The interaction of fluorinated 2-arylhydrazono-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with o-phenylenediamine

2-Arylhydrazono-3-fluoroaklyl-3-oxo esters react with o-phenylenediamine under neutral conditions to form mainly o-aminoanilides, from which can be obtained 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones. Ethyl-2-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-2-(4-methylphenyl)hydrazonoethanoate was isolated also from the reaction of di(tri)fluoromethyl-containing 2-arylhydrazono-3-oxo esters. The reactions of o-phenylenediamine with 1,2,3-triketone 2-arylhydrazones containing alkyl substituents result in the formation of 1-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,2-dioxoalkane arylhydrazones, whereas phenylsubstituted analogues afford 2-phenylbenzimidazole. Nickel(II) chelates of N,N′-phenylene-bis(2-arylazo-1,3-aminovinylketones) were obtained from 1,2,3-triketone 2-arylhydrazones and o-phenylenediamine using a template method.     

A simple synthesis of 4-(2-aminoethyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles

A simple four-step synthesis of 4-(2-aminoethyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles 8 (or their 1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one tautomers 8′) as the pyrazole analogues of histamine was developed. First, enamino lactam 3 was prepared as the key intermediate in two steps from 2-pyrrolidinone (1). Next, acid-catalysed ‘ring switching’ transformations of 3 with monosubstituted hydrazines 4 gave N-[(1-substituted 5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzamides 7a-k and N-[2-(2-heteroaryl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzamides 7′l-o. Benzamides 7a-k and 7′l-o were finally hydrolysed by heating in 6 M hydrochloric acid to furnish 1-substituted 4-(2-aminoethyl)-5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazoles 8a-k and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-2-heteroaryl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-ones 8′l-o in good overall yields.     

Efficient synthesis of 5′-O(N)-carbamyl and -polycarbamyl nucleosides

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of 5′-O(N)-carbamyl and 5′-O(N)-polycarbamyl nucleoside derivatives is reported. The method consisted of treatment of 2′,3′-O-protected purine (Ado, Ino) or pyrimidine nucleosides (Thd, Urd) with trichloroacetylisocyanate, followed by cleavage of the trichloroacetyl moiety by silica-gel promoted methanolysis during column chromatography. Iterative application of this method gave mono, di, and tricarbamyl derivatives in good to excellent yields (ave = 80%).     

Interaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone with secondary amines—a pathway to new sterically hindered N,N-disubstituted o-aminophenols

The interaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone with secondary amines has been studied. The synthetic procedure was developed in order to synthesize a series of new N,N-disubstituted o-aminophenols. The interaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone with dimethylamine leads to 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)-4,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol, which is oxidized in the reaction medium by the parent 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone forming spirocompound 4,5′,6,7′-tetra-tert-butyl-3′-methyl-3′H-spiro[1,3-benzodioxol-2,2′-[1,3]benzoxazole].     

From oxides of internal perfluoroolefins to fluorocontaining camphor thiazolinylhydrazones

The reaction of oxides of internal trans- and cis-perfluoroolefins with (1S, 4S)- or racemic camphor thiosemicarbazone leads to the formation of trans- and cis-isomers of (1S, 4S)- or racemic camphor 5′-fluoro-4′-hydroxy-4′,5′-di(perfluoroalkyl)-1′,3′-thiazolinyl-2′-hydrazones, respectively. Unsymmetrical dodecafluoro-2,3-epoxyhexane yields a mixture of regioisomeric hydrazones. The molecular structure of the trans-isomer of (1S, 4S)-camphor 5′-fluoro-4′-hydroxy-4′,5′-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1′,3′-thiazolinyl-2′-hydrazone has been established by X-ray crystallography. The quite rare example of cocrystallization of two diastereomers of the latter in homochiral crystal (sp. group P2₁) has been revealed.     

A cationic mononuclear and a neutral trinuclear boron compound derived from boric acid and N2O2-type ligands of the Salan class

Four different ligands of the Salan class have been prepared and reacted with boric acid. Reaction of saleanH₄ (saleanH₄ = N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane) with three equivalents of boric acid gave a neutral trinuclear boron complex containing two four-coordinate and one three-coordinate boron atom involved in a system of four heterocyclic rings of the composition {C₃BNO}, {C₂B₂N₂O} and {B₃O₃}. The salceanH₄ ligand (salceanH₄ = N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) gave a so far unknown mononuclear boronium complex of the general formula [(RO)₂B(NR′R′′)₂]⁺. Both compounds might have applications, the trinuclear species as Lewis acid catalyst and the borocation as positively charged counterion for voluminous anions. With salpanH₄ (salpanH₄ = N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,3-diaminopropane) and salophanH₄ (salophanH₄ = N,N′-bis(o-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminobenzene) only unseparable product mixtures of oligo- and/or polymeric boron complexes could be obtained.     

Trading N and O: asymmetric syntheses of β-hydroxy-α-amino acids via α-hydroxy-β-amino esters

Both diastereoisomers of 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 2-amino-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid have been prepared from enantiopure α-hydroxy-β-amino esters via the intermediacy of the corresponding cis- and trans-aziridines. Aminohydroxylation of two α,β-unsaturated esters produced enantiopure 2,3-anti-α-hydroxy-β-amino esters in >99:1 dr. Subsequent epimerisation at the C(2)-position via a sequential oxidation/diastereoselective reduction protocol gave the corresponding enantiopure 2,3-syn-α-hydroxy-β-amino esters in >99:1 dr. These syn- and anti-substrates were then converted into the corresponding N-Boc protected cis- and trans-aziridines, respectively, via a three step reaction sequence: (i) hydrogenolysis and in situ N-Boc protection; (ii) OH-activation; and (iii) aziridine formation. Subsequent regioselective ring-opening of the C(3)-methyl-aziridines with Cl₃CCO₂H proceeded with inversion of configuration to give the corresponding 2-amino-3-trichloroacetate esters, whereas the analogous reaction with the C(3)-phenyl-aziridines resulted in rearrangement to the corresponding oxazolidin-2-ones with retention of configuration. In each case, hydrolysis of the products from these ring-opening reactions produced the corresponding enantiopure β-hydroxy-α-amino acids as single diastereoisomers.     

Synthetic routes for naturally-occurring arsenic-containing ribosides

The synthesis of (R)-2′,3′-dihydroxypropyl 5-deoxy-5-dimethylarsinoyl-β-d-riboside, (S)-2′-hydroxy-3′-sulfonylpropyl 5-deoxy-5-dimethylarsinoyl-β-d-riboside and (S)-2′-hydroxy-3′-sulfooxypropyl 5-deoxy-5-dimethylarsinoyl-β-d-riboside, common naturally-occurring arsenicals in algae and molluscs, is reported.     

Asymmetric syntheses of dihydroxyhomoprolines via doubly diastereoselective lithium amide conjugate addition reactions

The asymmetric syntheses of novel dihydroxyhomoprolines have been achieved using the doubly diastereoselective conjugate additions of the antipodes of lithium N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amide to a set of four chiral α,β-unsaturated esters (derived from d-pentoses) as one of the key steps. A full account of the diastereoselectivity observed in these conjugate additions is presented and the stereochemical outcomes of these reactions have been established unambiguously via a combination of hydrogenolytic chemical correlation and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. A tandem hydrogenolysis/intramolecular reductive amination reaction was then used to create the corresponding enantiopure pyrrolidines, providing access to (2′S,3′S,4′R)-dihydroxyhomoproline and (2′S,3′R,4′S)-dihydroxyhomoproline after deprotection.     

The synthesis and characterisation of novel o-substituted benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-boranes

The novel compounds o-(chloromethyl)benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-borane and o-(methoxymethyl)benzyldi-t-butylphosphine-borane have been synthesised in 54% and 51% yields, respectively, and have been fully characterised. An improved method for the synthesis of α-chloro-α′-methoxy-o-xylene is also reported.     

Highly electrochemiluminescent Ru(II) complexes containing 1,3-dihydro-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-7,8-diazacyclopenta[1]phenanthren-2-one ligand

A series of new ruthenium(II) complexes containing 1,3-dihydro-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-7,8-diazacyclopenta[1]phenanthren-2-one (DTDP) ligand, such as [Ru(DTDP)_n(L)_3−n]²⁺ (L = 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl (dmbpy), o-phenanthroline (o-phen), 5-chloro-o-phenanthroline (o-phen-Cl), 2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxaldehyde (bpy-(CHO)₂), n = 1, 2, 3) were synthesized and examined as ECL materials. All the complexes were characterized in terms of electrochemical redox potential and relative ECL intensity, and were compared to the well-known tris(o-phenanthroline) ruthenium(II) complex. Most of the synthesized Ru(II) complexes containing the DTDP ligand exhibited more intense ECL emissions than [Ru(o-phen)₃]²⁺. In particular, the ECL intensities of [Ru(DTDP)(o-phen)₂]²⁺ and [Ru(DTDP)(bpy-(CHO)₂)₂]²⁺ were observed to be as high as 9-fold and 20-fold greater, respectively, than the ECL intensity of [Ru(o-phen)₃]²⁺.     

Proton transfer and coordination properties of aromatic α-hydroxy hydrazones

The prototropic properties of two nitro derivatives of aromatic α-hydroxy hydrazones [2,4-dinitro-N-phenyl-N′(2-hydroxy-1-phenylmethylene hydrazine) and 2,4-dinitro-N-phenyl-N′(2-hydroxy-1-naphthylmethylene hydrazine] have been analysed through electronic absorption, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and semiempirical molecular orbital methods. The metal binding properties of both compounds and of the unsubstituted hydrazones were evaluated from potentiometric and spectrophotometric data in dioxane-water mixtures. On the basis of the spectral analysis and PM3 semiempirical calculations, the structures of the formed complexes were proposed.     

Novel method for determining DDT in vapour and particulate phases within contaminated indoor air in a malaria area of South Africa

The organochlorine insecticide DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) is still used for malaria vector control in certain areas of South Africa. The strict Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) allows spraying on the inside of traditional dwellings with DDT. In rural villages contaminated dust presents an additional pathway for exposure to DDT. We present a new method for the determination of DDT in indoor air where separate vapour and particulate samples are collected in a single step with a denuder configuration of a multi-channel open tubular silicone rubber (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) trap combined with a micro quartz fibre filter. The multi-channel PDMS trap section of the denuder concentrates vapour phase insecticide whereas particle associated insecticide is transferred downstream where it is collected on a micro-fibre filter followed by a second multi-channel PDMS trap to capture the blow-off from the filter. The multi-channel PDMS trap and filter combination are designed to fit a commercial thermal desorber for direct introduction of samples into a GC–MS. The technique is solvent-free. Analyte extraction and sample clean-up is not required. Two fractions, vapour phase and particulate phase p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT; p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD; p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDE in 4 L contaminated indoor air, were each quantitatively analysed by GC–MS using isotopically labelled ring substituted ¹³C₁₂ – p,p′-DDT as an internal standard. Limits of detection were 0.07–0.35 ng m⁻³ for p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE and o,p′-DDE. Ratios of airborne p,p′-DDD/p,p′-DDT and of o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT are unusual and do not match the ideal certified ingredient composition required of commercial DDT. Results suggest that the DDT products used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) prior to, and during 2007, may have been compromised with regards to insecticidal efficacy, demonstrating the power of this new environmental forensics tool.     

Further monoterpene chromane esters from Peperomia obtusifolia: VCD determination of the absolute configuration of a new diastereomeric mixture

A reinvestigation of the monoterpene chromane ester enriched fraction from Peperomia obtusifolia using chiral chromatography led to the identification of a minor peak, which was elucidated by NMR and HRMS as fenchyl-3,4-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-8-(3″-methyl-2″-butenyl)-2-(4′-methyl-1′,3′-pentadienyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-6-carboxylate, the same structure assigned to two other fenchyl esters described previously, pointing out a stereoisomeric relationship among them. Further NMR analysis revealed that it was actually a mixture of two compounds, whose absolute configurations were determined by VCD measurements. Although, almost no vibrational transitions could be assigned to the chiral chromane, the experimental VCD spectrum was largely opposite to that obtained for the average experimental VCD [(2S,1?R,2?R,4?S + 2R,1?R,2?R,4?S)/2] for fenchol derivatives. These results allowed us to assign the putative compounds as a racemic mixture of the chiral chromane esterified with the monoterpene (1S,2S,4R)-fenchol, which had not been identified in our early work.     

Unexpected copper mediated benzyl O→O migration during an Ullmann ether coupling

The synthesis of a highly functionalized phenolic diaryl ether 5,5′-oxybis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) (1) potentially interesting as a new scaffold for drug design, has been carried out using Ullmann coupling conditions. An unusual benzyl migration in o-benzyloxyphenol moiety occurred during this reaction leading to an unexpected compound identified as 4-(benzyloxy)-3-(2-(benzyloxy)-4-formyl-6-methoxyphenoxy)-5-methoxy benzaldehyde (7). A rationale for this migration process is proposed.     

SnCl4-mediated oxidative biaryl coupling reaction of 1-naphthol and subsequent ring closure of 2,2′-binaphthol to the dinaphthofuran framework

A simple method for the direct synthesis of 2,2′-binaphthols 2 and dinaphtho[1,2-b;2′,1′-d]furans 3 under mild conditions was developed, utilizing a biaryl coupling reaction via electron donor-acceptor complexes of 1-naphthols with SnCl₄. Heating of the complex in a sealed tube for (18-24 h) afforded the corresponding o-o coupled product 2 in excellent yield. Prolonged reaction (56-65 h) under the same conditions afforded 3 in high yield in one step. We also found that in the case of α-naphthol without substituents other than a hydroxyl group at the C-1 position, regioselective o-o coupling reaction proceeded. The products 2a, 2b and 2g should be useful as synthetic intermediates for naturally occurring 3,3′-bijuglone, 3,3′-biplumbagin and elliptinone.     

Synthesis and characterization of electrochemiluminescent ruthenium(II) complexes containing o-phenanthroline and various alpha-diimine ligands

A series of o-phenanthroline-substituted ruthenium(II) complexes containing 2,2′-dipyridyl, 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole, 2-(2-pyridyl)-N-methylbenzimidazole, 4-carboxymethyl-4′-methyl-2,2′-dipyridyl, and/or 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl ligands were synthesized and examined as potent electrochemiluminescent (ECL) materials. The characteristics of these complexes, regarding their electrochemical redox potentials and relative ECL intensities for tripropylamine were studied. As found in a 2,2′-bipyridyl-substituted ruthenium(II) complexes, a good correlation between the observed ECL intensity and the donor ability of α-diimine ligands was observed, i.e., the ECL intensity of the Ru(II) complex decreased with an increase in the ligand donor ability. The ECL efficiency increased as the number of substitutions of o-phenanthroline (o-phen) to metal complexes increased.     

Four new ginkgolic acids from Ginkgo biloba

Four new compounds, 2-hydroxy-6-(12′-hydroxyheptadec-13′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (1), 2-hydroxy-6-(13′-hydroxyheptadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (2), 2-hydroxy-6-(10′-hydroxypentadec-11′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (3), and 2-hydroxy-6-(11′-hydroxypentadec-9′(E)-en-1-yl)benzoic acid (4) were isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba and the structures of new ginkgolic acids were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic methods and chemical means. Compounds 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 examined as an inseparable mixture of hydroxyl and double bond positional isomers, were ultimately defined by total synthesis. Compounds 1–4 showed moderate lipid droplets accumulation inhibitory activity on mouse pre-adipocyte cell line, MC3T3-G2/PA6.     

Clerodane diterpenoids from Microglossa angolensis

Two new diterpenoids, 6β-(2-methylbut-2(Z)-enoyl)-3α,4α,15,16-bis-epoxy-8β,10βH-ent-cleroda-13(16),14-dien-20,12-olide and 10β-hydroxy-6-oxo-3α,4α,15,16-bis-epoxy-8βH-cleroda-13(16),14-dien-20,12-olide, together with the known β-amyrin, spinasterol, 5,7-dihydroxy-3,8,3′,4′-tetramethoxyflavone and 5,7-dihydroxy-3,8,3′,4′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone have been isolated from the aerial parts of Microglossa angolensis Oliv. et Hiern (Compositae). The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral studies and comparison with published data.     

Preparation and oxidative coupling of bis[o-(hydrosilyl)phenyl]cuprates and bis[o-(fluorosilyl)phenyl]cuprates

Bis[o-(hydrosilyl)phenyl]cuprates and bis[o-(fluorosilyl)phenyl]cuprates were prepared by reacting [o-(hydrosilyl)phenyl]lithiums and [o-(fluorosilyl)phenyl]lithiums, respectively, with copper salts, such as CuCN and Cu(OPiv)₂. The phenylcuprates underwent oxidative coupling to afford 2,2′-bis(hydrosilyl)biphenyls and 2,2′-bis(fluorosilyl)biphenyls.