Inhibitory Effects of Fatty Acids on the Activity of Mushroom Tyrosinase

The effects of fatty acids, octanoic acid, (2E, 4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid, hexanoic acid, (2E)-but-2-enoic acid, and butyric acid on the activities of mushroom tyrosinase have been investigated. The results showed that the fatty acids can potently inhibit both monophenolase activity and diphenolase activity of tyrosinase, and that the unsaturated fatty acids exhibited stronger inhibitory effect against tyrosinase than the corresponding saturated fatty acids, and the inhibitory effects were enhanced with the extendability of the fatty acid chain. For the monophenolase activity, the fatty acids could not only lengthen the lag period, but also decrease the steady-state activities. For the diphenolase activity, fatty acids displayed reversible inhibition. Kinetic analyses showed that octanoic acid and hexanoic acid were mixed-type inhibitors and (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid and (2E)-but-2-enoic acid were noncompetitive inhibitors. The inhibition constants have been determined and compared.     

Synthesis of 6-aryl- and 5-aroylcomanic acids from 5-aroyl-2-carbethoxy-4-pyrones via a deformylative rearrangement and ring-opening/ring-closure sequence

The reaction of 1-aryl-2-(dimethylaminomethylene)butane-1,3-diones with diethyl oxalate in the presence of sodium hydride in THF gave ethyl 5-aroyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylates, from which 4-oxo-6-aryl-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acids (6-arylcomanic acids) were obtained in high yields via acid-catalyzed deformylative rearrangement. 5-Aroyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-carboxylic acids (5-aroylcomanic acids) were prepared via а ring-opening/ring-closure sequence by the reaction of 5-aroyl-2-carbethoxy-4-pyrones with piperidine and subsequent basic hydrolysis and acidification.     

A simple approach for the synthesis of new pyrimidinyl α-amino acids

A simple synthetic method for the preparation of optically active pyrimidinyl α-amino acids is presented. A nucleophilic ipso-substitution reaction between 2-(benzylsulfonyl)-4-isopropoxypyrimidines and a nucleophilic side chain of several protected natural α-amino acids is investigated to obtain new pyrimidin-2-yl α-amino acids. A detailed optimisation study of this reaction is discussed. Moreover, the selective O-alkylation of 2-(benzylsulfanyl)-4(3H)pyrimidinones with a hydroxylic side chain of some natural α-amino acids under Mitsunobu conditions is studied as a method to prepare new pyrimidin-4-yl α-aminoesters.     

Carotenoid and fatty acid profiles of bilberries and cultivated blueberries from Romania

The worldwide consumption of blueberries has increased due to their potential health effects. They contain micronutrients, various phytochemicals and anti-oxidant pigments, represented especially by anthocyanins. In addition to these, carotenoids and fatty acids are also present. The aim of this study was the identification and quantification of carotenoids (by HPLC) and fatty acids (by GC with flame ionisation detection) in two bilberry genotypes (Wild 1 and 2) and three cultivars (BlueCrop, Elliot, and Duke). The main carotenoids identified were lutein, ??-cryptoxanthin, and ??-carotene, with the average total carotenoid content of 266 ??g per 100 g of fruit. The ratio of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was 0.098 for Wild 1 and 0.11 for Wild 2 genotypes and ranged from 0.14 to 0.28 for cultivars. The main fatty acids identified were linoleic (18:2) and linolenic (18:3) acids in all the samples analysed. In Vaccinium myrtillus the amount of carotenoids and fatty acids was higher than in Vaccinium corymbosum species.     

Active manganese dioxide promoted cyclization of ortho-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)aryl and heteroaryl carboxylic acids to 5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][3,1]benzoxazin-5-one derivatives

The hitherto unknown lactone 5H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][3,1]benzoxazin-5-one and six of its substituted derivatives have been prepared by active manganese dioxide promoted oxidative cyclization of the corresponding 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)benzoic acids, under mild conditions, in moderate yields. The method was successfully extended to the cyclization of some ortho-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)heteroaryl carboxylic acids and 2-(1H-indol-1-yl)benzoic acids.     

pH-Metric studies on the binary and ternary complexes of oxovanadium(IV)

The interaction of oxovanadium(IV) with some hydroxy acids, salicylic (SA), 5-sulphosalicylic (SSA) and 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulphonic (HQSA) acids, has been studied potentiometrically. Further, pH-metric studies of the ternary systems, VO²⁺?HQSA-dicarboxylic or hydroxy acids (where dicarboxylic acids = phthalic and maleic acids and hydroxy acids =SA andSSA) have been carried out and the formation of 1∶1∶1 mixed complexes inferred from the potentiometric curves. The equilibrium, chelate formation and hydrolysis constants have been calculated in the case of binary systems. The ternary complexes have been found to be more stable as indicated by their formation constants.     

Comparison of UPLC and HPLC for Determination of trans-10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid Content in Royal Jelly by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction with Internal Standard

Two well-known derivatization procedures, H₂SO₄–butanol and H₂SO₄–methanol esterification, were compared for application to GC–MS identification of organic acids in Bayer process liquors. H₂SO₄–butanol and H₂SO₄–methanol derivatization must be combined for analysis of carboxylic acids. Twenty organic acids were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Heptanedioic, 3-methylhexanedioic, octanedioic, 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic, nonanedioic, decanedioic, hexadecanoic, 9,12-octadecadienoic, octadecanoic, and phthalic acids were identified for the first time in Bayer liquors. The retention times (y) and carbon numbers (x) of these seven n-dicarboxylic acids (C₄–C₁₀) were fit to a linear relationship by use of Microsoft Excel. These dicarboxylic acids and two benzenedicarboxylic acids were quantified by use of the internal standard method.     

Synthesis of isomerically pure 3-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)cinnamic acid derivatives via the reaction of 4-aryl-6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrones with sodium azide

Treatment of 4-aryl-6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrones with sodium azide in DMSO afforded the corresponding (Z)-3-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)cinnamic acids in good yields. Similarly, 4-aryl-3-carbethoxy-6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrones smoothly reacted with sodium azide in acetonitrile to produce (E)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)cinnamic acids in high yields, whereas their reactions in ethanol, accompanied by a configurational change, gave the thermodynamically more stable (Z)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)cinnamic acids.     

A novel and simple method for the preparation of (R)- and (S)-pyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acids: phosphonic acid analogues of proline

A simple and convenient method has been developed for the preparation of (R)- and (S)-pyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acids. The thermal reaction of proline with diethyl phosphite in the presence of benzaldehyde gave an N-benzyl derivative of diethyl pyrrolidine-2-phosphonate, which was transformed into two diastereomeric amides by sequential debenzylation and acylation with (+)-dibenzoyl-l-tartaric anhydride. The two diastereomeric amides were separated by column chromatography and the structure of one of them was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Hydrolysis of the amides in the usual manner afforded (R)- and (S)-pyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acids. The advantages of the present method are that it is easy, rapid, and prepares both enantiomers of pyrrolidine-2-phosphonic acids.     

The application of (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids to the synthesis of (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-arylpyrrol-2(5H)-ones

Studies directed at the synthesis of (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-arylpyrrol-2(5H)-ones from (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids are described. The successful strategy relies on the preparation of (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids from acetophenones through the corresponding (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenals and the conversion of the (Z)-3-aryl-3-haloenoic acids to (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-aryl-5H-furan-2-ones. The furanones were subsequently treated with primary amines and dehydrated to the corresponding (Z)-5-benzylidene-4-arylpyrrol-2(5H)-ones.     

Conformational analysis of some (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-thienyl)- and -(2-furyl_acrylic acids

NMR spectral data of some (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-thienyl) acrylic acids indicate that these compounds exist in the preferred s-trans conformation. In the case of (E)-α-phenyl-β-(2-furyl)acrylic acids and their methyl esters the presence of only s-cis rotamer has been established.     

Chemistry of iminofuran: VIII. Recyclization of 5-aryl-3-arylimino-3H-furan-2-ones effected by cyanoacetic acid derivatives

The recyclization of 5-aryl-3-arylimino-3H-furan-2-ones under the action of esters, nitriles, and amides of cycnoacetic acids resulted in the corresponding esters, nitriles, and amides of (5E)-2-amino-1-aryl-4-oxo-5-(2-oxoethylidene)-1H-4,5-dihydropyrrole-3-carboxylic acids.     

Sodium borohydride-iodine mediated reduction of γ-lactam carboxylic acids followed by DDQ mediated oxidative aromatisation: a facile entry to N-aryl-formylpyrroles

A simple methodology for the conversion of substituted N-aryl-γ-lactam 2/3-carboxylic acids to substituted N-aryl-2/3-formyl-pyrroles has been developed. Several N-aryl-γ-lactam 2/3-carboxylic acids were reduced to substituted (N-aryl-pyrrolidine-2/3-yl)-methanols in good yields at room temperature using sodium borohydride-iodine. Controlled oxidation and aromatisation of these alcohols using DDQ produced N-aryl-2/3-formyl-pyrroles.     

A novel access to bisformylated pyrroles via decarboxylation of N-aryl-γ-lactam-carboxylic acids under Vilsmeier reaction conditions

A simple methodology for the conversion of substituted N-aryl-γ-lactam 2/3-carboxylic acids to substituted N-aryl-diformylated pyrroles has been developed. Several γ-lactam 2/3-carboxylic acids were subjected to Vilsmeier reagent and substituted diformylated pyrroles are isolated in one-step process.     

TsNBr2 promoted decarboxylative bromination of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids

A rapid process for decarboxylative bromination of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids have been developed using N,N-dibromo-p-toluenesulfonamide (TsNBr₂). Treatment of cinnamic acids with TsNBr₂ in presence of potassium carbonate in acetonitrile produces corresponding β-bromostyrenes at room temperature. Exclusive formation of (E)-β-bromostyrenes was observed in a stereoselective manner within a very short period of time (5–15?min). This method was further extended for obtaining 1-bromoalkynes from corresponding propiolic acids. Instantaneous formation of bromoalkynes was observed when the reaction was carried out in presence of DBU as a base in acetonitrile at room temperature. A wide variety of cinnamic acids and propiolic acids could be converted to corresponding β-bromostyrenes and 1-bromoalkynes respectively under mild reaction condition with high to excellent yield.     

Synthesis of lithium,sodium, cesium,and calcium salts of (E)-4- or (E,S)-3-methyl-2-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)-methyleneaminobutanoic, (E,S)-4-methyl-2- or (E,2S,3S)-3-methyl-2-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminopentanoic,and (E)-6-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminohexanoic acids

Preparative method for the synthesis of lithium, sodium, cesium, and calcium salts of (E)-4-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminobutanoic, (E)-6-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminohexanoic, (E,S)-3-methyl-2-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminobutanoic, (E,S)-4-methyl-2-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminopentanoic and (E,2S,3S)-3-methyl-2-(5-arylisoxazol-3-yl)methyleneaminopentanoic acids was developed by reacting 5-phenyl(4-tolyl)isoxazole-3-carbaldehydes with amino acids like 4-aminobutyric and 6-aminocaproic acids, L-valine, L-leucine or L-isoleucine in the presence of lithium hydride, sodium methoxide, cesium carbonate or calcium hydride in boiling methanol.     

Efficient and selective hydroarylation of propiolic acids and their esters with arenes catalyzed by a PtCl2/AgOTf system

PtCl₂/AgOTf-catalyzed hydroarylation of ethyl propiolate proceeded effectively to give ethyl (2Z)-cinnamate derivatives in good to high yields, without the formation of diethyl (1E,3Z)-4-arylbuta-1,3-diene-1,3-dicarboxylates that was observed in Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed reaction. Especially, PtCl₂/AgOTf-catalyzed hydroarylation of propiolic acids proceeded effectively to give (2Z)-cinnamic acids exclusively.     

Enantioselective preparation of (2R,3R)-(+)- and (2S,3S)-(−)-2,3-epoxy-2-methylbutanoic acids and some derivatives

(2R,3R)-(+)- and (2S,3S)-(−)-2,3-epoxy-2-methylbutanoic acids (epoxyangelic acids) were prepared from (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid using the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation method in combination with the use of (−)- and (+)-menthol as chiral auxiliaries. Both substances, obtained in high enantiomeric excess, were characterized by spectroscopic and optical activity data. Their absolute configuration was determined by correlation with (R)-(+)-2-methyl-1,2-butanediol.     

Reaction between tert-butyl isocyanide, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and aromatic carboxylic acids: an efficient method for the synthesis of dialkyl (E)-2-{[benzoyl(tert-butyl)amino]carbonyl}-2-butenedioate derivatives

Protonation of the reactive intermediates produced in the reaction between tert-butyl isocyanide and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates by aromatic carboxylic acids leads to vinylnitrilium cations, which undergo nucleophilic reaction with conjugate bases of the carboxylic acids to produce dialkyl (E)-2-[(benzoyloxy)(tert-butylimino)methyl]-2-butenedioates and this intermediate rearranges to the dialkyl (E)-2-{[benzoyl(tert-butyl)amino]carbonyl}-2-butenedioate derivatives.     

Molecular oxygen-mediated selective hydroxyalkylation and alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with alkylboronic acids

Herein, an efficient molecular oxygen-mediated method for the selective hydroxyalkylation and alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with alkylboronic acids under transition-metal free conditions has been developed. This strategy demonstrates a broad scope of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and alkylboronic acids, giving 3-hydroxyalkylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and 3-alkylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones in moderate-to-good yield. Control experiments reveal that a radical pathway is involved.