at the position 3, and for carbazole at the nitrogen atom of the substrate. Water-soluble 1,1′-(1H-pyrrole-2,5-diyl)bis(N,N-dimethylmethanamine) exhibits a fungistatic activity with respect to phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani.     

CO substitution in HRu3(CO)10(μ-COMe) by the unsaturated diphosphine ligand 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd): Synthesis and reactivity studies of the face-capped cluster Ru3(CO)7(μ3-COMe)[μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh2)C(O)CH2C(O)]

The reaction of the methylidyne-bridged cluster HRu₃(CO)₁₀(μ-COMe) (1) with the diphosphine ligand 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) and Me₃NO furnishes HRu₃(CO)₈(μ-COMe)(bpcd) (2) and HRu₃(CO)₈(Ph₂PH)[μ-PPh₂CCC(O)CH₂C(O)] (3) as the major and minor products, respectively. The ¹H and ³¹P NMR data indicate that the bpcd ligand in 2 is chelated to one of the ruthenium atoms that is bridged by the hydride and methylidyne ligands. Thermolysis of 2 is accompanied by P-Ph bond cleavage and elimination of benzene to yield Ru₃(CO)₇(μ₃-COMe)[μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (4). Compound 4 consists of a triangular ruthenium core that is face-capped by μ₃-COMe methylidyne and μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O) phosphido ligands. The kinetics for the conversion of 2 → 4 have been measured in toluene solvent over the temperature range 320-343 K, and based on the observed activation parameters and the inhibitory effect of added CO on the reaction, a rate-limiting step involving a dissociative loss of CO is supported. Heating 4 in the presence of H₂ afforded the phosphinidene-capped cluster H₃Ru₃(CO)₇(μ₃-PPh)[μ-CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (5). Crystallographic analysis of 5 has confirmed the loss of the methylidyne moiety and the cleavage of the phosphido PhP-C(dione) bond, and the presence of three edge-bridging hydrides is supported by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The reaction of 4 with added PPh₃ and PMe₃ has been investigated; the uptake of a single phosphine ligand occurs regiospecifically at one of the phosphido-bound ruthenium centers to give Ru₃(CO)₆L(μ₃-COMe)[μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (PPh₃, 6; PMe₃, 7). Compound 6 contains 48e- and exhibits a structural motif similar to that found in 4. Compound 7 readily adds a second PMe₃ ligand to yield the bis-substituted cluster Ru₃(CO)₆(PMe₃)₂(μ₂-COMe)[μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (8). The solid-state structure of 8 confirms the loss of two ruthenium-ruthenium bonds and the conversion of the original face-capping μ₃-COMe ligand to a μ₂-COMe moiety that tethers two non-bonding ruthenium centers. The two PMe₃ ligands in 8 coordinate to the same ruthenium center, and the 9e- P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O) ligand binds all three ruthenium atoms through the phosphine, phosphido, alkene, and carbonyl moieties. Near-UV irradiation of 8 leads to loss of CO and polyhedral contraction of the triruthenium frame to yield the 48e- cluster Ru₃(CO)₅(PMe₃)₂(μ₃-COMe)[μ-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (9).     

Mixed-ligand oxovanadium complexes incorporating Schiff base ligands: synthesis, DNA interactions, and cytotoxicities

Three oxovanadium complexes, namely [VO(NOSAA)(bpy)] (1) (NOSAA = 2-hydroxy-5-nitrosalicylidene anthranilic acid, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl), [VO(NOSAA)(4,4′-dimebpy)] (2) (4,4′-dimebpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′- bipyridyl), and [VO(NOSAA)(phen)] (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been prepared and characterized. The binding modes and strengths of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were studied using various techniques. The chemical nuclease activities and photocleavage reactions of the complexes were also tested. All three complexes interact with CT-DNA through intercalative modes, and complex 3 possesses the largest binding affinity. All three complexes can efficiently cleave pBR322 DNA upon irradiation or under physiological conditions in the presence of H₂O₂, and complex 3 has the best cleaving ability. In vitro experimental results showed that the three complexes are cytotoxic against myeloma (Ag8.653) and gliomas (U251) cell lines and complex 3 again showed the highest efficacy.     

Structure and function of a lignostilbene-α,β-dioxygenase orthologue from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas brassicacearum</Emphasis>

Background

Stilbene cleaving oxygenases (SCOs), also known as lignostilbene-α,β-dioxygenases (LSDs) mediate the oxidative cleavage of the olefinic double bonds of lignin-derived intermediate phenolic stilbenes, yielding small modified benzaldehyde compounds. SCOs represent one branch of the larger carotenoid cleavage oxygenases family. Here, we describe the structural and functional characterization of an SCO-like enzyme from the soil-born, bio-control agent Pseudomonas brassicacearum.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo assays relying on visual inspection, spectrophotometric quantification, as well as liquid-chormatographic and mass spectrometric characterization were applied for functional evaluation of the enzyme. X-ray crystallographic analyses and in silico modeling were applied for structural investigations.

Results

In vitro assays demonstrated preferential cleavage of resveratrol, while in vivo analyses detected putative cleavage of the straight chain carotenoid, lycopene. A high-resolution structure containing the seven-bladed β-propeller fold and conserved 4-His-Fe unit at the catalytic site, was obtained. Comparative structural alignments, as well as in silico modelling and docking, highlight potential molecular factors contributing to both the primary in vitro activity against resveratrol, as well as the putative subsidiary activities against carotenoids in vivo, for future validation.

Conclusions

The findings reported here provide validation of the SCO structure, and highlight enigmatic points with respect to the potential effect of the enzyme’s molecular environment on substrate specificities for future investigation.

     

A novel tyrosine hyperoxidation enables selective peptide cleavage

A novel tyrosine hyperoxidation enabling selective peptide cleavage is reported. The scission of the N-terminal amide bond of tyrosine was achieved with Dess–Martin periodinane under mild conditions, generating a C-terminal peptide fragment bearing the unprecedented hyperoxidized tyrosine motif, 4,5,6,7-tetraoxo-1H-indole-2-carboxamide, along with an intact N-terminal peptide fragment. This reaction proceeds with high site-selectivity for tyrosine and exhibits broad substrate scope for various peptides, including those containing post-translational modifications. More importantly, this oxidative cleavage was successfully applied to enable sequencing of three naturally occurring cyclic peptides, including one depsipeptide and one lipopeptide. The linearized peptides generated from the cleavage reaction significantly simplify cyclic peptide sequencing by MS/MS, thus providing a robust tool to facilitate rapid sequence determination of diverse cyclic peptides containing tyrosine. Furthermore, the highly electrophilic nature of the hyperoxidized tyrosine unit disclosed in this work renders it an important electrophilic target for the selective bioconjugation or synthetic manipulation of peptides containing this unit.

A Tyr-selective peptide cleavage was reported using Dess–Martin periodinane. The cleavage generates an unprecedented hyperoxidized tyrosine motif in the C-terminal fragment and showed excellent site-specificity and broad scope for various peptides.     

Interplay of coordinative and supramolecular interactions in directing the crystal structures of copper(II)-ofloxacin complexes under co-ligand intervention

Assemblies of ofloxacin (Hoflo) with Cu(II), in the presence of the organonitrogen ligands, such as 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dmbpy), and 8-hydroxyquinoline (hq), under similar conditions, yield a series of three coordination complexes, [Cu(oflo)(bpy)(H₂O)](ClO₄)(H₂O)_1.5 (1), [Cu(Hoflo)(dmbpy)(ClO₄)](ClO₄)(H₂O)₂ (2), and [Cu(oflo)(hq)](ClO₄)(H₂O)₂ (3). All three complexes have been structurally determined and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. All of the Cu(II) atoms adopt the similar square pyramidal coordination geometries. However, when considering the longer Cu–O contacts in 2, its coordination geometry turns out to be distorted octahedral and a binuclear motif is afforded. The results reveal that, distinct extended network architectures of 1D (for 1) and 2D (for 2 and 3) are further constructed with the aid of weak secondary interactions of H-bonding and aromatic stacking, by introducing various heterocyclic co-ligands. The thermal stabilities of the complexes are described and discussed.     

Rosenmund-Braun Reaction Products 4′,5′-Dicyanobenzo-15-crown-5 and 4′,5′-Dicyanobenzo-15-crown-5,4′-cyano-5′-cyano(bromo)benzo-15-crown-5 Hydrates: Spectroscopic Properties and Crystal Structure

The products of 4′,5′-dibromobenzo-15-crown-5 (I) cyanation by the Rosenmund-Braun reaction are studied by the ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy methods. X-ray diffraction analysis of two isolated products, i.e., di(4′,5′-dicyanobenzo-15-crown-5) 1.6 hydrate {(CN)₂B15C5}₂ · 1.6H₂O (IIa) and 4′,5′-dicyanobenzo-15-crown-5,4′-cyano-5′-cyano(bromo)benzo-15-crown-5 dihydrate (CN)_3.85Br_0.15(B15C5)₂ · 2H₂O (III) is performed. Crystals IIa are monoclinic, a = 15.882(2) Å, b = 11.412(2) Å, c = 18.484(3) Å, β = 100.717(3)°, V = 3291.7(9) ų, Z = 4, space group P2₁/c, R = 0.0746 for 4775 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Crystals III are monoclinic, a = 15.956(3) Å, b = 11.425(2) Å, c = 18.865(4) Å, β = 99.32(3)°, V = 3394(1) ų, Z = 4, space group _P2₁/_{c, R} = 0.0692 for 2070 reflections with I > 2σ(I). Compounds IIa and III have similar structures with two crystallographically independent molecules in each (A and B in IIa; C and D in III). Four of the five O atoms of a macrocycle in molecules A and C form hydrogen bonds with the water molecules. The latter molecules lie above and below the cycle plane at a distance of ～2 Å from this plane. The A and C molecules have identical conformations (TTG TTG TTG TTG TTC) that differ from those of molecules B (TTG TGG STT SSG TTC) and D (TTC TSG STT SSG TTC).     

Ligand substitution in HC(O)CCo3(CO)9 with 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd): Diphosphine ligand fluxionality, decarbonylation of the formyl moiety and competitive P-Ph bond cleavage reactivity

The reaction of the formyl-capped cluster HC(O)CCo₃(CO)₉ (1) with the diphosphine ligand 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) in the presence of added Me₃NO leads to the production of the disubstituted cluster HC(O)CCo₃(CO)₇(bpcd) (2). Thermolysis of 2 in toluene at 60 °C gives the methylidyne-capped cluster HCCo₃(CO)₇(bpcd) (4) and the phosphido-bridged cluster Co₃(CO)₇[μ₂,η²,η¹-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O)] (5). Cluster 4 has been independently prepared from HCCo₃(CO)₉ and bpcd and shown to serve as the precursor to 5. The new clusters 2, 4, and 5 have been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (¹H and ³¹P) spectroscopies and their solid-state structures have been established by X-ray diffraction analyses. Both clusters 2 and 4 contain 48e- and exhibit triangular Co₃ cores with a chelating and bridging bpcd ligand in the solid state, respectively. The structure of 5 provides unequivocal support for the loss of the methylidyne capping ligand and P-Ph bond cleavage attendant in the activation of 4 and confirms the presence of the face capping seven-electron μ₂,η²,η¹-P(Ph)CC(PPh₂)C(O)CH₂C(O) ligand in the final product. The fluxionality displayed by the bpcd ligand in clusters 2 and 4 and the decarbonylation behavior of the formyl moiety in the former cluster are discussed relative to related alkylidyne-capped Co₃ derivatives.     

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 using cis,trans-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)2(PR3)(PR’3)]+ (dmbpy=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)

Photocatalysis of biscarbonylrhenium complexes cis,trans-[Re(dmbpy)(CO)₂(PR₃) (PR′₃)]⁺ (dmbpy=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine: R, R′=Ph (1a ⁺); p-FPh (1b ⁺); R=Ph, R′=OEt (1c ⁺); R, R′=O-i-Pr (1d ⁺)) is reported for the first time. The rhenium complexes with two triarylphosphine ligands (1a ⁺, 1b ⁺) efficiently photocatalyzed CO₂ reduction with triethanolamine as a sacrificial donor. On the other hand, the complexes with one or two trialkylphosphite ligand(s) (1c ⁺, 1d ⁺) had low photocatalytic abilities under the same reaction conditions.     

X-Ray diffraction study of the new ecdysteroid derivatives containing isoxazoline ring in the side chain

Crystal and molecular structure of (2β,3β,14α,20R,5′R)-14,20-dihydroxy-20-(3′-isopropylisoxazolin-5′-yl)-2,3-isopropylidenedioxy-5β-pregn-7-en-6-one and (2β,3β,14α,20R,5′R)-20-hydroxy-20-(3′-methylisoxazolin-5′-yl)-14-trimethylsilyloxy-2,3-isopropylidenedioxy-5β-pregn-7-en-6-one was investigated by XRD analysis. Compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic [space group P2₁2₁2₁; a 1.751(2), b 12.146(2), c 19.660(4) Å] and hexagonal [space group P6₁; a 14.138(3), b 14.138(3), c 27.597(7) Å] crystal systems, respectively. These compounds, which resulted from the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of isobutyronitrile oxide or acetonitrile oxide to the corresponding steroid olefin, have 5′R-stereochemistry of the formed chiral center. The conformation of the side chain of molecules is stable due to the intramolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Model Route to 5-Bromo-3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-7,9,10-trimethoxy-1,3-dimethyl-1H-naphtho[2,3-c]pyran: A Potential Precursor to Extended Quinones

A protocol has been developed for the synthesis of the linear naphthopyran 16, by the TiCl₄-catalyzed isomerization of 2,5-dimethyl dioxolane 1, having a methoxy group at position 1′ and a bromine atom at position 4′ of the naphthyl precursor to favor isomerization at position 2′.

Synthesis and crystal structures of the nickel(II) complex with nitronyl nitroxide

Two nickel(II) complexes [Ni(NIT-l′-MeBzlrn)₂(Dca)₂] (I, II) (NIT-l′-MeBzIm = 2-{2′-[(l′methyl)benzimidazolyl]}-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-l-oxyl-3-oxide) have been prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They are structural epimers. The complexe crystallizes in monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z = 4. Crystal data: C₃₄H₃₈N₁₄NiO₄, M _r = 765.49, a = 15.019(3), b = 18.803(4), c = 15.756(3) Å, β = 109.399(3)°, γ = 90° (I); a = 13.934(3), b = 11.046(2), c = 24.570(5) Å, β = 90.024(2)° (II). The X-ray analysis reveals that Ni²⁺ ion resides in a distorted octahedral center. The complex was linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, resulting in a ID chain structure for I and a 2D network configuration for II.     

Recherches sur les alcoylamidures de lithium : VI. Étude de la rupture de quelques éthers aryliques

The amides R₂NLi prepared and used in hexamethylphosphorotriamide (HMPT) cause the cleavage of arylic ethers.The cleavage of ethers ArOR′ leads to ArNR₂ amines or to ArOH phenols depending on the aliphatic group R'.The influence of the nature of the amide R₂NLi and of its concentration is studied.The cleavage of oxides ArOR′ and ArOAr′ is examined in relation with the effect of the substituents of the aromatic nucleus. It is noticed that the mechanism of these cleavages do not involve any arynic character. The possibility of a direct nucleophilic substitution is considered.Finally, the ethers ArOCH₂Ar lead predominantly to the alcohols

.     

Novel ladder-like structure motif assembled from edge-sharing rhombus and square of Mo<Subscript>2</Subscript>Dy<Subscript>2</Subscript> based on [Mo(CN)<Subscript>8</Subscript>]<Superscript>4−</Superscript> and Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions as building blocks

A novel bimetallic 4d–4f complex, “Cs[Dy(MeOH)₃(DMF)(H₂O)Mo(CN)₈] · H₂O” _n (I) (DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The crystal analyses showed that complex I consists of a one-dimensional infinite chain, which adopts a 1D ladder-like structure motif assembled from an edge-sharing rhombus and square of Mo₂Dy₂. This is the first structurally characterized example of a 1D ladder structure based on the [Mo(CN)₈]^4? and Dy³⁺ building blocks. Complex I crystallizes in triclinic crystal system, \(P\bar 1\) space group, with a = 9.876(2), b = 10.300(2), c = 13.498(3) Å, α = 81.96(3)°, β = 86.68(3)°, γ = 65.42(3)°, V = 1236.4(4) ų, and Z = 2.     

Synthesis of (−)-lentiginosine, its 8a-epimer and dihydroxylated pyrrolizidine alkaloid from d-glucose

The d-glucose derived α,β-unsaturated ester 5 on 1,2-acetonide deprotection, oxidative diol cleavage followed by treatment with N-benzylamine in the presence of NaBH₃CN undergoes reductive amination and a concomitant intramolecular conjugate addition reaction leading to the formation of dihydroxypyrrolidine-ester 6a and monohydroxypyrrolidine-γ-lactone 6b. Intermediates 6a and 6b were efficiently converted to (−)-lentiginosine 3a, its 8a-epimer 3b, and pyrrolizidine azasugar 4 in good overall yield.     

A study of the interaction between polyvinylpyrrolidone and gemini surfactant G12-3-12 by NMR

The interaction between a water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a gemini surfactant N,N'-didodecyl-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-N,N'-propanediyl-diammonium dibromide (G12-3-12) was investigated by means of NMR in a D₂O solution at 298 K. The critical micelle concentration (СMC), critical aggregation concentration (СAC) and adsorption reached the saturated concentration (C2) were confirmed by chemical shift and self-diffusion coefficients, respectively. The results of the relaxation time ratio (T_R = T₂/T₁) of G12-3-12 show that the motion of the ionic head N⁺–CH₃^* proton (G6) is seriously restricted, and thus, it can be proved that the cationic head groups are situated in the hydrophilic layer of the micelle. The size of the mixed-aggregates in the G12-3-12/PVP solution is larger than pure G12-3-12 micelles according to self-diffusion coefficients, indicating that the G12-3-12 and PVP has formed mixed micelles, and ionic heads N⁺–CH₃^* become more tightly packed in the hydrophilic layer of the micelle shell. On the other hand, strong cross peaks, such as G1-P2, G1-P3, and G2-P3, appear in the 2D nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (2D NOESY) spectra of the G12-3-12/PVP system, further indicating that the interaction sites are located between the hydrophobic tail of G12-3-12 and PVP ring.     

Studies on enzymatic oxidation of 3′,4′-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine to dopachrome using kinetic isotope effect methods

We report the studies on the mechanism of oxidation of 3′,4′-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) to neurotoxic dopachrome catalyzed by enzyme horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) using the kinetic (KIE), and solvent (SIE), isotope effect methods. For kinetic studies two specifically deuterated isotopomers: [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l -DOPA was synthesized by the acid catalyzed isotopic exchange between native l-DOPA and heavy water, and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA was synthesized in two step reaction. The first step involved acid catalyzed isotopic exchange between l-tyrosine and deuterated water and resulting product [3′,5′-²H₂]-l-tyrosine was hydroxylated by enzyme tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1). The values of deuterium KIEs and SIE’s in the enzymatic oxidation of l-DOPA and its isotopomers are determined using non-competitive spectrophotometric method. The measured values were: KIE on V _max (1.1 and 2.2) and KIE on V _max/K _M (1.7 and 3.2) for [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l-DOPA and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA, respectively, while the corresponding values of SIE were: SIE on V _max (2.1, 2.4, and 2.1) and SIE on V _max/K _M (1.3. 1.6, and 1.1) for l-DOPA, [2′,5′,6′-²H₃]-l-DOPA, and [5′-²H]-l-DOPA, respectively. The size of KIE and SIE, typical for secondary isotope effects indicate that both the solvent and presence of deuterium at the 2′-, 5′, and 6′-positions of l-DOPA has the little impact on the enzymatic oxidation of this compound.     

[H<Subscript>2</Subscript>OT][PdCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>], a salt of the protonated oxythiamine cation with the tetrachloropalladate(II) tetrachloride anion synthesis and crystal structure

The interaction of oxythiamine chloride hydrochloride with a solution of palladium chloride in hydrochloric acid affords a salt of protonated oxythiamine [H₂OT][PdCl₄] (I) (HOT is 4-methyl-3-[(2′-methyl-4′-oxo-3′,4′-dihydropyrimidinyl-5′)methyl]-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)thiazolium, C₁₂H₁₆N₃O₂S⁺). The crystal structure of salt I is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 9.474(3) Å, b = 13.822(2) Å, c = 13.626(4) Å, β = 93.42(2)°, V = 1781.2(3) ų, Z = 4, space group P2₁/n. The structural units of salt I are doubly-charged cations [H₂OT]²⁺ and anions [PdCl₄]^2? joined by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction into dimeric supermolecules. The thiazolium and pyrimidine rings in the cation are planar (the dihedral angle between the planes is 89.6°) and oriented relative to the linking methylene center to form torsion angles Φ _t = 64.9° and Φ _p = 49.9° characteristic of the V′ conformation.     

Metal-free and selective cleavage of unstrained carbon–carbon single bonds: Synthesis of β-ketosulfones from β-chlorohydrins and sodium sulfinates

A metal-free protocol for the selective cleavage of unstrained C–C single bonds was developed. Under the catalysis of KI and in the presence of NaHCO₃, the readily available α-chloro-β-hydroxy ketones underwent bond breaking and sulfonylation smoothly to afford β-ketosulfones with high efficiency and broad substrate scope. Mechanism investigations, both experimental and theoretical, showed that a retro-aldol cleavage/nucleophilic substitution sequence might be involved.