Determination of the antidepressant paroxetine and its three main metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination in human plasma of the specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant paroxetine and its three main metabolites (M1, M2, M3). Fluorescence detection was used, exciting at λ = 294 nm and monitoring emission at λ = 330 nm for paroxetine (λ_exc = 280 nm, λ_em = 330 nm for M1 and M2; λ_exc = 268 nm, λ_em = 290 nm for M3). Separation was obtained on a reversed-phase C18 column using a mobile phase composed of 66.7% aqueous phosphate at pH 2.5 and 33.3% acetonitrile. Imipramine (λ_exc = 252 nm, λ_em = 390 nm) was used as the internal standard. A careful pre-treatment of plasma samples was developed, using solid-phase extraction with C8 cartridges (50 mg, 1 mL). The calibration curves were linear over a working range of 2.5-100 ng mL⁻¹ for paroxetine and of 5-100 ng mL⁻¹ for all metabolites. The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.2 ng mL⁻¹ for PRX and 2.0 ng mL⁻¹ for the metabolites. The method was applied with success to plasma samples from depressed patients undergoing treatment with paroxetine. Hence, the method seems to be suitable for the therapeutic drug monitoring of paroxetine and its main metabolites in depressed patients’ plasma.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and catalytic activity of ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes containing ONO and ONS donor ligands

Diamagnetic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(L)(CO)(B)(EPh₃)] [where E = As, B = AsPh₃; E = P, B = PPh₃, py (or) pip and L = dibasic tridentate ligands dehydroacetic acid semicarbazone (abbreviated as dhasc) or dehydroacetic acid phenyl thiosemicarbazone (abbreviated as dhaptsc)] were synthesized from the reaction of [RuHCl(CO)(B)(EPh₃)₂] (where E = As, B = AsPh₃; E = P, B = PPh₃, py (or) pip) with different tridentate chelating ligands derived from dehydroacetic acid with semicarbazide or phenylthiosemicarbazide. All the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectral methods. The coordination mode of the ligands and the geometry of the complexes were confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography of one of the complexes [Ru(dhaptsc)(CO)(PPh₃)₂] (5). All the complexes are redox active and are monitored by cyclic voltammetric technique. Further, the catalytic efficiency of one of the ruthenium complexes (5) was determined in the case of oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide.     

Development and validation of a sensitive enzyme immunoassay for surveillance of Cry1Ab toxin in bovine blood plasma of cows fed Bt-maize (MON810)

The increasing global adoption of genetically modified (GM) plant derivatives in animal feed has provoked a strong demand for an appropriate detection method to evaluate the existence of transgenic protein in animal tissues and animal by-products derived from GM plant fed animals. A highly specific and sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay for the surveillance of transgenic Cry1Ab protein from Bt-maize in the blood plasma of cows fed on Bt-maize was developed and validated according to the criteria of EU-Decision 2002/657/EC. The sandwich assay is based on immuno-affinity purified polyclonal antibody raised against Cry1Ab protein in rabbits. Native and biotinylated forms of this antibody served as capture antibody and detection antibody for the ELISA, respectively. Streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate and TMB substrate provided the means for enzymatic colour development.The immunoassay allowed Cry1Ab protein determination in bovine blood plasma in an analytical range of 0.4-100 ng mL⁻¹ with a decision limit (CCα) of 1.5 ng mL⁻¹ and detection capability (CCβ) of 2.3 ng mL⁻¹. Recoveries ranged from 89 to 106% (mean value of 98%) in spiked plasma.In total, 20 plasma samples from cows (n = 7) fed non-transgenic maize and 24 samples from cows (n = 8) fed transgenic maize (collected before and, after 1 and 2 months of feeding) were investigated for the presence of the Cry1Ab protein. There was no difference amongst both groups (all the samples were below 1.5 ng mL⁻¹; CCα). No plasma sample was positive for the presence of the Cry1Ab protein at CCα and CCβ of the assay.     

Tin(IV) and organotin(IV) derivatives of bis(pyrazolyl)acetate: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and behaviour in solution.: X-ray single crystal study of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetatotri-iodotin(IV) [SnI3(bdmpza)]

Novel heteroscorpionate-containing tin and organotin(IV) complexes, [SnR_nX_3 − n(L)], R = Me, Buⁿ, Ph, or cy; X = Cl, Br or I, n = 0, 1, 2 or 3; L = bis(pyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bpza) or bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bdmpza), have been synthesized and characterized by spectral (IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, ^119mSn Mössbauer) and analytical data. In [SnI₃(bdmpza)], the ligand is fac-N,N′,O-tridentate, the three iodine atoms thus also fac about the six-coordinate tin(IV) atom. Neutral bpzaH reacts with BuⁿSnCl₃, PhSnCl₃ and SnCl₄ in Et₂O in the absence of base, yielding 1:1 adducts [XSnCl₃(bpzaH)] (X = R or Cl).     

Chemical modification of poly(n-hexylsilane) - Synthesis of functional polysilanes bearing thienyl groups on the appended sila-alkyl side chains and their application in the generation and stabilization of silver nanoparticles

The linear polysilanes [{RR′₂Si(CH₂)_ySi(n-hex)}_x{HSi(n-hex)}_1−x]_n (1-4; R = 2-thienyl, R′ = H; R = Me, R′ = 2-thienyl; y = 2, 3) have been synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction between preformed poly(n-hexylsilane) and (2-thienyl)vinyldichlorosilane/allyl(2-thienyl)dichlorosilane/bis(2-thienyl)methylvinylsilane/allyl-bis(2-thienyl)methylsilane using AIBN as the free radical initiator. GPC analysis reveals a monomodal molecular weight distribution in each case with M_w = 2492-3280 and PDI = 1.18-1.44. The polysilane 1 (R = 2-thienyl, R′ = H, y = 2) acts as reducing agent towards silver tetrafluoroborate under mild conditions (cyclohexane, rt, 5 h) to afford spherical silver nanoparticles of size 8.4 ± 0.7 nm, as evident from the TEM and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. The silver nanoparticles in the polymer matrix exhibit surface plasmon absorption at 420 nm suggesting the donor-acceptor interaction between the thienyl group and the metal nanocluster surface. This stabilization effect provides long shelf life stability to the nanoparticles in solution with no sign of agglomeration even after three months.     

X-ray single crystal structures of Hg(AuF6)2 and AgFAuF6

Hg(AuF₆)₂ crystallizes at 200 K in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a = 917.67(7) pm, b = 971.59(8) pm, c = 962.04(8) pm, and Z = 4. Mercury atoms are coordinated by eight fluorine atoms with six short and two long Hg-F contacts. HgF₈ polyhedra share their four vertices and two edges with six AuF₆ units forming a tridimensional framework.The results of X-ray diffraction analysis on single crystals of AgFAuF₆ are in agreement with previously known powder X-ray diffraction data (Casteel et al, J. Solid State Chem. 96 (1992) 84-96). AgFAuF₆ crystallizes orthorhombic in the space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 717.06(7) pm, b = 761.67(7) pm, c = 1013.61(10) pm at 200 K, Z = 4.     

The inner filter effects and their correction in fluorescence spectra of salt marsh humic matter

The inner filter effects in synchronous fluorescence spectra (Δλ = 60 nm) of sedimentary humic substances from a salt marsh were studied. Accordingly to their type and the influence of plant colonization, these humic substances have different spectral features and the inner filter effects act in a different manner. The fluorescence spectra of the humic substances from sediments with colonizing plants have a protein like band (λ_exc = 280 nm) which is strongly affected by primary and secondary inner filter effects. These effects were also observed for the bands situated at longer wavelengths, i.e., at λ_exc = 350 nm and λ_ex = 454 nm for the fulvic acids (FA) and humic acids (HA), respectively. However, they are more important for the band at 280 nm, causing spectral distortions which can be clearly seen when the spectra of solutions 40 mg L⁻¹ of different samples (Dissolved Organic Carbon – DOC ∼ 20 mg L⁻¹) are compared with and without correction of the inner filter effects. The importance of the spectral distortions caused by inner filter effects has been demonstrated in solutions containing a mixture of model compounds which represent the fluorophores detected in the spectra of sedimentary humic samples. The effectiveness of the mathematical correction of the inner filter effects in the spectra of those solutions and of solutions of sedimentary humic substances was studied. It was observed that inner filter effects in the sedimentary humic substances spectra can be mathematically corrected, allowing to obtain a linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity and humic substances concentration and preventing distortions at concentrations as high as 50 mg L⁻¹ which otherwise would obscure the protein like band.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,electrochemical properties and antimicrobial screening of sulfur containing acylferrocenes

Several known and eight new sulfur containing acylferrocenes of the general formula FcCO(CH₂)_nSR (where Fc = ferrocenyl, n = 1 or 2 and R = alkyl, 4-bromobenzyl or 2,6-dichlorobenzyl group) were synthesized in order to test their in vitro antimicrobial activity against 11 bacterial and three fungal/yeast strains. It has been shown that only four of the 14 ketones are completely inactive at the tested dose, while the activities of the other ones were noteworthy. All new compounds were well characterized by IR and NMR spectral data, and their electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The X-ray crystal structures of two representative ketones are also presented.     

Self-assembly of triorganotin(IV) moieties with 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid and 4,4′-bipy, triphenylphosphine oxide or phen: Syntheses, characterizations and supramolecular structures

A series of triorganotin (IV) complexes with 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid and mixed-ligands of the types: R₃Sn(O₂CC₆HF₄)_m · L (m = 1, L = 0, R = Ph 1; m = 1, L = Ph₃PO, R = Ph 4, Me 5), [R₃Sn(O₂CC₆HF₄)]_m · L (m = 2, L = 4,4′-bipy, R = Ph 2, Me 3; m = n, L = 0, R = Me 6), and [R₃Sn(O₂CC₆HF₄) · (H₂O)]_m · L · C₂H₅OH (m = 2, L = Phen, R = Ph 7, Me 8), (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridyl; Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized by the reaction of triorganotin chloride and 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid in the presence of mixed-ligands: 4,4′-bipy, triphenylphosphine oxide, or phen. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy analysis. Except for 5 and 8, all the complexes were also characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Photoinduced interactions between colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles and calf thymus-DNA

The interaction of colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles with calf thymus-DNA was studied by using absorption, FT-IR, steady state and time resolved fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The apparent association constant has been deduced (K_app = 2.85 × 10³ M⁻¹) from the absorption spectral changes of the DNA-colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles using the Benesi–Hildebrand equation. Addition of colloidal TiO₂ nanoparticles quenched the fluorescence of EtBr–DNA. The number of binding sites (n = 0.97) and the apparent binding constant (K = 6.68 × 10³ M⁻¹) were calculated from relevant fluorescence quenching data. The quenching, through a static mechanism, was confirmed by time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Crystal structure and the standard molar enthalpy of formation of a coordination polymer [Cu(nip)(phen)]n

A coordination polymer [Cu(nip)(phen)]_n was hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ with 5-nitroisophthalic acid and phen. Single-crystal structure analysis showed that the complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c; a = 10.6566(13); b = 12.5931(15); c = 13.0514(16) Å; β = 95.474(2)°, V = 1743.5(4) Å³; Z = 4. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of the complex was determined to be −554 ± 11 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Phase equilibria in the CdI2-Ag2Se system

The phase diagram of the system CdI₂-Ag₂Se is studied by means of X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and measurements of the density of the material. The unit cell parameters of the intermediate phase 2CdI₂·3Ag₂Se were determined a = 0.6387 Å, b = 4.311 Å, c = 4.044 Å; α = 113.72°, β = 90.27° and γ = 94.85°. The intermediate phase 2CdI₂·3Ag₂Se has a polymorphic transition at 125 °C. It melts incongruently at 660 °C.     

Synthesis and characterization of organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) complexes bearing 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione ligand,crystal structure of [Ph3P·AgC11H7O3]

Six organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) complexes of 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione (2-AID) of type L_n·AgC₁₁H₇O₃ (L = PPh₃; n = 1, 2a; n = 2, 2b; L = P(OMe)₃; n = 1, 2c; n = 2, 2d; L = P(OEt)₃; n = 1, 2e; n = 2, 2f) have been prepared by reacting of [AgC₁₁H₇O₃], which could be obtained by reacting of 2-AID with AgNO₃, with triphenylphosphine, trimethylphosphite, or triethylphosphite in 1:1–2 M ratio. These complexes were obtained in high yields and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C{H} NMR, IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (TG and DSC), respectively. The molecular structure of 2a has been determined by X-ray single crystal analysis in which the silver atom is in a distorted trigonal geometry.     

Synthesis and characterization of organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) methanesulfonates: Crystal structures of [Ph3PAgO3SCH3] and [(Ph3P)2AgO3SCH3]

Six organophosphine/phosphite stabilized silver(I) methanesulfonates of type [L_nAgO₃SCH₃] (L = Ph₃P, n = 1, 2a; n = 2, 2b; n = 3, 2c; L = (EtO)₃P; n = 1, 2d; n = 2, 2e; n = 3, 2f) were synthesized by the reaction of silver methanesulfonates with triphenylphosphine or triethylphosphite in dichloromethane under nitrogen atmosphere. These complexes were obtained in high yields and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-, ¹³C{H} NMR, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. X-ray single crystal analysis reveals that complex 2a is a tetramer [Ph₃PAgO₃SCH₃]₄ and complex 2b is a monomer. The thermal stability of 2a has been studied by applying thermogravimetric analysis. It starts to decompose between 50 and 440 °C in a three-step process. The final residue (Ag) is about 20.50%.     

Electrochemical and bioelectrocatalytical properties of novel block-copolymers containing interacting ferrocenyl units

The electrochemical characterization of three different polystyrene-b-polybutadiene block-copolymers, functionalized with diferrocenylsilane units, is reported. The PB-blocks have been functionalized with different fractions of electronically communicated, PS_m-PB_n−p (HSiMeFc₂)_p units, where m = 615, n = 53, p = 39 (1), m = 375, n = 92, p = 76 (2) and m = 455, n = 204, p = 170 (3). Electrochemical characterization has been carried out both in solution and after electrochemical deposition onto platinum electrodes. The bioelectrocatalytical properties of electrodes modified with the polymers in the nicotinamide dinucleotide (NADH) and glucose oxidase (GOx) oxidations have been investigated as a function of the constitution and structure of the polymers. The analytical properties of electrodes modified with these polymers as sensors of NADH and GOx are described. In addition, an amperometric biosensor for glucose, prepared by electrostatic immobilization of glucose oxidase onto a platinum electrode modified with one of the ferrocenyl block-copolymers as an example, has been developed.     

Diorgano-gallium and -indium complexes with N-heterocyclic carboxylic acids: Synthesis, characterization and structures of [Me2M(O2C-C5H4N)]2, M = Ga or In

The reaction of triorgano-gallium and -indium etherate with heterocyclic carboxylic acids in benzene at room temperature yields complexes of the type [R₂M(L)]_n(M = Ga or In; R = Me or Et; L = 2-(C₅H₄N)CO₂, 2-(C₄H₃N₂)CO₂ or 2-(C₉H₆N)CO₂). These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, NMR (¹H and ¹³C{¹H}) and mass spectral data. Complexes with L = (C₅H₄N)CO₂- and (C₉H₆N)CO₂- showed photoluminescence on excitation with ∼250 or ∼310 nm radiation, respectively. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis of [Me₂M(O₂C-C₅H₄N-2)]₂ (M = Ga or In), revealed a dimeric structure with five-coordinate metal atoms arising from the presence of two tridentate bridging picolinate ligands.     

New synthesis and thermal studies of palladacycloalkanes and their precursors

A series of new palladacycloalkanes of formula cis-[PdL₂(CH₂)_n] (9. n = 6, L = PPh₃; 10. n = 6, L₂ = dppe; 11. n = 8, L = PPh₃; 12. n = 8, L₂ = dppe) have been prepared by two routes. In the first route, the precursor bis(1-alkenyl) complexes cis-[PdL₂((CH₂)_nCHCH₂)₂] (1. n = 2, L = PPh₃, 2. n = 2, L₂ = dppe, 3. n = 3, L = PPh₃, 4. n = 3, L₂ = dppe) were allowed to react with Grubb’s 2nd generation catalyst to give the palladacycloalkenes, cis-[PdL₂(CH₂)_nCHCH(CH₂)_n] (5. n = 2, L = PPh₃, 6. n = 2, L₂ = dppe, 7. n = 3, L = PPh₃, 8. n = 3, L₂ = dppe), which were then hydrogenated to the palladacycloalkanes, 9-12. In the second route, the di-Grignard reagents BrMg(CH₂)_nMgBr (n = 6, 8) were reacted with the palladium complex [PdCl₂(COD)] followed by immediate ligand displacement to form the respective palladacycloalkanes 10 and 12. The complexes obtained were characterized by a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. Thermal decomposition studies were carried out on the palladacycloalkanes 9-12 and the main organic products shown to be 1-alkenes and 2-alkenes.     

Crystal structure and phase transitions in perovskite-like C(NH2)3SnCl3

X-ray single-crystal diffraction, high-temperature powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis at ambient and high pressure have been employed to study the crystal structure and phase transitions of guanidinium trichlorostannate, C(NH₂)₃SnCl₃. At 295 K the crystal structure is orthorhombic, space group Pbca, Z=8, a=7.7506(2) Å, b=12.0958(4) Å and c=17.8049(6) Å, solved from single-crystal data. It is perovskite-like with distorted corner-linked SnCl₆ octahedra and with ordered guanidinium cations in the distorted cuboctahedral voids. At 400 K the structure shows a first-order order-disorder phase transition. The space group is changed to Pnma with Z=4, a=12.1552(2) Å, b=8.8590(2) Å and c=8.0175(1) Å, solved from powder diffraction data and showing disordering of the guanidinium cations. At 419 K, the structure shows yet another first-order order-disorder transformation with disordering of the SnCl₃⁻ part. The space group symmetry is maintained as Pnma, with a=12.1786(2) Å, b=8.8642(2) Å and c=8.0821(2) Å. The thermodynamic parameters of these transitions and the p-T phase diagram have been determined and described.     

Morphology and crystallinity of the two diastereomer racemates of triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC)

Triglycidyl isocyanurate [2451-62-9] is a trifunctional monomer containing epoxy groups, and is presently used mainly for cross-linking carboxyl-functional polyester resins in powder coatings. There are three chiral carbon atoms in its molecule, and due to its symmetrical structure four antipodes exist according to the configuration of the chiral carbon atoms; namely RRR, SSS, RRS and SSR. Therefore the synthesized or commercially available TGIC is a physical mixture of two diastereomer racemates, i.e. beta-TGIC or RRR/SSS and alpha-TGIC or RRS/SSR. The physical and chemical properties of the two diastereomer racemates of TGIC are different. Their morphology and crystalline structure have been determined by polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Beta-TGIC has hexagonal symmetry and belongs to the space group R3 or R3m. The cell parameters are: a₀ = 14.037 Å, c₀ = 11.55 Å, and cell volume: V₀ = 1970.88 Å³. Alpha-TGIC has orthorhombic crystallinity and belongs to the space group Pna2₁. Its cell parameters are: a₀ = 9.29 Å, b₀ = 9.48 Å, c₀ = 15.66 Å and cell volume: V₀ = 1379.16 Å³.