Three Novel Triterpenoids from the Aerial Part of Helwingia chinensis

Three novel triterpenoids named chinenols A – C ( 1 – 3 ), together with two known compounds, glutin‐5‐en‐3β‐ol ( 4 ) and daucosterol ( 5 ), were isolated from the aerial part of Helwingia chinensis Batal . The structures of 1 – 3 were determined on the basis of their HR‐EI‐MS, IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR (DEPT), and 2D (HMQC, HMBC, NOESY) data. Compounds 1 – 3 and 5 showed inhibition activity in an antibacterial assay.     

Electronic and Conformational Effects on the Lipophilicity of Isomers and Analogs of the Neurotoxin 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)

A number of isomers and analogs of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) were examined for their lipophilic behavior. Their partition coefficients in the 1-octanol/H₂O system were measured by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), which, being much faster and markedly more precise than the classical shake-flask method, proved a very promising alternative for assessing lipophilicity. A smaller-than-expected lipophilicity was shown by the ortho-isomer of MPP⁺ (M2PP⁺) and is explained in terms of electronic effects and rigidity, as revealed by UV and NMR spectroscopy, and conformational analysis. Implications of lipophilicity in modulating the in vivo dopaminergic neurotoxicity of the examined compounds are also discussed.     

Novel Approach for Rapid and Efficient Synthesis of 2‐(3‐(4‐Aryl)‐1‐isonicotinoyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one Derivatives and Screened Their Antimicrobial Activity

A series of compounds, viz. 2‐(3‐(4‐aryl)‐1‐isonicotinoyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one 4 ( a – n ), have been synthesized by reaction of 3 ( a – n ) with thioglycolic acid in the presence of zinc chloride. Compounds 3 ( a – n ) have been synthesized by amination of formylated pyrazoles 2 ( A – B ), which were synthesized by formylation of 1 ( A – B ) by Vilsmeier–Haack reagent (POCl₃/DMF). Compounds 1 ( A – B ) were synthesized by condensation of hydrazide and substituted acetophenones under conventional method and microwave irradiation method. These compounds were identified on the basis of melting point range, Rf values, infrared, ¹H NMR, and mass spectral analysis. These compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, and their minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Among them, compound 4b and compound 4l possess appreciable antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Antibacterial activity results showed that compounds containing electron‐withdrawing groups were more active than compounds containing electron‐releasing groups.     

Three New, 1‐Oxygenated ent‐8,9‐Secokaurane Diterpenes from Croton kongensis

Three new ent‐8,9‐secokaurane diterpenes, kongensins A–C ( 1 – 3 ), were isolated from the aerial parts of Croton kongensis, together with two known compounds, rabdoumbrosanin ( 4 ) and (7α,14β)‐7,14‐dihydroxy‐ent‐kaur‐16‐en‐15‐one ( 5 ). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by HR‐MS as well as in‐depth 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR analyses. Compounds 1 – 3 showed an unusual oxygenation pattern, with an AcO or OH group at C(1), in combination with a Δ⁸⁽¹⁴⁾ unsaturation ( 1 ) or an 8,14‐epoxide function ( 2, 3 ).     

Synthesis of Some N-Alkoxycarbonyl-N″-benzoyl-benzamidrazones（p-toluamidrazones） and 1,3,5-Trisubstituted 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives from N-Benzoylimidates and their Antimicrobial and Anticancer Screening Studies

Some new N-alkoxycarbonyl-N″-benzoyl-benzamidrazones （p-toluamidrazones） 3a-3d, and 1,3,5-trisubstituted 1,2,4-triazole 4a-4h derivatives by starting from N-benzoylbenzimidates or N-benzoyl-p-toluimidates. The structures of compounds 3 and 4 were established on the basis of elemental analyses, IR, ^1H NMR, ^13C NMR and UV data. Antimicrobial experiments of the compounds performed by using agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution methods revealed that only compounds 3a-3d, 4a and 4b showed inhibitory effect only on Candida albicans ATCC 60193. However, compound 4b had also specific antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The other compounds showed neither antifungal nor antibacterial activities. Compounds 3a, 4a and 4b have been screened on three human tumor cell lines, breast cancer （MCF7）, non small cell lung cancer （NCI-H460）, and CNS cancer （SF-268） at the National Cancer Institute （NCI）, USA, which were found to exhibit low antiproliferative activity.     

Electron ionization mass spectra of novel 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-β-D-fructopyranose derivatives and related sugar sulfamates

The electron-impact (EI) mass spectral fragmentation of ten bis-O- (1-methylethylidene)fructopyranose derivatives and three related sugar sulfamates were investigated. In particular, 2,3:4,5-bis-O - (1-methylethylidene)-β-D-fructopyranose sulfamate (topiramate), a potent anticonvulsant, was examined in greater detail. The fragmentation of the 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene) fructopyranose derivatives in general was not very dependent on the nature of substitution; the mechanisms of the common and unique fragmentation patterns are presented. These compounds showed characteristic peaks at m/z [M – 15]⁺, [M – 15 – 58]⁺, [M – 15 – 58 – 60]⁺, [M ? CH₂X]⁺ and [M ? CH₂X – 58]⁺ where X = OSO₂NR₂ (R ? H, CH₃, and/or Ph), OC (O)NHR, NH₂, CI and OH. The fragmentation of isomeric bis-O-(1-methylethylidene) derivatives of aldopyranose, ketopyranose and ketofuranose sulfamates was also investigated. The results indicate that isomeric sugar sulfamates can be easily distinguished in the EI mode. Key fragmentation pathways are discussed for these compounds.     

Synthesis and Bioactivity of New Chalcone Derivatives as Potential Tyrosinase Activator Based on the Click Chemistry

A new series of (E)‐1‐(4‐((1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)phenyl)‐3‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one 1a (4‐((1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl) methoxy)phenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one 1b – 15b were designed, synthesized based on click chemistry, and biologically evaluated for their activity on tyrosinase. The result showed that most of prepared compounds 1a – 15a have potent activating effect on tyrosinase, especially for 3a , 8a – 10a and 14a – 15a . Among them, compounds 10a and 14a demonstrated the best activity with EC₅₀=1.71 and 5.60 µmol·L^?1 respectively, even better than the positive control 8‐MOP (EC₅₀=14.8 µmol·L^?1). Conversely, compounds 3b , 5b – 6b , 9b – 10b , and 15b induced enzymatic inhibition on tyrosinase.     

Design,Synthesis, and Insecticidal Activity of 1,5‐Diphenyl‐1‐pentanone Analogues

Three series of novel 1,5‐diphenyl‐1‐pentanone derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR techniques, and elemental analysis. The insecticidal activities of the new compounds were preliminarily evaluated. The bioassay results indicated that the compounds X11 – X30 displayed better aphicidal activity against Aphis gossypii than compounds X1 – X10 and the lead compound (E)‐1,5‐diphenyl‐1‐penten‐1‐one ( A ). The inhibitory rates of compounds X6 and X29 were 100% against Plutella xylostella (L.) at 600 mg·L^?1. Compounds X12 , X13, X19 , X24, X25 , X26 and X27 showed higher insecticidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) at 600 mg·L^?1 than the lead compound ( A ).     

Lipophilicity Behavior of Model and Medicinal Compounds containing a suilfide,sulfoxide, or sulfone moiety

This study was designed to unravel lipophilicity changes associated with the oxidation state of the S-atom in model compounds, drugs, and metabolites, special attention being given both to intermolecular and intramolecular effects. The methods used were experimental (potentiometry, CPC, and shake-flask techniques to measure lipophilicity, ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy to investigate tautomeric equilibria) and computational (quenched molecular dynamics and molecular lipophilicity potential). Simple, monofunctional model compounds were used to assess intermolecular forces, as revealed by the Δlog P_oct–alk and Δlog P_oct–chf parameters. Drugs and their metabolites proved to be good probes to study intramolecular effects in both neutral and anionic forms, as revealed by the difference between calculated and experimental log P_oct values (the diff(log P^exp–calc) parameter). Sulindac and its metabolites showed a normal partitioning behavior, whereas the lipophilicity of sulfmpyrazone and its metabolites' was markedly affected by tautomeric and conformational equilibria.     

Et3N‐Prompted Efficient Synthesis of Anthracenyl Pyrazolines and Their Cytotoxicity Evaluation against Cancer Cell Lines

A series of anthracenyl pyrazoline derivatives ( 3a – o ) were synthesized with an aim to evaluate their in vitro anticancer activities. Anthracenyl pyrazoline compounds were prepared by the reaction between various anthracenyl chalcones ( 1a – o ) and hydrazine hydrate ( 2 ). The reactions were carried out under reflux in the presence of triethylamine and ethanol for 24 h, and the obtained yields were from good to excellent (90–97%). The structure of each compound is well characterized by IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, elemental analyses, and mass spectroscopic technics, and the molecular structures of compounds 3d and 3e were solved by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic methods. The newly synthesized compounds ( 3a – o ) were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic studies against four human cancer cell lines MCF‐7 (breast cancer cell lines), SK‐N‐SH (neuroblastoma cancer cell lines), HeLa (cervical cancer cell lines), and HepG2 (liver cancer cell lines), and the screening results show strong cytotoxic effects for most of the synthesized compounds against the three cell lines except SK‐N‐SH cells. Notably, compounds 3a , 3j , 3l , 3m , 3n , and 3o showed a highly potential activity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀: 0.22, 0.3, 0.3, 0.10, 0.25, and 0.25 μM), while compounds 3i , 3k , 3l , and 3m showed a significant cytotoxic activity in HepG2 cells (IC₅₀: 0.22, 0.44, 0.40, and 0.22 μM), whereas compounds 3a , 3b , 3d , and 3e exhibit a promising cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells (IC₅₀: 0.73, 0.495, 0.493, and 0.66 μM).     

Pseudonocardides A – G,New γ‐Butyrolactones from Marine‐derived Pseudonocardia sp. YIM M13669

Seven new γ‐butyrolactones, named pseudonocardides A – G ( 1  –  7 ), were isolated from the marine‐derived actinomycete strain Pseudonocardia sp. YIM M13669. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 1a (4‐bromobenzoate derivative of 1 ). The antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis MC²155 and cytotoxicities of compounds 1  –  7 were evaluated in this study.     

Organoboron Schiff bases as cell‐staining fluorescent probes: Synthesis,Chemio‐photophysical characterization,DFT, and X‐ray structures

The fluorescence imaging technologies are becoming the most powerful and noninvasive diagnostic tools in cellular biology and modern medicine where abnormal cell arrangements are associated with diseases. Thus, these techniques require new fluorescent dyes with excellent chemical, physical, and photophysical properties. A series of four new Boron Schiff bases ( 1 – 4 ) has been prepared by condensation between phenylboronic acid with the corresponding ligand. The compounds were characterized by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹B), UV/vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of three compounds showed tetracoordinated Boron atoms with semiplanar skeleton ligands. Interesting organoboron response to viscosity on their fluorescence (Φ: more than 3‐fold). Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 were found to serve as a fluorescent dye for cell imaging (B16F10, CaCo, and A‐431 cells) since it has the capability to rapidly accumulate within the cells and gave bright green fluorescence, it showed low cytotoxicity activity and high photostability in solution. Additionally, the compounds have also been investigated using DFT.     

Syntheses and Characterization of Cyanide‐Bridged Bimetallic Compounds Zn(terpy)(H2O)M(CN)4 (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′‐ter­pyridine; M = Ni,Pd, Pt) with Linear Chains

The self‐assembly reaction of zinc ions with tetracyanometalates in the presence of the tridentate chelated ligand 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (terpy) yielded three cyanide‐bridged bimetallic compounds of general formula Zn(terpy)(H₂O)M(CN)₄ [M = Ni ( 1 ), Pd ( 2 ), Pt ( 3 )]. Compounds 1 – 3 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Single‐crystal XRD analysis revealed that compounds 1 – 3 are isostructural and the structure consists of [Zn(terpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ moieties and [M(CN)₄]^2– units linked alternatively to generate a one‐dimensional (1D) linear chain. The chains are further connected together through hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions, forming a 3D supramolecular network. IR spectroscopic analysis indicated the presence of cyanide groups and terpy ligands in the structure. TG and powder XRD results showed that compounds 1 – 3 have higher thermal stabilities and exhibited irreversible for desorption/resorption of one coordinated water molecule.     

New Triterpenoid N-Acetylglycosides with Molluscicidal Activity from Tetrapleura tetraptera TAUB

Activity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera TAUB. (Mimosaceae) afforded 4 saponins 1 – 4 , which exhibited strong molluscicidal properties against the schistosomiasis-transmitting snails Biomphalaria glabrata. Chemical, enzymatic, and spectral methods (DCI-MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR) showed that they were N-acetylglycosides of oleanolic acid and of echinocystic acid. Apart from saponin 1 (aridanin), previously isolated from this plant, glycosides 2 – 4 are new naturally occurring compounds.     

New Cytotoxic Meroterpenoids from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Pestalotiopsis fici

Pestalofones I – K ( 1 – 3 ), three new dimeric meroterpenoids with 2‐(7‐benzoyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐2‐yl)‐1‐phenylethan‐1‐one (in 1 ) and 2‐(7‐benzoyl‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran‐2‐yl)‐1‐(3,8‐dioxatricyclo[5.1.0.0^2,4]oct‐4‐yl)ethan‐1‐one (in 2 and 3 ) skeletons, were isolated from the solid cultures of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici. The structures of 1 – 3 were elucidated by NMR experiments. Compound 1 was found to be present as a racemic mixture. The absolute configurations of 2 and 3 were deduced by analogy to the previously isolated metabolites pestalofones G and H ( 4 and 5 ) from the same fungus. Biogenetically, compounds 1 – 3 are derived from the same precursors (co‐isolated compounds 9 and 10 ) as the previously isolated compounds 4 – 8 . Compounds 2 and 3 showed weak cytotoxic activities against four human tumor cell lines T24, HeLa, A549, and MCF‐7.     

Isolation and Structure Determination of New Jatrophane Diterpenoids from Euphorbia platyphyllos L.

Three new, highly functionalized jatrophane diterpenes ( 1 – 3 ) have been isolated from the whole, dried plants of Euphorbia platyphyllos L., together with one known jatrophane polyester ( 4 ). The structures were established by UV/VIS spectroscopy, HR‐ESI‐MS, and advanced two‐dimensional NMR, including ¹H‐NMR, JMOD, ¹H,¹H‐COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments. Stereochemical studies and conformational analyses were performed by means of NOESY experiments. Interestingly, compounds 1 – 4 do not represent a stereochemically uniform series because they differ in the orientations of the Me groups at C(2), C(6), and C(13). A similar observation was reported earlier for Euphorbia serrulata, whose diterpenes are related to the compounds obtained from E. platyphyllos. This chemical relationship is of taxonomic importance and supports the botanical similarity of the two species.     

Pregnane‐Type Steroidal Alkaloids of Sarcococca saligna: a New Class of Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Phytochemical investigation of Sarcococca saligna by extensive bioassay‐guided fractionation resulted in the isolation of the pregnane‐type steroidal alkaloids 1 – 15 , i.e. of the five new compounds 1 – 5 and the ten known alkaloids 6 – 15 . The structures of the new alkaloids salignenamide C ( 1 ), salignenamide D ( 2 ), 2β‐hydroxyepipachysamine D ( 3 ), salignenamide E ( 4 ), and salignenamide F ( 5 ) were elucidated with the help of modern spectroscopic techniques, while the known alkaloids axillarine C ( 6 ), axillarine F ( 7 ), sarcorine ( 8 ), N³‐demethylsaracodine ( 9 ), saligcinnamide ( 10 ), salignenamide A ( 11 ), vaganine A ( 12 ), axillaridine A ( 13 ), sarsalignone ( 14 ), and sarsalignenone ( 15 ) were identified by comparing their spectral data with those reported earlier. Inhibition of electric‐eel acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) and horse‐serum butyrylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) by alkaloids 1 – 15 were investigated. These new cholinesterase inhibitors may act as potential leads in the discovery of clinically useful inhibitors for nervous‐system disorders, particularly by reducing memory deficiency in Alzheimer's disease patients by potentiating and effecting the cholinergic transmission process. These compounds were found to inhibit both enzymes in a concentration‐dependent fashion with the IC₅₀ values ranging from 5.21–227.92 μM against acetylcholinesterase and 2.18–38.36 μM against butyrylcholinesterase.     

Chemical and Toxicological Investigations of a Previously Unknown Poisonous European Mushroom Tricholoma terreum

The established tradition of consuming and marketing wild mushrooms has focused attention on mycotoxicity, which has become a global issue. In the present study, we describe the toxins found in a previously unknown poisonous European mushroom Tricholoma terreum. Fifteen new triterpenoids terreolides A–F ( 1 – 6 ) and saponaceolides H–P ( 8 – 16 ) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the toxic mushroom T. terreum. Terreolides A–C ( 1 – 3 ) possessed a unique 5/6/7 trioxaspiroketal system, whereas terreolides D–F ( 4 – 6 ) possessed an unprecedented carbon skeleton. Two abundant compounds in the mushroom, saponaceolide B ( 7 ) and saponaceolide M ( 13 ), displayed acute toxicity, with LD₅₀ values of 88.3 and 63.7 mg kg^?1 when administered orally in mice. Both compounds were found to increase serum creatine kinase levels in mice, indicating that T. terreum may be the cause of mushroom poisoning ultimately leading to rhabdomyolysis.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New Thebaine Derivatives as Potential Opioid Agonists and Antagonists: 2‐[N‐(1H‐Tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐6,14‐endo‐etheno‐6,7,8,14‐tetrahydrothebaine‐7α‐yl]‐5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles

In this study, we report the synthesis a series of novel 2‐[N‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐6,14‐endo‐etheno‐6,7,8,14‐tetrahydrothebaine‐7α‐yl]‐5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives ( 7a – e ) which have potential opioid antagonist and agonist. The substitution reaction of 6,14‐endo‐ethenotetrahydrothebaine‐7α‐carbohydrazide with corresponding benzoyl chlorides gave diacylhydrazine compounds 4a – e in good yields. The treatment of compounds 4a – e with POCl₃ caused the conversion of side‐chain of compounds 5a – e into 1,3,4‐oxadiazole ring at C(7) position; thus, compounds 5a – e were obtained. Subsequently, cyanamides ( 6a – e ) were prepared from compounds 5a – e and then compounds 7a – e were synthesized by the azidation of 6a – e with NaN₃. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of their IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C APT, 2D‐NMR (COSY, NOESY, HMQC, HMBC) and high‐resolution mass spectral data.