Separations of a-hexachlorocyclohexane (a-HCH) and pentachlorocyclohexene (PCCH) enantiomers on a cyclodextrin-phase (Cyclodex-B) by HRGC/ECD

The separation of a-hexachlorocyclohexane and of all eight possible pentachlorocyclohexene isomers into their enantiomers by high-resolution gas chromatography and electron capture detection was achieved by using permethylated -cyclodextrin in DB 1701 (Cyclodex-B, J & W) as chiral stationary phase. The first step in the metabolism of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is the formation of 1,3,4,5,6-pentachlorocyclohexene-1 (PCCH). Various degradation experiments were carried out with -, -, -, and -HCH. Whereas -HCH gave no degradation products, the isomers -, -, and -HCH degraded into various PCCHs and trichlorobenzenes, when using pyridine as dehydrochlorination reagent in xylene at 60°C. Isomerization into other HCH isomers was observed only for -HCH. Enantioselective dehydrochlorination was observed for a- and -HCH using the alkaloid (–)-brucine, R-(+)- or S-(–)-a-phenylethylamine as chiral base.     

Biodegradation of α-, β-, and γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane by Arthrobacter fluorescens and Arthrobacter giacomelloi

The organochlorine pesticide γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH, lindane) and its non-insecticidal isomers α-, β-, and δ- continue to pose serious environmental and health concerns, although their use has been restricted or completely banned for decades. The present study reports the first results on the ability of two Arthrobacter strains, not directly isolated from a HCH-polluted site, to grow in a mineral salt medium containing α-, β-, or γ-HCH (100 mg?l^?1) as sole source of carbon. Growth of cultures and HCHs degradation by Arthrobacter fluorescens and Arthrobacter giacomelloi were investigated after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days of incubation by enumerating colony forming units and GC with ECD detection, respectively. Both bacteria are able to metabolize the HCHs: A. giacomelloi is the most effective one, as after 72 h of incubation it produces 88 % degradation of α-, 60 % of β-, and 56 % of γ-HCH. The formation of possible persistent compounds was studied by GC/MS and by HPLC analysis. Pentachlorocyclohexenes and tetrachlorocyclohexenes have been detected as metabolites, which are almost completely eliminated after 72 h of incubation, while no phenolic compounds were found.     

Isomerspecific determination of sorption/desorption,transformation and bioaccumulation of hexachlorocyclohexanes at the case site Bitterfeld with special regard to ageing effects

ABSTRACT

The production of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) at Bitterfeld, Germany, caused heavy contamination of sediments in the receiving waters and soils of riverbanks and floodplains of the Spittelwasser creek with adverse effects on the rivers Mulde and Elbe. This study was launched to investigate the isomer specific behaviour of aged and non-aged hexachlorocyclohexanes focusing on their transformation, sorption and bioaccumulation. Spiked residues of α- and γ-HCH were transformed in aerobic water/sediment systems, while no elimination was observed for β-, δ- and ε-HCH. In contrast, aged residues of all HCH isomers were entirely stable under these aerobic conditions, while under anaerobic conditions a significant transformation was found for all spiked HCH isomers. Desorption hysteresis was identified for all isomers. Ageing led to an increase in the binding strength of HCH isomers to sediment, indicated by elevated logK_OC-values and increased the persistence of HCH isomers in aerobic water/sediment systems. HCH bioaccumulated in benthic organisms of Spittelwasser creek and Schachtgraben canal. After their confluence the lipid normalised HCH concentrations in benthic organisms of Spittelwasser creek increased by a factor of 10, indicating the central role of HCH residues from the Schachtgraben canal for the HCH exposure of benthic biota in the aquatic system of the Spittelwasser creek.     

Gas chromatographic separation of chiral organochlorines on modified cyclodextrin phases and results of marine biota samples

Four chiral stationary phases containing modified cyclodextrines diluted in or chemically bonded to a non-chiral phase were used to resolve chiral organochlorine compounds such as α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), perdeuterated α-HCH (α-PDHCH), β-and γ-pentachlorocyclohexene (PCCH), oxychlordane, cis-and trans-chlor- dane, cis- and trans-heptachlorepoxide, PCB 95, PCB 132, PCB 149, and Chiral tozaphenes. The elution order was determined by analyzing standards with known enantiomeric excesses. Furthermore, an internal standard was used to even out slight variations in the ratio of peak hights of enantiomers which were determined from injection to injection. None of the chiral stationary phases resolved all chiral organochlorine compounds. However, the β-TBDM(35% heptakis (6-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-2,3-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin in OV 1701) column allowed the separation of all compounds under investigation except for PCB 95 and chiral toxaphenes. Emphasis was placed on the separation of as many as possible enantiomers on a chiral phase by application of one temperature program and with respect to unambiguous quantitation of biological samples such as bludder and liver of marine and terrestrial mammals.     

Synthesis,isolation, and chromatography of perdeuterated α-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane

Perdeuterated α-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-PDHCH) was synthesized and isolated in pure form. α-PDHCH was baseline separated from unlabeled α-HCH by high resolution gas chromatography on different stationary phases. α-PDHCH was also resolved into its enantiomeric forms by application of a chiral GC phase. Furthermore, chiral chromatography of a mixture of labeled α-PDHDH and unlabeled α-HCH resulted in four peaks. Standard solutions of α-PDHCH are recommended both as recovery standard for sample clean-up and as internal standard for the quantitation of chlorinated hydrocarbons with GC/MS or GC/ECD in environmental samples.     

Development of an enantiomer-specific stable carbon isotope analysis (ESIA) method for assessing the fate of α-hexachlorocyclo-hexane in the environment

α-Hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) is the only chiral isomer of the eight 1,2,3,4,5,6-HCHs and we have developed an enantiomer-specific stable carbon isotope analysis (ESIA) method for the evaluation of its fate in the environment. The carbon isotope ratios of the α-HCH enantiomers were determined for a commercially available α-HCH sample using a gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) system equipped with a chiral column. The GC-C-IRMS measurements revealed δ-values of -32.5 ± 0.8‰ and -32.3 ± 0.5‰ for (-) α-HCH and (+) α-HCH, respectively. The isotope ratio of bulk α-HCH was estimated to be -32.4 ± 0.6‰ which was in accordance with the δ-values obtained by GC-C-IRMS (-32.7 ± 0.2‰) and elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) of the bulk α-HCH (-32.1 ± 0.1‰). The similarity of the isotope ratio measurements of bulk α-HCH by EA-IRMS and GC-C-IRMS indicates the accuracy of the chiral GC-C-IRMS method. The linearity of the α-HCH ESIA method shows that carbon isotope ratios can be obtained for a signal size above 100 mV. The ESIA measurements exhibited standard deviations (2σ) that were mostly < ± 0.5‰. In order to test the chiral GC-C-IRMS method, the isotope compositions of individual enantiomers in biodegradation experiments of α-HCH with Clostridium pasteurianum and samples from a contaminated field site were determined. The isotopic compositions of the α-HCH enantiomers show a range of enantiomeric and isotope patterns, suggesting that enantiomeric and isotope fractionation can serve as an indicator for biodegradation and source characterization of α-HCH in the environment.     

Analysis of hexachlorocyclohexanes in aquatic samples by one-step microwave-assisted headspace controlled-temperature liquid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection

A microwave-assisted headspace controlled-temperature liquid-phase microextraction (HS-CT-LPME) technique was applied for the one-step sample extraction of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) from aqueous samples with complicate matrices, followed by gas chromatographic (GC) analysis with electron capture detector (ECD). Microwave heating was applied to accelerate the evaporation of HCHs into the headspace and an external-cooling system was used to control the temperature in the sampling zone for HS-LPME. Parameters affecting extraction efficiency, such as LPME solvent, sampling position and temperature, microwave power and irradiation time (the same as sampling time), sample pH, and salt addition were thoroughly investigated. From experimental results, the following conditions were selected for the extraction of HCHs from 10-mL water sample (pH 2.0) by using 1-octanol as the LPME solvent, with sampling done at 38 °C for 6 min under 167 W of microwave irradiation. The detections were linear in the concentration of 0.1–10 μg/L for α-HCH and γ-HCH, and 1–100 μg/L for β-HCH and δ-HCH. Detection limits were 0.05, 0.4, 0.03 and 0.1 μg/L for α-, β-, γ- and δ-HCH, respectively. Environmental water samples were analyzed with recovery between 86.4% and 102.4% for farm-field water, and between 92.2% and 98.6% for river water. The proposed method proved to serve as a simple, rapid, sensitive, inexpensive, and eco-friendly procedure for the determination of HCHs in aqueous samples.     

Cyanato-Kupfer(II)-Komplexe mit organischen Liganden. XV. Verschiedene Koordinationen und Kristallformen der Cyanato-Kupfer(II)-Komplexe mit Urotropin

Cyanato-Copper(II) Complexes with Organic Ligands. XV. Various Coordinations and Crystal Forms of Cyanato-Copper(II) Complexes with Urotropine Four forms of the compound Cu(NCO)₂(urt) · 2 H₂O (α, β, γ, δ) and two forms of the compound Cu(NCO)₂(urt) (α, β) (urt = urotropine) were prepared and studied by X-ray powder technique, as well as by other physical methods. The obtained results indicate that in all the compounds Cu(II) atoms are bridged by bidentate urotropine molecules and bonded always with two nitrogen atoms of NCO groups. The γ- and δ-ihydrate show a pseudotetrahedral configuration, other compounds are five- or sixcoordinate owing to bridging function of NCO groups. Water in the dihydrates is hydrogen bonded in the crystal structure. The crystal structures of α- and β- like γ-and δ-ihydrates are very similar; the last two may be regarded as distortion isomers.     

Cyclisation of optically active dihydromyrcenes (2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadiene): A stereospecific ring contraction

The isomeric (+) and (?)-dihydromyrcene cyclise in organic acids through a stereospecific ring contraction process to give the esters of α-(S)-(+)-1-(α-hydroxyethyl)-3,3-dimethylcyclohexane and α(R)-(?)-1-(α-hydroxyethyl)-3,3-dimethylcyclohexane respectively. Small amounts of enantiomeric cis- and trans-tetrahydroeucarvyl esters are also formed. The absolute configuration of the chiral carbinol centres has been determined using Horeau's method. Also, the synthesis of both optical isomers of 3,3-dimethylcyclohexanol has been achieved for the first time.     

Persistent organochlorines in human breast milk from Al-Sharkia Governorate,Egypt

In the present study, 23 human breast milk samples were collected in January 2009 from Fakous city, Al-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The samples were analysed for organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, α, β, and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers. The average concentrations of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs were 225 and 1315?ng?g^?1 lipid respectively. There was no significant difference between the levels of OCP and mother age, while there was a significant difference and correlation between the levels of OCP and the number of times the mother had breast fed (primiparae and multiparae) (p?<?0.05). The results suggested that DDT is still entering the environment depending on the observed ratio of DDE/DDT. The levels of OCP in human milk elucidated that we need to do more regular pollutant monitoring programs.     

Separation of Tocopheryl Acetate Isomers on Porous Graphitic Carbon

Vitamin E is a collective term for tocopherols and tocotrienols that includes isomers differing in the number and position of methyl substituents. An LC impurity method was required to determine the purity of RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate, especially with regard to the amounts of the β- and γ-isomers which have one fewer methyl substituents. Using the Hypercarb porous graphitic carbon column, a normal phase LC method was developed that separates α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopheryl acetates using a mobile phase of 25:85 (v/v) THF:hexane. The area response with detection at 205 nm is linear for column loadings of 0.006–10 μg of α-tocopheryl acetate. It was also noted that SRR-α-tocopheryl acetate is partially resolved from RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate under these conditions.     

Determination of persistent organochlorine compounds in blood by solid phase micro extraction and GC-ECD

Biomonitoring of persistent organochlorine compounds in blood using the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) is described. Polar substances as tri-, tetra- and penta-chlorophenols are analyzed simultaneously with less polar compounds such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α-, β-, and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivatives and with some important congeners of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). No derivatization is needed for the determination of the phenolic compounds. The results show a good reproducibility down to the lower μg/L-region. The method is very fast and of low cost compared to the classic extraction and determination procedures.     

An improved high-performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of tocopherols, tocotrienols and γ-oryzanol in rice

An improved normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic (NP-HPLC) method was developed for simultaneous quantification of eight vitamin E isomers (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols) and γ-oryzanol in rice. A complete separation of all compounds was achieved within 25 min using an Inertsil CN-3, SIL-100A 5 μM (4.6 mm × 250 mm) column and an isocratic elution system of hexane/isopropanol/ethylacetate/acetic acid (97.6:0.8:0.8:0.8, v/v/v/v) at a flow rate varying from 0.7 to 1.5 mL min(-1). A linear correlation coefficient (r(2)>0.99) and high reproducibility were obtained at concentrations ranging 0.05-10 μg mL(-1) for vitamin E isomers and 0.5-500 μg mL(-1) for γ-oryzanol. This method proved to be rapid, accurate and reproducible.     

Cu(I)-catalyzed asymmetric α-hydroxylation of β-keto esters in the presence of chiral phosphine-Schiff base-type ligands

Chiral phosphine-Schiff base-type ligand L1 prepared from (R)-(?)-2-(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2′-amine was found to be a fairly effective ligand for Cu(I)-promoted enantioselective α-hydroxylation of β-keto esters using oxaziridine 2a as the oxidant to give the corresponding products in high yields along with moderate enantioselectivities.     

2-Isopropylbenzimidazole and 2-methylbenzimidazole as bulky proton sources: Stereoselective protonation and application to the synthesis of γ- and δ-lactones

2-Isopropylbenzimidazole and 2-methylbenzimidazole have been found to be effective bulky proton sources for stereoselective protonation of chiral enolate anions. 2-Isopropylbenzimidazole worked in the stereoselective protonation of the Birch reduction of chiral α,β-unsaturated imides. On the other hand, 2-methylbenzimidazole was found to be the best protonation reagent in the isomerization reaction of α,β-unsaturated imide into β,γ-unsaturated imide. The Birch reduction using 2-isopropylbenzimidazole realized a concise and stereoselective synthesis of δ-lactone 14, a sex pheromone of Macrocentrus grandii, while the isomerization reaction using 2-methylbenzimidazole was employed in the highly stereoselective synthesis of the γ-lactone intermediate in the synthesis of depsipeptide antibiotics. These bulky proton sources would be powerful tools to achieve a concise synthesis of natural products.     

Conformation and chiral effects in α,β,α-tripeptides

Short α,β,α-tripeptides comprising a central chiral trisubstituted β(2,2,3)*-amino acid residue form unusual γ-turns and δ-turns in CDCl(3) and DMSO-d(6) solutions but do not form β-turns. Thermal coefficients of backbone amide protons, 2D-NMR spectra, and molecular modeling revealed that these motifs were strongly dependent on the configuration (chiral effect) of the central β-amino acid residue within the triad. Accordingly, SSS tripeptides adopted an intraresidual γ-turn like (C6) arrangement in the central β-amino acid, whereas SRS diastereomers preferred an extended δ-turn (C9) conformation. A different SRS-stabilizing bias was observed in the crystal structures of the same compounds, which shared the extended δ-turn (C9) found in solution, but incorporated an additional extended β-turn (C11) to form an overlapped double turn motif.     

Application of solid phase micro extraction for the rapid analysis of chlorinated organics in breast milk

The method presented here allows the monitoring of persistent organochlorine compounds in breast milk using the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) and gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). It describes the determination of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α-, β-, and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivatives, and some important congeners of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Also included are more polar substances such as tri-, tetra- and penta-chlorophenols, which can be analyzed simultaneously with the afore-mentioned less polar compounds without the need of a derivatization for the determination of the phenolic compounds. The reproducibility of the results is very good down to the lower μg/L-region. The method is very fast and of low cost compared to the classic extraction and determination procedures.     

Palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction of amino acids (esters) with aryl bromides and chlorides

The bulky and electron-rich MOP type ligands and Pd(dba)₂ combinations showed high efficiency for the coupling reactions of amino acids and inactive aryl halides to give N-aryl amino acids. Under the catalytic conditions, not only α-amino acids, but also β-, γ-, and δ-amino acids have been coupled with aryl chlorides in moderate to high yields; in the case of optically pure β-amino acids as substrates, the optical purities of the coupling products retained.     

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs In Tissues from Dutch Citizens (1968–1986)

Abstract

Adipose tissue, milk and blood from Dutch citizens have been investigated for the occurrence of organochlorine compounds since 1968. In this paper, median values for HCB, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, β-Hepo (heptachlorepoxide), dieldrin, p.p′-DDE, o.p′-DDT, TDE and PCBs (first determined by the perchlorination method, later by a selection of individual congeners) are given. Time trends, influence of age and sex of the donors, changes in concentrations of milk during lactation, the possible effect of life-style, and statistical evaluation of the data collected over the past twenty years will be discussed.

PCBs and p.p′-DDE occur in the highest concentrations in all tissues investigated, followed by HCB and β-HCH. Especially the p.p′-DDT levels decreased dramatically over the years of the investigation. Blood/fat accumulation factors were derived; they decrease in the order PCBs?p.p′-DDE >β-HCH?HCB > β-Hepo?dieldrin > α-HCH?γ-HCH.     

Theoretical study of isomerism/phase dependent charge transport properties in tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum(III)

The charge carrier transporting ability in the polymorphism of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq(3)) has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) and Marcus charge transport theory. α- and β-Alq(3) composed of mer-Alq(3) molecules have stronger electron-transporting property (n-type materials) compared with their hole-transporting ability. In contrast, γ- and δ-Alq(3) formed by fac-Alq(3) molecules possess stronger hole-transporting character than their electron-transporting ability. The detailed theoretical calculations indicate the reason lies in the differences of HOMO and LUMO distribution states of the two kinds of isomers, and the different molecular packing modes of charge-transporting pathways for different phases.