Synthesis,experimental and theoretical characterization,and antimicrobial studies of some Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes of 2-(4,6-dihydroxypyrimidin-2-ylamino)naphthalene-1,4-dione

The work reported the synthesis and characterisation of Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺ complexes of 2-(4,6-dihydroxypyrimidin-2-ylamino)naphthalene-1,4-dione (HL). The spectroscopic and elemental analysis results obtained were consistent with the adoption of the formulas, [ML₂] (M = Fe and Co) and [ML₂(H₂O)] (M = Ni) for the metal complexes. Electronic spectra and magnetic moments of the metal complexes corroborated octahedral geometry for Ni(II) complex and tetrahedral geometry for Fe(II) and Co(II) complexes. However, quantum-chemical calculations using density functional theory predicted trigonal bipyramidal geometry for Ni(II) complex and provided corroborative explanations for the structures of the other complexes. Conductance measurements in dimethylsulfoxide indicate that the complexes are non-electrolytes. The antimicrobial potential of the compounds was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella oxytoca, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Rhizopus stolonifer. The compounds gave moderate to good antimicrobial activity. However, the bacterial and fungal organisms were more susceptible to the cobalt complex and ligand respectively than the other compounds at concentration of 10 mg/mL. The compounds were also assessed for their antioxidant potential using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The compounds displayed good DPPH radical scavenging activities. The nickel complex exhibited the best DPPH radical scavenging activity compared to the other compounds.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and fungicidal activity of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(5-((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)ethanone

A novel bis-heterocyclic compound was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the title compound (C₂₂H₂₀ClN₅OS, Mr = 437.94) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is of triclinic, space group P-1 with a = 8.646 (2), b = 9.148 (3), c = 14.540 (4) Å, α = 94.422 (4), β = 98.500 (4), γ = 102.823 (4)°, V = 1101.8 (5) Å³, Z = 2, F(000) = 312, Dc = 1.320 g/cm³, μ = 0.2900 mm^?1, the final R ₁ = 0.041000 and wR ₂ = 0.1160 for 2675 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 5623 reflections were collected, of which 3866 were independent (R _int = 0.019000). The fungicidal activity of title compound was determined, the results showed the title compound displayed moderate fungicidal activity against G. zeae Petch, Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, Botryosphaeria berengeriana f. sp. piricola (Nose) koganezawa et Sakuma, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum, and Cercospora arachidicola.     

Energetics of lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II) complexes with amino acids

The molar heat capacity and the standard (p ⁰ = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation of the crystalline of bis(glycinate)lead(II), Pb(gly)₂; bis(dl-alaninate)lead(II), Pb(dl-ala)₂; bis(dl-valinate)lead(II), Pb(dl-val)₂; bis(dl-valinate)cadmium(II), Cd(dl-val)₂ and bis(dl-valinate)zinc(II), Zn(dl-val)₂, were determined, at T = 298.15 K, by differential scanning calorimetry, and high precision solution-reaction calorimetry, respectively. The standard molar enthalpies of formation of the complexes in the gaseous state, the mean molar metal–ligand dissociation enthalpies, M(II)–amino acid, \( \langle D_{\text{m}} \rangle \)(M–L), were derived and compared with analogous copper(II)–ligand and nickel(II)–ligand.θθ

M(II)–amino acid	\( \Updelta_{\text{f}} H_{\text{m}}^{\text{o}} \)(cr)/kJ mol?1
Bis(glycinate)lead(II), Pb(gly)2	?998.9 ± 1.9
Bis(dl-alaninate)lead(II), Pb(ala)2	?1048.7 ± 1.8
Bis(dl-valinate)lead(II), Pb(val)2	?1166.3 ± 2.5
Bis(dl-valinate)cadmium(II), Cd(val)2	?1243.7 ± 2.7
Bis(dl-valinate)zinc(II), Zn(val)2	?1306.1 ± 2.3

     

Flavonoid dihydromyricetin-mediated silver nanoparticles as potential nanomedicine for biomedical treatment of infections caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens

Dihydromyricetin-mediated silver nanoparticles (DMY-AgNPs) were synthesized and their efficacy against fungal pathogens tested in vitro. The shape of DMY-AgNPs appeared to be spherical with size of ~34 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated that –OH and C=O groups were involved in nanoparticle formation. The XRD pattern of DMY-AgNPs showed strong peaks at 38°, 44°, and 64°, corresponding to reflection from (111), (200), and (220) planes. Five opportunistic fungal pathogens, namely Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Paecilomyces formosus, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis, were isolated from patients suffering from respiratory tract infections. Growth of each fungal strain was inhibited by DMY-AgNPs. The zone of inhibition of DMY-AgNPs against A. fumigatus, A. niger, P. formosus, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis was 17.6, 19.2, 22.2, 15.8, and 18.5 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentration was found to be 0.83, 0.73, 0.67, 0.95, and 0.89 µg mL^?1, respectively. This is the first report on DMY-AgNPs as an effective antifungal agent. DMY-AgNPs are a potential alternative to commercially available antifungal fungicidals.     

Synthesis,crystal structure of new linear trinuclear isovalence Co(II)([Co<Subscript>3</Subscript>(H–L)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(L)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]), and visualizing intermolecular interactions with Hirshfeld surface method

S-allyl-β-N-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hyrazinecarbodithioate) (1, H₂L), the Schiff base of dithiocarbazate with unsaturated allyl substitution, can act as a new tridentate SNO ligand H₂–L and react with cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate to form the novel linear trinuclear isovalence Co(II) complex, [Co₃(H–L)₂(L)₂] 2C₂H₅OH (2). The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Compound 2 was also characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, Pbcn, with a = 30.643(1) Å, b = 9.118(4) Å, c = 19.017(7) Å, α = β = γ = 90°, V = 5312.95 Å³, Z = 4, and R ₁ = 0.0790, (wR ₂) = 0.1223. The six-coordinate central Co(II) atom is bonded to two deprotonated metal-containing ligands. The terminal Co(II) atoms are in a square planar SNON four-coordinate environment and connected to the central Co(II) by N-atoms from the ligand backbone. For quantifying the intermolecular interactions in crystal lattice, the new d _norm surface and the breakdown of fingerprint plots have been used for visualizing and exploring the compound 2.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal structures,and theoretical studies of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone and (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone

Two thiosemicarbazones, (E)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (24-MBTSC (1)) and (E)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (25-MBTSC (2)), derived from 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, respectively, with thiosemicarbazide have been synthesized and their structures were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Molecular orbital calculations have been carried out for 1 and 2 by using an ab initio method (HF) and also density functional method (B3LYP) at 6-31G basis set. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c, with a = 8.1342(5) Å, b = 18.1406(10) Å, c = 8.2847(6) Å, β = 109.7258(17)°, V = 1150.75(12) Å³, and Z = 4, whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca, with a = 11.0868(6) Å, b = 13.1332(6) Å, c = 15.9006(8) Å, V = 2315.2(2) Å³, and Z = 8. The compounds 1 and 2 displays a trans-configuration about the C=N double bond.     

Enhanced Bioethanol Production from Potato Peel Waste Via Consolidated Bioprocessing with Statistically Optimized Medium

In this study, an extensive screening was undertaken to isolate some amylolytic microorganisms capable of producing bioethanol from starchy biomass through Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP). A total of 28 amylolytic microorganisms were isolated, from which 5 isolates were selected based on high α-amylase and glucoamylase activities and identified as Candida wangnamkhiaoensis, Hyphopichia pseudoburtonii (2 isolates), Wickerhamia sp., and Streptomyces drozdowiczii based on 26S rDNA and 16S rDNA sequencing. Wickerhamia sp. showed the highest ethanol production (30.4 g/L) with fermentation yield of 0.3 g ethanol/g starch. Then, a low cost starchy waste, potato peel waste (PPW) was used as a carbon source to produce ethanol by Wickerhamia sp. Finally, in order to obtain maximum ethanol production from PPW, a fermentation medium was statistically designed. The effect of various medium ingredients was evaluated initially by Plackett-Burman design (PBD), where malt extracts, tryptone, and KH₂PO₄ showed significantly positive effect (p value < 0.05). Using Response Surface Modeling (RSM), 40 g/L (dry basis) PPW and 25 g/L malt extract were found optimum and yielded 21.7 g/L ethanol. This study strongly suggests Wickerhamia sp. as a promising candidate for bioethanol production from starchy biomass, in particular, PPW through CBP.     

Structure,bioactivity and theoretical study of 1-cyano-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-p-tolylcyclo-propanecarboxamide

A novel cyclopropane derivative, 1-cyano-N-p-tolylcyclopropanecarboxamide (C₁₂H₁₂N₂O, Mr = 200.24) was synthesized and its structure was studied by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrum and MS. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2_1/c with a = 7.109 (4), b = 13.758 (7), c = 11.505 (6) Å, α = 90.00, β = 102.731 (8), γ = 90.00 °, V = 1097.6 (9) ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 312, D _c  = 1.212 g/cm³, μ = 0.0800 mm^?1, the final R = 0.0490 and wR = 0.1480 for 1,375 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 6,109 reflections were collected, of which 2,290 were independent (R _int = 0.0290). Theoretical calculation of the title compound was carried out with HF/6-31G (d,p), B3LYP/6-31G (d,p), MP2/6-31G (d,p). The full geometry optimization was carried out using 6-31G(d,p) basis set, and the frontier orbital energy. Atomic net charges were discussed, and the structure-activity relationship was also studied. The preliminary biological test showed that the synthesized compound is bioactive against the KARI of Escherichia coli.     

X-ray and computational structural study of neutral <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N,N</Emphasis>′,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine

The structure of bis(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine 1 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with a space group P2₁/c, a = 11.836(2) Å, b = 11.659(2) Å, c = 12.796(5) Å and β = 95.28(3)°, V = 1758.3(5) Å³ and Z = 4. The X-ray crystallographic data have been assessed by semi-empirical and ab-initio density functional theory and by Hartree–Fock molecular orbital methods. A comparative study of the results of the different methods is given.     

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Commiphora caudata</Emphasis> Leaves Extract and the Study of Bactericidal Efficiency

The present study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from silver nitrate solution using leaf extracts of Commiphora caudata. The formation of Ag NPs in the colloidal solution is confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy analysis. The identification of biomolecules is analyzed through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction pattern shows that an average particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles are in the range of 40–24 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm the formation Ag NPs in spherical shape. The photoluminescence study of the synthesized Ag NPs interprets the influence of C caudata leaf concentrations on emission behavior. Zeta potential measurement is carried out to determine the stability of synthesized Ag NPs. GC–MS analysis revealed that the C. caudata contained 11 compounds, such as Stigmasterol (24.14 %), Hexacosanoic acid, methyl ester (15.13 %) and 2-bromophenyl morpholine-4-carboxylate (11.71 %). The antibacterial activity of Ag NPs shows that these bio capped Ag NPs have higher inhibitory action for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pheumoniea, Micrococcus flavus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus.     

Growth Parameters,Photosynthetic Performance,and Biochemical Characterization of Newly Isolated Green Microalgae in Response to Culture Condition Variations

This work aimed to characterize two native microalgal strains newly isolated from South Mediterranean areas and identified as Chlorella sorokiniana ES3 and Neochloris sp. AM2. The growth properties and biochemical composition of these microalgae were evaluated in different culture media (Algal, BG-11, f/2, and Conway). Among the tested media, nitrate- and phosphate-rich Algal medium provided the maximum biomass productivities (85.5 and 111.5 mg l^?1 day^?1 for C. sorokiniana and Neochloris sp., respectively), while the nitrate- and phosphate-deficient f/2 medium resulted in the highest lipid productivities (24.1 and 35.8 mg l^?1 day^?1 for C. sorokiniana and Neochloris sp., respectively). The physiological state of both microalgae was investigated under different light and temperature levels using the pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometry. The better photosynthetic efficiency of C. sorokiniana was obtained at 23 °C with a light saturation of 156 μE m^?2 s^?1, while that of Neochloris sp. was achieved at 15 °C with a light saturation of 151 μE m^?2 s^?1. The analysis of fatty acid profile and biodiesel parameters revealed that C. sorokiniana, cultivated in Algal and f/2 media, can be considered as a suitable candidate for high-quality biodiesel production.     

Synthesis and characterization of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes with N-alkyl pyridyl-imine ligands and their application in transfer hydrogenation of ketones

A series of new arene ruthenium(II) complexes were prepared by reaction of ruthenium(II) precursors of the general formula [(η⁶-arene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ with N,N′-bidentate pyridyl-imine ligands to form complexes of the type [(η⁶-arene)RuCl(C₅H₄N-2-CH=N-R)]PF₆, with arene = C₆H₆, R = iso-propyl (1a), tert-butyl (1b), cyclohexyl (1c), cyclopentyl (1d) and n-butyl (1e); arene = p-cymene, R = iso-propyl (2a), tert-butyl (2b). The complexes were fully characterized by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR, UV–Vis and IR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, and the single-crystal X-ray structures of 2a and 2b have been determined. The single-crystal molecular structure revealed both compounds with a pseudo-octahedral geometry around the Ru(II) center, normally referred to as a piano stool conformation, with the pyridyl-imine as a bidentate N,N ligand. The activity of all complexes in the transfer hydrogenation of cyclohexanone in the presence of NaOH and iso-propanol is reported, the compounds showing turnover numbers of close to 1990 and high conversions. Complex 2b was also shown to be very effective for a range of aliphatic and cyclic ketones, giving conversions of up to 100 %.     

Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial activity and ultrastructure of the affected bacteria of new quinoline compounds

The reaction on 8-hydroxy quinoline-7-aldehyde azo compounds (HL _n ) (where n = 1–5) with 4-amino-1,2-dihydro-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one to obtain HL _n (where n = 6–10) have been characterized by means of TLC, melting point and spectral data, such as IR, ¹H NMR, mass spectra and thermal studies. The X-ray diffraction patterns of two starting materials 8-hydroxy quinoline-7-aldehyde (start 1), 4-amino-1,2-dihydro-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (start 2) and the ligands (HL_5,10) are investigated in powder form. All the ligands have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against four local bacterial species, two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) as well as against four local fungi; Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium italicum and Fusarium oxysporium. The results show that the azo ligands (HL _n ) (where n = 1–5) have no antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi while most azomethine ligands (HL _n ) (where n = 6–10) are good antibacterial agents against E. coli and K. pneumoniae as well as antifungal agents against P. italicum and A. alternata. The results were compared to standard substances (start 1) and (start 2). Among the azomethine ligands, HL₁₀ was the most effective against the most microorganisms tested. The size of clear zone was ordered as p-(OCH₃ < CH₃ < H < Cl < NO₂) as expected from Hammett’s constant (σ ^R ). Also, the ultrastructure study of the affected bacteria confirmed that HL₈ is good antibacterial agent against E. coli and S. aureus.     

Phylogenetic Analysis and Biological Evaluation of Marine Endophytic Fungi Derived from Red Sea Sponge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyrtios erectus</Emphasis>

Forty-four endophytic fungal isolates obtained from marine sponge, Hyrtios erectus, were evaluated and screened for their hydrolase activities. Most of the isolates were found to be prolific producers of hydrolytic enzymes. Only 11 isolates exhibited maximum cellular contents of lipids, rhamnolipids, and protein in the fungal isolates under the isolation numbers MERVA5, MERVA22, MERVA25, MERVA29, MERVA32, MERVA34, MERV36, MERVA39, MERVA42, MERVA43, and MERVA44. These isolate extracts exhibit the highest reducing activities against carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, β-glucuronidase, and tyrosinase. Consequently, based on morphological and cultural criteria, as well as sequence information and phylogenetic analysis, these isolates could be identified and designated as Penicillium brevicombactum MERVA5, Arthrinium arundinis MERVA22, Diaporthe rudis MERVA25, Aspergillus versicolor MERVA29, Auxarthron alboluteum MERVA32, Dothiorella sarmentorum MERVA34, Lophiostoma sp. MERVA36, Fusarium oxysporum MERVA39, Penicillium chrysogenum MERVA42, Penicillium polonicum MERVA43, and Trichoderma harzianum MERVA44. The endophytic fungal species, D. rudis MERVA25, P. polonicum MERVA43, Lophiostoma sp. MERVA36, A. alboluteum MERVA32, T. harzianum MERVA44, F. oxysporum MERVA39, A. versicolor MERVA29, and P. chrysogenum MERVA42 extracts, showed significant hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibition. Moreover, D. sarmentorum MERVA34, P. polonicum MERVA43, and T. harzianum MERVA44 extracts have the highest antitumor activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stachys lavandulifolia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lathyrus</Emphasis> sp. Mediated for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation Its Antifungal Activity Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dothiorella sarmentorum</Emphasis>

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using Stachys lavandulifolia and Lathyrus sp. The first sign of the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs was the change in color of S. lavandulifolia and Lathyrus sp. extracts changed into dark brown and auburn after treating with silver nitrate, respectively. The UV–Vis spectroscopy of reaction mixture (extract+silver nitrate) produced by S. lavandulifolia and Lathyrus sp. showed the strong adsorption peaks at ?440 and 420 nm, respectively. The transmission electron microscope images showed the synthesis of AgNPs using S. lavandulifolia and Lathyrus sp. with an average size of 7 and 11 nm, respectively. The result of X-ray diffraction pattern showed four diffraction peaks at 38°, 44°, 64°, and 77° for both types of biosynthesized AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the possible role of involved proteins and polyhydroxyl functional groups in the synthesis process of AgNPs. Inductively coupled plasma analysis determined the conversion rate (percentage) of silver ions to silver nanoparticles in reaction mixtures of S. lavandulifolia and Lathyrus sp. 99.73 and 99.67 %, respectively. In addition, antifungal effect of AgNPs, synthesized by both extracts, was studied separately on mycelial growth of Dothiorella sarmentorum, in a completely randomized design on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The inhibition rate of mycelial growth was strongly depended on the density of AgNPs and it strongly increased with increasing the density of AgNPs in the PDA medium. AgNPs more than 90 % of them inhibited from the mycelia growth of the fungus at the concentration of 40 µg/mL and higher.     

Effect of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on the Wheat Seedlings Vigor and on the Inactivation of Microorganisms on the Seeds Surface

Effects of a cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) treatment on the germination, production of biomass, vigor of seedlings, uptake of water of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Eva) were investigated. The CAPP treatment influence on the inactivation of microorganisms occurring on the surface of wheat seeds was investigated also. The so-called Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge generating a cold plasma in ambient air with high power volume density of some 100 W/cm³ was used for the treatment of seeds at exposure times in the range of 10–600 s. The optical emission spectroscopy and the electrical measurements were used for estimation of CAPP parameters. The obtained results indicate that the germination rate, dry weight and vigor of seedlings significantly increased for plasma treatment from 20 to 50 s. The plasma treatment of seeds led to an extensive increase in wettability and faster germination comparing with the untreated seeds. The growth inhibition effect of CAPP on the surface microflora of wheat seeds increased with the increase of the treatment time. The efficiency of the treatment of wheat seeds artificially contaminated with pure cultures of filamentous fungi decreased in the following order: Fusarium nivale > F. culmorum > Trichothecium roseum > Aspergillus flavus > A. clavatus.     

Highly efficient mesoporous WO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>/KIT-6 catalysts for oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene with hydrogen peroxide

Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of organic compounds containing sulfur element from a model oil was performed using tungsten oxide catalysts supported on mesoporous silica with cubic Ia3d mesostructure, well-defined mesopores (7.2 nm), high surface area (719 m²/g), and three-dimensional pore network (WO _x /KIT-6). The prepared WO _x /KIT-6 catalysts (5–20 wt% WO _x ) were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, N₂ sorption measurements, electron microscopy, H₂-temperature programmed reduction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Among the mesoporous catalysts, 10 wt% WO _x /KIT-6 exhibited the best catalytic performance. Sulfur-containing organic compounds, such as dibenzothiophene, 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene, and benzothiophene, were completely (100 %) removed from the model oil over 10 wt% WO _x /KIT-6 catalyst in 2 h. In addition, the catalyst could be reused several times with only slight decrease in catalytic activity.     

New hybrids of clozapine and haloperidol and their isosteric analogues: synthesis,X-ray crystallography,conformational analysis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder which affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic showing unmatched effectiveness in the control of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Unlike typical antipsychotics, clozapine does not induce extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), tardive dyskinesia or elevate prolactin levels. However, clozapine can induce a potentially fatal blood disorder, agranulocytosis, in 1–2% of patients, severely limiting its clinical use. The model for antipsychotic activity under investigation is based on obtaining a clozapine-like profile with preferential dopamine D₄ and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor affinity. Profiled herein are three unique members of a series of prospective antipsychotic agents. Compound (I) originated from the structural hybridization of the commercial therapeutics, clozapine and haloperidol, whilst compounds (II) and (III) possess an alternative tricyclic nucleus derived from JL13; a clozapine-like atypical antipsychotic developed by Liégeois et al. These compounds have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, MS and X-ray diffraction. Compound (I) crystallizes in space group P(?1) with a = 10.5032(1), b = 10.6261(2), c = 12.6214(3) Å, α = 81.432(1)°, β = 83.292(1)°, γ = 61.604(1)°, Z = 2, V = 1223.62(4) Å³, C₂₈H₂₉ClN₄O, M _r = 473.00, D _c = 1.284 Mg/m³, μ = 0.185 mm^?1, F(000) = 500, R = 0.0506 and wR = 0.1304. Compound (II) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 10.8212(2), b = 9.3592(2), c = 22.9494(5) Å, β = 106.471(1)°, Z = 4, V = 2228.88(8) Å³, C₂₅H₂₅ClN₄O₂, M _r = 448.94, D _c = 1.338 Mg/m³, μ = 0.202 mm^?1, F(000) = 944, R = 0.0529 and wR = 0.1129. Compound (III) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 10.5174(2), b = 9.3112(2), c = 24.2949(5) Å, β = 98.666(1)°, Z = 4, V = 2352.03(8) Å³, C₂₅H₂₄Cl₂N₄O₂, M _r = 483.38, D _c = 1.365 Mg/m³, μ = 0.306 mm^?1, F(000) = 1008, R = 0.0478 and wR = 0.1067. The solid state conformations of (I), (II) and (III) exhibit the characteristic V-shaped buckled nature of the respective dibenzodiazepine and pyridobenzoxazepine nuclei with the central seven-membered heterocycle in a boat conformation. The molecules of (I) form a head-to-tail dimeric motif stabilized by hydrogen bonding. The results of a conformational analysis of compounds (I)–(III) investigating the effect of environment (in vacuo and aqueous solution) are presented. These analogues were tested for in vitro affinity for the dopamine D₄ and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors and their comparative receptor binding profiles to clozapine and JL13 are reported.     

Experimental investigation of radiocesium sorption on ceramic clay using a batch method

In this study, radiocesium sorption on ceramic clay was investigated as a function of particle size and initial ¹³⁷Cs concentration using a batch method. Ceramic clay samples taken from the Sö?üt(?nisar) clay deposit were composed of kaolinite, dickite and quartz. The equilibrium time and the liquid–solid ratio were determined as 60 min and 250 mL g^?1, respectively. The distribution coefficients (K _d) for variable liquid–solid ratio and the percentage adsorption (P _Ad) were calculated. The values of K _d and P _Ad ranged from 483 to 3165 mL g^?1 and 34–93%, respectively. The K _d and P _Ad values increased with increasing particle size, but decreased with increasing initial concentration. The sorption data were interpreted in terms of a Langmuir isotherm. The results indicated that the Sö?üt(?nhisar) ceramic clay has good sorption capacity for cesium.     

A Novel 3D Platinum–Thallium Coordination Polymer having Strong Metal–Metal Interactions

A new three-dimensional platinum(II)–thallium(I) coordination polymer [{Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂}₄Tl₄][Pt(CN)₄]₂·2H ₂ O (pda = 1,2-propyldiamine) has been prepared from the direct reaction of [Tl₂Pt(CN)₄] and [Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂] in water, and its structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic, space group Pn, a = 11.567(2) Å, b = 11.570(2) Å, c = 37.677(8)Å, β = 94.64(3)°, V = 5025.8(17) Å³, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0679 and wR2 = 0.1574 [I >  2σ (I)], Goodness-of-fit on F ² = 1.055. The compound exhibits a novel 3D network structure consisting of [Pt(CN)₄]^2? connected 1D infinite Pt–Tl–Pt–Tl chains via strong Pt–Tl bonds.