Structure elucidation of new oleanane‐type glycosides from three species of Acanthophyllum

From the roots of three species of Acanthophyllum (Caryophyllaceae), two new gypsogenic acid glycosides, 1 and 2, were isolated, 1 from A. sordidum and A. lilacinum, 2 from A. elatius and A. lilacinum, together with three known saponins, glandulosides B and C, and SAPO50. The structures of 1 and 2 were established mainly by 2D NMR techniques as 23‐O‐β‐D ‐galactopyranosylgypsogenic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside (1) and gypsogenic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐[β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐D ‐galactopyranoside (2). The cytotoxicity of several of these saponins was evaluated against two human colon cancer cell lines (HT‐29 and HCT 116). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Benzo‐Fused Double [7]Carbohelicene: Synthesis,Structures, and Physicochemical Properties

A benzo‐fused double [7]carbohelicene (D7H) was synthesized through a regioselective cyclodehydrogenation of a tetranaphthyl‐p ‐terphenyl‐based precursor. The twisted (D7H‐1) and anti ‐folded (D7H‐2) conformers of D7H were separated by recrystallization, and their double helicene structures with overlapping terminal benzene rings were unambiguously elucidated by X‐ray crystallography. A record‐high isomerization barrier (46.0 kcal mol⁻¹) in double helicenes was estimated based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation, which resulted in the excellent conformational stability of D7H. The physicochemical properties of D7H‐1 and D7H‐2 were investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, displaying the variation of electronic structure upon conformational changes. The optical resolution of the racemic D7H‐1 was carried out by chiral HPLC, offering enantiopure D7H‐1‐(P ,P ) and D7H‐1‐(M ,M ), which were further characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy.     

Isothermal equilibrium adsorption of concanavalin A on dextran-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) latex particles

Isothermal equilibrium adsorption experiments were carried out to study the adsorption of concanavalin A (Con A) on dextran-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles. Three PMMA particles with various levels of dextran modification were selected for study: 0% (designated as D0), 1.24% (D20), and 2.45% (D75) based on total polymer weight. The Langmuir model is applicable to both D0 and D20 systems, although the data for the D20 system are somewhat scattered. On the other hand, the amount of Con A adsorbed per gram polymer particles (q*) versus the Con A concentration in water (c*) curve for the D75 system cannot be described by the Langmuir model. The deviation is attributed to the formation of a crosslinked network structure, caused by specific binding of the dimeric Con A molecules onto two neighboring particles with grafted dextran. The ratio of the initial number of Con A molecules to the initial number of active binding sites on the dextran-modified particle surface plays an important role in determining the structure of flocs formed. The maximum amount of Con A adsorbed on the particle surface (q _max) is of the order of 10⁻¹ μmol per gram particles and q _max in decreasing order is D75 > D20 > D0. The dissociation constant of the Con A-D20 (or Con A-D75) pair is of the order of 10⁻¹ μmol dm⁻³ which is 1 order of magnitude smaller than that of the Con A-D0 pair. Thus, the electrostatic interaction between Con A and D0 is much weaker than the affinity interaction between Con A and D20 (or D75). An empirical model is proposed to qualitatively explain the q* versus c* data. Received: 18 June 1998 Accepted in revised form: 24 December 1998     

Two New Cytotoxic Nonsulfated Pentasaccharide Holostane (=20‐Hydroxylanostan‐18‐oic Acid γ‐Lactone) Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Holothuria grisea

Two new lanostane‐type nonsulfated pentasaccharide triterpene glycosides, 17‐dehydroxyholothurinoside A ( 1 ) and griseaside A ( 2 ), were isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR and MS experiments, as well as chemical evidence. Compounds 1 and 2 possess the same pentasaccharide moieties but differ slightly in their side chains of the holostane‐type triterpene aglycone. The structures of the two new glycosides were established as (3β,12α)‐22,25‐epoxy‐3‐{(O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[O‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl)oxy}‐12,20‐dihydroxylanost‐9(11)‐en‐18‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 1 ) and (3β,12α)‐3‐{(O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐O‐[O‐3‐O‐methyl‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)‐O‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→4)‐6‐deoxy‐β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)]‐β‐D ‐xylopyranosyl)oxy}‐12,20,22‐trihydroxylanost‐9(11)‐en‐18‐oic acid γ‐lactone ( 2 ). The 17‐dehydroxyholothurinoside A ( 1 ) and griseaside A ( 2 ) exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HL‐60, BEL‐7402, Molt‐4, and A‐549 cancer cell lines.     

Krempenes A–D: A Series of Unprecedented Pregnane‐Type Steroids from the Marine Soft Coral Cladiella krempfi

Four new pregnane‐type steroids, krempenes A–D ( 1 – 4 ), were isolated from the marine soft coral Cladiella krempfi. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses, as well as MS experiments. Krempene A ( 1 ) contains a very unusual structural motif, with a hexacyclic oxadithiino unit fused to the steroidal ring A. Krempene B ( 2 ) is a 19‐norpregnane steroid, the 19‐Me group formally being transferred to position 4. Furthermore, krempene D contains an unusual C?C bond at C(7) of the pregnane skeleton.     

Phenolic Glycosides from the Chinese Liverwort Reboulia hemisphaerica

Four new phenolic glycosides, named rebouosides A–D ( 1 – 4 , resp.), along with three known ones 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl 2‐O‐α‐L ‐rhamnopyranosyl‐β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 5 ), 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl β‐D ‐allopyranoside ( 6 ), 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl β‐D ‐glucopyranoside ( 7 ), and a nucleoside, inosine ( 8 ), were isolated from Chinese liverwort Reboulia hemisphaerica. Their structures were elucidated by acidic hydrolysis and extensive spectroscopic methods, including 2D‐NMR techniques.     

Rapid Synthesis of D‐A′‐π‐A Dyes through a One‐Pot Three‐Component Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling and an Evaluation of their Photovoltaic Properties for Use in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Twenty‐four D‐A′–π‐A dyes were rapidly synthesized through a one‐pot three‐component Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction, which was assisted by microwave irradiation. We measured the absorption spectra, electrochemical properties, and solar‐cell performance of all the synthesized dyes. The D5 πA4 dye contained our originally designed rigid and nonplanar donor and exerted the highest efficiency at 5.4 %. The short‐circuit current (J_sc) was the most important parameter for the conversion efficiency (η) in the case of the organic D‐A′‐π‐A dyes. Optimal ranges for the D‐A′‐π‐A dyes were observed for high values of J_sc/λ_max at λ=560–620 nm, an optical‐absorption edge of λ=690–790 nm, and E_HOMO and E_LUMO values of <1.14 and ?0.56 to ?0.76 V, respectively.     

New Compounds from the Roots and Stems of Trigonostemon lii and Their Cytotoxic Activities

A new carboline alkaloid, Trifiline D ( 1 ) and a new degraded diterpenoid, Trigoxyphin X ( 4 ) were isolated from the roots and stems of Trigonostemon lii. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. Compound 1 exhibited weak inhibitory activity against MCF‐7, A‐549, MGC‐803, and COLO‐205 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 27.4 to 35.4 μm .     

Pseudoguaianolides from the Flowers of Parthenium hysterophorus

Two new pseudoguaianolide‐type sesquiterpene lactones, named deacetyltetraneurin A ( 3 ) and hysterone E ( 4 ), were isolated from flowers of the plant Parthenium hysterophorus L., along with the seven known compounds parthenin ( 1 ), coronopilin, tetraneurin A, 8‐β‐hydroxycoronopilin, scopoletin, hysterone D, and conchasin A ( 2 ). The structures of all the compounds were deduced by means of elemental analysis and extensive spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) studies, and confirmed for 3 and 4 by X‐ray crystallographic analysis.     

New Cytotoxic Myrsinane‐Type Diterpenes from Euphorbia prolifera

Four new myrsinol diterpenes, proliferins A–D ( 1 – 4 , resp.) were isolated from the EtOH extracts of the roots of Euphorbia prolifera, along with four known compounds, euphorprolitherin B ( 5 ), euphorprolitherin D ( 6 ), SPr5 ( 7 ), and 14‐desoxo‐3‐O‐propionyl‐5,15‐di‐O‐acetyl‐7‐O‐nicotinoylmyrsinol‐14β‐acetate ( 8 ). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including HR‐ESI‐MS, and 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR techniques. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1, 3 , and 4 against cancer cells was evaluated, with compound 1 being active against A2780 cancer cells.     

Synthesis of glycopolymers bearing mannaric pendants as inhibitors on the β‐glucuronidase activity: The inhibition mechanisms of mannaric‐ and glucaric‐compounds

A new styrene derivative having D ‐mannaric moiety, N‐p‐vinylbenzyl‐D ‐mannaramic acid (VB‐D ‐ManaH, 8 ) was synthesized though the ring‐opening reaction of D ‐mannaro‐1,4:6,3‐dilactone (D ‐MDL) with p‐vinylbenzylamine. VB‐D ‐ManaH was copolymerized with acrylamide (AAm) to give novel polymers having D ‐mannaric moiety in the pendants, P(VB‐D ‐ManaH‐co‐AAm), 10 . The resulting glycomonomer and polymer ( 8 and 10 ) bearing D ‐mannaric pendants were found to inhibit the β‐glucuronidase activity, although the inhibition ability of the corresponding saccharodilactone (D ‐MDL) was known to be low. Additionally, the inhibition ability of P(VB‐D ‐ManaH‐co‐AAm), 10 , was almost the same as that of the glycopolymer having D ‐glucaric pendants, P(VB‐6‐D ‐GlcaH‐co‐AAm), 1 , which was one of the most effective inhibitors for β‐glucuronidase, reported in our previous work. Thus, 10 and 8 may be the first D ‐mannaric strong inhibitors to the β‐glucuronidase activity. The Lineweaver–Burk plot suggested that the inhibition mechanisms of 10 and 8 were more complicated than in the case of the competitive and uncompetitive inhibition of N‐p‐(vinylbenzyl)‐6‐D ‐glucaramic ( 11 ) and N‐p‐(vinylbenzyl)‐1‐D ‐glucaramic acids ( 12 ), respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2032–2042, 2009     

Prenylated Phenols from Sabia japonica

Six prenylated phenols, sabphenols A and B ( 1 and 2 , resp.), and sabphenosides A–D ( 3 – 6 , resp.), along with eight known constituents, were isolated from the rhizomes of Sabia japonica Max . Their structures were established on the basis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral analysis.     

Kadsufolins A – D and Related Cytotoxic Lignans from Kadsura oblongifolia

Kadsufolins A–D ( 1 – 4 , resp.), four new dibenzocyclooctane‐type lignans, were isolated from the roots and stems of Kadsura oblongifolia, together with eleven known lignans. Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D‐NMR techniques. The compounds were also evaluated for cytotoxic activity against human tumor cell lines A549 (lung carcinoma), DU145 (prostate carcinoma), KB (epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx), and HCT‐8 (ileocecal carcinoma). Kadsufolin A ( 1 ), kadsufolin D ( 4 ), angeloylbinankadsurin A, and heteroclitin B were found to show cytotoxic activities against A549, DU145, KB and HCT‐8 with GI₅₀ values of 5.1–20.0 μg/ml.     

Iridoid Glucosides with Free Radical Scavenging Properties from Fagraea blumei

Four new iridoid glucosides 1 – 4 , named blumeosides A–D, were isolated from the methanolic stem-bark extract of Fagraea blumei G. DON . (Loganiaceae). They were accompanied by the benzyl-alcohol derivative di-O-methylcrenatin ( 5 ) and the flavone C-glucoside swertisin ( 6 ). The structures of 1 – 4 were established by spectroscopic methods, including FAB-MS, and ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and by alkaline hydrolysis. Blumeosides A ( 1 ) and C ( 3 ) are 10-O-(2,5-dihydroxytercphthalo) adoxosidic acid and 10-O-(2-hydroxyterephthalo)adoxosidic acid, respectively. In blumeosides B ( 4 ) and D ( 2 ), both carboxylic groups of the terephthalic-acid moiety are esterified by adoxosidic-acid units, Blumeosides A–D ( 1 – 4 ) inhibited bleaching of crocin induced by alkoxyl radicals. Blumeosides A ( 1 ) and D ( 2 ) also demonstrated scavenging properties towards the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hvdrazvl (CDPPH) radical in TLC autographic and spectrophotometric assays.     

L.D.A. Simultaneous Measurements of Local Density and Velocity Distribution of Particles in Plasma Fluidized Bed at Atmospheric Pressure

Laser Doppler anemometry (L.D.A.) is an efficient and nonintrusive technique. Today, improved in its configuration, the L.D.A. has been applied even in flowing plasmas. ^(1,2) In-flight simultaneous measurements were performed for local density and velocity of particle distribution. The measurements provide an insight into thermal and mass transfer, chemical reactivity, and the distribution of residence times of particles in a plasma fluidized bed. The difficulties of L.D.A. in a plasma fludized bed such as high emission intensity of the plasma torch, high temperature, high particle density, and large distribution of particle granulometry were overcomed in the present investigation. The aims achieved were the characterization of the plasma fluidized bed distribution together with accurate measurements of local particle density and velocity as measured by L.D.A.     

New Polyketides Isolated from Botryosphaeria australis Strain ZJ12‐1A

Four new polyketides, botryosphaerones A–D ( 1 – 4 , resp.), were obtained from the fermentation culture of Botryosphaeria australis strain ZJ12‐1A, together with four known compounds, O‐methylasparvenone ( 5 ), 6‐ethyl‐2,7‐dimethoxyjuglon ( 6 ) and its monoacetyl derivative 7 , and O‐methylaspmenone ( 8 ). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, and HR‐Q‐TOF mass spectrometry, and by comparison with reported data. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities in vitro. Only compounds 6 and 7 showed cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities, as already reported.     

The Constituents of Aristolochia elegans and Aristolochia zollingeriana

Continuing our investigation on the bioactive compounds from the plant of the Aristolochia genus in Taiwan, we isolated one new sesquiterpene, aristololide, from the stem and roots of A. elegans, eleven known compounds from the fruits of A. elegans and nine known compounds from the fresh leaves of A. zollingeriana. Their structures were elucidated according to the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses or by comparison with literature values.     

Partialsynthese der Grandidone A, 7-Epi-A,B, 7-Epi-B,C, D und 7-Epi-D aus 14-Hydroxytaxodion

Partial Synthesis of Grandidones A, 7-Epi-A, B, 7-Epi-B, C, D and 7-Epi-D, from 14-Hydroxytaxodione Oxydative addition of coleon U ( 6 ) to 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) in the presence of Fétizon's reagent mainly leads to grandidone A ( 1a ) and 7-epigrandidone A ( 1b ) (ca. 15:1), whereas coleon V ( 7 ) and 5 under the same conditions yield grandidone B ( 2a ) and 7-epigrandidone B ( 2b ) (ca. 3:1). Dimerization of 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) gives grandidone C ( 3 ; ca. 40%), grandidone D ( 4a ; ca. 50%) and 7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ; ca. 10%). All these compounds obtained by partial synthesis are in every respect identical with the natural products, thus establishing their absolute configurations. The thermal transformation of grandidone C ( 3 ) to grandidone D ( 4a )/7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ) and interconversions of 4a and 4b were achieved. Oxydative addition of coleon U ( 6 ) to 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) in the presence of Fétizon's reagent mainly leads to grandidone A ( 1a ) and 7-epigrandidone A ( 1b ) (ca. 15:1), whereas coleon V ( 7 ) and 5 under the same conditions yield grandidone B ( 2a ) and 7-epigrandidone B ( 2b ) (ca. 3:1). Dimerization of 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) gives grandidone C ( 3 ; ca. 40%), grandidone D ( 4a ; ca. 50%) and 7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ; ca. 10%). All these compounds obtained by partial synthesis are in every respect identical with the natural products, thus establishing their absolute configurations. The thermal transformation of grandidone C ( 3 ) to grandidone D ( 4a )/7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ) and interconversions of 4a and 4b were achieved. Oxydative addition of coleon U ( 6 ) to 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) in the presence of Fétizon's reagent mainly leads to grandidone A ( 1a ) and 7-epigrandidone A ( 1b ) (ca. 15:1), whereas coleon V ( 7 ) and 5 under the same conditions yield grandidone B ( 2a ) and 7-epigrandidone B ( 2b ) (ca. 3:1). Dimerization of 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) gives grandidone C ( 3 ; ca. 40%), grandidone D ( 4a ; ca. 50%) and 7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ; ca. 10%). All these compounds obtained by partial synthesis are in every respect identical with the natural products, thus establishing their absolute configurations. The thermal transformation of grandidone C ( 3 ) to grandidone D ( 4a )/7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ) and interconversions of 4a and 4b were achieved. Oxydative addition of coleon U ( 6 ) to 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) in the presence of Fétizon's reagent mainly leads to grandidone A ( 1a ) and 7-epigrandidone A ( 1b ) (ca. 15:1), whereas coleon V ( 7 ) and 5 under the same conditions yield grandidone B ( 2a ) and 7-epigrandidone B ( 2b ) (ca. 3:1). Dimerization of 14-hydroxytaxodione ( 5 ) gives grandidone C ( 3 ; ca. 40%), grandidone D ( 4a ; ca. 50%) and 7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ; ca. 10%). All these compounds obtained by partial synthesis are in every respect identical with the natural products, thus establishing their absolute configurations. The thermal transformation of grandidone C ( 3 ) to grandidone D ( 4a )/7-epigrandidone D ( 4b ) and interconversions of 4a and 4b were achieved.     

Regioisomeric Effects on the Electronic Features of Indenothiophene‐Bridged D–π‐A′–A DSSC Sensitizers

Two D–π‐A′–A regioisomers (A‐IDT‐D and D‐IDT‐A) featuring 4,4′‐di‐p‐tolyl‐4 H‐indeno[1,2‐b]‐thiophene as a π linker (π) between the diarylamino donor (D) and the pyrimidine–cyanoacrylic acid acceptor (A′–A) have been successfully synthesized and characterized as efficient sensitizers for the dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The different arrangements of the D and A′–A blocks on the unsymmetrical indenothiophene (IDT) core render the dipole of IDT being along (A‐IDT‐D) or opposite (D‐IDT‐A) to the direction of intramolecular (donor‐to‐acceptor) charge transfer, and thus induce variations in the physical properties. The experimental observations correlated well with the theoretical analyses, clearly revealing the trade‐off between the molar extinction coefficient (ε) and the S₀→S₁ transition energy. As a result, a superior ε value was observed for D‐IDT‐A, whereas a bathochromic shift in the absorption occurred in A‐IDT‐D. The larger ε value of D‐IDT‐A together with its more favorable energy level relative to TiO₂ led to a higher power conversion efficiency of 7.41 % for the D‐IDT‐A‐based DSSC, retaining approximately 95 % of the N719‐based DSSC efficiency. This work manifests the clear structure–property relationship for the case of donor and acceptor components being connected by an unsymmetrical π linker and provides insights for molecular engineering of organic sensitizers.     

Debilosides A–C: Three New Megastigmane Glucosides from Equisetum debile

Debilosides A–C ( 1 – 3 ), three new megastigmane glucosides, were isolated from the whole plant of Equisetum debile, together with the four known constituents blumenol A, corchoinoside C, sammangaoside A, and (3S,5R,6R,7E,9S)‐9‐[(β‐D ‐glucopyranosyl)oxy]megastigm‐7‐ene‐3,5,6‐triol ( 4 ). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of in‐depth spectroscopic analyses including 2D‐NMR techniques.